I first started training at Hanson Fitness in 2010 when they were still on Greene Street. I was working a demanding finance job in Midtown and trying to reclaim the athleticism I’d lost after years of focusing on school, my career, and a healthy amount of partying. At the time, I was already running and taking cycling classes, but I realized I needed to learn proper strength training. I used part of my first meaningful bonus to hire a trainer and ended up becoming a client for roughly a decade.
My first trainer was Eric K., and over the years I also worked with Clive M., Omar V., Eric E., Kirk F., Eugene, Hank, and Liz. Every trainer was different, but all were knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely enjoyable to be around. There were others I worked with episodically over the years, and while I can’t remember every name after all this time, I remember appreciating what each of them brought to the experience. Harry Hanson deserves special recognition. Despite operating multiple studios downtown, he remained remarkably hands-on. He knew his clients, knew his trainers, and showed up. In an industry full of trends and constant reinvention, Hanson Fitness remained independent and owner-operated for more than three decades, which I find deeply admirable.
Equally important was the gym’s commitment to education. Harry built and ran a formal trainer development program, creating a culture in which coaching and learning were taken seriously. It gave the gym a different energy than most transactional fitness businesses. When Hanson later moved to its current location, it felt like a meaningful milestone. The new space was a clear upgrade and a sign that the business had real momentum. For longtime clients, it felt less like a relocation and more like validation of everything Harry and his team had been building for years.
For me, Hanson became the foundation underneath everything else I did. During the same period, I took more than 1,000 group fitness classes, ran marathons, and played hockey at Chelsea Piers. Hanson was where I built the strength, mobility, and durability that supported it all. The stronger legs, shoulders, back, and glutes I developed there paid dividends for years. Convenience was another major advantage. The location was ideal for anyone living below Washington Square Park. My sessions started at 6:00 a.m., and some of my favorite memories are of arriving while the city was still asleep. Before the emails, meetings, and deadlines began, a handful of people quietly prepared for the day ahead.
What stands out most in retrospect is the mix of people. This is SoHo, and personal training isn’t cheap, but Hanson somehow maintained a welcoming, grounded atmosphere. There were young professionals, retirees, entrepreneurs, executives, and people from every imaginable background all training together.
Looking back, Hanson felt like part of the invisible backbone of New York. Many people there were doing demanding work across finance, law, healthcare, technology, media, and entrepreneurship. At six in the morning, titles and money didn’t matter much. Everyone was just trying to get stronger, feel better, manage stress, and keep going. When I was younger, I assumed places like Hanson were common. With time, I realized they’re not. Hanson somehow humanized a city that is far more fragmented and isolating than it first appears. It brought together people from different industries, generations, and walks of life who otherwise might never have known one another. Fitness is a vain, fickle, and trend-driven business. Through all of that, Hanson remained focused on the fundamentals: coaching people effectively, helping them get stronger physically and mentally, and building a sustainable business. The fact that it has endured for more than three decades in New York is not an accident.
Fifteen years later, I still use lessons I learned there. That’s probably the highest compliment I can give.
I consider this place as my second home. Hanson ensured my smoother transition to college, as Harry and his teams know how to train with busy college students. As they are extremely friendly to clients and passionate about their jobs, Hanson Fitness is like a family to me. Also, the place provides a private and welcoming atmosphere which ensures you to train proactively! I have been training here since my freshman year, and it has been the best personal training experience I've ever had! If you are seeking the best personal training studio in NYC, the answer is here! College students, I strongly encourage you to sign up for a trial if you wanna train! (Cheers to Andrei!!!)
"Regular training sessions at Hanson Fitness have proven to drive excellent results in an environment that is very clean and encompasses all the convenience and style of SoHo. Being able to get A+ training, close to home, with clear and obvious strength / toning results makes me a repeat and regular client. Hanson Fitness sits in the heart of SoHo on Wooster Street and offers a state of the art gym with great oldies music and makes you feel like you have your own private gym each time. Staff is friendly and young and result are around the corner."
I am a female in her sixties. I began working with Hanson Fitness in 1990. Recently, as part of a routine physical exam, I was given a Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan at the Mayo Clinic. My bone density was so good that the numbers were too high to plug into the algorithms on their calculator. The doctors attributed this to the weight bearing exercises and strength training practiced by Harry and his trainers at Hanson Fitness. Bottom line: according to the Mayo Clinic, my calculated ten year probability of fracture is 0.02%. That is one-fifth of one percent for all you non-mathematicians. in my estimate, that is one kickass testimonial.
Hanson Fitness provides convenience and flexibility as you can book your sessions last minute based on your schedule. The atmosphere is private, never too crowded yet familiar and friendly. Very professional and knowledgeable trainers, will hear your needs, create a workout that meets your goals, push you to your limits, keep you motivated while explaining the fundamentals, the benefits of each move and watch that you don't hurt yourself in the process. Its all been progress for me while at Hanson Fitness!
Hanson Fitness is the best!!! Harry and his team have helped me keep fit and stay in good shape for the past 24 years!! They are essential in my Soho life!!
We had a wonderful experience today with our trainers and with your follow up! Our trainers were knowledgeable and we both felt like we got an excellent workout. We will definitely be purchasing a package for our next visit in October. I will reach out to you to do that shortly. Thank you for your follow up and professionalism, it is much appreciated.
