Q&A With Rita Rroku, Director of Spa & Fitness at The New York Palace

The New York Palace Fitness Center and Spa provides a much-needed escape from the fast-moving pace of the city. Overlooking iconic NYC destinations like Madison Avenue and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the full-service Fitness Center offers personal training, cardio and strength training equipment, and a yoga area. We recently sat down with Rita Rroku, Director of Spa & Fitness, for a brief question-and-answer session. Read on to learn more about what separates The Palace Fitness Center from other Midtown gyms.

1. What varieties of gym equipment does the Fitness Center offer? 

Our Fitness Center features Life Fitness machines and Cybex strength training equipment. We recently added new cardio machines to our collection – five new elliptical machines and four new stationary bikes.

2. Do you offer any personal training, programs or classes?

We offer personal, one-on-one training sessions. The gym also includes an area with yoga mats, Pilates balls and a variety of popular equipment.

3. What is the most popular training session request? 

Our most common request for one-on-one training sessions is boxing.

4. What is your favorite class and why?

Strength training personal training sessions are my favorite — you are able to work out with a trainer, who customizes your session, using a combination of cardio paired with strength training, in addition to other useful tips about nutrition and how to get your legs lean and toned in no time.

5. Other than the machines/weights/classes, what makes The Palace Fitness center special?

Because the hotel is on Madison Avenue, directly across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the fitness center – located on the eighth floor – has an outstanding view while you are working out, facing the iconic church and surroundings. Another special touch is our complimentary gym clothes and sneakers for guest use, making it incredibly convenient to feel your best, and also keep your travel bag carry-on size! Additionally, guests enjoy our variety of amenities and toiletries offered in the locker rooms, or spending a few minutes in the relaxing eucalyptus steam room. Finally, if you are sore from your workout, our spa is located adjacent to the fitness center so you won’t need to even leave the floor to relax post-workout with the right remedy, such as an Arnica Muscle rejuvenation massage.

Read more about The New York Palace Spa and Fitness Center, call 212-303-7777, or email spafitness@nypalace.com for additional information.