MonQi Fitness

MonQi Fitness is the best kept secret on the UES. For busy NYers, the pay as you go method is ideal! The staff is warm and friendly, and the class offerings are terrific?well thought out and creative options not found in most gyms. The instructors are especially professional and motivational, and share a long-term commitment to the facility and clients. The management is professional yet gracious, and offers user-friendly options and incentives to meet the needs of users. The venue and props are clean and well cared for and the atmosphere is simple, keeping clients focused on their purpose. I've been to all the fancy gyms-- they can keep their "free" fancy lotions and potions in the locker room--I'll take MonQi, a well run neighborhood gym perfectly suited for smart, busy people wanting the best instructors and service. Thank you for 'getting it' MonQi Fitness!!!!

Pros: pay as you go, professional staff, warm atmosphere

Cons: great hours; would appreciate even later options

Posted 10/19/09

MonQi is an amazing neighborhood gym that reminds me of the bar on Cheers where everybody knows your name. The excellent classes are small with the kind of personal attention to form and fitness level that you just don't find at some of the bigger gyms in town. If the instructors don't recognize you from past classes, they generally introduce themselves at the beginning of class and work with you during class to get the moves right and answer any questions. The owner Lyn is lovely and creates a warm, casual, and caring atmosphere. MonQi has become one of my favorite places and I recommend it highly.

Posted 01/30/09

Discovered Monqui a few years ago and am still attending wholeheartedly
Warm, informal environment, a comfortable place to exercise
Diversity of classes and times, taught by quality staff members
No joining fees or long term commitments, can pay by individual class or discount packages
Special money saving promotions available periodically
Private training available. I work with a fabulous trainer, Shwee, who has a strong background and much training in her field. Also take her Pilates class on Saturdays.
Attend a "Fit for Life" class with the wonderful Cathy!
Most of all, I am amazed and thrilled at my commitment to exercise. I have tried many different gyms and programs prior to this, but never felt it was really right for me or something I could enjoy and continue long term.
I hope to continue exercising at MonQi forever!

Posted 09/27/08

I hated excercise and always looked for excuses not to go. MonQi opened up across the street from me so it was hard to resist. I toured the facility which was much more intimate then the large gyms i had viewed in the past and found this particularly appealing. The best thing, from my point of view, i did not have to make that monthly commitment and pay every month. I was able to purchase a very reasonable package for 10 sessions with a bonus session thrown in! My friend agreed to come with me and we felt we could "drag" each other to our training sessions. At MonQi they set us up with a personal trainer whom we have fallen in love with and understands our age limitations and does not push us beyond where we can go. Though the training is physically demanding, at the end of the hour, we are already looking forward to our next session. Due to the success of our one hour workout, i also attend one of the many classes offered. The classes are very personalized with individual attention if you need it. MonQi has opened new doors for me.

Pros: convenience, economical and personalized

Posted 09/23/08

Monqi fitness is not your big impersonal gym where you feel that you have to workout before the work out and wear the latest workout attires. It is much more of a boutique gym where you can be yourself and go as you are, nobody is judging. It is small and friendly where everyone is on a first name basis, members and staff alike. The pay per class system works well into a busy lifestyle and there is usually a special offer with the purchase of multi class packages. My favorite class is with the renowned Jeff Martin on a saturday morning, he has a 9am body class followed by retro robics which is just fabulous. Cardio tramps is divine. Well done Lyn.
From a member of 4 years and counting. Marian O'Dwyer.

Pros: 3 blocks from home

Posted 09/15/08

I have been going to MonQi for many months and the more I go the more I enjoy my visits. I have been avoiding the crowded gyms of Manhattan. I was happy to find MonQi at a great location. It is convenient, not crowded, clean, friendly and enjoyable. The trainers are great and are available to answer requests that you may have regarding training, equipment, or schedules. I am thrilled by the results. In less then 2 months I have gone down 2 sizes. What can be a better way to measure your personal success. In addition, I feel great, energetic, no more aches and pains that I had previously to joining MonQi. I would not miss a session, and am eager to go more and more every week. What a find - I highly recommend anyone who is really interested in excercising and to feel good at the same time to join or to check out MonQi.

Pros: Service, Location, Trainers, Equipment

Posted 09/15/08

I've been going to the big mega-gyms and found that I rarely went even though I paid so much money to join. The classes were either too crowded, or the gym area too intimidating with all these muscle guys checking you out, so it was easier just not to go. Then I found MonQi Fitness walking by and on a whim went in for a tour. It is so friendly and non-intimidating and now I find myself actually going there 3 - 4 times a week. Because it's pay as you go (and you can pay for just the gym by the month) I didn't feel like I was wasting my money and was able to try different classes, as well as use the gym on my own. I love the atmosphere there, so relaxed and sunny and clean, and the entire staff is very helpful and nice. The owner Lyn has the cutest little dachsund named Pinot and I have to say, many times, it is the thought of seeing Pinot that gets me off my couch and into MonQi. But I'm always glad I did because the variety of classes, from cardio, dance to pilates and yoga are great and I have actually lost weight and look and feel so much better! Thank you MonQi Fitness for providing a neighborhood place I can actually work out in and for making me finally stick to my fitness goals!

Pros: clean, sunny place. great classes and trainers, great location

Posted 09/07/08

i love this place! i joined about 2 years ago and couldn't be happier. i agree that it might not be for everyone, but if you're in the market for a gym that's a cut above your average NYSC, you should check out clay. the amenities are fabulous--from the cold towels to the brand new cardio equipment w/ personal tvs, to the gorgeous flowers in the locker rooms. i have been working with a trainer since i joined and she's great. it's just an enjoyable place to work out.

Posted 06/18/08

The setting is much better than most of the places i've taken classes - everything always seems well-run, clean, bright and cared-for, maybe because it's somewhat intimate so there's real attention to detail. But the reason I go is Norma's Iyengar yoga class. She is a clear and infinitely knowledgable teacher, challenging yet able to tailor each pose to the individual student's needs, taking into account everything from that day's level of ability to an old injury - and she always manages to surprise us with some new twist. No pun intended.
it's also nice that the staff knows your name, it's a good atmosphere where people take what they're doing seriously but are unfailingly pleasant.

Posted 05/21/07

Although I have taken yoga classes before, this is my first experience with Iyengar Yoga and the first time I truly feel that I am doing the poses correctly. Norma Colon at MonQi Fitness is an exceptional teacher. She has an excellent understanding of the body and is able to tailor and modify her instruction to address all fitness levels. Her seemingly limitless knowledge of posture variations keeps her class routines fresh and just challenging enough.

Pros: wonderful, relaxed atmosphere

Cons: yoga class can get a bit crowded

Posted 05/12/07

I have been to other gyms around the city and none are quite like MonQi Fitness. The atmosphere is very welcoming, the staff knows almost every member, and the owner always makes a point to check in on the clients. The gym floor is never too crowded, unlike many other gyms you will never feel rushed to finish your workout. The personal trainers are very knowledgeable and are always willing to help. Usually when I workout two of the personal trainers, Tom and Tracy, are on the gym floor and with clients , but will always show me new excercises to make my workout new and challenging. The classes at MonQi are always a great workout, but you'll have fun and laugh at the same time. Some of my favorites are Cardio Kickboxing with Ahmed, Total Body Tune-up with Renouard, and any of the classes taught by Lyn. No more searching for the right gym !

Pros: Great staff, affordable prices, fun classes!

Posted 05/12/07

One of the greatest classes at Monqi is the Iyengar Yoga class taught at several convenient times during the week by Norma Colon. She is a sensitive and caring teacher who somehow picks up on your particular needs and takes care to address them, and then gives you tips you can take away. I've been taking classes with her since Monqi opened and have brought several friends in. One friend tells me I "saved her life" by recommending Norma's class. You've never had a Yoga teacher like this.

Monqi Fitness in general is a lovely, clean, relaxed oasis in this crazy city, and Iyengar Yoga and Norma Colon will enrich your life.

Posted 05/11/07

Monqi Fitness is the place to go for great Iyengar Yoga classes. Taught by Norma Colon, the classes are challenging yet so rewarding. Norma is a wonderful instructor, always quick with additional suggestions of ways to make a particular pose work better for you. Monqi Fitness has a wonderful yoga facilitiy with all the props needed for Iyengar. I highly recommend it.

David Orcutt

Pros: Beautiful facility, good instructors, friendly owner and staff.

Posted 05/10/07

As someone new to yoga, I've gotten completely hooked after taking Iyengar yoga with Norma Colon at MonQi. Her classes allow you to work at your own pace and level, and challenge you as you improve and achieve poses. She is quick to help you and offer suggestions to make sure that you are having the best yoga experience possible. -Meghan

Posted 05/10/07

Such nice friendly people and knowledgeable professional staff. Wide array of jamming classes, Personal Training, Massage, Clothes Boutique, Fresh Clean Space. Classes with Jeff , Antione and Renourd are amazing, and work you out thoroughly. Plus they are caring and respectful hunks. I appreciate the pay as you go concept- nice to know I can leave town without having to lose money on a membership I can't use. If there ever is an issue, like temperature in the studio, they work to get it fixed because the people at Monqui care, and show that in their actions.

Pros: Space, not croweded, pay as you go

Posted 05/07/07

I have been a member of many gyms, but have never made full or even reasonable use of them and have never enjoyed going to them until I signed up with MonQi. Now I go four days a week, every week.

MonQi is a unique experience. When you walk in, you find friendly and reliable staff and many times you even find the owner, Lyn, which shows that she cares a great deal about her establishment and her patrons. In fact she was the first person I met. She showed me around the gym, answered all of my questions, took care of my paperwork, and found and introduced me to my trainer. Lyn also continually keeps up with my progress.

The gym itself is well kept, calming and never crowded. There is a wide array of equipment to use, changing and showing facilities, two studios for classes, and an adorable mascot, Pinot.

Check out the website. It is straightforward and fully informational with class schedules and descriptions, rates, and bios on staff.

Pros: great staff and atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 05/04/07

I love working out. I've been to gym's all over the city and Monqi Fitness is definetly my favorite. There is no BS and they have a five star staff that are very helpful. The gym has everything you need and the classes are different and fun.

Pros: no initation fee for the gym and no commitment

Posted 05/02/07

I have a monthly membership at another gym but take advantage of additional classes (Yoga with Mikey, pilates with Shwee) and personal training at Monqi. The attention and the experience of the instructors if far superior to that of the larger gyms in NYC. You do not feel like a number or that your trainer is waiting for their next client - they are dedicated and involved. The variety of classes is also unique to a smaller gym; however the fact that it is smaller just means there is more time for the instructor to make sure you are catching on to the routine or doing your squats properly...no cheating here!

And it's always nice to say a quick hello to Pinot, the owner's dog, after a tough workout.

Pros: Location, Instructors, Attention

Cons: Not enough time with Lyn's dog :)

Posted 05/02/07

Best find in NYC. I finally found a place where I can work out without being watched. The equipment is new and well maintained. The space on all 3 floors is spacious and airy. The staff is professional and friendly. It's really a terrific neighborhood place where one can work out on their own, take a variety of classes at times that suit you, work with a professional, personal trainer for that extra help when we feel we need it, or just call and arrange for a massage. Monqifitness really succeeds in accomodating everyone's desires for the perfect gym. All classes are posted on the internet for convenience. The pay as you go, no contract is definitely a great benefit. You have nothing to lose when you're a Monqi member. Just show up....Lyn and her team do all the rest. The energy is amazing at Monqifitness. It's comfortable, fun and no pressure...just pleasure.

Pros: Small Classes, Clean Environment, Friendly Professional Staff

Posted 05/02/07

I started working out at MonQi about two years ago. After countless memberships at NYSC, Equinox, and the gyms in the full-service buildings that I lived in, I can honestly say that Monqi is just a comfortable, non-gimmicky, straightforward fitness center. The membership requirements are incredibly flexible so you can adjust your workout routine to your needs. There are months where I consistently take 5 classes a week and there are times where I show up at most once a week. Given the various payment rates, I am not financially punished for having a life outside of the gym. You can also adjust your fitness regime by alternating between cardio and stretching classes to avoid boredom and plateauing.

Pros: Yoga with Meg, Kickboxing, Ballet with Laura, Cardio with Lyn, Boxing, Pinot (the puppy)

Cons: Most of my favorite classes are only once a week

Posted 05/02/07

Monqi is just the perfect spot to workout, I love their classes and everybody is very nice specially the owner Lyn and her little dog Pinot :)

Posted 05/01/07

I discovered MonQI in May, 2004 when it had been open about a month. I walked by its sign on the sidewalk and visited it a few days later. At that time, they occupied two floors of the building, but the end of 2006, they added a third floor. Having never taken any sort of classes before, I decided to try a few classes and was hooked. My favorite class (of many I take) is Shwee Chou's "Pilates Plus" on Saturday mornings at 10:30. She is very knowledgeable and caring with a good sense of humor. The class members range from beginner to intermediate and she is patient with those who are just starting. I go to her for private one hour session once a week. After three years, I feel better than ever, and though I am naturally skinny, have kept toned, trim, and comfortable. Every few weeks, I go to Tom, a trained chiropractor who "aligns" me, as I am a bit off-center - though just about everyone is. I have sent a friend to Tom who has totally transformed him. The entire staff is wonderful, and the owner, Lyn Liao has a darling dachshund (Pinot) who is very friendly too. Cannot recommend this place enough - you will leave smiling.

Pros: Small classes, expert staff, clean areas, great personal trainers, sunny location

Cons: Can't think of any

Posted 04/30/07

Finding a gym can be such a pain; for a while I was at one of the bigger Gyms and it just got to be so overwhelming. What with over crowding, or feeling like someone was watching me and competing with me, I was never able to get a decent work out. None of this ever happens at MonQi. It's simple. I go in, I work out, I go home. If I have any questions, about promos or equipment for instance, the staff is happy to answer me; I mean that, they are genuinely happy to help me, not just 'rolling their eyes tolerant, and only helping me because it's a -job-'.
The other thing I love about the Gym is that the owner makes it a point to know who the members of her gym are. Somehow she knows my name, my favourite class, and remembers that my mother just had an operation. And it's not just me; I've seen her do it to an entire elevator of people as they were stepping into the main gym area! It's nice to feel welcome.
The little things; all of it goes into making this place the most comfortable gym I've ever been a member of. Sort of like a second home...only I go there to work out. And I love their 'None-Membership' System. I'm always out of town traveling or touring and the biggest pain for me is having to pay for a gym membership that I never use. With MonQi's monthly gym use and Class Packages system I feel like I actually pay for what I'm getting without the extraneous frills.

Imagine that; actually using a service that I pay for without being locked into it for life...Awesome. I love this place. Thank you MonQi!

-JM

Pros: Small Classes, Great Rates, Fantastic Staff, Lovely Facilities, Comfortable & Low Key

Posted 04/26/07

This place ROCKS! Nothing better than a "pay as you go" system. The classes are phenomenal. My favorite class is Total Body Tune Up, usually on Sunday's. Meg Carlough is a fantastic yoga teacher, unpretentious and thorough. Schwee Chou teaches a challenging pilates class. The atmosphere and staff are extremeley charming and helpful. I feel like the owner, Lyn, a dancer/personal trainer really got it right, she knows what people want and need. I didn't think I would ever find a deal on the UES, BUT I FOUND IT!

Pros: Small classes, Pay as You Go, Friendly Staff, Great Instructors

Cons: Small Shower area

Posted 03/31/07

Unlike other UES fitness centers, Monqi offers a unique blend of classes & does not define it's self as being a just GYM. Monqi is an experience. You will find that mixing yoga, self defense & dance (just to name a few) is a sure fire way of getting your body into shape. Not only does Monqi kick butt (check out Awesome Abs & Butt Blast) but it offers a family friendly atmosphere with no gimmicks. Affordable & worth it!

Pros: staff, affordable

Posted 01/19/05

I love this place. It's a totally cool concept- you don't have to pay a monthly membership fee- you just pay for the classes that you take, and you can buy packs of classes at a discount. They also have a seperate area with equipment for personal trainers. I've been doing both- take classes a couple of times a week, and then I supplement that with some extra attention from a trainer every week or so. But the classes are relatively small so it's like getting a personal training session anyway. It's a much better value than the way I used to do it at one of those big name gyms nearby. Every month they have special discounts on things like massages or nutrition counseling- plus free classes. That's right FREE. What's not to like?

Pros: cool staff, good atmosphere, new equipment

Posted 08/24/04