Donate to McKenna Weightlifting's New Chapter

Current, former, and forever friends. athletes, and supporters, we have news and updates!

We are moving to a new location in Highland Park, and we’re asking for your help so that we can move, update equipment, and paint and prep the new space.

TLDR:

We’re moving to a new space and need funds to support the move (buy equipment, paint and supplies, do some minor renovations, rent a truck to do the big move, etc.)

We are suggesting a $200 donation from each person for whom we write programs. Some can’t do that, some can. If you can do more, think about donating up to $500 to support the cause. Friends and Extended Fam: We’re asking for $50 from friends and extended fam, former members, etc. All these funds will go directly to support the new gym and the move. We need Phase One funds by Thursday, August 29. Phase Two funds are needed by Friday, September 8. We will extend the fundraiser through September if needed. Please see the long explanations below. Share this with your friends who support you and your weightlifting community!

What do I get for donating?

$50 level: Two free day passes at the gym (friends and family can use too), free invitations to the Sunday Seminar series, early access to the 2025 online coaching training and mentorship program basic level.

$200 level: Everything at $50, plus get free entry to our two meets a year (the Snatchacre and the Summer Spectacular), invitations to Sunday Seminars PLUS at least two series of workouts with prominent national level coaches and athletes, and a six month membership to the coaching mentorship and education program including premium content (interviews, day long seminars, etc).

$500 level: Everything at the previous levels, PLUS a special weekend camp/ seminar with other national/ international level coach(es) or athlete(s). A ONE YEAR membership to the coaching education and mentorship program including all premium content.

Background: Welcome to the next chapter of McKenna Weightlifting. Since moving to New Jersey we've seen two things happen. First, our business expanded and we have an amazing gym culture, with amazing people getting stronger, loving their bodies, and discovering athletic potential they've never known. Unfortunately, our gym costs have risen well past what our pricing structure can support, and we cannot support our current lease without a significant increase in our monthly fees (approximately $100 more per month). We've worked hard to do the right thing for our clients as competitors prices rise to the $300 a month or more level. We, simply, want to bring lifting to as many people as possible and keeping our monthly fees low enables us to do that, but it also forces us to find a new space.

We have found that space! After months of negotiations, and it's going to be 55 Raritan Avenue in Highland Park. It's located right behind the Dunkin' Donuts and Okie Pokii Cafe. The space is slightly smaller than our current space, but it's a stand alone building and we won't disturb our neighbors.

You will have questions, we're sure. Let's start with the obvious and most concerning question first:

Will this move make running the business more viable?

Yes. Our monthly costs will go down by about 40%, allowing us to reinvest in the equipment and space, as well as to hire a cleaning person and to start to pay our coaches for their time.

Will there be space to train?

Yes. Our current space is approximately 2400 square feet, and our new space is about 1750 square feet. Our useable space in our current gym is also about 1750 square feet, due to the office, showers, and store rooms. We plan to still have 6 or more platforms as well as our accessory equipment.

Will we have more hours?

When we first open at our new address in October, we will continue with our current hours and review them at the beginning of the year. With our new structure, we anticipate being able to offer some expanded hours in some way.

Will this new space allow us to have more special events?

Yes, yes, YES! Beginning in January, we will start our Sunday Series, a monthly workshop which focuses on a specific topic to enhance training or coaching. Our first workshop will be on Mental Preparation for Performance. We will also have at least two sessions each year featuring nationally prominent coaches or athletes. Additionally, we will be able to finalize and launch our new coaching education and mentorship program in 2025 (an online and in person service for all people interested in coaching weightlifting).

Why do we want to keep McKenna Weightlifting going?

We love what we do and we love the community we’ve created. We have the best humans on our team. We genuinely believe that ours is the best gym and weightlifting team in the country. We are national leaders in inclusive training for LGBTQIA+ athletes, including trans youth and adults. We are a safe space for athletes who've experienced trauma, as well as athletes with a history of health issues, disordered eating and body dysmorphia. We have an local outreach program for teens in the town, and are expanding our relationship with the Highland Park Teen Center to work with local students and help them understand lifelong fitness. We're the only team in Central NJ which offers reduced price training based on family income levels.

Examples of what funding will support:

Storage for bars, medicine balls, kettlebells, and bumpers;

Paint and flooring for the new space,

Squat stands or racks for each platform,

Full sets of change plates for each platform,

Moving expenses, including professional movers for the heavy, selectorized machines and a moving truck for the big move day,

New signage for the new space

Upgrades to our sound system (wall mounts, easy interface access)