Mark Fisher Fitness

I had not worked out since college and that was a LONG time ago! I’d heard all the great things about MFF and it did not disappoint! I started with the Ninja Academy (30 day trial) and it gave me a good taste of what was in store. I was hooked! Then came Snatched in 30 days and now I am a member for life!. I am in the best shape of my life and I actually look forward to working out! If you are looking for a serious workout in a ridiculous, fun, inspiring space look no further!

Eternally grateful for this life-​changing place. Ridiculous humans, serious fitness says it all. The community here is inclusive and generous and hilarious and silly and empowering, the workouts will make you feel like a superhero (and this comes from someone who loathes regular gyms). MFF teaches that it’s all about being the best version of yourself — 1% better every day. Amazing customer service; the CHEERS of gyms (everyone knows your name). THANK YOU!

I have been a member for a year now. I have to say: this is probably one of the most amazing gyms anywhere. If you haven’t already done so, I suggest that you do a Google search and check out the many positive articles written about MFF, especially the Men’s Health profile «4 Muscle-​Building Tips from America’s Zaniest Gym.»
The trainers are all fitness nerds who know a crazy amount about working out and love sharing their knowledge. The programs are thoughtfully designed to challenge participants at a variety of skill levels. Class sizes are small. People who work at MFF make a point to get to know everyone’s name. This is a pretty incredible community of people who care about what they are doing. In short: you should definitely check this place out and see if this is the right fit for you.

I have never been to a gym (or business for that matter) that genuinely cares so much about your health and success. I, like many others, first approached MFF due to its proximity to my residence and its glorious reviews. My initial consultation with Christian was as expected. I got a tour of the facilities and the pricing plan. Not going to lie, it’s not your cheapest gym option in NYC nor is it the most expensive. I am by no means a millionaire but I shelled out the money b/​c you cannot put a price on an energetic team that really wants the best for you. More importantly, while the workouts are challenging and will make you sweat, it is more like a party that you will have fun at. The sexual innuendos and the occasional ass slapping are a big bonus though. I live for awkward moments.
My personal favorites are: the guy that puts the Mark in Mark Fisher Fitness (he is genuinely stoked about fitness and seeing you succeed), Matt Wilson, Stephanie Wildenberg, Landen Jones. Everyone is really cool though.
What I wish would be different? More classes and cheaper plans.

only ridiculousness humans need apply! hey. Stefan from SNL gives this place a ahorhaaaaa, which is simply splendid. for mark fishers fiercest fitness fashion fenomenon simply fandango!

Why the hell does this place come out with a 4.5 star average? I call shenanigans! All the stars, all the time. And I’ll tell you why (with a summary at the end if you can’t be bothered with my rambling).
So, I’ve been following Mark Fisher on Facebook for a few years now, first from Canada and now from the UK. I like learning more about fitness, despite being pretty average, and he was recommended by some fitness experts who know what’s what. I wanted to visit the gym for ages, but the stars didn’t align until today.
In a way, it was bound to go badly. I had expectations. I’m at my heaviest weight, so not exactly looking fit. It’s for exceptional/​ridiculous humans, and I’m at best average. The members are called ninjas. Was I even ready? My actual experience? Hmmm. Trying to pick the words. Joyful? Transformative? Warm? FUN!
I did a Ninja Essentials class with Laura and it was fabulous. She learned everybody’s name, was super encouraging and I was devastated when it came to the last round. It didn’t feel like your average class because 1) it was funny and 2) she was so careful with form. It’s more like getting semi private training, but with the energy and price of a class. I had my endorphins flowing after it, but also got the peace I used to have after yoga. Not sure how that happened.
After throwing my sweaty body at Mark for a hug, I was given a tour by Brian C. This place is pretty damn epic! Classrooms, semi-​private training area, space for the ridiculously successful Snatched programme… It’s bigger than you think, and it’s all full of spark, energy and enthusiasm. No showers, but rooms to change with stuff to freshen up and coded lockers. Free towels for the sweat. You’ll need them! There are unicorns dotted around the place, with one amazing mural, and they even have a disco ball. Who can be unhappy somewhere that contains a disco ball? It’s just not medically possible.
— — — —
The tl;dr summary:
–You don’t have to be exceptional or ridiculous to go here. You don’t have to be fit yet. You don’t need to be ripped or interesting or talented or special. Turn up and you’ll fit in. You’ll feel like a ninja after 5 mins. Tops.
–Everybody was lovely. Everybody. Tayte complimented me so I’ll love him forever. Members were chatty and supportive. I smiled and felt loved. It’s a bizarre sensation to get from just attending a class!
–The instructions are… unusual at times. It made everything even better. Who can hate the workout when someone is talking about boners and your anus? (not actually at the same time, mind you)
–I really want their merchandise. The «Suck on This» flask seems really appropriate for work
–Laura was so good that I did what I was told, and I’m borderline uncoachable
–I have decided that Brian C is my long lost cousin
–I am super envious of Mark’s flowing locks, but I love him anyway.
I was both beaming and sad leaving. I didn’t want to say goodbye. Get in there!
(P.S.: A lot of legitimate reviews which give a really good overview of the place and how much people love it have fallen victim to Unilocal’s over-​enthusiastic review filter. You can find them at the end of the page described as «not currently recommended»)

When you do your orientation with the lovely rainbow people, and they mysteriously skip showing you the locker room during the tour, you might want to… ask if there’s a shower. Especially if you’re thinking, «Oh, I can go the gym before work.» Maybe you might even say out loud to the rainbow keeper, «How cool! I can exercise before work!» and receive enthusiastic assent. Silly unicorn! Who needs to shower before work? Maybe once you start working out here, you just sweat Pour Homme and glitter.
And if they offer you a twenty percent discount, you might get really excited. «Really, twenty percent?» you might say. «Really? Off my membership?» But when you ask to see the monthly costs *on the big mean computer,* it’s not really twenty percent. It’s just twenty percent off the first month! That could come as a surprise to some people!

I love all of these guys.
Mark, Harold, Brian… all of them…
They are incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and know how to make the entire community feel at home and loved while helping everyone transform.
There is no place like it.

This may be the best gym on the planet. No exaggeration. (ok, maybe a little, but for great purpose!)
Whether you’re a hard core fitness buff or a total newbie, this place finds a way to make you feel comfortable and have the workouts work for you. I fell off the fitness wagon due to a few injuries in a row, and felt like I could get back to my full capacity at my own pace, with no judgement and full encouragement. Everyone who works here really knows their stuff, I mean full out, hard core health and wellness geeks. And that is matched by a ridiculous sense of humor — they balance the serious fitness with a healthy dose of silliness… I mean, its in the tagline, so no surprise. But don’t come here expecting meatheads or drill sergeants, they’re more likely to hug you to death or chase you with a tutu after perfecting your form on a weighted goblet squat (um, not kidding.)
Unsurprisingly in a place that specializes in a personalized fitness experience with a side of giggles and disco balls, classes in primetime are popular and can be difficult to book. Like EVERY OTHER REALLY GOOD GYM. But isn’t looking fantastic and feeling incredible more important than working out at the «convenient time»?
Do I sound like I drank the Kool Aid? Yup, guilty as charged. I signed up for a six week experiment as part of the «Snatched in Six Weeks» program and three weeks in I committed for six months with no looking back. I’m super happy with the results I’m seeing, the classes, teachers and community. This place is an hour subway away from my house in Brooklyn and its still my home away from home.

I live not to far away from MFF so decided to give it a go after reading the reviews here. Here is my experience:
Pros: Amazing staff. As someone else noted, it doesn’t feel like a fitness place but a party zone. Great energy. They make it a point to have a couple minutes where everyone introduces themselves. Fun away to know the other people groaning and sweating next to you!
Cons: I was introduced to Ninja Academy which is an introduction to a limited number of their group lessons and semi-​private sessions without committing to a regular option. Given the nature of my work, I chose this option as I knew that I was getting into a fixed number of classes that I could redeem at my discretion.
Given the demand for the weekend classes, it is very difficult to get into their classes for post-​work timings or weekend sessions. I travel for work, so I could only use a limited number of classes that I had bought. After a month, I noticed that I could not book any more classes. Upon researching their website, I noticed that the Ninja Academy was only a 30 day fixed period option. Somehow I wasn’t told this (I do realize that it is mentioned on their website and I should have taken care to peruse the terms and conditions). While signing up, I had mentioned about my busy travel schedule where I travel from Monday-​Friday and back only on the weekends, nevertheless, this was left out being told to me.
I brought this to the attention of some folks at MFF who committed to finding a way out for me. I also read about the money back guarantee if a customer was unsatisfied and requested them to refund only for the classes that were unused. I heard back from them offering me an extension of my membership by a week where I could try and use any remaining classes. I reminded them that I had used only approximately 40% of my classes and technically had only 2 days to use them (coz I travel for work). My request for a refund was also turned down as my membership ended on ¹⁄₂₂ but I had delayed by 3 weeks requesting for it (a new rule connected to requesting a refund not mentioned anywhere). I ended the episode, turning down the extension of the 2 days as it sounded that I was being given a favor.
To summarize, its a fun place with great people, but with unclear processes. For people with tough work schedules or heavy travelers, stay out.
PS: People who get offended soon, watch out for R-​language here. Its fun and sexy but I could see people getting offended!

Can’t say enough wonderful things about this crazy place! You are joining a family, not a gym.
I’ve been a member for over a year and will never go anywhere else!
There is such a strong focus on form; which is SO important. You will never get hurt working out here.
I am in the best shape of my life and it’s all because of MFF!

In a city as large and diverse as NYC, MFF has found its niche. This place is not only a place to get healthier, hotter, and stronger, it’s a place to find community. It’s often jokingly referred to as «that culty gym»… and it is – in the BEST of ways. When I think about the majority of my close friends, they are comprised of people I met here. It has changed my life, and I cannot recommend it enough.

There are no words to accurately describe the MFF experience. Imma do my best to get as close as I can, but let me assure you that it’s something you have to try for yourself in order to understand.
Mark Fisher Fitness isn’t where I come to get my fitness on. Yes, I work out there, and yes, it’s radically changed my physique for the better, and yes, you can now bounce quarters off all sorts of spots on my body. HOWEVER, the team at MFF has brought so much more to my life than just getting hot. The people here have quickly become like family to me.
They are supportive. They are caring. They are invested. They are genuine. They are knowledgable. They are cooperative. They are team oriented. They truly truly truly want you to succeed in whatever your goals may be.
Judgement gets left at the door. It doesn’t matter where you are on your life journey, once you walk in, you are surrounded by like minded folks that appreciate your hard work and dedication. After all, you took time out of your life to make it there. And they appreciate that.
I couldn’t be more thankful. Especially for the unicorns and the dildo with the hat (look for it). This place is pure magic.

If you’re not into traditional gyms this is the place for you. They have classes and semi-​private training sessions available. The trainers are fun and they make working out much less of a chore than it normally is. I highly recommend this to anyone who doesn’t like working out but loves to be a little weird and fun. The sense of community you feel there really makes you relaxed and welcome. Love MFF!!!

I have drunk the kool-​aid.
I came to MFF through the Snatched in 6 weeks program after seeing several friends rave about the program all over my Facebook newsfeed. Unlike most in my Snatched cohort, I was not an immediate convert upon entering the Ninja Clubhouse of Glory and Dreams. I am a natural skeptic and initially thought the insane energy and endless innuendo was a bit insincere, but as I got deeper into the MFF culture (and began taking semi-​privates in the dragon’s lair!) I discovered that these people really ARE ridiculous humans who are serious about fitness. It’s not an act, the trainers at MFF really do love their clients and each other as much as they claim. It’s no wonder as the patrons (or ninjas) at MFF are comprised of some of the most amazing human beings in all of New York City.
The «Ninja Army» at MFF have become an incredible support system that continue to hold my hand as I unpack a whole host of emotional baggage that has continually held me back from achieving any long-​term health and hotness goals. While I am still a long way from achieving my fitness or nutrition goals for the first time in my life I am able to appreciate the journey and not just the destination.
Thank you to MFF for teaching me to love myself and for welcoming me into your aisle of misfit toys!

MFF is one of the greatest things I have ever done for myself. The training is by far the best in NYC. The clubhouse is a fun, safe space where you sweat with a family and team who truly cares about you! There is never a dull moment and I actually now look forward to working out. Literally a miracle. It’s the perfect place for fitness newbies or seasoned professionals– they will give you what you need!

The clubhouse is awesome!
Ive tried a lot of workouts in nyc and this is by far the most fun with people that truly care about your form which is absolutely critical. Every instructor that i’ve had in the clubhouse has corrected my form at least once or twice a class and that to me is by far the most important part of working out since they prioritize safety! And form is EVERYTHING.
As for the people there (ninjas) they are fun and motivated. Plus you get to know a bit more about them each time you go, as after each warmup, they do a name game where you introduce yourself and reveal something about yourself. So thats kinda cool!
They offer several types of workouts. Super strength, kick-​ass conditioning, circuit party and yoga. All are instructed by people that are sweet and know their sh*t!!! They WILL know your name on the first class and make you feel super welcome.
I just wish there were more 7am classes as im an early bird ninja! :(

All kinds of good energy at Mark Fisher Fitness. No machines, all the workouts use natural movements and the atmosphere is fun, energized and charged with epic karma. I love working out here and have never been a gym rat.

So this past summer I did the Snatched! 6 week program with Mark Fisher Fitness. (See my initial post here:
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Did my body drastically change? No. Did I learn a sh*t-ton and have a blast? Absolutely.
As with everything you take on, you get what you put into it. I started out fierce but halfway through I started having a lot of problems with my work which culminated in separating from my old company. All this craziness, stress and meetings with new companies resulted in me not giving the dedication necessary to really get the best results.
However, I learned so much each time I went into the «clubhouse». I learned about what I was putting into my body, how to exercise correctly, and I was supported by all my peers and the trainers. Plus there was also lots of laughs.
Now, I have an athlete’s mentality. I can’t just run on a treadmill or elliptical. I have to have goals and be able to measure improvements. This has led me to Crossfit which I did enjoy, However, I am also very big on correct form as someone with a bad lower back and weak knees. I found Crossfit was so much about quantity and not quality. I was very fearful of injury. Mark Fisher has a sort of Crossfit feel but they are obsessed with correct form. Think about it, if you injure yourself, how is that helpful? It’s much better to move slowly and make sure to have the basics down before pushing it too hard.
That doesn’t mean you don’t push hard in classes… You end each class drenched in sweat, exhausted, and yet elated as the group of people waiting for the next class are clapping and cheering for you.
The first few classes in Snatched are about nailing the basics. They might feel a little slow if you have been training before. However, I realized I had been doing squats wrong my entire life! I always thought they hurt my knees and stayed away from them. Now, I’m squatting deeply with kettlebells all the time.
Mark Fisher is ridiculously knowledgeable. He is constantly learning and improving himself and sharing that information with his classes. He’s also hysterical. If you love smart, witty, and yet totally goofball humor, you will adore Mark & Crew. They are all super fun to be around.
I planned on continuing my training there and would still like to do some classes in the future. However, it’s difficult for me to get to Hells Kitchen so for now, I have taken all the knowledge I’ve been given and use it on my own. You don’t just get training and knowledge at MFF, you also get new friends.
I highly recommend taking Snatched. Get your ninja on with MFF!!!

At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, Mark Fisher Fitness has completely transformed my life. Mark’s approach to fitness focuses on getting the best results for each individual participant, all the while promoting safe movement to keep us injury-​free. I’ve never worked harder or seen better results. The routines and individual training are amazing, and the energy in the «ninja clubhouse» both from the trainers and from the fellow «ninjas» is unique to MFF. It’s a positive, supportive environment peppered with deliciously crass instruction and an occasional superhero costume or leopard leotard. MFF is not for the faint of heart, but if «serious fitness» from «ridiculous humans» is your thing, Mark will change your life.