With the visit to 48th and 2nd I have officially visited all 38 Manhattan New York Sports Clubs! OK granted now there are only 37, but I visited all 38 before they cut the, naturally, most convenient club to MY location.
I'm not quite sure what's next on the agenda, but I have decided to keep writing about my experiences. Maybe some re-visits and definitely some other boroughs outside of Manhattan. Dare I even suggest...I can't believe I'm about to say this...New Jersey? Maybe when I'm shitfaced. Maybe another Boston or two? Gosh I'm so crazy sometimes!
I hope the reviews help you in your NYSC workouts, motivate you to get your ass to the gym, or at least were somewhat entertaining on those lazy days.
Monday, October 24, 2011
48th and 2nd
Sometimes I think that my experience may be influenced by 1) my mood 2) the day 3) my mood during the day. I visited this club on a gorgeous day, in an excellent mood, and really enjoyed myself.
This facility is smaller but either newer or more recently renovated. The first floor is the "lobby" (OK there really isn't enough space for a lobby) and all of the cardio. This floor was a little jam-packed. In the back of the floor are the locker rooms.
Downstairs is the studio, the stretching area, and the weights. Definitely not as wide of a selection as typical, but everything was in working order, neat, clean, and bright. One great thing about this floor were the abundance of towels and the organization of the weights. One bad thing was there was no water fountain, just a water bottle filler-upper. So...whenever I was thirsty I had to trek it up the stairs to the first floor to drink (and I don't need the ass exercise so this was simply inconvenient).
The lockers were spacious considering the size of the gym, very clean, nice tall curtains on the stalls, and a sauna. In general this gym was quieter (I went during a very off-peak time) and the clientele was typical midtown-east -- very distance age mix from young to old. Cute girls doing cardio (as if that will really help them move forward in their secretarial careers/find a husband on the bottom floor of the gym) and straight guys lifting. I was one of two gays. Awesome...
My grade: A-
Downstairs is the studio, the stretching area, and the weights. Definitely not as wide of a selection as typical, but everything was in working order, neat, clean, and bright. One great thing about this floor were the abundance of towels and the organization of the weights. One bad thing was there was no water fountain, just a water bottle filler-upper. So...whenever I was thirsty I had to trek it up the stairs to the first floor to drink (and I don't need the ass exercise so this was simply inconvenient).
The lockers were spacious considering the size of the gym, very clean, nice tall curtains on the stalls, and a sauna. In general this gym was quieter (I went during a very off-peak time) and the clientele was typical midtown-east -- very distance age mix from young to old. Cute girls doing cardio (as if that will really help them move forward in their secretarial careers/find a husband on the bottom floor of the gym) and straight guys lifting. I was one of two gays. Awesome...
My grade: A-
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
51st and Lexington
I finally went to a new location! And this visit was EPIC. Why? Cause 1) I FINALLY WENT TO A NEW LOCATION. 2) I took a gym buddy who has guest comments on this entry! 3) I took a group class...for the first time at NYSC. I'm like...moving mountains, saving babies, and passing out free EPT's all at the same time.
So this place has a terrible, terrible entry way. I mean look at that! It's straight from the 80's. The facility isn't so awful though -- very outdated with the decor and over-stimulation with mirrors and glass (almost dizzying), and pretty dim. But it is all one floor (we love that, remember?) and while it was busy during the lunch rush, everyone was pretty fit and attractive.
The class we took was the abs class and it was in the smaller of the two studios. It was fun actually, and very hard. We both learned a few new tricks...still no six pack, but I should probably blame that on Chipotle and not pretend like the class fell short of expectations.
The equipment was all slightly outdated but there was plenty of space to workout. Just everything seems so random at this location. No order, rhyme, or reason as to where things are placed. That may have been the fun-house styled mirror placement, though. My gym buddy, Benjamin Shpres, was the only one of us that took a shower (I can't figure out how to re-write that phrase and not make it sound bad for either/both of us) and I asked him to send me his general remarks:
My grade: B
The class we took was the abs class and it was in the smaller of the two studios. It was fun actually, and very hard. We both learned a few new tricks...still no six pack, but I should probably blame that on Chipotle and not pretend like the class fell short of expectations.
The equipment was all slightly outdated but there was plenty of space to workout. Just everything seems so random at this location. No order, rhyme, or reason as to where things are placed. That may have been the fun-house styled mirror placement, though. My gym buddy, Benjamin Shpres, was the only one of us that took a shower (I can't figure out how to re-write that phrase and not make it sound bad for either/both of us) and I asked him to send me his general remarks:
1. There were towel clad men waiting in a single file line to use the showers. Unless there's some kind of...service...happening there, this is unacceptable. When I eventually did get to the shower area, it was more humid than a tropical jungle. Seriously, the tiles, the knobs, EVERYTHING was dripping wet. It was like I rolled a very gay number (3?) while playing Jumanji.Ben and I apparently agree on the need for EPT's.
2. I was overwhelmed by how many machines were packed in one area. It was like this location had taken fertility drugs and then spawned excessive workout-machine-offspring.
My grade: B
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
76th and 1st
This is NOT the gym. This is, uh, the studio. I didn't care enough to really read what the hell the studio was doing a full block away, so instead I followed the directions posted to the REAL gym. I had been warned this gym sucked ("You will definitely fail it") but didn't find my experience so bad. Maybe it had been cleaned up since that naysayer last went.
It's four small floors which is tragically annoying, locker rooms and random machines on the second floor, random cardio/lobby on the first, cardio on the third, weights on the fourth. There is definitely not enough stretching area and they are too far away from everything (the best stretching area, albeit small, was on the fourth floor! WTF). The machines were all standard but I did notice the fourth floor had a lot of natural sunlight.Mostly straights. Everywhere. Not a piece of eye candy to look at. I didn't catch many of the lady-friends as they were on the first and third floors doing cardio. I was avoiding cardio (and lady-friends to be quite honest).
The locker room was small but clean, dark paneled lockers, and the larger, newer-styled stalls with frosted doors. I liked that. OH and the towels -- this location utilizes the larger towels! WE LOVE LARGE TOWELS.
My grade: B
Saturday, August 27, 2011
1 Year Anniversary
So I've been at this for a year. I'm like...dedicated or something. Granted I haven't actually FINISHED and it's been a year, but I'm close!
I have revisited a few clubs recently but I haven't gotten around to the last few remaining locations. I promise I will.
I have revisited a few clubs recently but I haven't gotten around to the last few remaining locations. I promise I will.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
125th Street - Harlem
I don't really know why it took me so long to get to this location. It is convenient for me to get to and I have passed by it several times. I was warned by one person that it was "gross," but I didn't have that experience.
OK entering is a little disconcerting. You enter the lobby and face two large steel elevators. Simlar to the Equinox in Columbus Circle your button options in the elevator are the lobby (ground floor) and the gym (4th floor). I really did envision myself in the next Final Destination movie as the elevator slowly crawled, moaned, and clanked up to the 4th floor.
Upon my arrival it wasn't so bad though. Decent light, spacious, all one floor. Cardio is right at the entrance and seemed to be a sufficient amount. What's nice about this location, and maybe it was just cause I went during an off time, was it seemed pretty spacious between machines. There are two studios, a cycling studio, two cable fly systems, decent stretching area, and the general machines/weights.
The locker room was OK. Not good. Not vomit-inducing. Plenty of showers (smaller locker area) and sauna and steam room. My biggest complaint about the locker room was that the towels are not stacked inside the locker room but actually across the hall near the stretching areas. Why? Who thought this made sense? Is it out of laziness? I'm glad I noticed this upon entering so I prevented a temper tantrum when I went to go shower.
Oh! and the clientele! 1/4 roided up thugs, 1/4 toned fitness girls, 1/4 ugly/old people, 1/4 gays. And, yes, I did get a number. After all of these visits, HARLEM is where I get my first "gym number?" Really? Here's how it went down:
Him: hey can I give you this? Hands over a slip of paper.
Me: no I didn't drop anything.
Him: no, it's for you.
Me: looks at slip. OH. HAHAHAHAHA. OH. OK thanks!
Him: walks away.
Me: dialing mother. Mom, guess what just happened to me...in Harlem.
My grade: B+
Upon my arrival it wasn't so bad though. Decent light, spacious, all one floor. Cardio is right at the entrance and seemed to be a sufficient amount. What's nice about this location, and maybe it was just cause I went during an off time, was it seemed pretty spacious between machines. There are two studios, a cycling studio, two cable fly systems, decent stretching area, and the general machines/weights.
The locker room was OK. Not good. Not vomit-inducing. Plenty of showers (smaller locker area) and sauna and steam room. My biggest complaint about the locker room was that the towels are not stacked inside the locker room but actually across the hall near the stretching areas. Why? Who thought this made sense? Is it out of laziness? I'm glad I noticed this upon entering so I prevented a temper tantrum when I went to go shower.
Oh! and the clientele! 1/4 roided up thugs, 1/4 toned fitness girls, 1/4 ugly/old people, 1/4 gays. And, yes, I did get a number. After all of these visits, HARLEM is where I get my first "gym number?" Really? Here's how it went down:
Him: hey can I give you this? Hands over a slip of paper.
Me: no I didn't drop anything.
Him: no, it's for you.
Me: looks at slip. OH. HAHAHAHAHA. OH. OK thanks!
Him: walks away.
Me: dialing mother. Mom, guess what just happened to me...in Harlem.
My grade: B+
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Broadway & Spring - SoHo
Dear Douchebag On the Treadmill Next To Me:
Why the hell are you wearing sunglasses inside, in a gym, working out?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Me.
Welcome to SoHo! Hope you are ready to work out your legs cause you have three intimidating flights of highly lopsided, creaky, "reminds me of Alice In Wonderland falling down the rabbit hole but in reverse" stairs before you can enter. I generally liked this location but it had a few...quirks. It is large, all one level, bright, and had plenty of equipment. The studio was large (cycling studio as well), decent sized weight room, and many additional weight machines scattered throughout. Two small stretching areas, seemingly lots of cardio machines.
The clientele was interesting; mostly cafeteria worker kind of women -- a few cuties -- and the rest just Asian guys. Plus me and the asshole with his glasses on the treadmill next to me (and no he wasn't blind).
The locker room was large, had plenty of showers, and was generally clean. The rest of the facility, however, was kind of messy; particularly messy on such a quiet day. Not dirty but messy. Weights and medicine balls, barbells and dumbbells scattered throughout on the floor. Also, some of the equipment was broken which always adds an inconvenience to the workout.
My grade: B+
Why the hell are you wearing sunglasses inside, in a gym, working out?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Me.
The clientele was interesting; mostly cafeteria worker kind of women -- a few cuties -- and the rest just Asian guys. Plus me and the asshole with his glasses on the treadmill next to me (and no he wasn't blind).
The locker room was large, had plenty of showers, and was generally clean. The rest of the facility, however, was kind of messy; particularly messy on such a quiet day. Not dirty but messy. Weights and medicine balls, barbells and dumbbells scattered throughout on the floor. Also, some of the equipment was broken which always adds an inconvenience to the workout.
My grade: B+
Saturday, July 16, 2011
94th and Broadway (revisit)
Yes I have been absent. No I am not happy about it. And yes I'm still single (wait...you weren't thinking about that? Well fine.)
I revisited 94th and Broadway today. This photo sucks and this review will be lazy. Seriously, you should have expected this by now and you really need to get over it. The re-design looks good aesthetically; better lighting, better decor, for the most part nicer. Here's the catch, though: even during a "slow time" this place is still too small for how busy it is (I can't even imagine peak hours) and the weight room looks pretty much the same (please refer to original review). Because of the traffic it is pretty messy and they clearly haven't re-done the locker rooms. Still nicer, but not nice enough to win awards.
I'd say this is the best NYSC on the UWS, but saying that doesn't say much.
My new grade: B-
I'd say this is the best NYSC on the UWS, but saying that doesn't say much.
My new grade: B-
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
49th and Broadway (revisit)
I visited instead 49th and Broadway which, surprisingly, has been refurbished since my last visit. It looks very good, crisp, and clean. The new style is very much what it needed as this is a VERY BUSY LOCATION. I'm sure closing the gym 3 blocks up didn't help relieve any of the traffic.
The crowd here is a mix of hotel guests, some young and a few frumpy women (a few winners), and then 70% gay guys. There was definitely some eye candy but I was too annoyed with the crowded nature to care. I'm glad I didn't need a treadmill cause I would have been waiting way too long for my liking.
I took a new photo of the refurb:
Whoops. Well...this isn't too far off...
Saturday, June 25, 2011
New home gym
I am changing jobs and searched out what my new home gym would be since I will be leaving the 23rd and Park location (waaah!). The closest gym is 52nd and Broadway! I went back and read my review and remembered my visit vividly.
Fun fact: supposedly this location is now closed. So...that's awesome.
FAIL.
I will re-assess my situation shortly.
Fun fact: supposedly this location is now closed. So...that's awesome.
FAIL.
I will re-assess my situation shortly.
Irving Place
I have been kind of dreading going to this location for a while because every single time I walk by it looks so crowded it gives me anxiety. I finally swallowed my pride (and a Xanax! oh....damn I wish that were true...) and attacked it head-on.
This gym is great for the overworked Union Square business professional. It is indeed busy and I went during an off-time. First floor is the entrance-way (hardly a lobby), all of the cardio equipment, the main studio, and a small stretching area. Downstairs is the men's locker room and the cycling studio. Upstairs is everything else (free weights, machines, etc). I have absolutely no clue where the women's locker room is. They may not even have one for all I know, or it was clearly labeled and I just simply missed it.
The problem with this gym, besides looking like it was painted in the mid-90's, is everything seems just a touch outdated and overused. I did not have to wait for a machine upstairs but it still had that "erratic" feeling to it. Maybe because it's a smaller space overall? But the ceilings were so high!
The locker room was cramped (old-school dark wood lockers) and maze-like. Showers were fine, sauna, steam room. Just a little small and a general sense of "busy." And there were a few more gays than expected...and the girls all seemed like they were in shape and moderately attractive on the average. There was quite the eclectic mix though, including a blind guy and a guy in a wheelchair.
Those were firsts for me.
My grade: C+
The problem with this gym, besides looking like it was painted in the mid-90's, is everything seems just a touch outdated and overused. I did not have to wait for a machine upstairs but it still had that "erratic" feeling to it. Maybe because it's a smaller space overall? But the ceilings were so high!
The locker room was cramped (old-school dark wood lockers) and maze-like. Showers were fine, sauna, steam room. Just a little small and a general sense of "busy." And there were a few more gays than expected...and the girls all seemed like they were in shape and moderately attractive on the average. There was quite the eclectic mix though, including a blind guy and a guy in a wheelchair.
Those were firsts for me.
My grade: C+
Saturday, June 18, 2011
14th & 5th - Union Square
Welcome to the gym that started this whole shindig. 'Twas here I decided to explore new locations after working out with my meat-head friend who walked around and socialized. This was the shining beacon on a cold winter's day, the early blossom on a spring morning, the cool breeze over a picturesque lake on a humid summer's eve. 'Twas here.
So this place is pretty gay. I had been here before and each and every time it's just as gay. A nice mix of people though - fit gays, older people (who probably have unbelievably nice rent controlled apartments in the Union Square area), and a few fit/attractive girls. There seemed to be plenty of cute girls in the trampoline-aerobics class going on when I visited.
It's all one floor. I love this aspect. Even though two full walls (north and south) are full of windows in-between is pretty dim. I don't really need to explain where everything is because this location is the easiest to navigate out of any that I have been to. You walk up, it's all right in front of you, and the lockers are on the far wall. There is a cycling and a studio, plenty of cardio, a small stretching area, two cable-fly systems, all the machines you would expect, etc.
The locker room was better this time around than the last time, maybe cause it wasn't rush hour. You KNOW this place is gay for two reasons (I mean...besides being eye-banged by a number of people in the gym): 1) they have a sign on the steam room door saying "don't be inappropriate" and 2) the shower curtains are short. VERY short. They have plastic liners that go to the floor but the curtains stop around your knee/thigh area. I can only assume this is so you can easily see just how many bodies are in each stall.
My grade: B
It's all one floor. I love this aspect. Even though two full walls (north and south) are full of windows in-between is pretty dim. I don't really need to explain where everything is because this location is the easiest to navigate out of any that I have been to. You walk up, it's all right in front of you, and the lockers are on the far wall. There is a cycling and a studio, plenty of cardio, a small stretching area, two cable-fly systems, all the machines you would expect, etc.
The locker room was better this time around than the last time, maybe cause it wasn't rush hour. You KNOW this place is gay for two reasons (I mean...besides being eye-banged by a number of people in the gym): 1) they have a sign on the steam room door saying "don't be inappropriate" and 2) the shower curtains are short. VERY short. They have plastic liners that go to the floor but the curtains stop around your knee/thigh area. I can only assume this is so you can easily see just how many bodies are in each stall.
My grade: B
Friday, June 10, 2011
BSC/South Station
I. AM. KING.
I finally went to the Boston Sports Club at South Station! I have been passing by for years and never had a chance go to in. Well I finally was able to set aside time and go. I'm pretty sure I looked like a foreigner walking in as if I had never set foot on American soil and had clearly never been to a gym before. No shame! I was giddy.
And screw you, I'm a nerd. Get over it.
This location has a few noticeable differences than the NYSC that I am used to going to. The most glaring is how large it is comparatively. It is definitely slightly confusing (what with the sub-floors and small hallways connecting workout areas) but for the most part is two levels. The first is the lobby (I think the receptionist, well, hated me. I asked her to hold my luggage AND for directions to my hotel...she was very friendly though) and most of the cardio. Strangely not all the cardio machines had individual TV screens. It was about 70/30.
Also part of the first floor, in the back through a few hallways, was everything else. Lots of room to breathe and all the standard equipment (and then some). Lots of sunlight and stretching areas scattered about. The clientele was stereotypical Boston; you look like you are a frat guy and you are either 1) indeed a frat guy 2) a big fat mo. There were only a few girls but all could have been fitness models; ponytail, sports bra, light weights, nice complexion.
Downstairs were the two studios (cycling and standard), random yoga/stretching area, very large pool, and the locker rooms; this is where Boston Sports Club failed me. The locker room...oy. What a mess. Towels everywhere! I mean...everywhere. A towel volcano....a towcano! It was as if a towel explosion happened. Oddly the towels were quite a bit larger than their NYSC cousins which meant they took up even MORE room. Toweltastrophe!
Showers were fine (large stalls, curtains, sauna/steam room) but there was no body wash to be found. This was...what's the word...annoying? no that's not it.
Frustrating!
no....that won't do.
"fucking stupid."
My Grade: B
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
If you write it...
...they will add it!
Remember a while back, in my review of 145th Street I said:
(...and hush, you! In my twisted world I am taking credit for this. That's right.)
Remember a while back, in my review of 145th Street I said:
The free weight areas are typically very busy with guys on the 'roids (excuse me- "pre-game vitamins" is more appropriate) and can get a little cramped if it's during peak hours, even with the large amount of space available. For heaven's sake, NYSC, get this place another cable-fly system!I re-visited last night. Since I reviewed it they HAVE added a cable-fly! Clearly I am speaking for the people.
(...and hush, you! In my twisted world I am taking credit for this. That's right.)
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Upper West Side
Today marked the last of the Upper West Side locations. I must say they are not the most well put-together group of NYSC locations. Let's reflect:
62nd and Broadway - C
73rd and Central Park West - C-
76th and Broadway - C
80th and Broadway - E
94th and Broadway - C+
This would NOT have been an acceptable report card to bring back to my mother from school. The UES at least has a B+ so far (although rumor has it the last remaining UES location I have to go to sucks, but even if it gets a failing grade that's better than this group). I'm surprised by this; the UWS is a fun neighborhood and would have thought that the gyms would have reflected that. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be visiting these again (with the exception of 94th St which was under construction) unless it was out of sheer convenience.
62nd and Broadway - C
73rd and Central Park West - C-
76th and Broadway - C
80th and Broadway - E
94th and Broadway - C+
This would NOT have been an acceptable report card to bring back to my mother from school. The UES at least has a B+ so far (although rumor has it the last remaining UES location I have to go to sucks, but even if it gets a failing grade that's better than this group). I'm surprised by this; the UWS is a fun neighborhood and would have thought that the gyms would have reflected that. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be visiting these again (with the exception of 94th St which was under construction) unless it was out of sheer convenience.
76th and Broadway
I walked by the entrance 3 or 4 times circling the block. I looked up the address online thinking somehow it was off by a block. I re-checked the official website thinking the location had closed and I didn't realize it...finally I found it. The photo reflects ALL of the signage up for this location and the amount of "advertising space" reflects proportionally the amount of space inside.
This must be the smallest NYSC in the city. Must. Simply one floor, one studio, and barely any workout equipment. The studio doubles as a cycling studio (the spin bikes pushed to the side) and the only machines offered were the X-press line and two more. No cable fly. No dumbells higher than 70lbs or so. No calf machine...just the X-press line and a Smith press, practically.
There were a number of different cardio machines, most of which faced into the studio. A tiny stretching area for 3 people off to the side and some medicine balls were available. Granted the space was bright and clean but it just felt like a "building gym;" you know, the gyms they put in a small hotel or a nice apartment building. Not a NYSC.
The locker room was OK - fine temperature, clean for the most part. Small, of course (one urinal, one stall), and no sauna or steam room. There were two shower stalls and they were glass...which means they were completely see-through. Even though there was no one in the locker room at all when I was there, I just don't like the whole "community" feel of a see-through shower. It's not Chelsea for heaven's sake!
My grade: C
There were a number of different cardio machines, most of which faced into the studio. A tiny stretching area for 3 people off to the side and some medicine balls were available. Granted the space was bright and clean but it just felt like a "building gym;" you know, the gyms they put in a small hotel or a nice apartment building. Not a NYSC.
The locker room was OK - fine temperature, clean for the most part. Small, of course (one urinal, one stall), and no sauna or steam room. There were two shower stalls and they were glass...which means they were completely see-through. Even though there was no one in the locker room at all when I was there, I just don't like the whole "community" feel of a see-through shower. It's not Chelsea for heaven's sake!
My grade: C
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
44th and 5th
I recently had a request to include more specifics on the lady clientele in addition to the gentlemen (well...they probably meant "instead of" but I took it as "in addition to"). That's like sending an alcoholic to a new bar and asking them to report back with all of the savory flavors of the appetizers on the food menu; they will struggle to not only remember the request but also to deflect their attention to what they are naturally addicted to. HOWEVER -- I remembered and am reporting back!
For all you lady lovers: skip this gym.
It's not that there weren't any delightfully looking women at this location, just there weren't really any women..at all. I counted four. (Yes I actually COUNTED. I think I took this request too literally.) The four ladies weren't anything to write home (blog home?) about either. There were a few good looking "let's keep this on the DL away from my co-worker" men, but even in that department not enough reason to go back.
The first level is the lobby and cycling studio. Very old-school NYSC decor. Downstairs are the locker rooms and some free weights/machines. Downstairs is very depressing and a little small. Lots of mirrors but nothing else. Upstairs is everything else: cardio, a few more free weights, 2 studios, all of the machines, and stretching areas. Pretty roomy, nice lighting, and a few of the cardio machines were brand-spanking new.
The locker room was fine. Plenty of lockers, OK space, bright shower area, sauna and steam room. The only exception was that my shower had barely any water pressure and the curtain wasn't wide enough to cover the entire stall. That...that is just annoying.
My grade: B
For all you lady lovers: skip this gym.
The first level is the lobby and cycling studio. Very old-school NYSC decor. Downstairs are the locker rooms and some free weights/machines. Downstairs is very depressing and a little small. Lots of mirrors but nothing else. Upstairs is everything else: cardio, a few more free weights, 2 studios, all of the machines, and stretching areas. Pretty roomy, nice lighting, and a few of the cardio machines were brand-spanking new.
The locker room was fine. Plenty of lockers, OK space, bright shower area, sauna and steam room. The only exception was that my shower had barely any water pressure and the curtain wasn't wide enough to cover the entire stall. That...that is just annoying.
My grade: B
One of these days...
I will visit you. I have passed by your calling entrance -- your siren song -- many times. Yet we still haven't met.
But we will.
We must.
But we will.
We must.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Tribeca at Reade Street
What better way to spend a perfectly beautiful day in New York City than going underground and staring at myself for an hour or so while I listen to the ROCKIN new Lady Gaga album?
This location has two floors - top/ground floor is the studio, two stretching areas, all of the cardio, and the more generic weight machines. Downstairs are the locker rooms, cycling studios, free weights, and the rest of the machines. While I didn't see anyone who played for my team working out, they clearly had an influence in the design -- things were in their right spots, body rollers were on a rack attached to the wall reminding me of a towel rack (very convenient storage), and "suck me off" was carved into the wood paneling of the sauna. Clearly gay signs but no gay people...maybe I went at an off time.
For the most part this is a large facility, clean, newer, and very pleasant. Lots of natural light upstairs at the cardio area and not too dim downstairs. The locker room was slightly confusing getting around but seemed large enough with the "large styled" lockers that have been popping up at the newer locations. Sauna and steam room were smaller but fine (I didn't see any explicit acts, just the permanent calligraphy). What really got me excited was the complimentary cotton balls and Q-tips available in the locker room; winning.
My grade: A
For the most part this is a large facility, clean, newer, and very pleasant. Lots of natural light upstairs at the cardio area and not too dim downstairs. The locker room was slightly confusing getting around but seemed large enough with the "large styled" lockers that have been popping up at the newer locations. Sauna and steam room were smaller but fine (I didn't see any explicit acts, just the permanent calligraphy). What really got me excited was the complimentary cotton balls and Q-tips available in the locker room; winning.
My grade: A
Friday, May 13, 2011
217 Broadway - City Hall
This marathon has taken me all over the city, including some tourist-heavy areas. City Hall takes the cake for "busiest tourist area." Congratulations, City Hall! You suck!
This gym has three floors. First floor is the entrance, bottom floor is the cycling and locker rooms, and second floor is everything else. So it's kind of like a one floor gym, except you have to walk down a flight of stairs, change, and then up two flights to get to it. So it's...kind of...not a one floor gym.
City Hall is also aging and not "I just had some Botox, a microdermabrasion, and a mani/pedi" kind of aging. More along the lines of "shit! I have cellulite and tooth decay!" kind of aging. The cardio machines are moderate in numbers and all very squished together, the ONE tiny stretching area is in the middle of nowhere, and everything has a sort of dusty-grime feel to it (including the clientele; most were fitter than average, yes, but were not aging well). There is a lot of light, which is nice, and two studios for all you whores for classes.
The weight area was the only redeeming aspect. It was larger than expected with doubles of most all weights (including two cable fly systems). The machines were scattered throughout the floor so was harder to take inventory on.
The locker room was gross. Messy, damp, and a higher/unfortunate amount of nudity. There was a sauna which I avoided along with eye contact with everyone in there.
My grade: C
City Hall is also aging and not "I just had some Botox, a microdermabrasion, and a mani/pedi" kind of aging. More along the lines of "shit! I have cellulite and tooth decay!" kind of aging. The cardio machines are moderate in numbers and all very squished together, the ONE tiny stretching area is in the middle of nowhere, and everything has a sort of dusty-grime feel to it (including the clientele; most were fitter than average, yes, but were not aging well). There is a lot of light, which is nice, and two studios for all you whores for classes.
The weight area was the only redeeming aspect. It was larger than expected with doubles of most all weights (including two cable fly systems). The machines were scattered throughout the floor so was harder to take inventory on.
The locker room was gross. Messy, damp, and a higher/unfortunate amount of nudity. There was a sauna which I avoided along with eye contact with everyone in there.
My grade: C
Sunday, May 8, 2011
16th and 8th
I had been to this location before, many moons ago, and had left with no desire to ever return. Not that it is awful, but just not the most luxurious gym I have ever been to.
This facility is divided into two floors. A very run down lobby is on the top/ground floor along with all of the cardio and stretching areas. There are plenty of treadmills to go around it seems and a few random (and ancient) ab machines.
Downstairs in the dimly lit, seemingly deserted garage setting is everything else. Locker rooms, free weights, machines, and studios. The decor is just not pleasant and it seems all very thrown together (it would make for a great homo-erotic Scream 5 setting). What's nice is that there are plenty of weight options as the clientele (GAYS!) seem to all be downstairs; there are double of a few popular machines too.
The locker room is unique. Almost the whole locker room is carpeted including the sink area. The sink area is set up like a vanity room, and the stalls/urinals are in their own room (complete with a door). Very strange. The showers are not all that attractive but the lockers themselves are plentiful. They also have a machine I was DYING to try called the "Bodi Blo" which, I can only assume, dries your whole body like a hair dryer. I couldn't bring myself to try it because if it was broken I'm afraid I would be devastated and just feel obligated to give this location a failing grade.
My grade: B-
Downstairs in the dimly lit, seemingly deserted garage setting is everything else. Locker rooms, free weights, machines, and studios. The decor is just not pleasant and it seems all very thrown together (it would make for a great homo-erotic Scream 5 setting). What's nice is that there are plenty of weight options as the clientele (GAYS!) seem to all be downstairs; there are double of a few popular machines too.
The locker room is unique. Almost the whole locker room is carpeted including the sink area. The sink area is set up like a vanity room, and the stalls/urinals are in their own room (complete with a door). Very strange. The showers are not all that attractive but the lockers themselves are plentiful. They also have a machine I was DYING to try called the "Bodi Blo" which, I can only assume, dries your whole body like a hair dryer. I couldn't bring myself to try it because if it was broken I'm afraid I would be devastated and just feel obligated to give this location a failing grade.
My grade: B-
Monday, May 2, 2011
Varick Street
I knew nothing about this location ahead of time before visiting yesterday. I went during an off-time which was probably smart. The location is new, nicely sized, and seemingly well maintained.
Unfortunately/fortunately nothing very exciting happened to me while I was there. The entrance and lobby are very large and spacious, everything else is on one large floor. 1 studio, cycling, cardio, machines -- all in one area and the weights/machines in another (with exposed brick!). The are two smaller stretching areas and everything seems bright and shiny.
Locker room was OK - larger lockers (which seems to mean less benches), sink area, etc. A couple of things annoyed me about the locker room though: 1) the towels are JUST outside the locker room. I don't understand this -- what if you have a towel catastrophe getting out of the shower? What if you realize you got a misshapen or ugly towel once you unravel it in the complete nude only being FORCED to walk over in the buff to your locker dripping wet or wear the "towel that shall not be named." 2) this location is the only location I have been to so far that has frosted glass doors for the showers outside of my home gym, but at this place the shower stalls are a little smaller. That's fine and all. What bothered me was the floor of the locker room was OK but the floor around the showers was not. It was gross and wet. I was surprised it wasn't sponsored by Lamisil.
My grade: A-
Locker room was OK - larger lockers (which seems to mean less benches), sink area, etc. A couple of things annoyed me about the locker room though: 1) the towels are JUST outside the locker room. I don't understand this -- what if you have a towel catastrophe getting out of the shower? What if you realize you got a misshapen or ugly towel once you unravel it in the complete nude only being FORCED to walk over in the buff to your locker dripping wet or wear the "towel that shall not be named." 2) this location is the only location I have been to so far that has frosted glass doors for the showers outside of my home gym, but at this place the shower stalls are a little smaller. That's fine and all. What bothered me was the floor of the locker room was OK but the floor around the showers was not. It was gross and wet. I was surprised it wasn't sponsored by Lamisil.
My grade: A-
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Grand Central
I definitely forgot to look up the address for this location and just thought, "Oh well it's Grand Central. Duh." Got off the train, stepped outside, and realized I had NO idea where I was going. I looked up on my phone really quick, apparently pulled up the 36th and Madison address, and obviously without any conscious thought began walking there. It wasn't until a block away I convinced myself that 1) even by a long stretch, geographically this cannot be considered "Grand Central" and 2) I had definitely been there before. I found the correct address got there quickly and began my workout.
LIES! I did not (haha you fell for that one, suckers!). The address is the MET LIFE BUILDING -- do you have any idea how large that building is? There are like 1,700 entrances! I had to ask a security guard where the hell I was going and his directions sucked...and he WORKED in the building!
I did finally arrive and the experience was an interesting mix. The first floor is the entrance/lobby, the locker rooms, and LARGE AMOUNTS of dirty laundry bins. Everything else is on the second floor (kind of making this a "one floor" gym). I was not there at a peak time and this place was packed. In addition, everyone was a gym rat; there were relatively few unfit people working out. It had a nice punch of motivation/self-deprication. The weight area is way too small for this facility considering. The stretching area was fine, all the standard machines, etc. Definitely enough cardio since this crowd seemed much more interested in free weights.
The locker room was large, albeit slightly confusing (kind of shaped like a jigsaw puzzle and I hate puzzles). The locker room was also 1,000 degrees. They had the good ol' "giant fan blowing in your face" set up as if circulating the air was a sufficient replacement for a/c. Guess what? It's not.
My grade: B-
LIES! I did not (haha you fell for that one, suckers!). The address is the MET LIFE BUILDING -- do you have any idea how large that building is? There are like 1,700 entrances! I had to ask a security guard where the hell I was going and his directions sucked...and he WORKED in the building!
The locker room was large, albeit slightly confusing (kind of shaped like a jigsaw puzzle and I hate puzzles). The locker room was also 1,000 degrees. They had the good ol' "giant fan blowing in your face" set up as if circulating the air was a sufficient replacement for a/c. Guess what? It's not.
My grade: B-
Friday, April 22, 2011
Water Street
I took a tour of the Water Street location in 2004 when I lived a mere 1 block away in the Financial District. I have always wanted to go back and actually work out but it is very far from where I live (as in the farthest location in Manhattan from where I live) with limited hours. Today was the day! I DID notice that since I moved out of the area, albeit many moons ago, the ugly Staples underneath my former building became a new 24 hour Duane Reade and there is a Chipotle about 4 blocks away. I strive not to be bitter.
A smaller facility, Water Street is neat and clean. It is clearly catered toward the "Wall Street" type: early 30's or late 40's office workers. The few early 30's kids that come are slightly concerned with weights ("I'll get ahead with a great ass and toned arms!") but the majority of the clientele ("I just want that new secretary to notice me.") are only interested in cardio. Luckily it seems that this location realized you need to have a large stretching area if you have a large amount of people doing cardio -- there is plenty of space for this. All of the cardio is on the ground floor with a grand, spacious stretching area and the main studio as well.
Downstairs are the locker rooms, cycling studio, and free weights. Downstairs is, well, slightly confusing to get around. There are little nooks and crannies and a few machines are tucked away behind many mirrors. This part I did not enjoy. It also took me about 30 minutes of searching around the mirrors to realize there must be a 3rd floor. I was right! That is where the rest of the machines, more free weights (thank the lord), and some more stretching areas live.
The locker room is a decent size although not in tip-top condition like the rest of the gym. Oddly you have to climb a few stairs (handicap accessible) to get to the showers. Steam room and sauna galore, plenty of showers, nothing too exciting.
And yes, they had Kleenex. It's still "awkward weather" phase in NYC and the drippy nose is inevitable when you go from cool to warm. Don't judge.
My grade: B+
Downstairs are the locker rooms, cycling studio, and free weights. Downstairs is, well, slightly confusing to get around. There are little nooks and crannies and a few machines are tucked away behind many mirrors. This part I did not enjoy. It also took me about 30 minutes of searching around the mirrors to realize there must be a 3rd floor. I was right! That is where the rest of the machines, more free weights (thank the lord), and some more stretching areas live.
The locker room is a decent size although not in tip-top condition like the rest of the gym. Oddly you have to climb a few stairs (handicap accessible) to get to the showers. Steam room and sauna galore, plenty of showers, nothing too exciting.
And yes, they had Kleenex. It's still "awkward weather" phase in NYC and the drippy nose is inevitable when you go from cool to warm. Don't judge.
My grade: B+
Monday, April 18, 2011
41st and 3rd
The entrance to this facility is quite lovely. Fancy stainless steel in a high-rise building right on 3rd Avenue. As I approached with pep in my step I walked through the revolving door and realized the complete deception I had just encountered, and immediately cussed (partly disappointed no children were around to cry as a result). I descended the 2 flights of ugly, worn steps into the cellar deep below the city's surface.
Strangely it was a very bright location (and I still had reception!). All one floor, this location definitely caters to the young business-types. A studio and cycling near the entrance and all the cardio up front. Plenty of stretching areas (yay!) albeit strewn amongst a very 90's decor (boo). The weight area went back for much longer than expected - plenty of machines, a smaller free weights area, and all the standard (older) equipment.
The locker room was WAY too small for this location. I'm sure since I was there during the busier time it was a little more crowded than usual, but still. It was also oddly open - I felt like had I walked (hardly embarrassed) in the buff to the showers the whole lobby would have seen me. Also because of the rush hour, it was a little messy. I didn't check out the steam room or sauna but OH I wanted to. No time, I say!
Here's the kicker about good ol' 41st and 3rd: straight girls GET HERE FAST. You have the insensitive "only concerned about making money and working out" straight boys to the right (y'all love those guys...right?) and the sensitive "crazy hot, built, has a good job but is secretly gay" boys to the left (you can sleep with them and know when they don't call back it really ISN'T you, it's them!). Lots of staring at me, but no one was about to make a move. Not with their co-workers looking.
Had we been on W 23rd I would have a few numbers by the end of this visit. Hello, Mr. Conceited!
My grade: B
The locker room was WAY too small for this location. I'm sure since I was there during the busier time it was a little more crowded than usual, but still. It was also oddly open - I felt like had I walked (hardly embarrassed) in the buff to the showers the whole lobby would have seen me. Also because of the rush hour, it was a little messy. I didn't check out the steam room or sauna but OH I wanted to. No time, I say!
Here's the kicker about good ol' 41st and 3rd: straight girls GET HERE FAST. You have the insensitive "only concerned about making money and working out" straight boys to the right (y'all love those guys...right?) and the sensitive "crazy hot, built, has a good job but is secretly gay" boys to the left (you can sleep with them and know when they don't call back it really ISN'T you, it's them!). Lots of staring at me, but no one was about to make a move. Not with their co-workers looking.
Had we been on W 23rd I would have a few numbers by the end of this visit. Hello, Mr. Conceited!
My grade: B
Sunday, April 17, 2011
115th and 5th
Him: Hey man, how's the fitness?
Me: The what?
Him: The fitness, man. How's your workout treatin' ya?
Me: I'm...uh...doing my "thang" I guess.
Him: You want to take it to the next level? You gotta push it.
Me: Oh like steroids?
Him: NO MAN! Like personal training. I can help you get to the next level.
Me: So...not steroids?
Him: Nah man, you don't need juice. You need a coach!
Me: I'm broke. Thanks though.
WELCOME TO 115th AND 5th!
So that's a real conversation that happened immediately upon changing and walking out to do abs. I should clarify -- yes, he did work at the gym. I think he was just bored. But I'm not social at the gym and I was there for professional blogging research (HAHA) and clearly did not have time or energy to devote to entertaining/humoring this man.
This facility is a cross between E 23rd and 145th Street locations. It's newer but smaller, well organized but a little cramped. The upstairs is all the cardio (purple awnings are awesome) and downstairs is everything else. There is one studio downstairs which looked rather small. There are plenty of machines and plenty of stretching areas. The free-weight area was pretty wide as well. Some of the equipment was a little squished together and dimly lit, but other than that the atmosphere was pleasant.
The locker room utilized pretty much the same design from 145th: the larger, wider lockers, less benches, and wide-but-still-using-curtains shower stalls. No sauna or steam room (wah wah) although with the humidity it certainly felt like it (but seriously, how much do de-humidifiers cost? So many gyms need them). Luckily for everyone's safety this facility had Kleenex. I would have cut a bitch if I went to yet ANOTHER NYSC with no facial tissue. I was close to writing a letter.
I would avoid this place during the busier times. The space isn't getting any bigger and the clientele isn't getting any more attractive.
My grade: B+
Me: The what?
Him: The fitness, man. How's your workout treatin' ya?
Me: I'm...uh...doing my "thang" I guess.
Him: You want to take it to the next level? You gotta push it.
Me: Oh like steroids?
Him: NO MAN! Like personal training. I can help you get to the next level.
Me: So...not steroids?
Him: Nah man, you don't need juice. You need a coach!
Me: I'm broke. Thanks though.
WELCOME TO 115th AND 5th!
So that's a real conversation that happened immediately upon changing and walking out to do abs. I should clarify -- yes, he did work at the gym. I think he was just bored. But I'm not social at the gym and I was there for professional blogging research (HAHA) and clearly did not have time or energy to devote to entertaining/humoring this man.
The locker room utilized pretty much the same design from 145th: the larger, wider lockers, less benches, and wide-but-still-using-curtains shower stalls. No sauna or steam room (wah wah) although with the humidity it certainly felt like it (but seriously, how much do de-humidifiers cost? So many gyms need them). Luckily for everyone's safety this facility had Kleenex. I would have cut a bitch if I went to yet ANOTHER NYSC with no facial tissue. I was close to writing a letter.
I would avoid this place during the busier times. The space isn't getting any bigger and the clientele isn't getting any more attractive.
My grade: B+
Saturday, April 9, 2011
91st and 3rd
This club was recommended to me by a few people, I think mainly because it has a pool (FREAKOUT!). I did not particularly love the club although I can see why it would appeal to those UES folks.
It is the STRANGEST looking NYSC I have been to thus far. It's like it is a standalone building. I was so nervous walking across the courtyard, feeling all of the dog-walkers and botox-addicts staring at me. The club is divided into two floors. The top/ground floor has a small cycling studio, normal studio, and all of the cardio. Oh and a streching area that can fit 3 slim people, 2 average people, or 1 fat person. Luckily I wanted to use it when two other slim people were using it. Otherwise I'dabeenpissed (new word).
Downstairs is everything else. Free weights (cramped), machines, and the pool. Downstairs was relatively dim, mainly due to a very low ceiling. I checked out the pool; typical NY pool, on the smaller size. The locker room was hotter than the surface of the sun and supposedly had a steam room/sauna/showers but I was too hot and gross to even look. It wasn't busy in there which I guess is a good thing. They had no Kleenex again. Is there a budget crunch on Kleenex? I NEED KLEENEX, DAMNIT. It's a basic amenity!
The worst part about this facility (besides the decor and confusing "fun-house" styled mirrors) was the fact that because there was a pool there were children...everywhere. It was straight out of a nightmare. Upper East Side moms and their children learning to swim. I almost stepped on one of "nature's miracles" more than once as they had light adult supervision and were playing around machines that carried hundreds of pounds of weights...and one bitchy gay guy. Dangerous combination, parents.
My grade: C+
Downstairs is everything else. Free weights (cramped), machines, and the pool. Downstairs was relatively dim, mainly due to a very low ceiling. I checked out the pool; typical NY pool, on the smaller size. The locker room was hotter than the surface of the sun and supposedly had a steam room/sauna/showers but I was too hot and gross to even look. It wasn't busy in there which I guess is a good thing. They had no Kleenex again. Is there a budget crunch on Kleenex? I NEED KLEENEX, DAMNIT. It's a basic amenity!
The worst part about this facility (besides the decor and confusing "fun-house" styled mirrors) was the fact that because there was a pool there were children...everywhere. It was straight out of a nightmare. Upper East Side moms and their children learning to swim. I almost stepped on one of "nature's miracles" more than once as they had light adult supervision and were playing around machines that carried hundreds of pounds of weights...and one bitchy gay guy. Dangerous combination, parents.
My grade: C+
Thursday, April 7, 2011
34th and Park
I approached, walked in, and was totally prepared to hate this location. The men's locker room was confusing to get to, it was very crowded with way too many people doing cardio, and I was confident that there would be a bouncer outside of the locker room asking to see proof that I was member of either the "Jersey Shore Hair Gel Club" or "Long Island Fraternity Association."
I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong.
This club was actually pretty nice. My first impressions were all bad: it was too busy, the locker room was a thousand degrees and humid, there were no dividers between urinals (pet peeve), the general layout didn't seem clear at first, and the clientele was very straight and very "I'll just down a whey protein drink with a beer and call it muscle" focused. However, the club is large, there is plenty of cardio for all of those after-business folks, and although the weights are scattered about in a few different spots the layout isn't all that confusing.
No one was mean and everyone stuck to themselves (perhaps because the girls were too focused on staring at the guys, and the guys were too focused on staring at themselves in the mirror). I didn't have to wait for any equipment. Upstairs is a small area for stretching and a few ab machines, and the rest of the gym is on one level (including the studio and additional free weights in the back). The locker room was on the smaller size, but surprisingly not busy; I have a feeling the regulars at this club work and live in the area and don't utilize the locker rooms much. Just a guess.
Not everything was peaches n cream. The temperature in the locker room DID go down by the time I finished my workout, but it still had that extra-moist quality to it. There were plenty of showers but they are the darkest showers I have ever experienced. If there were ANY LIGHT back in the shower area I would probably say "these showers are large and nice!" but instead I was left thinking "why don't they provide waterproof flashlights?" and "lord have mercy if this were a gayer gym they'd call this the backroom."
My grade: A-
I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong.
No one was mean and everyone stuck to themselves (perhaps because the girls were too focused on staring at the guys, and the guys were too focused on staring at themselves in the mirror). I didn't have to wait for any equipment. Upstairs is a small area for stretching and a few ab machines, and the rest of the gym is on one level (including the studio and additional free weights in the back). The locker room was on the smaller size, but surprisingly not busy; I have a feeling the regulars at this club work and live in the area and don't utilize the locker rooms much. Just a guess.
Not everything was peaches n cream. The temperature in the locker room DID go down by the time I finished my workout, but it still had that extra-moist quality to it. There were plenty of showers but they are the darkest showers I have ever experienced. If there were ANY LIGHT back in the shower area I would probably say "these showers are large and nice!" but instead I was left thinking "why don't they provide waterproof flashlights?" and "lord have mercy if this were a gayer gym they'd call this the backroom."
My grade: A-
Sunday, April 3, 2011
94th and Broadway
Ever walked by a building that was being gutted, with men in hard hats, masks, trucks, and the idling thought that you'll most likely die from asbestos if you linger too long? Well...trying working out in that building. Welcome to 94th and Broadway!
In their defense there were plenty of "Attention Members: this gym is going to SUCK until we fix it" signs all over the place; I still couldn't help but feel I was in the "butcher shop" section of a haunted house (you know with the plastic tarp dangling everywhere...fine maybe "Dexter" would have been a better reference. Can't win 'em all.). Finding your way around the maze of plastic, paint, and tape is a little difficult but wasn't completely unmanageable.
First floor is the reception and sales desks (looks pretty nice!), downstairs are weights, the studio, and locker rooms. Upstairs is the room Dexter kills you in (aha! got it in there), cardio, and a few machines. I didn't spend too much time upstairs cause 1) if I do any more cardio I'll turn into an Olsen twin and 2) the stretching mats were between a steel bar and a death tarp. I decided to go light on abs and head downstairs.
The weight area is a little too small for the size of the gym. Very cramped around the freeweights - too much of the "excusemesorryexcusemesorry" happening and it wasn't even that busy. Standard machines but still all kind of mushed together. Hopefully this will be the next area refurbished after the cardio floor. I have a feeling that many machines were under the tarps upstairs possibly expanding the free weight/machine options.
The locker rooms were hit and miss. I liked the dark paneled lockers and they all seemed to be in working order (something not all too common with NYSC) but the floor looked liked it had seen better days. Sauna, steam room, and plenty of showers. Let's hope they refurbish this area too - no one likes working out in 1980s decor. Oh and while there were plenty of towels there were NO Kleenex. I had cold-weather-to-warm-interior drippy nose walking inside and had to pull an emergency sleeve maneuver. not. cool.
My grade: C+
However, I will revisit after all refurbishments are complete...
Something is brewing...
I didn't abandon the blog. I've just been ONLY going to my home gym on E 23rd Street (too many reasons to type).
That is about to change. Break out the Jane Fonda VHS and get ready...
That is about to change. Break out the Jane Fonda VHS and get ready...
Friday, January 21, 2011
38th and Broadway
Pro: everyone told me I would hate this location, but I didn't HATE it per se.
Con: I didn't like it.
Pro: the trainers here are beyond attractive. All of them.
Con: I wasn't using a trainer.
This place doesn't get a completely failing grade but it certainly isn't recommended. It is tiny and it is clearly for the business folk (aka more cardio than anything else). Don't plan on working on your abs or stretching before your workout cause the tiny, sweat-soaked stretching areas are not worth waiting in line for.
The lockers are small and messy but there was a steam room and a sauna available. While they had most all of the machines that come standard they are packed in a humid and dingy downstairs area. Just not...nice.
The clientele wasn't bad and the trainers all had me drooling. But besides that there isn't much to write about. It is in a terrible part of Manhattan, it's depressing, and it's tiny; none of those are desirable in a boyfriend, and none are desirable in a gym.
My grade: D+
Con: I didn't like it.
Pro: the trainers here are beyond attractive. All of them.
Con: I wasn't using a trainer.
The lockers are small and messy but there was a steam room and a sauna available. While they had most all of the machines that come standard they are packed in a humid and dingy downstairs area. Just not...nice.
The clientele wasn't bad and the trainers all had me drooling. But besides that there isn't much to write about. It is in a terrible part of Manhattan, it's depressing, and it's tiny; none of those are desirable in a boyfriend, and none are desirable in a gym.
My grade: D+
Sunday, January 2, 2011
34th and 2nd
I had been warned that this location would easily get an E grade. I was pleasantly surprised that it exceeded my expectations. I had difficulty finding it since, as you can see, the awning is BLACK AND WHITE (ugh the inconsistencies are mind boggling sometimes) but I made it in OK and the guy working reception, who I believe was the general manager, gave very detailed directions as to where everything was located; this was the first time anyone has done so (please refer to my 73rd and Central Park West experience).
This smaller facility is made up of three levels. The ground floor is just the lobby. Bottom floor is the pool (POOOOL), locker rooms, studio, and the very small free weight area. 2nd floor is everything else.
The free weight area is very, very small. The cable fly system is also in this area and I was staring at a door that said "CAUTION: CORROSIVE MATERIALS!" as I tried to work out my chest. That felt healthy.
The entire facility smells of chlorine which is nice at first - in that childhood reminiscent sort of way - but then rather annoying by the end. Almost everything is on the second floor - cardio (seemed to be a lot), machines, a smaller stretching area, and the cycling studio. I have a feeling there is plenty of natural sunlight on the second floor but it was raining outside and the ceiling lighting is NOT good; it was dim and depressing with very low ceilings. Not a place I would want to visit past daylight hours.
The locker room was surprisingly clean. Only four shower stalls (the half upright bathtub/half tile kind) and the hot water took an embarrassingly long time to get going. The cleanliness kind of makes up for all of that, even though a steam room and sauna were no where in sight.
And since it is Murray Hill, I was the only gay. FML
My grade: B-
The free weight area is very, very small. The cable fly system is also in this area and I was staring at a door that said "CAUTION: CORROSIVE MATERIALS!" as I tried to work out my chest. That felt healthy.
The entire facility smells of chlorine which is nice at first - in that childhood reminiscent sort of way - but then rather annoying by the end. Almost everything is on the second floor - cardio (seemed to be a lot), machines, a smaller stretching area, and the cycling studio. I have a feeling there is plenty of natural sunlight on the second floor but it was raining outside and the ceiling lighting is NOT good; it was dim and depressing with very low ceilings. Not a place I would want to visit past daylight hours.
The locker room was surprisingly clean. Only four shower stalls (the half upright bathtub/half tile kind) and the hot water took an embarrassingly long time to get going. The cleanliness kind of makes up for all of that, even though a steam room and sauna were no where in sight.
And since it is Murray Hill, I was the only gay. FML
My grade: B-
23rd and 8th
I have been to this location before and it definitely has its pros and cons. Let's start with pros, shall we?
Pros: it is all one level. I love gyms that are only one level. Also has plenty of sunlight in the entire facility. This location has a nice free weight area that overlooks Chelsea (always fun to people watch) and has 3 studios: a group class studio, cycling, and boxing (give me a "RANDOM!"). There is a lot of cardio relative to the size of the gym, and the locker room is large - complete with a steam room. Plenty of showers...uh...I'm running out of pros...the people here are attractive and usually always fit.
Cons: tiny stretching area, everyone is on the prowl to get laid (pro perhaps? that's a gray area), and the locker rooms are gross. I mean...gross gross. I hate showering here cause people usually keep their curtain half open as an "invitation" and I refuse to go in the steam room; I feel like I don't need to elaborate on why.
This Chelsea staple isn't all bad, but is certainly not my preferred place to work out. A very gay location (and roid rage runs rampant (hey o- alliteration!)) it is a little too skeevy for me; and I'm pretty skeevy.
My grade: B
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