Expatiperro

After a week-long search, I finally signed up for a gym- the Can Ricart complex esportiu. I would try to describe it in this post, but words can't really do it justice- it is beyond cool. All I can say is that it the Dodge Fitness Center, and, dare I say, the SF JCC, have nothing on it.




Amazingly enough, and despite its 25m pool, huge basketball court, and excellently-equipped fitness area, this isn't some tony private health club. Nope, this beautiful facility is run by the city of Barcelona, for the benefit of everyone who lives there. Like most great things, there is a cost involved, but it's pretty minimal- 35 euros a month to go at any time of day (it's only 25 if you just go in the mornings), plus 15 euros more for towel service and access to the spa. And it attracts a wide variety of people- lots of young guys and women, but also a fair share of older people who want to stay/get in shape. Yay for European governments caring about their citizens.

The story behind Can Ricart is pretty cool- the building was originally built in the mid-19th century as a textile mill by the Ricart Company, one of Cataluyna's biggest manufacturers and a vital part of the region's and country's economy (think of it like the Spanish version of GE). By the late 20th century, times had changed, the factory was closed down and abandoned, and eventually it fell into the city's hands. After a multi-year restoration project, it reopened in 2006 as a fitness complex, though they preserved many of the architectural details from when it was a factory- check out the wrought-iron columns and staircase in the exercise room (second picture).

One downside to the gym is that it's a 15 minute walk from my apartment, though perhaps that will make going to work out more of an event, and thus make me more excited to go. We'll see about that. But, if any of you want to experience the glory that is Can Ricart, I do have 2 guest passes.... which I will gladly hand over in return for a visit to Barcelona. :-D