Gotham Gym
600 Washington Street
New York, NY 10014 

By Chris Granville

Tucked away in a picturesque corner of the West Village among cobble stone streets and trendy restaurants is Gotham Gym. On one remarkably hot day in July I headed down to the village to meet their manager Randy and take a look at the space. As I walked from the subway, managing to stay on the shady side of the street escaping the worst of the heat, I happened up on a full corner storefront encased in glass showcasing an impressive fitness facility.

The first thing I noticed as I approached the front door is the regulation size boxing ring – a rarity in Manhattan. And I as I met Randy and he began to show me around he explained that the gym is deeply rooted in a background of boxing and mixed martial arts fighting. Indeed speed bags, body bags and uppercut bags are in abundance and even on this relatively quiet weekday afternoon there were trainers and clients working out with the pads. Without question if one is looking to strap on the gloves Gotham would be an ideal place to work out. However, that’s not to say that the gym is exclusive to boxing and MMA training. A full range of free weights and machines can be found along with open space that is ideal for plyometrics, jumping rope, etc. TRX and gymnastic rings are suspended from the ceiling on one side of the ring and a range of cardio machines can be found on the opposite side. A range of classes and boot camps are offered, as well.  Of the number of independent trainers that work out of the space, it’s clear that the clientele spans a range of ages, goals and fitness levels.

Gotham offers monthly memberships in addition to rates for private trainers and packages that can be purchased at discounted prices. Locker rooms are provided and they are currently in the process of installing shower facilities due to be complete by the end of the summer.

Having had the opportunity to visit Gotham and chat with their manager Randy it’s clear that this a place that is serious about fitness and getting people in to shape. Their focus is on the fundamentals of working out stemming from their background in boxing and mixed martial arts. Trainers looking for space in the west village to work with clients or anyone in search of an engaging challenging work out experience would do well to pay a visit to Gotham Gym.

Chris Granville is an ACSM certified personal trainer. A former NCAA Division 1 and professional athlete, he’s a managing editor in book publishing and lives in New York City.