Bodybuilders from all over to the world have flocked to one gym in Long Island, New York for over 30 years to train and have their bodies judged, including Dwayne the Rock Johnson.
Hidden inside the back of a strip-mall in Soysset NY, Bev Francis PowerHouse Gym specializes in training bodybuilders for competition.
Husband and Wife team Bev Francis and Steve Weinberger have been running the gym since it opened in 1986.
Francis was an accomplished female bodybuilder and power-lifter in Australia.
Her record breaking lifts,including a 500 pound squat, 335 pound bench press, and 501 pound deadlift, earned her the title of strongest woman in the world from 1981 to 1990.
They wanted their gym to be a reflection of the hardcore training and success associated with Francis’ reputation.
“Me and Bev wanted a gym, We wanted to create a place where me and Bev would want to train something that we could use and pick all the equipment,” said Weinberger.
“I was always interested in fitness. Ever since I was a little kid” said Weinberger, adding that his interest in bodybuilding lead him to meeting Francis on the set of bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron 2.
The first thing you notice in Bev’s gym are the signed posters of famous bodybuilders and athletes including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jay Cutler and Larry Bird.
George Peterson III, a member of the gym and classic physique champion said the pictures make the gym feel like “ a living museum to the sport,” adding that “you get motivated as soon as you walk through the door, it’s nothing but legends all over.”
It’s not uncommon for Bev and Steve to personally interact with the members during workouts according to Peterson.
He recalls a moment in the gym in the weeks before a show where his low caloric intake had him feeling depleted.
“I wasn’t performing at my best and I had Steve come up to me and tell me ‘c’mon George you gotta get it’ and that’s what you need to finish your set sometimes,” he said.
Peterson also receives diet and posing critiques from Weinberger who is a Judge for both the International Federation of Bodybuilding and the National Physique Championship, the two biggest leagues for shows in bodybuilding.
He judges competitors in different divisions on certain criteria such as muscle fullness, leanness, and their ability to show off their body by hitting specific poses.
All these are equally important on stage according to Weinberger.
“It makes a big difference if you don’t know how to pose. The way you present your body is real important. The diet’s so you can present your body and the training’s so you can build the muscle,” he said.
Having expert advice at the ready is important when you career depends on looking a certain way according to Peterson.
“In this sport you need to know what’s wrong with you as opposed to what’s right with you because that’s what’s gonna make you better,” he said.
And it’s not just for professionals. Sean Wuestmen is an amateur bodybuilder who placed 2nd in his first show. He credits Bev’s with his success.
“I came in and obviously I’m not like a pro, but Steve took the time and they’re incredibility nice people him and Bev and they took a look at my poses and showed me what I needed to improve on,” he said.
Wuestmen also said that at Bev’s he felt he had to train as hard as the professionals around him.
“It’s very humbling yet motivating to know that these are real people, and what they have is attainable, you see it in front of you and if I put my mind to it I could get there,” he said.
Putting in hard work isn’t just for the members. Francis and Weinberger are committed to keeping the gym open 365 days a year.
“It’s not about what’s convenient to us it’s about what’s convenient to them. Most people want to train on Christmas or Thanksgiving. It’s what I want to do for a living it’s great,” said Weinberger.
Despite the loud clashing of deadlifts plates, the haze of chalk dust and the frequent use of 200 pound dumbbells, Weinberg said the gym is open to all.
“It’s a mellow serious atmosphere weather you’re in your 20 or in your 60s trying to stay fit, it’s really here for everyone,” he said.
