All About Crunch Fitness {+ FREE 5-Day Pass and Training Sesh Inside}

It’s easy to join a gym. The hard part is finding one that will keep you coming through those doors. Let’s face it — fitness centers can be intimidating, your tried and true workout routine gets boring, and the food truck on the corner looks way more enticing than a squat rack. If you’re in Hoboken and this scenario sounds all too familiar, then you’ll want to stop by Crunch {and with their promo for five workouts and one training session for FREE, you have no reason not to give it a try}. Bridging the gap between too intense and too zen, they offer a fun cycling room, tons of classes {some held outside on Pier A when the weather is nice}, quality equipment, and a helpful staff with trainers who are unmatched in the area to give you that extra push when you need a built-in workout buddy. Lucky for us, our Managing Editor is already a member {and is loving it}, so although this post is sponsored, she’s here to give you the inside scoop all about Crunch Fitness and why it’s a membership you’ll actually use.

Atmosphere: The Goldilocks of gyms.

Not a stuffy basement gym and not a huge overwhelming fitness complex, Crunch is juuuust right. Because the front and back are flanked by floor to ceiling windows, the whole space feels open and airy so you’re never suffocated when working out. The floor is busy with members, but it never feels overcrowded, and even during peak hours, you won’t need to wait too long for a machine. The walls and decor are colorful – but not obnoxious neon, the music is upbeat – but not blasting, and the staff is accessible since they’re not pushy or intimidating. The one thing Crunch lacks is the judgmental bros you’ll meet at other gyms who monopolize 17 machines at one time {you know the type}. Regardless of your fitness level, you’ll feel comfortable working towards your goals here.

And remember the part about the windows? The front looks out at the Hudson River and NYC skyline. It’s motivation enough to have an excuse to take a walk {or dare we say, a jog?} down that way everyday.

The Classes: Something for everyone — even if you don’t like classes.

Yoga, barre, weights, circuit or athletic training, Zumba, and targeted body part classes {we’re lookin’ at you Ass + Abs}, if you want it, they offer it. There are over 100 classes at the Hoboken location. And you need to take a look at their Ride room because it resembles a private entertainment center. When you’re cycling, you’re alone and in the zone {and by alone, we mean surrounded by other sweaty cyclists and an inspirational instructor}, but there are no windows, so you really get into your workout. If your tired of traditional spin, try their Party Ride class which includes “specially choreographed sections that rival any dance competition”. Classes not your thing? When it’s empty, use the open studio to do your own circuit or free weight training. This room is surrounded by mirrors and windows, so it’s bright and spacious, but still set apart from the main floor so you don’t feel like people are watching you workout {don’t lie, this is uncomfortable at some other gyms}.

The Trainers: Time to get personal.

Real talk — the trainers at Crunch have some of the highest regarded {and toughest + rarest} certifications to obtain. You’d be hard pressed {see what we did there?} to find some of these certs at other gyms in the area. If you think this isn’t important, go for the free training session they’re offering now, and you’ll immediately understand what makes these fitness professionals a step above. Before ever touching a weight or breaking a sweat, you’ll have an in-depth conversation about your lifestyle, goals, and habits and you’ll go through an entire movement assessment to see where you may have potential issues. At Crunch, they’re not just about working you hard so you sweat a lot — they’re about helping you learn how to reach your fitness goals in a healthy and safe way. THAT’S when you really see long term changes. {Editor’s note: I’ve been an athlete pretty much since birth and I used to work at a gym, but I’ve never been through such a thorough and personalized fitness assessment. I worked with one of Crunch’s Elite trainers who is certified as a National Strength + Conditioning Specialist and Weightlifting and Sports Performance Coach, with a Functional Movement Screen Level 2 Cert… just to name a few. He taught me — not just told me — why I was having discomfort in certain activities and where I had muscle immobility that I never knew about. I went for the session to write this post, but I’m going back because I want to finally learn how to do it right and get results.} Did we mention they’re offering a training session for FREE?

The Perks: Hello, spa treatment.

All this hard work and sweating deserves a reward, so we’ll keep this short and sweet: towel service, saunas, steam room, Bliss Spa products, an online app to reserve classes, a stellar view of NYC, classes on Pier A, and some seriously adorable Crunch swag… do we really need to give you anymore reasons to join?

The Takeaway: It’s a membership you’ll actually use.

Crunch may be a litttle on the more expensive side, but it’s totally worth it since your workout options are pretty much unlimited. And since we all love a good deal, don’t miss out on your FREE 5-day trial and training session to see what they’re all about. Oh, and huge shout out to the awesomely friendly front desk staff. It’s tough getting your butt to the gym in the morning or finding the energy to go after work, but a perky hello when you walk in the doors is the first step to a good workout. It won’t take you long to notice what makes this a very different fitness experience, and that’s what will keep you coming back and committed to your #fitlife goals. Still not convinced? This morning they were giving out free coffee {got you with that one, didn’t we?}. See you at Crunch!