Just wonderful. I'm traveling on business for a month and got a 2 day complimentary pass as soon as I asked. Michael responded immediately and was very very nice. Loved the gym. Clean. Took two spin classes. One of them was a combo spin/yoga. So much FUN and great instructors. I used to go to Soul Cycle. Now Im thinking why? Loved these classes. Too bad I have to leave soon..... read more

Having been a member at this location for 1.5 yrs, now under new management from Chalk Gyms, this gym delivers what I need. Clean, convenient, cool vibe, working equipment, great trainers and classes. I've always enjoyed the classes here, particularly Kyle's strength training classes. I'm very glad the new management has decided to keep most of the previous class schedule, as well as adding to the roster. The atmosphere looks to get even better with some new direction that's putting additional focus on building community and providing satisfaction for it's members. read more

this is a good boutique gym. it's clean and it's got all the equipment you could want. good classes too. down-sides... MUSIC is way too loud. please turn down the cool pop tunes. i've asked several times but they never do. it's pretty small so, if a class is in session, which it always is during peak hours, there is very little room for stretching, jump rope, push ups, etc. read more

Hi Michael, Thanks for the reply. As mentioned, overall I think Chalk is a good gym, but for my purposes it is not the best. If you read my review more carefully you'll see that my negative view is due to the lack of any cardio classes in the afternoon or evenings on Friday, Saturday, Sunday; as well as the lack of TVs on the cardio equipment. So yes you have new equipment, but sitting on a rower or climbing jacob's ladder is not the workout I am looking for. I'd love to hop on a precor elliptical for 45 minutes and zone out watching TV. Since you read this I also don't get the back to back nature of spin classes, which are usually not full. Would be great if you tried mixing up your schedule. Take a peek at soul cycles schedule perhaps to see a more rounded schedule. You could also ask your front desk to write down the number of people at classes and change the ones where you get five people consistently. Or why not take a survey of your clients and ask what they want? I'd love to see one or two afternoon classes (between 12-3 pm) during the week, evening classes on the weekend (again, why back to back morning classes that aren't full?) and perhaps some longer spin classes. Again, these are simply my suggestions and I understand that you can't make everyone fully happy, but the current schedule is just bizarre IMHO. Thanks! read more

I have never belonged to a place with better customer service. Maybe that's not the first thing you consider when you join a gym but I can say that it makes a huge difference. It's not only the members who think so, even the staff is happy with Michael. What a pleasure to be around people who are happy with their job. The gym itself is clean and well laid-out, plenty of room and it never gets too crowded to get a machine. I can only imagine what this year will bring with how well it's already going. There's a good range of classes however I'm surprised more instructors aren't trying to get a piece of this place, the clientele is great, motivated and ready for a challenge - let's get some Hip Hop and other alternative classes! I am impressed with the addition of Jacob's Ladder although I do miss the regular ol' Stairmaster. I would beg, though - please get some a/c or a few more fans in the spin room by summertime, it's crazy sweaty in there! Thanks Chalk and Michael for such a great experience. Glad you're my neighborhood gym! read more

I had to write a terrible review today, so now I will redeem myself. I've been coming to Chalk for years--actually before it was Chalk (Maxim?). I love everything about this gym. I love the sense of community, I love the classes, I love the schedule....I love the way it looks and feels when I walk in. And did I mention: I love Kyle (one of the instructors/trainers). He is my soulmate--even though I fear his classes like I fear being hit over the head with a tire iron. Oh, but it hurts so good. Do yourself a favor and join, get involved, make friends and have a good time at the gym. read more

I can't say enough good things about this gym! Simple, great facility, and windows! It's nice to not stare at a wall when your running. The equipment is diverse and in good shape, and it's really well laid out. I always love being greeted by Rico, the friendly staff member. And its a great gym if your just a regular guy like me who wants to work out but is not a bodybuilder. You wont hear lots of grunts and dudes standing around the equipment talking for hours talking about the Lakers game. Its real people who are there to work out. I've never loved a gym as much as I love Chalk. I'm hooked! read more

I've been coming here since July or so and I love this gym! I don't usually write reviews, but Chalk deserves some nice words. It has all the things that are important to me: It's clean and spacious with LOTS of natural light, it has the equipment I need and a good amount of it (spin bikes for cardio, various free weights / benches and cable machines, and a big mat for stretching and bodyweight work), and it has included towel service. They're also open until 11, which is key for me since I'm decidedly NOT a morning person. I'm not usually there at peak times, but when I have been it's not as crowded/awful as other gyms I've been to. They have tons of classes that I don't go to, since I'm vaguely antisocial when working out. Good to know they're there though - I swear I'll get to spin class someday. As a bonus, the music they play is actually good! It's pretty much what I would play myself. Anyway, Chalk is a great environment to work out in. It's important to like, and not just tolerate your gym - you'll go more often. read more

As a fitness lover, I spend a fair amount of time at the gym. And until Chalk, I have never seen a gym with such a nice, neighborhood feel, that still provides all the amenities needed. The employees here are SO great. Absolutely the best. Seeing Rico (maybe the nicest, most helpful person on the planet) at the front desk every morning is one of the highlights of my day. The classes are varied and the instructors are super knowledgeable, from a tough Mat Pilates class with Emily to killer Bootcamp/bodyweight style classes with Kyle, to weight training with Dion, to a variety of Spin options. And there's plenty of equipment, with new additions all the time. Chalk is nothing super fancy, and I love it for this reason. If you want a sterile, big box gym, this is not your place. Chalk is a neighborhood gym that really cares about it's members - always making new adjustments, taking suggestions, and maintaining an awesome sense of personality. I can't recommend Chalk enough, and want to thank them for providing such a lovely, healthy home for me and fellow Brooklynites. Huge Thanks, keep doing what you do! read more

UPDATE 3/19/14 Truly impressed with how well Michael handled my critique below. Lo and behold a few weeks later, the locker room was switched around to try and maximize space (still tight but the attempt was so appreciated). AND there's now a tuesday night barre class! My friends have made it a running joke that if you have a problem with something at chalk, just write it in a yelp review and it'll get fixed right away. Wish this was the case for many other establishments in NYC. Barre was great, Annie is amazing and you could tell this is going to be a seriously popular class since there were probably 35 ppl there last night. Perhaps if this continues, an additional class can be added so its not so packed out each time. THANK YOU CHALK! 2/27/14 I love Chalk! Gym is clean, staff is friendly, great instructors, cool boutique design etc. BUT. I have a few qualms and I'm hoping they will get the attention of management as my friends and I have been feeling similarly for months: -Tiny, tiny locker rooms. Seriously, from the hours of 5 30-8pm on the weekdays, you can barely maneuver around other woman. Obviously, I know you can't just construct a larger space, but needed to still comment about it. -lack of stimulating classes. By this I mean, there are a million spin classes, a whole bunch of yoga, a few intense cardio (but who can survive GRIT?) and that pretty much sums it up. I can only go to so many spin and yoga classes as a women. Resistance is great but we only have two of those a week. Competitive gyms have classes like barre and zumba, will this ever happen for chalk? And I don't mean Zumba at 9am Saturday morning, but more at a reasonable time like during weeknights. Again, I love Chalk. So other than the two above annoyances, it's great! (please give us barre or something comparable!!) read more

This is absolutely the best gym in the neighborhood. Great music, professional and knowledgeable trainers, variety of classes are offered (both for beginner and advanced goers). The only problem is that recently the gym got far too packed , some classes are extremely overcrowded. I would suggest to either increase prices or open the second location. read more

I'm beginning to realize that the reason some don't work out is because of the atmosphere they are forced to work out in. Chalk supports the human experience opposed to body composition. Chalk is comfortable, clean, and sexy. Work out here! read more

Excellent customer service: such a respectful and pressure-free (but attentive) staff- truly above and beyond and difficult to find in the area. Also- Chalk is so remarkably clean, bright and fresh space. Rarely a wait for machines or treadmills. On a personal note, I love looking out the windows and that the space never feels stuffy and heavy. Honestly, it's a welcoming place to feel motivated. : ) read more

I was a member at Chalk FOR 2 YEARS and also at Retrofitness and Equinox in Williamsburg at the same time because I love different classes. Just moved to Miami but had to evacuate because of Hurricane Irma. I had cancelled my membership 10 days before so I came back to explain my situation and ask if I could do a yoga class. Sunday night IS LOW TRAFFIC at that gym. Really needed a workout so bad after days on the road from Miami to Nyc. I would never have expected them to treat me the way they did. Jack the front desk guy gave me an attitude and told me if I wanted to participate to yoga I had to pay a 2 day pass: 68$ (my 2 years membership was 80 a month !) I couldn't believe it. He was very rude when I asked to see a manager he said I had to leave. Wouldn't let me talk and assaulted me (I have a video) by standing in front of me and walking towards me to scare me. After the incident I got a mail from the owner who said since I wasn't a member anymore I shouldn't even have entered the gym...!? UNBELIEVABLE All these guys care about is your money I put this comment on Google and ...Chalk made them remove it ... I'm just sharing what happened. As a matter of fact EQUINOX and RETROFITNESS told me they were pleased to welcome me. So if you are new in the neighborhood and hesitate between these gyms to get a membership.... here is my story. Might be useful. I'm really shocked the way Chalk treated me after 2 years. read more

Phenomenal gym! This place is on the up and up! Get there before everyone finds out about how amazing the classes, locker rooms and staff are! Michael runs an amazing place that will produce amazing results for your body and mind. read more

It is a great gym for the area. Small but has most of the equipment I need. Just a few suggestions: I noticed that pretty much every barbell is different, which is quite obnoxious. Some are thicker than other, and the plates don't rotate properly. Bumper plates would be fantastic. There is a good selection of kettle bells, but the highest weight is only 36 kg, which isn't quite heavy enough. It seems that the elastic bands started to fray, and were removed but never were replaced. It would be nice to have two of each thickness as well. Maybe its just my perspective, but it seems like a lot of the machines on the side near the stairs are hardly ever used. read more

Excellent, clean gym. I looked at a lot of different gyms in NYC before finally joining Chalk and I definitely made the right choice. You don't feel like you're paying for a gross, overcrowded New York gym nor are you paying over half of your savings for it! No crazy initiation, enrollment, "miscellaneous" registration fees etc., and no crazy cancellation policy either. read more

Great gym - no membership fee, month-to-month only $10/more per month than yearly commitment, good music, chill clientele, good equipment, super tidy and clean, feels spacious in the main rooms, sauna is a nice bonus, and I could go on. My one small complaint is that the locker room is cramped, but it's rare to see one that isn't in NYC. Overall, an excellent job by the owners and staff. read more

I love Chalk - great equipment, great vibe, love the hands-off staff, and most of all love the sauna in the locker room. I haven't even taken a class yet after being a member for almost a year, but I'm looking forward to giving their Studio and Yoga a shot soon. The one thing I'd change isn't enough to affect my review - get some new towels more often! Those things are gettin a little old and for the price of membership... okay that's all! read more

Since joining, my experience at Chalk has been wonderful. It has all the basics, and is relatively spacious for being in NY, as well as located very close to the Bedford L stop (on the Driggs side so you can avoid more of the crowds). Lots of machines, and despite the large amount of members, I usually don't run into issues with waiting for machines or showers. The owner Michael has also been very helpful and receptive each time I've reached out about questions. Would definitely recommend! read more

I left Planet Fitness and signed up for Chalk because I wanted to take spinning classes. From the first day the staff was welcoming and it was really easy to sign up. It's never too crowded and the classes always have room. The showers have really nice soaps and razors, everything you could need if squeezing in a gym session on your way to work. What really compelled me to write this review was that I left my lock there a few days ago, and asked the receptionist if she had seen it. We looked and couldn't find it, and she offered to give me another one that they had as extra in the back. It was really sweet of her and a little act of kindness that is rare in this city. I'm really happy to be a member at Chalk! read more

One of my favorite gyms, very cozy and feels like you know everyone. It is perfect for Brooklyn, with many perks like fresh water with lemons for free at the front, the paper in the lobby, shavers/shampoo/conditioner/bodywash, and the group ex classes are excellent. Most importantly, it's CLEAN. read more

Love this gym. Have been going here since August 2014 and I have never had a problem. Everything you could ever want/need from a gym in my opinion. read more

Definitely the friendliest, most pleasant gym I have ever experienced. Equipment and classes are great.

Great boutique gym that satisfies all my needs and requirements for a gym. New and modern equipment, spacious, clean and never overly crowded. The environment is very comfortable and they play fun playlists. The owner is very responsive to any requests, great customer service. Love it here! read more

Great gym for me. I love cardio equipment and they have a lot of stuff. There are four rowing machines; three stair climbers and one of those Jacobs Ladder things where you literally climb a ladder at an angle; lots of treadmills and elliptical machines as well as spin bikes, upright bikes and recumbent bikes. I love stair climbers AND, they have a ton of classes in the morning, one or two at lunch, some in the early afternoon (like yoga) and a lot after work. They have a spin room (also, you can use it when there's not a class in it), and another studio for other classes. Like other people have said here, the gym is super clean & it smells clean. After years of 24 Hour Fitness and other big box gyms, this one is literally a breath of fresh air. The locker rooms are a little small, there's a sauna inside, showers, individual lockers (bring your own lock), and they give you towels. They don't charge extra for a towel service, signing up is EASY, there's no hassle, the staff acknowledges you when you come in and leave. AND, they have a little sitting area if you're waiting for someone. Finally, they have cold water with fresh fruit (lemons, or oranges, or limes), so you can get a cold drink if you need one. I think this gym is worth the money. Check it out. read more

This gym is a fantastic neighborhood gym. It's a gym for those of us, like myself, who like to be in a neighborhood gym - not a cookie cutter chain gym. I am more of a mom-and-pop business supporter, just something I prefer. As far as this gym goes... I like the layout, the upbeat vibe. Staff is very friendly, instructors are encouraging, and I don't feel "spotlighted" like I have in some other gym environments. Used to go to a gym in the city and for some reason, the instructors always felt it necessary during a big class to pinpoint me - call out my name and tell me to work harder or something. I always hated that. Doesn't happen here, feels more like a little community of people supporting one another. No horrifying shout-outs during classes. Just unified encouragement for all the members/class-goers. Yay! Very clean environment, which is really important to me. Wide variety of classes - both the usual and they offer some unique classes too! I'm a lover of spin and it is offered on a daily basis at all the right times! Yay! (Two yays in one review). Fun and bright. I'm not much of a girl to hit the machines by myself, I need more encouragement. But the machines are certainly plentiful. I hear I should do the stair master, but I just can't bring myself to climb so many stairs when I live in a walk-up already. Excuses, I know. I really like this gym. It used to be Maxim - it sucked... like a Dell computer. It became Chalk, and much more user friendly... like a Mac. I used to go to a chain gym in the city (I won't say which but it was in the east village when I lived there, I hate knocking stuff which is why I never wrote a review on it). I never felt like I could access anybody who worked there... if I asked for a manager I would be sent on a wild goose chase. Here, I feel like they actually care about your needs. They realize they are offering a service, and they do just that!! What else can I say. Helpful, responsive, clean, organized, classes (!!!!) all day and variety, and a surplus of towels. I like it here, I'll stay. read more

I love Chalk as much as it is possible to love a gym which is inherently something I hate. It is pricey but not for the neighborhood and when you consider that you can do month to month membership without a joining fee. Everyone who works there is super nice. The teachers are all great. I have gone to a couple classes that are beyond my skill level and they were really supportive. I especially like the barre classes. Also the classes are never crazy full so you can get there like 5 minutes before they start and be fine. There are a lot of cool weird machines like a ladder climbing machine. Also, I love that they have a chalk board where people write supportive messages to each other. It makes it a nice community. The only two downsides are that the TVs on the machines frequently don't work, and it can be a struggle to find mat space. But those are pretty small. I did the month to month thing and didn't have any problem quitting when I moved. read more

Chalk has an original approach to fitness, focusing on the music that motivates its members. Through concert giveaways for meeting fitness goals, a monthly Spotify playlist full indie rock tunes, always clean and continually updated equipment, and great classes, the gym remains the best boutique option in the city. It's a great place to keep your body "in tune" and I would recommend it to any of my friends. read more

First and only gym I've really been a member at but I can tell from speaking to friends that this is a cut above the rest. The staff are all great. Sauna is almost never crowded. Music and vibe are all around pleasant. read more

Go somewhere else. Equipment always broken. Unfriendly and unhelpful staff...I'd recommend orange theory in Williamsburg. Or if u want a gym that has infomercials on the tv and a guy sitting on the bench reading the paper for 20 min go here read more

There are a few things that inhibit me from going to a studio class- accessibility, aesthetic and general cleanliness. This place knocks all three of those off my list and leaves me with no excuses. It's close the the L train, so I can head to the office after a yoga / cycling class. It's beautifully lit every morning with hard brick walls and windows everywhere. And most importantly, it's clean!!! Hardwoods floors that don't feel sticky or gross. Highly impressed with their upkeep! read more

I love this gym. They have a wide variety of classes. They make it easy to freeze your account if you're going to be out of town for a stretch. The environment is relaxed which makes it easier for me to go even when I'm not feeling like it. They offer great deals on trainers. Most of all, they have the best customer service I have ever encountered. The director of membership, Michel Losardo, has been a true joy to correspond with. Chalk treats its members like people, not just customers. Williamsburg has changed so much and I have really come to value a business that shows personal attention and care. Chalk definitely does. Highly recommend. read more

Very friendly and capable service, great amenities, excellent showers with nice big shower heads in a convenient location. They give you free plastic bags and a free shirt. They let you borrow locks if you forgot yours. What else could I ask for in a gym? Good music..small and feels more communal than a larger gym. Urg machines . Pricey but that's New York not the gym. read more

Decent Gym, real nice equipment. I was close to joining, but damn is it cramped in there!

I've been going to Chalk for a while and after 8 mos. of being out for a back injury, I'm thrilled to be coming back! I've always loved this gym because it is super easy to join or cancel - everything is up-front, no surprise contract issues at all - and the whole staff is friendly and always willing to help. Lots of gyms want you to sign up and never attend, but not here - they actually want their members to be in the gym and getting better! Also, the instructors are awesome - they know their business and they motivate you to kick your own butt without getting overbearing about it. The facility is kept spotless, the machines are current and well-maintained, and the environment feels like a neighborhood business. Instead of being a cookie-cutter corporate pick-up joint, this is the kind of place that knows who you are and actually cares about your experience in getting fit and healthy. If you want a beautiful, clean, and friendly gym that you actually enjoy going to and interacting with, this is absolutely the place to sign up with! read more

Clean, nicely laid out, and the people are warm! None of that blank-faced-hipster stuff here. Glad they updated the music playlist.

I cannot say enough good things about Chalk. It is extremely seamless to sign up and cancel the membership, the staff is great (but also hands off if you want them to be), and the facility is extremely clean. I have never had an issue with a machine being unavailable when I wanted to use it or a class being full that I wanted to take. I also love that the treadmills face the windows, it makes the time go by faster. It's also extremely affordable compared to the other gyms in the neighborhood. Sign up - you won't regret it! read more

Wow, I can't believe that just happened. I'd been using and liking Chalk. Clean, well maintained, good staff. Then I moved and forgot to cancel. And instead of making me send an affidavit from my lawyer in order to cancel 30 days from now like most gyms, Michael cancelled my membership on the spot the minute I remembered to call. They waived the requirement for written notification and the two-week window in the contract. Thirty seconds on the phone and I'm out. They know what they're doing. I just wish they'd open a location in my new hood. (Park Slope, hint hint.) read more

It sucks to write this review as a good-bye to Chalk, as I am moving from Williamsburg. Like its campaign says, "no corporate pressure," everything was easy from membership to cancellation, yet everything was great from staffs to equipment. I wish there was a Chalk in Manhattan! read more