Breuckelen Athletic - Gowanus — Local services in New York

I joined Breuckelen Athletic in the fall after suddenly losing 20 pounds from an injury I obtained over the summer. As a former athlete of 23 years I was highly discouraged to lose the muscle mass, the strength and the endurance I had worked so very hard to build.

Upon recently moving to Carroll Gardens, I struggled to find a clean and well-managed gym in the neighborhood. Not-to-mention, one with staff that had the patience, the humility, the impetus and the know-how to help me.

While strolling the neighborhood, I stumbled across Breuckelen Athletic. The music, the energy and (of course) the living mascot Cloudy, captured my attention and prompted me to go in.

Little did I know that my road to recovery and beyond would begin after scheduling my first free session with Dan Friedman. Dan has since, enabled me to not just regain what I had lost physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well.

Dan has taught me new techniques, coached me on my form and (in many ways) become a therapist: listening to me complain about rough days at work. His commitment to his craft and belief in my ability to discover and achieve my goals has enabled me become more confident, healthy and stronger than ever before.

I've learned that everyday is different, but everyday starts the same: You wake up, shut off your alarm and get on with your day.

While I may never know what tomorrow will bring, I'm happy to know where mine will begin: with Dan Friedman and the amazing staff and community at...

Breuckelen Athletic is an incredible asset to Gowanus/Carroll Gardens. I run, but wanted to begin weight training to increase my strength and improve my overall fitness. Luis and his team are wonderful, and the whole Breuckelen Athletic community is kind and supportive. I go to semi-private trainings 2 times a week at 6:00am, and I truly look forward to them (and that's saying a lot, given it's 6:00am in the damn morning). I love the people who are in my sessions with me, and everyone brings a really positive attitude to train. Luis is not only an impressive communicator, but also an inclusive and supportive coach: he does a really good job at pushing me when I need, but also reminding me to be patient and go at the pace that is safe and effective for me as an individual. I've gone to a few different gyms before, but this is the first where I feel a real sense of comfort and belonging. You won't feel judged and you need not be intimidated by this if you are new- you'll truly be encouraged to "simply begin," and taken care of...

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...