Written by Tyler DiGiovanni | BSBM
Fact checked by Sam Coleman, Co-Founder
FACT CHECKED
With a population of over 8 million people, New York City is the most populated city in the USA. With that huge number of people comes a huge number of gyms. A task like finding the right gym can be daunting when it comes to the sheer volume of gyms available. We want to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, which is why we’ve found the best of the best, and broke them down by what they excel at. Without any further ado, here are the top ten best gyms in NYC.
1. Coliseum Gym (Bodybuilding Focus)
If you're looking to build serious muscle, Coliseum Gym in Queens is the place to go. Offering top-tier equipment for heavy lifting and a no-frills environment perfect for focused training. Don’t expect scented towels and spa services when you walk through the doors. This place is about packing on muscle. Point blank period.
Cost:
- Day Pass: $19.99
- 1 Month: $69.99
- 3 Months: $199.99
- 6 Months: $319.99
- 1 Year: $595.99
2. The Class by Taryn Toomey (Mental and Physical Focus)
The Class is not your typical group fitness workout. In fact, you might be a little skeptical going into it, but almost everyone that has decided to go all in to the experience has described it as cathartic. Combining HIIT, yoga, dance, meditation, and music, The Class offers a unique workout that is good for your body and soul.
Cost:
- Monthly: $40
- Quarterly: $110 or $36.67/month
- Annually: $400 or $33.67/month
3. Equinox (Luxury Focus)
Sometimes you need to treat yourself to the good things in life, so why shouldn’t your gym experience be the same? Offering state-of-the-art facilities with amenities to match, Equinox provides an upscale workout experience. After your workout, make sure to enjoy the steam room and scented towels.
Cost (All memberships require a 12-month commitment):
- Access to base gym: ~$240 depending on location
- Access to 80+ gyms around the country: $315
- Access to all clubs except Hamden Yards: $385
- All Access: $405
4. Planet Fitness (Budget Focus)
While this might not be on the top of everyone’s list for gym they want to frequent, you can’t argue with the price. Offering memberships that will get you access to one club or all of them, you can decide how much you want to shell out every month. They may not have the greatest selection of free weights, but those looking for a spot to get in shape for cheap can’t go wrong.
Cost:
- Single Club: $15/month + taxes/fees
- PF Black Card: $30/month + taxes/fees
Related: Planet Fitness Workout Plan
5. Mile High Run Club (Running Focus)
Sometimes you want to go for a challenging run without dodging pedestrians and sucking in car exhaust. Mile High Run Club offers a challenging, targeted workout to help you achieve your running goals. Whether it’s getting ready for a half or full marathon, or just improving your conditioning, MHRC has options to take you to the next level.
Cost:
- 1 Class: $40
- 5 Classes: $175
- 10 Classes: $345
- Unlimited Access: $249
- 4 Classes/Month: $125
- 8 Classes/Month: $175
6. YMCA of Greater New York (Family-Friendly)
What better place to bring your family than the YMCA? Known for providing community-focused fitness no matter the ages. With multiple places in NYC, it offers weightlifting and cardio, as well as swimming pools and basketball courts. Just like the song says, there’s many ways to have a good time.
Cost (will vary by location):
- Adult (18-64): $93/month
- 1 Adult + Kids Under 18: $112/month
- 2 Adults + Kids Under 18: $166/month
- Youth (0-11): $230/year
- Teen (12-17): $270/year
- Student: $74/month
- Senior (64+): $74/month
7. SLT [Strengthen, Lengthen, Tone] (Pilates Focus)
SLT is the premiere gym chain for beastly Pilates-style workouts. Pilates is difficult enough by itself, with the introduction of the Megaformer, a more intense version of the reformer, you’re going to get the best Pilates workout you’ve ever had. With 12 locations in NYC and virtual classes, Pilates has never been easier to get to.
Cost:
- Single Class: $44
- 5 Classes: $210
- 10 Classes: $400
- 20 Classes: $760
- 4 Classes/month: $160/month
- 8 Classes/month: $304/month
- 12 Classes/month: $432/month
- Monthly Unlimited: $465/month
8. Rumble (Boxing Focus)
Let’s make it very clear: Rumble is not going to get you ready to step into the ring with Mike Tyson. But, what it will do, is give you a HIIT workout in a group fitness setting combining elements of boxing with strength training. Classes are led by a trainer/DJ/emcee to inspire your very best efforts. Sound interesting? Check out their free intro class to see if it’s something you’d enjoy.
Cost:
- 4 Classes/month: $139
- 8 Classes/month: $249
- Unlimited Classes: $299
Related: Home Boxing Workout Plan
9. Sky Ting Yoga
Located in NoHo, Sky Ting Yoga provides fantastic views of the Manhattan Bridge while participating in one of their diverse classes. Offering several choices, from Katonah restorative to pre + post natal classes, there is something for every practitioner. Can’t make it to the studio for the class you want? No worries, they have an extensive virtual library, making sure you don’t miss your session regardless of your schedule.
Cost:
- All Access Yearly: $3,250
- All Access Monthly: $280
- In Person Monthly: $250
- Digital Yearly: $450
- Digital Monthly: $50
10. CrossFit NYC (Functional Fitness & CrossFit)
With two locations in NYC, including the oldest and largest affiliate in the city, CrossFit NYC has been providing the quintessential CrossFit experience to New Yorkers since 2005. Ranging from beginner-friendly sessions to more advanced options, anyone who wants to get into the CrossFit scene couldn’t pick a better spot. Stop in for a single session, or grab a monthly membership and get jacked!
Cost:
- Unlimited Monthly: $325/month
- Unlimited Yearly: $275/month
- Drop-In: $45/class
Related: Crossfit Workout Routine for Beginners
Wrap-Up
There you have it: ten gyms in NYC that all provide a different gym experience. The amount of services available is as diverse as the people who live in New York. No matter your budget or fitness goals, you can’t go wrong with any of the picks on this list.
Did your gym make the cut? Let us know if you think we missed out on a gem in the comments below.
Related: More Commercial Gym Reviews
Tyler DiGiovanni
Author