CrossFit South Brooklyn: A Community-First Gym in NYC

CrossFit South Brooklyn Introduce

For many New Yorkers, a gym is more than just a place to work out; it’s a place to find community, support, and a sense of belonging. CrossFit South Brooklyn (CFSBK), located in the heart of Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood, embodies this philosophy perfectly. This isn’t just a gym; it’s a world-class training facility with a culture and community that sets it apart. The gym is built on the principles of professional coaching, an inclusive environment, and effective programming that works for everyone, regardless of their fitness level. From the moment you walk through the doors, you are greeted with a welcoming atmosphere where the staff and members are genuinely invested in your success. Whether you're a beginner just starting your fitness journey or an elite athlete looking to push your limits, CFSBK is a place where you can thrive. It is a testament to the fact that a gym can be a place of empowerment, where you can train hard, make friends, and feel a true sense of belonging.

CrossFit South Brooklyn is situated at 597 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Its location in the Gowanus neighborhood is convenient for residents and is easily accessible. The gym itself is a spacious facility, reportedly spanning over 11,200 square feet, which means there is plenty of room for both group classes and individual workouts. The gym’s commitment to accessibility is a key part of its ethos, as it features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that the facility is open to a wider range of community members.

CFSBK offers a comprehensive list of services, providing a well-rounded approach to fitness and wellness.

CrossFit Group Classes: The flagship program, CrossFit classes are guided by expert coaches and follow a well-designed workout of the day. They are structured to be challenging yet scalable, so everyone can participate and benefit from the workout, which blends functional movements with high intensity.
Specialized Group Classes: The gym offers a variety of specialized classes to cater to different needs and interests. These include "Short Circuit" for those who want a great workout without heavy barbell training, "Fit55+" for older adults, and "QueerTransStrength NYC" for the LGBTQ+ community. There is also a partnership with The Phoenix to provide a free class for those in recovery from substance abuse. This variety ensures that there is truly something for everyone.
Personal Training and Private Programs: For those who prefer a more individualized approach, CFSBK offers personal and semi-private training sessions. This allows you to work one-on-one with a coach to design a program that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Massage Therapy: Beyond traditional fitness, the gym also offers massage therapy. This service is designed to help with soft tissue issues, incorporating various techniques to aid in recovery and overall physical well-being. This is a crucial offering for anyone looking to optimize their performance and recovery.
Open Gym: For members who prefer to train on their own, the gym offers open gym hours throughout the day, providing access to its abundant, high-end equipment.

CrossFit South Brooklyn distinguishes itself with a number of features that have made it a favorite among New Yorkers.

Inclusive and Welcoming Community: CFSBK is a transgender safespace and LGBTQ+ friendly, and is proudly identified as a Latino-owned business. The gym's culture is rooted in inclusivity and respect, creating an environment where everyone feels safe and valued. Members and visitors alike praise the sense of camaraderie and support, with one review stating that the gym is a "special community that lifts people up."
Expert Coaching: The coaching staff is a major highlight. They are described as being "on another level" and "invested in your safety, success and growth as an athlete." Coaches don't just stand by; they actively interact with every member, providing personalized cues and support, and they get to know regular attendees so well they can help with modifications and offer encouragement based on past performance.
Thoughtful Programming: The workouts are meticulously planned to have a purpose, as noted by a member who found other gyms' workouts to be "random." This thoughtful approach ensures that every session contributes to your long-term fitness goals.
Well-Equipped and Spacious Facility: The large, well-maintained space is filled with high-end equipment, ensuring that members have everything they need for a great workout. This abundance of space and gear allows for an efficient and effective training session.
Strong Sense of Culture: The gym's culture is a major draw. From the staff who remember members' details to the overall positive and supportive atmosphere, CFSBK has built a unique and powerful community. A visitor from 2014 even noted that the staff and culture inspired them to open their own gym.

For those interested in joining this community or learning more, here is the contact information.

Address: 597 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

Phone: (718) 852-3725

For New Yorkers seeking a new gym, CrossFit South Brooklyn is an excellent choice for several compelling reasons. The most significant is the gym’s unwavering commitment to its community. It’s a place where you're not just a member; you're part of a family that is there to support your success. This sense of belonging is a powerful motivator and a key reason why members stay for years. The quality of coaching is also a major selling point. The coaches' dedication and expertise are second to none, and their personalized attention ensures that you are training safely and effectively. This is particularly valuable for those new to CrossFit or anyone looking to master complex movements. The diverse and inclusive environment, which welcomes all types of bodies, ages, and identities, makes it a rare and special place in the fitness world. The gym's programs, from specialized classes to massage therapy, show a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond just lifting weights. In a city with countless gyms, CFSBK offers a rare combination of top-tier professional instruction, a warm and welcoming community, and a truly effective approach to fitness. For a gym that will inspire you to train hard, make friends, and thrive, CrossFit South Brooklyn is undoubtedly the best choice for New Yorkers.

CrossFit South Brooklyn Services

Gym
Massage Therapy

CrossFit South Brooklyn Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Appointment required
Membership required

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

CrossFit South Brooklyn Photos

CrossFit South Brooklyn Location

CrossFit South Brooklyn

New York Kings County Gowanus Degraw Street

597 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

CrossFit South Brooklyn Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 147 user reviews.

communityprogrammingmaleequipmentbikesclassesflagsexecutionculturesuccess

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Since my very first time at CrossFit South Brooklyn — back in June 2014, I've been grateful to find this place. The experience as a whole and the small details that make this place one of the greatest gyms in the world.My first classes were with Mr. and Mrs. Fox and David Osorio. The question of the day, the order, the great programming, the neat execution of the class are some of the aspects I really enjoyed. However it falls short next to the location, culture and community that CFSBK has.It has been developed for years. They have answers for pretty much everything. I remember one morning I was lifting next to one of the coaches — super nice dude – and I mentioned I enjoy a good craft beer and he pointed me to a place in the neighbourhood, so yeah, they have answers for everything.The Skull [Jolly Roger], Yoda, the 2013 Open memorabilia and all the flags. Everyone is welcome at CFSBK. I met some great New Yorkers while training there every chance I’ve had while traveling. From photographers to chefs. The most awesome part is — the staff remains [almost] the same, and onm every trip i’ve seen David there.CFSBK is and will always be one of my favourite spots to train, they inspired me to open my own box.If you like to train, if you like great culture, a good time and nice people, this is your place. Regardless of your level. You can be starting your lifting / Crossfit era, or you can be elite athlete, this is a place where we all can thrive and i believe that's actually what they strive for. For you to thrive regardless of your level.Go, fall in love, train hard, make friends, buy merch and then tell the story. Come back as much as you like, their doors are always open. Literally — they hardly ever close.To the front desk lady back in 2014 that waited for me to get ready after a quick sesh because I was coming from a redeye flight and on my way to Vermont for an ultra-marathon: Thank you! You were the nicest — even took my picture outside the box. This memory sits on top of all the others at CFSBK.Hope I get to come back soon.Stay well!!!
April 30 · Juan Cho
I’m a 7 year member at CFSBK and cannot say enough good things about this gym. David O and his staff created an inclusive welcoming and supportive community that makes this gym special. Every coach is invested in your safety, success and growth as an athlete. Coaches don’t sit on their phones and keep time. Each coach makes sure to interact with every member every class with lifting or skills cues. Every coach gets to know regular attendees so well they can ask about injuries or other reasons to substitute or modify the workout. Coaches who know you’ve struggled with a skill or lift will take care to watch your workout to support your success.I knew I’d found my place and my people the first day I walked in. CFSBK is a special community that lifts people up. David does not tolerate any hint of exclusivity. He’s a model for how a box should look and run.Coach Erick talking me through a 180 lb back squat PR and a 65 lb snatch PR during the Open. Could not have done it without him. The absolute best.
May 12 · Cathy Kolcun
I cannot say enough about the community that has been created at this gym! the best place to make friends and improve your overall well being both mentally and physically. classes are always fun, welcoming, and educational. what an amazing supportive environment!
May 01 · Katherine Egan
This is my dream gym. I had dropped in from time to time over several years and recently joined full time after moving to the area. It really stands out in three areas: 1) The coaches are really expert and can unlock progress in a lift or movement with a few words. They're seriously on another level. 2) The space is so generous, and the equipment is abundant. It's all just thought through really well and reflects years of refining what a crossfit environment should be. 3) The community is incredibly vibrant and dedicated. They strike a rare balance of inspiring with their abilities and commitment while also being accepting. Can't recommend highly enough.
July 11 · Nathan Cooper
If you have the opportunity to be a part of this Fitness community, sign up immediately! I joined wanting to find community and I feel so comfortable in this space! David, the owner, is kind, open and so supportive! All of the coaches are rooting for your success! And this may or may not matter to some people, but the Gym is very inclusive – there are all types of bodies, women, respect to the LGBTQIA plus community, mothers, elderly, pets! Everything. Five stars! David has created something really special!
May 24 · A Scott