★ 5

For decades I’ve struggled finding a workout and a gym I would stick to and enjoy. I truly enjoy working out at and going to Devilfish. Naomi and Andrea are knowledgeable and fun to work with. At 40 years old, I am the strongest I have ever been. In addition, the other people who joined Devilfish- we are of all ages. At all different ability levels. Everyone has been kind and welcoming.

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome place

Source: Google

★ 5

I came to Devilfish Athletics after years of struggling to stay consistent with fitness. As a good (but not great) high school athlete who didn’t continue into college, I spent most of my 20s and early 30s trying (and failing) to get back into my “peak shape” on my own--usually ending up in a cycle of injury, lost motivation, long stretches of inactivity, and then poor performance as I tried to rush back. Training here has completely changed that. The coaches (Andrea and Naomi, you two are amazing) have helped me build strength in a steady, sustainable way. When I’ve had small injuries, they’ve coached me through recovery without losing momentum. I’ve now been coming twice a week for a year, which is easily the most consistent I’ve been in my adult life.

What makes Devilfish unique is the training model. It’s not an “open gym” and it’s not a group fitness studio where everyone does the same workout. Though there are the occasional classes you can opt into and some 1:1 private training options, the standard experience is semi-private training, where you and 2-3 others share the gym at the same time, but each person follows their own personalized program written by the coaches (with input from you to align with your goals and interests).

Each “day” you train has its own set of exercises, which you repeat for 4-6 weeks or so. This gives you time to build familiarity and confidence with the movements, while also seeing progress through added weight, extra reps, or another layer of difficulty. If you train twice a week, you’ll have two programs that alternate; if you train once a week, you’ll have one program; etc. Every session is scheduled and every session coached, so you always have dedicated attention and support on form, pacing, and progression.

The programming is kettlebell-, dumbbell-, and bodyweight-based, with some boxing bags, resistance work, and medicine balls (among other things) for variety; no treadmills, rowers, or ellipticals, if you're wondering. It’s structured, challenging, and safe: you just show up, trust the process, and put in the work.

The gym itself is welcoming and low-key, located on a quiet, family-friendly block in the Columbia Street Waterfront neighborhood (super convenient for Red Hook and Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn). The space is clean and well-organized, and the vibe is focused but supportive: you can expect some casual chat with Andrea and Naomi and your other gym-goers before, during, and after your session. As someone who lives nearby with young kids, the combination of a set schedule (for planning and coordination) and proximity to home (out the door and back within 75 minutes) has made it possible to stay disciplined with minimal extra effort.

If you’re looking for a Brooklyn strength training gym that offers expert coaching, sustainable programming, and a supportive community--without the chaos of big-box gyms or cookie-cutter classes--Devilfish is it. You can truly start from anywhere here; there’s no prerequisite level of fitness required.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is fantastic! The training is awesome, they do a great job of holding you accountable and keeping you safe while you're exercising. I most like how many class times they have and how they work with my schedule.

Source: Google

★ 1

Not a safe space for women.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Devilfish feels like much more than a gym. The whole team cares about my personal journey and I've never felt pushed beyond my capabilities. Rather I've been pushed to examine what I can do and take it only as far as I feel comfortable. I often surprise myself with how far I've come! They listen to each individual and craft training programs around each person's needs. In my case I'm a runner so in addition to general conditioning we've worked on flexibility, toning of specific muscles, and also core work outside of what I'm conditioning with running.

My favorite part of the experience though is the positive environment. There is no sense of competition, it's all about cheering for each individual whether they're just starting out in their fitness journey or training for their next big thing it's a completely inclusive, empathetic, and fun environment. I want to be there and when I leave I always feel better than when I walked in the door.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is an amazing gym! The best technique instruction, amazingly paced for all levels, and super cool vibes.

The owners of the gym were very established fighters and have led a thorough yet diverse athletic journey. They have tailored their curriculum to teach real fitness to real people, and will meet you anywhere you are. I have personally done their strength training and personal training programs and not only have I seen amazing results, but more importantly, their instruction has enabled me to independently do weight lifting/kettle bells/body weight exercises. Not to mention, the coaches and community are super nice and supportive!

Source: Google

★ 5

Naomi and Andrea are wonderful instructors! I've been going to one strength training class and two boxing classes each week since the beginning of the year – this is the longest I've ever stuck to any type of workout program. I'm stronger, have naturally been more mindful of my nutrition, and feel healthier overall. I also have to note that the classes are fun (+challenging) and, most importantly, I've never felt out of place despite not being the "fitness" type. I can't speak highly enough of Devilfish – it's that good.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've played sports my whole life, including as a Division 3 college athlete. I have aches and pains and certain movement restrictions that have kept me out of the gym for a long time. Until I found Devilfish Athletics. Their individualized approach and hands-on coaching has me feeling the best I've felt in decades, and I'm in great shape to boot. Would highly recommend this gym to anyone looking for strength training coaching, especially if you've any sports- or age-related aches, pains, or injuries.

Source: Google

★ 5

Andrea & Naomi are an incredible team and have made a huge impact on fitness & wellness. The classes & 1:1 sessions with them helped me to make a joyful connection to exercising. They each have a unique approach to help reach your goals and they truly meet you where you are in your fitness level so you can develop healthy habits & skills. AND they have created a gym that is a community of amazing people. I only wish I had found them earlier in my life!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Both Naomi and Andrea have a wealth of knowledge and experience that makes training with them a joy. I started training Muay Thai with Naomi more than 6 years ago and I still learn so much from her every time I train. Devilfish is also a one stop shop where I get to supplement my Muay Thai with strength and mobility training.
Devilfish Athletics is a fantastic space and community with classes and coaching that's great for all levels. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great class great instructors!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Naomi and Andrea are incredible coaches, and Devilfish is a great place to learn Muay Thai. Incredibly welcoming atmosphere, small classes and a supportive community make this gym a unique place to learn martial arts. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I can't say enough about how positive my experience has been training at Devilfish. Naomi and Andrea are highly skilled and knowledgeable, but what really blew me away is the friendly community they've been able to create.
Training was always the highlight of my day and never once felt like exercise. Muay Thai is an incredible way to get in shape and connect with your body. Not to mention learning a bit of self-defense. Though plenty intense, these classes are not at all intimidating or aggressive as you might picture. Everyone is just working hard and helping each other to improve.
I'll also add class sizes tend to be small so you get good personal attention and never feel cramped.
If you're considering taking a class, just sign up for the beginner and I guarantee you'll be back!

Source: Google

★ 5

You won't find a better place to train in Muay Thai. Naomi and Andrea will definitely push you to your max, but in a safe and efficient manner.

Source: Google

★ 5

I took my first class and I will be a regular. Owners are amazing and super supportive.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Warm, open, friendly and inviting atmosphere. With keen eyes and to-the-point instruction. It’s been a great experience for someone getting back into regular exercise (and any sort of kick-boxing / stand-up). I can thoroughly recommend dropping by for any adults (and your little ones based on one four year old’s review).

Lucky to have it in the neighborhood!

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful place! Great lessons and good vibes

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym for women who are shy and introverted but want to build confidence and strength in their daily routines. I have an incredibly timid character but the vibe at Devilfish Athletics makes me feel so much at ease. Staff are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. I punch my anxieties away after a session. A definite reprieve from the city.

Source: Google

★ 5

Can't speak highly enough of head coach Naomi, had the pleasure of working with her over the past few years at a couple different spots and most recently her own venture Devilfish Athletics. Great facility and without a doubt thee place to train Muay Thai in the Carroll Gardens/South Brooklyn area. Naomi got me in the best shape I've been in and is a thoughtful, intuitive coach who knows how to bring the best out of all her students regardless of their goals.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've trained strength and Muay Thai with Naomi -- the gym owner -- for years. She's an incredible coach and has a wealth of knowledge in experience in strength and martial arts. She's gotten me fitter, faster, stronger despite many injuries and a crazy work schedule. Devilfish is a fantastic space and the classes are suitable for all levels; I highly recommend it!

Source: Google

★ 5

I trained with Naomi for years (and still do whenever I make it out to Bklyn). Naomi has an extraordinary ability to coach newcomers to experienced fighters in a way that brings the best out of all of her students. I went from being "someone who took a lot of Muay Thai classes" to a competitor, because of her support and incredible coaching. So excited for Devilfish Athletics to take over Brooklyn!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have trained with coach Naomi for about 3 years and can’t say enough good things about her. She’s an amazing instructor with a lot of experience in Muay Thai, having coached people from all backgrounds from fighters to total beginners. She is also a strength and conditioning coach and a certified trainer and has helped me and many other people get in the best shape possible. Devilfish Athletics is a great and clean facility with a lot of new equipment and I highly recommended coming here to train, whether you want to learn Muay Thai or just get in great shape!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the place to get in shape / learn Muay Thai! The owner and head coach, Naomi Cookson, helped me transform into the confident person I am today. She understands how to train women in particular and is cultivating a space that is intentionally welcoming to non-men and queer people. She is body positive, supports everyone’s unique process and exudes passion for strength training and Muay Thai. If you are looking for more than just a gym - a community, a safe space for growth, a space to cultivate self love, etc., I highly recommend checking out Devilfish.

Source: Google