Jackson Heights Life

If you go to a gym, where do you go?

When I first moved here I joined EFN, the small gym overlooking the 7 train tracks on 78th and Roosevelt.  I got what I thought was a good deal but I have since gotten offers that were even lower ($199 a year was the lowest I  have seen).  I bought a year's membership but ultimately stopped going, because even though it was close and open late -- I didn't enjoy going there. 

The gym does have decent basic equipment (a step up from some YMCAs I have belonged to in my past) but I found it to be too small, too crowded, not clean enough and hot in the spring (I never went in summer).  It seems perfect if you want a nearby gym for a quick basic workout, but if you want more than that, this probably isn't the place for you.  I never tried the classes there so I can't comment on those.

After my membership ran out there, I joined NYSC which opened a branch next to the R/V train in Rego Park over the summer, and is about to open another branch within a week or so in Sunnyside on 39th and Queens Blvd close to the 40th St. Stop on the 7.  I pay about $67/month.  I'm very happy with NYSC after having gone to too many sub-par gyms over the years.

I know other people here in JH who were going to the gym on Northern Blvd (can't remember the name).  Is it still open?  I think they had some problems.  Also I know someone else who treks over to Astoria to go the Rock Gym there.

So. . .where do you work out?

I also went to EFN when I first moved out here but it just kind of never did it for me. I'm not sure why. Eventually I skipped searching for a gym and bought a Spinning bike for my apartment. I love it (when I use it) but could definitely use a bit of outside motivation. I might check out the NYSC in Rego Park. I used to belong to one when I lived on the Upper East Side and it was pretty good.

i also went to efn for a while and didn't really like it that much. i've landed at the YMCA on Queens Blvd in LIC. it's actually pretty nice.

I just wish we had one here

I went to check out the NYSC in Sunnyside yesterday (right now only open for tours) and while it's of course a brand new facility with all new machines, it seemed small. I think I prefer the Rego Park location.  From the 74th St. station I think the time to get to each one on the train is about the same (6 stops on the local R/V vs. about the same on the 7). 

However, if you need sunlight in order to do your time on the treadmill, you'll prefer the Sunnyside one as the Rego Park facility is entirely underground.

There is another gym that is relatively close that I belong to called Big Six Fitness.  It is 61-10 Queens Blvd 2nd Floor, Woodside.  Many people remember it as a Gold's Gym that only recently changed owners.  They have all the same equipment as the old Golds including clean locker rooms and an aerobics room used for classes.  They offer spin classes every day along with various other strength training courses.  If you drive it is only 10 min, I ride a bike to the gym and it takes 15 min at most.  They allow cyclists to bring their bikes inside to the front desk/juice bar.  If you take the subway it is NOT as easy or fast to get there.  It involves getting off the 7 at 61st Woodside and heading towards Queens Blvd up 61st St.  I believe the yearly membership is $475.00, they also offer a free 7 day trial pass.  I find it to be the best deal around ONLY if you are willing to ride your bike or brave crossing Queens Blvd on foot!

Hi there, wanted to give details about the pilates class I organize at Garden school on Fridays.
The new class runs for 8 consecutive weeks.  Starting Jan. 4, 2008. Fee $160
The instructor is from a studio in Dumbo, she's really great.
The class is one hour @ 7:30pm.  All you need is a yoga mat and comfortable clothes.
If you need to miss one class, there will be one make-up on Feb. 29.
If you want to join please contact me: 917-816-0302 or olaomo@aol.com

If you want to "drop-in" and not sign up for all 8 classes, the fee is $25 a class.
Thank you,
Margaret Murray
ps If you'd like to take a class 12/21 and 12/28 there may be room. e-mail to find out.

If you're looking for a good personal trainer, check out this site:
http://empirefitnessny.com/

It hasn't been updated in a while, but Brian is great and he's located in JH.

I belong to Matrix Fitness on 45st and Ditmars Boulevard.  The club is very clean and it is big big.  It isn't quite as nice at the NYSC on Steinway but it is about $30-40 cheaper per month and you don't have to commit for a year.  It is month by month.  I joined in October and the plan I chose was an initiation fee of $179 and a monthly fee of $49.95. As long as you continue your membership the price will never go up.