MonQi Fitness NYC

09/27/2008 Posted by JoanPhi

Discovered Monqui a few years ago and am still attending wholeheartedly Warm, informal environment, a comfortable place to exercise Diversity of classes and times, taught by quality staff members No joining fees or long term commitments, can pay by individual class or discount packages Special money saving promotions available periodically Private training available. I work with a fabulous trainer, Shwee, who has a strong background and much training in her field. Also take her Pilates class on Saturdays. Attend a "Fit for Life" class with the wonderful Cathy! Most of all, I am amazed and thrilled at my commitment to exercise. I have tried many different gyms and programs prior to this, but never felt it was really right for me or something I could enjoy and continue long term. I hope to continue exercising at MonQi forever!

09/23/2008 Posted by mednorth

I hated excercise and always looked for excuses not to go. MonQi opened up across the street from me so it was hard to resist. I toured the facility which was much more intimate then the large gyms i had viewed in the past and found this particularly appealing. The best thing, from my point of view, i did not have to make that monthly commitment and pay every month. I was able to purchase a very reasonable package for 10 sessions with a bonus session thrown in! My friend agreed to come with me and we felt we could "drag" each other to our training sessions. At MonQi they set us up with a personal trainer whom we have fallen in love with and understands our age limitations and does not push us beyond where we can go. Though the training is physically demanding, at the end of the hour, we are already looking forward to our next session. Due to the success of our one hour workout, i also attend one of the many classes offered. The classes are very personalized with individual attention if you need it. MonQi has opened new doors for me.

Pros: convenience, economical and personalized

09/15/2008 Posted by MarianODwyer

Monqi fitness is not your big impersonal gym where you feel that you have to workout before the work out and wear the latest workout attires. It is much more of a boutique gym where you can be yourself and go as you are, nobody is judging. It is small and friendly where everyone is on a first name basis, members and staff alike. The pay per class system works well into a busy lifestyle and there is usually a special offer with the purchase of multi class packages. My favorite class is with the renowned Jeff Martin on a saturday morning, he has a 9am body class followed by retro robics which is just fabulous. Cardio tramps is divine. Well done Lyn. From a member of 4 years and counting. Marian O'Dwyer.

Pros: 3 blocks from home

09/15/2008 Posted by Katika123

I have been going to MonQi for many months and the more I go the more I enjoy my visits. I have been avoiding the crowded gyms of Manhattan. I was happy to find MonQi at a great location. It is convenient, not crowded, clean, friendly and enjoyable. The trainers are great and are available to answer requests that you may have regarding training, equipment, or schedules. I am thrilled by the results. In less then 2 months I have gone down 2 sizes. What can be a better way to measure your personal success. In addition, I feel great, energetic, no more aches and pains that I had previously to joining MonQi. I would not miss a session, and am eager to go more and more every week. What a find - I highly recommend anyone who is really interested in excercising and to feel good at the same time to join or to check out MonQi.

Pros: Service, Location, Trainers, Equipment

09/07/2008 Posted by Chichia3

I've been going to the big mega-gyms and found that I rarely went even though I paid so much money to join. The classes were either too crowded, or the gym area too intimidating with all these muscle guys checking you out, so it was easier just not to go. Then I found MonQi Fitness walking by and on a whim went in for a tour. It is so friendly and non-intimidating and now I find myself actually going there 3 - 4 times a week. Because it's pay as you go (and you can pay for just the gym by the month) I didn't feel like I was wasting my money and was able to try different classes, as well as use the gym on my own. I love the atmosphere there, so relaxed and sunny and clean, and the entire staff is very helpful and nice. The owner Lyn has the cutest little dachsund named Pinot and I have to say, many times, it is the thought of seeing Pinot that gets me off my couch and into MonQi. But I'm always glad I did because the variety of classes, from cardio, dance to pilates and yoga are great and I have actually lost weight and look and feel so much better! Thank you MonQi Fitness for providing a neighborhood place I can actually work out in and for making me finally stick to my fitness goals!

Pros: clean, sunny place. great classes and trainers, great location

06/18/2008 Posted by Htompkin

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.

05/21/2007 Posted by fran_w

The setting is much better than most of the places i've taken classes - everything always seems well-run, clean, bright and cared-for, maybe because it's somewhat intimate so there's real attention to detail. But the reason I go is Norma's Iyengar yoga class. She is a clear and infinitely knowledgable teacher, challenging yet able to tailor each pose to the individual student's needs, taking into account everything from that day's level of ability to an old injury - and she always manages to surprise us with some new twist. No pun intended. it's also nice that the staff knows your name, it's a good atmosphere where people take what they're doing seriously but are unfailingly pleasant.

05/12/2007 Posted by kliz713

I have been to other gyms around the city and none are quite like MonQi Fitness. The atmosphere is very welcoming, the staff knows almost every member, and the owner always makes a point to check in on the clients. The gym floor is never too crowded, unlike many other gyms you will never feel rushed to finish your workout. The personal trainers are very knowledgeable and are always willing to help. Usually when I workout two of the personal trainers, Tom and Tracy, are on the gym floor and with clients , but will always show me new excercises to make my workout new and challenging. The classes at MonQi are always a great workout, but you'll have fun and laugh at the same time. Some of my favorites are Cardio Kickboxing with Ahmed, Total Body Tune-up with Renouard, and any of the classes taught by Lyn. No more searching for the right gym !

Pros: Great staff, affordable prices, fun classes!

05/12/2007 Posted by etel

Although I have taken yoga classes before, this is my first experience with Iyengar Yoga and the first time I truly feel that I am doing the poses correctly. Norma Colon at MonQi Fitness is an exceptional teacher. She has an excellent understanding of the body and is able to tailor and modify her instruction to address all fitness levels. Her seemingly limitless knowledge of posture variations keeps her class routines fresh and just challenging enough.

Pros: wonderful, relaxed atmosphere

Cons: yoga class can get a bit crowded

05/11/2007 Posted by lindapleven

One of the greatest classes at Monqi is the Iyengar Yoga class taught at several convenient times during the week by Norma Colon. She is a sensitive and caring teacher who somehow picks up on your particular needs and takes care to address them, and then gives you tips you can take away. I've been taking classes with her since Monqi opened and have brought several friends in. One friend tells me I "saved her life" by recommending Norma's class. You've never had a Yoga teacher like this. Monqi Fitness in general is a lovely, clean, relaxed oasis in this crazy city, and Iyengar Yoga and Norma Colon will enrich your life.