Harbor Fitness Go! Bay Ridge — Local services in New York

I initially went to this gym because my friends went here for around 4 months until I switched to the Harbour Fitness by Coney Island Ave.

I primarily go to this gym around mid-mourning (8-11) but I have gone in the late afternoon for a few weeks before. The mourning is pretty empty most times but some days can randomly get pretty packed. Afternoon is packed, just like any other gym.

The equipment there is a bit sub par in my opinion. A lot of the machines are old/rusty and plates will frequently stick together and fall mid-way through your set. If you can ignore that, then it's not big of a deal but I personally find it very irritating. Cardio equipment is decently varied but can frequently break/be annoying to use (ie speed limits, loud to run on, etc) and I personally find 3 stair machines not enough (it's not a deal breaker tho since I skip cardio most of the time lol). Dumbells go up to 130lbs with 2.5lbs increments until 40lbs iirc and there are many duplicates of the same weight, especially the lower weights, so it's rare for all your specific pairs to be taken.

Even though I've said all these things, I still enjoy this gym for one reason: the people. I've met so many nice people there that are happy to just talk, give advice, or spot you on a lift even if you don't explicitly ask for one (that isn't a con). Every time I walk into the gym, I see people just talking to each other, joking around, and constantly have a smile on their face. (And yes, those people were the biggest, strongest, and fit people there)

I still go here from time to time to workout with my friends or keep up with the people I know there but it isn't my first choice in a gym. Without the people there, I'd probably give it a 2-3/5 stars but with it, I give it a 4/5.

Other smaller details: 1 water fountain in the entire gym. Not the end of the world if it breaks tho since you can ask the employees to fill your bottle with the sink but still worth mentioning. Locker rooms (or at least the mens one) is a bit jank with some lockers not even being lockable. My lock even got clipped one day, possibly by accident, but my stuff was left untouched. The employes were chill and gave me a new one and apologized for it.

TL;DR Equipment is below average but the people there more than make up for it. Skip this gym if you...

I have been going to this gym for quite a while. I am actually removing a star or two- not that it matters. The biggest issue I have with this gym for the last 5 months is how lax their staff has become with certain patrons of the gym. I swear, Harbor Fitness needs to give me a discount or pay me instead for thr time I spend reracking and removing weights just to get a work out in or even walk.

Believe me you...I am not embellishing. You cannot control people but when you have a sign that clearly states these rules but no one to enforce them...who are we kidding then? The machines are so close to each other which is understandable but creates a safety hazard; add to it a few knuckleheads leaving plates laying on the floor next to the machines. Yes, I pick them up when I can. Then you have Skips-Every-Leg-Day Larry leaving the squat rack with over 200 pounds without reracking. To top that, the tiny stretching room and the little corner with the cardio theater...I also have to spend 5 minutes removing everything so that I can stretch before my workout.

Why am I leaving this long and boring review? Because this is the second time I bust my toe from tripping...

I was a member for about a year before Covid closed everything down. The management has been beyond wonderful about freezing memberships until you are comfortable returning without any additional charges. They have been so accommodating with no issues. I cannot wait to go back because the price is great: the gym space is big and airy with high ceilings and large windows with natural light. The staff is friendly, helpful, and zero attitudes. I had a great experience with the trainers, too. The machines are plentiful and modern. This is an offshoot of the always awesome Harbor Fitness, where I was a member for many years in Park Slope. If you want a full-service gym, join there. If you don’t need towel service, childcare, classes, or a place that is open 24 hours, Harbor Go is...