Time Out New York / Issue 641 : Jan 10–16, 2008
Get fit
New ways to work out
Where to lift weights—and compete in a cage match, cheerlead or train like Randy Moss. Your localized guide to the freshest gyms and techniques, with programs low-key, intense, hard-core or your choice of all three.
Jiu-Jitsu at Evolution Sports Club
Photograph: Jeff Gurwin
Evolution Sports Club
Tough guys
and damsel-in-distress types will be glad to know that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is coming to this new Astoria gym, which opened last April. “This type of martial art is good real-world training,” says owner Anthony Maniscalco. “If you find yourself in a confrontation, you’ll be able to defend yourself a lot better: You can use the techniques to render someone completely motionless.”
Rates: Yearlong membership is $58 per month plus a $75 initiation fee; month-to-month membership $65 per month plus a $69 initiation fee.
37-11 35th Ave at 37th St, Long Island City (718-349-3494)
Matrix Fitness Club
Commitmentphobes might be interested to know that this is the only club in Queens that will give you a no-strings-attached free ride for two weeks: Test-drive classes (which include Pilates, yoga, boxing and belly dancing), machines and locker rooms galore for nothing.
Rates: Per month $62.50; per year in full $650, or with a yearlong commitment $55 per month.
43-60 Ditmars Blvd between 43rd and 45th Sts, Astoria (718-267-8989)CityView Racquet Club
Long Island City gets a little bit swankier this month with the addition of a two-floor, 80,000-square-foot club on the top of the Swingline Stapler building. The place boasts seven Har-Tru tennis courts, four squash courts, a lounge, an outdoor deck, a juice bar and a full spa.
Rates: Per year $4,000 plus $1,500 initiation; off-peak per year $2,200 plus $1,500 initiation.
43-34 32nd Pl between Queens Blvd and Skillman Ave, Long Island City (718-698-3664)
