7 of the Best Gyms in NYC for Newbies and Fitness Buffs Alike

It's that time of the year where most people make a commitment to work out and join a gym. Gyms are great for their accessibility to an array of different equipment, classes, and the possibility of private one-on-one training. You can do whatever workout you want, at your own pace, and on your own schedule. It doesn't get easier than that. 

But with so many gyms out there, how do you know which one is the right one for you? We broke down some of the best gyms in New York City and got all the info so you have a better idea of what each gym has to offer. Scroll down to get all the info. 

1. Equinox

Initiation Fee: 

For a specific gym, $300 initiation fee

For all-access, $500 initiation fee

Membership Costs:

For a specific gym, varies by location. (Example: Some gyms start at $185 a month.)

Locations: Columbus Circle, E Madison Avenue, E at Columbus Circle, East 61st Street, East 63rd Street, East 74th Street, East 85th Street, East 92nd Street, Sports Club New York, West 76th Street, West 92nd Street, Bryant Park, East 43rd Street, East 44th Street, East 53rd Street, East 54th Street, Hudson Yards, Park Avenue, Rockefeller Center, West 50th Street, Bond Street, Brookfield Place, Flatiron, Gramercy, Greenwich Avenue, High Line, Orchard Street, Printing House, SoHo, Tribeca, Wall Street, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Williamsburg

Classes: 

Cycling, HIIT, barre, boxing, bodybuilding, cardio, Pilates, yoga, running, dance, personal training sessions.

Amenities:

Spa services

Website: 

Equinox

2. Crunch

Initiation Fee: 

$300 enrollment fee

Membership Costs:

All Crunch membership is $140 a month and gives you access to all locations. Included are workout essentials, group fitness classes, online class reservations, full-service locker rooms, free wifi, Crunch live video workouts, and sauna.

One Crunch membership is $105 a month. Included are workout essentials, group fitness classes, online class reservations, full-service locker rooms, free wifi, Crunch live video workouts, and sauna.

Locations:

Locations throughout all five boroughs.

Classes: 

Body sculpting classes, cycling classes, yoga, cardio, dance, action sports, and online classes.

Amenities:

Sauna

Website: 

Crunch

3. Blink

Initiation Fee: 

Green Membership is $1.

Gray Membership is $12. 

Membership Costs:

Green Membership is $26/month. This includes access to all locations. Plus, unlimited guest privileges, locker rooms with body wash/shampoo, free 30-minute start-up session, one-on-one personal training.

Gray Membership is $15/month. This includes access to one specific location. Plus, a free 30-minute start-up session, and a one-on-one personal training session.

Locations:

More than 20 locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx

Classes: 

Personal training.

Amenities:

None

Website: 

Blink Fitness

4. Planet Fitness

Initiation Fee: 

Regular membership, $5

PF Black Card membership, no initiation fee 

Membership Costs:

Regular membership $10/month. This includes free fitness training and free wifi.

PF Black Card membership is $22.99 a month and includes access to all Planet Fitness locations, free fitness training, free wifi, unlimited guest privileges, use of tanning, unlimited use of hydromassage and massage chairs, unlimited total body enhancement, half-priced cooler drinks, worldwide travel deals, and 20% off Reebok products.

Additional Fees:

$39 annual membership fee

Locations:

Locations in all five boroughs.

Classes: 

None

Amenities:

None

Website: 

Planet Fitness

5. New York Sports Club

Initiation Fee: 

Neighborhood memberships, $49.99 initiation fee

Passport memberships, $49.99 initiation fee

Membership Costs:

Neighborhood memberships, $44.99

Passport memberships cost $99.99 a month and give you access to all locations in the U.S. 

Additional Fees: 

Neighborhood memberships, $49.99 annual fee.

Passport memberships, $49.99 annual fee.

Locations:

Locations in all five boroughs

Classes: 

Studio classes, athletic conditioning, boxing boot camp, cardio kickboxing, yoga, and more

Website: 

New York Sports Club

6. 24 Hour Fitness

Initiation Fee:

$0 on select memberships (rates and terms apply)

Membership Costs:

$79.99 for UltraSport (access to all clubs, minimum 12-month commitment)

Locations:

Midtown and Madison Square Park

Classes:

Studio classes, cardio equipment, free weights, group cycling, group exercise, and personal training.

Amenities:

Steam room.

Website: 

24-Hour Fitness

7. Chelsea Piers

Initiation Fee: 

Call to request.

Membership Costs:

For a specific gym, varies by location.

Locations: Chelsea and Brooklyn

Classes: 

Strength and conditioning, cycling, yoga, Pilates, barre, HIIT, and more. 

Amenities:

Massage, physical therapy, sun deck, communal workspace, cafe.

Website: 

Chelsea Piers