The Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Gyms in NYC (2025)
New York has every flavor of gym, from luxe clubs with pools to straightforward weight-floor chains. Below is a practical comparison of five big players, with sources for everything we say.
Jessica’s Top Picks
Lowest cost, straightforward workouts: Blink Fitness
Good full-service balance at moderate cost: NYSC or Crunch
Higher tier, design & recovery focus: TMPL
Luxury clubhouse experience: Life Time
See also: Jessica’s favorite lifting straps
Planet Fitness
Why you might like it: For the lowest monthly cost, Planet Fitness gives you a basic gym floor without trying to upsell you a lifestyle. Their “Classic” membership is promoted from $15/month plus taxes/fees.
What to know: Super budget-friendly, but fewer amenities, fewer premium classes, no high-end recovery spaces.
Best if: You want a place to lift, cardio, stay consistent, and you’re fine skipping the spa vibes.
Blink Fitness
Why you might like it: Blink is the budget-friendly chain that works if you’ll consistently go and don’t need luxury extras. Memberships in NYC reportedly start as low as $15/month for some plans. My membership at the Blink in East Village cost me just $30/month.
What to know: Fewer bells and whistles (less spa, fewer premium amenities). Important to check your specific club’s plan & access. Also note the chain filed for Chapter 11 in 2024—which means it’s under transition.
Best if: You just need a place to lift and move, want good value, and don’t mind a simpler environment.
New York Sports Clubs (NYSC)
Why you might like it: NYSC positions itself as a full-service neighbourhood gym in NYC and surrounding boroughs. Full-service membership range is often around $99-$139/month in NYC.
What to know: More amenities than ultra-budget, but still less premium than luxury chains. Some locations have had operational changes (closure, consolidation) so check your club.
Best if: You want more than “just the floor” but don’t want to pay luxury pricing
Crunch Fitness
Why you might like it: Broad equipment, a big class selection, and good value. They promote many locations with low “starting at” prices, though club-specific.
What to know: Because it’s a franchise model, amenities and pricing vary by location. Always check the specific club you’re joining.
Best if: You like included classes (HIIT, sculpt, strength) and want strong value without going luxury.
TMPL
Why you might like it: TMPL brings stronger design, performance-oriented training, and extras like recovery zones, in select Manhattan locations.
What to know: Pricing is higher than budget gyms; fewer locations than major chains; amenities vary by location.
Best if: You care about the gym’s interior, recovery amenities, and will use more than just weights and cardio.
Equinox
Why you might like it: Equinox is on the luxury end—premium clubhouse style, top-tier amenities, spa service, high-end finishes.
What to know: Pricing is significantly higher than budget or mid-tier chains; membership tiers vary by club, location, and offerings.
Best if: Fitness is part of your lifestyle and you’ll use the full suite of amenities (classes, spa, social lounge, etc).
Life Time
Why you might like it: Life Time is in the luxury club category—with large facilities, extensive amenities (spa/sauna/pool), and premium membership levels. Their NYC locations advertise features like indoor lap pools, whirlpools, saunas, and high-end locker rooms.
What to know: Membership cost is significantly higher than budget or mid-tier chains. You’ll want to ask exactly what your contract gives you and whether you’ll use the extra amenities.
Best if: Your gym time is part of a broader wellness lifestyle—and you’ll use the pool, spa, recovery services, not just the machine floor.
