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Joined 10 years ago

As the largest of the Recreation Department's fitness complexes, this multi-purpose facility serves a true cross section of NYC.. The Scene
The 1908 Roman Revival bathhouse has a raw feel to it, despite numerous internal renovations over the last century. Created in response to cholera and typhoid epidemics, the city-operated institution has changed its programming over the years. What's stayed consistent is a hard-working staff committed to providing a culturally diverse population with healthy choices under vaulted, sea green sunroofs.

The Workout
Season dictates whether the indoor or outdoor pool is open, though you can expect to encounter the smell of chlorine whatever the time of year. Odors aside, membership promises more than aquatics. A gym with arched windows, an exercise studio and a lobby--with such wrist-strengtheners as foos ball, billiards and ping pong--are yours for a preposterously modest fee. If your budget is super-tight, play on a public basketball or handball court. Budding physical culturists can tire themselves out on the playground's serpentine jungle gym.