The YMCA is a great outlet for our family, especially during Spokane's frigid winters. They have a gym, workout equipment, fitness classes, a family game room, free childcare and three pools. The kids love it there and Jeff and I enjoy having a place for all of us to burn off some steam.
The only thing I really dislike about the Y is running into neighbors and accquaintances in my swimsuit. I find myself being forced to stop and chat with people that I would normally see while walking the kids to school or bump into at the post office while my big, white thighs are on display for all the world to see.
The flip side to that is that I also have to see people I know bare it all too, which may seem like it would ease my discomfort, but I don't know that I want to know about my neighor's tattoos. Seeing strangers butt-naked in the communal showers in the locker room is one thing, but seeing your pediatrician bare it all is something quite different. Plus I have a four-year-old that says whatever she thinks, such as "Mommy, that lady has a fat tummy!"
