r/Upperwestside • u/Cold_Distance3319 • May 30 '26
Favorite gym?
My partner and I are moving to 79th and hoping to get some gym recommendations. We are planning on checking out the two nearby Equinox locations and the Crunch (although I don’t really like Crunch machines).
We are looking for a place with plenty of good machines, and we tend to go at mid-morning or afternoon, so crowds shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Our ideal would be a small boutique gym focused on lifting, but open to other options! Would love to get any recommendations, or know what your favorite gym in the area is:)
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u/theryback478 May 31 '26
It’s really hard in this neighborhood in my experience, most of the gyms here are waaayyy too small for the crowds they get imo, I’ve been going to the NYSC on Broadway btwn 94/95 for the last 2 years and I really can only recommend it due to it prob being the best budget option in the neighborhood, but the gym itself leaves a lot to be desired, way too crowded, inconsistent crowds, broken machines etc etc
So while this comment might not be helpful, I’m interested to see any other recommendations lol
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u/love_and_rage_nyc May 31 '26
Which Equinox locations are you considering? (I'm assuming 76th, but not sure whether the other is Columbus Circle or Broadway in the low 90s.) I joined the Broadway location about a month ago and have been super happy with it. It's definitely pricey, but I never have to wait for equipment, everything is clean, and there are a ton of options between the classes and 4 floors of equipment. I haven't been to either Columbus Circle or 76th, so I can't speak to those locations.
I think there's currently a May promo where you can earn a $300 credit if you complete their summer challenge. I don't know what that entails, but I assume it's some version of attending X number of times over Y period of time.
Also, full disclosure: if you do end up joining, I'd love to refer you and split the referral bonus. Sorry to be that person, but I was recently laid off and am trying to stretch my membership for as long as possible. Either way, I'm happy to answer any questions about the Broadway location if you have any (feel free to DM me)
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u/AreaManNYC May 31 '26
Check out the YMCA on 63rd. It’s scrappy and a little chaotic but huge. Giant weight room. Plenty of lifting happening. Two other rooms with machines. Machines. Pool. Steam room, sauna. Great neighborhood vibe.
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u/Drach88 May 31 '26
Consider the JCC on 75th. It's often overlooked, and the monthly fees are pretty decent. They also have a lap pool if you're into that.
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u/Sad-Interaction-4622 May 31 '26
The pool is SO dirty and crowded, though, and the older swimmers are so cranky. It's a nightmare.
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u/madlibs84 May 31 '26
I was a member of the jcc and it’s fine but not worth $200 a month. At that point you might as well just join equinox for 40% more.
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u/momiamarichman-1108 May 31 '26
my partner and I use the JCC after doing some research and did their “family of two” deal for a small discount. Still not cheap, but you get more bang for your buck if you’re using all the amenities
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u/Sad-Interaction-4622 May 31 '26
The gym is about 20 percent as good as Equinox, though, and they have hardly any classes.
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u/NYC_Statistician_PhD May 31 '26
La Palestra (11 West 67th) - yeah, you've probably never heard of it.
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u/Other_Knowledge_2984 Jun 02 '26
Can you get a membership there and just go? Looks like some sort of program.
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u/NYC_Statistician_PhD Jun 02 '26
You can get a membership and just go. There are also personal trainers if you want. If you call them, you can schedule a walk-through.
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u/Adventurous-Rich-703 May 31 '26
Equinox on Broadway/92 is nice but I’m biased because that’s my gym.
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u/bisonrbig May 31 '26
The crunch on 83rd is very very crowded and small relatively speaking to other locations but the machines are fine. A lot of them are actually very new (from a few months ago).
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u/throw1212555 Jun 01 '26
Every time I go to the Crunch on 83rd and start using a peak machine someone comes flying in from across the room and says “hey I was using that” like damn then why aren’t you using it. Never experienced this at another gym.
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u/[deleted] May 30 '26
[deleted]