Breuckelen Athletic - Gowanus

I go to use the saunas and it is near perfect. 5 seconds to check in (or 1 second if Luis is there since he somehow knows everyone by sight). I go weekdays and almost always have a sauna to myself. The changing and shower rooms are always impeccably clean. It is pricey, but you can use as many day passes as you want and there is no lock-in initiation or cancel fees.

This is the kind of gym that makes you want to go to the gym. It’s beautiful, spacious, really nice equipment, and huge windows letting in so much light. The sauna, cold plunge, and showers are an amazing bonus. Yes it’s a gym with limited machines/ cardio equipment, no classes, and tons of squat racks. But that’s the point. It’s a gym for people who lift. Yet the best part is it’s a mom and pop business that facilitates a lovely community of coaches and members — they welcome anyone of any ability and age (I’ve seen all types of people in there). Plus it’s right next to a great bakery!

I’ve been looking for a gym like this for years and I’m so happy this place opened so close to my apartment. It has all the things I want in a gym and none of what I don’t want. The equipment is of great quality, there are multiple power racks, benches and barbells so you never have to wait to use them. Great cable machines from REP Fitness (my favorite gym equipment brand), and enough of them so I never had to wait to use them either. The belt squat is another great machine that not many gyms have. The saunas and cold plunges are a game changer. Everything is super clean and well kept, including the bathroom suites. TONS of natural light, and so much space to do dynamic movements. The staff if amazing and super friendly and accommodating. Louis, the owner is a real mensch, and welcomes feedback. I recently asked him if he would consider adding different cable attachments for more gripping options, and within less than a week he added eight different handles. Who does that?! For my needs, this is the best gym I’ve ever been to.

Breuckelen Athletic is the best gym I’ve ever been to. This place is on another level — it feels like a pro-level training facility tucked into Gowanus. Over 10 squat racks, Olympic lifting platforms, saunas, cold plunges,, the works. It’s clean, spacious, and never overcrowded. Whether you’re strength training, doing conditioning, or just recovering, everything you need is here. The staff are knowledgeable, helpful, and keep the vibe welcoming and focused. Honestly, I can’t think of a single thing I’d change. If you care about training seriously — or recovering seriously — this is the gym.

I have been working out and training in New York City for many years. I’ve also worked with many different personal trainers.Veerle is the best that I have found. I came to her as a 50+ woman and former athlete with injuries. I needed someone who could challenge me while also taking into consideration my stage of life and areas of weakness. I have been strength training with Veerle for two years now and I have exceeded my own expectations in terms of my strength and capabilities. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been, I’m flexible, I’m healthy and I feel amazing, both mentally and physically. On top of the incredible results that I’m seeing, BA is just a wonderful community of friendly fitness enthusiasts of all ages. I feel very lucky to have found such a special gym, where the owners and staff really know what they’re doing and go the extra mile to create a truly welcoming and supportive environment. Worth every penny!