How it started
Luis had always been passionate about fitness and dreamed of building something of his own. In 2019, he and his wife found a tiny space in Brooklyn where they could test their vision. It was only 280 square feet, but it became the foundation for something much bigger.
When the pandemic hit, Breuckelen Athletic faced the same uncertainty that shook the entire fitness industry. Still, Luis pushed forward—staying connected to clients, running small classes, and maintaining a sense of normalcy through an abnormal time. That dedication built a loyal following and set the stage for growth.
Today, Breuckelen Athletic operates from a much larger location that finally matches Luis’s original vision. The new space includes cold tubs, saunas, and private recovery areas designed to make fitness both high-end and holistic.
Running a gym in New York City comes with challenges. Real estate, utilities, and staffing costs can climb quickly. But Luis approaches it with intention, balancing expansion with sustainability. His goal is to provide a gym that feels personal, premium, and accessible—all while building toward additional Brooklyn locations in the future.
Social media and word of mouth have played a huge part in the gym’s success, helping it attract new members who share the same values around wellness and community.
Luis was introduced to Revenued through a contact at Mars. He says the application, setup, and funding process was “smooth and easy”—a relief in the world of high-cost fitness operations.
He values the flexibility of the funding model: it lets him handle large purchases without tying up cash or relying on rigid lending criteria. For a business investing heavily in amenities and membership experience, that kind of freedom is essential.
The fitness industry continues to expand as consumers seek premium gym experiences that balance high-quality facilities with strong community culture. Independent gyms like Breuckelen Athletic are competing with larger chains by offering personalized services, wellness amenities such as saunas and cold tubs, and a focus on intentional, sustainable fitness. Running a gym in a major city like New York presents challenges with high operating costs, real estate, and equipment investments, making flexible funding a vital resource. With health and wellness demand rising, boutique gyms that deliver both performance-driven training and community connection are positioned for long-term growth.