Nyc councilman flexes powerlifting skills amidst political battles
New York City Council member Chi Ossé, a man whose political maneuvering is as calculated as his protein intake, is proving that strength isn’t just about policy—it’s about iron too. Just this weekend, Ossé traded protests and policy debates for a powerlifting competition, showcasing a surprising dedication to the sport that he describes as “a form of resistance.”
From crossfit to competition: a weighty pursuit
The journey began about a year and a half ago, sparked by a CrossFit class that introduced Ossé to the primal satisfaction of lifting heavy weights. “It felt really nice to pick up heavy weights and put them back down,” he confessed, a sentiment surprisingly relatable even for a man navigating the complexities of city Politics. Now, under the guidance of trainer Anthony Aristy, Ossé has embraced powerlifting with the same fervor he applies to his legislative duties, viewing it as a real-life video game—a constant progression of new skills and heavier lifts.
But the timing of his debut competition couldn’t have been more chaotic. Just days prior, Ossé juggled a White House Correspondents’ Dinner event in Washington D.C., filmed a video with Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, and found himself arrested while protesting an eviction—all while meticulously tracking his protein and creatine intake. The dedication to 200-250 grams of protein daily, a regimen Aristy instilled, highlights the discipline underpinning his seemingly varied pursuits.
Lifting as liberation: a political statement
Ossé sees his powerlifting journey as more than just a fitness routine; it’s a statement. “It’s political for me to take control of my body and get strong—it’s an act of resistance,” he stated plainly. In a world often quick to stereotype, Ossé is actively challenging those perceptions. He pointedly noted the implicit biases within the “manosphere and the patriarchy,” declaring that getting buff is a direct response to the notion that non-white, straight, and conservative individuals are inherently weak. The competition itself proved welcoming, shattering expectations and demonstrating a community far broader than the stereotypical image of powerlifting. He PRed twice during the event, demonstrating considerable progress.
The relationship, he explains, is symbiotic. “I see exercise as a part of self-care. It’s essential for me to exercise in order to do my job and navigate the world.” The ability to withstand the pressures of political life, it seems, is inextricably linked to the ability to squat, bench, and deadlift.
Ossé’s commitment to powerlifting, amidst the constant demands of his political career, underscores a deeper message: strength, both physical and mental, is a form of agency—a means of defying expectations and asserting control in a world that often seeks to define us.