NYC population is growing at a rapid rate. With a population of 18 million space will forever be an issue. Imagine going to the gym after a long stressful day at work, just to be waiting for the bench press for 15 minutes, absolute buzzkill.
I can't count how many times my workout took way too long because of overcrowded gyms. It can be a real pain especially during peak hours. Either you'll have to figure out what time is the gym least crowded through trial and error. Or just keep switching gyms until you find one thats not too crowded. Both options can cost you a lot of time.
Finding hidden gems in NYC is definitely a skill, not many have mastered why?. Because you have to find them on your own, either by pure luck or spending huge amounts of time searching for them. People here like to keep these hidden gem to themselves because of the fear of these places becoming overcrowded.
A gym thats not too crowded has so many benefits. One major benefit is finishing your workout fast. You might have a one hour lunch break, you can get a quick workout don in 30 minutes, plus have 30 minutes for lunch. Another major benefit is being able to perform Circuit Style Training. Circuit style training is when you perform one exercise, and immediately perform another exercise right after without any breaks. This type of training great if your goal is weight loss, and to maximizing your time in the gym. However performing Circuit Style Training like this in a crowded gym will be impossible.
You'll probably piss a lot of people off going from one machine to the other, or the machines/stations just won't be available, because theres many people waiting. Here are 2 fitness centers that rarely gets crowded, so that you can enjoy your workout in peace.
1- Asser Levy Recreation
Location - 392 Asser Levy Pl, New York, NY 10010
Hours - 7am- 8pm
I've been to this Recreation Center multiple time. It has multiple amenities, such as swimming pool, ping pong table, dance rooms , gym, and a track for running. I mainly attend for the gym. The gym here has plenty of space. Equipments, and machines are spread apart, and you have plenty of room to walk around.
Theres treadmills, ellipticals, stair-master, dumbbells, barbels, squat rack, it has everything you need to get a great workout. And the best part is its free for NYC residents, all you need to do is sign up, takes only 3 minutes.
Theres rarely anyone using the fitness center around 10am-3pm, its like having your own private gym. The only cons of this hidden gem is its equipments are not top tier, but considering the price of membership which is $0 a month thats a steal.
2- Equinox East 61 Street
Location -330 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065
Hours- 5:30pm- 10:00pm
With a square footage of 150,000 Equinox is not short on space. This gym has plenty of floors with tons of activities and amenities. These include rock climbing, basketball, squash, indoor pool, boxing just to name a few. The gym has a massive open layout so theres plenty of space to walk around.
The equipments are also brand new and has great quality. The only problem for equinox gym is the price. With a whopping $220.00 + a month. That price will be too expensive for many. However if you can afford that membership then equinox will be a great option for you.