Retro Fitness

Look, I realized when I signed up for a VIP trial membership via LivingSocial that this place isn’t Equinox. But the lack of hot water in the showers is just absurd. The staff acknowledges that this is a «continuing» problem, apparently without an end in sight. Even if this is fixed, this gym has locker rooms are so small that it is virtually impossible to change without inadvertent physical contact with other patrons. From the signs in the locker room, the gym also has had an on-​going problem with wifi and television service. For me, this gym has an incredibly convenient location — but there are other available options in the area. But no excuse exists for lack of hot water. (P.S., amazing coincidence — the Paramus NJ Retro Fitness also has on-​going hot water supply issues. .. could this be a feature of corporate cost-​cutting that results in purchase of inadequate equipment?)
BTW, the «towel service» is a bit of a joke. The «towels» are rages the size of large bandannas with similar thickness that the gym staff safeguard with an air of paranoia that would be funny if it wasn’t so irritating.
CONCLUSION: I’m no blushing violet, but the combination of the locker room space issue and the lack of hot water are deal breakers. Hot water isn’t a luxury, or even an «amenity», it should be considered a standard fixture. Sheesh.

I have been training for more than 15 years, in that time I have been a member of just about every kind of gym — from spit and sawdust outfits run by IFBB pros, through crossfit/​boxing gyms to $ 200 a month luxury fitness clubs. I joined this gym almost a year ago, and have been continually impressed by the attention to detail of the management, as well as their proactive evolution of the services and facilities offered.
Ben and his team have laid out their floorspace and equipment in a way that is logical and practical (something I have found to be very rare), they are constantly searching for ways to improve the service (e.g. recently adding ceiling mirrors for form checking on their bench equipment) and their product offering is heavily backed by research and a deep understanding of fitness and nutrition.
At just $ 20 a month for the most basic membership, this gym represents the best value of any I have ever attended. It is refreshing to speak to owners and trainers who really know what they are talking about — it never ceases to amaze me the number of professional trainers I meet who seem to have a very vague/​out of date understanding of the science and psychology of training. You will not have this problem at Retro Fitness 1NYP.
5 stars, make the towels bigger and I’ll give you 6…

I wanted to come and post a more recent review. There have been many changes to this location. The staff is deff friendlier. They now acknowledge your arrival. And one of the gentlemen actually greets me by name when I check in. they have added mirrors in the free weight section.

I will never step into this place again!!! I was going for a trial week, with a special sign up date of free of fees. However, when I was ready to sign the contract & asked reasonable questions like, «What is the annual fee,» «Are classes included,» I received different answers from everyone. As a registration day, I would think everyone working there would know the answer, or have consistent answers. When I asked to speak to a manager, Jason came over. He was full of attitude and power tripped me by pulling to contract out of my hand saying «This is the gym’s property!» No thanks, I don’t need to deal with meatheads. Retro Fitness please get your act together and have the proper people representing your business. What a shame! :(

Nice, new equipment and generally clean. It has all the basic machines I need and a good amount of free weights. I can’t wait for them to install the mirrors. There are signs that say mirrors are coming, but the signs have been up for at least 2 months now. We want mirrors! Lol. Also, they need more paper towels and sanitizer to wipe down the equipment. I haven’t seen anyone wiping down the equipment except for me, and that’s probably because the cleaning solution and paper towels are inconspicuous and they are usually out of paper towels. Also, the staff could be a little more inviting. A hello and goodbye would not hurt! Having said that, I love the price and the variety of equipment.

The only reason I go to the gym is because it is convenient and I never have to go outside and walk on my lunch break since I work in the building where the gym is located. The machines are good too. The staff is not friendly at all, besides one girl there that acknowledges me and smiles. The other people who are the same for months now that I have been going will totally ignore me. I feel we should be greeted upon entering a place of business — period. The movie room, at times, plays ok movies, then it plays crappy movies. They should have more of an array of films, such as comedies or something to keep you going while working out. Otherwise, the gym is doable. Just go and get your work out on and leave.

Love this location! I always get my workout done without any issues hassles or waiting on anything or anyone!

Giving the three day trial a try. New equipment, not crowded, clean, overall a good experience. My one quandary, why do the new machines have old iPhone connectors?

Completely empty early morning. Super clean. Has to be the best retro fitness I’ve been to in both New York and New Jersey. It looks relatively new so the equipment are pretty nice. Especially the touch screen treadmill. Definitely recommend. I haven’t been here during prime time, but it looks like there are plenty of space and equipment for a decent crowd. More free weights and bars then gyms like blink. Only downside is that the weights on these machines are lower than other gyms. I maxed out on their legs machines like it’s nothing.

Best Retro Fitness I’ve been to yet and I’ve done at least 5 locations since joining.
Great Staff. Clean. Great variety of equipment.

Just recently joined Retro Fitness and this location is incredibly clean, well-​equipped and the staff are great. Love the added amenities like the smoothie bar. The classes are fun and engaging while also being a great workout — Ben, the GM, in particular is a really great instructor. The membership fees are super reasonable as well. If you’re looking to join a gym, I would highly recommend this location.

Clean, cheap, great staff. All new equipment and the Functional Training area has awesome stuff. There’s a physical therapy and chiro next door, the equipment looks great. Shocked to find this place in downtown Manhattan. It’s more accessible than any of the Staten Island or Brooklyn locations and with showers it’s a no brainer to hit when heading into or out of Manhattan. I leave my stuff with the fitness concierge all week and pick it up when I go home over the weekend. Memberships start at 19.99 and go up to 39.99 for towels/​tanning/​classes included.

I finally made the switch from NYSC on Wall St. to the new Retro Fitness and it was pretty smooth. Overall I liked the place especially since it’s not too packed now even during lunch hours but even so it can’t beat the convenience of walking downstairs (rain, snow, sleet, hot and cold weather) to do your workout. One less obstacle makes it much more easier.
Here are some the nice features I like from my first workout today:
— Equipment is all new
— Plenty of treadmills on main floor (6 or so) and even more on sub-​level (10+)
— There’s a dark theater room with a 120″+ wide screen where they play movies with cardio equipment
— Treadmills have iPod connectors (non-​lighting… grrr) as well as individual TVs and 30 or so channels. (No music channels interestingly). There is a Chinese channel though!
— Place is well-​lit and very clean with a very friendly staff
— Mobile app to sign-​up for classes
— Towel service
— Unlimited classes and tanning at 1NYP location

Worked out at this brand new Retro for the first time tonight. Very impressed with the equipment and friendly and knowledgable staff, not to mention the monthly dues ($ 20). Much better option than a NYSC or Equinox.