Pure Strength NYC

I found Pure Strength through Class Pass and quickly became hooked. On my first day, the placard out front read «funny guys, serious training» — and I couldn’t think of a better description. Jon and Carmine know SO MUCH and are ruthless about form… all while cracking jokes about Star Wars, unicorns, and each other. I very much found the community and support I’ve been looking for… and a series of classes that I look forward to even though I know my butt the will be thoroughly kicked.

I love the classes here!
As a class hopper on ClassPass, I’m glad that I tried this place and now I come almost every week! When I first came here, because it is an MMA studio, I thought to myself «ahhh this is too masculine for me, I’ll look ridiculous working out among big guys…» But I’m so glad that I stayed!
First time I’ve tried a Pure Metabolic class, and it was great. Jon and Carmine were very patient with us and correct our forms when doing dead lifts. I hurt my back when I first tried deadlifts a few months before taking this class, and had decided never do them again. If I didn’t come to Pure Strength, I probably will never attempt deadlifts again.
Then I tried Pure Kettlebell, Pure Strength, Pure Pump and Pure Bunz’ n’ Gunz’ — and they make me woke up the next morning and pleasantly sore everywhere!

Best. People. EVER! Jon and Carmine are always super friendly and I’ve enjoyed becoming friends with the other «regulars.» This gym is a great combo of fun and GET-​THOSE-​KNEES-​UP! (Example: sweat-​angel contests.)
The small group classes are awesome: there’s a variety to choose from, and each one can be adapted to different levels of challenge or injury-​accommodation. Always enough new stuff that a class will never get stale or boring. The one-​on-​one sessions are amazing as well, and Jon can diagnose an injury in 30 seconds flat (plus tell you how to fix it). Looking forward to the new summer outdoor classes!

I took an Animal class with Carmine. I have a weak core but I was able to relatively keep up. The class is intense but provides a good work out. I would definitely do it again!

I took a kettle bell class this morning with Jon Stock. I happened to be the only person in the class — it was my lucky day. I’ve been dealing with a few injuries for the past three years. Jon took the time to work with me individually at my level. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, actually taught me how to breathe correctly for possibly the first time in my life and gave him insights on my body that were scarily accurate He also offered some ideas and solutions that I have not come up with in the three years I’ve spent seeing all the top PTs and Dr’s in NYC. I walked out of there feeling so much better, could actually walk better and with much less pain and could feel certain muscles already that I’d probably been neglecting for years.
Jon does a fabulous job of working at the level of his client, gives commendation readily and creates a very positive atmosphere. I have no doubt he could challenge higher level athletes as well, but definitely brings the mind /​knowledge aspect to the table as well.

Jon Stock. Jon Stock. Jon Stock.
By far one of the most dedicated trainers I have ever met. He believes in his method, but more importantly is truly invested in your fitness, health, well being and happiness.
I walked into his studio as a curious kettle bell seeker, but I walked out of there a zealot that will tell 100 people about the individualized approach.

This was a great choice for someone stuck in bed on a Saturday. I took a Pure Kettlebell class with Jon. And then a Pure Animal class with Carmine.
Location:
The operation is located inside of a MMA studio in the Park Slope/​Boreum Hill neighborhood, what this means is that you have absolutely no excuse not to get there. It is about 3 – 4 blocks from atlantic center mall, the F train isn’t far and there is plenty of parking space in the area.
The space is super clean and tidy. There is a place for everything and everything is in its place. I witnessed first hand the amazing habit like precision that Jon and especially Carmine had with all of the equipment. As someone who has classpass I see a lot of places and have been to gyms and studios that have a dedicated team that isnt as quick. Carmine was so smooth with it, he had two conversations going at once while organizing and doing pull ups. He made it look zen…
Pure Kettlebell:
After having a not so fun first time in another unrelated training situation, I was a little apprehensive about taking this class, but as a runner I have been reading up on the benefits and just took a shot. I was not disappointed. Jon has to be the sweetest instructor. He keeps you moving and his contagious smile makes suffering (a choice i made to push myself up a level) very pleasant. He encouraged us to push ourselves but to know go to the extreme to cause injuries. Class was challenging and he worked out with us. He also gave personal attention to those who felt unsure.
He kept it light even while working with heavy metal objects… Superstar. Oh did I mention he was not a bad looker. ;)
PURE ANIMAL:
So this class is based on the teachings of a specific type of yoga that uses our basic movements that are under utilized. Carmine is tall dark handsome and serious in appearance, but friendly, funny and knowledgeable. Since I took the Kettlebell class and had to wait I was kind of lingering around between classes and he went into detail about the workout and then neutralized any potential fear or nerves I had. When class started it didn’t stop till it was over. He encouraged us to be challenged. I have a weak core and sometimes fail to push myself past being uncomfortable. He kept mixing things up at such a pace where I was not exhausted and I felt myself get stronger on second sets. He is amazing. If you want a guided challenge TAKE THIS CLASS.
Both these men are starting a movement, and it is phenomenal !

This program is by far the best one I have come across and I have been going from one gym to another over the past 9 years or so. They have so many classes to offer and I’m constantly learning new things about my body ! It’s not the typical bodybuilding /​loose weight approach but their programs will get you in the best shape you have ever been in.

I trained with Jon about a year ago.
He’s extremely professional and knowledgeable about human physiology, exercise, and nutrition.
Unfortunately I moved out of state and can’t train with him any longer, but I highly recommend his services to other people.

I hate the gym. Yet constantly bug John for times. The training is awesome — catered to the weakest link in the small class (usually me) but a damn good sweaty time. Knowledgeable trainers and a really nice space. Go go go!

Working with Jon is amazing! I’ve been recovering from a knee-​ankle-​hip injury (it’s complicated), and training with Jon has got me feeling better than I did even before the problem came up. Every session is different and he keeps me on my toes in the best way possible. I highly recommend pure strength!

I’ve been working with Jon for a few months now and can really tell the difference. For me this is an indulgence that’s well worth every penny. Gyms bore me (I just stop going!) and it’s hard to find the motivation to do it yourself at home.
Very knowledgable about human movement and constantly provides insights into why I am getting the results I am and how to build upon them.
Keeps me coming back!