PureGym - Formerly Blink Fitness — Attraction in New York

Edit: Added some examples of interactions I had with other gym goers at the bottom

I think the workers are all very nice - cannot complain there.

My issue is with mostly the wait times for any barbell movement and the other gym goers.I have tried to go at multiple times to see when its busiest but even in mornings theres a wait for almost everything on the top floor.

Also overall its clean, but the wipes run out a lot so i cant clean after i use equipment. I came a few years ago when i liked closer by and i think that layout felt more spacious, now it feels cramped trying to get anywhere. Cramped in the stretch area, free weights section, and squat rack area.

Theres also so many people overall (which is why theres always a wait and another reason it feels so cramped) Theres even lines of oh that person already called it, and someone after that too. Another thing, about a week ago, I was not finished with my deadlifts, all my stuff was there, and I went to get more weights to add on. When i get the weights and bring them back over, I see some guy just takes over and starts working out. Mind you, i was not there for a long time, i only finished my warm up (2 sets) and couldnt start my working sets because he just ignored me when I said hey im not finished. It was the top floor corner where the squat racks are.

Edit: Varied times of working put, found some good early mornings where not too much of a wait. Will still say, some of the other gym goers are just awful. Example 1: Man asks to work in with my boyfriend and I since we are on the squat rack. Alright fine whatever no big deal, no harm right? But then tells me I shouldnt squat too deep. Im sorry what? I am flexible stable and strong enough to go full range of motion. He doesnt even go 75%. Then tells me if I keep doing a squat and “go so low” that I will through out my back and will have a miscarriage and then proceeds to talk about his ex-wife’s miscarriage. At this point Im ready to just leave. I did not ask tor help, I did not mention kids in my future, and I did not bring up miscarriages.

Again waiting for squat racks but see one is empty but the weights are still loaded. I look around and see no bag, water, keys, anything. I ask people around “hey are you using this?” And they all say no. I unrack the weight and set up for my warm up. I finish warm up, and about to do a working set where a man with a belt and a dumbells comes over and tells me he was using it. This was more than 10min after I fully started my workout. I told him oh I asked around and didnt see anybody, to which he replied he was working out downstairs but it was his, and proceeded to take the weights I put on the...

As of May 27th, 2019 there are two false claims about Blink Sunset Park's location in this Review section: One, is that it isn't clean and two, that the staff is not friendly. Based on my interactions, observation and workout experience at that location, I classify these claims as being false. I've been going to the gym from the first day it opened, and in general, the staff always been welcoming, attentive and friendly. Also, that location is as clean as it can be! I've seen the staff doing their part of cleaning on a regular. Anything else falls on us members to do ours. Things may always go downhill at some point, who knows! However, as I've pointed out, the place is currently very friendly and clean as of the date of my writing.

Now, the "always busy" part is absolutely true; Especially during afternoon and night time. However, as a gym rat myself, I know how to manoeuvre around to keep myself busy while I wait for the specific machine or bench I need. As long as you have flexibility then you can and will do fine in crowded gyms.

I give that location 4/5 stars because I do believe the place could use a few more meaningful machines (they have the space for them). It's definitely not a weightlifter's ideal place. I mean, we surely can get by but it's lacking! Many must-have machines and bench options are missing at that location. I guess they configured it more for the average guy and gal trying to keep themselves in shape without much thoughts for the pros. So, if you are trying to get bulky and do heavy workouts then probably that location is not gonna be the gym for you.

UPDATE: 12/22/22 So, a little bit after 3 years since my original review, I'm still going to that Blink Sunset Park. It is still clean with a nice staff overall (BTW, all staff since my original review are gone). However, I have to drop my review from 4 to 3 stars. One thing that has become very annoying at that location is the constant layout reconfiguration. They change the position of the machines so many times in matter of months (sometimes weeks), it's not even funny. I went back yesterday after missing about a month, and it's like I entered a different gym! The space I used to like to do certain floor exercises is no longer available. A bunch of second floor machines went to the locker floor and vice versa. Also, the stretch area on the main floor is shrunk down. It's like I had to circled the whole gym to find where things end up. Not cool!

They need to find a layout that works and stick to it for longer than a couple of...

My only gripe with this gym is about 1 person specifically and that is the trainer Shawn (or Sean, however he spells it). I've been a member of blink fitness for about 4 years now and I have NEVER been told not to count the reps or give my girlfriend workout advice in a gym.

While working out with my girlfriend, the trainer Shawn introduced himself to me (and completely ignored my girlfriend next to me by the way) and told me that according to "other people that have watched me in the gym," I was giving her workout advice and that it was not allowed at blink, as I had to be a personal trainer. He even told me I couldn't even help count my girlfriend's reps while she was lifting weights. Are you kidding me?? So basically you're saying I can't talk to my own girlfriend about the workout she is doing or even correct her if her form is off because it's considered "outside training." My girlfriend is relatively new to the gym setting and basically Shawn would rather her get injured using the machines incorrectly rather than me showing her the correct way to use it. It's basically telling someone that they can't work out with their significant other or friend.

Literally 99% of the couples workout together in one way shape or form. I even asked him what he would recommend I do and he rudely responded "Just don't do it." I may not come back to this location as this incident has tarnished my workout experience here.

Don't get me wrong, I love Blink as an organization because I like what they stand for but this is the 1st time I've had a bad experience with a Blink trainer (and most of them are cool). Blink: if you are reading this review, I would take a hard look at Shawn and evaluate how he represents the Blink brand.

If you decide to go to this gym, be sure to avoid Shawn if possible (skinny, tall, Caucasian male with the man bun). Overall the gym is not bad and the front desk people are very helpful and polite. Shawn is the only problem...