Central Rock Gym 21 West End Avenue, Manhattan, New York 10069

"CRG and Josh Hodge have been “game-changers” for our two sons (now 20 and 17) and our family. The boys joined the club shortly after it opened and “found” Josh on their own. There are not enough stars to give him or enough glowing adjectives to describe him – he is kind, compassionate, professional, inspirational and communicative. He has been an extremely positive influence on all of us! Josh not only physically works with our boys to build their confidence, hone their skills and strengthen their bodies, but he has served as a mentor and role model. Our older son is in college and makes an effort to find time to train with Josh when he comes home for visits. I feel extremely fortunate that he is in our lives."

"My son loves climbing with Josh Hodge at Central Rock on West End! His climbing coach, Josh is amazingly patient and supportive in his teaching technique. Josh not only teaches climbing, but is a great resource for my 15 yr old to learn about strength training. Through his lessons with Josh, my son's skills have greatly improved, as has his self-confidence and trust in his own abilities. His climbing time is a true stress relief from the all the pressures being a teenager brings."

"Good bouldering. Fair weight equipment. Not much in the way of belay or top-rope, but that's not really what it's there for. Honestly, if you'd asked me last year, I would have given it five stars. However... I'm knocking one star, because I cancelled my monthly membership in February 2023, and it took them 3-4 months to do so, even with monthly reminders. When I asked them to refund me, they said the contract stipulated that they didn't need to cancel unless I asked through a specific channel. I confirmed using waybackmachine that the contract at the time when I signed it did not have any such clause (ignoring the fact that cancellation requests are not just something you should decline if you aren't particularly fond of them). And I'm knocking three stars, because after I called them out on that and asked for a copy of the signed contract to confirm, instead of correctly refunding me, they claimed that they would send one over. They have not, and I've followed up with reminders. To be honest, I'm not even mad about the money. $500 is not worth my time. I'm angry that the employees here wasted my time, and lied to my face repeatedly, and that there's very clear evidence that it was intentional instead of just an honest mistake. I used to love central rock; I got my first V8 here. Now I'm just kind of disappointed and sad when I think of the place."

"Excellent climbs! All of the staff are very nice! My girlfriend is a member and she takes me in on her guest pass once a month, perhaps when I have more time and don't have to travel for work so much I will join, myself."