Non-chain local gyms (Jersey City, Toms River, Union: live in, gym, centers)

[shesbenevolent]

I live in the Heights, JC and I'd really like to find a local, owner operated gym. Focused around weights and that kind of thing. I am a woman if that makes any difference at all. I'm willing to drive to a good one, preferably not too far away. Perhaps a 10/15 minute drive. But if there is somewhere further I'm willing to hear about it.
Not looking for places with classes/pilates/cross fit kind of stuff. Just really simple. Google has given me nothing, yelp hasn't either.

Thanks!

[JerseyGirl415]

Are there any local community centers or public pools or parks that have gyms? I live in Union County and my town has both a community center and public pool with a gym. Perhaps in a larger nearby town like Toms River or Brick? I suggest looking into any community centers or pool centers in nearby towns.

[shesbenevolent]

I'm thinking more of boxing/weightlifting gyms.

[JerseyGirl415]

Originally Posted by shesbenevolent

I'm thinking more of boxing/weightlifting gyms.

Wait, where do you live? For some reason I read "the Heights" as "Seaside Heights."

[shesbenevolent]

Ha no! Jersey City. I should have clarified that. I'm a dummy. Sorry.

[JerseyGirl415]

Originally Posted by shesbenevolent

Ha no! Jersey City. I should have clarified that. I'm a dummy. Sorry.

Haha! Makes more sense now. Not your fault, though.

What do you have against chains?

I belong to a kickboxing chain gym, CKO, and I love it. Sometimes, chains are franchises and they're owned by an individual or family, making them feel smaller and more family oriented while still having that chain name and identity. My CKO is owned by a young couple with a baby, and they're great.

I would still look into local community centers and pools with fitness centers. You won't know what types of equipment they have, if any, until you check it out. Our local pool has a great fitness center. Of course, there may be some local non-chain gyms in your area but I'm not that familiar with Jersey City.

[GoHuskies]

There used to be a local bootcamp gym call Fit Body in the heights next to the Riverview Park. It still exists but moved to another street nearby. You could try there and see if they allow people to work out without being part of a class.

There is a local gym in the Grove St area of JC called Brick Haus which I'm guessing is for weight lifters.

For a basic no frills gym Blink Fitness is in Journal Square. It's a chain yes but very cheap.

[BarrKN]

Krank in JC, Intrepid gym in Hoboken