With 15,000 square feet on two floors,
Park Slope Sports Club is one of the biggest athletic facilities
in the neighborhood. And with the club’s recent $100,000 renovation,
it’s also the most state of the art.
Among the major changes, which were unveiled in January, are
Park Slope Sports Club’s new pilates studio with three, cutting-edge
pilates IMX machines. (While the machine pilates requires an
extra fee, the mat pilates classes are included with the club’s
membership fee.)
According to a friendly club rep who goes by the name of "Ocean,"
pilates is an excellent alternative to free weights for those
who want to build up their strength and resistance without "bulking
up."
"Pilates lengthens muscles and keeps them lean, which increases
flexibility," said Ocean.
The exercise regimen is especially good for strengthening the
obliques (side muscles), abdominals and lower back muscles.
"If you have a strong midriff and strong back muscles, you’ll
live longer," said Ocean.
Another recent improvement to the facility is a new childcare
center, which has been moved to a convenient spot downstairs,
run by two experienced caregivers. The childcare center is full
of toys, games, books, a large television, ride-ons, large furniture
and play rugs.
The club has also added new machines in the cardio area and all-new
bikes in the spinning room.
In addition to its improvements, Park Slope Sports Club continues
to offer a dazzling number of treadmills, elliptical machines,
circuit training (progressing from one machine to another to
build up arms and legs) and free weights. You can go it alone
or get the assistance of a personal trainer. Trainers are always
available, and a free one-hour session comes with membership.
For those who believe exercise can also be a social experience,
Park Slope Sports Club offers a variety of classes – from African
dance aerobics to Hatha yoga, from "Cardio/Sculpt"
to "Step-n-Sculpt," and from cardio kickboxing to spin
classes. Spin classes are so popular they are offered strictly
on a first-come, first-served basis via sign-up sheet.
For younger athletes, there’s the popular "Kids Karate."
And after all that exercise, what could be more relaxing than
a chair massage or a full-body Swedish or deep-muscle massage
in Park Slope Athletic Club’s massage room, or perhaps a stay
in the dry sauna, located in the large locker rooms? (Massages
require an extra fee and are offered by appointment only.)
Park Slope Sports Club has a variety of membership options: a
month-to-month Platinum, which includes 10 percent off a massage
and 10 percent off IMX pilates; yearly Gold; off-peak hours yearly
Silver; and a yearly Corporate Tier I and month-to-month Corporate
Tier II. The club offers special discounts for teachers and city
employees as well as reduced family memberships. Membership costs
range from $549 to $900.
The club is conveniently located near many subway lines (2, 3,
Q and B), which means 9-to-5ers can stop here for a workout before
or after work. And the club is continuing to expand with plans
to open a second location in Fort Greene by year’s end.
Park Slope Sports Club is located at
330 Flatbush Ave., between Sterling Place and Park Place. For
membership information, call (718) 783-5152.