BROOKLYN BASED HARBOR FITNESS ROLLS OUT A NEW FACILITY THAT INCORPORATES THE BEST OF ITS MAIN CLUBS’ AMENITIES, WHILE EMBRACING TIME AND FINANCIAL THRIFTINESS

BY EVAN MONROE • PHOTO BY AMANDA DOMENECH

One particularly cheering leitmotif among early year health news articles was the discovery that it’s not so much the length and intensity of a workout that matters if the goal is generally improved cardiovascular function and strength it’s doing them consistently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends just 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise five days per week to “markedly improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.” Add weight training and the payoffs amplify.

Hitch is, our lives allow for less and less workout time. Average American productivity (brie y put, how much time and/or effort we put into our jobs) has increased at a relatively steady 7 to 10% yearly since the mid-1990s. So, how to do more with less time? Brooklyn based Harbor Fitness formerly a three location gym (Bay Ridge, Park Slope, Mill Basin) is rolling out an additional time and money efficient Harbor Fitness Go! Facility in Bay Ridge to complement another in Marine Park. Harbor Fitness Go! clubs incorporate some the best of the main locations’ workout facilities, but omit amenities one might not necessarily need, such as childcare, towel service, and rental lockers.

“It’s a lower priced model, but Go! Members will still get the same customer service and equipment, and in fully renovated facilities,” explained Harbor Fitness Bay Ridge Manager Lisa Lekacos. “It’s just that now we will be affordable to all, including those who simply want an ultra-efficient workout.”

The new location will hardly be spartan, Lekacos was quick to add. The Harbor Fitness Go! Bay Ridge build out includes the neighborhood’s only boxing ring, along with indoor turf, locker rooms, youth training, and a smoothie bar with a variety of protein and other add ins. Membership rates in a March offered special were $19.99 per month (plus $59 annual fee), a substantial discount from regular rates. Go! Marine Park includes nearly all these same perks.

“They’re perfect for on the go people,” said Lekacos. “And every age is welcome, but we will also be focusing on youth training in a program called STACKT, and have lowered our minimum age requirement from 16 to fourteen. Our trainers also guide in reaching personal goals, and all Go! Members receive a complimentary 60 minute appointment with a trainer. It’s really a tremendous value.”

Harbor Fitness
Main locations in Mill Basin, Park Slope, and Bay Ridge. Harbor Fitness Go! locations in
Bay Ridge and Marine Park / harborfitness.com