One of the challenges of travelling is keeping up with your exercise routine. In New York, several gyms offer day passes that are ideal for those keen to stay active while out of town.
(Photo: Equinox)
In recent years, the bricks & mortar fitness sector has attempted to move with the times by offering increased flexibility for gym clients who don’t necessarily want to be tied down to long-term contracts. One of the benefits of this trend is that it’s now a lot easier for travellers to attend gyms with no commitment beyond a one-off session. This is because many gyms now offer day passes that let you try out the facilities before deciding if you want to return. We’ve picked out some of the best gyms in New York where you can get a day pass.
Equinox
One of New York’s best known gyms, Equinox anchors a vibrant Upper West Side corner, where it offers fitness classes, a rock wall, basketball court, boxing studio, pilates/yoga studio, roof deck, outdoor track, indoor lap pool, and Spa services. Members and guests can enjoy access to an impressive 11 class categories, including signature Cycling, high-intensity Boxing and Martial Arts classes, and sculpting Pilates sessions. All classes in the club and on the Equinox+ app are unlimited and included in membership packages. The gym offers day passes for those wanting to try out the facilities with no further commitment required. Day passes from $10.
Venues across NYC
YMCA
(Photo: YMCA)
A community service organisation, YMCA has a vast presence in New York, with venues dotted across the city. At all of them is a fitness centre where guests can join classes, make use of state-of-the-art equipment, take a dip in swimming pools, and much more. Among the facilities on offer are exercise machines, stretching areas, free weights and a weight room, while a busy programme of Mind body classes include Chair Yoga, Yoga Strength, Yoga with Meditation, Pilates, T’ai Chi. Free one-off day passes.
Venues across NYC
Mid City Gym & Tanning
Established in 1962, Mid City Gym is said to be America’s longest running gym and has been the stomping grounds of celebrities such as Hulk Hogan and Dwayne down the years. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the venue offers a one-stop shop for all things fitness, whether it’s personal training, group training, Boxing training or stretching programs. There’s also a juice Bar and, for that finishing touch – Tanning. The gym is also fully equipped with a wide range of cardio and strength training equipment. Day passes $25.
45 West 42nd Street / Mon-Fri 7am-10pm Sat-Sun 8am-8pm
Blink Fitness
(Photo: Blink Fitness)
Launched by the same people behind the Equinox chain (see above), Blink was created to remove the stigma attached to low-budget gyms with an affordable but enticing workout venue. The bright space is spotless and while there are quirky design elements like bulbous blue pendant lamps, most of the décor features simple modern greys. About half of the hundred cardio machines are topped with fourteen-inch HDTVs offering 72 channels, and on the bikes you can tune into feature-length films on HBO and Showtime, or play tunes via the digital jukebox that works with a smartphone app to select the tunes that play over the gym’s speakers. Day passes $15.
308 8th Avenue / Mon-Thurs 5am-11pm Fri 5am-10pm Sat-Sun 7am-7pm
Cornerstone Gym
This boutique training studio in the upscale district of Chelsea offers a wide range of services, including Personal Training, Biomechanics Rehabilitation, Body Composition, Analysis Nutrition Counseling, Semi-Private Fitness Classes, and Health and Wellness Seminars. The facility embraces all the best components of a high-end NYC wellness centre with its harmonious mix of refined sophistication and energy, grit and grind, augmented by an atmosphere with a fresh and chill vibe. The venue also hosts professional fitness classes that help increase stamina and agility, while reducing stress, and relieving joint pain by strengthening muscles. Free one-off day passes.
23rd Street & 8th Avenue, Chelsea / Mon-Sun 8.30am-5pm
You can book special deals at this gym at Groupon.com for discounted rates of up to 46% off. Discounts for other New York gyms are also available at Groupon.
GYM NYC
(Photo: GYM NYC)
With over 25 years’ experience in the fitness industry, GYM NYC’s large commercial location offers several styles of personal training to clients courtesy of an experienced team of experts. They have a huge assortment of exercise equipment, and specialise in particular in kettlebells – cast-iron weights used to perform explosive ballistic exercises that combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. Day passes $35.
227 Mulberry Street / Mon-Thurs 6am-10pm Fri 6am-9pm Sat-Sun 8am-7pm
Life Time – Sky
Life Time – Sky is a luxury athletic resort featuring a rooftop pool deck, an indoor aquatics area, an expansive workout floor, and full-length basketball courts, all spread over 65,000 square feet dedicated to the pursuit of healthy living. The venue’s one-day membership allows you to soak in all the benefits of regular membership for a day, such as studio, cycle and yoga classes, GTX, Alpha and Ultra Fit classes, tennis and pickleball court use, and indoor pool access. Day passes $50.
Venues across NYC
Manhattan Plaza Health Club
(Photo: Manhattan Plaza Health Club)
Manhattan Plaza Health Club is widely considered a wellness oasis in the centre of Manhattan and has been helping New Yorkers improve their health and lifestyle for years. This sizable gym boasts cardio and weight machines, plus a swimming pool, tennis courts, rock climbing wall, and a sun deck. Group sessions include exercise classes, pool classes and Pilates, and there’s also massage therapy and personal training. Day passes $25.
482 West 43rd Street / Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat-Sun 8am-9pm
Chelsea Piers Fitness
Located on Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex, this adult membership fitness club features 150,000 square feet of space to work out, train and socialise. Highlights include a 75-foot indoor pool, over 100 classes a week including signature programming in Yoga, Barre, Pilates and Cycling, an indoor running track, a boxing ring and training circuit, one of the most challenging rock walls in the country, and expansive cardio & strength training options. Day passes $60.
60 Chelsea Piers / Mon-Thurs 5.30am-10pm Fri 5.30am-4.30pm Sat 8am-8pm Sun 8am-8pm
TWA Hotel
Self-styled as the world’s biggest hotel gym, the fitness studio at the TWA Hotel, located on the site of JFK International Airport, features a huge assortment of equipment across its 10,000 square feet. Among them are a cycling studio with 14 Peloton bikes and there are also 12 treadmills, 10 ellipticals, TRX Suspension Trainer, kettlebells, resistance bands, and a full yoga studio. Other notable services and facilities include group classes, extra large lockers, and changing rooms with showers, salon-style vanities and grooming supplies. Day passes $25 (free for overnight guests).
John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens