Crunch

The staff at the front desk are sweet and accommodating.
The locker rooms are a little messy and chilly in colder weather. The lockers are rusty inside.
The basement workout area begs for better lighting and can be chilly in the winter.
The upstairs portion of the gym,
where most of the machines are located,
is contemporary, spacious and well lit.
There are two additional stretch areas with kinesiology toys plus a personal training area and two yoga studios, a spin studio and an extensive cardio area.
Fellow members are cool and mind their own business while remaining friendly and helpful.
I think the presence of in-​house administrative staff on the gym’s floor
is distracting and excessive:
A bit like big brother is watching you.
The trainers tend to be insincere and are primarily interested in hustling members to sign up for personal training sessions.
I have noticed that many of the male body builders practice unsafe, heavy lifting techniques in crowded spaces.

Absolutely terrible. I bought a week pass here for $ 75 and walked in and was vey displeased with the amenities. Very few machines and free weights, and there were only a few benches which were in use the whole hour I was there. Since the week pass is a flat $ 75 wherever you purchase it, I asked if I could go to one of the larger locations instead, but I was denied saying that I already bought the week pass at this location so if I wanted to use any other location I would have to pay $ 135 for an all access month membership (dumb policy). On top of that I left my ID at the front desk so came by to pick it up the next day and was treated very rudely by the front desk staff saying they shouldn’t have let me in the gym with an out of state ID even though I already paid for the membership. I ended up only going to the gym once even though I bought a week pass… waste of $ 75.

Been a member of Crunch, on and off for 3 years now, primarily at this location in Union Square, but I’ve also worked out at other locations in Murray Hill (34^th & 3^rd) and Midtown East (52^nd & 2^nd).
Overall this is my favorite location, it’s an average size gym with 2 floors with weight machines and cardio equipment on the top floor and the free weight area, studio, spin class and locker rooms and the bottom floor.
Good, friendly staff, great personal trainers and an amazing cleaning crew that do a good job of keeping the locker rooms and gym floor clean!
My favorite aspect of the gym are the clientele! For the most part you will not find juice heads, guidos, and barely any 40 year-​olds, midlife crisis, born-​again gym rats!
The EDM music and DJ on Tuesday nights are also awesome too!

Worst customer service I have ever experienced. Do not waste your time here.
I came to this location with a classpass reservation and they wouldn’t let me in since it wasn’t 15 minutes before the scheduled open gym time. I have gone to other Crunch locations and they told me there was no timeframe and I could workout whenever I wanted. The whole point of open gym is to be able to come in and workout when it is convenient to you. However, the Union Square Crunch staff were extremely rude and unhelpful. They wouldn’t let me in the gym and made me feel like a criminal trying to sneak in. The gym was empty but they wouldn’t let me in to workout since it wasn’t my scheduled time. Not only did they prevent me from working out, but I wasted a classpass for a gym I couldn’t even use. I am extremely frustrated with this situation and will not be returning to Crunch. Worst customer experience I have ever witnessed and even more infuriating since the gym was empty.

The only small size workout towels are in the spin room and the downstairs towel supply runs out constantly forcing another trip upstairs just to get a towel. And no towels ever in the locker room.

I’m reviewing Blaire Massaroni, who I started training with about 2 months ago. She is fantastic. She tailored a great exercise program for me, and I am seeing a huge difference. She also coaches me with nutrition, and takes the time to send me guidance, reviews food logs, and provides workouts for me to do on my own. If you’re looking for someone that will help you achieve results, she’s your girl!

This review is for Kathy M, she teaches Burn & Firm Pilates. She is amazing runs the class very well. She gives clear instructions and gives you a work out!
Five stars to Kathy M!

I’ve just came here to try to get information about a membership. The person in the counter was making what I can tell it was in Spanish a personal conversation or an argument over the phone. We asked in three occasions about pricing or for a tour while he was in the phone. He pass me after a while some form to fill it out in order to get a tour or the chance to get info of the membership, then he pass the same form 10 minutes later to my friend while he was still in the phone. He was kind of rude like if we were taking his precious time. This is not the way to make business because at the end my friend and I didn’t get any info or the chances to take the form with us and bring in the next morning.
If this is a start, I don’t want to find out what will be actually getting a membership.

This review is primarily a testament to Tony Wong, my personal trainer, as opposed to USQ Crunch (great gym, #crunch4life). First and foremost I want to stress how confident I was that personal trainers were just a way for Crunch to make more money off of me, and probably a rip off (Tony changed that). But, since I had never had one before and was trying to jumpstart my fitness I decided to go for the 5 session beginner package. TRUST ME when I say that if you are new to Crunch and are interested in a personal trainer as dynamic, purpose driven, supportive and badass as Tony Wong, BUY AS MANY AS YOU CAN AFFORD (I wish I had bought 20 to start). New members get a MONSTER discount so do yourself a favor and TAKE ADVANTAGE.
From start to finish Tony was incredibly supportive of my fitness goals, while still understanding my limitations and personal barriers. His training and expertise goes far beyond the gym. He gives you homework, consistently stays in touch via text/​email (he has an email chain of helpful and uplifting info he sends to all his clients) and has a positive, upbeat, kick ass mentality that is infectious. He pushes you to dig deep and want it, but he’s not one of those drill sergeants that yells ‘one more’ either. QUALITY and FORM come first before quantity. Before our first session he spent over an hour with me (free) testing my range of motion in various positions, discussing my health habits, and explained his philosophy and how he was going to help me achieve my goals. He takes PERSONAL trainer to the next level. His program for me was tailor fit and I consistently looked forward to our sessions. His knowledge of nutrition, fitness and kinesiology (study of human movement) are very apparent and you are guaranteed to benefit from his knowledge base. In just a few short weeks I went from having no idea how to do a dead lift to having OTHER personal trainers use my form as an example for their clients… and it’s all thanks to Tony. He is seriously a blessing and USQ Crunch is lucky to have such a knowledgeable and likeable fitness professional. I cannot speak highly enough of his integrity and discipline and how worthwhile his sessions are. Do yourself a favor and request Tony Wong for your personal trainer. He has forever changed how I view personal trainers and their significance… but I don’t plan on hiring anyone else because he’s the best!

hmmm, another Crunch gym that’s Bi… wait what? NO that’s «bi» as in it’s bi-​levelled aka having two floors. seewhatididthere
anyway check in and the membership are pretty standard with a refrigerator to buy h20, power drinks, etc. fresh towels are located on the first floor as you walk into the gym space. the treadmills are all located on the 12 street side of the gym. looking out of the windows. on the 4^th Ave side you have more of other types of machines like elliptical.
there’s a yoga studio and a pilates or rando room for training sessions as you head past the treadmills into the space. there’s one unisex bathroom on the floor, next two the aforementioned rooms. there’s also a couple of water fountains.
there’s a variety of weight/​workout machines in this area. they feel a little oldish and worn. they still work well, but eh… it’s a little claustrophobic re: the layout. often times it’s a tight maze and i feel like fellow gym members are working over each other on these machines. push past the machines and there are a couple of stretching areas.
second level (downstairs). this is where most of the free weights, racks, and your standard plate/​lift machines are. it’s a good variety of free weights and machines, but the eq feels old and looks its. functional yes. there’s a larger workout studio downstairs where the bigger classes are as well as the men’s locker room and women’s locker room. the men’s locker room feels a bit worn-​out. this crunch location is not that new. there’s a sauna (pretty small) probably holds about 8 dudes maybe more if you want to squeeze in… if you’re into that!
over all the «Union Square» location is a good size gym. it’s great for midday workouts. I’d avoid the night crush. it can get swarmed.
if you are looking a for a solid gym experience of weights, machines, and classes plus some random amenities… then this den of sweat will do you fine. if you are looking for super mod and up-to-date…i would say keep looking.
drop mic so can finish this set of reps – bars on top of bars!
i out!
zzz

It took me about a year to find my flow at a gym after moving to NYC. I was a member at 3 gyms in either Manhattan or Brooklyn before I found Crunch Union Square. I was approached by a trainer shortly after I joined and since my first session with Andre Adolphus, I’ve been a committed client for almost a year. This environment feels like a community with the large amount of trainers and consistent members. You always see someone familiar and there’s good, uplifting energy passed between people working out.
Andre has kept me grounded and committed even with my very sporadic work schedule. On days we don’t train together, he sends me workouts to keep me on track to my goals. He also checks my food logs every week and always returns feedback. Personal Training isn’t the only way to stay active and healthy here, however. Between classes offered in Boxing, Yoga, and Dance, you will surely head to the locker room with a smile on your face and sweat dripping down your back. Definitely the place to be.

Love working out at the Union Square Crunch. I was really reluctant to start personal training because it’s really expensive and all the other trainers I’ve optioned have been condescending or never really connected with me. I’ve been working with Ryan Murphy at this location and he is amazing — really fun and encouraging. I’ve been training since February and am seeing major results I sadly would never have attained on my own. If you can afford even five sessions I’d really recommend it. I’ve recommended Ryan to multiple friends and colleagues since he is so personable and fun to work with.

I’m a disaffected and disenfranchised practicing Bikram yogi of the Bikram Yoga Union Square studio. The studio, which is about 3 blocks away from this Crunch, closed down abruptly and without notice. Many including myself still had months of paid membership left, but by then I did not care.
My body that used to feel invigorated after the Bikram yoga class was telling me to try something different… Crunch was a welcome change by offering a variety of classes with upbeat music and a laid back atmosphere.
Flash foward to one and a half year later into the Crunch gym membership and I find myself at a plateau again… classes that once gave me strength and energy were sapping me of it and I wasn’t doing any better in any of the classes.
Then I got a personal trainer. And I think personal training is not unlike the experience of walking around with food in your teeth all day and you don’t feel right, but yet you don’t know what it is, and finally you take care of that shit when you see yourself in the mirror. Personal training is that mirror.
My trainer Jon Maw’s positive energy and his can-​do attitude has changed significant amount of my self deprecating and cynical attitude that had previously prevented me from doing different exercises, working muscles that I’ve never used. I’ve done exercises that seem very silly to me at first but made me sore and stronger in ways that surpassed my expectations. He is laid back, flexible, and encouraging. In my six months of training with him, I have gotten more results than I had in the 3 years of Bikram yoga and Crunch classes combined.
But what is life if not change? Jon is going to Miami and unlike the time the yoga studio closed, I do care… in that I wish him the best and highly recommend him at whichever Crunch he finds himself. I have been set up with a trainer he thoroughly vetted and found compatible for me. I am sure that we will both find continued success at Crunch. A combination of classes at Crunch and PT is a good way to go!

This spot is by far the most populated Crunch I have ever been to. It seems absurd that this location has so many more members than any other Crunch, but it does. Simply put, it is a nightmare on weekday evenings. Good classes are offered here but I find myself avoiding this location. The spin studio could really use some love, it has old bikes and poor general ambiance. One of the things I value most about Crunch is the laid back atmosphere and calm environment. I cannot find this vibe here. I immediately get frustrated while having to wait for a free locker or workout machine. I also do not like how many members they cram into studio classes.

Upping my review by one star for Vincent! He’s a great personal trainer – knows a lot of different workout techniques and certified in quite a few programs, including one called «animal flow» (think yoga with an emphasis on warrior/​Avatar moves).
He’s expensive, but not unreasonable. Definitely on par with most personal trainers, especially in NYC, in terms of price per session. His style is demanding – he will challenge what you know and try to educate you on technique. I definitely learned a lot during my 5 sessions. Even after just 5 weeks, once a week, I could feel myself getting stronger, and definitely had a better grasp on proper form.
Vincent has been very understanding of my inability to afford a full course of personal training, and even takes time to give me tips and core moves for free. He regularly checks in when I’m at this Crunch, and I appreciate the dedication to fitness that these free tidbits demonstrate. Plus, he keeps the pressure to buy at a minimum, which my strained finances certainly appreciate. I recommend him to anyone looking for a refreshing workout routine that gets results.

To management: CLIP THE LOCKS in the ladies locker room as many hood rats have created a permanent home. Locker space is already limited and it is nearly impossible to find a place for belongings with 60% of lockers occupied off the bat.
Also, a note to gym goers — this gym smells like an armpit. If u can, avoid and try a different location (i.e. Bowery).

Just cut off my membership, what a relief!
If you like going to a gym where you’re BOMBARDED by bored personal trainers every time you’re at the gym, this is the gym for you!
I honestly cannot believe how obnoxious they are at this location, I was getting approached almost every time I was there and when I wasn’t getting approached, I could see them lurking around and soliciting other patrons.
I agree with one of the previous reviewers mentioning that Crunch’s «No Judgement Zone» is just the opposite of that.
Beware, the crunch trainers will use every excuse to try to approach you during your workouts no matter what, whether what you’re doing is the right way or the wrong way.

You don’t have enough lockers. The sauna is not working well
Plus when you attend a yoga class you listen to hip hop music … not really yoga spirit
I was very disappointed

I recently joined Crunch thanks to a spinning instructor who provides a killer workout. This particular location could really use some updating. While the front desk staff, and the trainers that work here are nothing short of amazing, the bikes are crammed in the spinning room and are old star tracs where some clips are non-​functioning, and the lockers are very high-​school locker room-​esque. If Crunch would give this gym a little love, it could be ready for the next several years.
I do want to say that the lighting in the spinning studio is very cool — black lights, dark purple lights and red lights really accent the room well and help create the energy of the class.

This Crunch location gets insanely crowded between 5 and 8pm. You have to wait to even find an open locker in the women’s locker room! It seems like so many people head here after work for a quick workout, but you waste time waiting for a space to even get changed.
The equipment is pretty good — not the latest models but everything is in working order. There are a ton of treadmills and ellipticals. With the crowds it is hard to find floor space, but they have a good number of medicine balls and a couple mats.
If you only workout at off hours or don’t mind crowds, then this gym might be for you. The location is super convenient, but that is probably why so many people use this gym!