The weather outside is terrible, but the Big City is back and I'm reliving summer through Abby and Ilana's eyes. The Comedy Central sitcom not only employs local New York comedy talent, but many of the shows are filmed in real locations rather than studios, including Abbi's Broad City workplace, Soulstice Gym. On the show, Abby is an illustrator and also a trainer – just kidding! She is actually a cleaner. It's great to be a coach. Alas, when Abby's current job is so highly regarded, it seems like there's little hope that she'll be promoted anytime soon. Her bosses always bow to her and encourage her to keep a positive attitude, even when they ask her to clean up messes in the bathroom. It's a very specific environment, presumably for comedy.
However, gyms are cool and good comedy is based on fact. We can see why Abbi would theoretically want to work at a place like Soulstice. It's more quirky and artsy than your typical gym or YMCA. Is this supposed to be like SoulCycle? Do gyms like Soulstice really exist in New York? Where were they filmed? If you prefer, you can also access Soulstice's "non-member pen" (sort of).
Now that you know a little bit about Abbi (not really), here's how to get to Soulstice IRL:
Step 1: Go to Chalk Gym
Broad City filmed Soulstice scenes at Chalk Gyms in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. If you already live in the area, it's right next to the L train. That might explain her commute - it seems like a convenient neighborhood gym, but Abby lives in Queens! But logistics aside, look at those fun goals! I want to go there now. Looking around the site, you can see how the exposed brick and open space make it an ideal location for filming.
music
An important element of Chalk Gym is “keeping your body in tune” and focusing on new music. Here is the current monthly playlist on their website. Trainers even have their own personal playlists. For years, my idea of a workout was playing Just Dance on the Wii. So I don’t like this approach to fitness at all. However, we will never see the gym side in Broad City . First, I think Ilana will visit Abby at work more often. Also, can't you see Abby working on her coaching playlist? I bet she already has one on her iPod or phone, and she's constantly updating and organizing it so it's always ready to use.
Art comes from life
Although Chalk Gyms was the filming location, in real life, Abbi Jacobson got a job at Equinox Gym handing out flyers in exchange for a free membership. However, writing adapts to your environment, and I think it's obvious how Equinox and Chalk influenced the weird, super positive place that is Soulstice Gym.
Photo: Ali Goldstein, Linda Kallerus/Comedy Central; ChalkGym /Facebook
