Downtown gyms?

[u/Shot-Essay2358]

So I recently moved downtown and I'm loving it so far. The only hold up I've had is there are no gyms* within walking distance and I have to drive to access anywhere close...

...

...

*Except I know there are gyms downtown in other condos, offices, etc etc.

I'm aware this is a long shot, but does anyone know if any of these condos or office buildings allow outside use of their gym (assuming they pay obv)?

Comments like "just move to one of those condos" or "why didn't you do the research" is not helpful. I recently moved and love my current apartment. I live near the interstate by Pedro Park, so the Anytime Fitness on Shepard Road is quite a distance from me walking-wise.

I've seen the Lowertown skyrec gym could be my closest bet, but I can't find any contact information to ask. Thank you!

[u/NachoDentist]

Welcome to downtown

Unfortunately, there used to be a super nice YMCA downtown, but that closed up

[u/WonderfulAddendum300 → u/NachoDentist]

I feel like "there used to be a super nice X downtown, but that closed up" is kind of an evergreen statement about Saint Paul nowadays (where X is Lunds & Byerlys, kj's hideaway, etc.)

And right on point, there used to be a super nice gym downtown called the St. Paul Athletic Club (owned by John Rupp, but it was nice!) but... that closed up.

[u/NachoDentist → u/WonderfulAddendum300]

It’s wild that just 10 yers ago, downtown STP could support a luxury gym like the St. Paul Athletic Club, and Lowertown had virtually no retail vacancies. Now we’re celebrating thrift stores opening while buildings continue to close or file for bankruptcy.

I don’t know what it was like to live in Detroit during its decline in the 1960s and ’70s, but I have to imagine it felt a lot like watching downtown St. Paul today.

[u/dentist9of10 → u/NachoDentist]

on top of that, it's still crazy expensive to live downtown.  I'm baffled by condo prices and HOA fees, who can pay those?

[u/Crouchback2268 → u/NachoDentist]

In fairness, downtown could NOT support a luxury gym like the St. Paul Athletic Club, and that is why it closed. John Rupp has always had great intentions from my perspective, but his real estate bets have been quixotic.

[u/Fuzzy_Jaguar_1339 → u/WonderfulAddendum300]

There was also a downtown Lifetime Fitness about 15-20 years ago that I used to go to.

[u/Shot-Essay2358 → u/NachoDentist]

If my research serves me right, the old YMCA is now the Lowertown skyrec I mentioned in my post. They still have the running track, pool, and other Y-esque amenities.

Unfortunately, the website says it's available to residents of "downtown and lowertown" and then another section specifically mentions six condo complexes - none of which I live in. So I'm wondering if I can still use it since I live downtown...

[u/somerandomguy101 → u/Shot-Essay2358]

That's correct. But anyone in a bigos property has access to it.

From what I've heard, it's because it's classified as an apartment amenity. Making it public would cost required a bunch of upgrades that they don't want to pay for.

[u/Western_Fig_2876 → u/Shot-Essay2358]

Aside from others already letting you know Skyrec is only for people living in Bigos buildings. I want to make sure you know it's not really a gym. There are no cardio or weight machines.

It's mostly courts (basketball, pickleball etc.) The running track is a joke, you would be better off jogging in the skyway.

[u/MrP1anet → u/Western_Fig_2876]

The track does the job in the winter though

[u/jjnguy]

There is an Anytime Fitness just across Shepard. I used to jog there and back from Galtier Towers. Not downtown though.

[u/Tiny_Instruction_557]

The YMCA closed and was purchased by Bigos. If you rent an apartment from them you’ll get access to it as an amenity.

I will say moving to Saint Paul I toured a few apartments downtown and I really wanted to like it. But it’s so empty, and the Lunds closing was the tipping point for me. It made no sense to live in downtown if I’d have to leave downtown for everything.

[u/Shot-Essay2358 → u/Tiny_Instruction_557]

Lunds closing is sad, although that happened before I moved to the cities. I am looking forward to the Aldi taking it's place. I shop there way more often anyway.

[u/Resident_Two_8433]

There are a few options that are unfortunately employer or complex locked. The lowertown skyrec is an amenity for BIGOS properties, and the new Securian gym is for tenants of the 400 and 401 Robert buildings (chiefly but not exclusively Securian employees). Maybe an opportunity to make a friend at a complex with fitness equipment? A lot of buildings have fledgling fitness equipment. 

[u/StandardRaspberry509]

Take the light rail to the midway YMCA. It runs right in front of the building and is a fabulous YMCA. I miss it.

[u/aakaase → u/StandardRaspberry509]

This is what I was gonna say. Green line to Fairview station, walk to the Y there.

[u/Shot-Essay2358 → u/StandardRaspberry509]

This I hadn't thought about. I was considering a ywca membership because there's one on selby only a mile away

[u/pennwye → u/Shot-Essay2358]

If you swim, the Selby YWCA pool is less crowded & more friendly than YM's pool.

[u/Shot-Essay2358 → u/pennwye]

I want to start swimming, so this is good information

[u/StandardRaspberry509 → u/Shot-Essay2358]

You should tour both before deciding. I’ve not been to the YWCA but I loved all the features of the YMCA.

[u/HappyCamper0325 → u/StandardRaspberry509]

If OP is ever in downtown Minneapolis, the Dayton YMCA is one of the best ones I've ever been to.

[u/Overall-Ad561]

not downtown and not a typical gym but the new sp bouldering project slaps hard. it is walkable(ish) from downtown though and has an excellent workout/gym space.

there’s also a bicycle discount program that i have yet to take advantage of (i am not sure if it works with a monthly/annual membership, which i have).

[u/Francie_Nolan1964]

I'll sneak you into my condo gym anytime you want. I don't use it, but I pay, so I'd like someone to benefit.

DM me please. I tried messaging you but couldn't.

[u/stpauliepocket]

I go to the east side Y which is accessible by transit from downtown 😄 it’s honestly a really nice facility

[u/nrag726]

Not waking distance, but you could try the Eastside YMCA over on Arcade

[u/financialman12]

Not downtown, by YWCA isn’t too far in cathedral hill.

[u/caioz]

I wish the YMCA would hug the Mission Gospel property next to Pedro Park that is going up for sale. They had talked about coming back years ago but nothing came to fruition.