Amazing gym. Really clean, staff is friendly and most importantly PRIVACY! It is small but every time I go there is 5 people max (even for rush hour). read more

Practically every year I have come to Berkeley to visit my daughter and grandchildren. In Brazil I have regularly attended a bodybuilding gym. So when we arrived here we looked for a gym near our temporary home in North Berkeley. We did some research and found Strong Island. Where we were received with great attention and promptness by Rick. Accepted, for two months we practiced our individual training that we brought from Brazil. In a pleasant and well-equipped space we spent quality time with friendly people. Next year, we will be back. read more

Strong Island Fitness - Trainers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Für Besucher aus deutschsprachigen Ländern: Auf der Suche nach einer Trainingsmöglichkeit während meines Aufenthalts an der UC Berkeley bin ich auf das Strong Island Fitness Studio gestoßen, das in Nord-Berkeley, in Lauf- oder Rennreichweite des Campus liegt. Das Studio ist klein, aber sehr fein, hat (fast) alles, was man zum Trainieren braucht, und hat vor allem eins: ein unglaublich nettes Team mit Rick als Chef. Ich habe mich sofort zuhause gefühlt und wurde jedes Mal, wenn ich zum Trainieren kam, persönlich willkommen geheißen. Man kann in Ruhe trainieren, wenn man das will. Man kann aber auch einen netten Plausch mit Rick, seinem Team oder anderen Studionutzern haben. Und man kann auch individualisiertes Training bei Rick und seinem Team buchen. Es war nie voll, wenn ich morgens zum Training kam, und ich kam immer gut an alle Stationen die ich brauchte. Ein wundervolles Studio, geleitet von großartigen, freundlichen Menschen! read more

Rick is such a kind and caring fitness coach and guide. The new location is wonderful!

Rick (the owner @ Strong Island ) is an impressive individual (Smart, honest, kind). I noticed that his doors had reopened post COVID, so I decided to stop in and tour the facility. The gym is perfect. Well equipped, and no nonsense. I was born and raised just a couple of blocks away from here (back when Velo Sports used to operate out of the address). The North Berkeley neighborhood is seriously benefited by having this establishment in it. Five Stars! read more

Update: Since my last review, still highly recommend SIF for personal training as well as small exercise classes. I like the owners, trainers, small local facility. Mellow vibe there for seniors. Owners select nice and knowledgeable trainers. The owners' dog is also cute - Gannon! read more

Do yourself a favor. Go to Strong Island Fitness. I moved to Berkeley from the east coast a year ago and was looking for a gym that was local and had personal trainers. I read reviews of Strong Island and decided to give them a call. It was the best decision I made since moving out here. Rick, the owner, put me in touch with Jacob, who I trained with twice a week for several months. Jacob--like all the trainers, from what I can tell--was superb. He found exercises that worked well for me, fit with my goals, and kept detailed notes of the progress I was making. He had me do a variety of exercises--balancing, jumping, stretching, in addition to traditional strength training exercises like dead lifts, squats, and bench press. Many of these I would have had a hard time doing on my own, either because I didn't know about them before or because they required some initial guidance until I got the hang of them. Jacob was attentive to what worked well, including when to push me and when to let me rest when I needed recovery. Strong Island isn't a big gym, but it has everything you need. On top of that, the setting is friendly and encouraging--everyone that works there is positive but also knows how to motivate you. A bonus is that when you're signed up with a trainer, you can use the gym when you want to work on exercises on your own. I made a habit of coming in on Saturdays. If you're looking for a way to get in better shape, or get back in shape, I really can't recommend Strong Island enough. It's a great community of people and in a great location. I waffled for a bit, but it's become such a big part of my life in Berkeley that I can't imagine my life without it. read more

I was looking for both a gym and personal training services, and Strong Island provides both. It's exactly what I wanted: a local small business that treats its clients as friends and feels like a community. I love it there. I've been going to Strong Island for two years, and I'm pretty sure Rick has greeted me by name every time I've walked in the door. I work with one trainer there, Carolina, but Rick and all of the trainers have always made me feel comfortable and welcome. It's a judgment-free zone where everyone is encouraging and supportive and you can relax and work on your personal fitness goals surrounded by positive energy. Strong Island's trainers work with clients of all shapes, sizes, and physical abilities, from people training for competition to seniors working on staying active to people coping with chronic conditions and pain. Everyone receives warm, careful attention based on their needs and their goals. The sheer variety of movements I see performed at Strong Island every visit, even under the eye of the same trainer, makes it clear that every client's own program is unique, and that their personal goals are what matters. Strong Island provides a free initial assessment. Street parking, but usually pretty easy. Dog-friendly. They don't have traditional monthly gym memberships; rather, you pay for a package of sessions with a trainer. As long as you have one session with a trainer during the week, you can visit the gym on your own as much as you like. Up to three people can train simultaneously with one trainer (with a discount!) so if you have friends you want to train with, that's an option. read more

I worked with Rick for a year and a half and have nothing but great things to say. He guided me through proper form on squats, deadlifts, and complex moves like Turkish get-ups. If my back was stiff, elbow hurting, or foot causing problems, he'd not only tailor my workout to work around the issue, but he'd also show me mobilization techniques to help loosen up that area. Much of what I learned from him will be part of my fitness routine for the long term. The cherry on top: He's one of the warmest, kindest people I've ever interacted with. He really cares about each person in that studio. The other trainers are also friendly and very positive. I loved going to this studio and I'll miss living nearby. read more

What an incredible place. The trainers have shown me lots of ways to work out that are different (and probably better) than what I've learned in the past. They are very welcoming to all sizes, shapes and ages as well. Rick, the owner should start a side gig teaching other small businesses how to hire good people. Everyone that works there is incredibly friendly and seem well schooled in how to do personal training. read more

It's a nice facility with a nice location and really great staff. Really appreciate the relaxed ambiance. Definitely recommending it to my friends! read more

Everything the other reviewers wrote is true. I've been part of this gym from before the changeover to the great current owner, Rick, as I was trying to avoid surgery for a frozen shoulder. Yup. Cured by exercise. Now I just can't stop being there because it makes me happy. I'm a 65 yr old lady, who enjoyed a highly athletic youth, then became sedentary over the years. I may walk in with a poor attitude but 10 minutes in, I'm happy as can be. When I look around, I see some clients who have radically improved in this past year while others are new. I've seen all kinds of clients here. From fit and getting a lot fitter to those like myself who started pretty run down and are ready for a change. All ages too. And there are women as well as men in both of those categories. Clients are welcomed as we walk in and are cheered on by positive reinforcement. Everyone is focused on their own upgrading, not competing. Place is ALWAYS very clean. Machines are of high quality. The trainers are cherry picked, with specialities. I looked around a bit a while back and still KNOW this place is the best, because of it's policies, it's trainers, and the setup. It is a terrific, working gym. read more

I have been going here for the last couple of weeks, and all the reviews here are spot on. The owner Rick is always very friendly, and explained the initial process to me very thoroughly when i stepped into the gym. My assessment was scheduled with my personal trainer Craig, who was excellent in his evaluation. After determining my fitness level, all his following workouts were based on my current level. All of the classes were challenging and tough, but he was always encouraging and pushing myself harder. Craig was also very accommodating to my knee issues, and would change up the session if my knees started to hurt. What is also great about this place is that they also train you for events you want to attend. I highly recommend this place, and Craig as well. The sessions may be tough, but the trainers will be there to encourage you read more

Strong Island has great people, thanks to the superb leadership skills of Rick and Felicia, and the personal training is always excellent, tailored specifically to your needs. I love it! read more

If you're thinking about working with a personal trainer, Strong Island Fitness is a great choice. Rick, the owner, is incredibly warm and welcoming, and the gym itself is small but packed with the right equipment (free weights, machines, kettlebells, etc) to get a great workout. The clientele are of any age, ability and fitness level you can imagine, and all the trainers I've encountered are able to create routines to match each individual. I've been working with Bridgette since May 2018 and can't recommend her enough. She does a great job of designing a program around your goals, and is always able to adjust a workout depending on where you're at on a given day. She's also extremely knowledgable about how the body works, giving you an understanding of not just what exercises to do, but why to do them. You're able to do a free assessment, which includes a workout, so do yourself a favor and give Strong Island Fitness a call. read more

I've been going to Carolina's Iron beauties class for a few months now and I love it! The gym is intimate and welcoming, the trainers provide a lot of personal attention, and it's a great place for people of all fitness levels. Carolina makes kettlebell and weight training exciting and fun. If you want to feel like a badass woman (or man), this is the gym for you! read more

Great, attentive personal service from knowledgeable personnel delivered with warmth and compassion. No pressure, just a lot of hard work in a friendly environment. read more

Review is for their response turn around. I called and talked to Rick and he first wanted to know if it is a gym I'm looking for or a training service and explained the difference. Thanks for the mansplaining; I totally did not know! And yes, I was looking for a personal trainer. After spending time explaining my needs, he said someone would get back within 24 hrs. No one ever did. Bad taste and I didn't feel like calling again. Since their website is devoid of any pricing structure here's what I learned during the phone call: 1) Free fitness assessment with your trainer (if they call you) 2) $90 for one one-hour training session or $55 for a 30-min training session. You have access to their fitness center as long as you have had one training session that week. read more

Was interested in finding out more about the gym and what their pricing looks like, so I called yet there was no answer, only an automated voicemail. Left a message there, in addition to emailing them shortly after, yet still never heard back. Called multiple times in the past week and it went to voicemail every time. Guess they aren't interested in new business! read more

I have been training with Rick for several months now and here is why his gym and services deserves 5 stars: You pay for personal training and you get access to the gym on your own time, and not only is the place modern with great equipment, the trainers all make it a point to learn your name and to encourage you and help you out whenever you need it, even if you aren't there for a session and you have a question, they are there for support. And the trainers are awesome. Just good energy and positivity in that place, as well as knowledge and experience working with a variety of clients to meet a wide variety of goals. With Rick I found an amazing trainer supporter, if I am having a crappy day and I go in for training I come out feeling like gold, not just because of the endorphins but because he is just that kind of guy. When I was running my last half marathon, I had his voice in my ear "we practice how we play" and the training we had done as well as the mental perseverance he taught me helped me achieve a new PR by over five minutes!! Plus, he's helped me get stronger than ever, reduce low back pain and tone up. Just by virtue of training (I wasn't trying to lose weight, mostly just improve my running) I lost fat, gained muscle, and can run faster than I ever have. That's a pretty incredible feeling. If you want a family-like community, knowledgable trainers who know the body, how to help you get strong and healthy with fitness and nutrition, then Strong Island is the place to go. I used to live right down the street and now I drive 30+ minutes to train here because it is that good. See for yourself, you won't be disappointed. read more

This gym seems off the radar, but I think it may be a hidden jewel in Berkeley. The owner Rick is a very alert personality who is completely "present" when he talks to you. I call this the "non-distracted" gym! They aren't trying to fill time with chit chat and schmooze business. Rather, it appears to be a serious gym that gets down to business of what really matters in the mechanics of fitness, strength, health. I am also very impressed with a trainer Ravi Trujillo. He is the first personal trainer I've met who actually listens, gives eye contact, pays attention, and lets the client lead with their concerns. He seems to have a special insight into causes of body limitations and how to deal with them in safe way. He did not try to pressure me into a formulaic program or try to give me a sales pitch. It's like going to a medical specialist who understands the body. It is clear he has more experience and skills than the average personal trainer. I feel like I could bring any kind of fitness problem to him and he'd have multiple ways to address it. It was a very positive experience. I would highly recommend this gym. It also feels very woman-friendly. read more

I've been training here for over 3 years. I hit 50, was out of shape, and hurting. I gave the gym a try and have never looked back. Lost weight and feel great. Rick took over the gym about a year ago. He creates a phenomenal atmosphere. It's like walking into Cheers: everybody knows your name. You work hard, but all the trainers are incredibly positive and responsive. A lot of middle age and older clients staying in shape. I can't say enough about it. Worth the price; worth the time. read more

This studio (formerly Positive Motion) has changed my life. I highly recommend Carolina Rey who designs programs based on your particular body and goals. read more

Best addition to my life and I'm only in my third week. The location is choice. Rick knows how to give some solid dap and is as warm and gracious as they come. My trainer Carolina is the star of the show: the perfect blend of respectful, motivating, supportive, and encouraging--whilst still making sure I push myself. The space is clean and well-equipped. I truly look forward to visiting at 6 in the morning. read more

I love Strong Island. Rick and Felicia are amazing. My trainer Molly has helped me so much. It's like a cross between going to the gym and visiting your favorite neighborhood hangout where everyone knows your name. It's the best. read more

Why did I give you a 10/10? Because you wouldn't let me put 11. Strong Island is indeed an island of positivity, encouragement and accountability. read more

This is a great place for personal training! They have a variety of equipment that is kept clean and well maintained. Rick the owner always introduces everyone so that you feel comfortable and welcome. The trainers are encouraging and tailor each workout for you. My trainer Kevin pushes me harder than I ever would push myself and if I have any pain he modifies the workout and makes suggestions for stretching. I have lost weight and feel fitter and stronger. I used to have pains in my neck and back but they are now gone and I now have more energy. It is the best money I ever spent to taking care of my body. read more

Started training here recently, really impressed with what they do with a small facility. They are mostly focused on individual training, but if you train there you get the gym usage for free. They take you through a personal fitness assessment, talk with you about goals and figure out which trainer best fits with your situation. The workouts have been imaginative and challenging, the follow up very solid and the price reasonable. They care about your success. Good place! read more

Ive been working out here for a long while now, I train with Kevin who is well rounded and always adds something new to the workout, he keeps a great pace and is comprehensive, with core, cardio,legs , lean muscle strategies and diet recommendations. the facilities are super, this is a berkeley neighborhood gym. always easy to park and everyone there is friendly, fit and focused. Not for the folks looking for lots of people and waiting for machines, bench pressers or locker room chatter. this place is where you go to get in shape and feel great! read more

This gym has the most positive and upbeat vibes out of any gym I've ever been to (and it's not even close). This has been the only gym where I look forward to going to work out. All the trainers are extremely helpful and even talk/help you out when you aren't their specific client. My trainer Jacob has improved my squatting weight by 95 pounds over the past couple months and is always extremely present and responsive throughout all of our sessions. Would highly recommend this gym to anyone that enjoys working out and being around good people. read more

Rick has created a truly special place with Strong Island fitness. It really feels like a community, and all of the trainers have been kind and complement each other. I've been working out with Nathan, who makes our workouts always interesting, fun, and attuned to my needs and goals. He is always enthusiastic, prepared, adaptable to my needs of the day (e.g., if I come in with a something sore, or getting over a cold). I wouldn't miss our final "abs with Nathan" which actually makes core work enjoyable. I love that there are all kinds of different workouts happening, from badass intensity to seniors getting into training - and we all belong. Perks: If you train at least once a week you can go in other days to do your own workout (I always intend to do this but haven't). Parking is pretty easy too. read more

If you are looking to get started on a workout routine, focus your current one or move to the next level, go to Strong Island. The staff starts by giving you a free assessment that measures things like body alignment, posture, balance, strength, cardio recovery, etc. I found the scientific approach to be quite interesting as well as valuable. They also talk to you extensively about your goals. From there, a program is designed around their assessment and your aspirations. My goal is to take it to the next level and they have shown me the way. Rick and Kevin currently train me and I have achieved great success over the past 6 months. Boasting for a minute, I have dropped a considerable amount of body fat (21.8% to 13.8%) and weight (222 to 208) and am stronger than ever! The results are truly remarkable. I should mention I feel fantastic as well. I have NEVER had workouts as intense and enjoyable. While I at times cry "mommy", they keep me going with plenty of positive feedback. The positive reinforcement through all the workouts has been a great motivator. Everyone in house is extremely knowledgeable in addition to being personable. It is truly a community at Strong Island and a very friendly environment. One thing I like about the trainers is, in addition to their extensive knowledge around fitness training, they are all athletes and specialize in different sports. For example, Kevin trains the Squaw Extreme Skiing team and will get you ready for the ski season. Molly is a competitive weight lifter who will take you to the next level. The equipment is top notch and they have machines and exercises that most gym goers have never experienced. While I know I will get my butt kicked when I go, I start looking forward to the next session well in advance. read more

A very personalized and attentive trainer-based fitness center. The trainers are very good at gently but firmly pushing you out of your comfort zone. I was in Berkeley for only two months (visiting from Boston) and had weekly sessions with Greg. By the end of my staying I was in shape like never before. There is no comparison with do-it-yourself fitness. My top goal is to find a good trainer in my hometown now, but I know it won't be easy to find a place that will match the level of support I was fortunate to get at Strong Island Fitness. read more

I have had the privilege of working with Rick and Carolina over the past two years and could not have asked for a better gym experience. Both Rick and Carolina are incredible trainers, but are even better people. I had been experiencing chronic hip pain for a little over a year, but within just a few weeks of working with Carolina, my hip pain was completely gone and I was back to being fully functional. Strong Island has transformed exercising from a monotonous chore into an enjoyable experience that I look forward to each week. If you are considering starting, I say go for it. You will not regret it. Strong Island is a welcoming, friendly, encouraging environment where you will improve yourself. read more

After having major surgery six months ago, I was ready to get back my "core" and started looking for a personal trainer in Berkeley. Strong Island Fitness really fills the bill. I initially met with the owner, Rick, who kindly went over all of my issues and assured me that they would find just the right person for the job. I had to wait, as their current trainers were booked, but I got lucky when they called and informed me that a new trainer, Jacob Hanson, could start working with me. Jacob was a track star at Cal and had also worked as a physical therapist before coming to Strong Island. I couldn't ask for a better trainer and he is a lovely person. Kind and gentle, he has no problem working with a 70 year old woman who is more than twice his age. I have always been athletic, but the surgery left me weak and uncertain. Jacob makes working out a challenge and tailors the workouts to my needs. I have been there for a few months now and have seen vast improvements in my strength and mobility. Jacob understands how important it is for me to stay fit and healthy. I highly recommend Strong Island and Jacob Hanson to anyone looking for a serious workout. All of their trainers are top notch athletes and Rick is just an all round great guy. So is his dog. read more

Everything the other reviewers have written is true. Strong Island Fitness is an oasis for kindness, strength and fitness. It has saved my life - lost 40 pounds in 4 months and staying in the best medical and physical shape of my life. The exercises are tailored for you, your goals, and body. The trainers are flexible with their time and will work around your schedule. I hope the one negative reviewer comes by. This gym is the least sexist space I know - Rick, the owner, is a mensch to everyone and the gym is full of amazing women and men trainers and clients. For years, I worked out at a large gym and didn't get these results. Can't say enough good things about Strong Island Fitness. read more

I started working with Rick as an aging, overweight, wine loving, foodie with arthritic knees and a thousand excuses why I hated and had no time for exercise. Basically, I was a personal trainer's nightmare. Now? Well (is this me saying this????), I love exercising, have lost weight and have built the muscle to counteract the pain in my bad knees. And I even look younger. Rick is a miracle worker and Strong Island is an amazing place. The environment is super friendly, relaxed and the equipment is state of the art. And, their staff....you can't go wrong. Every single one of them are skilled practitioners who can help even the most daunting cases like me. I'm hooked! read more

I have always enjoyed fitness and exercise, but I struggled to make it a consistent habit. Large gyms were overwhelming and impersonal. Working out on my own was fine for upkeep, but I lacked the knowledge and motivation to get in the kind of shape I wanted. From the moment I walked into Strong Island I felt comfortable. The staff is welcoming and the equipment is clean and up to date. My trainer, Rick, had gone out of his way to get to know me beyond the gym and has taken on my workout goals as his own. He and the rest of the staff blend humor and motivation seamlessly and create an environment that pushes you without grinding you down. Strong Island has helped shape a true lifestyle change. It's fun to work out and I've never been in better shape. Functionally I'm stronger and better able to withstand a physical work environment. I am better able to manage stress and recover better from aches and pains. And my wife isnt exactly complaining! No matter what your goals for yourself are, from recovering some range of motion to training for a marathon, Strong Island fitness will work with you to meet them. read more

I have been coming to Strong Island for about a year and a half. My trainer is Ravi, and he has helped me in many ways. Ravi is extremely knowledgeable. He was able to help me work toward my goals even as they changed through time. I've had surgery and other physical challenges throughout my life. If one exercise started to cause discomfort or pain for me, Ravi immediately, without a moment's hesitation, came up with an alternative exercise, one that worked the same muscle. Plus he had loads of exercises for me to do at home. Especially important to me was that Ravi was not judgmental of me when I didn't do them. I felt comfortable to be me, with my quirky humor and abundant excuses. Ravi always encouraged and coached me on. He was always upbeat. Strong Island is a welcoming place. Rick, the owner, always introduced me to everyone there, if I didn't know them. Parking is easy, at least when I'd go, mid-afternoon. I planned to go for a half a year, preparing for a trip, but I continued for a year and a half. A worthwhile time, indeed! read more