YMCA Gym Membership for the Greater New York Area

Now that we are gearing up for 2008, the most popular New Year's resolution that people in the United States make is to join a gym and lose weight. And for those New Yorkers who have the same goal and want to start the year on the right path, perhaps you should take a look at the YMCA gyms in the greater New York area.

There are 25 YMCA branch locations in the area from which you can choose. This means that no matter where you live there is likely to be one close to where you are. These 25 branches are located throughout the city of New York, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.

There is a one-time registration fee of $125 per person to sign up for the YMCA in greater New York. For an adult to be a member there is a monthly fee of $79. Membership fees can be paid by bank draft, credit card, money order, or cash. I have not seen any indication of a minimum length of membership contract at the YMCA. I would assume that is why they have the initial $125 registration fee to try to keep you as a member for a long time.

In reviewing the Web site (www.ymcanyc.org), I also did not see any mention of a New Year's special for new memberships. Some of the benefits that come along with a membership at the YMCA of the greater New York area include:

Fully-trained staff ready to assist you

Variety of activities and classes for individuals and families

Member savings on most YMCA programs that require a fee

Priority registration for all programs

Six (6) complimentary guest passes per year for friends and family

Clean and well-maintained facilities

Some of the amenities included in this gym include:

2 pools - 75' x 25' lap pool
and 60' x 20'
Basketball court
Mind Body Studio
5 handball/racquetball/squash courts
1 group exercise studio
In-door running track
2,400 square-foot free weight room
Stretching room
Boxing rooms with heavy and speed bags
Martial arts room with kicking bags
Meditation studio for individual yoga and
meditation practice

Cardio Theater entertainment system
60 plus pieces of cardiovascular equipment including:
Precor treadmills
LifeFitness Cycles - upright/recumbent
LifeFitness Cross Trainers
PreCor elliptical machines
Stair Climber
Upper Body ergometer

Indoor rowing studio

Indoor Cycling studio

Racquetball and Handball courts

And so much more...

The hours of operation for this club is as follows:

Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

(The pools close 30 minutes before the facility closes.)

This place looks like a lot of fun, so if I were you I would go check it out today and get ready for a fitter new 2008. For more information on this club, please visit their website at www.ymcanyc.org or call them for registration information (718) 792-9736. There are even financial aid programs available for those that have the financial need and would truly like to become a gym member.