Astoria, Featured, Fitness
Jan 07, 2015

Working Out in Astoria: What Type of Gym Do You Need to Get Fit?

A comprehensive list of the best gyms in Astoria, Queens based on criteria such as location, price, classes and people.

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If you’re like most people, your New Year’s resolutions include getting in shape. Luckily, there’s no shortage of gyms and classes in Astoria to get you closer to your fitness goal.

Last year after giving up on running as my main form of exercise, I started my search for a more formal solution: a gym. I tried lots of places, including The Art of FitnessClub FitnessPlanet FitnessYoga AgoraCrossFit QueensCrossFit Dynamix, and Tone.


Some factors to consider when deciding on the right gym for you include price, distance from your apartment, classes and services offered, and the people (staff, teachers, members).

For inspiration, here’s how I graded my experiences at the gyms I’ve tried around Astoria based on what I’ve learned about myself and what I need to stay motivated and fit.

Planet Fitness – 30-33 Steinway Street, Astoria.  718.777.0700

Price – $

Distance from Apartment – 2 out of 5

Classes / Services – 2 out of 5

People – 2 out of 5 (low because there’s no classes)

Recommended: Going in the morning, when it’s less crowded

Planet Fitness is a solid basic gym with a good number of machines and good hours. I went the most when I had a gym buddy, but found it wasn’t enough to go consistently. I was too bored working out on my own. I fell into the trap of paying for Planet Fitness for a long time when I wasn’t going — it was so cheap it felt like it didn’t matter. Cheap can be good, but you need to be realistic about what you’ll use and need to stay active. It’s worth paying more if that means you’ll utilize the service.

Art of Fitness – 32-32 Steinway Street, Astoria.  718.687.9140
Price – $

Distance from Apartment – 2 out of 5

Classes / Services – 4 out of 5

People – 5 out of 5

Recommended: Cirque fitness classes (this one is $20, most other classes are $10)

For a few summer months I was a regular at The Art of Fitness, a class-based studio right off of the Steinway subway stop. Cheap classes with no commitment were great for my inconsistent schedule and made me realize I love group classes.

Even though I really enjoyed the teachers and variety of classes, after summer was over I realized I couldn’t keep up the 15 minute walk.

Tone – 36-19 Broadway, Astoria. 347.730.6057
Price – $$

Distance from Apartment – 3 out of 5

Classes / Services – 3 out of 5

People – 4 out of 5

Recommended: Intro to mat special: 3 for $10

The pilates classes at Tone are incredibly challenging but not too intimidating for a novice because of the small and friendly setting. Since I was looking for a bigger variety of classes, I kept looking.

Yoga Agora – 33-02 Broadway, Astoria. 718.626.0680
Price – $

Distance from Apartment – 4 out of 5

Classes / Services – 3 out of 5

People – 4 out of 5

Recommended: An open class with Juan for a challenge

Yoga Agora is an absolute gem. The classes are $5 and $1 to rent a mat. They offer a lot of different class times and teachers who have differing styles and intensity levels. I still go here occasionally for yoga, especially when I hosts guests, but wanted a more full-service gym.

CrossFit Queens – 25-50 31st Street, Astoria.  646.801.4237
Price – $$$

Distance from Apartment – 5 out of 5

Classes / Services – 3 out of 5

People – 5 out of 5

Recommended: One week free trial

My best friend is a CrossFit fanatic and when CrossFit Queens opened just a few blocks away from me I signed up for a trial class right away. For CrossFit, it’s all about the community, which is obviously when you get into the box. It’s a super friendly staff and you can tell everyone is friends and very supportive of each other. The class was incredibly challenging, which I loved. At the time, the plans they offered didn’t fit into my budget and schedule.

CrossFit Dynamix – 36-5 20th Avenue, Astoria. 718.606.0381
Price – $$$

Distance from Apartment – 1 out of 5

Classes / Services – 4 out of 5

People – 5 out of 5

Recommended: Any class with Nick, the head boxing coach

I checked out Dynamix because my boxing coach Nick who taught classes at Club Fitness started to teach there exclusively. It’s a solid box, the space is cool, and Nick is an amazing combat fitness teacher. It’s also great that they offer boxing in addition to normal CrossFit workouts. Alas, the location was just way too far from my apartment to consider.

Club Fitness – 31-11 Broadway, Astoria. 718.545.0004
Price – $$

Distance from Apartment – 5 out of 5

Classes / Services – 5 out of 5

People – 5 out of 5

Recommended: A free trial class with Dorian, Dennis, Dragan, or Jenna

Club-Fitness

Image by Emily Miethner

A free trial spin class at Club Fitness was the intensity I was looking for, and I was hooked. The variety of classes offered at times that work for me coupled with the super short walking distance from my place were the main reasons I joined.

I tried all the classes Club Fitness offered and out of the dozen or so teachers, there are four who I absolutely love (see my recommendation). I have tons of fun in their classes — the variety of the workouts, intensity, and their music choices keep me motivated to come back. Also, making friends with people in your classes can give you another reason to go more often. #gymfriends

Even though I really enjoyed all the gyms I tried, ultimately I chose Club Fitness and have been a happy member for over a year and a half.

What will you do to get fit? I only mentioned a handful of local options and things to consider. Where are your favorite places to work out in Astoria? Share in the comments!

14 Comments

Lauren

I’m surprised you didn’t have The Rock Fitness on here. I’ve had a good experience there so far but it seems to get a bad rep from some. Lots of great classes, machines and weights. Not to mention the rock climbing wall and boxing studio.

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Briana

Sage Fitness at 23-17 31st St is AMAZING! I’ve been going since last October and is hands down the best workout I’ve ever experienced. The classes are tough but fun and there is definitely an atmosphere of team spirit with all the members. Danny Suarez & his team of trainers are top notch. Totally check them out!

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Cydney

Sagefit anyone? I cant imagine it gets more intense that that. Plus the small group setting is a plus.

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Christine

One major omission from this list is the Blink Fitness that opened on Steinway and Broadway about a year ago. Blink is $15 a month for one location, $20-$25 for access to all locations (which include locations in manhattan). It’s the ideal gym for anyone who wants access to every machine & weights but not classes – and if you work in the city, you can hit those Blinks during the week and hit the one in Astoria on the weekend if you want. Super clean, organized, BIG (two floors & spacious), with helpful staff. The price is well worth it if you don’t need a gym with classes, or do ad-hoc classes on the side.

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Ewa

I would have to disagree with the pricing of some of these gyms. If you compare crossfit queens and dynamix (got $$$) to art of fitness (got $), Crossfit Queens is exactly the same price as art of fitness if you go to 10 of the recommended art of fitness classes a month. Unless someone goes once a month (which i doubt) most of the gyms mentioned that got a $ are actually comparable in price to the ones that got $$$.

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Heather Smith

I live near Life, Health, & Fitness (37th at 35th Ave) and I absolutely love them! The price is very reasonable, they offer great classes, and the environment is SO friendly, diverse, and welcoming. The locker rooms are super clean. The staff is amazing and so helpful. I highly recommend their gym!

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Masha

Yes, I have been working out at Life, Health & Fitness for over a year now and I LOVE it there. I agree with everything Heather said. I also had the experience of working with a personal trainer there (who unfortunately no longer works there but I imagine that all of the other trainers are just as great) and she was amazing!

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yanette

CKO Astoria without a doubt. Used to drive out to Brooklyn for these high intensity kickboxing workouts and then a CKO opened in Astoria, best 60 min class, burn up to 1200 calories a class, weights, strength training, and yoga/flexibility training. The trainers are awesome. Obsessed with them!

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Emily

I heard a ton of people mention this place. It sounds awesome. I love boxing! I’ll be sure to check it out.

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Katie

I’ve been loyally going to Simply Fit Astoria (Astoria blvd btwn 37th & 38th) for a few years! Perfect blend of challenge and fun. Loving the newer Simply Cycle Astoria also at 3069 Steinway. They have an unlimited monthly deal so great for my budget too.

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Emily

I’ve read good things about them, Katie, that’s great. I’m a fan of unlimited deals, they encourage you to go a lot more to get your “money’s worth!”

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Farid

The energy Dorian brings to her class at Club Fitness is amazing. Her knowledge is exceptional and her attitude is inspiring.

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Emily

I totally agree. I’m really happy that she started teaching more classes recently!

Reply

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