New York City Fitness

Crunch Gym, 1109 2nd Ave., at 59th St. (www.crunch.com), A fun-loving gym famous for its original class schedule, Crunch features an eclectic list of programs, from the conventional to the crazy. The dance schedule, boasting options as uncommon as Bhangra and “Tribal House Party” and as innovative as “Pop Videography” is especially cool. Admit it, you've been dying to learn Britney Spears' hottest moves. Other Crunch Gym branches throughout the city, but 59th location is the largest. Enrollment fee $250, monthly membership $90. Open M-Th 5am-11pm, F 5am-10pm, Sa-Su 8am-8pm. Takes credit cards.
Manhattan Motion Dance Studio, 215 W. 76th St. (www.manhattanmotion.com), Offering a wide range of classes, from ballet to hip hop to cardio dance, this studio is well worth the climb to the building's fourth floor. $15-20 per class. Hours vary; call for class schedule. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.
92nd Streety Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., at 92nd St. (www.92y.org), Six levels plus 125 fitness machines plus more than 400 exercise classes per month plus a 25 yd. pool equals an intense fitness experience. The 92nd St. Y also offers training, instruction, and nutrition counseling. 1-month membership $92, 2-month summer membership $176, 3-month summer membership $252, annual adult preferred membership $1,275 per year, classes for non-members $180-350. Open M-Th 6am-10:30pm, F 6am-8pm, Sa-Su 8am-8pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Dance Forum NY, 20 E. 17th St., 2nd fl. (www.danceforum.org), The instructors at Dance Forum NY use a dancer-developed workout system called BodiBalance™ to improve your health, fitness, and “kinesthetic awareness.” No experience necessary for beginners' classes; classes available for the seasoned dancers as well. Classes $17-20, 10-class card $150, workshops $98-850 (plus materials and registration fees), private sessions $75. Hours vary depending on class schedule. Takes credit cards.
Integral Yoga Institute, 227 W. 13th St., between 7th and 8th Ave. (www.integralyogany.com), This is the mother of all Yoga Institutes. The New York Integral Yoga Institute is just one branch of a global organization founded in 1966 that has its own line of foods and medicinal products. Over 100 classes a week are offered at this location, in rooms with such inviting names as “Lotus,” “Gold,” and even “Heaven.” Single Class $5-17, 5-class card $80, 10-Class Card $120-150, 20-class card $260. Hours vary depending on class schedule. Takes credit cards.
North Meadow Recreation Center, Mid-park at 97th St. (www.centralparknyc.org/visit), Kids in Central Park can never be justifiably bored while the North Meadow Recreation Center is around. Indoor options feature a 20 ft. rock climbing wall, as well as a variety of classes and programs. Outdoor activities include basketball and handball. Make any day Field Day by borrowing a “Field Day kit,” free when you give your photo ID as collateral. Free. Open Apr-Jun and Sept-Oct Tu-F 10am-6pm, Sa-Su 10am-5pm; Jul-Aug M-Th 10am-8pm, F 10am-6pm Sa-Su 10am-5pm.
Harlem YMCA, 180 W. 135th St. (www.ymcanyc.org/harlem), Pool, exercise equipment, group classes, and a complimentary personal fitness program are all available here at reasonable prices (day pass $12). The Harlem Y also hosts fun fitness events such as the annual golf outing in late August. $55 per month, 1st month $180, or $12 per day. Open M-F 5:30am-11pm, Sa 6am-8pm, Su 8am-8pm. Pool open M-F 6am-10:30pm, Sa 6:30am-7:30pm, Su 8:30am-7:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Gleason's Gym, 77 Front St., Brooklyn (www.gleasonsgym.net), This legendary boxing training ground began in the 1930s, when Bobby Gleason, who had adopted an Irish name to appeal to boxing's main demographic at the time, founded a gym in the Bronx. The gym helped train several superstars over the next several decades, including Jake LaMotta, Sonny Liston, Mike Tyson, and Muhammad Ali himself. After two moves, the gym now resides near the waterfront in Brooklyn. Despite the gym's impressive history, non-professionals frequent the space regularly to take lessons from grizzled trainers. Daily workout fee $20, monthly membership fee $85. Daily spectator fee $10. Open M-F 6am-10pm, Sa 8am-6pm. Takes credit cards.
Eastern Athletic, 43 Clark St., 17 Eastern Pkwy. (www.easternathleticclubs.com), These expansive clubs offer a variety of classes, from racquetball to yoga to Pilates to tai chi. The usual strength training is here, of course, along with pools, boxing stations, and spa facilities. Day membership pass $25, monthly membership $100. Open M-F 6:30am-11:30pm, Sa-Su 9am-7:30pm. Takes credit cards.
Body Elite, 348 Court St. (at Union St.) (www.bodyelitegym.com), Despite its intimidating title, Body Elite is a welcoming gym in the appealing Carroll Gardens neighborhood. Classes and tanning machines complement the weights and cardio equipment. There are four floors, so don't mistake it for a tiny gym on the corner. Takes credit cards.