Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym—intimately known as “Bev’s”—is a storied hardcore fitness mecca located on Long Island in Syosset. Founded by world-champion powerlifter and bodybuilder Bev Francis alongside her husband Steve Weinberger in 1986, it has evolved into a sprawling 30,000-sq-ft facility revered as the “East Coast Mecca of Bodybuilding.”

Equipped for elite-level strength training, the gym features multiple squat racks, bench stations, heavy dumbbells (up to 220 lb), an old-school boxing ring, and a full rig of cardio and resistance gear. FLEX Magazine has deemed it the “#1 Hardcore Gym,” and Muscle & Fitness highlights its well-maintained, organized environment—members are expected to re-rack their weights.

It draws both elite competitors—legends like Ronnie Coleman, Kai Greene, Jay Cutler, and even Dorian Yates have trained there—and serious fitness buffs. A strong sense of community pervades: experienced staffers like Weinberger offer coaching on lifts, posing, and nutrition, and members routinely encourage each other.

Despite its intimidating name, the atmosphere is welcoming to newcomers and non-competitive trainees. Members and visitors remark that it’s “very humbling yet motivating,” and the gym offers day passes (typically around $20–$30) alongside monthly and yearly memberships .