New York Sports Club

Update:
Having been a member now for a month, I am happy to say I am still pleased with my choice in joining this location. The front staff are always friendly. I never have issues waiting for the treadmill, cycling, or rowing machines. The weight machines can get busy sometimes but I don’t think I’ve ever had to wait longer than 5 minutes. Lockers are well kept. Massage chairs are great. Sauna is hot and clean. The only minor complaint I have is that they recently removed the towel locker at the front entrance. You are now limited to 2 towels per visit, which is pretty inconvenient. I get saving on costs, but the abundant towel service is a part of what makes the experience here feel more upscale. Taking that away makes coming here more of a utilitarian experience and less luxurious. I say bring back the towels! Or better yet, upgrade them. One other suggestion: upgrade the shampoo, conditioner, and body soaps. Literally, if you all did that, I would never bat an eye at Equinox.

*****

I honestly don't understand why this location received such negative reviews. I just toured and signed up for membership today. Compared to the other gyms, NYSC is a great value. Passport membership was only $75 a month for access to all locations, though I got a corporate discount, so brought it down to $60. The gym has four levels, it's well lit, the locker room is clean, there's towel service, there's a sauna, tons of equipment, and my personal favorite, pilates reformer machines and classes. The reformer classes alone cost $35 a pop anywhere else in the UES. The front desk receptionists were nice and the trainer Jane was very friendly and welcoming.

The only other options in the UES would be Crunch fitness, where the monthly rate is $100 for a single location or $270 at Equinox. I've been to Crunch fitness. It's perfectly fine too, and they have great classes, but it was a little too dark and the layout was a little weird. Equinox is great, but for that price point, no thanks. There's the 92Y and Asphalt Green, but again, they are both similar in pricing as Crunch, with access to only one location.

I initially thought there wouldn't be enough class offerings for me at NYSC because they don't seem to advertise it online but after signing up, there's an app that you can use to register for the many classes at all their locations, and they are not full. So you can literally take yoga, pilates, HIIT, cycling, martial arts, etc for a fraction of the cost of regular studios.

Ultimately, I think NYSC is the best deal in the UES for convenience, variety, quality, and pricing. Side note: I'm a former Class Passer, and I am canceling my subscription plan.