Contemporary Athlete is a Personal Training studio located in Clifton Park. We use a team of coaches to create a holistic approach for lifetime health and wellness. Each membership comes with a unique training program, realistic nutrition coaching, and expert strength coaches who will help guide your journey every minute that you are in the gym so that you achieve your goals in a timely and sustainable way.

A Letter From Dave

In today’s fast-paced world, I know how easy it is for busy professionals to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Staying fit and healthy often ends up on the back burner—I’ve been there myself. My name is Dave Bender, and I’m the founder of Contemporary Athlete. My own journey—from a successful career in the art world to finding time for my passion for fitness—led me to create a better path to wellness.  In 2012, I launched Contemporary Athlete in Clifton Park, NY. My vision was clear: to build a community where people could reclaim their health without sacrificing their time or breaking the bank.

After spending a decade balancing my art career with training clients on the side, I learned a powerful truth: exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be an integral and enjoyable part of a balanced life—even for those with the busiest of schedules. This belief is at the core of everything we do at Contemporary Athlete.

I understand that everyone, regardless of their background or experience, deserves to be fit and strong. That’s why I’ve built a solution tailored to the real challenges my clients face. Whether it’s a lack of time, uncertainty about where to start, or frustration with generic fitness programs, I’ve designed Contemporary Athlete to be different. Here, you won’t just find a gym—you’ll discover a supportive community that prioritizes personalized training.

I’ve had the privilege of watching my clients achieve incredible results: crossing Ironman finish lines, running marathons, or simply moving through life pain-free and with greater energy. It’s inspiring to see how improved health boosts our confidence, performance, and overall well-being.

What makes Contemporary Athlete truly unique is our commitment to personal connection. Unlike big-box gyms, we intentionally cap our membership at just 150 clients. This allows our skilled coaches to provide customized training in small groups, with no more than six clients at a time. That means every session is more than just a workout—it’s a personalized experience designed around your goals and needs.If you’re ready to make fitness an effortless and rewarding part of your life, I invite you to join us at Contemporary Athlete. Let’s schedule a call or set up a strategy session to create your personal plan. Let us help you become the healthiest version of yourself, because you deserve it.