Are most gyms getting worse because most new developments have gyms?

They are an targeting older crowd because that's where the money is. I haven't seen a gym that endorses the use of powder on the hands for grips in decades.

I think gyms (on UWS) have aged with me. When I moved here, the average member was about 5-10 yrs older than me. That hasn't changed! No young whippersnappers around.

upper west became more expensive. A world gym wouldn't make it today. Also many of the newer condos come with good gyms. Only way these guys make money is to go the Reebok route and sell a life style.

NYC10023 - do you go at the same times as you used to? I feel the same but then I realize that I go at the 30something times now ...

What are the 30 year old times?

early morning, in my case

I could see why in-house gyms would appeal to the casual exerciser, but anyone who does any serious working out would find most of those "gyms" small and woefully inadequate for a full range of workout routines.

As a gym rat myself, I would actually find in-house gyms to be a waste of money and resources -- it's an amenity that I would never use. I have yet to see an in-house gym that would entice me to give up my NYSC membership.

so...wise one...how many in house gyms have you seen? what equipment was missing that you needed to complete your work out?

i go to a totally low-rent gym, and we have all ages at all hours (and all fitness levels, too). and we have decent equipment without waits, so no complaints. it's definitely not a lifestyle (or maybe it is, sort of), but i'm in a low-rent neighborhood as well.

i used to belong to steel gym in chelsea. very friendly place, but it took me months to use the weights.

CC, I've seen at least two dozen in-house gyms.

so...is that at least or at most? what percentage of in house gyms do you think you've then seen? if you have actually seen 24, if there are 600, you've sampled 4%. and, by the way, what was missing, oh great one?

CC, what part of "I've seen AT LEAST two dozen in-house gyms" did you not understand?

at least? seems to imply that you've seen more. but, given your myriad interests and vp duties, its hard to believe that you've had time to fit in your 24 in house gym visits. out of curiosity, why did you visit 24 in house gyms? was this part of your due diligence in finding your 1,700 square foot one bedroom taj mahal? or do you just visit in house gyms for fun?

your assertion that these gyms are inadequate is as ridiculous as most of your nonsense. perhaps, if you were to say, that your in house gym is not up to par, that would make sense but to generalize (as you so often do) is pretentious and misleading to others. i have only been in two in house gyms: one in my building which is small but short of training to be on the NY Giants more than enough and one in a new condo which was nicer than the original equinox on amsterdam avenue.

"I would actually find in-house gyms to be a waste of money and resources -- it's an amenity that I would never use."

Not if you choose wisely and pick a classic and adaptable in-house gym style.

I'm with NYCMatt on this. The most obvious thing I see missing from all the gyms I've seen are a squat/power rack. Most also didn't have a incline/decline bench. With that said, if your routine involves all work on machines, then it could be enough.

i used to pay close to $4 k a year for a family membership; for years now we use the facility in the basement (which all things being equal is not as gracious as Equinox but gets the job done--either way, can't get anybody else to do the work for you!) for around $500 per year for everyone.

NYCMatt is totally correct. No gym rat I know would use most in-house gyms I have seen, even in the very nice buidlings...other than for cardio. I am not sure why columbiacounty is arguing this point. Most gym rats want 9 different ways to do bench press, at least, and ten different kind of rows...dumbell, machine, barbells, another kind of machine...etc. Gym rat 101.

Like I said, for the "casual exerciser", in-house gyms are fine.

Jason, columbiacounty argues any and all points against me, regardless of position.

I didn't realize NYCMatt was a VP at his media company.

Interesting he is a "gym rat" too, that is helping to complete my profile on him.

Most apartment gyms CANNOT accommodate gym rats/bunnies. The free weights and the equipment are simply too "basic" for us. I retain my membership @ Equinox although I have a gym in my bldg.--which I occasionally use for basic workouts when the weather is TOTALLY, completely horrible, I only have 20 minutes to spare, etc.

jason10006, there are degrees of gym rats. i'm a gym rat, but i could make do and adapt if I had an adequate gym on-site. i might miss some of the weight training, but i'd find a way to adjust, and would find compensation in the fact that the cardio i need daily is so accessible. for all but the most dedicated weight trainers, an adequate gym is OK. some of the in-house gyms are not even adequate, but that is a different point.

very few of the people I see doing weight training at the gym are doing the kind of routines you are talking about. some, yes, but not most.

New Equinox...73 &2nd....big disapointment. Much ado about nothing except high fees.

It's funny, cause you dont actually need all those machines, but it sure is nicer with them.
But for how much money is the question? I played football throughout high school and college, and used the power rack religiously, but when possible, I would use the free squat, if I had a spotter.
But the absolute best workouts I had were machine and weight-less, using my own body weight I would actually increase my reps and tone my muscles (I always thought of it as cardio for my muscles...)
And it was free...but not everybody is in to that.

That being said, when I was younger, the real reason to go to Equinox was to check out the babes.

Some condo gyms are quite nice, modern treadmills,elipticals, pools, dumb bells, utility bench, standard cybex machines, chin up bar, smith machine. Plus your condo association is not for profit. you save money. If you think the equinox on amsterdam gives you more, you are kidding yourself.

upperwestrenter - can you tell us a bit more about the exercises? And are the exercises "machine"-less or with machine but weight-less?

Love in house gyms - If I go to the gym at all. Hate going outside. Love it in the building. No coats, no need to shower there. I'd much rather do all that in my own apt. When I belonged to the in house gym I went much more often than when I had an membership at a regular gym. What a waste of money that was for me.

I think NYSC has more serious weight lifting equipment than Equinox.

If your gym is near where you live, why do people shower at the gym? I think it is gross, and depending on what part of town you are in, a bit too lookey-lookey.

"If your gym is near where you live, why do people shower at the gym?"

Not everyone is just showering at the gym.

In-house fitness centers: can't beat the hours or the commute. I use mine when I oversleep and can't make it to the gym before work or if I'm too groggy to think of what to pack to wear to work.
What Equinox has over in-house fitness centers: large TV's with plug-ins for headphones, sauna and steam rooms.

and swimming pool

Why woudl you think a gym rat woudl like Equinox? Did someone say so on this thread? If so I disagree. Usually even a NYSC (GASP!) has more variety of equipment than an equinox. Equinox's - the four in Manhattan and one in SF and one in LA I havebeen to - none had as much equipment as nearby Crunch's or NYSCs (or in CA 24 hour fitness.) Not to mention how much more equipment at SportsClub/La/Reebok or at Chelsea Piers 9for the same price range) or Gold's (for less). I think equinox is great if you want less crowded and really nice locker rooms and nice and pretty, but its not a serious gym-rat's gym.

Inhouse gym would be useless for me - I only do classes (spin, yoga, pilates). Run outside when it's nice.

Jason, the issue here MIGHT be that there tends to be a negative correlation between the SES of the members and the gym-bunny friendliness.

Many of my bunny friends go to Planet Fitness, Dolphin Fitness, and Bally's. Their free weigt areas are amazing w/ all sorts of benches one might need. At these gyms, there is no spa service, wet bar, etc. because those bunnies simply do not utilize them. Also, in terms of their members, you might, well, bump into your plumber, mover, or contractor who tends to talk about "chicks" and grunt while working out, which you may or may not like.

NYSC is a notch "above," and some of the locations have great equipment--but most locations are pretty basic, in terms of free weights and benches. You still run the risk of running into the people described above, which some of us might consider undesirable.

People go to Equinox when they want to be in a grunt-free and potty-mouth-free environment, in my opinion. Many of us gym bunnies are actually uncomfortable w/ such populations, and we think Equinox provides the best balance between the equipment and "peace."

Other gyms you mention tend to be all on the West Side, so I can't comment on them, Jason.

I'm a gym rat but I NEVER use machines. I go for the classes -- dance, yoga, pilates, kickboxing....

I guess i'm more intrepid. I've belonged to NYH&R, Bally's, Steel Gym, the Asser Levy Recreation Center (great facilities but 20 minute aerobic machine, many members definitely spent some time up the river, $75 per year including indoor and outdoor pools), and now Synergy.

The only place where I found the clientele a bit creepy was NYH&R. I'll take working out with the convicts and the Chelsea boys any day over the guys at NYH&R.

My husband grunts when he lifts. I just pretend like I don't know him when we work out together.

"I think Equinox is great if you want less crowded and really nice locker rooms and nice and pretty, but its not a serious gym-rat's gym." Couldn't agree more, was a member there for 4 years until I figured out what I was really using there and then went out and found a gym where I didn't have to pay for all the things I didn't use. Plus, the high and mighty attitudes of the staff members wore on me after a while. Nothing bad about Equinox, just better value after you figure out what you need a gym for. As for NYSC, I've been to cleaner subway bathrooms than those locker rooms. Also extremely crowded even in what I would consider "off hours" e.g. Sunday afternoon at 3.

SUre, NYSC locations are often gross...basically any of the not-new ones. My point is that if I am paying 50% more I want at least the SAME amount of equipment which is why I dislike equinox, and why I am joining SCLA.

where would you guys recommend for gyms with clean pools around columbus circle (other than equinox)

"NYSC locations are often gross...basically any of the not-new ones."

I'm not sure what you're used to, but very few NYSC locations I've been to can be described as "gross", even on a bad day.

80th and broadway isn't so great.
49th and 6th is meh at best...

How's 76th and bway, never been there.

grand central is hideous

NYSC 86th & Lex - locker rooms are a dump

"How's 76th and bway, never been there."

The locker rooms are pretty clean.

Probably because they're hardly used. Other than the exercise studio, the facilities are barely a step up from a hotel "gym". I used to go there as a second-to-last resort when I lived a couple of blocks away. (Last resort was running up and down the stairs in my building for 15 minutes. A good intense workout; for extra credit do sit ups/push ups/tricep dips/jumping jacks when you get to the top.)

that too. some NYSC are huge, some very tiny. It depends on where.

To me, having to "go to" the gym makes me go to the gym. A house gym in the building wouldnt be much better at motivating than a Bowflex in the basement. Anecdotally, I don't see thinner crowds at Chelsea Piers these days even given all the new house gyms and the recession.

NYSC is a dump. They've really run the place down. I quit a few years ago...the location on Broadway and 49th has flies in the locker room, and on 79th the board of health shut down the sauna on a number of occasions.
Eqnuinox has real attitude, they charge outrageously and are not sensitive to complaints, like when they shut down 76t and Amsterdam. NY Health & Racquet was decent but they cater to an older crowd. I'll stick to my building facility.

I go to Paris (WEA and 97). I love it.

you love it?

Time for a little PM pontification...
The gym that I pay the 'fat tax' to is NYSC on 76th (eastside). Nothing bad to say about the gym for the most part, it's the creepy locker room hang out people. Walking around with their willies hanging out, strolling around, allowing Mr. Happy to touch and brush up against sinks and counters (unhygenic and...gross) Hairy, ugly MFs with clearly no life to go home to. Did I mention this is a straight gym? The solution is to never go into the locker room.
Hey if one of you hairy naked shrek dudes are reading this...put a towel on...your making me queezy.

For the entire time that I was an NYSC member (99 to 04), I never used the showers. Just used the locker room to change. 62nd & Bway, 73rd & CPW were both fine.

matt...are you hearing this? mattttttt....

ChuckL-- "where would you guys recommend for gyms with clean pools around columbus circle (other than equinox)"

Closest would be West Side YMCA on 63rd between B'way and CPW.
A bit further, Manhattan Plaza Health Club on 43rd and 10th has a nice pool.
There's a pool in the health club at The Parker Meridien (Gravity Fitness) on 56th between 6 and 7, but it's smaller than the aforementioned facilities.

Nicest pool on UWS - JCC.

There is roving band of dancers who join NYSC to take classes there, and they know who the good dance instructors are, and they roam from one branch to another to take class.

It's cheaper to take class at NYSC than it is to do it at a dance studio, where the fees are between $15 and $20 per class. Although many do both -- they take professional class and NYSC class, but if you want to dance 3 or 4 times per week, and you can do half of it at the gym, you will save money .

But this aside, you guys have veered onto the subject of pools, and I have a question -- can anybody recommend a good OUTDOOR pool in the city that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Years ago I used to swim at the rooftop pool at the Holiday Inn in the west 50s. Back then it cost $15 a day, and you could stay all day long if you liked.

Then I tried to go there again last year and they wanted $50 per day for non-hotel guests! Crazy! Who would pay so much?

My question is just about OUTDOOR pools. I can go to an indoor pool at NYSC but that is really not much fun for me. In the summer I want to be swimming in the open air. thanks.

John Jay park, but it's not that easy. there's usually a wait list (although not if you get there early). there are others in different neighborhoods, with differing levels of insanity. the Asser Levy one is crazy early in the season, often not so much a bit later.

aboutready -- you're referring to the city pools, that are part of the new york city parks dept, right? I have gone to some of them but they are crazy crowded and only 4 feet deep. Not much fun.

i'm at a loss then. although John Jay is 8' deep, and there's another diving pool downtown.

If you belong to places like New York Sports Club, and you aren't going to one by your work at work hours, so you are going to one near your home, and you yuse a shower, then either there is something wrong with you or you are a homosexual (male or female). Simple as that. If you yuse the shower at your gym and the gym is near your home, there is no other good reason.

GraffitiGrammarian, I haven't been, but the people have been very happy over the years with the City pool formerly known as Carmine Street:

http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/M103/facilities/pools

I'm sure it helps if your schedule allows you to go off-hours on weekdays.

GraffitiGrammarian-- "My question is just about OUTDOOR pools. I can go to an indoor pool at NYSC but that is really not much fun for me. In the summer I want to be swimming in the open air. thanks."

The Manhattan Plaza pool has a retractable roof that opens on nice summer days.

I was a member at Sports Club LA/NY Rock for over 2 years. Rates always increased and the locker rooms were getting disgusting after a while. I left because of location, rate, degradation of services, and the abundant old people. I'd rather join NYSC where I have so many locations to choose from. I've found it to be subpar at best for classes, but everything else is just fine.

thanks for the replies on the pool. I was unaware of Manhattan Plaza, and also did not know that john jay pool had a deep end. Thanks to all.

"I'd rather join NYSC where I have so many locations to choose from. I've found it to be subpar at best for classes, but everything else is just fine."

Frankly, I've been shopping around for other gyms besides the NYSC, but you just can't beat them on number of locations, great equipment, and (in my opinion, relative to other places I've seen) clean bathrooms.

Bonus: No matter where you are in the city when you're out-and-about, there's always a clean, semi-private bathroom!

The worst Equinox I've been to was cleaner bathrooms than the best NYSC.
And better equipment across the board.
(with the possible exception of E 85).

E 63 is magically pristine.

Crunch was one of the worst on cleanliness.

haha, I agree, Matt! I often think my NYSC membership is worth just for the bathroom accessibility alone. You're absolutely right, there is always NYSC branch (and bathroom) nearby when you want one.

Equinox is $2000 plus per year. Crazy

Equinox is nothing more than a few cardio & exercise machines wrapped up in glam.
When you strip away the decor all gyms are the same. Of course the marketing guys who peddle the "life style?" and the gym snobs would disagree.

10 Hanover has the best in house gym

sports club la/rockefeller is possibly one of the worst "lifestyle" offenders. Although the class size is always smaller and the space is more spaced out, the ludicrous price to pay per month would make anybody cry foul.

Which Downtown buildings have indoor pools? Thank you.

Chelsea Piers is the best gym but SOOO far away. Even if you are right across the highway you've got to walk all the way across the pier to get to the entrance.

Gyms aren't getting any cheaper. Some things in NYC will stay expensive.

Gyms became spas and pricey ones at that. The product is more about beautiful bathrooms and cool waiting rooms. When you get down to it, they all have very similar equipment.

For most a well equipped gym in our building is an attractive alternative.

The place is huge, it's open 24 hours a day during the week, the equipment is great, there's a juice bar, internet cafe, tattoo parlor, and even a parrot. All this for only $400 a YEAR.

OOPS forgot the link: http://www.jsbiggym.com/

Washington Heights.