Let me start by saying that I have trained at a lot of a gyms. A LOT of gyms. Across the U.S. and abroad, time and time again, I have found myself on the road and in need of a training session. Bodybuilding has taken me around the world and seen me in countless gyms. Some of the gyms I’ve come across were good while others were not so good. Hell, if I’m going to be completely honest, an unfortunate majority of them were crap, some were good and a few were great. What makes a gym good or bad? Some gyms have great equipment but lack atmosphere. Others might have grit to spare and offer up tremendous motivation with 8×10 champions covering the walls, yet lack proper organization or well-functioning equipment. And still, I’ve been to gyms that don’t have any standout qualities and have still had an awesome workout. Oddly, some gyms are more than the sum of their parts. And of course, there are plenty of bad gyms out there. What makes a gym bad? That’s simple; if you don’t like training at a specific gym then that makes it bad! It’s like a t-shirt; the best t-shirt is the one you like wearing the most.

For me, my all-time favorite gym is The Montanari Bros. Powerhouse Gym in New Haven, CT. Now, before going any further, I have to be fair and tell you that this is my home gym. My time training here began before I ever stepped foot on a bodybuilding stage and long before I had trained in enough gyms to have much to compare it to. Oddly, even as a 23 year old visiting this gym for the first time back in 2005, I knew it was special. Does my belief that this gym is one of the absolute best in the world carry with it the possibility of some bias? Maybe. BUT (and I say this with absolute certainty) if you come and train at this gym, I have no doubt that you will feel as I do.

First, let me give you some background info about the gym. The gym is operated by the four Montanari Bros.; Richie, Jerry, Dino and Darin. Richie Montanari, an avid powerlifter at the time, started East Coast Power Gym in 1984 and after a few years of training in cramped quarters, decided that a bigger place with more equipment and room to train was needed. Opening the first Gold’s Gym in the state of Connecticut in 1987 was the result. Since then, the gym has been owned and operated by the Montanari Bros. and regarded as one of the best gyms both nationwide and throughout the world. The gym was opened in 1987 as a place that anyone interested in self-improvement could call home. Today, bodybuilders, powerlifters, athletes, men, women, old, young, big, small, blue-collar and white collar all come together to create the family atmosphere you find at this gym. In 2012, not wanting to commit to the recently developed “fitness club” ideals of corporate Gold’s Gym, the decision was made to franchise under Powerhouse Gym as a way to preserve and further the integrity of the gym. It’s great to be able to say that everything else has remained the same.

Please don’t misunderstand me; I’m not saying this gym is worth training at if you’re in the area. What I’m saying is that this gym is worth going out of your way for! Thinking about making a trip to New York City? Don’t bother. NYC tap water is overrated. Going to a clam bake in Maine? Skip it. Nobody wants to admit going to Maine for a clam bake. Do you live in Montana? Have a set of functioning legs? Good! It’s actually worth the walk. You can thank me later.

What I Love About This Gym:

• As soon as you walk through the doors you know you’re in the right place. Atmosphere in spades!
• The walls are riddled with photos of both professional and amateur athletes who have trained there.
• People! This is a big one for me. Some gyms are overflowing with bad attitudes. Here, everyone from the owners to the members and even those visiting for the day are friendly and accommodating. Everyone gets along. The tone is set by the Montanari Bros. They are there every day of the year seeing to it that everything functions as it should. In fact, the gym only closes one day a year and that’s New Year’s Day. These guys welcome anyone who wants to come and train. Respect rules here.
• Basic Equipment. This is another big one for me. First and foremost, it’s all about the quality of the basics; bars, plates, benches and racks. They have the best. Every bar in this gym is a MAC Barbell Texas Power Bar and not one of them is bent. Actually there is one York bar in the gym in addition to a bar dedicated to the monolift and a couple of safety squat bars. If there aren’t 30 Texas Power Bars in that gym there isn’t one. Plenty to go around. ALL plates are matching York plates…the older ones…not the new, shameful product made in China. And there are more 45s than you’ll ever have a need for. There must be over (100) 45 lb York plates in total. And yes, there are a bunch of 100 lb. York plates for the leg presses. Or for the ez-curl bar if you’re feeling lively. All racks and benches were hand made by old-timer Stephen DeWitt of Strength, Inc. and they’re as heavy duty as you’re going to find. Those benches are my personal favorite. As for the dumbbells, there are two sets; one set up to 150 lbs. and another set up to 200 lbs. And they’re the good American made dumbells that consist of multiple plates. There’s more weight in this place than you’ll ever have a need for. If you need more, I’d like to shake your hand. And buy you a protein shake. And then ask you to leave so you don’t make me look bad.
• Equipment Variety- As for the rest of the equipment, on average there must be 5 of everything. Whether chain driven, cable and pulley or plate loaded you will find versions of pieces that you have likely never seen. The gym is a virtual museum collection of some of the greatest pieces from companies like BodyMasters, Icarian, Flex, Nautilus, Nebula, TK Starr along with various custom built pieces.
• Organization and Functionality- In short, the place isn’t a clusterf*&$. There is plenty of room to train without tripping over equipment or fellow gym- goers. Furthermore, the owners do an incredible job at staying up to date with servicing everything to make sure that it not only functions properly but that it’s safe.
• Chalk is allowed. That’s always a plus. Besides, I think it says a little something about the enthusiasm of the Montanari Bros. Whenever I’m on the road, if a gym allows chalk, 9 times out of 10 it’s a good sign!

Basically, what I’m trying to tell you is that this is no Mickey Mouse gym. This is a real gym filled with great people, the best equipment and an atmosphere that inspires you to train. The Montanari Bros. have an undying love, not only for bodybuilding and training, but for people in general. They like anyone who comes through their doors with a goal of self-improvement. To feel welcomed, matters. At the end of the day, they must be doing something right. 30 years in the gym business is a long time. But going 30 years without faltering, without selling out and without doing what everyone else is doing is a rarity. But I guess that’s what people do when they love and believe in something. This gym is a must.

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