(tl;dr @ bottom) After graduating from grad school I was so unhappy with my appearance, I almost didn't recognize myself. I knew I needed to exercise and eat healthy to become fit and healthy, but I didn't know where or how to start. I didn't want to set myself up for long term failure, (i.e. extreme dieting/post-diet weight gains/hurting myself at the gym), so I knew I needed someone with knowledge and expertise in this area to help me achieve my fitness goals. A quick google search for personal trainers directed me to Always Strong Fitness, and their client reviews/testimonials led me to their door! I met with Sean (personal trainer) and we talked about my fitness goals, a bit about body composition, and the personal training packages offered, etc. Not for one minute was there a sense of urgency/pushiness to sign up. I ended up training there 2 times a week for 3 months and the results exceeded my expectations! So much so that I signed up for 1 more year of training. The gym is clean, the atmosphere is comfortable (I'm a really shy person so if I'm comfortable you will be too!), the sessions are fun in the way that you're always doing something different, but it is always challenging! I train with Sean and I can say he is very knowledgeable, professional, and patient; I'm sure the other trainers are as well. Progress is measured by a body composition test where you stand barefoot on a machine and it details fat loss, muscle gain etc. and where you've lost the fat/gained the muscle, it's pretty cool. They are flexible to budget in the sense that you don't have to pay for a certain amount of sessions per week. You buy a number of sessions and then decide how often you want to train. They use an app to load workouts for you to do on your own time. This is convenient because it allows for extra training sessions on your own time. So even if you thought you couldn't afford a personal trainer, YOU CAN! The app also allows you to reach your trainer if for example, you have a question about a workout you are doing on the weekend. Aside from training, they also have nutritionists who helps create meal plans and teach you about portions/calories/nutrients etc. Your results will exceed your expectations and it will be worth every penny! Highly recommended. Also, FREE PARKING. tl;dr Clean gym, comfortable/fun atmosphere, knowledgeable/professional/dedicated trainers. Neat machine for body analysis--used to track your progress. Convenient app the trainers use to load workouts for you to do on your own time (convenient bc allows for extra training sessions. So even if you thought you couldn't afford a personal trainer, YOU CAN!). App also allows you to reach your trainer if you have a question. Nutritionists available to help with meal plans/nutrition education. Your results will exceed your expectations and it will be worth every penny! Highly recommended. Also, FREE PARKING. read more

I used to use the MIT gym. After meeting with one of the trainers there for a brief time (he left to pursue further training in Maine) I ended up working with Ross. He was an awesome resource. He took the time to explain both the mechanics as well as the benefit of what we were doing on any given day. After working with him for several months, he came in one day like a 10 year old that had just gotten his Red Ryder for Christmas. "I am starting my own place!" he exclaimed like a giddy school girl! My thought was "oh shit! I am losing another". After a couple of scheduling blocks (totally on my part - Ross has an amazing willingness and ability to accommodate my demanding 24/7, 365 schedule in IT/DevOps ) I ended up going over to Brighton.... and wow. So Brighton... think Planet Fitness (I say Planet Fitness because there is a total lack of "Yah Dude!" - no muscle head with rectal-cranial inversion, only folks interested in bettering themselves and not at the cost or jokes of others) only with folks that are actually vested, as well as interested in your personal fitness goals and goals in general. This is the first place I have not felt pressured to go beyond my abilities. Ross carefully and thoughtfully tailors my experience to what I can do. Now please don't read this as he 'takes it easy' on me. That is totally not the case. He has a very acute sense on how to motivate people. As I come in early to change, I get the chance to watch him with other clients and am totally impressed with how he gets to know folks. He takes time to learn what their goals are and why they are interested in achieving them. He then leverages that to motivate them to do more. He pushes and presses buttons without you knowing, and that is a major strength of his that he uses well. After several months of going there I have also gotten to know, and watch Sean. He has the utmost professionalism and dedication as Ross. He has also offered advice as well as training tips when I have been in. Between the two of these guys I have felt I was in the most capable hands. My original goal was to get in better shape with less injury. That goal has been exceeded by a thousand fold. I highly recommend either of these two for your needs and goals. read more

My introduction to Sean and Always Strong Fitness was a bit accidental. I started dating my now husband and he was already working out with Sean at the time. So, Sean got me as a package deal. I have worked with a number of different trainers in the past. Typically it starts out quite well, but things become stale, repetitive and sometimes I felt like the trainer was just going through the motion. Not so with Sean! He has something more challenging each time I see him. There is definitely a sound reason for how he is progressing my workout regimen. After a few months with Sean, I gave up my traditional gym membership altogether. I am stronger and fitter that I have ever been and I am very excited about the progress I have made. Sean is extremely knowledgeable not just with training, but weight loss, nutrition, etc. He is great about modifying the workout to accommodate any injuries. He keeps up with the literature in the field and his approach is evidence-based. It is very obvious that this is not only his vocation but also his passion--he lives and breathes this stuff! The facility is not huge but organized and clean, and there are enough equipment there for Sean & Co to do what they need to do. Believe me, Sean does not need a single piece of equipment to get you in shape. There is shower at their place so that's convenient. Also can't argue with FREE PARKING! This is a no-brainer, folks! read more

As a senior blessed with a good energy and drive, this business is for everyone. Whether a young developing person, middle-aged soul, or sincere senior, Always Strong Fitness will meet your goals. I have been a near life-long active person. As a hiker, swimmer, martial artist inquisitor I have belonged to several gyms and clubs in the greater Boston area back decades. From swimming nude at the Y and another club(when culturally accepted); to modified Richard Simmons spin-offs; dancerize; 70s to 80s disco treadmill / aerobics facilities; yoga/pilates studios: my experience with fitness centers, Ys, gymnasiums, MA studios has been comprehensive. Early in my career I attempted free-weight lifting, it was of very limited experience. I arrived in my senior years with diminishing mobility and excessive weight. Made a serious commitment to lose weight and learn something new, whether weight training and/or functional movement. Came to ASF near nine months ago, I am thankful to have chosen this group of extremely dedicated and professional trainers. I train with Ross over 90% of my time, yet, I have grown to know most of the staff. I am impressed. Ross is humorous and serious about meeting your goals. I am a member of two other gyms/clubs in-town. However, if you're going to invest in personal training, this great facility in Brighton will surprise and bring results. read more

Since starting my training at Always Strong Fitness, my whole life has changed! When I first began, I was in the worst shape I had ever been in. It was beginning to shake my confidence, and I was afraid I would never get to a place where I would feel comfortable with myself physically and mentally. My trainer, Ross, is not only an incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated PT, but he is also a great person with an awesome personality who knows how to keep you motivated and wanting to achieve your goals. He keeps it fun and interesting with workouts that aren't just your typical cardio or weight lifting, and listens to what you like and don't like. The personalized training app we use now on top of in-person training is incredible. Ross customizes everything based on your physical ability and potential, and every day is a new challenge. Since starting at Always Strong Fitness, I have lost more than 40lbs, built lean muscle, and have completed multiple 5ks. Ross has continued to push my abilities beyond what I ever thought I could do on my own. He brought back my confidence and appreciation for my mental and physical health, which is something I am truly grateful for. I would certainly recommend any trainer on the Always Strong team for anyone who wants to change their life! read more

Up until late middle age, I was quite active and exercised almost daily. With job changes and some increasing knee discomfort, I became less active and finally found myself at a job where I am sitting at the computer all day. I felt like gravity was winning the war against my body and knew I had to get into exercise again, but didn't know quite how. So I decided to invest in personal training sessions. One of the best decisions I ever made! I've been seeing Ross Hardaway for over a year now and have seen him at Always Strong Fitness since it opened. I always look forward to my sessions with Ross and always feel better after. The pace and intensity of the sessions are challenging - but pleasantly so. And never boring! He's easy to talk to, explains the exercises well, is willing to answer questions and has a positive but serious attitude. It's amazing how he manages to constantly vary the routine and come up with new exercises. But most importantly, I feel so much better! I am definitely stronger. I have better muscle tone, better posture, many fewer aches and pains. Training sessions with Ross at Always Strong Fitness are a continuous gift to myself. read more

Vince at Always Strong Fitness has inspired me beyond my wildest dreams or expectations! Not just because he has changed my life and transformed my body but because he is helped me in a way that really I didn't think was possible and made health and wellness a way of life for me. Vince has single-handedly snapped my body back into shape! After carrying three children that was no easy feat! I am looking and feeling better now than I did at 21 years old. Vince made my workouts fun, challenging, effective, interesting and most of all he kept me motivated throughout the process. I actually could not wait until our next session! I can not thank him enough for what he is given me!!! I would recommend that anyone coming from any fitness level check out Vince at Always Strong Fitness. Take your body back! I genuinely care about people who are trying to reach their fitness goals because I struggled for so long before I met Vince and I know how difficult the path to fitness can be. Vince makes it a reality. I want everyone to succeed as I have. P.S. I have a six-pack now! read more

My kickboxing workouts with Vince get me so PUMPED!!! I have speed, balance, endurance and agility now- I AM STRONG!!! I joined ASF (because my sister was a member) not knowing what to expect. Vince asked me about my goals, he asked me specific questions about my body and how I wanted to change it. I didn't know a workout could be tailored so completely and specifically to me. I didn't know that I could achieve my ideal body. No one ever told me I could just request a beautiful collarbone and definition in my shoulders. I didn't know he could help me grow my butt and melt my waist. I am astonished! I am hooked! I am PROUD! I love each and every workout and I'm a client for life! Thank you Vince (and thank you sister)! read more

I have been to a few personal trainers. Not a good experience. That's why I was looking again. I didn't have high expectations .... BUT then I found Always Strong Fitness. They are AWESOME!! All of them are very experienced and knowledgeable with training, weight loss, nutrition, etc., etc. Plus, there is no judgement ... at all. I am VERY sensitive and very overweight. However, I have been going there six months and have never regretted it. Going there is fun, yet tough. You are held accountable (in a nice/respectable way), which is EXACTLY what I need. To say that they are a "godsend", is an understatement!! read more

My wife and I started the training with Ross at MIT. My wife was happy with Ross's training but couldn't continue since she was in a different city for most of the week. I however was Ross's client for about 6 months and I had a great experience during this time. Ross is knowledgeable and experienced in what he is doing. He is also very understanding and flexible, which was quite useful given my busy schedule. Ross is generous and devouted, too: I think I ended up doing a couple of extra sessions for free since I wasn't ready in some sessions and couldn't finish the full schedule. read more

I started with shoulder strength (and pain) issues. Always strong is unique in that there is personal attention to your specific circumstance and a custom program that starts with physical therapy but transitions seamlessly to strength and flexibility. The staff is very effective with a great deal of knowledge in how to carefully build strength with various muscle groups. If you want help on dealing with injuries or just want help building an overall strength program, Always Strong is the right place. Great guys, good clientele, good vibe, fun environment. Call them! read more

Personal training with Ross at ASF is the best investment I've made all year. I've never been a huge fan of working out, but I genuinely look forward to waking up for our 6am training sessions. Ross is reliable, knowledgable & organized, and has a personalized gameplan for each client that he holds both you and himself accountable for. He will kick your butt and you will absolutely see results - and have fun in the process. read more

Just came from my free assessment. The facility was clean, organized, and the owners were incredibly courteous and professional (note: they were NOT pushy or trying to make a sale). I was very pleased with my experience, including the seamless scheduling and reminders. I look forward to training here and highly recommend this to anyone looking to get more out of their workouts. read more

I've been a client of Ross's since before they founded ASF and I intend on remaining a client for a long time to come. The facility they have is Brighton is well suited to one-on-one training. The best part about signing on with them is that I actually look forward to going to the gym now. I am stronger, faster, and fitter than I've ever been. read more

Sean is awesome! He really knows his stuff, and is encouraging but still pushes you to improve. He's also great about working around any issues/injuries you might have. read more