Speakeasy of Strength - Hell's Kitchen — Local services in New York

It can be really hard sometimes to find the right places for you in NYC - in all aspects. Maybe you try five different coffee places before finding the perfect latte. Perhaps it took you twelve years to finally pick your favorite bar. For me, finding the right fitness space was a long journey through Bollywood dance, ClassPass, marathon running, and a local community gym membership - all of which did something, certainly, but weren't exactly THE thing I was looking for. I would go to the gym and swim laps or do 45 minutes of random cardio, be unsatisfied, and walk out thinking that the only good thing I got out of it was the use of some nice towels.

Last December, I found my way to Mark Fisher Fitness (after having their website open in a chrome tab for, no joke, no less than three straight months) and finally found the right fit. MFF members vary in shape, size, age, along the gender identity spectrum, and experience, but they all share a quality of openness and encouragement. There is not a single member of this gym that I have ever encountered who isn't generous with their spirit. And that isn't even saying anything about the instructors, who are, to a person, intelligent, caring, dedicated, and motivating. I have learned a ton from classes and semi-private training, but also from instructors who go out of their way to chat with me about something they spotted in my form or a shared interest outside of the gym. I don't even live in Hell's Kitchen/Midtown, and I am absolutely willing to travel for what this gym offers: community and fitness wrapped in a glittery bow.

During COVID, MFF has pivoted to offering online classes through HomeBody. The instructors zoom into your living room and you are on video (if you want to be) so they can see what you do and offer instruction and guidance. They've done a fantastic job of translating the clubhouse atmosphere online, and honestly in March/April it was the only thing that made me feel connected to anything beyond the four walls of my apartment. If you've been waiting to join because you'd rather do something in person, I encourage you not to let perfect be the enemy of good here. You CAN do fitness in your own house if you have to, you WILL figure out clever things to lift if you don't have weights (wine bottles, laser printers, cases of seltzer) and you DO laugh while exercising. No, seriously. I laugh so much while exercising. Maybe you need a laugh and a kettlebell swing in...

2023 REVIEW 1: I have been a part of the MFF family for about a decade. MFF has provided high level training infused with well-thought out programming, in an encouraging and inclusive environment, with healthy doses of humor and silliness to keep me motivated to continue showing up for myself.

I'm grateful for the MFF team who have been there for my journey of gaining strength, maintaining it, losing strength and/or mobility through injuries, and feeling supported in shifting gears to when I've had to recalibrate and rehabilitate. As a professional performing artist-athlete, it's important for me to not only have the accountability that MFF provides, but also an environment that keeps me feeling joyful and motivated.

There's a reason I've stayed for a decade- community, accountability, and fun-silly-joy have been key in supporting my health and wellness journey. I'm so grateful for the MFF family! 💜

2025 REVIEW 2: This year, Mark Fisher Fitness, affectionately known as the ninja clubhouse of glory and dreams, has officially transitioned to new ownership under former trainer "Coach Fury," Steve Holiner. As we embrace this change and shift from MFF to SOS (Speakeasy of Strength), I’m thrilled to see the mission of improving by 1% each day continue. Having been a dedicated client, or "ninja," for about 12 years, I’m eager to share updates on the high-quality fitness experience that remains.

Ooo, I’m feeling the benefits of the new programming emphasizing a kick-ass back to basics approach- and I've been sweatin’ more than I have in years. This improvement is partly due to recovering from old injuries and largely thanks to the conscious consideration of the training team who have been implementing client feedback... and it feels goooood!!

If you're curious to start, maintain, or continue your fitness journey with the support of an awesome crew dedicated to being ridiculous humans offering serious fitness, then head on down to the enchanted clubhouse of glory and dreams and... "Be sure and tell 'em Large Marge sent ya!! ....hahahahahaha!!!"(some folks will get that silly reference, hah) 😂🥸 - no, no, actually tell 'em Sass sent ya!

Cheers to life-long self-care, strength...

FURY IS BACK! Yes, Coach Fury, who was a trainer at MFF years ago, is now the new owner! And he's brought back the "old days" of fun and strength workouts! The workouts are challenging in an appropriate way and can always be modified, if needed. After 10 years at MFF, I'm learning new kettlebell skills & having lots of fun doing it. And the people are a community. Everyone is willing to help, if needed, and looks out for each other. If you are scared or on the fence about working out, stop by the Clubhouse for a tour. You'll see how much everyone enjoys working!

(4 years ago) I always the last one picked for sports and I never liked working out. But when I found MFF, I found a home. This is so much more than a gym. The community they have created is incredible. The trainers, staff & other members are so supportive and celebrate your success whether that is deadlifting 300lbs or just making it thru a class. You are encouraged to "run your own race" and get "1% better" each time, whatever that means to you and the trainers will help you meet any goal you set. Last year I decided to enter a powerlifting competition. My trainers wrote me programs to help me reach my goal & I walked away with 2nd place in my weight category despite never having competed before. While it may seem intimidating to step into a "gym" the first time, MFF is the most welcoming place in the world. When I stepped in the door almost 7 (!) years ago, they already knew me by name. And with the pivot to Zoom classes (Homebody!), the magic is still there. It's not the same as working out right next to someone else, but the support and community still shines thru. Now that they've opened for semi private weight training, it's been great. I was a bit reticent to work out indoors but they have created 3 separate "pods" for each person and everything is cleaned before we work out, while we work out and after. I feel very safe & cared for at MFF. Weight lifting has been an amazing way for me to stay sane and my trainers are incredible at keeping it interesting while helping me progress. I cannot imagine...