Beyond the Desk: Brooklyn’s Top Gyms for the Modern Professional

In the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, where the urban landscape meets the thriving professional scene, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount for the modern professional. As the demands of work continue to increase, finding the right gym becomes crucial – it’s not just about fitness, but also about convenience, amenities, and a supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking a place to unwind after a stressful day or looking to kickstart your fitness journey, Brooklyn offers a diverse range of gyms tailored to meet the needs of the contemporary professional. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the top gyms in Brooklyn, highlighting their unique selling points, so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your fitness goals and lifestyle.

Brooklyn Athletic Club

Discover a diverse array of fitness classes and a welcoming community at Brooklyn Athletic Club.

Address: 8 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11249

Opening times: Daily 8am-6pm

Membership fee: From $275/month for 12 classes or $15 per class

Pros:

1. Variety of classes: Brooklyn Athletic Club offers a wide range of classes, including yoga, spinning, and HIIT, catering to different fitness preferences.

2. Semi-private lessons: You can choose a range of workouts in semi-private groups or more intimate one-on-one sessions with private trainers.

3. Flexibility: No joining, annual or cancellation fees.

4. Spacious and large facilities: Spread over 4 floors, so there’s plenty of space to move.

5. Reputation: Renowned for its inclusive and welcoming community.

Tip: If you’ve gone overboard on company lunches lately and are looking to shed some pounds and tone your body – try their excellent ‘Glutes Express’ workout. You’ll be aching for a few days afterwards, but it’s a hard-hitting session that drives results.

Harbor Fitness

With multiple convenient locations supporting professionals all across Brooklyn, Harbor Fitness offers personalized training programs and a supportive environment to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Address: Multiple locations across Brooklyn

Opening times: 5am-11pm Mon-Fri, 7am-9pm Sat-Sun

Membership fee: From $825 for a full annual membership

Pros:

1. Multiple locations: With several locations across Brooklyn, Harbor Fitness offers convenience for professionals living in different neighborhoods. 

2. Personal training: Harbor Fitness provides personalized training programs tailored to individual fitness goals.

3. Ample parking: For those who commute by car, the availability of parking spaces at Harbor Fitness is a major advantage.

Tip: Having issues with your boss lately? Try the ‘Fight Club’ class, which offers an intense and exhilarating workout experience, combining martial arts techniques with high-intensity interval training to push your limits and unleash your inner warrior.

Fitness Center at Mindspace Williamsburg

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn’s vibrant community, the Fitness Center at Mindspace Williamsburg provides a perfect balance of wellness and vitality for busy professionals. A membership includes (in addition to a desk or office in Brooklyn’s swankiest coworking space) access to a state-of-the-art gym, a climbing wall, yoga lessons, meditation pods, community events and more. 

Address: 25 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, New York

Opening times: Daily 8am-10pm

Membership fee: From $495 a month (includes coworking space and perks) 

Pros:

1. Convenience: Located within the gorgeous coworking facility at Mindspace Williamsburg, this fitness center offers easy access for professionals during their work day. 

2. High-quality facilities: Equipped with top-of-the-line equipment, the fitness center provides an optimal environment for workouts.

3. Flexible Membership Options: Mindspace Williamsburg offers flexible membership options, allowing professionals to choose plans that suit their schedules and budgets.

Tip: With a variety of workout options actually based in your workplace, fit in an early morning yoga lesson before you start your first meeting of the day – or challenge your coworkers to a climbing race during your lunch hour. 

Chalk

Unleash your inner athlete at Chalk, one of Brooklyn’s premier destinations for fitness with over 60 classes to choose from. 

Address: 193 North 9th St, Williamsburg

Opening times: Monday – Friday:  5am – 11pm / Saturday:  7am – 8pm / Sunday:  8am – 8pm

Membership fees: $125 per month or $35 a day

Pros:

1. Variety: With over 60 lessons to choose from every week there is something for everyone

2. Qualified instructors: With experienced coaches on staff, members can receive personalized guidance and support to maximize their workouts.

3. No commitment fees: The gym prides itself in offering flexible memberships – with no initiation, termination, freeze or maintenance fees

Tip: Try the boot camp flow class which focuses on building your core strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance in a high-intensity sequence that will get you into top shape, with awesome music playlists to accompany you. 

Chelsea Piers

Experience fitness excellence at the luxurious Chelsea Piers, where top-tier facilities and professional instruction come together to elevate your workout experience in the heart of Brooklyn. This is a popular sports club for families.

Address: 265 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn

Opening times: Daily 7am-10pm

Membership fees: Starting from $150 per month

Pros:

1. Extensive facilities: Chelsea Piers boasts a vast array of facilities, including swimming pools, basketball courts, and indoor tracks, providing something for everyone.

2. Professional instructors: The gym offers access to professional instructors for various sports and activities, allowing members to enhance their skills.

3. Childcare services: For professionals with children, Chelsea Piers provides childcare services, making it easier to fit workouts into busy schedules. Think soccer club at the weekend, sport themed birthday parties and even pre-school. 

4. Luxurious: Even the locker-rooms are swanky.

Tip: For working mums and dads, there is a popular sports camp for the school holidays.

Elite Barbell

Sculpt your physique and redefine your limits at Elite Barbell, ‘dubbed as the hardest gym in Brooklyn’, where personalized training programs and a tight-knit community empower you to reach your fitness goals.

Address:  1406 65th Street, 2nd floor, Brooklyn

Opening times: Daily 6am-11pm

Membership fees: Starting from $110 per month

Pros:

1. Focus on strength training: Elite Barbell specializes in strength training and Olympic lifting, catering to individuals looking to improve their power and athleticism. Just check out their power lifting equipment. 

2. Expert coaching: With certified coaches on staff, members can receive personalized training programs and technique feedback to optimize their performance.

3. Small community atmosphere: Elite Barbell offers a tight-knit community atmosphere, fostering camaraderie and support among members.

Tip: To look extra cool while you work out, check their almost superman-esque clothing range. 

Vital Brooklyn

Embrace holistic health at Vital Brooklyn, where fitness, nutrition, and wellness services unite to create a comprehensive approach to well-being in the heart of Brooklyn. One of the most unique features is the massive bouldering wall, which attracts a young hipster crowd.

Address:  221 N 14th Street, Brooklyn

Opening times: Daily 9am-10pm

Membership fees: Starting from $145 per month or $35 per class

Pros:

1. Unique ‘airborne’ classes: The gym is perfect for climbers, aerial yoga lovers and other ‘in air’ movement classes.

2. Community events: The gym hosts regular community events and workshops focused on health and wellness, fostering connections among members.

3. Flexible membership options: Vital Brooklyn offers flexible membership options, including drop-in rates for those who prefer a more casual approach to fitness.

Tip: This is a great place for beginners wanting to explore new hobbies such as climbing – within an open and friendly environment. You don’t need your own equipment either – you can rent climbing shoes, a chalk bag, yoga mat and cycle shoes. 

Brink Fitness

Reach new heights of fitness at Brink Fitness, where affordability meets quality in Brooklyn’s dynamic fitness scene, offering diverse classes and top-notch facilities.

Address:  252 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn

Opening times: Daily 7am-11pm

Membership fees: Starting from $41 per month

Pros:

1. Affordability: Brink Fitness offers competitive membership rates (probably the most affordable in the Downtown Brooklyn area), making it an attractive option for professionals on a budget.

2. Variety of classes: The gym offers a variety of classes, including cardio, strength training, and group fitness, catering to different fitness preferences.

3. Clean and well-maintained facilities: Brink Fitness prides itself on maintaining clean and well-equipped facilities, providing a comfortable environment for workouts.

Tip: Try their 30 minute free startup session to check if the gym is a good fit for you.

Spiked Spin

Ignite your passion for fitness at Spiked Spin, where high-energy cycling meets strength and choreography, creating a unique and exhilarating workout experience. Initially founded with a mission for ‘Transforming Wellness for Black women & allies’ the popular gym has expanded beyond bikes and offers yoga, pilates and other wellness oriented activities.  

Address:  1171 Fulton Street, Brooklyn 

Opening times: Daily 7am-10pm

Membership fees: $20 per class

Pros:

1.Unique concept:  Spiked Spin offers a unique spin on traditional indoor cycling classes, combining high-intensity cardio with strength training and choreography.

2. Energetic atmosphere: With upbeat music and motivating instructors, Spiked Spin creates an energetic atmosphere that keeps members engaged and motivated.

3. Socially conscious environment: Spiked Spin welcomes individuals of all fitness levels with a goal to promote fitness and inclusivity for Black women and allies, a concept that has garnered much praise in the media.

Tip: Book early as classes often sell out. 

Equinox Printing House

Experience luxury fitness at Equinox Printing House, where upscale amenities and expert instruction redefine the gym experience, providing unparalleled fitness opportunities. Indulge yourself with a zen suite, a rooftop pool and a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline. 

Address: 421 Hudson St, New York

Opening times: Monday – Friday 5.30am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-7pm

Membership fee: Starting at $350 per month (plus &750 initiation fee) (day pass is $125)

Pros:

1. Luxurious amenities: Equinox Printing House offers upscale amenities, including a spa, sauna, and luxury locker rooms, providing a premium fitness experience.

2. High-quality equipment: Equinox prides itself on offering top-of-the-line equipment and facilities, ensuring a comfortable and efficient workout environment.

3. Expert instructors:* Members have access to top expert instructors for various classes and training programs, allowing them to achieve their fitness goals with personalized guidance.

4. Prime location: Hudson Square in Downtown Brooklyn. 

Tip: Relax in the eucalyptus steam room for the perfect post-workout downtime. 

Crunch

As an international gym franchise with a ‘no judgments tagline’, Crunch offers everything you can imagine from a large and well reputable gym. Its values of ‘positivity, inclusivity and fun’ make this a popular choice for young professionals looking for an affordable gym. 

Address: Several locations across Brooklyn.

Opening times: Daily 6am-11pm

Membership fee: Starting at $9.99 for a basic monthly membership

Pros:

1. Variety of classes: Crunch offers more than 200 classes, including traditional group fitness, dance, and specialized workouts like TRX and Zumba.

2. Affordability: With competitive membership rates, Crunch provides accessible fitness options for professionals on a budget.

3. Extended hours: Many Crunch locations offer extended hours, making it convenient for professionals with busy schedules to fit in workouts.

4. Innovation: Crunch really do make their workouts fun and offer unique classes such as their ‘jump shoes’ workout. 

Tip: They also offer corporate memberships – so speak to your employer to negotiate it as an additional benefit.

One Bell Fitness

Considered by many to be the best-rated private training club in Brooklyn, One Bell Fitness is the destination for people serious about getting fit. Their no-nonsense approach is great for building both physical and mental resilience.

Address: 640 Dean St Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening times: Daily 7am-9pm

Membership fee: Starting at $125 

Pros:

1. Recommended for weight loss and improving athletic performance: With at least 3 private scheduled lessons each week, One Bell has a blueprint model for fast-tracking results.

2. Good facilities: Beyond the performance and weight-lifting equipment, they have a state-of-the-art boxing and training facility.

3. Trial membership: Getting cold feet wondering if such an ambitious workout is for you? – then try a 14 day trial to test the waters.

In conclusion, Brooklyn’s diverse array of gyms caters to the needs and preferences of the modern professional, whether you’re seeking specialized training, luxurious amenities, or affordable options. We hope you find this a useful guide to helping you find the perfect fit to support your fitness journey beyond the desk. The most important factor is finding a gym that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences, ultimately helping you stay healthy, happy, and productive in both your personal and professional life.

Remember, if you lead a hectic lifestyle and would like to incorporate your fitness regime into your workday, then reach out to our team at Mindspace Williamsburg coworking to explore a coworking membership that comes with a wide range of luxurious facilities and community workouts.