On a frosty January afternoon, I had the opportunity to speak with Victoria Oliva, one of the co-owners and a personal trainer at Vigorous Fitness Clubs in Middle Village, Queens.

This is a great find as far as gyms go. Not only for me as the owner of NeighborhoodTrainers and an advocate for NYC’s fitness community, but for all independent personal trainers who service clients in this area of Queens. For the past few years, my Exploring NYC Personal Training Gyms column has focused mainly on Manhattan facilities. That’s because that is where the more notable independent training gyms are concentrated. Vigorous Fitness Clubs is not only putting its stamp on the Queens fitness community, but it is also raising the standard for gyms open to independent trainers all over #NYC with its equipment, services, and policies.

The facility spans 8000 square feet over two floors. The top floor is a newly renovated studio, while the main floor is a fully equipped gym. While it is just three years old, Victoria and her co-owners Sean and Frank, completed a renovation last month, which should speak to their interest in creating an environment people want to come back to again and again.

“We want this to be the best part of your day,” says Victoria.

Vigorous Fitness Clubs is unique right from the entry. There is a very inviting courtyard in front, which on warm days is used for outdoor personal training or even an outdoor small group training class. In the dozens of gyms we’ve written about, we’ve only found one other to have that option.

Once inside, you will see the vast array of equipment. One of the newest pieces seems also to have the greatest gravitational pull for trainers and their clients, alike. The Life Fitness Synrgy 360. This versatile apparatus allows for trainers to work with clients one-on-one or in small group training settings without shuttling to from one end of the gym to another.

The gym is also fully stocked with strength training and cardio equipment. Machines, dumbells, kettle bells, treadmills, ellipticals, etc. It’s all there to cater to young and old, athletes and first-timers.

For independent personal trainers, this is a welcoming place. For starters, I’ve already mentioned the equipment, but the club is also furnish ed with a small lounge area. This is the perfect spot for an initial consultation, going over assessment results, or to enjoy time in between sessions.

There are changing rooms and bathroom facilities, as well as towels for all. On top of the one-on-one training, the second floor studio is open for trainers to do small group training when classes are not in session.

As for rates for bringing in your clients, the fees are quite reasonable and Vigorous offers a few different options. Best of all, your clients don’t have to be members. However, after experiencing Vigorous Fitness Clubs for a little while, they may decide it makes sense to become one since they can also use the club on non-session days.

For more information about Vigorous Fitness Clubs:

79-32 Metropolitan Avenue, 2nd Floor
Middle Village, NY 11379
718-894-1271
Contact: frank@vigorousfitnessclubs.com