With more than 8 million residents and thousands of fitness facilities, New York City offers one of the most diverse gym scenes in the world.
Whether you're looking for a hardcore bodybuilding gym, a luxury fitness club, a CrossFit box, a boutique Pilates studio, or an affordable place to train, NYC has an option for every budget and training style.
Take Your Fitness To The Next Level
The challenge isn't finding a gym—it's finding the right gym.
To help narrow your search, we've compiled our picks for the best gyms in NYC based on specific categories. Instead of ranking gyms solely on popularity, we've highlighted the facilities that excel in their particular niche.
Whether your goal is building muscle, improving conditioning, training for a marathon, or simply finding a gym you'll actually enjoy attending, you'll find an option that fits your needs below.
Best Gyms in NYC At A Glance
| Gym | Best For |
| Coliseum Gym | Bodybuilding |
| The Class | Mind-Body Fitness |
| Equinox | Luxury Training |
| Planet Fitness | Budget Fitness |
| Mile High Run Club | Running |
| YMCA of Greater New York | Families |
| SLT | Pilates |
| Rumble | Boxing-Inspired Fitness |
| Sky Ting Yoga | Yoga |
| CrossFit NYC | Functional Fitness |
Keep in mind that membership pricing, amenities, and class offerings may change over time, so it's always worth checking directly with the facility before signing up.
1. Coliseum Gym (Bodybuilding Focus)
If you're looking to build serious muscle, Coliseum Gym in Queens is the place to go. Offering top-tier equipment for heavy lifting and a no-frills environment perfect for focused training. Don’t expect scented towels and spa services when you walk through the doors. This place is about packing on muscle. Point blank period.
Cost:
- Day Pass: $19.99
- 1 Month: $69.99
- 3 Months: $199.99
- 6 Months: $319.99
- 1 Year: $595.99
2. The Class by Taryn Toomey (Mental and Physical Focus)
The Class is not your typical group fitness workout. In fact, you might be a little skeptical going into it, but almost everyone that has decided to go all in to the experience has described it as cathartic. Combining HIIT, yoga, dance, meditation, and music, The Class offers a unique workout that is good for your body and soul.
Cost:
- Monthly: $40
- Quarterly: $110 or $36.67/month
- Annually: $400 or $33.67/month
3. Equinox (Luxury Focus)
Sometimes you need to treat yourself to the good things in life, so why shouldn’t your gym experience be the same? Offering state-of-the-art facilities with amenities to match, Equinox provides an upscale workout experience. After your workout, make sure to enjoy the steam room and scented towels.
Cost (All memberships require a 12-month commitment):
- Access to base gym: ~$240 depending on location
- Access to 80+ gyms around the country: $315
- Access to all clubs except Hamden Yards: $385
- All Access: $405
4. Planet Fitness (Budget Focus)
While this might not be on the top of everyone’s list for gym they want to frequent, you can’t argue with the price. Offering memberships that will get you access to one club or all of them, you can decide how much you want to shell out every month. They may not have the greatest selection of free weights, but those looking for a spot to get in shape for cheap can’t go wrong.
Cost:
- Single Club: $15/month + taxes/fees
- PF Black Card: $30/month + taxes/fees
Related: Planet Fitness Workout Plan
5. Mile High Run Club (Running Focus)
Sometimes you want to go for a challenging run without dodging pedestrians and sucking in car exhaust. Mile High Run Club offers a challenging, targeted workout to help you achieve your running goals. Whether it’s getting ready for a half or full marathon, or just improving your conditioning, MHRC has options to take you to the next level.
Cost:
- 1 Class: $40
- 5 Classes: $175
- 10 Classes: $345
- Unlimited Access: $249
- 4 Classes/Month: $125
- 8 Classes/Month: $175
6. YMCA of Greater New York (Family-Friendly)
What better place to bring your family than the YMCA? Known for providing community-focused fitness no matter the ages. With multiple places in NYC, it offers weightlifting and cardio, as well as swimming pools and basketball courts. Just like the song says, there’s many ways to have a good time.
Cost (will vary by location):
- Adult (18-64): $93/month
- 1 Adult + Kids Under 18: $112/month
- 2 Adults + Kids Under 18: $166/month
- Youth (0-11): $230/year
- Teen (12-17): $270/year
- Student: $74/month
- Senior (64+): $74/month
7. SLT [Strengthen, Lengthen, Tone] (Pilates Focus)
SLT is the premiere gym chain for beastly Pilates-style workouts. Pilates is difficult enough by itself, with the introduction of the Megaformer, a more intense version of the reformer, you’re going to get the best Pilates workout you’ve ever had. With 12 locations in NYC and virtual classes, Pilates has never been easier to get to.
Cost:
- Single Class: $44
- 5 Classes: $210
- 10 Classes: $400
- 20 Classes: $760
- 4 Classes/month: $160/month
- 8 Classes/month: $304/month
- 12 Classes/month: $432/month
- Monthly Unlimited: $465/month
8. Rumble (Boxing Focus)
Let’s make it very clear: Rumble is not going to get you ready to step into the ring with Mike Tyson. But, what it will do, is give you a HIIT workout in a group fitness setting combining elements of boxing with strength training. Classes are led by a trainer/DJ/emcee to inspire your very best efforts. Sound interesting? Check out their free intro class to see if it’s something you’d enjoy.
Cost:
- 4 Classes/month: $139
- 8 Classes/month: $249
- Unlimited Classes: $299
Related: Home Boxing Workout Plan
9. Sky Ting Yoga
Located in NoHo, Sky Ting Yoga provides fantastic views of the Manhattan Bridge while participating in one of their diverse classes. Offering several choices, from Katonah restorative to pre + post natal classes, there is something for every practitioner. Can’t make it to the studio for the class you want? No worries, they have an extensive virtual library, making sure you don’t miss your session regardless of your schedule.
Cost:
- All Access Yearly: $3,250
- All Access Monthly: $280
- In Person Monthly: $250
- Digital Yearly: $450
- Digital Monthly: $50
10. CrossFit NYC (Functional Fitness & CrossFit)
With two locations in NYC, including the oldest and largest affiliate in the city, CrossFit NYC has been providing the quintessential CrossFit experience to New Yorkers since 2005. Ranging from beginner-friendly sessions to more advanced options, anyone who wants to get into the CrossFit scene couldn’t pick a better spot. Stop in for a single session, or grab a monthly membership and get jacked!
Cost:
- Unlimited Monthly: $325/month
- Unlimited Yearly: $275/month
- Drop-In: $45/class
Related: Crossfit Workout Routine for Beginners
How To Choose The Best Gym In NYC
The best gym isn't necessarily the most expensive one or the facility with the most amenities. It's the one that matches your goals, budget, schedule, and preferred training style.
Before signing up, consider:
- Location: The closer a gym is to your home or workplace, the more likely you are to use it consistently.
- Training Style: Strength training, CrossFit, yoga, running, Pilates, and group fitness all require different facilities.
- Hours: Make sure the gym fits your schedule.
- Equipment: Serious lifters should evaluate racks, barbells, and machine selection.
- Amenities: Locker rooms, recovery areas, childcare, pools, and classes can add significant value.
Most gyms on this list offer tours, day passes, or introductory classes, which can be a great way to determine whether the environment is a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gym in NYC overall?
There isn't a single best gym for everyone. Equinox offers one of the most comprehensive luxury fitness experiences, while Coliseum Gym is a favorite among serious strength athletes and bodybuilders.
What is the cheapest gym in NYC?
Planet Fitness remains one of the most affordable gym chains in New York City, making it a popular option for beginners and budget-conscious members.
What gym do bodybuilders use in NYC?
Coliseum Gym has earned a strong reputation among bodybuilders thanks to its equipment selection and training-focused atmosphere.
Are boutique fitness studios worth the cost?
For many people, yes. Studios like SLT, Rumble, Sky Ting Yoga, and The Class provide highly specialized experiences that traditional commercial gyms often cannot replicate.
What's the best gym in NYC for beginners?
Planet Fitness and the YMCA are excellent choices for beginners due to their welcoming environments, broad equipment selection, and relatively affordable memberships.
Final Thoughts On The Best Gyms In NYC
One of the best things about New York City's fitness scene is the incredible variety available.
Whether you want to train like a bodybuilder at Coliseum Gym, enjoy premium amenities at Equinox, improve your running at Mile High Run Club, or challenge yourself with a boxing-inspired workout at Rumble, there's a facility designed specifically for your goals.
The most important factor isn't finding the "perfect" gym—it's finding one you'll consistently use.
Take advantage of day passes, trial memberships, and introductory classes whenever possible. Once you find a gym that fits your lifestyle and keeps you motivated, you're far more likely to stick with your training long-term.
Related: More Commercial Gym Reviews
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