SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT Nickel City Athletics

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

ORDINARY PEOPLE ACHIEVING EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS

WATCH REAL MEMBER JOURNEYS & TESTIMONIALS

SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

5/5

“Nickel City is great! The instructors offer excellent programming with a fantastic emphasis on moving better and getting stronger. It is a positive, supportive attitude that focuses on strengthening your body rather than being at war with it. The ethos extends all the way down to the other members and there are no jerks.

Even in a class setting, they find ways to focus on individual athletes and customize the class to each athlete’s abilities, needs, and goals.

Moreover, in these times of COVID 19 they are doing an excellent job with social distancing and adding additional outdoor programming.

I have done time as a professional athlete and it was very important to me to find skilled, responsible coaches who would get beneficial results, without being reckless, overdoing it, or risking injury that would keep me from my main sport. In fact, when I got injured in my main sport, I continued coming to Nickel City during recovery and they helped me keep a fitness baseline, rehab, and get full functionality back.

I highly recommend Nickel City for everyone – from people who just want to get stronger and healthier in daily life, to pro athletes looking for a holistic, all around program to benefit and increase performance in their main sport.

The coaching, training, and programming at this gym are top class!”

Christina Tretter-Herriger

Nickel City Athletics MEMBER
THE BEST GYM IN Buffalo

5/5

Nickel City Athletics was a very welcoming experience. The trainer as well as the owner were extremely knowledgeable about the programming, and explained things for a newcomer. Everyone was also encouraging during the partner workout, which helped me complete the workout. I recommend this gym for anyone new or old to fitness. It is worth the investment and your time. Will be back 100%.

Stephanie Zylinski

Nickel City Athletics MEMBER
THE BEST GYM IN Buffalo

5/5

Nickel City is an amazing community of coaches and athletes – and has been a space where I’ve been able to grow over the years. They support each person’s goals and celebrate all fitness levels. I whole heartedly recommend this gym to folks interested or wanting to find a fitness home.

Josal Diebold

Nickel City Athletics MEMBER
THE BEST GYM IN Buffalo

5/5

I’ve been going to crossfit/functional fitness gyms for the past 6 years up and down the east coast. This gym is hands down the best I have had the pleasure of being a member at.

The coaches are knowledgeable, and actually care about the ability of the athletes at the gym. Prior injuries or a tweaked back from sleeping the wrong way? The coaches will adjust the movements to make sure you can get a good workout safely.

The atmosphere at the gym is also great. This isn’t an intimidating environment at all. Everybody that walks through the front door is greeted by the whole gym and is made to feel like they’ve been there for years. No matter what kind of weight you are moving, everybody is excited when another member in the class PRs.

Overall this is a great gym if you are looking to get fit, have fun, and make friends while doing it!

Ryan Julius

Nickel City Athletics MEMBER
THE BEST GYM IN Buffalo

5/5

I’ve known and worked with the owner, Becca, for years. She has an excellent approach to fitness and it comes through as professional and caring. She provides an environment that is judgement free and accepting to everyone. I started my fitness journey later in life, and she helped me by being thoughtful about scaling movements to my ability, but she also pushed me enough so that I was able to progress. She started as my personal running coach a few years ago and I went from being a non-runner to completing a half marathon and continually being able to shave time off my 5k’s. It does not matter what level of fitness you are at, Becca WILL be able to help with your fitness goals!

Bill Stauffiger

Nickel City Athletics MEMBER
THE BEST GYM IN Buffalo

5/5

Such a friendly community! The new owner really goes out of her way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. It can be intimidating to start going to a new gym – but that feeling goes away almost immediately at Nickel City Athletics, and I definitely appreciate that!

Brigid Kielar

Nickel City Athletics MEMBER
THE BEST GYM IN Buffalo

5/5

Are you looking to get shredded? Are you looking to get real succulent? Are you tryna get lean and mean? Are you trying to find an escape from the endless soul crushing grind of life being exploited by our capitalist oppressors? Are you just trying to take care of your health, mental and physical? Do you want to feel supported and experience a camaraderie built from shared experiences and mutual respect?

Well good news! You’ll find all of that here! Friendly and knowledgeable coaches, and the other members have been very friendly to me as a relative newcomer.

They also carry my favorite flavor Bang energy drink

Jonathan Hughes

Nickel City Athletics MEMBER
THE BEST GYM IN Buffalo

5/5

Nickel City Athletics is such an awesome community! No matter what your fitness level, background etc., they are very welcoming, caring and attentive to movement quality and modifying the workout to everyone’s personal needs, truly great coaching! I always feel better after leaving class!

Sam H.

Nickel City Athletics MEMBER
THE BEST GYM IN Buffalo

READY TO START?

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

1. SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST VISIT

Talk with a coach about your goals and learn how we can get you to your best self.

2. START YOUR TRAINING

You have defined your goals and you are ready to begin your journey. We will start you strong by taking you through the fundamentals of training and sound habits putting you on the road to success!

3. HAVE FUN REACHING NEW LEVELS

Once you have the basics down you’ll book classes easily on our app, enjoy the workouts with awesome people and reach your goals in no time!

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule Your FREE No-Sweat intro Consultation on the next page.

Shortly after we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro session.

We are excited to meet you!

Luna

General Manager

“Oversees all day-to-day operations at NCA from the main office. Most days, Luna can be found auditing classes from the office window and sitting in on meetings. While it may seem like she spends much time sleeping on the job, Luna is an integral part of our coaching staff at NCA. She will accept bribes in form of treats, fetch, & neck scratches.”

CERTIFICATIONS

CF-L2
NASM-CPT

RACHEL HEIDENREICH

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

“I have been an athlete most of my life, even went to college to play lacrosse. But after putting my body through the wringer for years, I wanted almost nothing to do with fitness. That was until I found power yoga about 3.5 years ago. This practice has given me so much. It has taught me to be gentler with myself, that in order to work hard, you have to rest harder. And most importantly, that however you showed up today is absolutely, 100% perfect. I am so excited to share this practice with such a wonderful community of athletes! On Sunday’s let’s embrace the stretch, so you can embrace the suck all week long!”

CERTIFICATIONS

CF-L2
NASM-CPT

ANDREW KOONS

COACH

Andrew is certified CF Level 1 trainer with a passion for weightlifting, rowing, and gymnastics. A lifelong baseball player and snowboarder, Andrew was always drawn to team sports and the challenge of learning new athletic skills. He found functional fitness in his late 20’s and never looked back. The constant pursuit of increasing skill level and technique is what fuels his love for fitness and sharing his passion with others. As a taller and leaner athlete, gaining strength has not been the easiest road. Inspired by his own strength journey, Andrew is extremely excited to help the NCA community pursue their strength & fitness goals. By day Andrew is a Geologist. Outside of the gym, Andrew loves to hike, camp, bike, and spend time with his dog in his self-converted van. You will also find him as the resident (and self-titled) “Equipment Manager & Maintenance Man” at NCA.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Certification

SAM HELFER

COACH

Sam Helfer is a practicing doctor of physical therapy who has been in the fitness industry for over 15 years as a fitness and wellness coach. Sam is passionate about moving well and customizing each workout to help people feel good and achieve their Goals! Sam graduated from the University at Buffalo with his Master’s in Exercise Science in 2013 and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017 with Academic Honors! Sam’s passion for coaching, biomechanics and holistic health is evident in every class he coaches and every session he has with his 1 on 1 physical therapy and skilled training clients. Sam continues to strive for excellence in all area’s with continued education and reflection of every interaction.

CERTIFICATIONS

Board Certified Physical Therapist
CrossFit Level 1 Certification
C-PS
BRM
CPR BLS and First Aid Instructor

LAUREN MIRRO

COACH

Lauren grew up on Long Island and played soccer her whole life. Lauren’s love for fitness and an active lifestyle came much later in life. In her own words, “As a kid I was truly a city mouse, much more interested in rock n’ roll shows than doing any kind of physical activity. A high school knee injury sidelined the possibility of soccer, and I found Functional Fitness about 12 or 13 years ago. The 1st time I dropped by a gym I thought “you guys think I would Like this? Me?” After one workout, I was hooked. It led me to Olympic weightlifting, which I focused on exclusively for a couple years. Learning a new sport as an adult taught me so much about myself; turns out slinging heavy weights is one of my all-time favorite thing to do, hands down. I’ve been a part of the fitness community in Buffalo for a long time and I absolutely love the community aspect! I love the idea of a safe space to be yourself, push yourself, and improve your fitness while having FUN. Belonging to a gym, especially one like NCA, is SO MUCH more than “working out”. I deeply believe that functional fitness is for EVERYONE, inclusivity and genuine connection is BIG to me. Outside the gym I love cooking, gathering with friends and family, obsessing over professional soccer, surfing, traveling, hanging with my husband and our 3 kids, volunteering in dog rescue, petting dogs, talking to dogs, going to see live music, and generally trying to have as much fun as possible at all times.” Fav movement: a heavy thruster/heavy clean Least fav movement: Running

CERTIFICATIONS

CF-L2
NASM-CPT

JUDD KIMBER

COACH

Judd is a certified CF Level 1 trainer and has a passion for weightlifting, fitness, and wellness. Judd found functional fitness during graduate school and quickly fell in love with the community and progressive overloading/programming. Judd values the mind-body connection as a way to build not only physical strength, but emotional well-being. He is extremely excited to help the NCA community pursue their own goals – inside and outside the gym. Outside of the gym, Judd is a clinical research psychologist and enjoys exploring all the food around Buffalo.

CERTIFICATIONS

Favorite movement in fitness: Deadlift
Least favorite movement: Burpees
Fun Fact: “I grew up in the same neighborhood as Grace Jones!”

ZACH SHAFT

COACH

Zach is a technique master and loves spending time throwing around a heavy barbell and working out with friends. He has been coaching since 2017 while serving in the Navy. He has been coaching with the owner of NCA for many years and is excited to be bringing his experience and skills to Nickel City Athletics. Zach joined the Navy as a Corpsman in 2014 and initially was introduced to functional fitness when training for bootcamp. In his time outside of the gym, Zach is in graduate school for Computer science and plans on becoming a software engineer. He loves to hike, backpack, spend time with his dog, and to be outdoors as much as possible. *Swipe to see a 2014 throwback of Becca & Zach post-workout almost 10 years ago! Favorite Movement: Power Cleans Least Favorite: Toes to Bar Fun Fact: Zach has hiked 90% of the Appalachian Trail!

CERTIFICATIONS

CF L1 Certification Precision
Nutrition Level 1 Fitness
Nutrition Specialist Red Cross
CPR & AED

IBELIZ RODRIGUEZ

COACH

Ibe’s fitness journey began over 15 years ago when she was looking for an outlet to help her balance life, stress, & mental health. She found a love for Boxing & Krav Maga and followed along that path for years. She eventually realized that various forms of martial arts were taking a toll on her body and she wanted to learn how to move well! Ibe didn’t find what she was looking for at the commercial gym which is when she then began her journey at NCA. As she began moving properly, using progressive strength training, and programmed conditioning…the lightbulb clicked! “I have always had a deep respect for my coaches and instructors throughout the years. I have had the privilege of being in class with great instructors and I fostered a desire to become a Coach myself. My love for fitness and the positive effects it has on your mind and body has propelled me to coach others!” Ibeliz has a master’s in organizational leadership and a BA in Psychology. She is an operations Manager for a non-profit agency dedicated to assisting individuals with chronic health issues reconnect with medical, mental health, and substance abuse systems.

CERTIFICATIONS

CF-L1
CPR/AED Certified

ANNA DOW

COACH

Anna grew up in a small town outside Erie, PA where she spent much of her time running and swimming with her high school sports teams until she discovered the world of functional fitness in college. Anna has been coaching for over four years. She coached and ran the Penn State CrossFit Club, the largest student run CrossFit affiliate, while also coaching at a local gym off campus. Anyone you ask will say she is notorious for singing and dancing while coaching, especially when it’s needed to help bring some energy to the 5AM. Outside of the gym, Anna is attending Daemen University to pursue her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Penn State. She loves snow and water sports, the outdoors, and is a bit of a book nerd. Favorite movement: Dumbbell Snatches Least Favorite: Thrusters Fun fact: I love planning CrossFit competitions!

CERTIFICATIONS

CF-L2 Trainer
ACE PersonalTrainer
CPR/AED Certified

LARA SMITH

COACH

Lara is Buffalo born and raised! Her athletic background is rooted in cycling, volleyball, running, and has performed functional fitness the last 5 years. She believes that through trial and error, everyone can find a style of movement that brings them joy. She is currently an inpatient Registered Nurse and studying to become a Nurse Practitioner. Her mission is to optimize quality of life through movement and primary prevention of disease. Outside of the gym, her favorite pastime is to be with her husband and 2 dogs outside in the sunshine. “Lara is her name and longevity is her game” Favorite movement: Thrusters Favorite book: My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor

CERTIFICATIONS

HCPL1BLS/ACLS
CertifiedCCRN Certified
(Critical Care RN)

STEVE TERRY

COACH

Steve is our resident weightlifting enthusiast and will always remind you to make fitness fun. A USAW certified coach as well as having his CrossFit level 1 certification, you can count on Steve to be your barbell movement guru. Currently pursuing a degree in nursing, Steve is always looking for the best way to make sure you’re moving well and feeling well. Aside from helping you be the best version of you that can be, Steve loves bad jokes, dogs, and pursuing the perfect cup of coffee. If you see Steve be sure to say hello and tell him your best joke. “3! 2! Don’t forget to have fun!” -Coach Steve

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Certification
USAW L1

Andrew Koons

COACH

Andrew is certified CF Level 1 trainer with a passion for weightlifting, rowing, and gymnastics.
 
A lifelong baseball player and snowboarder, Andrew was always drawn to team sports and the challenge of learning new athletic skills. He found functional fitness in his late 20’s and never looked back. The constant pursuit of increasing skill level and technique is what fuels his love for fitness and sharing his passion with others. As a taller and leaner athlete, gaining strength has not been the easiest road. Inspired by his own strength journey, Andrew is extremely excited to help the NCA community pursue their strength & fitness goals.
 
By day Andrew is a Geologist. Outside of the gym, Andrew loves to hike, camp, bike, and spend time with his dog in his self-converted van. You will also find him as the resident (and self-titled) “Equipment Manager & Maintenance Man” at NCA.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Certification

DR. SAM HELFER​

COACH

Sam Helfer is a practicing doctor of physical therapy who has been in the fitness industry for over 10 years as a fitness and wellness coach. Sam is passionate about moving well and customizing each workout to help people feel good and achieve their Goals! 

Sam graduated from the University at Buffalo with his Master’s in Exercise Science in 2013 and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017 with Academic Honors! 

Sam’s passion for coaching, biomechanics and holistic health is evident in every class he coaches and every session he has with his 1 on 1 physical therapy and skilled training clients.

Sam continues to strive for excellence in all area’s with continued education and reflection of every interaction.

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Certification

JASON CWIKLINSKI​

COACH

As a former collegiate athlete in basketball and baseball I found CrossFit while looking for a change in my exercise routine as I turned 40. I’m always looking for ways to improve my own health and fitness as I have a passion for helping others do the same. 

I want to help members learn the why behind what we do not just complete the workouts. 

Outside of the gym you’ll find me enjoying time with my wife and 2 children being outdoors, swimming & traveling to Disney.  I also coach girls basketball.

“Ask me about my extensive sock collection.” -Jason

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Certification

STEVE TERRY​

COACH

Steve is our resident weightlifting enthusiast and will always remind you to make fitness fun. A USAW certified coach as well as having his CrossFit level 1 certification, you can count on Steve to be your barbell movement guru. Currently pursuing a degree in nursing, Steve is always looking for the best way to make sure you’re moving well and feeling well. Aside from helping you be the best version of you that can be, Steve loves bad jokes, dogs, and pursuing the perfect cup of coffee. If you see Steve be sure to say hello and tell him your best joke. 

“3! 2! Don’t forget to have fun!” -Coach Steve

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Certification

ERIKA HAWLEY​

COACH

Erika is a CF-L1 coach + Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner + entrepreneur + cat mom + change maker + extrovert. 

“Not that long ago, I was a completely different person- 100+ pounds heavier with ZERO athletic or nutrition background. Getting CURIOUS about my body changed my life and I’m committed to helping others do the same. In my work, I take a WHOLE PERSON approach to support & challenge you to actively choose being in the driver’s seat of your health and your life.” -Erika

CERTIFICATIONS

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

BECCA WITKIN​

OWNER / COACH

What’s up everyone! If you don’t know me, my name is Becca & I am the owner of Nickel City Athletics. I am proudly the only sole-woman-owned Functional Fitness gym in Buffalo, NY! I took over NCA from the previous owners in June of 2021. Prior to NCA, I have been working in the fitness space for over a decade. I specialize in functional strength, mindset, women’s health, and goal-specific training. It’s been a wild ride and I couldn’t be more proud of the people, culture, & community we’ve been building here at Nickel City Athletics. Proper strength & conditioning can be life changing, full stop. As a business owner & coach, it is my life mission to create accessibility to this type of fitness for every single person who walks through our doors. We have an incredibly diverse community at NCA. It doesn’t matter where you come from, how old you are, how you identify, or who you love…you will be welcomed & supported here. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We work hard, we move well, we lift heavy weights, hit sweaty workouts, have the occasional mid-lift dance party, and have fun every. single. day. Outside of the gym, I love to run races, road cycle, ski, backpack, go to concerts, spend time with dogs, bake, and climb mountains. My love language is making playlists. If you’re not having fun with your workouts, it ain’t worth it. Fun Fact: I’m partially deaf in both ears. Favorite Movement: Box Jumps, Double Under, Power Cleans Least Favorite Movement: Wall Balls/Thrusters

CERTIFICATIONS

CF-L2
NASM-CPT

CANCELLATION POLICY

All membership agreements require 30-days written notice to cancel your membership. This form will serve as your 30-days written cancellation notice. Note that if you have a scheduled renewal payment within 30-days of your invoice billing date, the payment will be processed as scheduled. Your membership will be canceled at the end of your final paid month. All payments are non-refundable. All grandfathered membership rates will also be forfeited and returning members will be subject to current rates.

MEMBERSHIP CANCELLATION REQUEST

Please fill out the form below and one of our team members will review your request. Warning. The submission of this form does not cancel your membership. We will review your request, then reach out to confirm.

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OUR DROP-IN RATES

$20/day, $30/2 days, $50/week

OUR Information:

Location:

247 Virginia St, Buffalo, NY 14201, USA

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(716)908-5786

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