In a city like New York, residents are absolutely spoiled when it comes to choice. Restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and of course, gyms. The choices are abundant.

A quick google search, will show hundreds of gyms ranging from fitness gyms to competitive fight gyms with the goal to produce future world champions.

For a beginner who has never stepped foot inside of a gym, the number of choices can be daunting.

The biggest step, and arguably the most important,  in choosing the proper gym, is recognizing ones own goals. It is important to be honest with oneself.

If one’s goal is to simply improve fitness and overall health by having fun participating in a combat sport, while being surrounded by a relatively friendly environment, there are several gyms that fit that bill.

One gym that should be at the top of the list is Mendez Boxing Gym on Madison Avenue in Manhattan.

The gym caters to a variety of clientele, but most of the the gym goers here are white collar workers, and models looking to stay in shape.

It is not a gym that seeks to produce world champions (although the gym does have some pros), but it does have some very knowledgable trainers there who will provide a great workout routine for clients.

The environment is one where any one will feel comfortable in, and is highly recommended for new gym goers looking to get in shape and practice a great sport, such as boxing.

Boasting two rings, several treadmills, and other workout equipment, it is great for gym clients

Other gyms similar to this one are Gotham Gym in Soho and Church Street Boxing Gym in Park Place.

If one’s goal is to learn proper self defense and become proficient in a combat sport, the choices begin to narrow.

One gym at the top of the list should be John’s Boxing Gym in the South Bronx.

When it comes to boxing, the best gyms are undoubtedly in poorer areas. The main goal of these gyms is to produce competitors to represent these gyms in amateur competitions such as the Golden Gloves, and beyond.

John’s Boxing Gym has had several Golden Gloves winners in the last several years, such as Nisa Rodriguez who has won the Golden Gloves competition 8 times and many of the clients compete regularly.

Based on the rough area that surrounds the gym, most of the clients that walk in the gym are young teens/adults who want to learn to defend themselves.

The gym environment as a result can be considered hostile at times. Most people there spar regularly, and it can be very rough.

This environment, however,  is exactly what causes clients to truly learn boxing. With constant sparring, it is only a matter of time before boxing mechanics become engrained in the minds of the fighters.

Other gyms in this list would be Morris Park Boxing Club and the recently opened, SouthBox gym, both located in the Bronx.

What about those who seek both ? To learn combat sports, while being in a friendly environment.

Two gyms at the top of the list would have to be the Renzo Gracie Academy in Manhattan, and Renzo Gracie Fight Academy (an expansion of the Manhattan Academy) in Williamsburg.

Both gyms are considered to be some of the best gyms in the world, boasting world champions and weekend warriors alike.

At these gyms, clients can learn top level Brazilian Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and MMA from some of the best coaches in the world, such as John Danaher who has trained former UFC champions , George St. Pierre and Chris Weidman.

Here, respect and humility is taught from the very beginning, and this creates a friendly and family-like environment amongst everyone in the gym.

However, competition is also fierce. As stated before, The Renzo Gracie Academy is consistently producing world class grapplers and fighters, and many go to this gym with the hopes of being molded into a world champion.

If the goal is to become proficient in martial arts, while training in a great environment, The Renzo Gracie Academy is the place to be.

Other gyms on this list would be the Marcelo Garcia Academy in Chelsea Piers, Vitor Shaolin Ribero BJJ in Times Square, and NY Combat Sambo on 36th street.

Those living in New York are privileged to have a goldmine of gyms to choose from. Whether the goal is to improve overall health by practicing a great sport, or to become the next UFC champion, there is a gym for everyone out there.