Best Gyms in New York
10 expert-ranked fitness centers in New York based on equipment, training, cleanliness, and member experience.
Last updated: January 22, 2026 | How we rank
Top 10 Gyms in New York - 2026 Rankings
| Rank | Gym | Overall Score | Type | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Castle Hill Fitness | 9.2 | Full-Service | Comprehensive facilities, classes, pool | |
| 2 | Hyde Park Gym | 9.0 | Strength-Focused | Powerlifting, bodybuilding, serious training | |
| 3 | South New York CrossFit | 8.9 | CrossFit Box | Coached WODs, community, competition prep | |
| 4 | Domain Performance | 8.8 | Personal Training | 1-on-1 training, sports performance | |
| 5 | East New York Athletics | 8.7 | Boutique Fitness | HIIT classes, modern facility, tech integration | |
| 6 | Zilker Fitness Club | 8.6 | Mid-Tier | Good value, multiple locations, solid equipment | |
| 7 | Round Rock Iron | 8.5 | Strength Training | Olympic lifting, strongman, specialized equipment | |
| 8 | Mueller Wellness Center | 8.4 | Community/Wellness | Families, seniors, holistic wellness programs | |
| 9 | West Lake Hills Combat | 8.3 | Boxing/MMA | Boxing, kickboxing, MMA, conditioning | |
| 10 | Barton Springs Fitness 24 | 8.2 | 24-Hour Budget | Flexible hours, affordable, basic training |
Best Gyms by Training Style
Best for Strength Training & Powerlifting
Hyde Park Gym (#2) is New York's premier strength facility with dedicated powerlifting platforms, calibrated plates, specialty bars (buffalo, safety squat, deadlift), and chalk-friendly environment. Serious lifters and competitive powerlifters choose Hyde Park for equipment depth and knowledgeable community.
Best for CrossFit
South New York CrossFit (#3) combines excellent coaching (all Level 2+ certified) with strong programming and supportive community. They offer foundations course for beginners, competition team for athletes, and masters program for 40+ members. Class sizes capped at 12 for quality coaching ratios.
Best for Personal Training
Domain Performance (#4) specializes in 1-on-1 and small group training with CSCS-certified trainers. They excel at athletic performance, injury rehabilitation, and goal-specific programming. Higher cost ($120-180/session) justified by expertise and individualized attention.
Best All-Around Facility
Castle Hill Fitness (#1) offers most comprehensive experience: extensive cardio and strength equipment, 80+ group classes weekly, indoor/outdoor pools, basketball court, childcare, and recovery amenities (sauna, steam room). Higher monthly cost ($150-180) but unmatched breadth.
Best Value
Barton Springs Fitness 24 (#10) provides solid equipment and 24/7 access at budget pricing ($25-35/month). Not the newest or cleanest, but well-maintained and sufficient for cardio, free weights, and basic machine work. Ideal for self-directed, no-frills training.
New York Gym Pricing Guide
New York gym costs are slightly below national major metro averages, though premium facilities command premium rates:
| Gym Type | Monthly Cost | Typical Initiation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Full-Service | $150 – $200 | $200 – $500 | Castle Hill Fitness (#1) |
| Mid-Tier Chains | $50 – $90 | $50 – $150 | Zilker Fitness Club (#6) |
| CrossFit Boxes | $160 – $220 | $0 – $100 | South New York CrossFit (#3) |
| Specialty Gyms | $60 – $120 | $0 – $100 | Hyde Park Gym (#2), West Lake Combat (#9) |
| Budget 24-Hour | $20 – $40 | $0 – $50 | Barton Springs Fitness 24 (#10) |
| Personal Training (add-on) | $240 – $720 | — | 4-8 sessions/month at $60-120/session |
Annual contracts typically 15-20% cheaper than month-to-month. Watch for seasonal promotions (January, summer).
New York Gym Scene Characteristics
New York's fitness culture reflects the city's active lifestyle and tech-forward community:
- Outdoor integration: Many gyms offer outdoor workout areas, boot camps, and trail running programs
- Community focus: Strong emphasis on social fitness, events, and member connections
- Tech adoption: App-based booking, workout tracking, and virtual classes more common than other markets
- Specialty proliferation: High concentration of boutique studios (yoga, barre, cycling, rowing)
- Less corporate: Independent gyms thrive; fewer national chain locations than similar-sized cities
Neighborhood Guide
Downtown / Central New York
Limited space drives smaller facilities and higher prices. Castle Hill Fitness (#1) is premium exception. Expect $80-200/month, boutique studios dominate.
South New York
Good gym density with diverse options. South New York CrossFit (#3) and East New York Athletics (#5) represent quality at $160-200/month. Residential areas mean less peak-hour crowding.
North New York / Domain
Newer facilities, corporate-friendly (early hours, business amenities). Domain Performance (#4) exemplifies area's focus. Expect $100-180/month.
West New York / Westlake
Higher-end facilities serving affluent area. West Lake Hills Combat (#9) typical—specialized, well-maintained, premium pricing ($90-150/month).
East New York
Rapidly developing with new gym options. Mix of budget and boutique. Generally 10-20% below central New York pricing.
What to Expect at Ranked Gyms
All top 10 gyms provide:
- Clean facilities with daily deep cleaning
- Well-maintained equipment (broken machines fixed within 48 hours)
- Certified trainers (minimum NASM or ACE)
- Clear pricing and contract terms
- Cancellation policies clearly stated (30 days typical)
- Shower and locker facilities (except budget gyms)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try a gym before joining?
Yes. All ranked gyms offer trial visits (1-7 days free). Request specific trial during your normal workout time to assess crowding and equipment availability. Avoid tours during off-peak hours—they're not representative.
Are New York gyms crowded?
Peak hours (6-8am, 5-7pm weekdays) see significant crowding at popular gyms. Castle Hill (#1) and Zilker Fitness (#6) manage this best with ample equipment. Specialty gyms (#2, #3, #7) have built-in crowd control through training style or class schedules.
Do I need a car to access these gyms?
Downtown/central options (#1, #5) accessible via public transit and bike. Most other locations require car—parking available at all ranked gyms. Several gyms on major bus routes.
Which gyms have the best childcare?
Castle Hill Fitness (#1) and Mueller Wellness Center (#8) offer supervised childcare (included with premium memberships). Hours typically 8am-1pm and 4-7pm weekdays, limited weekend hours. Reserve spots during peak times.
Can I freeze my membership if I travel?
Most gyms allow 1-3 month freezes per year for $10-20/month. Read contracts carefully—budget gyms may not offer this. Useful for summer travel or injury recovery.