Physical Culture Brooklyn — Local services in New York

Personal Context: I moved from Austin to NYC in December 2020. I previously went to another OPEX aligned gym back in Austin and was recommended OPEX South Brooklyn because the owners knew each other. I was looking for the same sense of community and non-judgmental atmosphere as I had experienced back in Austin. I remained with my Austin-based coach remotely while training in-person at OPEX South Brooklyn until October 2021 and switched to an OPEX SB coach (Zack Zweifel).

The Model: An overview of how the structure at OPEX SB is set up is that everyone who attends the gym has their own personal coach who discusses with them 1-on-1 their fitness goals, nutrition, mental/physical health, etc. and from there, their coach programs a personalized workout plan for that individual based off of what was discussed. Regular check-ins with their clients allow the coaches to adjust workouts moving forward based off of the client's feedback. I have found that this model works well for me because it's personally crafted to suit my fitness goals, while taking into account my lifestyle and previous workout experience.

The Coaches: All of the coaches are incredibly friendly, professional, and helpful. I never hesitate to ask any of them for help if I have a question on a certain movement. They are all extremely knowledgeable and I feel that I am receiving information that allows me to safely and effectively complete my workouts.

Coach Zack: I switched to Coach Zack in October 2021 from my Austin-based coach. I requested him specifically because of the positive rapport that developed over the course of the past few months (even though he wasn't programming my workouts at that time). Ever since switching over, I've seen growth in my personal fitness goals that I felt have plateaued (to an extent) with my previous coach. Zack and I have cultivated a positive working relationship and continue to make strides towards my goals. He is a pleasure to work with and I am very happy that I switched over. Overall he's just a good person.

Community: The coaches and clients at OPEX SB are some of the most wonderful people I have met since moving to NYC. Personally, I know that walking into a gym can be an anxiety-inducing experience. But the people at OPEX SB are kind and non-judgmental. If you have gym anxiety (like I used to, which has kept me from attending the gym regularly for many years before) then OPEX SB is the ideal place for someone who is new to fitness to begin their journey. It's comforting to know that everyone is working toward their own specific goals and is supportive of each other in their own personal journeys. My gym anxiety has transformed into gym excitement and I'm always looking forward to working out (I never thought I would be that person… but here we are, and I love it!).

TLDR: -OPEX SB offers you a personalized experience crafted to your personal lifestyle and goals. -You get your own personal coach. -Coaches are friendly, professional, and helpful. -Members are nice and supportive. -It's a fun, non-intimidating environment. -Zack is my coach and I LITERALLY love him so much.

Sincerely, Joseph G.

PS - Real Talk: You may be reading this review and still on the fence about joining. Don't let the price intimidate you. I highly recommend you try it out for at least a month. What do you have to lose? A few dollars at the risk of finding a gym and a community that supports you? Seems like a no-brainer. The benefit and value I receive from OPEX South Brooklyn FAR exceeds the cost. I am not joking when I tell you, "It's worth it." OPEX SB has all the tools to help you succeed and if you're actually serious about making a positive change in your life you would at least try it out. At this point, there is no one to blame...

I have been working with June, rehabbing my knee after a jiu-jitsu injury, for the past several months, and the experience has been incredibly positive, thanks to her expertise and the supportive environment at OPEX.

June's extensive knowledge in strength training and sports medicine has been the key factor in my recovery. Her ability to tailor rehabilitation programs to my specific needs has played a crucial role in not only healing my knee but also in strengthening my body as a whole, preparing me for a safe return to jiu-jitsu.

Additionally, June's background in jiu-jitsu has been a helpful complement to her primary skills. Her understanding of the sport has ensured that all exercises and rehabilitation techniques are relevant and targeted, providing an added layer of specificity to my recovery process.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of working with June has been her adaptability and support during some minor re-injuries I experienced as I began to return to jiu-jitsu. Each time, she quickly and effectively modified our training plan to address these setbacks, demonstrating not just her skill as a trainer but also her deep commitment to my recovery. This adaptive approach helped me maintain progress and morale, even in the face of challenges.

June's compassionate approach and her enthusiasm for her clients' progress have been evident in every session. Her ability to explain complex rehabilitation processes in an understandable way has demystified my recovery journey and made the challenges more manageable.

The environment at OPEX is also noteworthy. The facility is equipped with everything necessary for a comprehensive rehabilitation experience, and the welcoming atmosphere has greatly enhanced my recovery process.

I am deeply grateful for the progress I've achieved under June's guidance. Her expertise in strength training and sports medicine, combined with her understanding of jiu-jitsu and her ability to adapt to changing circumstances, have been indispensable. I highly recommend June to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, empathetic, and effective strength trainer, particularly those recovering from sports injuries. Her holistic and adaptable approach to rehabilitation has been instrumental in my journey back to the...

I used to dread going to the gym and I would stick to the elliptical or treadmill to avoid feeling out of place. But Physical Culture changed my mindset and attitude. It's not just a gym; it's a community that feels more like home than a workout spot. From day one, I felt welcomed, not intimidated. The coaches are incredible – friendly, approachable, and genuinely invested in your progress. They've turned what used to feel like a chore into something I genuinely look forward to and I love hanging out with them on the floor (my husband might say a little too much).

And now I’ll sing the praises of Coach Chantel, so get ready. I’ve been working with Chantel since I joined almost 3 years ago, and she is an incredible coach and human. With her guidance, I learned that I can in fact lift weights, squat with a barbell, and do push-ups. Another reviewer stated it perfectly – her approach strikes the perfect balance of meeting you where you are, while challenging you at the same time.

When I found out I was pregnant, I was anxious about working out, but Chantel was there every step of the way, adjusting my workouts to keep me safe and strong throughout each stage of my pregnancy. She didn't just help me through pregnancy – she supported me during post-partum recovery, helping me basically put my body back together and rebuild my confidence. She was one of the key pieces of my support system and I genuinely believe I wouldn't have had the strength and stamina to get through labor and recovery without her in my corner. And most importantly, she's shown me how to be a strong role model for my daughter – teaching her that women are powerful and capable of crushing weights!

Physical Culture isn't just a gym. It's where I've found strength, support, and a sense of belonging. If you're looking for a place where you're more than just another gym member and want to hang out with cool...