TMPL - West Village — Local services in New York

EDIT: it’s been three months and I’m still in pain!! I’ve had to get TWO MRIs, go to physical therapy and now my doctor is talking about doing surgery because of this awful trainer! The last three months have been a nightmare. Apparently he is on his last warning before being fired is what I was told. STAY AWAY FROM RUBE VOGEL.

I hate to leave a bad review, especially given how nice the gym is (even upgraded to the all access membership last year!), but this review is on a specific “trainer”, Ruben. Who has not only tarnished my experience at templ, but whose “training” blew out my back and both my knees.

This guy has been badgering me for a year and half to sign up to one of his free personal training sessions. I would always decline, citing various reasons, but he is SO incredibly pushy (it cheapened the experience at what is a very nice gym). Thursday I was working out my legs and once again he kept insisting I do a training session with him and goes so far as to insist he “helps” with the rest of my workout and that I should lift heavier. I tell him I do not feel comfortable with this, as I had a hip sensitivity that prevented from doing deep squats and had right knee surgery a year and half ago, that makes me very cautious about using heavier weights (lower and slower is my motto). Mind you, I have been pain free in my knee and able to return to normal activity since November. He keeps insisting saying I should let him and that he would help. At the hip thrust machine he kept adding weights which I struggle through, and even told him in the middle of it I felt a strain in my LEFT knee which he didn’t acknowledge. Next I tell him I was going to do a goblet squat with a kettle bell, but he insists he shows me how to back squat. Again, I tell him I’m not comfortable with that given what I said earlier, and he once again continues to insist it’ll be fine. He tries to get me to stretch my hip out which only makes it worse and then my right knee immediately gets a sharp stabbing pain at that first level of weight he added and I put an end to it. He just gives me a blank stare and says, “okay” and then insists on training me to do a deadlift. He kept saying my form is good even though I told him, at the lightest weight, I felt it mostly in my back (which looking back, is sign a did not have good form and that the weight was too heavy!) he keeps adding weight saying I can do it, even after telling him I don’t think I can and struggle through each set. He even goes so far as to bring me a wrap to pick up the bar as he significantly increased the weight. Just because one can lift a heavier weight doesn’t mean they should.

At the end this “training”, he again asks if I’m going to buy a 24 lesson pack from him, and even had the audacity to say I could afford it. During the workout he even kept trying to sell him on his “meal prep service”. I flat out tell him no and leave. He also told me he would never work in the Hell's kitchen location because people there "pretend they have money but don't" and people in the west village "pretend they don't have money but do". He also said he said the Hell's Kitchen location locker room is "too gay". This dude has no tact only sees people as a walking paycheck.

Since his “workout” I have been in so much pain in my back and both my knees. I could barely see my patients the next day because of the pain and now limp on my right leg. I am so upset at what happened. I was really hoping that this fake “free session” would get him off my back finally but now I’m paying for it quite badly. Like I said, the gym and everyone else has been absolutely wonderful, but...

Even though I had a horrible experience with the prior company (NYSC), the new management team here has worked with me to solve the issues I experienced. I really appreciate the flexibility and creativity they exercised to make this situation right. Looking forward to training here again!

My review of prior NYSC managment:

IGNORED MY CANCELLATION and FRAUDULENTLY CHARGED ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

Even though I cancelled my personal training membership early last year, this location continued to charge me a $460 monthly bill multiple times. I reached out to their team with detailed notes to address the issue and was assured that I would receive reimbursement. However, this never arrived.

Instead of resolving the issue, NYSC continued to fraudulently charge me throughout the covid pandemic. I reached out again to their team representative last year and he assured me that I would be refunded shortly. I have not received reimburesment for these fraudulent bills.

If you do decide to offer your business to this company, I would make sure to keep a strong paper trail and confirm the contents of any calls in writing.

When I contacted them last month, they said "Christine in Customer Service" would handle the problem. It has been weeks, and I've not heard from her. I would absolutely stay away from this unprofessional, fraudulent business. They have been an absolute nightmare to deal with and have proven their lack of trustworthiness again and again.

I'm not surprised NYSC was sued by the NY Attorney...

I’ve had the privilege of being a member at TMPL Gym for the past few months, and it has been an outstanding experience. The facility itself is state-of-the-art, with a wide range of equipment that caters to all fitness levels and goals. The atmosphere is always welcoming and motivating, making every workout something to look forward to.

What truly sets TMPL Gym apart, however, is the exceptional staff, particularly my personal trainer, Alex Hessam. From day one, Alex has been nothing short of phenomenal. His expertise in fitness and nutrition, combined with his genuine passion for helping others, has been instrumental in my fitness journey. Alex creates personalized workout plans that are not only effective but also engaging and enjoyable. He always ensures that I am challenged and progressing, while also being mindful of my personal limits and needs.

Alex’s encouragement and positivity have kept me motivated, even on the toughest days. His ability to push me to achieve my best while maintaining a friendly and supportive demeanor is truly commendable. Thanks to Alex, I have seen significant improvements in my strength, endurance, and overall well-being.

If you’re looking for a gym that offers top-notch facilities and outstanding personal training, look no further than TMPL Gym. And if you’re lucky enough to work with Alex Hessam, you can be assured that you’re in the best hands possible. Thank you, TMPL Gym and Alex, for transforming my fitness journey into such a rewarding and...