For bodybuilding enthusiasts and serious strength athletes, New York City is a paradise filled with world-class gyms that cater to intense training, heavy lifting, and physique sculpting.
Whether you’re a competitive bodybuilder, a passionate amateur, or just stepping into the iron world, these top 10 best bodybuilding gyms in New York offer the perfect environment to build muscle, increase strength, and transform your body.
From classic old-school bodybuilding gyms with hardcore vibes to luxury fitness clubs with specialized coaching and recovery facilities, NYC has it all.
Let’s dive into the finest gyms where legends are built!
1. CompleteBody 19th Street
Rating: 4.7 ⭐
Overview:
CompleteBody 19th Street blends old-school bodybuilding grit with upscale, boutique luxury. Tucked away in Chelsea, this gym attracts a focused community of serious lifters, physique competitors, and fitness enthusiasts.
With an abundance of squat racks, heavy dumbbells (up to 150 lbs), plate-loaded Hammer Strength machines, Olympic benches, and powerlifting platforms, CompleteBody is designed for real muscle-building.
The atmosphere is motivating but welcoming, with top-tier personal trainers, many of whom have competitive bodybuilding or powerlifting backgrounds.
Bonus amenities like yoga studios, a juice bar, sauna access, and mobility classes make it a complete recovery and training center.
Perfect for bodybuilders who want hardcore lifting with a touch of modern luxury.
Membership Price:
- Monthly: $99–$250/month
- Enrollment Fee: $299
- Annual Option: $2,460/year
Services:
- Strength and bodybuilding equipment
- Personal training programs
- Retro, weightlifting-focused atmosphere
- Juice bar, yoga classes, sauna
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 6 AM–9 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 8 AM–6 PM
Address: 22 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 777-7719
2. Murder Of Crows Barbell and Fitness
Rating: 4.8 ⭐
Overview:
Murder Of Crows Barbell and Fitness is Brooklyn’s ultimate haven for strength athletes, powerlifters, and serious bodybuilders.
This facility exudes an intense, gritty, no-frills atmosphere where lifting heavy and smashing PRs is the norm.
Loaded with competition-spec barbells, calibrated plates, monolifts, deadlift platforms, and specialty strongman equipment, this gym is built for heavy iron addicts.
The coaching staff here are elite-level, with deep experience in competitive strength sports.
If you’re into powerlifting programming, strongman training, or hypertrophy-focused routines for size and strength, Murder Of Crows offers an unmatched hardcore vibe.
Membership Price:
- Gold: $225/month (5 visits/week + classes)
- Silver: $200/month
- Bronze: $175/month
- Off Hours Membership: $150/month
Services:
- Powerlifting coaching
- Barbell club sessions
- Strength training for competitors
Hours:
- Open Gym & Scheduled Sessions
Address: 1010 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11238
3. Mid City Gym & Tanning
Rating: 4.2 ⭐
Overview:
Mid City Gym & Tanning is NYC’s oldest gym — a true bodybuilding institution since 1962.
Walking in feels like stepping back into golden-era fitness history, surrounded by iron, sweat, and relentless focus.
The gym features a wide array of free weights, heavy-duty machines, squat racks, and cardio equipment.
There’s an old-school, rugged atmosphere with friendly trainers ready to assist both newcomers and competitive lifters.
With affordable rates and tanning services, Mid City offers bodybuilders everything needed to shred or bulk under one roof.
Membership Price:
- 10-Month Membership: $299
- 3-Month Special: $164
- Tanning Add-on: $25/month (members)
Services:
- Full strength and cardio equipment
- Personal training
- Tanning booths
- Bodybuilding-friendly environment
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 7 AM–10 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 8 AM–8 PM
Address: 345 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 757-0850
4. Oculus Fitness
Rating: 4.9 ⭐
Overview:
Oculus Fitness is a cutting-edge boutique strength and HIIT gym nestled in the Financial District.
Perfect for bodybuilders who love integrating intense functional training into traditional hypertrophy programs.
The gym features heavy barbells, bumper plates, squat cages, sleds, kettlebells, and high-end resistance machines.
Programs are customizable, and trainers focus on strength-building, athletic conditioning, and muscle endurance, making it a great space for competitive bodybuilders during off-season or prep phases.
Membership Price:
- Unlimited Access: $300/month
- Intro Month: $225
- Open Gym: $150/month
Services:
- Strength, conditioning, and HIIT training
- Personal coaching
- Small group programming
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 6 AM–7:15 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: Varies
Address: 151 William St, New York, NY 10038
Phone: (646) 832-4788
5. GYM NYC
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Overview:
A no-nonsense, hardcore training environment — GYM NYC delivers old-school bodybuilding in the heart of Nolita.
Expect classic iron plates, squat racks, benches, and thick dumbbells in a compact, energetic space.
It’s a favorite among physique athletes prepping for shows, as well as fitness models and actors looking to stay in shredded condition.
While basic in its amenities, GYM NYC shines with its serious lifters, minimal distractions, and affordable memberships.
Membership Price:
- Contact for membership pricing.
Services:
- Personal training
- Full gym access for self-training
Hours:
- Daily: 6 AM–10 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 8 AM–7 PM
Address: 227 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (646) 678-4723
6. Absolute Power Fitness
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Overview:
Located in Brooklyn, Absolute Power Fitness is tailored for pure strength and bodybuilding lovers.
Known for an intense atmosphere, it offers power racks, deadlift platforms, heavy dumbbells, and classic Hammer Strength machines.
The gym fosters a “train hard, no excuses” culture perfect for serious bulkers, cutters, and powerbuilders alike.
Great for customized strength coaching and hardcore lifters seeking traditional heavy-duty gym vibes.
Membership Price:
- 12-Month Plan: $50.96/month
- Annual Maintenance Fee: $39
Services:
- Heavy lifting equipment
- Basic strength & conditioning coaching
Hours:
- Open 5:30 AM–Midnight (Weekdays)
- Open weekends with reduced hours
Address: 750 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 387-4711
7. Powerhouse Gym Long Island City
Rating: 4.6 ⭐
Overview:
Powerhouse Gym LIC is a mecca for serious lifters, athletes, and amateur bodybuilders in Queens.
Famed for its hardcore training environment, it features heavy-duty weights, battle ropes, chains, sleds, and a sprawling gym floor packed with racks and machines.
This gym’s community is fiercely supportive but competitive, perfect for anyone aiming to build elite-level strength or an award-winning physique.
Membership Price:
- Single Club: $59.99/month
- Nationwide Access: $79.99/month
Services:
- Strength and hypertrophy training areas
- Group classes (yoga, spin, HIIT)
- Personal coaching
- Saunas and locker rooms
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 5 AM–12 AM
- Weekend: 7 AM–8 PM
Address: 3030 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11101
Phone: (347) 937-3030
8. Trooper Fitness
Rating: 5.0 ⭐
Overview:
Trooper Fitness brings military-level grit to NYC fitness culture.
It specializes in brutal bodyweight circuits, weighted resistance drills, and strength-and-conditioning boot camps.
For bodybuilders, it’s an ideal spot to add cutting-edge endurance and agility work, ensuring aesthetic physiques come with functional fitness and metabolic conditioning.
Membership Price:
- Monthly: $50–$100 depending on access
Services:
- Strength and HIIT circuits
- Military-inspired training
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 6 AM–8 PM
- Weekend: 9 AM–1 PM
Address: 226 E 54th St #200, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (646) 912-9964
9. Maik Wiedenbach Personal Training New York (NYC)
Rating: 4.9 ⭐
Overview:
Maik Wiedenbach offers ultra-elite, boutique personal training for those serious about physique transformation.
Ideal for bodybuilders in competition prep or serious transformations, the studio delivers customized hypertrophy plans, posing coaching, macro tracking, and conditioning workouts.
Membership Price:
- 10 Sessions: $850 ($85/session)
- Small Group: $50/person/session
Services:
- Private personal training
- Nutrition and physique coaching
Hours:
- Monday–Sunday: 6 AM–8 PM
Address: 139 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (646) 732-7052
10. Blink Fitness Murray Hill
Rating: 4.0 ⭐
Overview:
Blink Fitness Murray Hill is a budget-friendly, accessible gym ideal for casual bodybuilders or beginners just starting strength training.
While it lacks hardcore bodybuilding-specific equipment, Blink offers all essential machines, squat racks, free weights up to 100 lbs, and spacious cardio floors.
Membership Price:
- Classic Membership: $10/month
- Premium: Around $24.99/month
Services:
- Personal training available
- Functional strength zone
- Free weights and machines
Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 12 AM–12 AM
- Friday: 12 AM–9 PM
- Weekend: 7 AM–7 PM
Address: 600 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (646) 561-5400
Comparison Table – Top 10 Best Bodybuilding Gyms in New York
| Gym Name | Google Rating | Membership Cost | Specialties | Address | Open 24/7? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompleteBody 19th Street | 4.7 | $99–$250/month | Bodybuilding, Strength Training, Personal Training | 22 W 19th St, NYC | ❌ |
| Murder Of Crows Barbell and Fitness | 4.8 | $150–$225/month | Powerlifting, Strength, Barbell Club | 1010 Dean St, Brooklyn | ❌ |
| Mid City Gym & Tanning | 4.2 | $164–$299 for packages | Bodybuilding, Personal Training, Tanning | 345 W 42nd St, NYC | ❌ |
| Oculus Fitness | 4.9 | $225–$300/month | HIIT, Strength & Functional Training | 151 William St, NYC | ❌ |
| GYM NYC | 4.5 | Contact Gym | Old-School Bodybuilding, Personal Training | 227 Mulberry St, NYC | ❌ |
| Absolute Power Fitness | 4.5 | $50.96/month | Strength Training, Powerlifting | 750 Grand St, Brooklyn | ❌ |
| Powerhouse Gym LIC | 4.6 | $59.99–$79.99/month | Bodybuilding, Cardio, Functional Training | 3030 Northern Blvd, Queens | ❌ |
| Trooper Fitness | 5.0 | $50–$100/month | Military-Style HIIT, Strength Circuits | 226 E 54th St, NYC | ❌ |
| Maik Wiedenbach Personal Training | 4.9 | $85/session or $99/month gym | Personalized Bodybuilding Coaching | 139 E 57th St, NYC | ❌ |
| Blink Fitness Murray Hill | 4.0 | $10–$24.99/month | General Fitness, Budget Training | 600 3rd Ave, NYC | ✅ |
🔥 Final Thoughts
No matter your bodybuilding level — beginner, intermediate, or pro — New York City has a perfect gym to fit your training goals, atmosphere preferences, and community needs.
From heavy iron to high-end services, these top 10 bodybuilding gyms are the places where legends are made!
FAQs
What is the best gym for bodybuilding in New York City?
CompleteBody 19th Street and Murder Of Crows Barbell and Fitness are considered among the best gyms for bodybuilding in NYC, offering advanced weightlifting equipment, elite coaching, and a serious training atmosphere.
Which gym in New York City has the best strength training equipment?
Murder Of Crows Barbell and Absolute Power Fitness stand out for their professional-grade barbells, squat racks, deadlift platforms, and strongman equipment.
Are there any gyms in NYC open 24/7 for bodybuilders?
Blink Fitness Murray Hill offers 24/7 access, but for true hardcore bodybuilding, most specialized gyms like CompleteBody and Powerhouse Gym have set hours.
How much does a bodybuilding gym membership cost in New York?
Bodybuilding gym memberships in NYC typically range between $50 to $300 per month depending on the gym’s amenities, location, and whether personal training is included.
Is there a powerlifting-focused gym in New York?
Yes, Murder Of Crows Barbell is highly specialized for powerlifting athletes and those who want to focus on serious strength gains.
Which NYC gym is best for beginners who want to start bodybuilding?
GYM NYC and Blink Fitness are affordable and beginner-friendly, making them good starting points before moving into more specialized bodybuilding gyms.
Does CompleteBody 19th Street have personal trainers for bodybuilding?
Yes, CompleteBody 19th Street offers experienced personal trainers specializing in bodybuilding, physique transformation, and strength conditioning.
Are there bodybuilding gyms in Brooklyn?
Yes, Brooklyn hosts top spots like Murder Of Crows Barbell, Absolute Power Fitness, and parts of Powerhouse Gym LIC that are fantastic for bodybuilding.
What’s special about Powerhouse Gym Long Island City?
Powerhouse Gym LIC offers a hardcore iron environment with everything from free weights and barbells to cardio zones, yoga, and steam rooms, catering to both bodybuilders and athletes.
Can I get bodybuilding coaching in Manhattan?
Yes, Maik Wiedenbach Personal Training offers private coaching tailored specifically for bodybuilding goals, including contest prep, strength programs, and nutrition.
What gym is best for advanced bodybuilders in NYC?
Advanced bodybuilders often prefer CompleteBody 19th Street, Murder Of Crows Barbell, or Powerhouse Gym LIC because of their equipment variety and intense atmosphere.
Where can I do strongman training in New York?
Murder Of Crows Barbell offers specialized strongman equipment such as yokes, farmer’s carries, atlas stones, and log presses.
Is Blink Fitness good for serious bodybuilders?
Blink Fitness is better suited for general fitness enthusiasts. Serious bodybuilders often need heavier dumbbells and specialized equipment found at Powerhouse Gym or Mid City Gym.
What gym has the cheapest bodybuilding membership in New York?
Planet Fitness and Blink Fitness have the cheapest memberships, but for real bodybuilding-focused gyms, Mid City Gym offers affordable packages with access to heavyweights.
Can beginners do bodybuilding at Trooper Fitness?
Yes! Trooper Fitness’s functional strength and circuit-style training are perfect for beginners building endurance, mobility, and initial muscle development before hardcore bodybuilding.