Gay friendly gym
The Best Gay-Popular Gyms in America
The gym isn’t just for working out – it’s a social hub for you, your “gym buddy” and even a dating pool, especially in big cities. Across the U.S., certain gyms hold gained reputations as the go-to spots for lgbtq+ men to break a sweat and maybe sneak a glance or two. Whatever does or doesn’t happen in the locker room is a topic for a different blog.
Below is a curated list of gyms known for their muscle marys, along with what makes each special. In these gyms, the guys may observe like Tarzan but communicate like Jane, and that’s why they get our vote.
Crunch Fitness – Chelsea (New York City)
In Manhattan, all gyms have some gay clientele, but Crunch’s Chelsea location is celebrated. Located in NYC’s historic gayborhood, it’s known as something of a lgbtq+ magnet. The motto here is “No Judgments,” and indeed you’ll see all body types, though eye candy abounds. A limited years back, management even had to post a tongue-in-cheek reminder asking members not to have sex in the locker room – yes, it’s that kind of place. With free 3-day trial passes and a cultur
The Evolution of San Francisco’s Gay Gym Culture
For many of us who inhabit and work in the Castro, Fitness SF at Noe and Market is a welcome landmark. It’s a place not only to work out, but also to meet elderly friends, colleagues and lovers, and to make recent ones. This busy hub, along with our other neighborhood gyms, reminds us how intertwined “gym culture” is with gay customs. The continuing evolution of both reflects key changes in LGBT life here in San Francisco over the past four decades.
In the 70’s, places enjoy Polk Street, Eureka Valley and the Castro were full of young members of our community—particularly lgbtq+ men—who enjoyed showing off their gym-toned bodies in snug jeans and snug t-shirts. A lot of guys also sported cropped hair and mustaches. The look was so ordinary that they were dubbed “Castro Clones.” Stereotypes aside, those of us at the San Francisco Bay Times who were in the city then keep in mind how exhilarating that period often was. One of the songs that could be heard thumping out of packed clubs and cafes perhaps said it best: “Young man, there’s no need to f
.
.