Are you looking to get strong in the Big Apple? New York City is home to some of the best powerlifting gyms in the country.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned lifter, these gyms have everything you need to crush your strength goals.
Powerlifting is all about three main lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. It’s a sport that tests your raw strength and power. But it’s not just for competitive lifters.
Anyone can benefit from powerlifting training to build muscle, boost confidence, and get stronger overall.
Top 10 Best Powerlifting Gyms in New York 2024
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the top 10 powerlifting gyms in New York City. We’ll look at what each gym offers, their prices, and what makes them special.
From Brooklyn to Queens, we’ve got you covered with the best places to lift heavy and make gains.
These gyms aren’t your average fitness centers. They’re packed with specialized equipment like power racks, deadlift platforms, and competition-grade barbells.
Many also offer expert coaching to help you perfect your form and avoid injuries.
So, whether you’re looking to set a new personal record or just want to try something new in your fitness journey, these powerlifting gyms are worth checking out.
Let’s dive in and explore the best places to get strong in New York City!
Top 10 Best Powerlifting Gyms in New York
1. JDI Barbell
JDI Barbell is a top-notch gym for serious lifters. It’s not just a place to work out – it’s a community of strength enthusiasts. The gym is known for its high-level coaching and top-quality equipment.
At JDI, you’ll find everything you need for powerlifting:
- 4 lifting platforms
- Deadlift platforms
- Power racks
- Competition-grade benches
The coaches here really know their stuff. They can help you improve your form and get stronger safely. Whether you’re new to powerlifting or have been doing it for years, JDI has something for you.
Membership Price:
- All-Access Membership: $230 per month
- Barbell Basics Membership: $275 per month
- Youth Nutrition Class: $240 (not clear if monthly or one-time)
Other Offerings:
- Virtual Coaching for Non-Members: $200 per month
- Drop-in classes
- Weightlifting clinics with small group coaching
Services:
- High-level coaching for powerlifting and other strength sports
- Well-equipped facility for powerlifting and weightlifting
- Small group training sessions
Hours:
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8 PM |
Tuesday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8 PM |
Wednesday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8 PM |
Thursday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8 PM |
Friday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8 PM |
Saturday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8 PM |
Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Address: 1767 Park Ave, New York, NY 10035
Phone: (347) 477-0089
2. Global Strongman Gym
Global Strongman Gym is a unique spot for lifters who want to try something different. While it’s not just for powerlifting, it’s got everything you need to get seriously strong.
This gym is known for its strongman equipment, which can add a fun twist to your powerlifting training. Here’s what you can expect:
- Logs
- Stones
- Tires
- And more unusual strength equipment
The coaches here are experienced and can help you with both powerlifting and strongman training. It’s a great place to build functional strength that carries over to real life.
Membership Price:
- Monthly Membership: $99 per month (no contract)
- Day Pass: $25 for 90 minutes
Services:
- Powerlifting training
- Strongman training
- Olympic weightlifting
- General fitness training
- Certified powerlifting trainers
- Nutrition counseling for powerlifters
Hours:
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 9 AM–8 PM |
Tuesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
Wednesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
Thursday | 9 AM–8 PM |
Friday | 9 AM–8 PM |
Saturday | 9 AM–6 PM |
Sunday | Closed |
Address: 987 Pacific St, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: (347) 425-1400
3. South Brooklyn Weightlifting Club
South Brooklyn Weightlifting Club is a serious lifter’s paradise. This gym is all about the barbell, making it perfect for powerlifters.
Here’s what makes SBWC special:
- Top-notch equipment
- Experienced coaches
- Focus on proper technique
The gym offers programs for both competitive lifters and those just looking to get stronger. They emphasize good form, which is key for making progress and staying safe.
Membership Price:
- Full-Access Monthly Membership: $325 per month
- No long-term contract required
Services:
- Self-designed strength programs focusing on squats, bench presses, and deadlifts
- Accessory lifts and full free weight area
- Certified coaching from head coach Paulie Steinman
- Supplementary classes like Sprint Training and Kin Stretching
- Hosts powerlifting competitions throughout the year
Hours:
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
Tuesday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
Wednesday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
Thursday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
Friday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
Sunday | 10:30 AM–2 PM |
Address: 267 Douglass St # 1, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (315) 509-8094
4. Murder Of Crows Barbell and Fitness
Don’t let the name scare you – Murder Of Crows is a friendly, welcoming gym for all levels of lifters. It’s a great mix of hardcore training and community spirit.
This gym stands out because:
- It offers a wide range of equipment
- The community is super supportive
- They have diverse class offerings
Whether you’re into powerlifting, Olympic lifting, or just want to get stronger, Murder Of Crows has you covered. They also have open gym hours, so you can train on your own schedule.
Membership Price:
- Bronze: $175/month (2 classes/week)
- Silver: $200/month (3 classes/week)
- Gold: $225/month (5 classes/week)
- All memberships include unlimited open gym access
Services:
- Strength training classes
- Open gym hours
- Personal training available
- Accepts credit cards
- Street parking nearby
- Dog-friendly
- Military discount available
Hours:
Day | Morning Hours | Evening Hours |
---|---|---|
Monday | 6:00 AM–1:00 PM | 5:00 PM–10:00 PM |
Tuesday | 6:00 AM–1:00 PM | 5:00 PM–10:00 PM |
Wednesday | 6:00 AM–1:00 PM | 5:00 PM–10:00 PM |
Thursday | 6:00 AM–1:00 PM | 5:00 PM–10:00 PM |
Friday | 6:00 AM–1:00 PM | 5:00 PM–8:30 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | |
Sunday | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM |
Address: 1010 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: (347) 442-1694
5. The Fort NYC | Classic Strength Training Program With Barbell
The Fort NYC is all about classic barbell training. If you’re looking for a no-frills, back-to-basics approach to getting strong, this is your place.
What makes The Fort special:
- Focus on proper form and technique
- Structured program for steady progress
- Small group training (up to 4 people)
The coaches here are experts in strength training. They’ll help you build a solid foundation and steadily increase your lifts over time.
Membership Price:
- Gym access membership: $89 (includes weight room, locker rooms, and The Canteen)
Services:
- Small group training (up to 4 people per session)
- Expert coaching
- Classic strength equipment (barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells)
- Focus on improving body composition, work capacity, and movement quality
Hours:
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 5:30 AM–9 PM |
Tuesday | 5:30 AM–9 PM |
Wednesday | 5:30 AM–9 PM |
Thursday | 5:30 AM–9 PM |
Friday | 5:30 AM–9 PM |
Saturday | 8 AM–1:30 PM |
Sunday | 8 AM–1:30 PM |
Address: 57 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (917) 581-3309
6. Powerhouse Gym Long Island City
Powerhouse Gym in Long Island City is a big, well-equipped gym that caters to all kinds of lifters. While it’s not exclusively for powerlifters, it has everything you need for serious strength training.
Here’s what you’ll find at Powerhouse:
- Lots of squat racks
- Plenty of benches
- A good selection of bars and plates
- Cardio equipment for warm-ups and conditioning
This gym is great if you want a mix of powerlifting and general fitness options. They also offer classes and personal training if you want extra guidance.
Membership Price:
- Short-Term Options:
- $15 per month
- $35 for 3 months
- After 8 months, rate increases to $55/month
- Long-Term Options:
- Family Membership: $56.50 bi-weekly, plus signup fees
- Heroes Membership (for students): $14.99 bi-weekly, plus signup fees
Services:
- Free weights area
- Weight management programs
- Strength training
- High-Intensity Interval Cardio Training (HIT cardio)
- Corrective exercise
Equipment:
- Squat racks
- Dumbbells
- Weighted strength machines
- Cardio equipment
- Kettlebells
- TRX suspension trainers
- Various weight machines
Hours:
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 5 AM–12 AM |
Tuesday | 5 AM–12 AM |
Wednesday | 5 AM–12 AM |
Thursday | 5 AM–12 AM |
Friday | 5 AM–12 AM |
Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
Address: 3030 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11101
Phone: (347) 937-3030
7. SNS Strength Williamsburg
SNS Strength in Williamsburg is a powerlifter’s dream. This 24-hour gym is all about heavy lifting and serious training.
What makes SNS stand out:
- Open 24/7
- Competition-standard equipment
- A welcoming community of lifters
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, SNS has what you need to improve your lifts. The round-the-clock access means you can train whenever it fits your schedule.
Membership Price:
- $139 per month
- $699 for 6 months
- $1399 for 12 months
Services:
- 24-hour access
- Specialized powerlifting equipment
- Suitable for all levels, from beginners to pros
- Welcoming community
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Address: 88 Waterbury St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Phone: (516) 302-6462
8. Powerhouse Gym Bayside
Another Powerhouse Gym location, this one in Bayside, offers a great mix of powerlifting equipment and general fitness options.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Good selection of free weights
- Plenty of machines for accessory work
- Cardio equipment for warm-ups and conditioning
- Group fitness classes for a variety
This gym is perfect if you want to focus on powerlifting but also like having other options available.
Membership Price:
- 12-month: $89.99 per month, or $800 upfront
- 18-month: $79.99 per month
- Month-to-month: $99 per month
- Annual maintenance fee: $39.99 for all members
Services:
- Cardio equipment
- Free weight area
- Personal training
- Group fitness classes (yoga, spin, Zumba, circuit training)
- Showers and locker rooms
- Juice/shake bar
Hours:
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
Sunday | 7 AM–9 PM |
Address: 3409 Francis Lewis Blvd, Queens, NY 11358
Phone: (718) 539-7118
9. Elite Barbell
Elite Barbell is a powerlifter’s paradise. This veteran-owned gym in Brooklyn is all about serious strength training.
What sets Elite Barbell apart:
- Top-brand equipment from Rogue, EliteFTS, and Hammer Strength
- Specialty gear like reverse hypers and belt squats
- Tools and platforms for competition prep
If you’re serious about powerlifting, Elite Barbell has everything you need to take your training to the next level.
Membership Price:
- Tier 1: $80/month
- Tier 2: $110/month
- Tier 3: $140/month
- Elite Barbell Powerlifting: $20.50 (unclear if monthly)
- Day Pass: $25
- Week Pass: $70
- 24-Hour Day Pass: $30
Services:
- Specialized powerlifting and bodybuilding equipment
- Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm
- Suitable for competition preparation
Hours:
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Tuesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Wednesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Thursday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Friday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Saturday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Sunday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Address: 1406 65th St 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11219
Phone: (347) 946-7254
10. Absolute Power Fitness
Absolute Power Fitness offers a well-rounded approach to strength training. While it’s not exclusively a powerlifting gym, it has everything you need for a solid strength program.
Here’s what you’ll find at Absolute Power:
- Good selection of free weights
- Variety of machines
- Cardio equipment
- Functional training tools
This gym is great if you want to combine powerlifting with other types of training. They also offer some unique extras, like on-site salon services!
Membership Price:
- Drop-In Rates:
- Day Pass: $10
- Daily Pass (with member
- Recurring Membership Options:
- 1 Year Agreement: $24.99 per month
- Platinum All Inclusive: $39.99 per month
- Open-End Contract: $34.99 per month
- 12-Month Membership:
- $39 Annual Maintenance Fee
- $50.96 First Month’s Dues
- $4.05 Sales Tax
Services:
- Wide range of free weights and machines
- Cardio equipment
- General fitness training
- On-site salon services (waxing, pedicures, hair treatments, makeup)
Hours:
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 5:30 AM–12 AM |
Tuesday | 5:30 AM–12 AM |
Wednesday | 5:30 AM–12 AM |
Thursday | 5:30 AM–12 AM |
Friday | 5:30 AM–10 PM |
Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
Sunday | 8 AM–9 PM |
Address: 750 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 387-4711
What is Powerlifting?
Powerlifting is a strength sport that focuses on three main lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. It’s all about lifting as much weight as possible in these movements.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each lift:
- Squat: You put a barbell on your back, squat down until your hips are below your knees, then stand back up.
- Bench Press: You lie on a bench and lower a barbell to your chest, then push it back up until your arms are straight.
- Deadlift: You pick up a barbell from the ground and stand up straight with it.
In a powerlifting competition, you get three attempts at each lift. Your best successful attempt in each lift is added together for your total score. The person with the highest total in their weight class wins.
But powerlifting isn’t just for competitors. Many people use powerlifting training to get stronger, build muscle, and improve their overall fitness.
Why Powerlifting is Important?
Powerlifting is important for several reasons:
- Builds Strength: Powerlifting is one of the best ways to build raw strength. The three main lifts work almost every muscle in your body.
- Improves Bone Density: Heavy lifting puts stress on your bones, which can help increase bone density. This is especially important as we age.
- Boosts Confidence: Something is empowering about lifting heavy weights. It can help you feel strong and capable in your daily life.
- Teaches Discipline: Powerlifting requires consistent training and attention to form. This discipline can carry over to other areas of your life.
- Community: The powerlifting community is often very supportive. You’ll find people cheering each other on, even in competition.
- Measurable Progress: In powerlifting, progress is easy to track. You can see your lifts going up over time, which is very motivating.
- Functional Strength: The strength you build in powerlifting translates well to real-life activities, like carrying groceries or moving furniture.
- Mental Toughness: Lifting heavy weights isn’t just physical – it’s mental too. Powerlifting can help you build mental toughness and resilience.
Benefits of Powerlifting
Powerlifting offers a wide range of benefits, both physical and mental:
Physical Benefits:
- Increased Muscle Mass: Powerlifting is great for building muscle, especially in your legs, back, and chest.
- Fat Loss: While it’s not cardio, the intense nature of powerlifting can help with fat loss, especially when combined with a good diet.
- Better Posture: The focus on proper form in powerlifting can help improve your posture.
- Increased Metabolism: More muscle mass means a higher resting metabolism, which can help with weight management.
- Improved Athletic Performance: The strength gained from powerlifting can carry over to other sports and activities.
- Better Bone Health: As mentioned earlier, powerlifting can help increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Mental Benefits:
- Stress Relief: Lifting heavy weights can be a great way to relieve stress and tension.
- Improved Focus: Powerlifting requires intense concentration, which can help improve your focus in other areas of life.
- Boosted Self-Esteem: Seeing yourself get stronger can be a huge confidence booster.
- Goal Setting: Powerlifting provides clear goals to work towards, which can be very motivating.
- Mental Toughness: Pushing through tough lifts can help you build mental resilience.
- Sense of Achievement: Completing a heavy lift gives you a great sense of accomplishment.
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Conclusion
New York City is a powerlifter’s paradise, with a wide range of gyms catering to strength enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner just starting or a seasoned lifter looking to break records, there’s a gym for you.
Each gym on this list offers something unique, from the specialized equipment at JDI Barbell to the 24/7 access at SNS Strength Williamsburg. Some, like Global Strongman Gym, even provide the chance to try out related strength sports.
Remember, the best gym for you is the one that fits your schedule, budget, and training style. Don’t be afraid to try out a few before settling on your favorite. Many of these gyms offer day passes or trial periods, so you can get a feel for the equipment and atmosphere before committing.
Powerlifting is more than just a way to get strong – it’s a path to better health, increased confidence, and a supportive community. Powerlifting has something to offer whether you’re looking to compete or just want to feel stronger in your everyday life.
So why not give it a try? Pick a gym from this list, lace up your shoes, and start your powerlifting journey today. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself with how strong you can become. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and the powerlifting community is known for being welcoming to newcomers.
Happy lifting, New York!