Part of the Gay New York City Guide — bars, events & things to do.
New York City, New York
The Chelsea gym that inspired the Village People — DJ sets, 21+ only.
Gym U NYC occupies the former McBurney YMCA building in Chelsea — the same spot that inspired the Village People's 1978 anthem and later housed David Barton's legendary flagship gym. Barton reopened the 35,000-square-foot space in 2023 with Metropolis-inspired design, Italian Panatta machines (the only gym in NYC with them), and the nightclub-adjacent energy he's been known for since the '90s: low lighting, DJ sets, and a members-must-be-21-plus door policy. Classes range from Club U (a Studio 54-style cardio dance) to kettlebell strength and monster yoga, with access to the House of Heroes collective for cycling, boxing, and Pilates. Recovery options include IV infusion therapy, ozone capsules, sauna, and steam room. Barton has always drawn a predominantly gay male clientele — Out Magazine and GAYLETTER have profiled him — and the Chelsea address puts Gym U at the center of that history.
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