Mid-City Gym
345 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
 By Chris Granville

Ever wondered where the likes of Lou Ferrigno, Hulk Hogan, and Arnold have come to train when visiting New York? I was excited learn the answer to that question and have the chance to visit the historic Mid-City Gym when I had the opportunity to meet with longtime owner Vince Consalvo.

We met at their 42nd Street location, the larger of the two Mid-City sites, and the first thing I noticed as I entered from street level was the size of the club. Housed in a vast open space with soaring ceilings I was quick to figure that the gym wouldn’t lack in equipment. Finding a seat at the juice bar Vince gave me a friendly hello and after offering me a drink – which I politely refused because, well it was about 15 degrees out and I was still freezing from my walk over – began to tell me about the gym’s long history.

Vince took over the reins at Mid-City in 1989, but the gym itself has been in business since 1962 making it one of the longest running gyms in the country. A pioneer in the New York City fitness scene it was one of the first gyms to offer Hammer Strength equipment and CrossFit training and is one of a few to offer full tanning services. Simply put, Mid-City is one of the largest, most complete, independent gyms in town. No wonder so many famous faces (and bodies) have favored their clubs when looking to workout.

A tour of the fitness floor confirmed that there is an impressive array of equipment to be found. Free weights and benches found in three separate locations is a particularly nice touch. The layout is mindful of how people actually use the gym and the many cardio and strength machines weave their way through the space in a logical fashion. Lastly, an open space reserved for activities such as CrossFit, plyometric and body weight exercises that is perfect for trainers to work with their clients can be found.

Mid-City welcomes independent trainers and has a mix that frequent the gym working with clients of various ages, injuries, goals and fitness levels. As expected from a club of this caliber day lockers and towel service can be found in the dressing rooms and the area near the juice bar serves as a casual gathering place for members and trainers alike. Mid-City offers everything needed for trainers and clients to reach their goals, but it also has a rich history that makes it truly unique. Given the long list of fitness celebrities that have walked through their doors you just never know who you might bump into when you go in for your next workout!