Does anyone on the board know of a good gym in Copa? Prices? I have seen a bunch of them on Nossa Senhora, but some look real pitiful from the street. I want a gym with decent free weights (hammer machines are a plus) also some treadmills and bikes would be cool.

Body Tech just opened up on NS Copa near Constante Ramos. It rivals most gyms in the US.

www.bodytech.com.br

Yes I walked by BodyTech in July. Beautiful, looked like it could have been in the states and there was a line of people trying to sign up and get in.

I can imagine the woman that are there everyday. Thumper you might not be able to workout.

I haven't tried it, but there is a clean and modern looking gym about two doors down from Rio Travel. Between Rio Travel and the internet cafe.

wow Body Tech got great potential to be a good pick up place for some shapely hard body garotas. I just can't imagine they can have them buns of steel without working out. If it is genetics than I am truely envious.

As a member, I can tell you that while there is a sprinkling of hardbodies at BodyTech, my observation is that a large number of Brazilians think that working out means talking on their cellphone while sitting at a machine. Seems too, it never occurs to those selfsame that others might want to work in.

Bodytech currently has somewhere around 5,000 (yes, five thousand) members and continues signups daily without any apparent limit except the capacity of the owner's bank account.

On the other hand, I am most grateful for the occasional 9+ garota that bends over to pick up her towel. Gives my muscle an extra workout...

I have a membership at the Equipe 1 across the street. They have some cuties too!

Can someone fill me in on what the rates for the gyms around copa. I heard they ain't cheap. Do they offer daily or weekly rates. Thanks

I work out a real gym in Catete, Personal Physical Center on Rua Correa Dutra (2556-7297). It is the closest thing to the World Gym I was used to back in the states. Plus they have all the fluff like a juice bar, Spinning, etc...fortunately they keep that upstairs so I dont have to look at it. The gym is loaded with hardbodies. Several of them work at area termas and we just wink at each other.

The Gym is very close to the Catete Metro station. Prices are R$75 for 1 month, or a 3 month membership is R$150.

BodyTech is R$170 per month excluding the pool. Before you can work out you have to go thru their in house physical exam which will cost you $80+. The "fluff" is walking around...

GCL's place is much cheaper, but I know from experience if a gym is more than 5 minutes away I won't use it. Hell, I have enough trouble getting my ass to Bodytech and I can see the place from my apartment!

They have a physical exam too at my gym. Sadly, there is not a prostate exam so Hombrecito and Athos will not want to join. However, it doesnt cost anything, so the price is right.

There, I said it.

Try Vera she works at the counter. Speaks English and would love to live in the USA. SHe is not on the program, but is a killer.