Pumping Lyon

The French are not known for their devotion to hard physical exercise. One could, however, be tricked in to thinking otherwise at Olympe 7, a seriously retro gym in Lyon's 7th arrondissement. From the decrepit weights to the 50-something receptionist decked out in yellow Lycra and a bad perm, entering the dusty salle is like stepping in to a '70s time warp, only without the benefit of mind-altering substances. Watch your head on the sloping ceiling and join the frighteningly buff regulars hefting ancient free weights, à la Schwarzenegger circa 1970. It's old-school, Eastern Bloc style with a clientele and prices to match €6 a single visit.

Olympe 7 [en francaise]

[Photo+Text: Sarina Lewis]

Previously: Layings in Lyon, Hey Baby, Can I Buy You A Drink?, Amateur Boxing in NYC, Phoenix Perspires, Inspires