Lower Manhattan Gyms: Affordable Fitness near NYEA April 6, 2015

Have you just moved to the City and are looking for a place to get in shape? With all of the amazing cheap eats around Manhattan, the city can be a dangerous place for adding a few extra centimeters around the waist if you’re not careful. The good news is that there are great gyms around Lower Manhattan that won’t break your wallet. If you’re wondering where to find an affordable gym, we’ve got four picks we think will help get you in shape in no time.

What we cover

1. How to Pick a Gym
2. Gym Etiquette 
3. Cheap Gyms in Lower Manhattan 

How to pick a gym

So, you’re ready to start hitting the gym. Great, but how do you pick the right one if you’re new to the City? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

1) Consider your budget; gyms aren’t just a monthly fee. There are registration fees, first and last month membership fees, early cancellation fees, and sometimes even annual maintenance fees. Make sure you read the fine print on the membership form when signing up, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

2) What kinds of exercise do you like doing at the gym? Consider the gym’s range of equipment, from free weights to cardio machines and everything in between. If you like to exercise in a group, make sure to ask for a copy of their class schedule.

3) In addition to the exercise equipment, what does the gym offer? Some common amenities include:

– Showers
– Pool and sauna
– Free towel service
– Group classes
– Personal trainers that specialize in your interests
– Regular social events or clubs
– Gym hours (many are open 24 hours a day)

Be sure to ask questions when looking at a gym. Often a short facility tour is provided when you inquire about a membership, so prepare what you want to ask before arriving in case you are nervous talking in English.

The basics of gym etiquette

If you’re not familiar with American gyms, here are a few basic rules to follow when you start going.

1) It’s polite to always wipe down equipment after you finish. No one likes to use equipment that has sweat all over it.

2) Don’t take too long between sets if you’re using a piece of equipment. Gym equipment is shared by all members and it’s rude to leave others waiting while you check your phone at the weight lifting machine.

3) Put your weights back once you’re done using them. Leaving dumbbells and other free weights out is not only rude, it can be hazardous to others since people can trip over them.

4 Cheap Gyms in Lower Manhattan

Boom Fitness

Boom Fitness has two locations, but the one at 4 Park Avenue in Murray Hill is the closest to NYEA with about a 20-minute train ride. This gym aims for a luxury feel without a high price. Memberships start at $29.99 per month (plus annual maintenance fees), which provides you with a towel service, free classes, and three personal training sessions.

Steel Gym

If you’re looking for a bodybuilding gym, Steel Gym is your place. Their membership ranges in price but if you want to get ripped on a budget, these guys and gals have what you need. They have plenty of cardio machines, too, but the atmosphere tends toward the clanking of dumbbells and lots of grunting from body builders. A good part about Steel Gym is that their personal trainers aren’t always trying to sell you something because they’re not a big chain gym. They’re focused on personalizing your training program to get the results you want! Steel Gym is also about a 20-minute train ride from NYEA.

Lucille Roberts Gym

If you’re a woman and a little uneasy about working out around a bunch of men, then consider Lucille Roberts Gym. With several locations around New York, this women-only gym has a convenient location on Wall Street, which is perfect for fitting in a workout after your classes at NYEA are over. With monthly membership fees below $20 and a two-week trial with a money-back guarantee, it’s hard to argue that this is probably the best deal in the City—at least if you’re a woman. Sorry guys, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Lucille Roberts Gym is located at 143 Fulton Street and is about a 6-minute walk from our school.

Blink Fitness

The budget brand of the well-known Equinox Gyms, Blink Fitness, is about as cost friendly as it gets for anyone looking for an affordable membership. With plans starting at $25 a month and a location at 111 Nassau Street (only a 6-minute walk from NYEA), you pretty much don’t have any excuse for not going to the gym. They have trainers, over 100 cardio machines, and enough weights to keep you pumping iron for hours.