Local Guides World
Sean
12 reviews on 1 places
It's been a few years since I've done my last review, so I figured I'd update it. This gym has become a second home to me but it's not without faults.
The morning front desk staff are always great and friendly. The community of early morning regulars is also amazing. They're incredibly motivating, and the camaraderie is pretty awesome. Whether I need a spotter, some workout advice, or just a chat, I can always count on them. The sense of belonging and shared fitness goals here is truly special.
However, there are a couple of areas where I think this Retro could improve. First, the absence of a hack squat machine is a noticeable and inexcusable gap, especially when comparing it to other gyms on Staten Island. Adding one would be a significant improvement. I've been to about 5 other gyms on Staten Island in the past few years, and ALL of them have a hack squat machine, aside from this gym. Please get one as soon as possible. It's an essential gym machine. Additionally, the middle greenspace area tends to get overcrowded with random equipment, making it challenging for multiple people to use it effectively. A bit of reorganization in this space could make it more versatile and appealing.
On a somewhat frustrating note that's not the gym's fault, some members still don't re-rack their weights. This is a simple act of respect for the gym and fellow members, and I hope more people will take this to heart. I've also had to come during lunch hours and the gym becomes extremely crowded and sometimes the younger kids that come at that time spend their workout time texting rather than actually doing their workout and end up hogging gym equipment. Again, have more respect for fellow gym members.
They offer daily classes throughout the week, but you need to follow their social media accounts or check out the signs within the gym to see what and when.
This Retro has a lot going for it, with friendly morning staff, a motivating morning community, and good equipment maintenance. Some room for improvement exists, particularly in adding a hack squat machine and reorganizing the middle greenspace. This Retro has become more than just a gym for me; it's a place I look forward to visiting every day.
The morning front desk staff are always great and friendly. The community of early morning regulars is also amazing. They're incredibly motivating, and the camaraderie is pretty awesome. Whether I need a spotter, some workout advice, or just a chat, I can always count on them. The sense of belonging and shared fitness goals here is truly special.
However, there are a couple of areas where I think this Retro could improve. First, the absence of a hack squat machine is a noticeable and inexcusable gap, especially when comparing it to other gyms on Staten Island. Adding one would be a significant improvement. I've been to about 5 other gyms on Staten Island in the past few years, and ALL of them have a hack squat machine, aside from this gym. Please get one as soon as possible. It's an essential gym machine. Additionally, the middle greenspace area tends to get overcrowded with random equipment, making it challenging for multiple people to use it effectively. A bit of reorganization in this space could make it more versatile and appealing.
On a somewhat frustrating note that's not the gym's fault, some members still don't re-rack their weights. This is a simple act of respect for the gym and fellow members, and I hope more people will take this to heart. I've also had to come during lunch hours and the gym becomes extremely crowded and sometimes the younger kids that come at that time spend their workout time texting rather than actually doing their workout and end up hogging gym equipment. Again, have more respect for fellow gym members.
They offer daily classes throughout the week, but you need to follow their social media accounts or check out the signs within the gym to see what and when.
This Retro has a lot going for it, with friendly morning staff, a motivating morning community, and good equipment maintenance. Some room for improvement exists, particularly in adding a hack squat machine and reorganizing the middle greenspace. This Retro has become more than just a gym for me; it's a place I look forward to visiting every day.
The sunflower trail is located in Von Thune farms. It's a great place to spend a nice day to pick fruit and cut sunflowers. It was really nice to walk through the trail and they have tons of photo op props.
You can bring your own clippers to cut flowers that you pay for before heading in and getting a wrist band. If you don't have clippers they will let you borrow one for a collateral of $10 or your car keys.
You can bring your own clippers to cut flowers that you pay for before heading in and getting a wrist band. If you don't have clippers they will let you borrow one for a collateral of $10 or your car keys.
The aquarium is finally coming together. It used to be that there wasn't much to do and it was pretty small but they have added a lot more areas and activities making it a worthwhile trip.
The Jellyfish and Shark areas are definitely our favorite. It's definitely not without fault but it's a good time for about two hours.
The Jellyfish and Shark areas are definitely our favorite. It's definitely not without fault but it's a good time for about two hours.
I was trying to find a niche liquor and called around to 10 different places and this was the only one that had it. When I went in to get it, I was really surprised by how wide of a selection they have. I'll be coming here from now on.
A great coffee shop with a huge selection of coffee and teas to choose from. Lots of different dishes as well for a coffee shop this size. We got a churro waffle and it was light, fluffy and delicious.
Definitely worth coming here over any coffee chain, no question.
Definitely worth coming here over any coffee chain, no question.