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Y or Crunch?

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    1. User has not uploaded an avatar
      missneedle

      rookie newb
      Joined: Sep '10
      Posts: 14

      Looking for gym with the best classes in Park Slope area

      Sorry for the length but I'm trying to be as detailed as possible...

      As I don't do cardio machines and weights (need a class to get motivated!), I'm only interested in the class portion of a gym. I like variety and prefer classes that tend to push you to your limits. Not too concerned about whether the trainers and desk staff are friendly or what the vibe is. Don't really care about the aesthetics of a place either. I just want good classes that are not super-crowded (in Equinox, many times there was only 1.5 feet separating me from my neighbors!). I tend to gravitate towards the dance and martial arts-based classes. I also don't swim as exercise so it doesn't matter if there's a pool. And I prefer to keep expenses to $100/month or less.

      Currently I have a membership at NYSC. When I lived in Manhattan, there were about 12 NYSCs within a 20-minute walk from where I lived (which was one of the main reasons why I belonged to NYSC). Now there is only one in Park Slope (with very limited classes) that's within walking distance from me. So I'm investigating to see whether there are alternatives.

      I know there's a Crunch in Prospect Heights and Fort Greene. As I know there can be variations between Crunch locations, any input on quality of those classes? What are the classes like at the Armory and Prospect Park Ys? The classes at Crunch sound more like my speed, but the Y is closer to me as I live in South Slope.

      I don't know anything about the classes at Harbor Fitness, Eastern Athletic Club or Body Reserve, but not super interested as there's only one location (I like variety). Any others that I have missed?

      Just for reference, here are my impressions of the 4 gyms I belonged to when I used to live in Manhattan.

      1. Equinox -- best variety and quality of classes but very expensive and crowded
      2. NYSC -- mediocre classes, but made up for it in the # of locations; occasionally will find great teacher and will travel for the class
      3. Crunch -- good classes but not as many locations as NYSC
      4. YMCA -- mixed bag; some classes were good and some were pretty mediocre; not as many locations as Crunch and NYSC and Equinox

      # Posted 1 yr ago
    2. User has not uploaded an avatar
      Peanuts

      above average
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 577

      I too go to NYSC and you're right...not enough classes (esp for those of us that are morning people) and not very good instructors. This is not the way it always was but because of really poor management the gym has gone way downhill - basically they only want you to do things you have to pay for like personal training and small group training (amazing that they expect you to pay extra when they don't even give you the basics that your membership fee is supposed to cover)

      Anyway one of my gym buddies did a week's pass at Crunch in Prospect Heights and said the classes were great - the only reason I don't go there is the distance from my home...I need to walk to the gym or I won't go. I have also heard that the Fort Greene Crunch is not very good.

      I'd also be interested to see what people have to say about the Y's classes. I've considered bailing on NYSC and going to the Y but I don't want to go from one bad situation to another.

      Peanuts
      # Posted 1 yr ago
    3. bkchickie
      BKChickie

      Bagel Hole Girl
      Joined: Mar '08
      Posts: 1,089

      Here's what I see about classes at the Park Slope Crunch (I don't do classes, otherwise I would be looking for an alternative.)

      I usually work out in the late afternoon or early evening, and:

      1. Classes are PACKED.
      2. Classroom is in the middle of the floor, and while yes there are shades, you wouldn't believe how many guys just sit there and stare at the T&A (or maybe you would, I don't know.)
      3. Pole dancing.

      What about the Eastern Athletic at the beginning of Eastern Parkway?

      # Posted 1 yr ago
    4. cremate
      cremate

      getting it
      Joined: Jul '11
      Posts: 181

      Yes crunch's popular classes do get packed, but likely because they have some of the better classes in the area. And yes we stare if you're stare worthy

      # Posted 1 yr ago
    5. 8thandprez
      8thandPrez

      Stroller Person
      Joined: Sep '05
      Posts: 1,274

      I do kickboxing at the Y Armory. Kickboxing is great and the Armory is a decent enough place. Private rooms, enough space. The only downside is that there's no showers or towel service.

      # Posted 1 yr ago
    6. toadette
      Toadette

      above average
      Joined: Aug '08
      Posts: 470

      I had a summer membership at the Y (both Armory and 9th street). I mostly went to spinning; I liked the two instructors I frequented. I also did a step and sculpt class, that was good (though the instructor wasn't the greatest at calling out steps enough ahead of time - beginners beware!). Although I never really took full advantage of it, the Y seemed to have a nice variety of types of classes. They have a punk rope class that I really wanted to check out but never quite made, same with kettlebells class.

      I'd considered a Harbor membership; the class assortment seemed good but not quite as good as the Y.

      # Posted 1 yr ago
    7. User has not uploaded an avatar
      missneedle

      rookie newb
      Joined: Sep '10
      Posts: 14

      Thanks for the responses.

      Staring doesn't bother me too much as I ignore it. Many of NYSC, Crunch and Equinox classrooms had onlookers. If the class is good, I'm oblivious to what's going on. And as I'm getting older, figure it's about time to pass the torch to the next generation of young women.

      I've taken Crunch's pole dancing class once with Kyra in Union Square. She's awesome and the class was really hard! Makes me really appreciate the athleticism of the pole dancing strippers. Kyra's classes were always full because she's good. I realize that the really good teachers will be popular. As long as I'm not on top of other people I'm OK.

      And, BKChickie, I've considered Eastern Athletic but think it's above my price range. And there's only one branch within walking distance -- and # of classes kind of seem limited.

      Does the Y have week-long guest passes (even if you have to pay)? It's hard to evaluate a gym if I just take a class here and there with a day pass.

      # Posted 1 yr ago
    8. cremate
      cremate

      getting it
      Joined: Jul '11
      Posts: 181

      The think the guest passes will depend on the location. I.e if you can't get one from one, go to another as I believe they have different rules.

      # Posted 1 yr ago
    9. toadette
      Toadette

      above average
      Joined: Aug '08
      Posts: 470

      I think the Y right now (until October 10 the website says) is allowing folks to join without a joiner's fee so in theory you could just sign up and try it for a month without consequence.

      # Posted 1 yr ago
    10. User has not uploaded an avatar
      d_luxx

      getting it
      Joined: Oct '09
      Posts: 220

      I go to the Armory Y and I love it. I'm not a huge "class" person, but the classes I have taken have all been good and not too crowded. It's only about 40-50 per month, and I'm pretty sure you can pay a little more to have access to both the armory and the ninth street locations, if you wanted to double your class options.

      # Posted 1 yr ago
    11. User has not uploaded an avatar
      Peanuts

      above average
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 577

      Toadette, I've seen the ads for no joiner fee..but that doesn't mean there are no dues and that you don't have to sign a contract for the dues.

      Peanuts
      # Posted 1 yr ago

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