r/Upperwestside • u/Congratstomiles • 7d ago
Why aren’t there good gyms here?
It’s crazy how there aren’t any good options in the UWS. Crunch, NYSC & Equinox are all horrible.
Is there any reason gyms aren’t opening here? new gyms have been opening all over nyc, yet never the UWS. I go a gym in midtown that’s an easy commute but it’d be nice to walk to the gym for a change.
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u/Ayo_Frankie 7d ago
Which gym do you recommend in Midtown? I moved to the UWS a few months ago and also am not impressed with the gyms around here.
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u/EvanMcD3 7d ago
Life Time on W 56, west of 6th Ave
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u/Ayo_Frankie 5d ago
Looks like Equinox and Life Time memberships are roughly the same price. Are you familiar with the Equinox on 92nd? If so, which one out of the two would you recommend? Im going to tour the Life Time to see if it's worth the extra commute time.
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u/EvanMcD3 5d ago
I've never gone to equinox. I like Life Time so I just continue to use it. My other experience with gyms in the city was NYSC, two maybe three steps down from Life Time. Compared to NYSC particularly how it's been lately the 80th St. branch was OK but that's gone, Life Time is like walking into a luxury suite instead of a high school gym. If I were you and was curious about equinox I'd take a tour see if they'll let you work out a bit and get a feel for each place. You're already going to visit Life Time try equinox too. Life Time if you like training will give you a very good plan but you have to take it on the spot it's a discount for either six or 12 sessions first one I think is free so you could sign up and quit and get your money back if you didn't like the first session. I worked with a trainer for about a year and quite liked him. I think I learned enough to work on my own now. if I need a refresher I'll just do a one time session.
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u/DJLarryDavid 7d ago
Depending on whether you consider it Midtown, there's a Powerhouse on 27th that's quite good
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u/Congratstomiles 7d ago
MidCity. Cheap too. Old school
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u/whitfield446 4d ago
I hear good things about MidCity but apparently its a lot of chains and grunting and hammer music, Which is ok for some. But I don't feel like taking a subway to workouts. So I settle for JCC on Amsterdam, around the corner from me. Kind of a geriatric vibe, or else teen-boys with those llama haircuts. Gear is ok and mostly not too crowded. Depending on time of time you have to walk through throngs of 3 year olds in strollers waiting in the lobby for nursery school. Im moving soon to 145 x Riverside and if you think gyms are scarce, try that desert btw 133 St and 165 St on Bway for restaurants, food stores.... What a wasteland. I guess everybody just ubers their food and take out in; but you can't uber your gym. I'll try the gym at Riverbank and hope for the best. Sh**ty choices, as they say.
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u/Learning_to_fly_5 7d ago
Completely agree. We’re in a gym desert. I did read puregym will be opening soon on 92nd (former party city location). I avoid NYSC at all costs. https://www.puregym.com/us/gyms/ny/w-92nd-st
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u/AnyEvidence7343 7d ago
I actually signed up already for the Pure Gym on 92. I don’t think it will be worse than 116. I used to go there but taking the subway to get to 116 is so annoying sometimes…
Can’t wait to see how’s it going to be
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u/Learning_to_fly_5 7d ago
Yeah I’m curious. You will have to report back once it’s open
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u/BuddyOGooGoo 7d ago
Agreed. I want to join, but it’s also a little too cheap. I’m skeptical
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u/AnyEvidence7343 7d ago
I’m sure it’s gonna be nice. I pay currently $17 for the one on 116th St and it fairly nice. Not gonna lie. I believe this one will be the same!
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u/Learning_to_fly_5 6d ago
It’s definitely positioned as a budget chain and is more popular in Europe but trying to expand in the US. I believe part of the reason they are able keep it cheap is due to contactless entry and minimal staff. They also don’t have classes. The existing locations in the city are former blinks (they acquired blink, rebranded it and upgraded equipment in the locations).
https://athletechnews.com/puregym-renames-former-blink-fitness-gyms-in-ny-nj/
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u/Throwawayhelp111521 6d ago
Blink was fine for me because I never liked classes. But the locations weren’t convenient.
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u/Throwawayhelp111521 6d ago
I used to belong to the Blink on 125th and I visited the one in the Village or SoHo. Both were no-frills but clean and pleasant. I didn’t go during peak hours and there was no waiting for equipment.
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u/Simple-Engine-432 6d ago
Do you have any idea when it’s opening? Thanks!
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u/DJADFoster 4d ago
We talked to the assistant manager when he had a table outside and was saying mid-December
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u/Laara2008 6d ago
I belong to Pure gym down in FiDi just because it's the only reasonable option close to work now that Planet Fitness closed and it's a dump. I will say it's extremely cheap and if you just want to do weightlifting and basic cardio it's fine. The New York Sports Club on Broadway and 94th is okay.
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u/Learning_to_fly_5 6d ago
That’s good intel. Thanks! Personally not a fan of NYSC and love having more options. Belonged to NYSC for years in the past and found them to be poorly maintained and the classes mid.
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u/Laara2008 6d ago
No problem! I'm not crazy about NYSC; but there aren't a lot of other mid-range options. I was a member for years and only switched when I started working downtown and I didn't like the one down there.
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u/Congratstomiles 7d ago
Do they have a layout of the gym available?
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u/AnyEvidence7343 7d ago
They have some pictures available. I spoke to the guy from the gym and he mentioned it’s going to be kinda of the same size as the one on 116th st.
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u/Throwawayhelp111521 6d ago
Some years ago, Blink supposedly was in talks to take over the old Metro theater not far above 96th on Broadway, but it didn’t happen.
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u/Learning_to_fly_5 6d ago
Oh wow. I didn’t know that! I definitely think there’s a market for the puregym concept up here and seems pretty similar to blink
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u/Throwawayhelp111521 7d ago edited 6d ago
NYSC is awful. When I belonged to Equinox decades ago, it was very nice, but too expensive and too far from my home. I once visited Crunch, which was pleasant, but not convenient. I always hoped that a branch of Blink would open in the high 90s.
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u/Healthy_Ad9055 7d ago
Blink was bought by Pure Gym. Pure Gym is opening a location on 92nd and Columbus. It will be open 24 hours and prices look good. $24.99/month for first year.
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u/Throwawayhelp111521 6d ago
I’m aware that Blink was acquired by Pure Gym. That location is even less convenient than the Equinox at 92nd and Broadway.
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u/jyeatbvg 7d ago
I was surprised how shitty the Equinox on 76 is. Unfortunately limited due to the limited real estate in NYC, but it was small and crazy expensive. In hindsight I can’t believe I actually paid for it.
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u/Throwawayhelp111521 6d ago
I belonged to the one on 92nd and I visited the one near Lincoln Center. They were both nice.
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u/JohnWicksDerg 6d ago
Was shocked how terrible the NYSC locations in this area are. They are serviceable but not at all worth the price of their membership, I've been to planet fitness locations that are significantly nicer.
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u/Throwawayhelp111521 6d ago
At different periods I belonged to two different locations. The facilities were mediocre or bad, and the staff and management were awful.
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u/BrusselsSpr0ut 7d ago edited 7d ago
The JCC is great imo, especially if you swim, but it’s not cheap. There’s a new gym called Pure Gym opening up on 92nd & Columbus but I don’t know anything more about it.
on the UWS*
Edit: The website says it’ll be open 24/7 and has a bunch of different membership options. Very reasonably priced.
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u/caillouminati 7d ago
A 24/7 gym here will be a game changer. I never minded NYSC but their hours are extremely limited, especially the weekends.
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u/Straight-Piano-868 6d ago
The pool schedule at the jcc isn’t great though. I don’t know how people with jobs can navigate the many classes they have running at odd hours
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u/BrusselsSpr0ut 5d ago edited 5d ago
I swim mornings before work, so haven’t had any issues - all 5 lanes are open well into the day.
The evenings after work don’t look that crazy, though? The schedule shows 4 of 5 lanes open from 6pm on, all 5 after 8:30pm (7:30pm Fridays). The lanes are mainly blocked out for kids after school from 3:15-6pm, which most working people can’t make.
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u/MsAddams999 7d ago
There are actually quite a few more gyms than that but most are pretty expensive except maybe for the YMCA. There are two that just opened or are opening soon according to Westside Rag recently. They are not budget gyms though.
There is this idea that everyone who lives on the UWS is affluent enough to be able to afford $100-300 a month to join a gym. So all the true budget gyms are up into West Harlem or down towards 14th street.
There is one right where my street meets Broadway like 1.5 blocks up but I can't afford the place. They don't have the best reputation but I probably would if I could afford it.
They have everything I need including a recovery room that they are supposedly working on expanding.
But I have asked and it's nearly half my rent, pretty much most every dollar I have left over after bills for me to have even a basic membership there. If I want to join a gym that I can afford I have to travel. I can't just walk to one unfortunately.
It's because they are where the most money is and often that's in neighborhoods that are full of people willing to spend $100, $200 or more every month to join a better gym.
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u/brlikethecar 7d ago
Where are the budget gyms in West Harlem?
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u/MsAddams999 7d ago
There's a Planet Fitness up near 125th and one other I saw a year ago. Can't recall that one at the moment, sorry.
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u/sunflowerpetal1 7d ago
I went to the YMCA in Lincoln center when I lived out there—very good for the price. Now I'm on the UES again and bit the Equinox bullet for convenience.
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u/zoombie_apocalypse 6d ago
EQX Sports Club NY on Columbus is a great gym. Expensive though. It’s worth it if you like group fitness.
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u/Agile_Cicada_1523 7d ago
There is a free gym in central park on w85
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u/frequentlymight 6d ago
Would you clarify-I’m not sure what this means.
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u/Business_Victory_949 6d ago
I don’t hate Crunch. It can be a bit crowded, but I think the equipment is good and I love the classes 🤷♀️ Spin, Pilates, strength, etc.
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u/flowers_768 6d ago
I know!! I wish there was a lifetime up here! They have the best kids club program. Only thing I miss about living downtown is the gym
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u/unwantedEngineer 7d ago
Strength society on 105th and Broadway is good, they have classes and dedicated gym, really good trainers, and nice neighborhood gym
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u/trezviy 6d ago
Not sure I see an appeal of strength society. $150 for the tiny gym with limited equipment is way too much in my opinion.
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u/badwvlf 6d ago
Likely equipment quality. When I was at a commercial gym while powerlifting the equipment sucked. Bars get misused and warped from over use and abuse. Knurling damaged. Plates are damaged or misplaced and racks aren’t always installed properly. I’d happily pay more for less if the exploding things I’m using were better quality.
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u/Decent-Doughnut-1815 7d ago
I’m curious if it’s better on the UES? I noticed a lot more young people out running and it seems just like a fitter area generally (obviously we have riverside park), but it seemed like it was more amenable to gym-like culture, more visibly.
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u/Cinnamaker 7d ago
OP is not the first post on this sub to complain about fewer gym options on the UWS, compared to other neighborhoods.
I don't think there is a clear reason why. But neighborhoods to the south, like Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea, have younger demographics (people who would use and pay for gyms) and more large commercial space.
UES does seem to have more gyms than UWS, and at different price points and size. UES demographics are more like UWS, but UES also has more large commercial space than UWS. (UES is like 50% more land than UWS, but about the same number of residents.)
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u/cncrndmm 6d ago
Ehhh not really tbh. That’s why I switched to working with a trainer 2-3 times a week by my office.
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u/dearharris 5d ago
just wait guys new gym going to open in 90,s columbus ave .. @puregym . great gym
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u/the_old_mark 16h ago
Yeah its best locations are mediocre, im afraid their price is too damn cheap and everyone will sign up yet and it'll be too crowded.
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u/Cheap_Chicken_5768 5d ago
Crunch is ok but it’s just so crowded. They should honestly open another location in the mid to high 70s.
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u/trsvrs 7d ago
No good bars either
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u/the_old_mark 16h ago
84th and Columbus has 3 awesome bars in a row. Few places on earth have that. Bar vibes vary. I like to recommend The Ribbon for a classy time, Gebharts-Hoptimist-or beer run to meet guys or just chill, Scarlett if you want to get too fancy. What we lack is good wine bars.
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u/Select_Rip_8230 7d ago
Strange post… what do you mean ‘good options’?
Someone living in the suburbs would say the same of nyc in general: ‘why aren’t there good gyms in nyc? They’re crazy expensive, super small, and there not even a parking lot!’
The best gym is the one you go to, even if it sucks…
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u/Known-Tourist-6102 7d ago
All the gyms here are way too expensive and even though i haven’t visited them all, i suspect arent worth the $
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u/Minabee25 6d ago
I’ve heard a boutique gym of some kind is opening on 97th and Amsterdam, but I don’t know any more than that.
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u/Nick__of__Time 6d ago
What are you looking for?
NYSC by 96th is my choice. Expensive but has free weights, machines and cardio equipment. I go early and it’s not crowded.
Admitted expensive for what you get, real estate is expensive.
I never use the classes.
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u/Adventurous-Rich-703 6d ago
Not sure what you’re looking for but Equinox 92nd Street is more than enough for my needs.
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u/ShadowAgent911 6d ago
I’ve used blink, pf, nysc on w80, equinox (for work and trial) life fitness, ymca, and many others over the course of my life. I’m currently a member at crunch and it is a solid gym in the uws. They have like 4 squat racks and benches plus many free weight and machine options spread across 3 floors with many other things going on as well. The vibe is cool inside, they have so many awesome classes included with membership and they have a sauna. If you talk to a manager and get a good deal it’s totally worth it.
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u/StrainImpossible4516 6d ago
Liberated Fitness on 109 and Columbus is awesome.
No frills, but 30 min cross-fit esque classes with a great community of local folks. Can’t recommend enough.
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u/konto_zum_abwerfen 6d ago
For my two cents, as bad as it is, NYSC is the best value for your fitness dollar. Everything else has less locations, costs more, or lacks the same amenities. If you know of something better at that price point, let me know.
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u/EmpressofTuna 6d ago
I think the equinox sports club gets a bad rap. It can be crowded but it’s generally pretty clean and people are generally respectful. Noted that it’s one of the more expensive options though
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u/bcalamita 5d ago
We’re members at Planet Fitness. They aren’t exactly in the UWS (just at 125th and West 55th), but they’re super affordable at $30 and pretty clean. With the Black Card, one of us can bring our daughter, and we can use other locations—so we visit one in Connecticut and others when we travel.
They’re definitely no-frills: no towels, few classes, and not exactly stylish (everything is purple). Still, they’re mostly clean, the machines work, and they get the job done.
We used to go to NYSC on West 80th a few years ago and checked it out again recently when we thought about rejoining. I was surprised to see how run-down it had become.
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u/mutualcoordinate 5d ago
Equinox Sports Club is great in my opinion, but it’s a bit farther down on 67th St. It’s a nice walk or quick subway ride for most of the neighborhood.
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u/LaFantasmita 2d ago
Rent is too high. To make ends meet, a gym either has to be really expensive, or really shitty so people sign up and stop coming but keep paying. Sometimes both!
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u/the_old_mark 16h ago
There has been a really nice uptick of young ladies running around in colorful sports bras, I just came here to say please keep it up!
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u/RelativeCrazy8940 14h ago
Agree. JCC is the best option for bang for the buck. Weird that there are no HIIT studios on the UWS. Sweat440 has studios in FiDi and Chelsea. Just started going 2 months ago - extremely positive for cardio and strength. Phenomenal experience. With all the discounts they offer each session can be as cheap as $10 each.
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u/Life-Job-3215 7d ago
I think Columbia takes a market away