Mid-City Gym

It is not your modern gym.
They are old and cramped, but they are the og of gyms.
I signed up a couple years ago and never got around to writing this review. It is a gym where you can get your swole on and you won’t get scolded for lifting hard unlike the new gyms that discourage people from training hard.

It’s a small gym and this location is closing soon so they have minimum of everything. I was totally fine with that. with the price they offer, I had no issue with no frills. But the management of this gym is unprofessional. A staff member asked me if I want to take a free self-​defense class. I took it and liked it, so i bought a pack of 10 (with 2 extra free sessions). At the first session, the instructor (former karate world champion) had me do things that did not look like self-​defense (high kicks, etc). To show me how to do something called blitz (??), he said to try to punch him. so i did. instead of stopping me, he punched me in the ribs. I felt it but didn’t think too much about it (i have played combative sports in the past so i’m used to getting hit). but my ribs hurt all afternoon, and by next morning, it hurt to breathe, cough or sneeze. I called the gym and said i won’t continue with the class since the instructor hurt me instead of teaching me. the girl on the phone took my info and said the manager will call me back on Monday. the instructor called me right back and said, «oh you are probably just sore.» EXCUSE ME? are you a doctor? Then he said, «You know, I think you dislocated my shoulder a bit when you pushed too high, but i didn’t complain about it because it’s just part of martial arts.» Who does he think he is to say that to me? First of all i did NOT sign up to learn martial arts, i signed up to learn self defense. then he tried to turn it around on me? I do not think so. This was unacceptable comment by the instructor.
the manager called me on Monday and said he needs a doctor’s note to issue a refund. So i did. When i brought the note to the manager, he said the note says «no gym activity for 1 week due to bruised ribs» so it’s not good enough to issue a refund, and said the note would have to say I can’t work out at all. I told him I’m not disabled, i was hurt by your staff. he simply said it’s nonrefundable and that the best he can do is to transfer the money to personal training. I already have a personal trainer but I said fine i would take it. he only had one person in mind, and even though I told him my time is limited, he insisted that I work with this female trainer. She did not email me for 1 week so I emailed the manager. Then the trainer emailed. I told her i’m generally only open on Sundays, except for the upcoming Monday where I was free. We agreed to meet on that Monday but she said, «by the way, i’m getting married soon so i’ll not be available much of June.» How unprofessional. I hurt my knee right before the scheduled meeting so I emailed her to reschedule. Hadn’t heard back from her. So i emailed the gym manager. No response. They took my money, had their staff hurt me, and ran with that money.

I was staying in Hell’s Kitchen in NYC and felt the need to get a good workout in and Mid-​City Gym came up in my Unilocal search and was very close to my hotel so I decided to try it out. Knowing this gym was probably not as nice as the Reeboks and Equinoxes, I wasn’t expecting much going in.
The guest pass was $ 15 for the day with full use of the gym and locker room which is pretty standard. Being a Saturday morning, the gym wasn’t crowded at all which was nice because most every machine was free. The equipment is definitely used and old, but was in working condition for the most part (the incline function on the treadmill I was using wasn’t working). Not too many cardio machines, but a good weight lifting gym if you’re into that. It’s definitely grittier than other «globo» gyms, but it served its purpose with me. The free weight area is pretty small though.
If I was living in NYC, I would try other gyms first before joining this one. It is a bit more dated and the locker room is pretty cramped, but I can see how some Unilocalers really don’t mind it, especially if it’s a fraction of the price of other gyms.

Mid-​City is the 3^rd gym where I’ve been a member, and I wish I found this place sooner. I’ve now been a member for over a year and I plan on staying here for a long LONG time. There are many pros about this place like the friendly and knowledgeable staff, not having to wait long or at all to use the equipment, and the protein shake and drink bar. The biggest pro, however, is the price. Less than $ 30 a month?! You’ll have to pay double or triple that price at another gym. If you’re looking for a bare bones place to do weight training or run on the treadmill, this is your gym.
Several things to note:
1. No classes here. They have personal trainers, but you’ll have to go somewhere else if spin or dance classes are your thing.
2. This gym is very clean. The staff is meticulous about disinfecting the machines during the off peak hours.
3. The locker room is the only reason I can’t give this place 5 stars. Its extremely small and hard to move around with even 10 people inside. Many of the lockers get stuck and are hard to open.
4. The gym is in a great location near a lot of subway lines.
5. They love Arnold here.
Good luck in your quest for a new gym!

Mid-​City Gym is one of the birth places of modern bodybuilding, it even predates Gold’s gym by 3 years. In it’s 52 year history, everyone From Arnold, Lou Ferrigno, Hulk Hogan to John Cena and Dwayne Johnson have trained in this spartan facility. At Mid-​city you won’t find any fluff, just heavy duty equipment that WORKS and has stood the test of time. As for the managment, Vinny is a class act and I cant say enough enough good things about him and his staff. So if you are tired of places where the members care more about socializing than training, then Mid-​City is the place for you!

Called to get info on saturday and the guy who answered the phones had a serious attitude. He hung up on me when I asked why he was giving me an attitude. I would wager this «gentleman» is costing your company money. If he doesn’t like his job he should quit. What happened to costumer service?

Yes, the price is great for Manhattan gyms, but gym is small and has limited equipments. I have been there when the cardio equipment was broken and it seemed like the management does not care to fix. why would you pay for that?

I wish these people would get out of the neighborhood. They have a guy on 49^th or so and 8^th avenue everyday and he snaps flyers in your face. Today he snapped a flyer in my face and he actually cut me right next to my eye. I am going to the ER at Roosevelt. Spoke to a supposed manager and he is supposed to do something about getting this salesman off the street. We’ll see.
Hey, I don’t mind people handing out flyers, but this is a public nuisance. If this is what their marketing tactics are like, why would you ever want to join this joint?
Again, if I see this salesman out on the street again, I am going to call 311.

These people are heartless. I am injured and 2 out of 3 of the vertical bikes (all I can use re cardio) are broken. What am I supposed to do?
I am a member who liked the gym but cannot use any other cardio equipment at all. I have been promised they will be fixed, first by one manager, then by other desk mgrs for 2 weeks now. I hope the manager takes this posting seriously. What am I supposed to do? The owner, Vince, has done nothing for two weeks and I hear he is «unreachable» and no one knows when they will be repaired.

Best price for tanning in Nyc. But theres almost always a wait because they only have two stand up beds. On the plus side I saw the Rock here yesterday, always cool. Boys locker room is like a tiny maze and the bathroom part is, well… hope youre not pee shy boys lol

Small and dinky gym. I can’t imagine celebrities coming to this dimly lit, almost run down looking branch. There seem to be some working machines and free weights.
The guy at the front counter reminds me of a wrinkly, tanned, older version of The Situation (from MTV’s Jersey Shore). Seriously.

I was lucky enough to get an amazing Groupon for Mid City Gym. $ 189 for a gym membership for 12 months at BOTH locations. I really like the 49^th Street location. The staff is super friendly, and the gym (usually) isn’t that crowded. Keep in mind this isn’t a luxury gym (i.e. bare bones/​no TV’s/no classes), but for the price you honestly can’t do any better in Manhattan.

I’ve been a member of of mid-​city for 3 years now and I’m very happy there. The thing I like is that is it a Basic gym, not trying to be a spa or Club. I go there to work out and and feel like I have to «be on». The staff is great, the equipment is sufficient and the Price is amazing. My membership is $ 29 a month. (when paid a year in full) Ive had a trainer there in the past and he was great. I am a Broadway performer, so you can’t beat the location. If you need a steam room, this is not your gym. If you want to work-​out without pressure and pretense. Join Mid City

This a great gym, friendly and wonderful staff. Yes indeed no frills but it has everything a person who is looking for a serious to general workout. Both free weights and machines are all clean and functional and there is hardly ever a wait to use equipment. Not to mention how reasonably priced this gym is.

I’ve been a member for 2 years and I think this gym is one of the better bargains in NYC. In Manhattan gym memberships average about $ 85-​$ 120 a month which can be a tough bill to swallow. I pay $ 21/​month at Mid-​City. It’s a steal! I love the old-​school feel of the gym and dig the portraits of Arnold adorning the walls. It’s said that Arnold used to work out here when competing in the area. There is also a secret backroom that has a gigantic hanging punching bag under a stairwell — straight out of a Rocky movie!
Mid-​City is a hardcore gym and if you can keep yourself entertained without the help of classes, then this is the perfect gym for you.
Some caveats:
— If you like to take classes Mid-​City doesn’t offer any nor do they have an open room for any such activities
— This is a no frills gym: the equipment is in order and clean but you won’t find the most cutting edge futuristic machines here
— No pool, basketball courts or other facilities you may find at mega gyms
— If you dislike burly, sweaty men screaming while powerlifting then Mid-​City isn’t the place for you

It’s my second week being a member of Mid City Gym, and what can I say? I love this gym. I was a member of NYHRC for a few years, but some lifestyle changes forced me to find a more reasonable priced gym. I made the huge mistake of joining Planet Fitness online, without actually checking the place out. Worst 4 weeks of my life! No straight bars, very little free-​weights and a lot of clueless people. Then I came across a Groupon for Mid City Gym and jumped on it. I quit Planet Weakness and continued my body transformation at this «real gym».
I haven’t been to the 42^nd St. location yet, but 49^th Street is clean, staff are friendly, and it’s just the perfect atmosphere to get your lift on. Arnold on the walls. Meatheads and average Joe and Josephine… all coexisting and lifting old, heavy weights (the weights at this place feel heavier for some reason), and reasonably priced. What more can you ask for?

I just joined at the beginning of August and thus far I’m a fan. It’s right around the corner and was extremely inexpensive. DEFINITELY no frills what so ever. If you’re looking for a gym comparable to NYSC, I would not recommend Mid City.
I suffered an injury in May and stopped going to Physical Therapy but needed to continue working out. Mid City provides me with exactly what I need, some cardio, machines and weights. I am happy with my experience here.
That being said, it’s definitely not for everyone. I tend to go early morning (6 AM) and there is usually the same crowd every time. No one bothers you but sometimes you may have to wait for the machine you want.
All in all I would recommend as long as you know what you’re getting into… A gym that the «I lift things up and put them down» guy frequents on a regular basis.

What they dont charge in monthly fees, they make up for in towels, which are $ 2, and you dont keep it.
This gym is charming, ancient, with rusting equipment from Arnold’s time (with lots of framed pictures of him long before the love child).
Limited floor space, music cranked up so loud that you can’t hear your own, and the locker room reeks.
About a week into my month-​long trial, I started to dread going here.
This gym is suitable for muscle heads, super-​budget conscious who dont use towels, and short-​term visitors.
If, like me you want to escape corporate drudgery, need just a bit of pampering with floor space and clean showers, look else where.

Basically everything you need in a gym. Enough machines and weights without having to wait, a crowd that keeps to themselves, no scene, friendly staff, totally affordable. Watch out for the flyers or specials — I think my effective rate was about $ 26/​mo after all the discounts. Contract terms seemed reasonable (1yr, no pressure to resubscribe)
Wish it was a little more roomy and had a free towel service (since the towels are $ 2, most people don’t bring their own and don’t wipe down machines). This is a great alternative to most of the nonsense gyms around the city.
Worth mentioning, though, that due to the relatively small size, the after-​work hours are jam-​packed. Considering most of the dudes that work out here are triple with width of any mere mortal, that doesn’t leave a lot of extra room to move around.

Considering the neighborhood, price point, and clientele, this has to potential to be a super creepy, unwelcoming place to work out. However, somehow they’ve done a really good job and made it the only affordable gym in the area while still being welcoming to all kinds of people. Sure, it’s basically a shrine to Arnold Schwarzenegger and other super-​buff muscley men– but as a 5’5″ woman, with no muscle build whatsoever, I feel totally comfortable working out here. Not everyone is a body-​builder– at any given time there are at least three or four members who look totally out of their element, which makes you feel a little less weird about being one of them.
It’s even pretty amusing to listen to 80’s workout music in a mirror-​covered lavender basement while giant men try to out-​bench each other. It almost makes up for the lack of TVs or other entertainment that you would find at a higher class gym. The girls locker room is a total joke, too– but really, all I need is an elliptical and some basic weights and for men not to stare at my ass, and for the most part I think I’ve found that here.
PS. Don’t be fooled by the BS «deals» they advertise. It always seems to be the same price– $ 30/​month if you sign up for a year, $ 60 if you want to pay month-​to-​month.