Movers deliver dumbbell racks to “Fit City,” a new gym on Broadway and Locust which is currently under construction –- photo by Diego Cupolo
For people living near Myrtle and Broadway, the personal fitness options are rather limited. While there are plenty of boxing and self-defense clubs, the only choices for regular gyms are Richie’s on Stanwix Street, a fairly unsanitary experience, and farther afield, the other Richie’s and the ladies-only Lucille Roberts, both by Myrtle-Wyckoff.
Luckily, a sleek new gym is under construction at the corner of Broadway and Locust Street, filling in the gap for local health-conscious residents. Located between the Flushing and Myrtle JMZ stops, “Fit City” will be a co-ed gym and is expected to open by Nov. 10, according to Mike Harrison, general contractor for the project.
A building that once housed a furniture store will now serve as a three-floor gym (including the basement). The ground floor and second floor will be packed with new fitness machines, dumbbells, free weights, elliptical trainers and treadmills. The locker rooms and bathrooms will be located in the basement, where there is also an open space with large mirrors for aerobics/yoga classes.
Though the gym is opening without customer showers, Harrison said they are thinking about installing some after the first year of business.
Paul October 27th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Has anyone heard what membership fees are gonna be? Richie’s isn’t super-clean.. but for $25 a month and $40 for two months I’ll rely on my immune system and keep a little extra cash in my wallet…
Diego October 27th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
No word on the fees – the owner didn’t get back to me in time, but I’m guessing it won’t be too much more than Richie’s since the space is on the small side.
Chad October 27th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
kinda expecting bout this place. Still going to metropolitan gym on bedford by bike since ive moved to myrtle from burg. because met gym is extremely cheap.
DK October 28th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Hey Chad can you tell me what train stops are near the metropolitan? I’ve been looking for a gym around this area for a while, so this article is more than good news but I wouldn’t mind checking out any other places…
chillinoncentral October 28th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
I guess I’ll look forward to the opening of Fit City… but it’s not like I need it or anything. You, see, I’m incredibly gifted genetically, and I only go to “maintain” by six-pack and with shaping exercises. It’s really OK that they have no shower units yet becaus I have a very strict rule… I must never, under any possible circumstances, ever shed a single drop of sweat.
Chad October 28th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
To DK>>>
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/recreation_centers/view_recreation_center.php?ID=B085
Its just super cheap place not good and far from myrtle
Nick October 30th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
anyone have an exact address?
chris November 16th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
when will this new gym open tell me please
A. M. January 8th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
The gluteous grows. What updates hast thou, oh, blogging oracle?
L.P. January 13th, 2009 at 10:44 am
This place’s doors are open, the visa/mastercard stickers are on the windows…yet they seem to have no phone number published with the yellow/pages googling them turns up nothing, anyone have their phone number?
KJ January 16th, 2009 at 12:26 am
It’s open now– the phone number is 718-443-1443. I signed up yesterday. There’s a $39/month payment plan as well as 3 months for $90. They waive the registration fee since it’s just opening. Check it.
goondust May 23rd, 2009 at 12:15 am
Fit city is pretty awesome. Not as big and extensively stocked on weight lifting machinery or benches for free weights, but full bench press, upper, lower. Unfortunately, no free weight squat rack, but two leg press machines. A decent cable machine selection, all the basics. A bit small in the weight room, however, and if it picks up and gets crowded, it may turn out to be a problem. Awesome cardio room and a basement, light dumbbell room and a floor mat. Overall it works great for a good weight and cardio workout and for the neighborhood location.
The best thing is that, so far, it is not crowded, at all! As always, there is a bit of an after work crowd, but empty in the mornings and light on the weekends. Often, I’m running in the cardio room by myself and never waiting in line for a bench or machine, if you’re a little flexible in your workout. I recommend it, and friends that have joined tell of a similar experience.
More expensive than Richie’s, for sure. But that place is a rare breed, really cheap, but a bit crowded. For serious weight lifting and body building, a much better choice. Anyway, further away than me. I think its cheaper than Absolute Power on Grand, but still near the $300 range. Still a dollar a day or thorough workout, not bad.