Updating my review from 2025. I can't recommend Mbodied Strength enough, especially my trainer, Hrishikesh Kulkarni. Over the past year, I've gone through a double mastectomy, hysterectomy, and multiple reconstructive surgeries. Throughout that entire journey, the team at Mbodied Strength showed me a level of compassion and flexibility that is incredibly rare. They graciously paused my membership during each surgery and allowed me to return for the short periods in between when I was medically cleared to train. Many gyms with membership contracts wouldn't accommodate that, and it made such a difference during an already difficult time. Every time I returned, Hrishikesh met me exactly where I was. He was incredibly knowledgeable about my restrictions, always providing thoughtful modifications that allowed me to train safely while still challenging me. What I appreciated most was that he never made me feel like I was "less than" because of my limitations. Instead, he helped me focus on what I could do, reminding me of my strength while respecting that recovery is a gradual process. I've always felt comfortable and supported at this studio, and I've always felt safe training with Hrishikesh. His expertise, patience, and encouragement gave me confidence in my body again at a time when it would have been easy to lose it. If you're looking for a gym with exceptional coaching, a welcoming community, and trainers who genuinely care about their clients as people, not just workouts. I wholeheartedly recommend Mbodied Strength. I'm incredibly grateful for everything they've done to support me through my recovery. read more

Updating my review from 2014. I still train with MBodied Strength. Everyone I've interacted with has been absolutely great. I am currently training with Kellen. He always meets me where I am, and encourages me in a way that I always end up doing more than I thought I could. I am stronger and more confident in my abilities as a result. Training with MBodied Strength helped me dream big for my health and fitness. I always wanted to take a martial art, but was always too anxious. However, now I am currently taking Taekwondo classes. After an injury to my foot I thought I'd never be able to run a full 5k, but I'm working towards that goal next year. If you're on the fence at all, just go for it. read more

After putting off working out for years, I'm so glad I made the decision to try personal training! Going to a traditional gym can be overwhelming when you don't know what your body needs and it seems like everyone else is an expert. Melissa is super focused on your individual needs and helping you achieve your goals. I love the female focus and the small group aspect. Highly recommend trying our MBodied! read more

I started training with Melanie about a year and a half ago, as part of my continued recovery from a back injury. I was able to start in private sessions for my special needs, then transition into group sessions as I got stronger. The program is always adapted to each individual, and it's fun working out in small groups (usually 2-4 students). It's a very welcoming environment for folks at all fitness levels, and the staff are all very knowledgeable. read more

It is so lovely to workout with ladies. it's a non-competitive judgement-free zone. the small group format is the perfect combination of community accountability with individualized training. read more

I've been working with Mel in small group training for about six weeks and love it! I've already noticed a significant improvement in my strength and stability. The gym is sparkling clean and well equipped, and all the staff are relentlessly positive and supportive. 100% recommend! read more

This place is really good. Semi private group is more affordable than individual training, but you still get great attention. The trainer gives you exercises as a group that you for sure need, then there is individual work, designed to strengthen you exactly where you need it most. Even in the group work she makes sure you do the move that is just right for your body with the correct weight. She is positive and encouraging, listening to how the workout is going for you, making sure you stretch and warm up but you still get time for a real workout. Gym vibe is friendly, positive and nonjudgmental. read more

Melissa is a professional trainer with great knowledge. She has given me structure and accountability. Along with her vibrant personality, her excellent communication makes her an easy choice if you are looking for the best training in Seattle. read more

I'm so glad I decided to invest in myself by starting personal training! I have been a runner my whole life but I've never known how to "gym", and in my 30s I've found that just running is not cutting it any more. I have loved my experience at MBodied Strength so far. Over the two week intro program there was so much personal attention and thoughtful listening to my story, it honestly felt like a therapy session. I was really impressed by their inclusive approach that is sensitive to body/weight hangups and facilitates setting goals on your own terms. I've been training with Melanie for about a month now. She is the newest trainer on the team and is positive, down to earth, knowledgeable, and does a great job balancing pushing you and making things fun. I am already feeling comfortable doing things I've never done before like working with weights. I'm excited to find out what I'll be able to do here in the future! read more

As someone who has been fairly active, and had explored a number of fitness centers over time (each fairly short-lived), starting a truly customized and regular workout program with Melissa has made a world of difference for me. Melissa takes the time up front to understand your goals, makes an assessment of your strong/weak areas, then crafts each session to safely and progressively improve your strength, flexibility and endurance. She has extensive training and experience (both coasts) as an instructor in personal fitness, yoga, nutrition, motivation and health in general. She is very personable, highly engaged in each session and shows a high level of commitment to your progress (and challenges.) You won't be disappointed. read more

Melissa is fantastic. She listens as well as she teaches - she's really helped me work out in a manner that helps me gain strength, yet not injure myself (which has been a problem with other trainers). read more

I recommend Melissa highly, especially for people who want to gain/maintain strength. As a mature athlete (runner and biker) my goal was to get stronger and prevent injuries. I had a cycling event scheduled and planned see Melissa for 3 months prior to this trip. After a year I still look forward to our weekly sessions. She targets areas I didn't even know needed attention. Cycling is more pleasant with stronger glutes and hip flexors! Her workouts are customized to meet my individual needs. They change each session and she really pays attention to my form and adjusts if there is an injury. I feel motivated, challenged and sore after our workouts. Melissa is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and professional. She has made me stronger. I would highly recommend! read more

I found Melissa on Yelp and trained with her for 10 sessions. Prior to training with Melissa, I had no idea what to do when I'm at a gym other than using the treadmill and elliptical. I came to Melissa with a specific goal of becoming toned so that I would look good in my best friend's wedding. And after 10 sessions, I have to say I look much better in my bridesmaid dress! I love Melissa because she's always so encouraging and patient. She has different exercise moves for me every class so that I can be more familiar with the gym equipments and never get bored. I also tried her core group class Saturday morning. For $12 / drop-in session, it's a really good deal to train with Melissa and get to know her! If you are looking for a trainer in Cap Hill area, I'd highly recommend her! read more

I have been training with Melissa twice a week since July---she is terrific! Knowledgeable, motivational and fun. She works to understand your goals and creates sessions customized for your needs. It has been a great investment in my health and I am seeing good results---lost inches from my hips and my arms are stronger and more defined. Highly recommend! read more

Melissa Charlton is THE GREATEST. She's everything a good personal trainer should be: knowledgable, motivational, reliable, and FUN! In the two years I got to train with her, she was the best part of my week. She was always encouraging and always upping the work-out and trying new things. Her assistance with meal-planning and tracking was perfect. She kept me strong!! If you're considering investing in a personal trainer, contact Emerald City Strength! I couldn't imagine my 2 years in Seattle without her!! read more

Now, I am as cheap as they get. Prior to training with Melissa Charlton, my fitness regimen consisted of YouTube workout videos and weight training using my employer-sponsored gym membership. I stuck to the user-friendly, self-explanatory machines because I was intimidated by the fitness rats on the cable machines and free weights. There was progress, I'm reasonably healthy as is, and I probably would have continued doing that forever. Then I sought out a nutritionist (Aimee Gallo at Vibrance Nutrition & Fitness) and discovered that the magic of a great health consultant is that, without really even trying, they can inspire you to change your lifestyle in ways you never would have expected. Things I like about Melissa's training: 1. She's well-informed about the body and anatomy. She focuses on injury prevention and whole-body training, and is great at making you do really annoying exercises for your little stabilizer muscles that really pay off when you're sitting at a desk for hours or learning to do a double turn in salsa class. 2. The gym, Urban Fit Studios on Capitol Hill, is great. (She also works on the Eastside, but I haven't been there.) Everyone there is in a personal training contract of some sort, which sounds intimidating but actually puts everyone on the same playing field. It also means that, because it's a small community, nobody thinks it's okay to hit on random strangers. The gym membership is a reasonable $35/month if you want to use it in addition to training sessions; starting with a trainer is one of the requirements of membership. 3. Melissa is smart -- this is important for me -- as well as creative and fun. 4. My body is WAY happier after three months of training, and I know I couldn't have gotten here on my own. read more

Melissa has trained me through many levels of fitness as well as injury. I started working with her in 2009 after my husband went for a fitness evaluation with her. He, basically, wanted to know if she did the same training routine with each client. Well, after my fitness evaluation, I got a completely different workout. Melissa tailors each workout to each individual - AND she doesn't keep the workout the same if the individual has an injury or is training for a triathlon, like I am, now. My goal is to be in the best shape of my life at 40 (I'm 36, now), and to be able to do as many activities as I want in retirement, such as skiing, hiking, swimming, biking, etc. She definitely changed my life and my outlook on what I can achieve with my body. I have gained over 12 pounds of muscle training with her, and I definitely look better than I did when I was younger! Melissa is amazing, and I highly recommend working with her to reach your goals! read more

Melissa is the best! To say I am new to the gym is an understatement and getting started was very intimidating. I have a lot of weight to lose and the task felt very daunting, until I met Melissa. Honestly, she put me at ease immediately. She is extremely approachable and kind and she really knows her stuff. She explains everything we do and why we do it and I never feel silly asking her questions! She motivates and pushes me without being intimidating. She kicks my butt while being my biggest cheerleader! Training with Melissa has made me feel hopeful and more confident in myself and my fitness abilities. Her positivity is contagious and her love of what she does is obvious. I feel so lucky to have found her! read more

Melissa is the perfect trainer for me. I hate working out, but she makes it fun. I actually miss it if I am away. She pushes me hard - but seems to know exactly how far. I have seen dramatic improvements in my strength and stamina. I highly recommend her! read more