Gym U NYC Introduce
In a city known for its bold and iconic institutions, Gym U NYC stands out as a unique and unparalleled fitness destination. Founded by the legendary David Barton, this gym is a far cry from a generic chain. Located in the heart of Chelsea, it is a 35,000-square-foot sanctuary that blends serious, results-driven fitness with an unapologetic sense of style. Gym U NYC is designed for those who are passionate about weightlifting and crave a gym that caters to every muscle group with top-tier, meticulously chosen equipment. This isn't just a place to work out; it's a meticulously curated experience for visionaries, creatives, and anyone who trains hard and lives boldly. This article will provide a detailed look at what makes Gym U NYC a must-visit for New Yorkers serious about their fitness journey, covering its unique atmosphere, offerings, and why it is a compelling choice despite its premium price point.
The philosophy behind Gym U NYC is to elevate the gym experience to an art form. The space itself is a testament to this, with an iconic design that draws inspiration from the Deco and Expressionist movements, creating a dramatic and moody vibe that is unlike any other fitness center. This is a place where every detail, from the state-of-the-art equipment to the expert staff, is carefully curated to provide an exceptional experience. The gym's focus on weightlifting and strength training is evident from the moment you step inside. While some gyms might allocate a significant portion of their floor space to cardio machines, Gym U NYC is built as a "lifting gym," prioritizing a comprehensive array of free weights and specialized Panatta machines from Italy that are designed to target every muscle group, even those you didn’t know existed.
Beyond the impressive aesthetics and equipment, the core of Gym U NYC is its commitment to fitness as a lifestyle. The atmosphere is vibrant and social, attracting a diverse crowd of fitness enthusiasts who are united by their passion for training. It’s a "sceney social place to work out," a place to see and be seen, and yet, for the right person, it offers a deeply rewarding and effective training environment. The gym's dedication to its members is reflected in its knowledgeable and helpful staff who are ready to guide you toward the right trainer and fitness plan, ensuring you make the most of every workout.
Gym U NYC is centrally located at 215 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and bustling Chelsea neighborhood, making it incredibly accessible for Manhattan residents and commuters from other boroughs. The gym is a short walk from major subway lines, including the 1, F, and M trains at the 23rd Street station, and the C and E trains at the 23rd Street station. Its prime location in the city ensures that it is easy to integrate a high-end workout into a busy New Yorker’s schedule.
The accessibility is further enhanced by its proximity to various public transportation options, including the PATH train at 23rd Street, and its Walk Score of 99, which designates it a "Walker's Paradise." The central location means that you're never far from great dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, making a trip to the gym a seamless part of your day in the city.
Gym U NYC offers a range of services designed to provide a comprehensive and luxurious fitness experience.
Personal Training: The gym specializes in personal training, with a staff of hand-picked trainers who are mentored by David Barton himself. They provide expert guidance and custom-tailored fitness plans.
Group Fitness Classes: The gym offers a variety of group fitness classes, including options like Barton Built, H.I.I.T. Me Up, and Monster Yoga, designed to provide a well-rounded and engaging workout.
Nutritional Consulting: Members can receive nutritional consulting to complement their physical training, providing a holistic approach to their health and wellness goals.
Private Lessons: For those seeking more personalized attention, the gym offers private lessons that focus on specific skills or goals.
Onsite Services: The gym offers a range of onsite services, including a café for post-workout smoothies and healthy bites, as well as amenities like a sauna and restrooms.
These services are designed to cater to serious fitness enthusiasts who want a premium and all-encompassing gym experience.
Gym U NYC is distinguished by several key features and highlights that set it apart from other fitness centers.
High-End Equipment: The gym is powered by state-of-the-art equipment, including Italian-made Panatta machines, which are chosen to provide a superior and comprehensive workout.
Sauna and Steam Rooms: A major draw for many members, the gym boasts a sauna and steam room for post-workout recovery and relaxation, which is an essential part of the fitness journey.
Expert Staff: Members consistently praise the expert and helpful staff, who go above and beyond to provide guidance and support, creating a professional and welcoming environment.
Unique Design and Atmosphere: The club-like, dramatic design creates a motivating and energizing atmosphere that is unlike any other gym in the city, making it a "sceney social place to work out."
Inclusivity: The gym is LGBTQ+ friendly, fostering an inclusive environment where members feel comfortable and supported.
Shrumz Café: The in-house cafe offers healthy options like smoothies and food, providing convenient and nutritious post-workout fuel.
These features contribute to a premium and holistic fitness experience that caters to both physical training and overall well-being.
For those ready to elevate their fitness journey, here is the contact information for Gym U NYC.
Address: 215 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Phone: (646) 410-2858
Mobile Phone: +1 646-410-2858
Given that appointments and memberships are required, it is best to contact the gym to set up a tour or to get more information on their offerings and pricing.
In the crowded New York City fitness landscape, what is worth choosing about Gym U NYC is its commitment to providing a top-tier, curated experience. While some reviews mention issues with amenities and pricing, it is important to understand the gym's target audience and value proposition. This is not a budget gym; it is a luxury facility for those serious about weight training who appreciate a unique and stylish atmosphere. The premium price point reflects the quality of the equipment, the expertise of the staff, and the exclusive, club-like environment. The gym’s focus on a comprehensive lifting experience, with its impressive collection of machines and a dedicated lifting focus, makes it a true "sanctuary for fitness enthusiasts."
The sauna and steam rooms are a major draw, offering a valuable post-workout recovery space. For individuals who are tired of impersonal, chain-style gyms and are willing to invest in a premium experience, Gym U NYC is an exceptional choice. The rave reviews from members who appreciate the "knowledgeable" coaches and the "clean" and "well-maintained" equipment speak volumes about the gym's quality. Despite some of the negative feedback, the core value of Gym U NYC—a sanctuary where serious fitness meets unapologetic style—remains strong and highly appealing to its target audience. It is a gym that is truly designed for those who want to "Elevate Your Fitness Experience!"
Gym U NYC Services
Gym
- Nutrition consulting
- Personal training
- Private lessons
Gym U NYC Details
Service options
- Onsite services
- Online classes
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Sauna
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Appointment required
- Membership required
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Gym U NYC Photos










Gym U NYC Location
Gym U NYC Reviews
equipmentsteam roomsaunalocker roomcameraDJamenitiesdeskbarfees
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The gym: the range of equipment is decent but too much flashy Panatta machines that hyperfocus on isolate muscles rather than building a comprehensive physique; it’s difficult to get a compound workout in here, there is one humble flatbench in the entire gym. I appreciate that half the gym isn’t allocated to treadmills like other gyms - this is a lifting gym.Gym etiquette: is severely lacking. Many members are too important to rerack their weights and working-in on a set with someone is a foreign concept, the vibe is snooty yet amateur.The facilities/amenities: are basic. At launch they provided body lotion in the locker rooms, nowadays all the soap dispensers are broken and half the showers do not work.The steam room seems to be the main draw at this gym, and it lives up to all the rumours. I should point out that there is a camera in the steam room, this doesn’t bother me but worth noting.Pricing: they raised the rates on founding members by 15% which is obscenely greedy and disrespectful to those who supported you from the beginning. I am not renewing.Overall: if you can overlook their treatment of loyal members this is a sceney social place to work out but, at the price-point offered, not for those serious about fitness.
June 14 · S CGYM U NYC by David Barton – Elevate Your Fitness Experience!If you’re passionate about weightlifting and crave a gym that caters to every muscle group — even those you didn’t know existed — GYM U NYC is the place to be. Founded by the visionary David Barton, this 35,000 sq ft facility is more than just a gym; it’s a sanctuary for fitness enthusiasts.Highlights:🔥 State-of-the-Art Equipment – Whether you’re into free weights or stacked plate machines, GYM U offers top-tier equipment meticulously chosen to target every muscle group.💪 Impeccable Facilities – The gym boasts spacious locker rooms, functional and clean showers, as well as pristine sauna and steam rooms, ensuring a comfortable post-workout experience.🙌 Expert Staff – Members frequently praise the helpfulness of the staff, especially Paul, who goes above and beyond to guide you in finding the right trainer and fitness plan.🥤 Shrumz Café – Don’t forget to grab a healthy smoothie at the in-house café before you leave — the perfect post-workout fuel!📍 Location: 215 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011🕒 Hours:• Monday–Thursday: 6 am–11 pm• Friday: 6 am–10 pm• Saturday–Sunday: 8 am–8 pmIf you’re serious about fitness, this gym is a must-visit in NYC!#GymUNYC #DavidBartonGym #NYCFitness #WeightTrainingNYC #MuscleBuilding #HealthyLiving #WorkoutGoals #FitnessJourney #CleanGymLife #NYCWellness
March 14 · Wilkie JoissaintGym U is the most premier, professional, and community oriented gym here in NYC. I wish there were already multiple locations in other cities. I searched far and wide for a gym where I would want to spend most of my time - and Gym U was the only place where I could say that for. There is no better gym innovator than David Barton and the trainers here are a significant cut above. Trainer James, the rest of the team, and the gym itself have been life changing for me. Highly recommend for those who take their fitness seriously and want results, Gym U is the place to be.
August 23 · Elizabeth BriceI just got back from India UAE and Sri Lanka and I knew I had to drag myself back to a gym. I looked at several- the big three: Chelsea Piers, Equinox and GYM U NYC. WITH THE WEATHER and jet lag and a recalcitrant butt, I was kind of in slo mo but today I finally picked GYM U. FIRSTLY, Gym U has hired the most personable and caring intake person for membership. His name was Philip. What makes him so impressive is a. He knows his stuff and he has a solid knowledge base b. He cared about me and listened to my needs and what would be the best fit for me at Gym U c. Philip was simply a nice guy. You could tell he loves his job, he loves Gym U and he wants you to love it as much as he does. I like people with moxie and who cares about their job. He gave me the tour and you could feel his excitement about not only working there but what makes this gym special. There has been some remodeling. I couldn’t put my finger on it but there was more pizzazz. A real crowd pleaser must be THE STEAM ROOM. It was huge and more importantly immaculate. It’s obvious hygiene is taken seriously here In addition he was very excited about their investment in Panatta gym equipment which is premier equipment from Apiro, Italy which is in the beautiful La Marche area- think Gubbio, Orvieto, Perugia and Assisi all beautiful villages in this area. Mamma Mia! You know those Italians they tie fantastic design to superior function. I am amazed the monthly fees aren’t more expensive. This equipment is like ART meets FORM meets function. It’s amazing. It’s the equipment the Roman gods use…. lol. He escorted me to his office and I enrolled and paid my starter fee. It’s a win win for me because I am lucky enough to live in the neighborhood and this gym has all the amenities one could ask for plus there is a convivial bar at the entrance. What a marriage Adrenalin and Alcohol! Oh there are classes which are included in the fees. I know this might sound a tad corny but the greeter who checks your membership when you come in probably was the winner of Mr Congeniality somewhere. But his personality sets the stage from the moment you walk in. I felt like I was treated like I had been a long term member. It’s not fake here, it’s genuine.Thanks Philip for your time and curated information. Oh, I don’t have a complaint but whoever named the bar it truly doesn’t go with the branding of Gym U. Maybe, David needs to have a contest for renaming it. But what do I know. ALSO the whole staff or team here works in synchronicity. The team that checks you in are NICE TO EVERYONE, the CREW here from mechanics to cleaning staff are constant keeping the place working and spotless. Hygiene is huge issue for me and I have not seen a more dedicated and consistent team here. I think hospitals could learn a few things here. Plus, it’s not like after they take your money you are treated like a number. Believe me this zufu or grandparent feels very comfortable here. When my Chinese grandsons were here from Virginia, I gave them a tour. They were in awe- especially with the ITALIAN EQUIOMENT. I LEAVE next month for an assignment in the Middle East. I look forward to returning.THANKS PHILIP!
April 04 · Brett MontclairGym U is absolutely stunning! The equipment is not your typical gym gear, which might take some time to get used to, but there are employees and fellow gym members available and willing to help if needed. It’s a fantastic space not only for working out but also for unwinding. They have a small fitness bar offering beverages, beautiful locker rooms, a stunning sauna, and a steam room. The only downside is that they only have one location. However, I highly recommend giving this gym a try!
June 03 · Emmanuel Hunter
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