Steel Gym

A bodybuilder heaven! Steel is the only true outbuilding gym in Manhattan. I love it. No crazy music playing. No fufu classy. Just straight up machines and iron. The gym has pictures of famous bodybuilders on the wall. And it’s pretty low key. Two floors. Cardio in the first floor and weights on the bottom level. There is also a sitting area for bros to eat there meal after they train. Yay I’m a fan.

Perfect place to workout while visiting New York if you love nearby and appreciate a real gym. This is for serious lifters who don’t take a day off from training even while on vacation! Me and my wife paid 15 $ each for day passes showing our ID and hotel room keys. Otherwise it’s 25 $ so again it’s good if you’re not planning on staying for more than a couple of days on Manhattan!

If I could give a minus star I would. Check out what the owner did in Fort Lauderdale. Violation after violation, closed doors with no notice to relocate in a very small place, broke life time contracts… the list is endless… I have been in gyms for the last 40 years of my life. This is by far the worst

I was a member of Steel Gym for over 13 years, made many friends, and really enjoyed the equipment, but finally decided to call it quits. When I first started, «David» and «Robert» were the owner-​operators, and you couldn’t ask for a nicer, more helpful, physique enthusiast-​invested management. Then they sold it to Ken and Darren, and the long, slow, drama-​filled descent into abysmal began. Every single change they made was exactly the opposite of what should have been done, if anything (case in point: their first change was to replace the «old» shower curtains — which were perfectly fine — with new ones that allowed people to see in, but not let you see out. Seriously? I guess someone complained, because within a month or two, the brand-​new curtains were replaced yet again). I would love to go into a long, tabloid-​trash description of the Decline and Fall of one of the few good, once relatively affordable gyms in Manhattan, but I’ll short form it:
1) Number one reason for leaving: NO AC. If I wanted a sauna, I would have gone somewhere else. They started adding fans, but people complain, «Oh, ew, I can’t stand to have air blowing on me,» so usually they’re off. There were times it was so bad I’d walk in and turn right around and leave, it was too hot and humid to even breathe.
2) Surprise «maintenance fee» every 6 months (which isn’t in the contract and they don’t tell you about until the month it’s due)…and they DON’T DO MAINTENANCE (more below). Shifty, underhanded, and completely undermines my trust in the management.
3) Broken gym equipment that sits on the floor for weeks to months with a sign saying «please don’t use, replacement parts have been ordered,» or sometimes isn’t even acknowledged or fixed at all, ever (the hack squat machine’s left handle has been broken since the day I started).
4) Leaky water pipes in the ceiling for years — the only leg extension machine that provides any challenge is located in a narrow hallway with ceiling pipes that drip water (three different places over the chair alone!). Where are my «maintenance fees» going, if not for maintenance. Oh, Ken’s plastic surgery/​chest implant fund? Very good, carry on.
5) Horrible environment. Okay, I understand it’s Manhattan, and unless you’re a multi-​million dollar chain, you can’t afford a megaplex with actual room for everything that’s in your gym. But these guys took a sad song and made it worse. First, they added several megawatt overhead lights that make you feel like you’re in a maximum security prison (I can’t even keep my eyes open while bench pressing on the Smith machine, it’s so blinding) and add to the heat (or at least the feeling of being overcooked). Then they painted all the walls this hideous, nauseating rust colour (which was unneeded and undoubtedly bargain basement remaindered) and decorated them with paintings that look like somebody ATE the nauseating rust-​coloured paint and then excreted it on canvas. Finally, they have taken to rearranging… well, everything, using some sort of completely counter-​intuitive, user-​unfriendly feng shui. Now all the machines are pulled away from the wall and moved closer together, so you can’t get to the one you want by walking between them, you have to squeeze yourself between the wall and the face of the person using the machine next to the one you want.
6) Rude trainers. While there are some truly great trainers at Steel, it only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole gym experience. The worst are entitled, vainglorious, self-​centered princesses who think they own the place. One actually pulled a piece of equipment out of my hands while I was using it and said I «had to share.» Many sit on the equipment texting. This has gotten steadily worse over the years as the management has foregone any attempt at policing the floor and simply resorts to putting up giant white posters (that cover the mirrors exactly where you want to watch yourself work out) filled with misspellings and grammar errors urging courtesy which never comes.
7) No gym etiquette. It’s really bad. Nobody racks the weights, even the staff, and if they do, they are completely misplaced and lopsided. Members pull weights off the machine you’re on — even while you’re in the middle of a set.
8) Dirty bathroom. My feet were always dirtier AFTER taking a shower and walking the ten steps to my locker.
Not enough characters left for me to finish, so I’ll just say, find someplace else, you’ll be happier. I did.

I’ve been a member of steel gym for a little over a year now, and I feel like it’s time for me to write a review about this place.
Pros:
–It’s 24 hours 5 days a week (sun-​fri)
–It’s conveniently located (N/​R/​1/​C/​E/​F trains can get you here)
–Decent variety of machines (hammer strength)
–Doesn’t get that crowded.
Cons:
–out of the 8 straight barbells, 4 of them are bent beyond salvageable. Been asking the front desk to order at least one new one but to no avail. Emailed Ken Hunt, owner of steel 3 days ago but haven’t heard much since.
–The bathroom/​locker room smells like sweaty feet and balls. Maybe the smell makes this gym «hardcore?»
–Lack of space. The squat racks are way too close to each other. There’s not much space to move around or deadlift.
–Lack of attractive women! This could be a deal breaker for a lot of guys
So that’s about it. It’s a decent gym for a decent price. There’s nothing hardcore about it. There’s hardly any real lifters there. Most come to socialize. If it weren’t for the prime location and hours I wouldn’t come here. It might have once been a hardcore gym, but not now.
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This first thing you notice are the tons and tons of free weights. Thank God, a real gym! Staff was super helpful when I told them I was just checking it out and asked for a trial pass. No pressure, no attitude, just a quick application and a tour. As an experienced gym rat, that’s all you need.
No classes or frills, but that’s not a bad thing if you just want a gym to go lift. Well kept place, great music and best of all, no posers. Excellent all around experience, I’m definitely sticking around.
A well-​stocked smoothie bar too!

This is a review of their fraudulent billing practices.
I signed up for a 3 month membership without autorenew in the summer. After my 3 month membership was over I decided it was not worth $ 100 a month for a gym with no classes or A/​C. Also the locker room would smell like urine since the toilets were in the same area as the lockers.
Then I noticed they charged me $ 108.88 after my 3 months was over without my authority. I called and they admitted it was a mistake and would refund it to my credit card. No refund ever took place and I am currently in the process of fighting the charge with my credit card company.
Do not give them your credit card information if you do join. Just pay in cash so they can’t charge your card without your permission.

I went on a guest pass and this is a hardcore gym for bodybuilders. If you are a casual visitor or just looking to tone a little and don’t know how to use free weights can be intimidating. If you want a community centered around body building or you want to take your own personal trainer somewhere (they allow you to bring your own trainer) this is the place. They also have a nice smoothie bar.

My former gym sold my contact information to Steel Gym without my consent, and Olé Hernandez at Steel Gym has been e-​mail spamming me ever since. I have repeatedly requested that he please remove my e-​mail from his list, but he refuses to do so.
If you remove my e-​mail address, I will take this review down. You know who I am. Your move.

I really enjoyed the year I spent at Steel. Unfortunately I have to leave because I am moving. This is the best lifting gym I have been to. There are plenty of weights and machines, and for the most part the clientele are great about racking their weights and being respectful (like not sitting on a bench texting and holding other people up). Not the best place to get your cardio in, though they do have a few machines. However, if you are interested in a great place to lift, Steel is it.

Great Place for a good work out without all those wannabes around. It’s a real gym, so no fancy crap at this place, i love that. It’s about time we have one of these places in this neighborhood.

I’ve used this gym a few times in my trips to NYC, and it is one of best lifting gyms anywhere, not just NYC. This place is like nirvana for the hardcore lifter, or meathead heaven. Yes, it does cost a bit to pay for the day (but there are four day packages, etc. that really can save money in that respect), but it is worth every penny IMHO.
The staff have been very helpful each time I have gone there, and have even engaged me in conversation asking about where I am from, lifting goals, and even what size of their shirts would be best as I made decisions on what memento to get… in short, they act like your business means something to them. Good business practice, it keeps them on my list for sure.
The gym itself, a good hardcore environment. Free weights and Hammer Strength equipment, all the usual lifting equipment the hardcore and not so hardcore lifter may need both while upstairs some cardio and other space, a shake bar and a few tables to enjoy your drink at. But let’s get back to downstairs, an almost basement feel… awesome. The serious lifter has no problem achieving a great workout. Plenty of weight (up to around 200 lbs dumbbells, read 180 lbs on other reviews), lots of Hammer Strength plate machines, and wow, get this, real metal plates/​weights! Oh how I’ve missed thee, metal weights! Just the sound of you clinking sent my heart racing to get an awesome workout. And great workouts they were, great atmosphere to get the job done and the right resources to make it happen.
Bottom line: Lifter and bodybuilder heaven. Great staff and gym. I wanted to take this whole place back home with me! They will continue to get my workouts in NYC when I visit there.

Finally found a gym in NYC where there isn’t some Euro-​bro barely pushing a buck-​sixty curling in the squat rack. No Lululemon rockin’ moms doing Bar Method bullshit where you’re trying to deadlift either.
Unfortunately I managed to sign myself up for a New York Sports Club trial membership in a rare moment of idiocy so I had to cancel the month at Steel that I signed up for (at least until my time is up at the sh*thole that is every NYSC). Steel Gym was cool about refunding my cash however so that deserves a 5 in my book.
I almost do want to take off a star because the space around the racks is really limited and I think I only saw one flat barbell bench setup; it’s definitely more a BB gym than a place for PLs or anything like that.
There are enough huge dudes here that could probably pick me up by palming my head like a basketball though, so I’ll refrain from pulling that star for now.

Steel gym a must if your working out in NYC IFBB approved

I can see how a bunch of people don’t like this place as it definitely is not one of those fancy-​schmancy health clubs. But they don’t really claim to be that either. It says so on their website — front and center — «the only REAL gym in New York».
I feel I got exactly that: a great place to pump some iron, release tons of sweat and generally just go at it in an atmosphere that supported working hard.
The shakes by the way (personal favorite: velvet monkey!) are phenomenal. Unbelievably tasty!
I was also happy that they offered a pretty affordable rate for just a quick week of membership as I was just passing through town.

Really good gym to lift weights. I’ve been going here for about a year and it has been great. They have all the equipment you need for a good, well rounded workout. I’ve even met some pro bodybuilders there while working out. The equipment is clean and well maintained and the locker room has a nice décor. The art on the walls borders on tacky, but I don’t go there to look at art.

This gym is really hardcore and its not for softy bank officers or so. Its for really big guys who are lifting heavy.
Steel was in many fitness and bodybuilding magazines.
U should definitely try it.

I’m writing another review simply because for some reason my last one isn’t showing up in the average. Yeah for some this gym might be expensive, but not compared to what most charge in the city. It’s mostly a free weights gym, and they have a lot of great equipment for a well rounded work out. I like it. I’m not gay, but there is a lot of art in that direction and other members, doesn’t bother me, might bother some, but if your here for a work out you’ll get it and a good one at that.

Having been a member of multiple NYSC clubs around the city, I’ve found Steel Gym to the be the ultimate gym for a hardcore lifter.
Note: Join Steel Gym if you go to the gym to train, not to «work out». There’s a difference.
This gym is designed for the hardcore individual that is looking to get big, strong, and powerful. Cardio equipment is limited to a small area on the first floor with a handful of treadmills, ellipticals, stationary and spinning bikes, and a couple stairmills.
The rest of this two story metal-​house is filled with machines, barbells of all shapes and sizes (including a safety squat bar and a trap deadlift bar), and dumbbells that go up in .5lb increments and top out at 180lbs.
I lift at lunch and it is never crowded. You can easily set up a circuit of exercises and remain relatively unhindered. The place is clean, organized, and the staff is friendly. Locker rooms are great and spots to stash your stuff are plentiful.
As for the people, I can sum it up like this: they mean business. This isn’t a nambie pambie gym for Salsa Kickboxing. Here, you lift some heavy metal and you get out. You will see some ridiculously huge people here and yes, some of them are definitely on juice but it doesn’t matter. They’re friendly, super dedicated, and they know their stuff.
If you’re looking for a serious bodybuilding gym in NYC, Steel Gym is it.

this is my gym currently. i like it — it definitely gives the vibe of being a masculine gym filled with steel weight machines. the cardio machines are scarce but i think that’s b/​c the majority of the ppl working out here are working with trainers or are into lifting.
The majority of the members are Gay men which means there are a bunch of hot toned buff unavailable guys everywhere — its a tease working out here in that respect — but I like it b/​c everyone is here to workout hard — no annoying girls doing light cardio while talking on their cell phones here. (hello.that is not a workout.)
Also — the guy at the front desk makes my whey shakes taste like Wendy’s Frosty’s.yumm…