For NYC....Where is there an affordable Gym?

Question

I live in Manhattan and I NEED to begin to workout.

Answer 1

If you aren't looking to go someplace trendy or cool, the YMCA or I've heard the CUNY schools and/or NYU will let you pay to use their facilities.

Answer 2

Check out the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. They've got some good indoor recreation centers -- some with weight rooms, pools, etc. -- and it's the most inexpensive thing going at $50 a year. (I used to go to a nice one with an indoor pool when I lived in Manhattan.) Here's the website: http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/recreation_centers/index.php

Otherwise there's the Y. Some Y's are expensive but they have programs to waive fees for those who are too poor to afford it. I think you have to attach a copy of your most recent tax return when you apply, to show your income is very low. They tend to grant the subsidized memberships for 6 months and then you can renew them if you're still not making enough. Info is at http://www.ymcanyc.org/index.php?id=1030

Answer 3

The cheapest probably going to be the Y. I think it is especially cheap if you only use one location.

You can also ask them for financial assistance:

http://rinjani.pair.com/yweb/typo3ymca/index.php?id=1047

The Chinatown branch is the cheapest.

Also - try and find those boxes that gyms put in pizza places/delis/etc. Sometimes you can get a no-strings attached membership for free!