The Training Lab — Local services in New York

I travel often between Toronto and New York, and anyone who travels frequently knows how difficult it can be to find a solid gym. To put some perspective on this review, I’m a serious lifter of 16 years with a routine that consists of bodybuilding and Muay Thai, so I’m used to pushing myself as hard as I can.

The intensity at The Training Lab (TTL) is unlike anything I’ve experienced. Their programming is incredibly well thought out, and the exercises they put you through just make sense. While I’ve only trained with Daria, Jose, and Reuben, every instructor brings their own unique style and approach to the table, so you’re never stuck doing the same routines over and over. You can tell they genuinely love what they do. The pace is non-stop, and the trainers will call you out if they see you trying to take shortcuts. Because of that, you want to respect them and push yourself beyond what you think you can do. Ten minutes into every class (which is basically just the warmup), I ask myself why I keep signing up to get my ass kicked, but by the end, I’m already looking forward to the next session.

In addition to their training programs, their facility also includes a recovery lounge which to me is the highlight of TTL. It consists of two cold plunges, a sauna and a variety of other recovery equipment. It’s a truly special facility and something I wish I had out here in Toronto.

I do have to be objective and provide some criticism/feedback. The music selection at times was very odd and did not fit the entire vibe. I’m not sure who thought throwing Taylor Swift into the mix was a good idea, but man did that throw me off and cause me to lose focus. I appreciate variety and different genres, but there’s a time and place for certain songs.

If you’re someone who wants a challenge and wants to test how far they can push themselves then you NEED to come here - no negotiation. It goes without saying that training here will be part of my daily routine every time I’m in NYC.

Ps: quick shoutout to one of the owners, Daria. She went out of her way to accommodate me (an out-of-towner). Her and her boyfriend Peter are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet as they made me feel welcomed right...

A group of us found TTL in the process of training for the Hyrox race this year, and we loved it immensely and decided to stay beyond the race and just keep training and getting stronger. Coming from a self defense and contact combat school, this was an entirely different skill set to hone and has become a way of life. TTL has a variety of classes designed to increase strength, endurance and create all round athletes. The instructors are very knowledgeable, provide personal attention, and this is what caught my eye is - they're doing races, classes, and competitions along with you and constantly holding themselves to the next higher standard. The community is excellent, the facility is super and they just introduced a new recovery lounge, once again demonstrating that they're thinking ahead and giving their athletes the best. The lab has internal competitions to challenge us, as well as prepares us for external events with very well informed instructors. They're very understanding of life events and things that sometimes cause disruption, and will work with one for membership flexibility in light of these events. I feel fortunate to be part of...

Bought a 2 pack pass and was only able to use one due to time constraints. I did the "Training Ground" class on Friday July 19th with Johnny. It was similar to a CrossFit class in that there was a cardio/core/stretch warm up, then a big lift and finished with a circuit style/obstacle course workout.

The front desk (I also think one person was possibly a trainer) were friendly as I couldn't figure out how to use the digital lockers (but yeah for digital lockers!!) and she showed me how. I don't know her name but she was so fill of energy and had a great personality.

As for the class, it was definitely exhausting, but I also felt exhilarating at the same time. Johnny was definitely watching everyone's form and I really appreciated that. I don't even think I was ready for his class as I had taken 3 straight days off from the gym, but his class made up for it lol.

If I were in the area, I'd definitely...