New York studios where serious lifters actually want to train

You know the difference between a place that has weights and a place that’s built for lifting. So do we. We searched over 10,000 reviews across all strength-focused studios in New York – filtering specifically for members who talk about barbells, squats, deadlifts, kettlebells, and heavy weights – to find the studios where lifters keep coming back. Not because of flashy amenities, but because of the iron, the coaching, and the people next to them on the platform.

These are the seven New York studios where ClassPass members consistently describe real strength work: progressive loading, form corrections, and classes that leave you genuinely stronger.

What lifters look for in a New York studio

When we analyzed thousands of lifting-specific reviews from ClassPass members across New York, the same themes kept surfacing.

Coaching that goes beyond counting reps. The highest-rated lifting reviews consistently call out coaches who correct form mid-set, adjust programming to the individual, and know the difference between encouraging you and pushing you past your limits. Members want someone who spots the hitch in their deadlift, not someone who just tells them to go heavier.

Equipment and space that support compound lifts. Squat racks, barbells, kettlebells, and enough room to move – lifters care about the fundamentals. Reviews mentioning specific equipment like dumbbells, plates, and cable stacks were concentrated in studios averaging 4.9 stars or higher.

Programming that builds strength over time. Members gravitate toward studios offering structured strength work: controlled tempos, progressive loading, and classes designed around compound movements rather than random circuits. The most passionate reviews describe members tracking their progress over months and seeing real, measurable gains.

A community that shows up ready to work. Across the top-rated studios, reviewers repeatedly mention the energy in the room and the mix of experience levels training side by side. One member described their studio as offering “almost private training” alongside “a little community you get to be part of.”

Studios where New York lifters go

LIFTONIC

LIFTONIC in the East Village is purpose-built for lifting, and its 1,108 reviews at a 4.94 average rating reflect a community that takes strength training seriously. Members describe structured sessions with weights ranging from 15 to 50 pounds, resistance bands, and bench work – with classes organized by muscle group so you can target legs, glutes, upper body, or full-body training on different days. Coaches earn consistent praise for spot-on demonstrations, real-time form corrections, and programming that lets you scale weight up or down based on your level. Multiple members report measurable strength gains over months of consistent attendance.

“I’ve been coming to this class for over a year now. When I started I could barely do single-leg squats on the bench, and now I can power through them with a 20-pound weight. I am so much stronger now across the board.”

Rating: 4.94 (1,108 reviews)

Strength Society

Strength Society lives up to its name. With a 4.94 average across 723 reviews, this studio draws members who are serious about getting under the bar. The class structure – group warm-up, exercise demos, self-paced lifting, and cool-down – gives you the freedom to work at your own intensity while still getting individual attention on heavy lifts. Members describe well-equipped space with quality free weights and cable stacks, and the coaching consistently earns praise for form corrections and encouraging members to lift heavier when they’re ready.

“She will truly have you lifting something you never thought you ever could. If you stick with it, you will definitely see overall results.”

Rating: 4.94 (723 reviews)

MTHD by Us

MTHD by Us in Brooklyn has built a perfect 5.0 average rating across its lifting-related reviews, with 670 total reviews at a 4.98 overall average. The programming blends barbell work, TRX, and handheld weights into well-structured sessions that consistently challenge experienced lifters while remaining accessible to newcomers. Coaches here earn particular praise for close attention to form – members describe being reminded to keep wrists upright, elbows locked, and cores engaged throughout every movement. The space is welcoming without sacrificing intensity.

“The most empowering and inclusive instructor I have ever come across. Lifting weights felt less intimidating. I will definitely be back.”

Rating: 4.98 (670 reviews)

Trooper Fitness

Trooper Fitness has earned a reputation among New York lifters for classes that feel like semi-private coaching. With a 4.97 average across 859 reviews, the studio offers dedicated squat and bench classes alongside broader strength programming. Members describe coaches who know everyone by name, correct form across the room, and structure sessions so you can adjust weight up or down without falling behind. One reviewer noted that their orthopedist commented on how strong their quads had gotten – that is the kind of tangible progress members report here. The mix of beginners and regulars training side by side creates an encouraging atmosphere without watering down the intensity.

“Trooper has the best strength classes in the city. Great coaches with personalized attention, good for people new to weightlifting or experienced – there are always people of all levels in class.”

Rating: 4.97 (859 reviews)

Dungeons & Dragons Strength & Conditioning

Dungeons & Dragons Strength & Conditioning on the Upper East Side is the kind of studio members try to gatekeep. With a 4.98 average across 359 reviews, this intimate space delivers what one member called “almost private training that will get you strong efficiently and progressively.” The small class sizes mean individualized attention on every movement, and members consistently describe coaches who adapt exercises to match each person’s level while still pushing them to improve. Multiple reviewers report transformative results over three to six months, describing it as a space that changed how they view what their bodies can do.

“This place changed how I view exercise and what I didn’t know my body was capable of, especially with weights. I’m not the same person I was six months ago.”

Rating: 4.98 (359 reviews)

Impact Group Fitness

Impact Group Fitness in Jersey City brings strength training to life with a format that balances heavy lifting and conditioning. Across 2,355 reviews and a 4.91 average, members praise the studio for well-planned strength classes, clean facilities, and coaches who make weights-based training feel accessible without dumbing it down. Reviewers who normally find lifting intimidating describe feeling strong and capable by the end of class, while experienced members appreciate the circuit-style programming and dedicated strength sessions. The studio provides all necessary equipment – mats, weights, bands – so you can focus on the work.

“I was honestly shocked at how much I enjoyed this. I find weights-based classes really intimidating, but the instructor offered variations for every level. The environment was inclusive and I felt really strong and capable by the end of class.”

Rating: 4.91 (2,355 reviews)

Tabata Ultimate Fitness

Tabata Ultimate Fitness in Brooklyn pairs strength training with high-intensity interval structure, and its 3,406 reviews at a 4.98 average speak to a formula that works. Coaches here push members to go heavy while helping beginners refine their form, and the fast-paced circuit format keeps even seasoned lifters challenged. Members describe classes that hit muscle groups they do not usually target, with instructors who do the work right alongside them. The space is well-equipped, and the community skews toward people who show up ready to push their limits.

“The instructor pushed me to really try to go heavy and helped refine my moves. It was challenging, but you can modify for a beginner-friendly experience by adjusting weights.”

Rating: 4.98 (3,406 reviews)

Find your iron home in New York

Whether you’re chasing a new squat PR, looking for a coach who actually corrects your deadlift form, or just want a studio where the weights are not an afterthought, these seven New York studios have the equipment, coaching, and community to match. Every one of them is rated above 4.9 stars by ClassPass members who take their lifting seriously.

Explore strength training studios in New York on ClassPass and find the one that fits your training style.

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Studio changes vs. previous version

Data extraction method: SCORE_COMMENTS keyword search across all MSA_ID=1 venues (not limited to TOPS_IN_CITY). This surfaced studios like LIFTONIC (25 lifting-keyword matches), Strength Society (14), and MTHD by Us (16) that were missed in the previous TOPS_IN_CITY-only approach.