Body Reserve Fitness (and Slope Fitness)

MOD

Is anyone here still going to Body Reserve?

I'm thinking about joining again but the class selection isn't that great for 2012. So maybe I'd go to use the machines. :-k How are they lately? Clean, not clean? Are the machines (i.e. elliptical) running well? Any bad experiences?

longtimesloper

Been a member there for 2 years and will continue going in 2012. I am not big on classes, so, all I use is the equipment and I'm happy with it

longtimesloper

The ellipticals were put in new earlier this year

shantrom

I just finished using a Groupon deal there, for group fitness classes.

There's not a huge range, but it was worth it for the Tuesday night kickboxing class with Fatima. Best class I have ever taken. Ever.

MOD

I joined, I like that they have a good amount of ellipticals now (compared to a few years ago.) I'll check out that Tuesday class, Shantrom, is it ok for beginners? I'm definitely checking out the zumba classes, it's too bad they only have 2 scheduled. Seems like their schedule is full of 'bootcamp' classes and I just can't stand that workout.

shantrom

The Tuesday class is pretty intense, but Fatima is a very patient instructor and she explains all the moves very clearly.

It's certainly a very fast-paced workout that really gets your heart rate going!

I also took Susan's classes on Friday and Saturday mornings and they were great. More core-oriented though.

MOD

Soooo, since this thread started I have been with B.R. They're just OK. The elliptical machines need repair, but I like that the vibe there is laid back and despite the need to upgrade machines they still get the job done for me. I haven't taken classes as their current selections sorta suck (don't get mad, it's just my opinion!)

I'm looking into other options around the same price range. Body reserve is currently $69 mo. I saw that Slope Fitness has reopened under new management. Does anyone go there? What are your thoughts?

http://www.slopefit.com/special-offers.html

petitchou

I belonged to Slope Fitness before they closed and I'm back there since the reopening. While SF was shut I joined Body Reserve for a couple of months. It was just ok. Very bare bones. The owners are nice, but the machines are really old, some with torn seats, and hard-to-operate pins. Plus it smells like a gym (sweat and rubber). Some people seem to like that odor, but not me. I'm glad to be back at SF. Michael who took over has spruced the place up and he's always there, making sure everything is running smoothly. It has a small business, non-corporate vibe that I appreciate. The equipment is in good shape and there's no gym stench. My one complaint is that the temperature is a little warm. I hope Michael cranks up the AC when temps really rise. That said, they have good classes, including Ivy's for middle-aged folks like me, and the locker rooms are much nicer than those at BR. I honestly have no vested interest in SF. Just hoping they stay in business so I don't have to go back to BR!

longtimesloper

To me, BR does not smell liek sweat, it smells like the cleaning fluid they use, and I like that smell, lol! I also don't smell rubber there, but, to each their own. yes, some seats are torn which bugs me, but I have never had a problem with pins. But, on the other hand, I am not looking for a fancy pants gym that looks like a social club, I want laid back, relaxed, friendly and working equipment, and I get that here. Again, I'm not a big class person, but, I have taken the yoga classes on Wednesday nights and enjoyed them.

here are some reviews from Yelp to help you out:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/body-reserve-brooklyn

cremate

How do these compare to Crunch on flatbush (or NYSC). Do SF or BRF have more free weights?

brittain

Body Reserve - Very classic BB gym from the 80s. The lockers are really rather poor and the layout/lighting/equipment is incredibly lackluster and uninspiring. (Member very briefly)

Slope Fitness - Incredibly quiet with some poor PTs, compared to before. Locker rooms/amenities are great, always clean, and well maintained. The equipment is pretty standard but the layout is quite nice. The members tend to be of the mature professional type and it is often incredibly quiet.(Member for 6 years prior to the big shutdown)

Crunch (Flatbush) - Crazy busy and can be frustrating at times in regards to the weight(s) area. Lockers are nice but can use some sprucing. Layout of the locker room, by design, is awfully odd. The members that come are of the younger professional crowd and can be incredibly inspirational in terms of working out with those of similar goals (mass building/weightloss/cardio itensive/etc.). I, personally, think Crunch has the most modern, diverse, and most ideal equipment of the big 3 in Park Slope. Biggest issue with Crunch, however, is the PTs and their attitude towards space/equipment use and how it affects members.