JDI Barbell Harlem

Moving to a different area made me realize this gym and my early morning classes is what I will miss the most. I have been coming to the morning strength training classes for 1.5 years and loved it, the program is excellent to get stronger without getting injured and JC who is the morning coach is simply fantastic. It’s nice that everyone is nice and welcoming including all the trainers.

This seems like a solid place to come to for your weightlifting fitness goals. I hope to join sometime in the near future. I came for a drop in class and I was very impressed. The basic barbell instructor was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and welcoming along with the other clients as well. Im glad Harlem has a location. I could tell by one visit that anyone looking to join here would be on for a treat.

I had to serve jury duty and needed a spot to get a sesh in near the courthouse. This place is incredible. No frill and all frills! An Olympic or powerlifters dream spot - Eleiko competition and bumper plates, many racks, sled, kettlebells (I needed two 24KG’s for my program and they have them) Bathroom is clean with beautiful tiled shower and strong water pressure. Ten stars!

I. Love. It. Here. The owners/staff are amazing (shout out to Priscilla and Alex!), the facility and equipment are top tier, and the community/members are considerate, supportive, and welcoming. SO grateful to find a gym in NYC that feels like home!

Three stars are solely for the trainers that work here as they make this gym worthwhile. I’ve been working out at this gym for a little while now, solely because it's in the only gym that's close by, and while there’s a lot to like, there are a few areas that could really use some attention. First, the coaches are fantastic. They are intelligent, knowledgeable, and truly top of their game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced lifter, they provide excellent guidance and programming. Their expertise alone makes this gym worth considering. That said, the cleanliness could be drastically improved. The floors and equipment often feel dusty or sticky or sweaty. Equipment clearly isn't wiped down between use or as part of a daily cleaning regimen. The disinfectant wipes are frequently dry, which makes it tough to wipe things down properly, which is a little alarming in our post pandemic world. More attention to tidiness and a consistent cleaning schedule would go a long way in making workouts more pleasant. Another surprising aspect is that dogs are allowed to roam freely in the gym. While I love pets, having them underfoot during workouts, especially when people are lifting heavy, can feel unsafe. Dogs can get underfoot or even just serve as a distraction while people are lifting heavy weights, creating a serious tripping hazard or even just shifting your focus enough that you seriously injure yourself when you are in your meditative gym mindset. A gym should be a controlled environment, not a pet playground. A designated pet area would be more appropriate. The equipment is solid, covering all the basics and then some. There’s enough variety for a great workout, and everything is generally in good working order. Yeah, the equipment is all mismatched and kind of looks like they all came from buy nothing groups or if other gyms were closing and giving away all their equipment, but hey, it gets the job done. Overall, this gym has potential, due to the amazing coaches. With more focus on cleanliness and safety, it could be even better.