Nyc council member turns to powerlifting – and resistance
New York City Council member Chi Ossé, a self-proclaimed Pisces, is defying expectations, one heavy squat at a time. He’s traded late-night legislative sessions for personal records, revealing a surprising passion for powerlifting that’s become a potent form of political expression.
Beyond the astrology: ossé’s unexpected strength
This weekend, Ossé competed in his first powerlifting competition, a spectacle complete with a one-piece singlet and a dedication to the ‘big three’: back squat, bench press, and deadlift. It began a little over a year and a half ago, sparked by a CrossFit class that offered a welcome respite from the relentless demands of his political career. ‘It felt really nice to pick up heavy weights and put them back down,’ he explained. ‘It’s very primal, but somehow also meditative and peaceful.’
The transformation was rapid. Partnering with Anthony Aristy, Ossé quickly added significant muscle mass, describing the experience as ‘a real-life video game.’ He’s consistently hitting new levels, increasing the weight he can lift, and finding a surprising synergy between his physical training and his political work. ‘I was just getting stronger and learning new skills and hitting new levels and picking up heavier weights,’ he said, a palpable excitement in his voice.
A balancing act – politics and personal power
But the schedule is brutal. Last weekend alone, he juggled a high-profile event tied to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in DC, filming a segment with Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, and, remarkably, was arrested while protesting the eviction of a constituent. ‘It’s so funny to be thinking about my protein intake and trying to be consistent with my creatine,’ he admitted, ‘when I’m also doing my regular Politics job.’ He meticulously tracks his protein intake – consistently aiming for 200 to 250 grams a day, a habit instilled by Aristy, a regimen designed to fuel both his physical and political endeavors.
Despite the chaos, Ossé views exercise as a vital component of self-care. ‘I see exercise as a part of self-care,’ he stated firmly. ‘It’s a symbiotic relationship—I have found it essential for me to exercise in order for me to do my job and navigate the world.’ He found the competition surprisingly welcoming, a space far removed from the usual hyper-masculine image often associated with powerlifting. ‘I was nervous, but [the competition] was an incredibly welcoming space. All week, I had been running on endorphins.’
Strength as resistance
For Ossé, powerlifting isn’t just about building muscle; it’s a deliberate act of resistance. ‘I view powerlifting and getting buff as something really important,’ he explained, his voice hardening slightly. ‘It’s political for me to take control of my body and get strong—it’s an act of resistance. The manosphere and the patriarchy seem to think that if you’re not white, straight, and conservative, then you’re weak. Getting buff and shutting them up is just a form of resistance.’ He’s determined to challenge prevailing narratives and reclaim agency in a world that often seeks to diminish his voice.