★ 5

I’ve done just about every kind of group exercise and personal training out there, and I can say without hesitation that Morgan is unequivocally the best.

Working with him means getting a one-of-a-kind, completely tailored experience that you won’t find anywhere else. His approach to fitness is incredibly holistic and multifaceted — you never know what to expect, in the best way possible. One day you’re pushing sleds up and down the street, the next you’re boxing, wrestling, sprinting, or working with weights.

Morgan is deeply knowledgeable, and you always feel safe and supported under his guidance. As a woman, I especially appreciate that he integrates a basic level of self-defense into his training; something that has become truly empowering and confidence-building.

I cannot recommend Morgan enough. If you have the chance to train with him, take it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This review is LONG overdue because there is SO much to say about Morgan and Astoria Barbell Club. In short, Morgan is a 1-of-1 trainer and you should not think twice about working with him—it’s life changing!

If you care to keep reading, I have worked with Morgan for three years and he has seen me through many stages of life—from being in decent shape, to then working with him through pregnancy, then navigating the postpartum recovery with him. Morgan’s extensive technical expertise of the human body and numerous certifications in many forms of conditioning (martial arts, boxing, Olympic weightlifting, balance and posture, stretching, breath work, and the list goes on) makes every session different and meets you exactly where you are.

Morgan has an incredible ability to connect with his clients on a personal level. He pushes you to your limits but in such a safe and encouraging way.

I cannot recommend Morgan enough. He’s truly a gem, and working with him has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health and fitness.

I would recommend any one, of any age, at any fitness level, to check him out!

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend Morgan if you are looking for a knowledgeable professional who motivates and pushes you to achieve your full potential. A great coach and mentor.

Source: Google

★ 5

Today was my first time trying this gym and I am super impressed with Morgan’s training. I feel that I was able to learn more about the exercises and the feedback/technique he gives is extremely helpful. He is absolutely amazing and I will recommend him to everyone. I will definitely be coming back! :)

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend Morgan to anyone looking to learn Olympic Weightlifting. His coaching helped me develop a deeper understanding of the correct technique and significantly improve my form. Morgan is a patient and attentive teacher who prioritizes mastering the fundamentals before progressing to heavier lifts. His thoughtfully designed workouts blend strength, endurance, and agility, ensuring steady progress while keeping safety and injury prevention at the forefront.

Source: Google

★ 5

Went for Muy Thai, great coach. Learned a lot for a first session and kept it simple to build off for future sessions

Source: Google

★ 5

It's worth every penny! Morgan knows his stuff, he is meticulous, professional, and friendly. I look forward to those sessions with him every week. I highly recommend his services for your fitness goals!

Source: Google

★ 5

There are not many weightlifting places around here that will teach you how to move. Morgan sees your body and understands science behind movement. You can be a beginner or someone who just wants to get your workout in, he will make it work.

Source: Google

★ 5

Morgan is incredibly knowledgeable about movement, believes that his clients can do great things, and knows how to push me to my limits while keeping me healthy and injury-free. He understands the importance of prehab and consistently challenges my weaknesses. Ever since I started working with him a couple of months ago to learn Olympic weightlifting, I’ve not only developed better lifting technique, but also become a more well-rounded athlete than I ever have been in the past, even completely recovering from a shoulder injury with his help.

Source: Google

★ 5

Morgan an amazing trainer that helps out to reach your goal any way possible. He's very attentive, and focuses on what you want to do to reach your goal. He's very supportive when it comes to his session where he pushes you to do more because he knows we can do it. It's like he told me "Be ready to fail, failure always leads to improvements." After coming here almost a full year my confidence has risen and always learning on how to improve myself when it comes to weights or any type of form we practice on.

Morgan is outstanding and ensures that he targets your goals and make any types of adjustments. Even if you have an injury he will take time to focus on targeting that injury as rehab to reduce the pain. He will take his time to introduce you the basics of lifting before you actually put weight on it. He focuses on you and what you want to accomplish. At the end of my sessions I always feel accomplished and very satisficed as I give it my all and work for a better version for myself.

Source: Google

★ 5

After having a few injuries I was hesitant to start working out again. I gained a lot of weight and it was challenging to get back into a routine.

Source: Google

★ 5

Morgan knows his stuff. Every session involves exercises that complement the previous session's exercises, but it's not necessarily the same thing each time. He really pays attention to every limb's angles and positioning, and which muscles are being engaged and when. He is very good about making sure you don't cheat, which I am grateful for 99% of the time. Morgan does a great job of keeping things real and not sugarcoating them, while at the same time maintaining a positive outlook on what he expects and what you should expect from yourself. Hard for me to picture not relying on Morgan.

Source: Google

★ 5

After having a few injuries I was hesitant to start working out again. I gained a lot of weight and it was challenging to get back into a routine.
I’m so glad I chose Morgan to navigate me through beginning my physical fitness again. He is truly the best! Super knowledgeable, professional and attentive. He understands the body and movement in ways that very few trainers do. I appreciate his presence and the ways he meets me where I’m at but gives a gentle push, just enough to challenge me in the ways that are needed. I highly recommend Morgan.

Source: Google

★ 5

I can't say enough good things about Astoria Barbell Club and the owner Morgan. The workouts provided by Morgan are simply amazing! Since I started training with him, I have seen remarkable improvements in my strength and overall fitness. Morgan has been a game-changer for me.

What sets Morgan apart is his ability to create well-rounded workouts that encompass strength, agility, and endurance. He incorporates a variety of exercises and techniques, keeping each session fresh and exciting. I appreciate how he pushes me to my limits while always ensuring that I don't go beyond what I'm capable of. Morgan's approach strikes the perfect balance between challenging and safe. He also takes the time to provide rehabilitation when a change of pace is necessary.

Not only is Morgan an incredible trainer, but he is also a genuine and supportive person. He takes the time to understand my goals and tailors each workout to suit my needs. His expertise and passion for fitness shine through in every session. I feel motivated and inspired every time I work with him.

I wholeheartedly recommend Morgan to anyone seeking a top-notch training experience

Source: Google

★ 5

I was totally new to the sports of Olympic weightlifting last fall and was looking for a place to learn it. Fortunately, I found this place. Morgan is very experienced and professional in Olympic weightlifting. More importantly, he is excellent at coaching. Morgan can break down those complicated things into multiple parts to help me better understand and progress step by step. This is what matters most to me because even when a coach is good himself/herself, it won't help at all if he/she doesn't know how to guide you to learn.
Besides, I hurt my lower back as I trained in another place. Morgan also has good knowledge of rehab training and help me recover. Now my lower back is good and I'm able to hit some heavy weights again, but Morgan still constantly checks with me to make sure I won't hurt my lower back again.
Definitely recommend this place for Olympic weightlifting and rehab training. Also dm Morgan for Muay Thai, boxing, or just personal training in general.

Source: Google

★ 5

Can’t beat this gym

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is great. Morgan, the owner/trainer, is the real deal. He is super knowledgeable and has been able to help me on multiple fronts. The space is welcoming--good place to try if you want to learn new stuff, to change up your routine, or to fix problems. Definitely 5 stars.

Source: Google

★ 5

When I first started coming to train at Astoria Barbell under Morgan (coach/owner) I had no prior knowledge to CrossFit or Olympic weighting but he slowly implemented these techniques and such into the workout sessions I was doing including strength and conditioning. Morgan pushes you to your limits in a good way and you see improvement in yourself and when it comes to the workouts to reach your goals or what you want to improve on. There’s no better coach to train under like Morgan since he plans out what workouts would be best for you if you want to do Olympic weightlifting or have better conditioning in sports. Definitely a place I would recommend to someone if they want to see a change in their fitness goals and such!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing coach and place to take your conditioning to the next level. Morgan is a great coach, knowledgeable and really nice guy. He pushes me forward to get better physically, mentally and achieve my goals as an athlete, every session is great, super recommended!

Source: Google

★ 5

Highly, highly recommend for anyone who wants to get in serious shape. As a combat sport athlete I wouldn’t want to train anywhere else. Morgan puts me through the best workouts I’ve ever done and mixes it up constantly. I’ve never done the same routine twice and I’ve been working out with him for 2 years now. Supplementing my MMA training with the strength and agility work at Astoria Barbell Club has undoubtedly helped me win 2 Bantamweight Titles, and we are just getting started!

Source: Google

★ 5

Transformed my body and my understanding of fitness. Morgan is a phenomenal trainer that infuses nutrition advice, with flexibility, strength and speed. He customized my routine with my various goals from triathlon, to weight loss, to general fitness. I wish I could go more.

Source: Google

★ 5

I met Morgan because his gym is right next door to my work. Immediately I was impressed by his physique.. he obviously knows human anatomy. Before I met Morgan, I didn’t take fitness seriously, but I knew I wanted to have similar physique. It’s been about three years working out with Morgan and I’ve grown so much in knowledge and in health!! That also speaks to his ability to keep you motivated because the journey probably won’t be easy!! But honestly the best compliment I can give is the fact that I’ve been pushed and pushed to get stronger and I’ve not experienced any injuries!!! That’s his knowledge and detail to technique at play!!! He also keeps the gym very clean..(very important thru these Covid times) wipe down before you start and wipe down after you’re done.

Source: Google

★ 5

When I first joined Astoria Barbell Club, Morgan (coach and owner) said to me “you have to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable”. Since joining, I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone and to believe in myself. I am able to perform workouts, lifts, movements, etc. that I never thought would be possible but most importantly I’ve noticed a drastic change in my energy levels, mood, and overall health. The workouts are extremely fun/challenging and due to Morgan’s extensive knowledge / qualifications, they are extremely diverse. They include CrossFit, Muay Thai, Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, etc. I highly recommend joining Astoria Barbell Club, Morgan will change your life! He is extremely committed to helping you reach your goals, he always gives positive feedback on how you are performing and how you can improve, he is extremely patient, and always answers any questions or concerns you may have. Have fitness goals? Let Morgan help you; you will not regret it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing gym and an amazing trainer! Morgan (trainer/owner) is fantastic! Constantly keeping the workouts diverse and meeting the clients goals. He pushes you to the best of your ability and keeps you coming back for more! The gym has tons of equipment options that will meet everyones needs whether its olympic lifting, crossfit, functional training, muay thai, boxing and much more! Highly recommend to come see Morgan when you visit Astoria Barbell Club!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a great gym!! Morgan the owner/trainer is amazing!! He will definitely make you reach your fitness goals. In just a couple of months my body had drastically changed for the better!! If you are willing to put in the work and get in the best shape you have ever been then this is definitely the place to get it done!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym and atmosphere. Morgan really know what he is doing when it comes to training and it really shows - you will learn great technique and have an amazing workout.

Source: Google

★ 5

Astoria Barbell Club has a great gym community! It’s not just a gym but a place where you feel like a part of a family. Morgan (the owner and trainer) is super knowledgeable and keeps the workouts diverse and interesting. You will get a great workout, you will not regret it!

Source: Google

★ 5

I first met the owner, Morgan Chen, when he was a personal trainer at NYSC and then followed him when he started his own club. I appreciate how he carefully adapts his training style to each person’s individual needs and abilities. He facilitates a supportive environment in his gym -- there is none of the intimidation factor when he teaches how to deadlift heavy weights. When I broke my foot on vacation, he even developed a specific training program for me where I could still exercise without further injury. And he’s advised me on how to exercise when on business trips with limited equipment. Whether you are interested in strength training, improving some specific skill or just want to learn something new, his gym can meet your needs.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is not your average gym, it's an intimate space where everyone must check their egos at the door. From Kickboxing, Crossfit, Muay Thai, to Weight Training... There are no two training sessions the same.

Morgan will absolutely get you in the best shape of your life. He continuously pushed me mentally and physically, which in return gave me the confidence I lacked. Thank you Morgan for seeing the real me, even when I didn't. If you are ready to start your fitness journey, look no further. This is the real deal.

Source: Google

★ 5

Morgan Chen is one of the most amazing-fitness- Muai Thai coach/trainer you can have. He reaches your goals and knows what your body can become. He is outstanding!

Source: Google

★ 5

Fitness is not just about physical performance and aesthetics. It’s about the journey, commitment, and relentless search for what’s good in you. Morgan (owner and coach) has a unique approach the blends in physical therapy, strength conditioning, and personal goals. It is hard to find a coach that understands what you want and also gives you what you need. Morgan’s gym is a space that tailors to your needs and wants. The equipment is varied, from freestanding racks, bench, helix bar, assault bike, rower, d-balls, sled, etc. No workout is the same and you’re constantly being pushed outside your comfort zone, until it passes and it’s no longer something you struggle with. Astoria barbell club is a friendly and positive atmosphere.

Source: Google

★ 5

Morgan Chen is one of best coach in NYC for fitness and athlete training . He trains each individual by understanding person skill level and continuously upscale performance level. His skills are exceptional in Muai Thai , CrossFit, functional training and Olympic Lifting. He gave me confidence to look like in positive manner through his training . Especially for kids he is ideal mentor in NYC.

Source: Google

★ 5

Morgan Chen at Astoria Barbelll Club will not only help you reach your fitness goals but he will supersede them. He will make you feel stronger than you ever felt and help you become the fittest you’ve ever been. Morgan is the BEST coach I’ve ever had. He always believed in me, pushed me, and helped me be both a better athlete and person. I will always be in-depth to him. If you’re looking for a fitness coach who will transform your life, reach out to Morgan at Astoria Barbell Club...you won’t regret it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Clean and well equipped facility run by a great professional trainer ( Morgan Chen) He offers customized training programs that fit everyone’s needs and fitness goals.

Source: Google