Best gyms and health clubs in New York City 2013

Use our guide to NYC’s best gyms and health clubs to find the fitness center that’s right for you.

By Melody Serafino Wed Dec 26 2012

Best gyms and health clubs in New York City 2013. Pictured: David Barton Gym Illustration: Nick Iluzada; Photograph: Jessica Lin

Choosing where to exercise can give your brain quite a workout. To help, we break down what’s unique about NYC’s best gyms and health clubs, so you can focus on getting buff, shaping up for a wedding, or relaxing in New York’s best gym spas. And to quickly compare fees and amenities, check out our chart of New York gyms.

RECOMMENDED: Best gyms and fitness classes in NYC 2013

Best gyms and health clubs

For the lives-at-the-gym spartan: David Barton Gym

Join this upscale fitness temple if you’ve got the iron self-discipline to put in the hours. Each of the three local locations is decked out like a Meatpacking District nightclub, so there’s plenty of visual stimulation (of the nonpervy kind) to keep you interested during the umpteenth set of reps. The abundance of equipment at all three locations means there’s no waiting for a machine to become available and there are no time limits; plus, cell-phone use is allowed. Make no mistake, though: Serious exercise happens within these walls. All group classes are taught by personal trainers with a focus on form, technique and proper weight resistance. Try Caponyasa, a fusion of capoeira and modern dance, and Rope Burn, an intense jump-rope cardio workout. And don’t worry about being intimidated by body beautifuls—there are plenty of members who are mere mortals. davidbartongym.com. Monthly membership starts at $125.

Various locations

For the group exerciser: Crunch

The treadmill can be a lonely road. Find motivation with fellow travelers at this chain, which offers dozens of free classes for members who want to whip that postholiday body into shape. The schedule rotates regularly, but standouts include Pound, a kick-ass fusion of music and dance that uses weighted drumsticks, and SurfSET & Sand, a beachy circuit that employs sandbags and a surfboard that pivots to simulate the movements of hanging ten. Join a workout party every Tuesday (6–9pm), when DJs spin high-energy beats while members sweat at locations in midtown, Union Square, Soho, Chelsea, Park Slope and Fort Greene. crunch.com. Monthly membership starts at $59.

Various locations

For the overscheduled: New York Sports Clubs

Not having time to hit the gym is no excuse at this ubiquitous club. Thanks to 52 locations in all five boroughs, convenience is part of this chain’s appeal. Maximize your workout with UXF Burn, a group class that consists of short bursts of intense strength training and cardio conditioning like jumping jacks, burpees and mountain climbers, to improve flexibility, agility and endurance. Those who want more personal attention can sign up for UXF Ripped (eight sessions $199), a small-group version capped at ten people. mysportsclubs.com. Monthly membership starts at $49.95.

Various locations

For the shy slimmer: Lucille Roberts

This ladies-only gym specializes in weight-loss programs to help members tone up and shed pounds safely. The club provides equipment oriented to women who have never worked out in a gym before and designates times when personal trainers are available for advice and sessions free of charge. Members can pair up with a personal trainer ($25–$300), and anyone can buy products like the club’s line of protein powders ($25) and green coffee-bean extract ($30–$60), a supplement that contains chlorogenic acid, which is intended to speed up weight loss by slowing the release of glucose into the bloodstream. On-staff nutritionists provide gratis dietary advice to complement exercise programs. Beginning in January, new members can join select locations for $15 per month with no contract. lucilleroberts.com. Monthly membership starts at $15.

Various locations

For the wanna-be Rockette: New York Health & Racquet Club

This family-owned gym, which prides itself on its creative fitness classes, adds a new one to its West 23rd Street location in January. High Kicks, a complimentary group class taught by Rockette Barbi Powers, tones and tightens legs and butts with classic moves like toy-soldier marches and the famous kick lines. Attendees will learn barre choreography and can even bring nonmember friends ($25). Relax postworkout in the club’s Turkish saunas and steam rooms, or with a massage. nyhrc.com. Monthly membership starts at $109.

Various locations

For the smartphone addict: Harbor Fitness

This Brooklyn club offers an array of classes like Pilates, yoga and Zumba, but what sets it apart is a focus on creating a community. A new Fit Friends iPhone and Android app launching in January allows members to create personal profiles, find a workout partner, and message others about upcoming classes and events. Harbor trainers can also let members know about special programs. The welcoming vibe is extended to three our-doors-are-always-open 24-hour locations (Mon–Thu) in Bay Ridge, Park Slope and Mill Basin, and parents can take advantage of free child-care in the morning and early evening. harborfitness.com. Monthly membership starts at $59.

Various locations

For the uptown girl (or boy): Reebok Sports Club/NY and Sports Club/LA

The two Manhattan locations of this national chain offer extravagant amenities that make it feel more like a country club than a gym. Postworkout, guests can spend the day getting pampered. Both spots offer rooftop terraces for lounging, cafés with free Wi-Fi and luxurious spas. The Upper West Side location adds a fully lit outdoor track and an on-site Paul Labrecque hair salon staffed with hairdressers, colorists, massage therapists, facialists, men’s grooming experts, nail technicians and makeup artists, offering services for an additional fee. sportsclubla.com. Monthly membership starts at $175.

Various locations

For the mountaineer: Manhattan Plaza Health Club

January marks the 20th anniversary of this midtown club’s popular climbing gym, which includes 5,000 square feet of climbing surface and more than 60 routes that cater to every skill level. A man-made cave features an overhanging, multistepped ceiling and a 34-degree grade, and there are workshops and seminars hosted by renowned climbers. If that much scaling of heights drives you up the wall, visit one of the five indoor rooftop tennis courts, the weight and cardio rooms, and the indoor pool, or relax with a spa service. 212-563-7001, mphc.com. Monthly membership starts at $89.

482 W 43rd St between Ninth and Tenth Aves

For the Olympic swimmer: The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers

The size of three football fields, this waterfront gym is rarely crowded and there’s no time limit on equipment—perfect for those who are cramming for Rio 2016. A regulation-sized boxing ring and pedigreed personal trainers—including Guinean Olympic track competitor Nabie Fofanah—are just some of the perks; but the real difference is the six-lane, 25-yard indoor pool, whose floor-to-ceiling windows afford swimmers panoramic views of the Hudson River. Train like Michael Phelps with daily lap-swimming lessons and water aerobics. Relax postswim in the adjacent oversize whirlpool spa. 212-336-6000, chelseapiers.com. Monthly membership $142–$180. Day pass $50.

Pier 60, 20th St at the Hudson River

For the marathoner-in-training: Park Slope Armory YMCA

Those who didn’t get to pound the pavement in this year’s marathon can start training for 2013 on this community gym’s 200-meter indoor track. Burn calories and build muscle with USA Track & Field–certified coaches during a eight-week speed-work running class ($110, members $95), which meets every Monday night for an hour and a half. Both novices and intermediates will learn how to work out more efficiently, while increasing their endurance and general fitness. The 144,000-square-foot space also offers more than 90 free weekly fitness classes, from Spinning to step to tai chi, in six studios. The Armory is waiving all initiation fees ($121) through February 4. 212-912-2580, ymcanyc.org/parkslopearmory. Monthly membership starts at $48.

361 15th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn

For the budget-conscious athlete: Bally Total Fitness

Strapped for cash after polluting yourself with booze during the holidays? This insanely affordable gym offers monthly membership fees that cost less than a fancy cocktail. A lower tier of clubs, called Bally Sport, grants access to the standard exercise equipment in one primary gym for only a ten-spot. An additional Lincoln per month opens up the local network of Bally Sports (six in total, on the UES, in the Bronx, and in outer Brooklyn and Queens), as well as an unlimited number of group classes and one free guest pass per visit. Or opt for the six higher-level gyms, including three venues in midtown, for $29.99. ballyfitness.com. Monthly membership starts at $9.99.

Various locations

For the bride-to-be: Gold’s Gym

With spring nuptials season just around the corner, this chain’s Brooklyn location kicks off its Sweating for the Wedding class (12 weeks $399) for female members in January. The twice-a-week course combines nutrition tips with fitness routines, including kettlebell workouts, to help the betrothed shape up for the big day. In between classes, check out the cardio machines and free weights, or try a free ballet-bar, kickboxing or body-sculpt class. goldsgym.com. Monthly membership starts at $41.

Various locations

For the outdoor enthusiast: Ludlow Fitness

Take your routine outside with this neighborhood gym’s intense, three-week boot camp ($75), which incorporates runs over the Williamsburg Bridge and CoreFit training in Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park (40 miles from NYC) into its morning and evening sessions. Stay inside for group classes like Spinning and Zumba, or try out the new cardio equipment arriving at this 24-hour gym in this month. Grab a gratis apple from the basket on the front desk for a postworkout snack. 212-260-9222, ludlowfitness.com. Monthly membership starts at $32.

100 Delancey St between Essex and Ludlow Sts

For the nutrition nut: Equinox

This high-end health club recently partnered with Danny Meyer to launch Creative Juice, a health-conscious café, at its West 50th and West 76th Street locations. A selection of cold-pressed juices, as well as smoothies, baked goods, hot and cold breakfast items, soups, sandwiches and snacks, are sold on-site. Visit Equinox’s blog, Q (q.equinox.com), for daily fitness and nutrition tips, expert advice, and interviews with celebs like Deepak Chopra, Sarah Jessica Parker and Sean Combs. Oh, and you can exercise there, too: An assortment of martial arts, cycling, Pilates and yoga classes are free for members. equinox.com. Monthly membership starts at $143.