New York City has a “work hard, play hard” culture that rightfully earned its “the city that never sleeps” mantra. Understandably, many New Yorkers like to hit the gym and get some exercise to stay stress-free and active. But with so many options for gyms in NYC, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Whether you’re into CrossFit, rock climbing, or just want an affordable space with treadmills and weight machines, you can find a place easily in NYC. Next time you’re looking for a great gym near you, use this guide of the best gyms in NYC to weigh your options!
1. Blink Fitness
Blink Fitness is a chain of gyms with locations all across the city. They are known for their affordable memberships and certified personal training programs available to all members. Members have access to state-of-the-art equipment and the Blink Fitness app, which allows users to stream 500+ hours of on-demand content and workout programs. Many locals choose Blink Fitness because it’s one of the best gyms in NYC in terms of value and affordability.
Most Blink Fitness locations are open from 5 am – 11 am, although this can vary. They offer multiple membership tiers that give you access to different features and gyms ranging from $15-$30 per month and an annual maintenance fee of about $50.
Where: Various Locations
2. Peloton Studios
If you are a fan of the popular at-home fitness and exercise brand, Peloton, then you should check out their NYC location, Peloton Studios. Peloton became the exercise equipment of choice during the pandemic, while many gyms were closed due to COVID-19. Now, the brand has opened a physical studio in Hudson Yards, where members can go to take classes with experienced instructors. They offer cycling, running, strength training, yoga, and various other courses from the comfort of their new state-of-the-art studio.
Members must reserve a specific class at Peloton Studios, which can be done online. New classes appear two weeks before the class is scheduled to begin. Classes cost $20 for the first session and then $32 for every class after that. Members can also purchase multiple classes in advance for a discount or pay $400 per month for an unlimited membership.
Where: 370 10th Ave
3. Equinox
Equinox is one of New York’s most exclusive gyms, with 29 locations all over NYC. It branded itself as New York’s premier luxury gym with tons of attractive benefits such as pools and saunas, regular group classes, and high-end equipment. They are also known for offering members cold eucalyptus towels to boost energy and mental clarity. It certainly isn’t the cheapest gym, but if you want a luxury experience while working out, Equinox is among the top gyms in New York.
Equinox is typically open from 5:30 am – 10 pm, Monday through Thursday, 5:30 am – 8 pm on Friday, and 7 AM – 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday (although it varies based on location). Members pay a $100 initiation fee and a monthly fee that ranges from $168-$230 based on how many locations they want to access.
Be sure to check out their Sky High Yoga series as well, which is a one-of-a-kind yoga session on top of the The Edge’s 1,100 foot sky deck!
Where: Various Locations
4. The Cliffs at Harlem
If you’re into rock climbing, then the Cliffs at Harlem offers a fun experience and a serious workout. Located right across from the historic Apollo Theater on 125th Street, the Cliffs at Harlem is NYC’s biggest rock-climbing facility, with 15,000 square feet of space full of rock walls and training equipment. Members can also take classes led by experts designed to accommodate all skill levels.
The Cliffs at Harlem is open from 7 am – 10 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am – 9 pm Saturday and Sunday. You can choose to become a member for $115 per month or pay a one-time fee of $69 just to test it out.
Where: 256 W 125th Street
5. New York Sports Club
The New York Sports Club is a classic staple of NYC fitness culture and offers affordable gym memberships with various benefits. With locations all over the city, the New York Sports Club is one of the best gyms in NYC for those seeking convenience, affordability, and state-of-the-art equipment. Members can enjoy group classes in conditioning, ab routines, pilates, yoga, spin, and more. Plus, many locations also offer a swimming pool and sauna!
New York Sports Club is typically open from 6 am – 10 pm Monday through Thursday, 6 am – 9 pm on Friday, and 7 am – 8 pm Saturday and Sunday (although hours vary based on location).
Where: Various Locations
6. Grind House
As the name implies, this is where you go to grind! Grind House fosters a community-like atmosphere which runs evident through their classes and personal training sessions. Their offerings range from cycling to boxing to HIIT to even yoga. A membership grants you access to cardio, weights, and machines, as well as group fitness classes, a personal sauna, a complimentary personal training assessment, and so much more. Learn more here.
Where: 203 Berry St, Brooklyn
7. Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is a chain of gyms with locations all over the country and many locations in NYC. It’s one of the top gyms in New York for those who want to forgo all the bells and whistles in favor of a low membership cost. Planet Fitness offers access to any of their locations, unlimited guest privileges, massage chairs, tanning beds, personal training options, and circuit training. You won’t find pools and saunas or group workout classes at Planet Fitness, but the membership does offer plenty of value for your money.
Many Planet Fitness locations are open 24/7, depending on the location. Plans start at $10 per month with zero commitment options available.
Where: Various Locations
8. Chelsea Piers Fitness
Chelsea Piers Fitness is a state-of-the-art fitness space that offers members access to a stunning array of equipment and amenities. With an indoor track, 75 ft indoor pool, sports courts, waterfront sundecks, and a café, Chelsea Piers is a vast complex that allows members to get in a good workout without getting in anyone else’s way (a big concern in most NYC gyms).
Chelsea Piers Fitness is open from 5:30 am – 10 pm Monday through Friday and 8 am – 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Membership fees range from $142 – $180 per month.
Where:
Chelsea – 60 Chelsea Piers
Downtown Brooklyn – 265 Schermerhorn Street
9. Tone House
Tone House is a strength and conditioning facility in NoMad that is designed to unlock your inner athlete. The facility was created to bring professional-grade sports conditioning to anyone who wants to improve their fitness. We love this gym because of its supportive and non-judgmental environment! They offer multiple 60-minute classes that teach students how to strengthen their core and improve their physical and mental well-being.
Tone House is open from 4:30 am – 10 pm Monday through Friday, 7 am – 6:30 pm on Saturday, and 7:15 am – 7 pm on Saturday. The gym offers various classes and packages ranging in price from $45 for a single class pass to $1,750 for 50 classes.
Where: 32 E 31st Street
10. VITAL Brooklyn
Vital is a 24-hour gym in Williamsburg, specializing in bouldering, rock climbing, yoga, aerial fitness, and cycling. Members can access classes, workshops, community events, and private training from certified professionals. Plus, the gym features a sauna, social space, and youth area to promote a community-oriented environment where members are encouraged to mix and mingle. VITAL Brooklyn is great for those looking for a fun, social experience that offers a great workout at the same time.
VITAL Brooklyn is open 24/7. Membership costs $135 per month or an annual fee of $1,350, plus a one-time $10 fee for your membership card. Those who aren’t looking to commit can also purchase a single-day pass for $35, a 5-day pass for $156, or a 10-day pass for $277.
Where: 221 N 14th Street
11. Solace New York
Solace New York is a gym that prides itself on being “for trainers by trainers.” It’s not just your average gym, either; it’s a state-of-the-art training facility that allows students and instructors to work together in an environment optimized for success. Solace allows you to choose from one of their 50+ trainers based on your interests and fitness goals. Trainers have complete control to run their business how they see fit, making Solace among the best gyms in NYC for those who want extra help with their workout routine.
Solace NYC is open 24/7. Prices vary depending on the trainer and the type of workout program you choose.
Where: 38 E 32nd St
12. Outbox
If you’re looking for a boxing gym specifically, Outbox Gym in Brooklyn offers some of the most vigorous classes around. This trans-owned boxing center proudly features classes and personal training sessions of all types, with a focus on inclusion for everyone! If you’re looking for an inclusive and friendly atmosphere to start your fitness journey, you won’t find a better spot than here.
Where: 171 Meeker Ave, Brooklyn
13. Mercedes Club
This luxury wellness and fitness club is one of the best, thanks to their 75 weekly classes, two swimming pools, jacuzzi, sauna, group exercise studios (narrowed down into Boxing, Movement, Yoga and Spin categories), and so much more! This all-inclusive experience is more than just a gym, but an overall lifestyle booster. If you’re looking for something with tons of amenities, we suggest this.
Where: 550 W 54th St
14. Crunch Fitness
With over 20 locations in NYC, you’ll never be longing to find a Crunch Fitness near you. With a membership typically ranging from $45 and $105 per month and an initial enrollment fee of $150, you’ll find that these gyms are trendy and offering a load of great classes and perks. Expect high-class locker rooms, saunas, group fitness classes, free wifi, Crunch live video workouts, and a whole lot more. Find your nearest location below.
Where: Find your location here
15. Retro Fitness
With a few locations around NYC, Retro Fitness and its amenities are definitely worth it. Their state-of-the-art equipment is next to none and their amenities are great, including a Retro Blends smoothie bar, massage chairs, tanning beds, personal training and group exercise classes, and more. Memberships start at $25 per month and go up from there.
Where: Find your location here
16. Body & Pole
Looking for a sexy new way to get stronger? Try Body & Pole in Chelsea! This unique studio offers classes for pole, aerial hoop, sill, flex and core. It’s sure to be a challenge that will transform your body and mind. Plus, they do an incredible new student deal for five classes for $99.
Where: 115 W 27th St
17. Physique 57
Physique 57 uniquely offers world premiere barre fitness programs, which you can partake in their NYC studios as well as virtually. The group fitness environment helps gym-goers focus on both body and mind! Although this gym/studio is more structured than the rest, it’s still one of our favorites.
Where:
Upper East Side – 14 E 60th St, Suite 1003
SoHo – 550 Broadway, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn – 372 Avenue U