Georgia

drayner — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:11:01 GMT

“When it first opened I liked the whole concept – still do.” This is Georgia Grant speaking. A 21-year Crunch member, she’s telling me what it was that compelled her to perspire to greatness with us back when Crunch was just another new gym on the block. “I could have joined elsewhere. Vertical Club existed on the east side at that point but I didn’t like the vibe. I was looking for a gym but not one of those shi-shi ones. When Crunch opened on 81^st off of Broadway I thought, this is fantastic! Of course, now it’s 83^rd street,” she says with a laugh.

Indeed, Georgia has seen a lot of changes over the last two decades, especially when it comes to group fitness, which is her favorite activity. “Exercise evolves and what’s fashionable in the exercise world evolves. Things are different from when I started but that’s the way it should be; I like that they’re always trying something new. Way back when they didn’t have boxing, for example, and that’s what I’m here for today.” However, Georgia cautions that while having been around such a long time gives her the advantage of perspective, there’s at least one drawback. “It’s difficult when one of your favorite instructors leaves – I’ve had that happen a few times over the years. There’s an adjustment period.”

The more Georgia and I speak about what’s different, the more curious I find myself becoming as to what, in her opinion, isn’t. Surely there must be something that’s been consistent from day one that’s keeping her at Crunch. After all, it’s a big city and with the ever-increasing number of gyms opening up each year, she could have jumped ship at any time. So, I ask about that. “Crunch has always had a good, inviting vibe,” she explains. “That’s always existed and that’s the one thing that’s always kept me coming back.”

When the conversation comes around to just what kind of advice she might give to someone who’s on the fence about joining a gym she pauses thoughtfully. “Starting an exercise program is daunting, especially if you’ve never done so before. If you can attach exercise to something in your personality, that’s a way in. And, you need to be somewhere you feel comfortable. Crunch is good for that because they make everybody – every type of person – feel welcome. It’s like that line, ‘No Judgments’ – they’ve always really lived it. At least as long as I’ve been a member, anyway.”

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Georgia