Gym memberships are practically mandatory in New York City. But local fitness veterans know that when it comes to health clubs, you don’t always get what you pay for. Before you sign a contract, shop around and find the gym that meets your fitness needs and complements your lifestyle.
Save on Memberships
Always try to negotiate a better price for your gym membership. There’s no harm in asking a potential gym to waive their initiation fee or give you a lower monthly rate. You can also request a month-to-month contract or a multiple-location membership for the price of a single-location membership. Pick up free daily or weekly passes at multiple gyms, and you can work out for free for weeks, if not months, while deciding which gym to choose.
Mid-Level Gyms
The quality of mid-level chain gyms like Crunch or New York Sports Club (NYSC) varies depending on the location, but is generally pretty good. There are NYSC locations that rival, if not surpass, the very pricey clubs when it comes to staff friendliness and quality of equipment. NYSC offers personal TVs on cardio equipment, a variety of step, yoga, full- body conditioning and indoor cycling classes, and high-quality free weights and strength training equipment. Their locker rooms are equipped with blow driers, roomy showers, and usually a steam or hot sauna. NYSC also invests heavily in their staff. Cleaning and front desk personnel are plentiful, personable and competent.
High-End Clubs
For some, joining a health club with a luxurious locker room, an on-site cafe, a gift shop, a lounge and a rooftop sun deck is too tempting to pass up. If you want your gym to double as a status symbol, then luxury health clubs like the West Side’s Reebok and the Upper East Side’s Sports Club/LA are for you.
Expensive Doesn’t Equal Quality
Equinox is a fairly high-end chain gym that has state-of-the-art facilities and spas while maintaining a fun and laid-back atmosphere. In other luxury gyms, expensive memberships don’t always translate into increased staff friendliness or attract more considerate members. Your membership fees may be going toward cooling and heating these massive, inefficiently designed spaces, instead of quality staff and equipment. On the flip side, low-rent gyms with shoddy equipment, peeling paint and questionable air quality should also be avoided. You’re better off doing squats in your living room.
Advantages of Multiple-Location Gyms
An all-location membership at a chain gym like NYSC can open up your fitness options. You can usually find a gym located close to both your home and office. You’ll also have the freedom to take that hot new class across town, or take advantage of a gym with special amenities, like a pool or a particularly large sauna. In the mood to take a Vinyasa Yoga or Hip Hop Dance class, but your local gym isn’t offering it that particular day? With the all-access NYSC membership, there’s a good chance that you’ll find it at one of the over 50 locations in the city.
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