Clay

06/25/08

ok

by theresax at Citysearch

went to Clay last wk to ck it out and I was not impressed as I thought I would be. I looked on their website beforehand and was really excited but when I got there, I realized that someone just took really good photos for the site. +'s: cafe - really good healthy food & smoothies - BEST. # combination lockers - no need to bring a lock. personal saunas. sun deck. classes - I only took the power sculpt & yoga which were pretty cool. all machines have working TVs on them. didn't get too crowded. people were friendly. cold eucalyptus scented towels. body wash has a nice grapefruit smell. -'s: the ceilings were way to low so it got pretty hot in there. locker rm is small & little funky smelling - this drove me crazy. the lockers could be a bit bigger. don't get me wrong, this is a very nice gym, but comparing it to Club H Fitness that I cked out the wk before, I don't think it is as nice and not worth the price.

• Pros: cafe, classes
• Cons: small locker room

04/08/08

Clay is my Temple

by Rooz739 at Citysearch

This "gym" (and I use that word hesitantly) is truly my sanctuary. The staff is super-friendly and accommodating and the members are unpretentious.

I've been a member at Crunch and Equinox and if you just want to lift weights or show off those are the places for you. However, if you want a relaxed atmosphere where you can enter into your own "zone" then Clay is it.

I'm a martial artist and Clays is essentially my own private kung fu studio. Many of the staff are martial artists so they are definitely in tune with my needs. Plus, I've found some great sparring partners! Moreover, the equipment, namely the FreeMotion devices, are centered around core-strength. Working stabilizer muscles will ensure that you prevent injury.

If you simply want to grunt, lift-heavy, and bulk-up this is not quite the place for you. However, if you want a total wellness, functional strength workout that will give you a slamming body then join Clay.

Also, the cafe is super-delicious and very healthy. Even if you don't sign up, you should definitely stop by and have a meal - everything from breakfast to dinner to snacks and smoothies.

Oh, and the showers have shaving mirrors in them. I ALWAYS shave in the shower so it was good to see I could do the same at Clay.

One last thing, it's not a "trainer heavy" facility. Some comments have said that most members work out with trainers, but I have not seen that. I guess it depends on what time you go. However, all gyms have trainers and I've seen plenty at Crunch and Equinox. I think that's unavoidable no matter where you go.

Highly, highly recommended.

• Pros: Very accommodating and friendly staff. Your needs will be met.
• Cons: Could use a fresh coat of paint.

08/20/07

Damned if I do...

by jasper9090 at Citysearch

Have worked out here three years, the space is great in every way. I have two issues and unfortunately am torn between staying and leaving...but the problem is where to go.

First the equipment is very limited, it's great if you only workout with a trainer but lackes depth as far as equipment is concerned.

Second , many of the members do workout with trainers, which leads during certain times having to navigate a relatively narrow workout floor around a dozen trainers and an equal number of members, they tend to not have gym etiquette and are oblivious to where they plop themselves down and the mess they leave for paying members...time to move!

06/03/07

Best Gym ANYWHERE

by jodirenee at Citysearch

CLAY is my sanctuary in every way. I breathe more easily, feel completely taken care of by the staff and love, love, love the rooftop deck.

02/19/07

fabulous gym!

by ldk2126 at Citysearch

i love this place! i joined about 2 years ago and couldn't be happier. i agree that it might not be for everyone, but if you're in the market for a gym that's a cut above your average NYSC, you should check out clay. the amenities are fabulous--from the cold towels to the brand new cardio equipment w/ personal tvs, to the gorgeous flowers in the locker rooms. i have been working with a trainer since i joined and she's great. it's just an enjoyable place to work out.

• Pros: gorgeous facility, location, great cafe

01/11/07

Converted Quick!

by catherinemoreilly at Citysearch

I found out about CLAY through a friend of mine who uses the club when she is town from L.A. She recommeded CLAY because I have been dissatisfied with the larger spa chains in the area. I called to get more information about the spa and the person I spoke with was very helpful with educated descriptions of different treatments they offer and also gave me basic information on membership. When I came in for my treatment the front desk was very accomodating and showed me to the locker room to change into the robe and sandals. I met with someone in membership after my wonderful custom massage, saw the entire club, and fell in love! I've been a member for a week now and I couldn't feel more at home and happy with my decision to join!

• Pros: Relaxing Fireside Lounge, Accomodating Staff, Great Group Fitness

01/01/07

Best Health Club in NY

by eviona at Citysearch

Brand new cardio equipment and spinning bikes. Everything was replaced a month or two ago and I couldn't be happier. They also have the "cardio wave" machine which I have yet to find at another gym. Trainers are helpful and informative. New group fitness classes are added seasonally, some favorites are Jay's "NFL training" class (not for the weak of heart), Latin Grooves, and all of Kristin's Yoga classes. You can even get a few friends together to create your own pilates class. The smoothies are addictive, and the cafe staff is ready with a nutrition facts sheet if you want to compare carbs, calories, and protein. The front desk more often than not will greet you by name, and if a service needs to be customized especially for you usually everyone is more than happy to oblige. Also there is complimentary concierge service via a phone in the member's lounge with a direct line to Abigail Michaels. Glad I found Clay a year ago, I was relatively new to fitness and it was comforting to see that other members were a range of shapes and sizes. Also their spa is wonderful, get a massage from Thomas and you'll walk out feeling like butter.

• Pros: new machines, great trainers/instructors, concierge service, welcoming/unpretentious staff, fabulous spa
• Cons: one location

11/11/06

Exquisite

by liahb at Citysearch

This is by far the best gym I've blonged to in New York. Its clean, not crowded, the machines are always in excellent order/condition. The locker room is clean. Towels are fluffy, soft and clean. Knowledgeable pilates instructors. Great cafe. It more expensive than most gyms.

• Pros: Clean, Well kept, Curteous staff. Not crowded
• Cons: Expenisve, only one location.

05/05/06

It may not be for everyone, but for me it's GREAT

by wmjoh at Citysearch

I am baffled as to why everyone is ripping on this place. It's no more expensive than some chains and it offers a lot for its demographic, namely those busy NEW YORKers who prefer a calm, private space to work out and don't need pumping music & eye candy to break a sweat. Everyone is respectful and helpful and it's a great place to try new things or start out- my sister now loves working out (she felt uncomfortable elsewhere) and I started yoga. Classes are key to getting your $'s worth; the instructors are top-notch and there's few students. The place is always spotless and my only con is that the cardio equipment could use updating (it's adequate, but all the other equipment is much better).

• Pros: atmosphere, classes, clean
• Cons: old(ish) cardio equip

04/27/06

Whoever said gyms should be spartan never experienced a chilled mint- and eucalyptus-soaked towel.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Chain-mail curtains hugging a curved white wall, a sunken fireplace with seating all around the stone hearth, even a coed lounge complete with Flokati and Barcelona chairs might lead you to believe you stumbled into David Rockwell's latest lobby. Welcome to Clay, a friendly health club that sees itself as a place not just to pump, but to relax and think. The accommodating staff will even pay a home visit to teach you to cook according to their over-arching principles.

The Workout
This establishment assumes you have a kitchen staff. A basic yearly membership won't set you back that much more than your more expensive chains, but goodies like a "Going for the Gold" training package--that includes everything from boxing to yoga--will add serious expenses to your bill. Group classes include kickboxing, Pilates, cycling, core and waist work, yoga, Latin dancing and boot camp.