Tension Opens as a Women’s-Only Strength Gym Amid Female Lifting Surge

March 23, 2026

Opening in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, Tension aims to make weightlifting more accessible, safe and community-driven for women

As strength training takes off as one of the top fitness trends among women, a new brand is capitalizing on its growth, opening a new studio in one of New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods during Women’s History Month.

Tension, a women’s-only strength training studio, is opening its doors in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, aiming to give women a space where they can feel safe to lift weights while building community and confidence. The brand held a soft opening this past weekend, with an official grand opening set for Friday, April 10.

Tension is also looking to close the gap of women currently not meeting strength training recommendations for overall health and longevity. Less than one-third (26.9%) of women currently meet the U.S. federal guidelines for muscle-strengthening activity despite the modality’s rise in popularity among women.

Tension’s boutique model is a combination of group fitness and personal training principles that works to cut through the intimidation barrier that women face when getting into weightlifting.

It features classes led by certified trainers who guide participants through a progressive weight training model, where members learn proper lifting technique and form to build muscle mass through accessible dumbbell-based workouts. Athletech News