The Borough: CrossFit East Harlem

"With roots from one of the first CrossFit affiliates in NYC, this space is exactly what you want in a box. The coaches do well to accommodate all levels, with members ranging from beginner to regional games athletes. The space isn’t huge though you don’t really feel it as classes are capped. Well worth checking out if just for the friendly community. Overall, best option in the neighborhood."

"Best box in the city ! I've been a member since it opened. Great facility, top equipment and good environment. Great service with friendly staff and the head coach/owner Nick is amazing ! Comfortable gym for everyone from beginners to professional athletes!"

"I have been doing CrossFit since approximately 2009 (although not as consistently as I would like). In that time, I have worked out at several different CrossFit gyms, primarily in California, where I previously lived. I became a member at The Borough (CrossFit East Harlem) in November of 2023, and I can say that The Borough is one of THE BEST CrossFit gyms I have ever been to. The gym space itself is clean and well-lit, and the high ceilings help it feel airy and spacious. It is decently-sized, particularly for a New York City gym, and since it is not in the basement of another building, dropping weights is allowed. The equipment is all relatively new, good quality, and well-kept. Everything is very well-organized and efficiently stored when not in use. They have a good number of both rowing machines and assault bikes, and even several ski ergs in addition to barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, etc. One of the most important things to look for in a CrossFit gym is the sense of community. Personally, I do not like gyms if they're very intense and "bro-y." Right away, the crowd at The Borough made me feel welcome. Everyone I have worked out with is generally laid back, encouraging, and friendly. The Borough's workout programming so far has been very good. The workouts can be extremely challenging, but there are always good scaling options (a hallmark of CrossFit), and the coaches are good about helping you through them. The programming goes through different cycles (strength, conditioning, gymnastics, etc.), but it has always seemed pretty well balanced. Last, but certainly not least, are the coaches. While I have only been in class with two of the coaches, they all seem excellent. Coach Casey (Saturdays) is clear, helpful, upbeat, positive, and very experienced and the owner and head coach, Nick Dedonno, is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced CrossFit coaches I have ever had. He clearly has an extremely broad and deep understanding of strength, conditioning, and mechanics, and his coaching and prompts are always very helpful. It is obvious that Nick wants his members to succeed and grow (I also find him quite hilarious in an "Oscar-the-grouch" kind of way ;-P ). Classes are tough and challenging (it is CrossFit, after all), but the coaches and community always make them enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you are new to, or interested in, CrossFit or you are a veteran CrossFitter looking for a new home, I highly recommend this gym."

"If you're looking for the CrossFit gym with the best atmosphere, coaching, and facility, look no further! Was looking for a gym after moving to the Upper East side and having done CrossFit for a number of years. After dropping-in once and meeting the owner Nick, I knew I was at the right spot! Have been here for a little less than a year and the friendly coaching staff and excellent programming will keep me coming back!! The hour I spend at The Borough is always the best hour of the day!"

"I joined this CrossFit gym three months ago and it has been an incredible experience! The coaches are so encouraging and I feel like I learn something new every time I attend a class. Even though I have a long way to go compared to the veterans, I never felt intimidated. Instead, I was always encouraged to push myself and improve. Nick and his team have done an amazing job building a supportive community and gym environment. Recommend."