Manhattan Plaza Health Club

I discovered swimming when my legs told me to stop running. I’ve enjoyed this gym for many years now.

This is a great way to get out any stir crazy feelings or Seasonal Affective Disorder behavior — go rock climbing at the gym! I love to do this especially in the winter, where you can self belay up walls with different rock climbing routes, or try bouldering. It’s hard!

A gym that has both HIIT and ballet classes? Only in Hell’s Kitchen! I love how low-key MPHC is. There’s no loud techno here, no garish strobe lighting, just some really nice local folks spending their Saturday mornings dancing.

I love taking the jazz class with Lillian Colón, the first Latina to dance with the Rockettes. Her class is sassy, fun, technical and full of joy. The music is great, and many of the students are former Broadway dancers. Lillian’s energy is contagious — she’s a total joy to learn from.

This is where I come to de-stress. The club has everything from an olympic size pool and hot tubs, to one of the city’s largest climbing gyms. They host pool parties, movie nights, open houses, all of which give a real sense of community. It is definitely not your run of the mill health club.

I am a little naughty. I have been inconsistent member, however I was greeted with such a welcome recently that it has truly made me feel like I must keep going regularly and following the program suggested by the fabulous trainers. And I know, of course, that working out at my own pace is good for me. Also, it's quite wonderful to work out with Hell's Kitchen neighbors on occasion.

I lost 18 pounds and put on 18 pounds of muscle at The Manhattan Plaza Health Club!

They have the best staff, many of whom have worked there for a very long time, which is a positive reflection of its management and ownership. I’ve made some wonderful friends through its members. In addition to the pool and working out, I take dance class there with Lillian Colón. I’m there about five or six times a week.

The pool is simply my sanity (after all, as a one-legged swimmer, I am a mermaid.) The Pilates classes keep me fit, strong and literally able to walk. The teachers and staff are the best.

I love the community feel in this gym.

I have really enjoyed taking various classes, like Alexander Technique, Yoga, and T’ai Chi at the health club. It is super convenient being in my building. I also spent many hours in the pool with my kids as they were growing up. In the summer, the pool roof is open, so it feels like a little staycation in the city.

I probably should have made this number one on the list. The pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room are totally rejuvenating. And it is in my apartment building, so I can get on the elevator in a bathrobe in the middle of winter and be there! They also have great yoga, pilates, dance, etc.

Swimming is my main way to work out. I just always feel better after a trip to the pool, and I’m lucky that we have one I can access close by. I know I am almost always going to run into someone I know at the pool, whether I’m swimming laps or in the alcove at family swim with my daughter. The hot tubs and rooftop are also a relaxation bonus.

Terrific group classes, pool and spa. Great personnel. Great facility!

I love swimming and the MPHC pool is perfect for this. It’s kind of surreal to swim and look at all the skyscrapers. The staff is always friendly and courteous.

I can swim and make friends with people in the neighborhood easily

I love MPHC for several reasons. First, the pool is a beautiful oasis. Second, taking exercise and dance classes with people of all ages inspires me and gives me a roadmap for how to age well. Third, I love how the staff — Deborah, in particular — always greets me by name. It makes me feel special and keeps me showing up.

It's a true joy to be there in the summer when the bubble is open. Great staff.