Basic Powerlifting Training — NYC-Boston commuter edition

September 10, 2016 10:17 AM

I'd like to get into a more regular schedule with weightlifting workouts—but I'm imminently moving from Copenhagen to split my time between New York and Boston. How do I do this? Looking for trainer/gym recommendations, especially:

I'm moving back to the US and will be doing 2 weeks in Boston, 2 in New York (repeat) for a while for work.

Where should I be looking (in both places) to try to get into a regular groove with powerlifting-type weight workouts, without spending a fortune, while only spending about 2 weeks at a time in either place? Ideally I'd like to do some fairly intensive work with a trainer 2-3 times per week (one on one or small group) over a few months to get off to a good start, and then could get into something more self-directed (and cheaper). I feel like doing something intensive in one place and then taking 2 weeks off in the other would be a pretty bad plan.

I can commit about $350/mo to this at the outset but would ideally be paying something like $100-200/mo eventually. I am an NYU alumna and will working as a researcher at MIT.

So—should I try NYU/MIT recreation? Try to do South Brooklyn Weightlifting Club in 2-week chunks and something else in Boston? Are there hidden gem black iron gyms in Somerville or Astoria or Southie or....?

background on me: My squat is my best lift but I'm pretty beginner/casual. Copenhagen is full of very nice personal trainers and many flavors and relatives of crossfit, which I've been doing intermittently for about 2 years. I am a lady and (besides liking powerlifting) not particularly athletic. So a trainer who's not going to be weird about me being a girl and kind of chubby, etc, would be great. I'll be living on the green line while in Boston, on the 7 while in New York

posted by zingiberene to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Many NYC Crossfit boxes have dedicated powerlifting clubs - that meet 2-4 times weekly - of varying quality. Go to the one nearest you and try it out, most have a $20-25/session pass rate.

I liked Crossfit Gantry in LIC - they have an AWESOME lady powerlifter coach called Dana Zilber.
posted by lalochezia at 10:31 AM on September 10, 2016

SBWC is awesome if you're looking for powerlifting. Crossfits can be good, but yeah, vary from egregiously bad to great.
posted by so fucking future at 11:29 AM on September 10, 2016

I've heard good things about InnerCity Weightlifting in Kendall Square. Haven't been myself but know some people who've done their corporate training programs who recommend them.
posted by profsnaggle at 11:43 AM on September 10, 2016

As an NYU alum, you can get access to the university gyms for a little over $500 for the entire academic year. Maybe not for your beginning phase, but for your self-sufficient one.
posted by praemunire at 1:46 PM on September 10, 2016

There is a chain of gyms across the northeast under the umbrella of https://www.mysportsclubs.com, but usually known by the local names (NY Sports Club, Boston Sports Club, etc.). You can buy memberships that cover the entire network for less than $100/month, if I read the web site correctly. Locations all over, and from the sound of your budget, you could probably work up some personal training on either end of your commute to help get you going.
posted by Sublimity at 7:36 PM on September 10, 2016

I am many of the things you describe above, and can't say enough good things about Rx Strength Training in Somerville - Michelle and Hannah's Strong and Weightlifting classes, specifically. Tons of women, huge variety of body shapes/sizes/fitness levels, diverse clientele, supportive environment. $125/month for unlimited classes and workouts. The "Fit" classes are more like cross fit. See you there!
posted by femmegrrr at 10:08 PM on September 10, 2016