The Gym Ithaca — Attraction in Town of Ithaca

This review is long overdue.

I think it is important to understand that becoming fit or staying fit involves more than a clean, well-equipped space. Working out at home, for most people, just doesn't cut it because you're not surrounded by the energy and experience of other people… Believe me, this is a real thing.

Not only is The Gym at Easthill Plaza the best equipped gym in the area (by a huge margin) and most certainly home to the largest community of friendly and fit people (and trainers), it is also open 24/7, is super affordable and clean.

i know that running a business can be a very difficult task, but owners Lara and Keane make it look like a breeze… This place is amazing.

I've been training for more than four decades. I have lived everywhere and have belonged to dozens of gyms and fitness clubs over the years. I can tell you from personal experience that the big-box wannabe gyms, just don't cut it, no matter how shiny they appear to be, and no matter what type of marketing glitz they employ. They're not for me, not for anyone that's serious about training that I have ever met, not long-term, and not when you're looking to be fit for the rest of your life.

Drop by East Hill, or call to see their smaller sister-gym across from Ithaca College and say hi, and you'll see what I mean.

Thank you for your hard work and hospitality over years,...

TLDR - Join this gym, you won't regret it.

I joined The Gym Ithaca back in 2016 when the East Hill location was just the front cardio/Cybex room and the back room (now the middle room) was the free weight area. At that time, it had a wonderful core group of members that welcomed me and the rest of my vet school class. Since that time, this location has gone through multiple expansions, first adding a third room straight back, then another space parallel to the original gym that nearly spans the entirety of their original footprint. This second addition really is the powerlifter's dream, with multiple more squat racks, benches, and deadlifting platforms. Throughout this growth, this gym has never lost its welcoming culture, helpful staff, cleanliness, or quality of equipment. I got into incredible shape in my time here, PR'ing on all my lifts, and felt good enough to be featured in a few silly fundraising calendars. The only reason I stopped my gym membership was because I moved out of state. However, I may just have to become a professor and move my family back to Ithaca just for this wonderful gym that Lara...

I started going here when they first opened and started back when I moved back to the area recently. Here's the eval:

-customer service is top notch, they have limited staffed hours but can always be reached via phone or email. (keeps the cost reasonable)

-good price, these folks care about their customers, the monthly rate is very reasonable, and they even waived the sign up fees when I came back.

-they have a great range of equipment in a nice facility. Free weights, machines, and all the cardio you can want. All well maintained and kept clean.

-not crowded. Even at peak hours I don't have to wait for equipment and can rotate through 2-3 machines without crossing into someone else's workout. Cardio machines always have an open spot.

-open 24-7, easy access, and plenty of parking.

-changing rooms, and bathrooms, no showers, though they have plenty of locker space.

Overall: great place and I would absolutely recommend it. The owners and staff are super friendly and helpful, and it's a great environment for beginners to the...