United In Strength
October 25, 2017 14:11
I checked out Blink /back on Super Bowl Sunday, looking for a new gym after NYSC in Clifton did me dirty. I'm a serious lifter so I'm not looking for several different amenities/classes, etc. when looking for a place to train. So long as they have weights, dumbbells, benches and a power rack or two I'm satisfied. So I was very surprised when I was shown that not only did they have power racks, but they actually had FIVE of them. And to boot they all are equipped with pullup/chinup bars up top as well as hooks so you can attach resistance bands (although I've yet to see anyone put that to use.
What was also a pleasant surprise was that they have a dedicated area for deadlifting, complete with bumper plates. NYSC, in all fairness, does in fact have a deadlift platform but it's a bit uneven, so it's nice to be able to just lift on a flat surface. I just wish they had at least one more pair of 45lb bumpers. The bars are so new that the knurling is strong enough to rip your shins up if you're deadlifting, and that you can put them on your back knowing that while you squat the fear of the bar rolling off you will never be an issue.
I also an very friendly with the staff. They're just as friendly as the guys and girls in my former gym. Only difference here is that everyone is doing something, and no one person is ever truly standing around. You'll even find the desk people replacing the soap in the bathroom or even vacuuming from time to time.
Overall I like this particular location. It may be a commercial gym but as you can see in my pictures they do cater to more serious lifters like myself. In fact I read in another review that those power racks and the benches came in after increased demand from other members, which told me that management here listens to it's client base. That's good business.
Only drawbacks are that for guy way bigger and stronger than I am the dumbbell weights don't increase past 90lbs. Also (and in all fairness I'm sure other gyms have this issue as well), I find the leather covering the benches to be way too slippery. Regardless of your benching style you MUST stay tight and firm when benching and I find it very difficult to keep from slipping around unless I lay down with a towel over the bench. Otherwise I'd recommend this location of Blink to anyone.