On a bright summer day, I rode my bike over to visit with Eric Slayton, the owner of New York Underground Fitness on West 57th Street.  I have known Eric since 2010 when I started NeighborhoodTrainers.  New York Underground Fitness has been a mainstay in the New York fitness community since 2002, when Eric achieved his goal of owning his own gym a reality.

Eric started as a personal trainer at NYSC in 1994.  I was astounded and impressed that he still has some of his original clients from those days.  But it is principles like that, that he carried over to creating New York Underground Fitness and molded it into his vision.

He tells me it has been appropriately coined “the Cheers of Gyms” by both members and trainers, paying tribute to the well-known TV bar in the show of the same name.  This moniker was reinforced by Claude; a trainer I had spoken earlier in my visit who had been training clients there for 11 years.  “I’m here more than I am at home.”  Another trainer I chatted with, Tommy, has been there for 6 years, as well.  

Whereas most personal training gyms are located in less conspicuous buildings, New York Underground Fitness is located in a hotel.  Eric does an amazingly effective high wire act of balancing the offerings, having created a gym for hotel guests, members, and independent personal trainers.  The gym floor is sizable at about 2000 square feet, with additional space locker rooms and lobby space. 

“Be as intelligently and fully equipped as I can, but maintain spatial integrity,” Eric says as he explains his thought process behind creating the New York Underground Fitness experience.  He had to be “very particular about each piece of equipment.”  While he has the standards of hotel gyms with treadmills and elliptical machines.  He also houses rarely seen equipment that surprises even the most experienced trainer such as the Step Up platform (which he in the New York Rangers training room), a plate loaded Reverse Hyper Extension Platform, Upper Body Ergometer and a Plate Loaded Tibia Raise.   The facility also sports plenty of free weights, machines, platforms, balls, etc.  In short, the gym can accommodate trainers whose client are into either bodybuilding or more functional training.

The facility is also equipped with men’s and women’s locker rooms with ample locker space, towels and toiletries.  Some clothes and motivation are all a client needs.

Independent personal trainers will find New York Underground Fitness very accommodating.  There is an area to sit and prepare in between sessions.  Plus, though many opt to get one, clients are not required to have a membership to train there.  Eric is Happy to provide all of the details.  On the flip side, Eric is also open to hearing trainer suggestions.

One of the most unique features is the walls of New York Underground Fitness.  If you are short on motivation, look to the closest wall.  There is no shortage of mantras to help you refocus.  Originally, Eric used them as reminders for himself, but the idea struck a chord with his community and is now woven into the New York Underground Fitness experience.

For many, New York Underground Fitness may seem off in a lesser traveled area of Manhattan, but once you visit and meet Eric, you’ll understand why so many trainers and clients call it their home away from home.

X93                                                           Remorca Fitness