New York Sports Clubs

Although there are very few if any gyms in this area, I am sure any of the other options would be substantially better. If you like hot sauna like gyms, aggressive and sexist meathead trainers, finger print smeared mirrors, and weights strewn all over the gym, this is the fitness center for you.
A month into my membership I was walking out of the sauna to a male worker in the womens locker room… trying to adjust the temperature… wow.
After receiving a free training session, 3 different trainers called me to book a session. Although it was informative, the price you pay does not match the quality you should receive with these trainers. If you’re looking for an older man, not quite in the best shape, there’s plenty of trainers for you to choose from.
Also when the AC is broken (too often to count) you might want to bring your own towel, since they run out especially when you really need one. Lastly, +25% of the machines are broken or in really poor condition so get ready to fight other gym-​goers for your favorite-​running machine.
If they believe they can charge X amount for this service then they should match quality to the membership fee.
PPS– Your campaign is a complete knock off of Equinox.

This is the worst NYSC location I’ve ever been to. Always packed no matter what time you go, even off peak hours, and the limited amount of cardio machines is ridiculous. The weight area you can’t even get to, it’s always full. They have literally 12 treadmills and the wifi is nonexistent. WTF am I paying for!!! Trainers here hound you to buy their training sessions, like they have a life or death quota to meet. If you’re not a training client they ignore you like you don’t even exist. This location makes me not want to workout. I rather go to Planet fitness at least they have wifi and machines that are available.

I’m a pretty frequent flier at this gym. It’s convenient and has a wide variety of machines and classes, though it can get balls to the wall crowded in here. Some other things to consider:
Pros:
–Helpful staff/​friendly trainers who help newbs like me navigate things more complicated than a treadmill.
–Generally clean facilities. Don’t forget to wipe your machine or you’re going to get mean-​mugged.
–Cold water for drinkin’, hot water for bathin’. Or vice versa, if you’re into that.
Cons:
–Too much bromance in the weights section on the 1^st floor. Good luck getting a bench, ladies.
–Many cardio TV’s don’t work. So much for watching Ina Garten while I feel the burn.
–Major struggles in various Kindergarten golden rules, such as «share» and «put things away where you found them.»

Average gym. It’s large, fairly clean and has alot of equipment, one group exercise studio and one spin studio. The women’s locker room is a good size, includes a nice sauna, several stalls, showers and enough lockers.
My beef is this location’s stinginess with towels (they are rationed out when you check in at the front desk) and the tvs and cardio equipment that are perpetually «out of service». Particularly the treadmills and stairclimbers. Those machines are not out of service, they are old and broken down and just need to be replaced! Why continue to waste time and money on repairs when the gym can just buy new machines and save everyone the hassle and inconvenience? Oh, and I have two questions,
1. Any reason why this location can’t upgrade to the digital tvs like other locations instead of ignoring the fact that half of the manual tvs connected to the cardio machines are outdated, have no signal or are otherwise malfunctioning?
2. I’m assuming NYSC rates are standard across the city and yet when I visit NYSCs in more affluent areas, i.e. Midtown or the upper east side — the equipment is shiny and new, towels are plentiful and amenities seem endless. What’s up with that?
Ok, end rant.

One star. Walked in, because I want to join a gym. Was asked to fill out a form and wait for someone to speak with me. Sat down, and the guy looked like I was disturbing his day. Got a very lazy tour of the gym, and was shown a piece of paper showing the monthly fee and other prices. Asked if I could keep the paper. Was told no. Mind you, the paper was thrown at me. Left the gym and never looked back.

Boy oh boy how things can fall so fast! I used to be a member of NYSC back in 2011 – 2013. When we moved across the street from a Planet Fitness, it just seemed logical that we moved to Planet Fitness. After a month at PF though, I remembered why we paid the amount we did at NYSC:
Clean Towels
Up-​to-​date, State-​of-​the-​art equipment
Helpful staff
Never too crowded
Now, all of those things are gone.
I joined NYSC again in September 2014. I missed it that much. When we went back, it was all the good stuff as you read above. But sometime around the new year 2015, they started this $ 19.95 a month thing. And this brought in everyone that didn’t want to pay the $ 70 a month that I pay. Sure, they can only use one location. Sure, they only can use it in off-​peak hours (hint: not enforced). Sure, they can’t take classes. And sure, they can’t use towels (hint: they do).
But guess what.
I only use 2 locations. Mostly only during off-​peak hours (in which it’s insanely busy now). Don’t take classes (because I’m just there to lift). And I’ve started bringing my own towel because twice now I’ve seen blood stains on my towel.
Did I mention the cables are always broken on a weekly basis?
Yesterday, when I walked into the location, I was standing in a line to go in. One girl checked people in, flirting with a few of the clientele handing towels to everyone before they even scanned in telling them not to worry about it and not to tell. There was another girl who avoided looking at the slowly moving long line because she was busy looking at the computer in front of her. Maybe she was on a break? Maybe she was checking in? Maybe she can’t check people in because it’s not her job, but it just looked like she was lazy and didn’t want to help because she didn’t even acknowledge us.
I hate this gym now. The last time I used the locker room the towel bin was overflowing and it looked like many of the towels were covered in fecal matter.
You need to offer something better to those of us that are paying the premium amount. I’m checking out NYHRC next week, and if I find it’s better, I’m just going quit you.

I really like this location a lot. I’ve been to a few others in the city over the years and prefer this one bc it’s newer, staff are friendly and the machines are often busy, but always available. One NYSC I went to in the west village gave members an opportunity to pick a genre of music and watch music videos, which would be soooo much better than just watching TV (HINT HINT). I did notice they were having some issues with a leaky ceiling for a while, but that seems to be resolved now. The showers and sana are clean and always accessible. I’ve been going consistently for over a year and have no complaints except for the fact that it is getting more crowded during peak hours, and the space seems more limited. Still, there’s always a spot.

NYSC… I had higher regard for you. Maybe this location is the pit stain of your existence, but it is certainly enough to make me disregard that «20 $/​month» flier you keep sending to my house. I live a few blocks away, but have no reservations whatsoever walking 14 blocks to my current gym to bypass this abysmal place.
Machines are broken, the audio inputs don’t work on several of the cardio machines, and as I was signing in for my free 5-​day trial I witnessed the staff arguing and yelling at a customer, not acknowledging other customers at all and talking amongst themselves and on their phones while a line built up at the desk.
I was considering transferring to your gym, until this place completely turned me off NYSC for a hot minute. To have a successful local chain you really need to hone in on each location to ensure they’re all meeting your standards.
This would have been 1-​star, if not for the absolutely AMAZING Vinyasa Flow teacher;s yoga class I sat in on while I was here. Really, she was incredible. In fact literally the only good thing about this location — don’t lose her.

what up with all the bad reviews??? lol I love this gym i was in planet fitness it was cheaper but the members were horrible. I’m in NYSC a bit more expensive but worth it. I actually enjoy going to the classes. The music they play is great to listen to while working out. I give it 4 out of 5 because I believe the base package warrants a lower price tag. Maybe the service has changed since these other reviews (LAST ONE DATING BACK TO JANUARY OF 12). They gym is clean there are always fresh towels and sanitizer to wipe down machines. Its a gym get in… do your work out and go where you need to go.
People are so quick to write a bad review. Sometimes a good one is well overdue. NG
Edit: 1÷19÷2015 — Dropping to 3 stars.
This gym could use some updated machines. Only advantage of going to this location is because it’s close to home and that I’m friendly with many of the members.

Good gym, all of 24 hour fitness locations have more up to date equipment; however, this gym especially this location have a really cool ambiance. When I speak of a gym ambiance, I am speaking about its customers. This gym participants or members are very friendly, hardly anybody stares awkwardly at you or «takes over equipment/​free weights». Taking over is referring to this conversation, Me: «can I join or when are you done?» Dude: «Idk I got a lot of sets left, I’m almost done.» Me while walking away, «But I couldn’t jump in? Ok…» None of that in this gym. A lot of diversity too from all cultures and backgrounds. Everybody is professional including staff and trainers. 2 floors of equipment and various machines. I never receive training from a personal trainer, so I would not be best at criticizing that part of the gym. I advise you call customer service or when you come into join ask about all the deals you can receive! You never know if your job has a special deal with NYSC or its a promotion that day.

Considering the myriad of options of gyms in this area (being somewhat sarcastic), NYSC is by far the best choice. I won’t name names, but the other ones close by are either overrun by teenagers who lounge on the machines all day or is covered in grime and dust so thick that you wonder if anyone goes there. The impeccable sheen on the machines in NYSC for this location is absurdly amazing. Everything is new and clean and makes you feel like you’re in a sterile environment.
I’m surprised by how not-​crowded this place is. Especially in the mornings, the gym is empty. At my old place, I remember there being a line outside even before the place opened up. There are a lot of machines here, although the cardio machines facing each other is a weird layout choice…
I avoid this place right after work because that’s the rush hour, so when I do go I always have my choice of machines and rarely have to wait on other people. The upstairs portion of the gym is also pretty large and have a lot of machines up there (and is usually less crowded). I can’t say anything about the classes they have here though because I’ve never gone and don’t really plan to.
The reason I am knocking down a star is because when I signed up, the person getting my information lied to me. I looked her dead in the eye as I calculated how much I’d be paying per month and asked if there were any additional hidden fees. She kind of looked away and said «no.» Maybe I’m the sucker here, but I signed up, only to find out like 10 minutes later about the January charge. I mean seriously, be up front about it. The gym is nice enough that I would have agreed to join regardless, but that left an incredibly sour taste in my mouth. I strongly suggest management to be more upfront about their business practices because that bordered on unethical.
SO BE WARNED. There is an extra surcharge for the «new year» at NYSC. Otherwise, if you’re willing to pay for it, this is a great place to work out.

It’s 5: am and this is how I start my day… I don’t mind cold water on summer but it’s fall.
The membership for this gym is not cheap, I have the passport and I come here because it’s close to my house.
There is always something wrong with this gym if it’s not towels it’s not hot water and the staff is very friendly I won’t deny that so I really enjoy my stay here but this issues keep repeating itself it’s nothing new so I don’t understand why no take the proper measurements to fix these issues.
Giving 3 starts because I am in good mood.

So, started back at the gym recently and thanks to Living Social have a one month guest pass to New York Sports Club… splitting my NYSC time between here and the one on 86^th street on the upper east side. I actually much prefer this New York Sports Club. The staff here is friendlier and more welcoming. It is a more convenient location as far as transportation and it is not overly packed at this location compared to the one on 86^th street.
A few drawbacks here though… the locker room is fairly small and in changing can get uncomfortable real quick if you are changing to workout/​leave at the time because there may be others in the locker room doing the same at the same time and it presses your patience as far as space. Also, not as much free weights and dumb bell weights as compared to other NYSC locations. But being that this NYSC doesn’t get too overly crowded, you still have your options of weights and machines to use to get a good workout.

I have been a member of NYSC for over fifteen years, and I have been going to this location for about two years. This gym is relatively small, but it is not terribly crowded, so you can get a good workout in. The first floor is underground, so the locker rooms can get a bit muggy, especially in the summer. The locker rooms are clean, and they don’t run out of towels as often as other branches.
I like to take classes, and they have excellent teachers. I highly recommend the spin classes with Lamar on Wednesday nights and Craig on Thursday nights. I also recommend the UXF class on Thursday nights at 6:15pm with Laurrell and the yoga class on Thursday at 8:30pm. The staff is friendly and while it doesn’t quite have the small town feel of the 125^th street branch, where you will truly see the same people working out every day at the same time and quickly strike up acquaintances, this branch is sufficient to meet your basic workout needs.
My biggest complaint about this branch and about all the NYSC branches in Harlem is why do they close at 7pm on Sunday nights? Almost all of the branches on the UWS and downtown close at 9pm or later on Sundays. Considering how many people in Harlem frequent the gym, with plenty of people still on the floor at closing time both on weeknights and weekends, I feel they could extend their Sunday hours.
Also, this branch needs to better regulate the temperature in the spin room. It is so hot some nights, the windows fog up. And there are a lot of spin bikes that need maintenance. I clip in, and my feet have flown out of the pedals one too many times at this location. This seems to be a city-​wide NYSC problem though.

I was blown away by this NYSC. The friendly service and the cleanliness caught me completely off guard. This location is pretty far from me so I decided to check it out while running errands on 145^th street. Two floors with new machines. Plenty of space– you don’t feel cramped like you do at some other locations. I loved that when the gym was closing the staff wasn’t try to shoo you away.
Will definitely return to check out a class or two. They also had a fun balancing surf board to mix into your workout. Definitely join this gym if you’re in the area and can afford the rates.

I switched NYSC’s a couple months ago. I couldn’t deal with the equipment being out of order for long periods of time and them randomly not having towels.
Most of all though, they don’t open on time. Multiple times, it was supposed to open at 5:30 and didnt open until 6:00 or even 7:00. Just doesn’t work when you’re trying to get a workout in before work.
Don’t get me wrong, the staff is all nice, and I still go there on the weekends or just for some cardio, but I can’t depend on the machines functioning and the staff being on time for it to be my regular gym.

I’ve been to a lot of different NYSCs in my six years in the city and I don’t feel the need to have more than a «Core» (single gym) membership now that I’ve joined this one. There are lots of classes, the teachers have great attitudes, (I really like the spin people), the trainers are awesome (shout-​out to Serico, force of nature), the check-​in people are always upbeat and friendly… never had a problem getting a towel, it’s always tidy… nice group of patrons. So far I’m completely intimidated by the weight area because the guys there are some of the most hardcore bodybuilders I have ever seen in person, but they’re probably pretty nice? They’re just way too hot for me to ever expose myself lifting my wimpy tens. Maybe I’ll work up to something impressive at home. Like twelves!
The only reason this isn’t five stars is because I wish there were more than three showers, but that also hasn’t really been a problem so far. And, it’s a NYSC not an Equinox, so it’s not luxury+!, but I think it’s well worth the $ 70/​month.

I’m not quite sure why I’m paying $ 70 for a «gym» that is filthy/​disgusting and forever out of order. To begin, the locker room is small; smells like feet, mildew, and wet carpet; and doesn’t have enough lockers or benches. The mountain of dirty towels is always overflowing, which explains why there are never enough clean towels available. Good luck finding hand soap, kleenex, or a paper-​towel machine that works.
Once you get passed the mess of the locker room, you get to the mess of the actual gym. The weights are never re-​racked, and you always have to go on a hunt before being able to complete any exercise. Not only is space and availability an issue in the locker room, but it’s the same issue on the floor. Never enough space, every machine is always taken, dumbells scattered throughout the 1^st and 2^nd floor, and dirty towels lining the floor or slung over machines.
I’m always worried I’m going to contract some type of disease just by walking into this place. Filthy! Oh yeah, and the classes they offer, you have to pay extra (for some — like yoga). Every class I’ve witnessed while working out, has their members packed in like a can of sardines! How somebody hasn’t left with a black eye from zumba is beyond me. If anyone knows how to get out of this dreadful contract, PLEASE, let me know!

This gym is slightly above average, so 3 stars
PROS
–MOST of the employees here are super nice to me (except for one as noted in the cons section)
–The gym is pretty spacious with two floors, plenty of equipment
–Plenty of hot guys for eye candy, although recently Hells Kitchen queens have been dumping white gay guys who, in my opinion, ruin my workout. Sorry I’m racist. Oh and I’m not sorry.
–The showers here have HOT WATER. Yes this is something I need when my piece of shit apartment has no hot water which happens about twice a month. I pay $ 89 a month to have a 2^nd bathroom at NYSC.
CONS
–Some shit fuck ALWAYS forgets to bring the towels at least twice times a month. So I have no choice but to wipe my sweaty German balls over everything I touch. I’ve learned to adapt, so when this happens now I throw my hands up and shout «GREAT TODAY IS STAND UP AND USE FREE WEIGHTS DAY»
–That one trainer named Anwar who should never try to be a customer service representative. During a conversation with this one she tries to explain to me «We close early Sunday at 7pm because this is a neighborhood gym.» My response «But Popeyes across the street stays open. Why not here too?» Her response, «Okay just because I’m African American doesn’t mean I want to eat at Popeyes.» My response, «Um…this has nothing to do with you being African American.» And she’s not even African American. She’s Jamaican. She then explains to me that NYSC closes early at 7pm on Sunday because it’s God’s day. Really queen? Didn’t know I was enrolled at New York Sports Church.
–That one employee who let’s everyone know the gym is closing in a passive-​aggressive manner by flipping the switch on and off several times for two full minutes, or just turns the light off and keeps it off for two full minutes (mind you if you’re in the locker room it will go pitch black and if something warm and squishy touches you it’s not mine.)
–They need to add MORE benches than they have in the men’s locker room. Either that or maybe I should just sit on the ground and wipe my dirty butthole everywhere. I see a sign saying «we cannot accommodate all of your requests.» You can’t get another bench?
–They need to stop closing so damn early on weekend nights. There’s plenty of people still working out in the later hours of the day every weekend. For a «city that never sleeps» NYSC sure acts like it’s in a war-​torn city in Syria that needs a curfew. NYSC doesn’t respond to my requests to keep it open later either.

Oh NYSC, oh NYSC.
You’re way too much money for me.
I cancelled my membership but now I want you back,
but your membership rates give me a heart-​attack.
Until I renew, I’ll mooch my boy-​friends guest passes.
And laugh at the other gym members and their… nice…asses.
You have no pool, but you’ve got elliptical, treadmills, Zumba classes too.
Of NYSC, what I’d do for you.
I’ll be joining in January to get rid of my love handles.
The rate will also encourage me (or force me) to not eat as much.
_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​
FYI this location does not have a pool.
It does have an abundance of machines, but does get pretty crowded during after-​work hours. The walk-​in level of this place is on basement level… so as you can imagine, it can get pretty «humid”-feeling in here. However, as Nestor stated, the place is very clean.
A lot of the frequenters are friendly, as well as the staff. And I know what you’re thinking, why would I pay so much money to sign up here when Planet Fitness is like $ 10/​a month? Because when you walk into Planet Fitness, everybody and his mother is in there. No where near as maintained as this place.
Also, when I previously cancelled (for medical reasons), they were willing to reimburse me for the time that I was not able to go to the gym, if I was willing to provide a doctor’s note. I really appreciated that!