A good gym in (or near) city of Albany?
Alison emails:
My gym is closing, Steuben Club, the only gym in a walkable neighborhood of Albany is shutting its doors this month. I'm looking for a good alternative, where I can easily get from my Center Square home, to my job at the capitol in the morning before work. Is this asking too much in Albany? What are the best gym choices for someone who lives and works downtown, and prefers to avoid strip malls?
There are plenty of gym options, so maybe there's something to fit what Alison's looking for.
Got a suggestion for her? Please share!
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Comments
I go to the Albany JCC. They have nice clean facilities, tons of classes including spin and yoga plus a very nice indoor pool and in the summer two outdoor pools (one specifically for small children).
It's not walk-able from Center Square, but would be about a 10 min drive or nice bike ride. I ride from the DelSo all of the time, great warm up and cool down.
It's $55/month for an individual.
http://www.albanyjcc.org/main/membership-rates/
... said J on Dec 12, 2014 at 1:14 PM | link
http://www.omnifitnesscenter.net/
Boom!
... said Spencer on Dec 12, 2014 at 1:57 PM | link
After the Y on Washington Ave closed I joined the JCC on Whitehall Rd.. Only sorry I didn't find it sooner. Lots of classes, equipment, well staffed and maintained and parking. A short bike ride from Center Square. Check it out.
... said Bg on Dec 12, 2014 at 2:01 PM | link
Look at Omni Fitness on the second floor of 54 State Street. It's small, but clean, and it might meet your needs. Should be cheaper than Steuben Club
... said DEN on Dec 12, 2014 at 2:37 PM | link
I believe the Empire State Plaza concourse has a Y branch.
Not sure about hours - but I think they pretty much cater to state workers so I would think that would fit Alison's workout schedule.
... said Danielle Sanzone on Dec 12, 2014 at 2:50 PM | link
Omni Fitness 54 State street. Nice clean facility good classes.
http://www.omnifitnesscenter.net/
... said Ben on Dec 12, 2014 at 2:55 PM | link
I live in Center Square and work on Elk St downtown.
I joined the North Albany YMCA. While it's not very big, it's also not very crowded in the AM, and it's fairly convenient to work out at before work. The traffic is not too bad in the AM coming back into downtown. There's also a Stewart's near the Y, so a convenient place to grab a cup of coffee on the way into work!
... said Rachel on Dec 12, 2014 at 3:20 PM | link
The Y in the ESP closed over a year ago.
... said Ron on Dec 12, 2014 at 3:38 PM | link
What about Albany Strength on Central Ave?
... said Rich on Dec 12, 2014 at 3:58 PM | link
Thanks, Ron. I had a feeling that might have been the case but wasn't sure.
So, in that case, I would just recommend walking up and down State Street a few times. That'll definitely get the heart rate up. :) It's in walking distance, obviously, and it'll save on a gym membership.
... said Danielle Sanzone on Dec 12, 2014 at 4:12 PM | link
Albany Strength is great. Very well equipped, friendly staff, and no contracts required.
... said Dom on Dec 12, 2014 at 4:48 PM | link
The North Albany Y is a diamond in the rough. I wish I was still downtown because it's a nice facility.
... said Sean on Dec 13, 2014 at 9:02 AM | link
I also love Albany Strength! Lot's of great machines (not cybex, they are the ones you rack), awesome rack/squat/bench room, tons of free weights, and a small cardio room. It depends on what you are looking for. Everyone there is very friendly and helpful and their hours/fees are great.
... said Sarah on Dec 13, 2014 at 6:28 PM | link
Best Fitness on Central Ave, while in a strip mall, is a good value with nice, early hours for that pre-work workout. It's a 7 minute drive from my apt in Hudson/Park.
... said Caitlin on Dec 15, 2014 at 12:14 PM | link
I echo Caitlin's sentiment about Best Fitness. They have classes around the clock (if those are your thing) and it's dirt cheap--$20. so if you don't get there regularly you don't feel like you're wasting money. Yes it's in a strip mall but it's easy to get to and you can always do a quick shop at Price Chopper or Hannaford across the street if your schedule allows.
... said Rebecca on Dec 15, 2014 at 12:54 PM | link
Something more about Best Fitness: They plan to open another facility on Fuller Road in a month or two. Hopefully that will reduce the evening crowds at the Westgate location. Westgate could use another water fountain, or at least, one designed to fill up bottles faster! But that is my biggest complaint about the place. The facility in Niskayuna is nice, too.
... said rob on Dec 16, 2014 at 9:03 AM | link
So glad this was posted here. I have been comparing the pros and cons of Best vs. Vent ... the monthly fees for Best aren't on their website, but it's way way way more convenient for me than Vent. If being able to use Fuller Rd and/or Nisky if they offer a class that I want to try/is more convenient, all the better. I hate that there aren't more options in the city. Omni looks nice, but I like classes. :(
... said irisira on Dec 23, 2014 at 5:23 PM | link