About
Brooklyn Strength Club
We’re a women-owned, family-owned boutique gym with a team of fitness professionals are invested in your health. We make every decision with our members’ well-being in mind. Achieve your goals with us!
The Team
Cathy LaCognata
Owner, nasm CPT, Prosper Nutrition, Pain Free Performance, Barbell Rehab
My journey from Wall Street to successful gym ownership was anything but straightforward. After getting married at 23 and starting a family, I decided to stay home as a stay-at-home mom. As the weight crept on, I yearned for something more for myself. I discovered spin classes at a local gym and eventually became a certified instructor. Eventually I became co-owner of my first gym, Rockaway Fitness. But in 2012, Hurricane Sandy wiped out everything-my home, business, and community.
Relocating to Brooklyn in 2013, I rebranded Rockaway Fitness into TFW Brooklyn (an affiliate of Training for Warriors), and by 2016, I became the sole owner. Through overcoming fear and self-doubt, I discovered that the strength training I was practicing empowered every aspect of my life. With guidance from business and fitness coaches, I honed my leadership skills and built an incredible community at TFW Brooklyn.
As a mother-daughter-owned business, Megan and I are proud to have been in business for 11 years. We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive space where everyone feels safe, seen, heard, and celebrated. We meet you where you are and help you achieve your goals, striving for 1% better every day, while providing compassionate care to adults-those who were just like me-looking to make fitness a part of their lives.
Megan LaCognata
Coach, RKC Kettlebell Coach, KBCU Level 2 Coach, Pain Free Performance, Barbell Rehab
Growing up playing sports teaches you a lot of things; teamwork, respect, dedication, leadership, competitiveness, discipline. But it can inadvertently teach you to care more about your own success than the team’s. It took becoming a Coach at TFW Brooklyn and immersing myself in the culture to realize that it’s all about playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back. My intention is to make everyone who walks through our doors feel like they’re on a team here, even – and especially – if they’ve never been part of a team before.
Sammi Gonzalez
Coach, NASM
Before joining the TFW Brooklyn team, I coached HIIT and Strength Training classes for over 6 years at a gym in my hometown of Rockaway Beach, NY. The opportunity to become a coach came at a time in my life when I feel like I could appreciate it most. I believe that’s why I find so much joy in coaching. The hard work and dedication I see in my clients pushes me to be even better. I’m grateful for the fact that I am able to help others through physical fitness and I’m happy to have the chance to share, with the members of TFW, what I have to offer.
Paul Levitan
Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Functional Movement Specialist, Certified Nutrition Coach, Pain Free Performance Specialist
I became a fitness coach by luck and happenstance over 12 years ago. However, it’s one of the things I’m most grateful for in my life, as it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. Becoming a coach allowed me to see the true benefits of fitness and exercise. Between my own personal health journey, and helping thousands of people, I’ve learned that fitness is about much more than looks. It’s about a quality of life, and having a body that can keep up with the demands of a long, healthy, fulfilling life. Thats what I want for myself, and that’s what I want for every person who walks through the door of Training For Warriors Brooklyn!
Isaac Womack
Coach, ISSA, CPT
I’ve been coaching at TFW off and on now for about 2 years and love every minute of it. My journey is one of growth and elevation. I’ve seen these two words hold significant weight in the my life from a very young age. As an high football player and avid weightlifter, I’ve always had the belief that movement not only in terms of fitness but health in general, was the key to bringing oneness with the mind, body and soul.
I never understood why I was so attracted to sports and fitness growing up but I realize it was those relationships and bonds that I made with both teammates and fellow gym-goers that really had a lasting impact.
This particular gym is one of those places that just immediately feels like home. Everyone is treated as an equal regardless of fitness level or lifestyle. The best part is the excitement I’ve seen from those taking ownership of their personal growth and evolution. Health is wealth and TFW Brooklyn has an abundance of it. I call it COMMUNITY.
Jarret Jackson
Coach, CPT, Stretch and Flexibility Coach, Behavioral Change Specialist
My journey into fitness began with a simple goal—to help people feel better and move better. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to turn that goal into my career, earning three certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine along the way. Through my work as a Certified Personal Trainer, Stretch and Flexibility Coach, and Behavioral Change Specialist, I’ve come to see that fitness goes far beyond physical strength. It’s about improving quality of life, creating a positive mindset, and building a body that can support a lifetime of health and vitality. At Training For Warriors Brooklyn, I’m committed to helping everyone who walks through our doors reach their wellness goals and become the best version of themselves, inside and out.
Top-Notch Gym Equipment
When you step into TFW Brooklyn, you'll find an impressive array of equipment tailored for most training styles. Our facility is primarily equipped with free weights and features top-of-the-line Rogue squat racks and barbells. We offer a diverse selection of metal and bumper plates, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, training sleds, battle ropes, and more. Additionally, our space includes Assault Bikes, Concept2 SkiErgs, rowing machines, treadmills, plyometric boxes, and other essential tools. This extensive range of equipment allows us to support a variety of training methods, helping you become stronger, faster and more powerful -all under one roof.
Exceptional Features and Amenities
TFW Brooklyn offers an expansive 4,000 square-foot open-layout facility designed to elevate your training experience. Our thoughtfully arranged space is divided into two distinct sections: one half features 75 feet of premium turf for versatile functional training, while the other half is outfitted with durable black rubber flooring ideal for heavy lifting. Beyond the main training area, our 3,500 square-foot basement is dedicated to personalized small group sessions, ensuring a focused and supportive environment for your fitness goals. We also provide cubbies for your belongings during workouts, as well as two spacious bathrooms equipped with ample room for changing from work attire to gym gear. Bathrooms are also stocked with essential toiletries (spray deodorant, pads, tampons, dry shampoo, band-aids, hair ties, etc.) Our facility is more than just a place to train-it's a community space where you can experience cutting-edge equipment, a welcoming atmosphere, and expert guidance to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Take the first step.
We can’t wait to meet you
Chat with a coach at our gym to learn more about what program will fit your goals.