CrossFit hit the workout scene hard a few years ago and has only continued to expand in popularity ever since.

Like many growing fitness trends, it’s showcased by very fit people, and prices to join a location or to work with a trainer can be outside the average budget.

Amid all of that CrossFit BQE stands out.

The Bushwick location’s full name is “CrossFit Built Quick and Explosive” and it’s right by the Wilson Avenue stop of the L train. Co-owner Alvaro Pena says that he and his partners opened this particular location with race, body and economic inclusivity in mind.

“There really weren’t that many CrossFits in low-income neighborhoods. When we opened up, we came out with a super low rate and we wanted people to come in and give it a try,” said Pena. “We studied the demographics and the income of the neighborhood. It was taking a bit of a risk, but we wanted to make it accessible.”

Alvaro and his partners Jose Colon, Manuel Duran, and Shaun Campbell opened up shop in the summer of 2016.

They offer discount prices for new customers who sign up for several months, such as for their three month package, six month package or 12 month package.

The team didn’t just take budget into consideration when opening shop, as the multifaceted men they all are, they understood their members needed a gym that could be flexible to accommodate their different lifestyles.

“An issue with some members that are parents, they’re juggling a lot of things,” Pena said. “We’re dog friendly and kid friendly.”

The co-owners also want to make sure that anyone who isn’t acquainted with CrossFit or fitness in general would feel comfortable.

Clients are able to work one-on-one with someone that’s trained to make sure they’re in the proper form, and their exercise programs are targeted to help conditioning, endurance, recovery and stamina through barbell workouts.

The location also posts challenges and check-ins for people who do better working collaboratively.

“People also get to workout on their own using the ‘workout of the day.’ It lasts for an hour, it’s easy to learn and there’s people there to help out too,” said Pena. 

Pena and his team are also bilingual, and hope that their large and approachable facility will make Bushwick feel welcome to have fun while getting healthier.

CrossFit BQE is open seven days a week, Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. with Friday closing at 8:30 pm and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  In addition to their one hour coach lead general crossfit classes they also offer 30 minute high intensity interval training (H.I.I.T.) classes, as well as yoga.

All shapes and sizes are welcomed!

Photo courtesy of BQE‘s Instagram, Matt Hein & Rich Wade