<p>I used to always wake up at 6am to go work out at the gym...so now I'm thinking of getting up at 6am to go to the RSF.</p>
<p>But then I'm worried about a lot of athletes and sports team use the RSF during that time.</p>
<p>I really want to go at 6am (yes it does open that early) because I like to get it out of my way, but is it crowded that early in the morning?</p>
<p>"You could easily just check! But usually it's crowded from 5pm until night. Lunch and the early afternoon are the best times to go." :)</p>
<p>It's not crowded at 6 AM.</p>
<p>Frankly, I would say that if you're really an fitness nut and you don't want to deal with the (often horrendous) crowds at the RSF, then I would say that you should seriously consider getting a membership at the 24 Hour Fitness on Addison. Granted, it is more money (something like $200 for a prepaid 1 year membership), and, despite its name, that place isn't open 24 hours every day; on the weekends it does not. But, still, I would say that if you work out a lot, especially the weight room, it's worth the extra money to be able to avoid the RSF crowds and particularly to avoid having to stand in line, waiting for the machine/bench you want. Or, even worse, feeling the pressure to hurry up your set because you know that a line of people is waiting on you. </p>
<p>But, hey, don't take my word for it. Get one of those free 7-day passes for 24 Hr Fitness and compare it to the RSF during the times you think you will work out and then ask yourself whether you think it's worth the extra money. </p>
<p>To be clear, no, I have no commercial affiliation with 24 Hour Fitness. There are other local gyms that you may also wish to consider; i.e. the Berkeley YMCA is right across the street from 24 Hour. I just happen to know about 24 Hour and I think it's a pretty good deal.</p>
<p>I go to the RSF everyday around 12-2 PM and it's great then. Like Castel, said the weight room is pretty chill and there are no one using the basketball gyms. Just random couple pickup games. Best time to go on weekdays is between 12-2PM.</p>
<p>I wouldn't pay extra money to join another gym, that's ridiculous. For 10 bucks, you get total access to facilities and equipment that's probably better quality. Just choose times wisely, and you don't have to worry about the crowds.</p>
<p>^^Totally agree with BlueElmo...</p>
<p>But thats just my opinion.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I wouldn't pay extra money to join another gym, that's ridiculous. For 10 bucks, you get total access to facilities and equipment that's probably better quality. Just choose times wisely, and you don't have to worry about the crowds.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Well, not everybody can just "choose times wisely". Some people have class, some people have other commitments. </p>
<p>What I am simply saying is that, if you use the gym a lot, and you can get there only during the busy hours,, then paying for another gym is probably a very good deal. That above deal I mentioned costs only $17 a month. I would gladly pay $17 a month to avoid having to queue in line for the weights I want. Let's face it - that sucks. </p>
<p>Now, of course, I agree that if you only use the gym occasionally, or if you really can get there during off-peak hours, then sure, it's silly to pay for another gym. But I take it that the OP seems to be a serious fitness nut, as he is actually willing to get to the gym at 6 in the morning.</p>
<p>"costs only $17 a month."</p>
<p>Coming from a poor, broke student like me, I do envy people who can say such things.</p>
<p>Ha! Considering what I know the typical college student pays for alcohol and other assorted nightlife, I think $17 a month is very affordable.</p>
<p>Think of it this way. $17 is the price of just three drinks in the local bar. Surely we can all think of numerous college kids who have a heck of a lot more than just 3 drinks in the bar. {Just think of all the raucous drinking that happens in the Bear's Lair during football Saturdays alone.} Instead of doing that, I would argue that it's a heck of a lot healthier for you to be spending that money going to the gym. </p>
<p>And that's just talking about beer. I think we all know quite a few students at Berkeley on weed, which is not exactly a cheap habit. Heck, I knew guys who would smoke out every night. {In fact, some of them would even go to class while still slightly high.} Again, I would argue that instead of that, it's healthier for you to be going to the gym. </p>
<p>To be perfectly honest, $200 a year is a miniscule amount of money if it means you're going to be able to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Think of it as an investment in your body. Without your health, you won't be able to enjoy anything else in life. </p>
<p>But in any case, like I said, they're giving away free 1-week passes. So what do you have to lose? True, you have to put up with their annoying sales pitch before they give you the pass, but so what? Take the pass and then compare their gym to the RSF during the times you actually think you're going to work out, and then you can ask yourself honestly whether it's worth the extra $17 a month. I think for a lot of people, it is worth it.</p>