New York Health & Racquet Club

Membership services are made up of gay hustlers who are dishonest and sexist.
The facility remains, even after recent renovations, an atrocious dank environment with steep spiraling staircases leading to small overcrowded studios and badly maintained workout areas with poor equipment.
The lighting in the area that facilitates cardio is garish.
This location tends to host to a faithful older crowd, so one would think they would offer elevator service.

I like this gym over all the other NYHRC locations because it’s nice and homey. The trainers are really friendly and give great workout advice. Clients mind their own business which is important to me because I’m a girl in the weight room and I don’t like creepers looking at me! This gym is probably not for everybody, but this is my favorite gym by far :)

Been a member here for a year. The negative reviews are generally old, and pre-​date the physical and management makeover.
Locker rooms and wet areas are newer and nicer than Astor Pl. or 23^rd. (The Astor Place locker room refresh was pretty low rent –they just redid the floors. At 13^th everything was completely redone). New spin room just opened on 3^rd floor, and general paint and spruce-​up everywhere.
The three biggest improvements, since I’ve been coming here for over a year now:
1) They removed the punching bag from the weight room. Thank the Spaghetti Monster for that — used to be SO loud in that room when someone used it. Like a hammer in your head. Place was way too small for that.
2) The staff is much improved — they don’t close the place 30 minutes early like they always used to do – shutting off the lights to give customers a not so subtle hint they weren’t welcome. Gosh that was lame. Shout out to Bruce who is awesome (and handsome, RAWR)!
3) The music volume went down and they moved away from Southern White People Country Rock Ballads. So much easier to take now. I don’t feel like I’m in a Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans in Ohio somewhere now.
Pros:
o Decent selection of equipment, given the small size
o New spin room, locker rooms and wet areas (steam, sauna, hot tub, pool).
o No freakishly annoying music or punching bags (like DBarton or Crunch)
Cons:
o Quite small (esp compared to 23^rd st)
o The hot tub could be maintained better /​more frequently.

I would not recommend this club at all. I didn’t much mind the fact that it was more expensive than my 24 Hour Fitness membership (I would have stayed with them had I not moved away from my location), I didn’t even mind that it was smaller and not as clean as I was used to. What I DO mind is the attitude. The audacity to charge someone even after canceling and then having no customer service skills whatsoever. That’s what I mind.
I work in retail management, I’ve always been in customer service and the level of professionalism that I experienced is incredibly sub par. I don’t care how wrong you may think the customer is. DON’T talk to me like you operate out of the back of a beat up van.

I’ve been a member since moving to the city in 1979 and can only speak for NYH&RC classes. I live in the Village but I went to their club up on East 45^th since my office was nearby. After so many years and renewals, I’d say I know this organization pretty well. The sheer fact that they’ve been around so long is a testament to their commitment, quality and strength as a company. (Not to mention real estate, which in NYC is important — that’s why they, and your membership, won’t suddenly be gone one morning when the lease is up)
I began with Yoga classes, went through the Aerobics craze (for which my body still scolds me) and while I’m contemplating Tai Chi, I currently only take Body Sculpt. I have always found their instructors to be terrific. Each one’s style varies and I feel it best to have that assortment — less boredom with the music, routine and strain on the same muscles. If members are not happy with an instructor they usually let management know (we’re not a shy group) and they in turn will try to accommodate our requests. Since everyone has different favorites this is no easy feat to keep all of the members reasonably happy — but it’s worked out so far.
Skip forward 25 years to where I now work from home. So my new location has been the 13^th Street club, known for it’s neighborly, informal atmosphere and rather dingy surroundings. It’s spirit is true Greenwich Village with it’s heart in the right place.
But this summer things changed — and for the better! The club had a complete makeover and it’s fantastic. Clean, spa-​like locker rooms, bright lighting, bigger pool area, designated rooms for various classes, new floors, ballet bars… yet still the old pre-​war type structure that gives the place its character. Sure, the paint colors could have been a bit more sophisticated/​matched, and the lockers could have used some full length storage for longer coats, but no one asked my opinion in the planning stages. Still, there’s a sense of pride now that we’re no longer the ugly duckling. Classes are still top notch.
So if you want a fancy club that won’t be around long enough for your membership to run its course then please don’t come here. That will leave us loyal NYH&RC members more room to enjoy our exercise time.
PS: To the reviewer who felt his youth was not wanted — I’m sorry, but that’s ridiculous. Next time come to one of our classes and we’ll make you feel welcome. Just try to keep up. :)

I don’t know why this place gets bad reviews, they have everything I need and they are very clean. I work out anytime before 6pm to avoid the crowds

They have raised the membership into absurdity. I am a long time member and have left to go to a more upscale club… makes no sense to drive members away with high rates since it costs more to get new members. Doesn’t seem like a very well thought through marketing strategy. HRC doesn’t offer any value any more

I used to belong to this gym and it was completely adequate when they gave me their corporate rate of fifty a month. Having spoken with other guys in the locker room, they give that rate to a lot of people with corporate affiliations.
One year, they stopped offering people in my business the rate and told me I would have to pay nearly double to rejoin. Not worth it.
At the corporate rate, it’s fine but when you’re asked to pay full price, why not go to Equinox?

The primary complaint about this NYHRC location in the past had been that it was dark and dingy, but they have addressed that with a huge round of recent facelifts that make it look top notch.
They completely redid both locker-​rooms, the lobby and bathrooms. They painted and/​or replaced shoddy wall panelling, redid some flooring, upgraded amenities, and made other cosmetic and functional improvements. WiFi is and has always been pretty fast.
The only downside now is that some of the machines are very poorly maintained. Specifically, the ellipticals that I like to use are squeaky and noisy, one of them won’t keep it’s power on, and others machines are simply buggy with faulty sensors. I am sure they will address it soon.
The staff is always friendly, with several of them addressing me by my name now. They always greet you upon checkin, and wish you well on your way out.

This place is great. I’ve been going to location place 3 – 4 times a week since 2010. It was a little run down in certain areas in the past, the equipment is always new, clean and it’s rarely crowded. The place just got renovated and everything is new. Even before the renovations I never once had a concern around any part of this gym not being clean. The staff is always attentive and helpful.
If you’re looking for a personal trainer, Mike is great!
I’ve been working with Mike since July of 2011. He’s always prepared for our sessions, has a vast knowledge of all types of different exercises, and is great about pointing out the right way to do each exercise. There’s no such thing as a one-​size-​fits-​all workout routine, and Mike always varies the exercises which makes the sessions a lot more fun. He’s a great motivator, personable, energetic, has a great sense of humor and really listens to what I need to meet my fitness goals. He always makes sure that I’m pushed to my limit for each session. I feel better, look better, I have more confidence, I have more energy.
Outside of the sessions, he has motivated me to eat better, and to have a higher concern for my overall health which has significantly improved because of Mike’s help. He really cares about his clients and always goes above and beyond.
Mike is a great influence, he always makes our sessions beneficial, fun and produces the results I’m looking for.
Highly recommended for every fitness level and any goals you have!

It’s a pretty small gym and the floor definitely isn’t made for the gym. The entire gym reverberates when people drop weights. It’s kind of annoying. It is relatively small, but the locker room does have a decent amount of amenities.

Ok… I haven’t been a member at this gym too long and am able to travel around to their limited locations but, I tell you this location is the worst! I go different times of the day and have to say that the day time is the worst. You would think that it would be the best since its off peak but, that’s not the issue. The issues at this location are:
1. the rude front desk staff that barely looks up to say hello let alone a smile!
I think the skinny African American girl thinks she owns the place.
2. the dirty locker rooms. The steam room smelled like a footlocker. Ick.
And I do not know what is growing at the bottom of the showers but, I’m glad I had my flip flops! so glad it’s being renovated but the worst is…
3. being bothered when all you want to do is workout. (And I’m not just talking by trainers, I think)
I went to workout at a time I thought it wouldn’t be crowded and could be left alone but, it didn’t stop this guy who I think worked there cause he had a NYHRC shirt on. I couldn’t tell whether he was a trainer or a hospitality worker. He came up to me and started asking me questions as if I wanted to be interrupted from my workout. Then asked if I came there often. And making comments about the way I looked. Ummm… Am I at a bar? I’ll spare you the gory details.
I since went back thinking I was safe but, he was there wearing a du rag and noticed him following me around (to each floor) and watching me work out as he pretended to work out. Again, saying things to me that were inappropriate.
Beware girls of the short Latin looking attendant!!! Run!!!
I’m glad that I have the option of going to other locations because I’m NOT coming back to this one!

Of all the NYHRC locations, this is the grungiest I’ve experienced.
It’s old, cramped and dirty… and that’s just the clientele! I kid, I kid. It does skew older here though. The place has been updated in the past few years but it still looks worn. Machines are not that clean (the treadmill I used today had a pool of… liquid…on it. I’m only hoping it was water).
Showers are the worst. Worse than 45^th St (see my review of that location*) Seriously, there’s a science project in the making there. Lockers look like they were new during the Nixon administration.
Having said those negative things, it’s rarely crowded and it’s very quiet. Some gyms are really noisy with loud music and louder clients, but this one is mellow and peaceful.
What almost gives this place three stars is that I saw Will Patton here once. He’s one of my favorite actors.
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*

Tonight (Sunday), I walked in at around 8:15pm for a quick 20-​min run. I joined this gym last week and today was my first day.
As soon as I walked in, the woman behind the desk looked at me as if I wasn’t welcome. No hello, no greeting just a stern, abrupt, «we close soon.»
«Yeah I know. At 9pm right?»
«No, we actually start closing at 8:30pm»
I fish out my membership tag (or whatever its called), and she ignores me by looking into her computer. She then says, «so what were you going to do?»
«I was going to run.»
Silence. No attempt to speak any further to me. So I leave.
I get they are «no frills,» but «no professionalism either» should be the real tag-​line here. I hope the manager I speak to tomorrow can clarify why someone who walks in at 8:15pm at a gym that closes at 9pm, deserves to be turned away like that. I’ve been a member at several other gyms around the City and workout frequently, but I’ve never experienced such unpleasant, unfriendly behavior ever.

A no frills gym that is clean and never over crowded with a nice, straight forward staff. What more do you need in a gym? It’s a place to work out and burn those calories and keep your body healthy. The gym culture in Manhattan really cracks me up sometimes, with these overpriced fancy gyms and their competitive. pretentious clientele. Do I get a good workout here? Yes. The end.
I’ve only had my membership for a month, but I am really enjoying it. If you are just looking for a small gym where you can work out in peace instead of dealing with the overcrowded dramatics and the politics, this is the place for you.

I wish there was an option for ½ a star because this location doesn’t even deserve a full star.
I gave it my best shot.
Coming from another club (which they LOVE to take people from) you’d think that I would be getting a better deal all around. Well, I thought so, at first.
I have been going pretty regularly since, I have business nearby. Which is good for the club since, they are graded in their attendance. Now I wish it wasn’t so convenient for me since, my recent experiences being incredibly rude and disrespectful. Some I won’t mention to protect myself from more disrespect since, I am locked into going because I have a prepaid membership. I have to mention how glad I am that the person who did get the commission from my membership, does not work at this location anymore. Seems like all the great people seem to leave this location. And the one who got my referral’s has also recently left. Hmmmm…
I am one to say that an office/​restaurant/​club whatever always reflects the character of the management. I have found that most people here are more interested in drama then really doing their jobs or giving good customer service. Yes, there are a few and I mean a FEW exceptions here but, mostly the rudeness level spans equally amongst the desk, sales and training staff.
I have brought guests before (with passes) and again have been coming regularly but, one time I forgot my guest pass and was told that my guest had to pay! Even though they were willing to fill out the forms and have their ID held until they talked to a sales rep. We went to another location where they let me bring my guest as a paying member.
Not to mention whenever I bring a guest they always assume that I’m bringing someone to train. This is all because I don’t want my friend to get hurt by telling them how to use a machine if they are not using it correctly. Can we say Gustapo? I just think the people here are money hungry/​starved and rightly so. No one wants to be here because of the unfriendliness and uncleanliness.
Shall we open that door? Ok. Machines= ICK!, Showers= YUCK! I’d like to mention that one day I came at a different time then my usual and wanted to enjoy a sauna and was not only startled but, grossed out when I walked in on a pleasantly plump caribbean woman lathering herself up with a soapy washcloth… IN THE SAUNA?!
I went back in when I thought it was safe but, she came in after for the rinse cycle and proceeded amongst her «apology» to tell me that she had been doing that every week for the 30 some odd years she has been a member!!! Huh? Of course, I mentioned it to the staff but, nothing was done. The only thing kept up to health code clean in this place is the pool (during the week only).
I guess this is all I will share at the moment but. I have to say…
STAY AWAY FROM THIS LOCATION IF YOU WANT TO HAVE ANY KIND OF ENJOYABLE OR EVEN RESPECTFUL EXPERIENCE.

Gross lockers. They’re in serious need of renovations!

Inside, looks and feels like an old, creepy country home. In serious need of a remodel. Equipment so old it probably is the graveyard for old equipment from other NYHRC locations. No TVs on most ellipticals and bikes. You couldn’t pay me enough to take a shower in this gym. Carpeted spiral staircases? Pass.
Classes are meh and no need to dress to impress here. The people are nice and friendly but I just can’t get past the lack of any improvements. NYHRC should really consider upgrading this location becuase it really is the most neglected of the franchise.

Okay, this Gym is so-​so for me. it IS dirty. it IS old, and stuffy. BUT the studio for classes is just fine, and I enjoy those. I also think the people who work the front desk (girls), and the lady who works the locker room are REALLY kind, and I enjoy seeing them.
It is not fancy, and if it were a stand alone gym, I would not pay 99/​month for it. Prob not even 50.
However, it is in a convenient location for me, and as an extension of the NYHRC, it works if there is a class I can take for an hour and be «in and out».
I have not considered showering at this club. I don’t think I would.

I borrowed a friend’s guest pass to work out at this gym. I signed in and handed my driver’s license to the girl behind the counter. I went upstairs. The facilities were decent, not at all crowded and with working, reasonably new equipment. I got in a nice long session on the elliptical.
Then I tried to leave.
I asked the girl in front for my driver’s license and was informed that I would have to go see Mitch. I waited for this mysterious Mitch and soon enough, he appeared and led me into his office.
Let me describe Mitch for a second here. He has some sort of drawl, and he talks slowly. He’s very polite and your grandmother would probably love him. I’d say he’s in his early fifties. Oh yes, and he wears a top hat and silver pants. I shit you not.
Anyway, I’m feeling caught because I have no interest in a gym membership, seeing as I do not in fact live in New York. He starts asking questions. He tries selling me a membership. He tries selling me single-​use passes. Pretty soon I blurt out that I spend most of my time in Connecticut and only visit New York once every few weeks.
But you gave a New York address when you came in — whose was it?
I start getting hot under the collar. I’ve been sweating anyway, and here I am in borrowed gym shorts against his gleaming pants. I’m ashamed to admit it, but long story short, I sold out my friend. The one who had been kind enough to lend me her pass.
He looks through his insidious sign-​in log and finds her name. Ah, Mary*. Well you tell Mary that if she signs up for a membership, I’ll throw in a few of those guest passes for the next time you visit.
I nodded, like the coward I am, and left with my driver’s license in hand, without turning back.
But even that wasn’t enough. A few days later, I had a voicemail from Mitch, once again trying to sell me on the gym. I deleted it. A few days after that, I made the mistake of picking up a phone call from an unrecognized New York number. It was him again. I stopped picking up unknown New York numbers. He sent emails. I didn’t respond to them.
The next time I come across a man in a top hat and silver pants, I am running as fast as I can. It’ll burn some of the calories I fail to expend by joining shady gyms.
*Name changed to protect identity.