Body Reserve Fitness?

MOD · August 2007

I'd love to hear stories and opinions on Body Reserve on 5th ave.
I'm thinking of joining and in particular would like to know:

Do you like their group classes?
How are their teachers?
How clean are they?
Are their staff friendly/helpfull? (I went today to check it out and waited and waited and no staff member ever came around)
Good machines?

Thanks everyone! If I like the place I want to enroll by the end of the month before they raise their rates in Oct.

raw · August 2007

I don't take classes there, but can say that the place is good for lifting weights and jumping on a cardio machine.

One thing I like about them is they lack pushy sales people trying to sell you massages, physical therapy, or even membership for that matter.

verucasalt · August 2007

Hey Mamacita--

I just joined BR about a month ago. So far I like it a lot. I have to admit when I wanted to join a gym a year or so I go I went in there and experienced the same thing. They kinda ignored you at the door. That didn't give me a good impression. I went off and joined Slope H&F.

Here it is a year later and I am now a member of BR. There are lots of machines to go around. I think it is pretty clean and the people are there to work out not trying to see who is prettier or wearing the cuter workout gear (whereas I felt that way at the Slope, also there were never machines available and the lockerroom there was tiny). I digress, I think for the money you pay the facilities are spacious and kept clean. The staff is helpful but you have to approach them. If you like watching TV while you are working out you can forget about that because they don't have TV's above or on any of the machines.

I am hoping to take some classes starting next week. Never really been a class person but I thought it would be a good way to meet new friends and get in shape. Hope that helps.

willregistersoon · August 2007

I used to belong there and its a great neighborhood gym. I got a tour a week ago any NYSC and they just pissed me off so much there. Playing annoying games with the prices, and pulling a whole sales gig on me. He actually asked me "How important is your health to you?" What kind of stupid question is that? Ended up joining the Y across the street for almost half the price.

ilovecarbs · August 2007

I joined BR early this year after leaving crunch, which was just awful. I'm more into classes than working out indepently. That being said, the place is clean, staff is friendly without being intrusive and the classes are great. I like that fact that the instructors take a genuine interest in your fitness level and experience and helps newbies through classes. and the spining kicks butt. (Im used to purely cardio so I needed help with weight training and pilates classes) I go there, do my thing and leave. Love it.[/img]

slopehead · August 2007

I've been a member of the BR for nearly ten years now, so here's the straight dope. The Body Reserve is probably for you if you like unpretentious and low-on-frills kinds of places. They've got all the essentials for most workouts along with a few classes. The staff, while not extremely outgoing, has always been courteous and helpful. Do not go there expecting a "scene" or to be seen, or whatever - it's not that kind of place. There's no Eucalyptus steam room or fresh juice bar or LCD TVs or any of that. Think BASIC but nice. To me it's the best deal in town.
As an aside, if you're a PSFC member you can get 15% off the joining fee.

germfree! · August 2007

I love these guys. As said - no pushy sales crap, and the equipment is fine. No frills.

quiddity · September 2007

I've been going for a month -- I'v no complaints. I just use the cardio and weights. Haven't tried a class yet. Everything is clean. The towels are a little threadbare, but whatever. It's a no-frills place and I'm surprised they even have towels. I haven't needed to interact with the staff beyond initiating my membership (and there was no pressure at all). It's not crowded. It's not pretentious. I like it. And it's a bargain compared to other gyms.

raw · September 2007

ilovecarbs wrote: I joined BR early this year after leaving crunch, which was just awful. I'm more into classes than working out indepently. That being said, the place is clean, staff is friendly without being intrusive and the classes are great. I like that fact that the instructors take a genuine interest in your fitness level and experience and helps newbies through classes. and the spining kicks butt. (Im used to purely cardio so I needed help with weight training and pilates classes) I go there, do my thing and leave. Love it.[/img]

Why was Crunch awful?

ilovecarbs · September 2007

The spinning class instructors were out of shape and out of breath - i don't mean chubby..i mean red faced, heaving, having a heart attack look on her face. Basically the classes sucked and PTs kept annoying me when I was trying to work out. It somehow didn't occur to them that if I wanted personal training I'd ask for it.

magic1 · September 2007

How are the spinning instructors at BR? Or any of the other gyms around the neighborhood? I'm really looking to get back into it.

nightcrawler · September 2007

I have been going to BR for 12 years now, I like it a lot. The people are pretty friendly and so is the staff. By going there usually around the same time you will get to see familiar faces to say "Hi' to.
I like it mostly because it is just for me to "work out" and to have some "me' time after work, not to socialize or to pick up and any of that stuff.
Who needs all this fancy crap, just give me weights and some cardio equip and I'm all set. Like the other posted said, it's not a fashion place either.
I also like, and this might sound dumb, but its decorated very plain so it's easy on the eyes. Anything with lots of colors kinda makes me dizzy...eek !!!!!!

MOD · September 2007

Thanks for all the responses!
I think I'm going to go for it. I stopped by again last week and met one of the class instructors. She seemed nice (and on a side note, she kinda looks like Penelope Cruz).

One last question: Do they have lockers there?

verucasalt · September 2007

They do have a pretty big locker room downstairs. You will need to bring your own lock but they also supply lockers with locks but not sure how that works...if they charge for it or not.

There are showers as well.

I am glad you are joining. I think you will like it.

ilovecarbs · September 2007

hahaha, mamacita. That's what struck me when i first met one of them too! Was it karen? She's awesome. She's made me feel comfortable with weights..something i NEVER do.

anonymous · September 2007

ilovecarbs wrote: hahaha, mamacita. That's what struck me when i first met one of them too! Was it karen? She's awesome. She's made me feel comfortable with weights..something i NEVER do.

Body Reserve Fitness?

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