Hype Gym
480 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(646) 201-9387
Contact: info@hypegym.com

It was an unseasonably hot September day as I went downtown to Kip’s Bay for an opportunity to visit Hype Gym. It was a relief to get into the air conditioned lobby of the residential high-rise where Hype occupies a ground floor space. As I entered the gym and approached the desk I was greeted by owners Bill and Christine Holt. After introductions were made, Christine accompanied me on a tour of the gym, which she opened with her husband Bill six years ago.

Hype is opened to independent trainers for a $30 per session fee. A trainer herself for many years Christine understands the need for trainers to have access to a quality facility where they can bring their clients. With over 75 trainers working out of the space Hype brings a mix from all walks of life. Clients that come with a trainer pay no membership fee, but those who want to work out independently have a variety of membership options from day to annual rates. And trainers can rent studio space for $60 per hour for group fitness activities.

The first thing I noticed as we entered the main area was that the high ceilings and large windows gave a bright and airy feel to the gym. Cardio equipment such as spinning bikes and treadmills were situated in front of the windows looking out on to a courtyard. A full array of equipment is housed in this room. Free weights go up to 100 lbs. and there are multiple stations for cables, squats, etc. There are also gymnastic rings and ropes suspended from the ceiling. Their focus is on functional training, so that machines are scarce is intentional, but there were a few located towards the back of the room.

Following Christine down a short hall way past the locker rooms, complete with towel service, brought us to two more features offered at Hype. A full service spa offering facials, massages, and everything in-between is available for post-workout relief or just some pampering. Then came the studio which can be set up for yoga, spinning, TRX, boxing and just about any other group activity that comes to mind.

Perhaps the most unique feature found at Hype is the outdoor courtyard area just beyond the main room. A giant tractor tire sat in the middle of the landscaped plaza just begging to be pushed around the yard. A full range of equipment is available such as a sled and for speed and agility training such as hurdles, cones, and ladders. As an ex-athlete I was excited to see this area and began thinking about the kinds of workouts I so sorely miss living and training here in Manhattan with limited access to outdoor space and equipment.

It’s impressive to see an independent gym with so much to offer. Whether a trainer or a client there are endless possibilities to the kinds of engaging workouts you can perform here. Myself, well I’m really looking forward to getting back down there and getting my sweat on in that courtyard!