Best Gyms With Day Passes in New York City
Want to enjoy a serious workout during your trip to New York City? You can experience some of the best fitness centers and boutique exercise studios in the Big Apple — including some clubs, classes, and programs you can’t find anywhere else — without dropping $40 on a single class or committing to a month-long membership.
Many of the best gyms in New York City offer day passes, and some even provide complimentary passes to guests interested in checking out the facilities (or squeezing in a free workout or two) during a trip to New York.
Whether you want to try one of the trendiest classes or just want to check out the New York fitness scene, these are the best gyms in the city that offer day passes.
With more than a dozen locations around Manhattan and a handful in Brooklyn, Equinox fitness centers are some of the most popular in the city. You can come here to take advantage of the cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and group fitness classes, plus the upscale locker rooms with Kiehl’s lotions, soaps, and other high-end amenities. Grab a free day pass online, or ask a membership advisor about the three-day guest pass.
New to barre? Travelers interested in the cult fitness phenomenon can get their first class free at Pure Barre. There are half a dozen studios around Manhattan where you can try an introductory Foundations class. (And select participating studios offer a free first class.) Just remember to bring your leggings and grippy socks — trust us.
Head online to request a free one-day guest pass for Crunch, a gym that also offers group fitness classes (boxing, spin, yoga, and more). There are cardio stations, free weights, and plenty of resistance machines, and you won’t have any trouble finding a Crunch Signature club in Manhattan. All these locations (there are over a dozen) have upscale Rituals products and saunas or steam rooms.
Colorful, straightforward Blink fitness centers are all over New York, and great for travelers who want a no-fuss cardio or strength training workout. There are no classes, so keep that in mind if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to start or end a workout with a Pilates session or yoga class. You can book a free, one-day guest pass online, and it’s valid for 30 days.
This high-end “athletic resort” chain has been rapidly expanding around Manhattan thanks to a partnership with New York Health & Racquet Club. The Life Time Sky location is extra dreamy with an indoor lap pool, basketball court, an outdoor pool and sky deck, saunas and steam rooms — you name it. Get a free one-day pass just by visiting the Life Time website…consider it your one-day spa pass, too!
Those in search of a high-level yoga or barre class head to Pure Yoga, which has one location in Manhattan called Pure East, at 86th and 3rd Avenue. It’s a seriously Zen retreat that feels worlds away from the bustle of Manhattan. Open only to members, you’ll need to plan ahead to request a free trial class if you’re interested in a membership. (The brand also operates studios in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and Taiwan. It’s seriously Zen retreats that feel worlds away from the bustle of Manhattan.
Don’t need a day pass but still want to get a solid class in? After closing during the pandemic, a new Peloton Studios in Hudson Yards is set to open in Summer 2022. Here you’ll be able to ride live with your favorite instructors as they livestream to the rest of the world. While class details haven’t been shared yet, first-timers are expected to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to get properly set up before the class begins. Complimentary rental shoes are provided if you didn’t travel with yours.
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There’s so much more to explore in New York City. Check out our NYC Travel Guide for recommendations on where to eat and what to do here in New York.
