Bad Ass Academy — Local services in New York

Empowering workouts and community!

In September 2022, I experienced an acute medical crisis. On my way home from work, I suddenly lost all sensation in my foot and stumbled. By the time I got to the ER, I lost all feeling from my knee down and could no longer move my leg or foot. I was hospitalized and underwent extensive testing for months.

As an A-type, fit, driven, hardworking therapist who prides myself on supporting others, and getting myself through many difficult moments in life, it took me a while to come to grips with the fact that I could not immediately out smart, out work, or out love this situation. And it was painful. I couldn’t walk without falling down, or go up the stairs. I couldn’t hold my baby for fear I would drop him, or wear heels.

My whole identity changed. I experienced grief and anger that my body had betrayed me, and it took me awhile to process my emotions.

Over time, I got movement back and started working out on my own — but found myself feeling isolated, unmotivated, and questioning whether I would ever fully recover.

One day a good friend of mine mentioned Bad Ass Academy. Not only did she look and feel great, but she told me about the support she was getting and community she felt part of.

Despite my misgivings that I wouldn’t fit in due to my slow recovery process — I mean the name is Bad Ass after all, I gave it a shot.

From my very first interaction with Anthony, one of the owners, I was blown away by the care, thoughtfulness, and genuine passion to help others. From the start, he offered support and suggestions to strengthen my body and speed up my recovery. Anthony encouraged me to acknowledge my progress and practice compassion towards myself. Most importantly, he expressed confidence that I would fully recover.

In the first two weeks at Bad Ass, I began to see glimpses of my old self, and for the first time since the episode felt joy and gratitude for what my body could do.

The environment and community is electric and inspiring. I am inspired every day to show up as I am, leave my worry or issues at the door, and build the mind-body connection that has furthered my recovery process. There is no drama, shade — and no one thinks you’re “extra” because you’re lifting heavier or want to wear a sports bra to work out. No one hassles you. As a woman — that is priceless.

All the trainers are exceptional. They walk the walk and inspire others to do the same. They navigate the delicate balance of pushing you to expand your limits, while encouraging you to respect and care for your body; not just to look a certain way, but to optimize your quality of life.

Finding and becoming a member of Bad Ass has been a true blessing and gift, and I know I will recover fully in the near future.

Hope, confidence, and an inspiring environment is a...

Where Sweat Meets Spirit

If you’re looking for a gym that will both humble and transform you, BA is the place to be. The name alone should be enough of a warning—or an invitation, depending on how you like your workouts served (hint: with a side of pure exhaustion).

Located in a well-utilized two-floor space, BA is designed for those who take fitness seriously, and maybe even a little too personally. The ground floor is where most of the magic (or suffering, depending on the class) happens, with various high-energy sessions running throughout the day. Upstairs, the spinning classes take place—because what’s better than climbing imaginary hills while drenched in very real sweat?

Now, let’s talk about the real stars of the show: the trainers. They are passionate. They are relentless. They will absolutely scream at you. Yes, even at 6 AM, when you’re questioning all your life choices. But it’s all in the name of progress, and somehow, by the end of it, you’ll thank them (or at least pretend to while gasping for air).

BA offers a variety of classes catering to different intensity levels. A word of caution: Armageddon is not just a dramatic name—it’s a promise. Unless you have a solid athletic foundation or an unusual desire to experience complete physical and emotional defeat, proceed with caution.

The community here is tight-knit and a little older, but don’t be fooled—these are some of the fittest people you’ll ever meet. There’s a culture of support, but also a healthy dose of competition. If you thrive on pushing yourself alongside people who could probably outrun you in a zombie apocalypse, you’ll fit right in.

BA is not just a gym; it’s a battlefield, a community, and a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they’re in shape. Enter at your own risk—but trust me, you’ll be better for it.

Ps. They have smoothing shop inside as a...

First, as a chiropractor and nutritionist, it’s safe to say my life revolves around health and fitness. I participated in jujitsu, completed the NYC triathlon, and for my main exercise regimen, it had always been similar to most people; I would go to the gym, put on my headphones, lift weights, maybe run on a treadmill, and go home. It was a way to be healthy, stay in shape, and I was content.

Then one summer afternoon, I was invited to attend a Bad Ass Academy workout. Let’s just say it was life changing. Not only was the workout unlike anything I had ever experienced, the energy of the group, the immediate sense of support, the challenge to complete a workout I would never take on my own, was inspiring. I knew I was hooked.

The beauty of Bad Ass Academy is that more than two years after that first afternoon, I continue to be challenged, pushed, and motivated to me my very best in the gym. The workouts are unique, continually surprising with varied routines, all led by trainers who truly care for the individual as much as they are knowledgeable.

I have recommended BA to many, many of my patients and have seen incredible results, not just in body fat loss, muscle gain, and increased fitness, which I recognize is a huge reason why people exercise, but what is different and always wonderful for me to see is the passion that is instilled. The passion to get stronger, be healthier, and literally, set goals for themselves that would be impossible to achieve without that push from BA.

I couldn’t recommend Bad Ass Academy higher. You...