I've been working with Hector Sanchez at the StrengthStudio in Sebastopol for about a year now. I was never particularly fit, preferring to read versus playing sports or other physical activities. So, I was particularly out of shape when I got to the Strength Studio. And, I have had terrible problems with my lower back including a recent 6 month stint in a wheel chair. So, I was nervous as I started to look for someone who could hep me drop some weight and get in shape. Hector (and his team) are particularly non-judgmental and very helpful. It took some time to get into the groove of visiting the studio twice a week. But, in the end, that's the formula for a slow, patient success. I'm never going to be Joe six-pack abs, and never want to be. But I do need to be in much better physical condition. Over the course of this first year, we focused in strengthening the muscles around my lower back to take the strain off. As that started to get better, I was able to begin a gentle weight loss process. Hector is particularly great at making accomplishment possible by offering support, guidance (gently) and a great set of properly maintained and appropriately adjusted machines. I am a very happy customer. read more

I've been working out once a week with Hector Sanchez for the past 3 months. I'm 84 years old. I live a sedentary life and was losing strength and in poor shape when I started. I had some fear about getting hurt. Hector is a wonderful, wise and knowledgeable coach. He is with me throughout the 30 minute session and I am totally safe and secure. I am delighted with the increase in my core strength and therefore balance. This has increased my confidence about my ability to do things. I look forward to ongoing training. To my surprise I always want to go to my schedule appointment, even though I have avoided most exercise regimes all of my adult. read more

If you want to be strong and very safe at the same time, this is the place. One-on-one instruction guides you through your strength training session. Disinfectant on each machine after you leave. Great staff. read more

Would I recommend this business? For elderly or people needing to strengthen to come back from surgery or illness. I would absolutely NOT recommend this gym for results. I've went here for a couple years and nothing changed. NOTHING I've been with a virtual trainer now 1 month and my body has transformed and I'm loosing weight. I think this place is a gimmick and I'm pissed I wasted THOUSANDS of dollars for nothing. Staff is great concept sucks read more

Super Slow training at The Strength Studio has improved my core strength in noticeable and practical ways over the past two years. As nearly 60-year-old woman, it is unimaginably wonderful to be undaunted by physical tasks that present themselves in everyday life: lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting -- my understanding of my body mechanics has deepened and I am more aware of injury prevention and protective measures to take prior to exertion in order to stay fully active and healthy. Hector and his team of trainers are extremely professional and dedicated to their craft. Be patient as you start. This method can take some time to manifest, but it is a deep change and totally worth the time and effort. read more

Hector is really good at what he does. I have been using the super slow system with Hector for over a year now. I feel stronger and I am healthier by all counts. And to accomplish these results with 30 minutes twice per week is beyond anything I could have imagined. I highly recommend The Stength Studio. read more

Hector at Strength Studio is the answer to efficiency in fitness, strength and stamina in all aspects of your life in a minimum of time. I was looking for a strength training program that worked ... This is the program! Thank you Hector. read more

I've been a client of The Strength Studio for over two years and have faithfully been going twice a week for their super slow workouts. With my busy schedule, the twice weekly sessions are perfect and give me a chance to focus on myself for 30 minutes. The staff is really professional and are experts in the field, and I trust their guidance emphatically. I would recommend anyone who wants a quality, effective workout regimen to join The Strength Studio. read more

I'm addicted to the Strength Studio method. It eliminates my workout "pain points" - long sessions, injuries, and having to wash my hair afterwards - while giving me the best results I have ever gotten. I feel proud of my body again! Thanks, Hector and Chelsea. ps. I'm not kidding about the hair - you don't get sweaty during this type of workout. Saves me a ton of time! read more

For the past 7 weeks I have been going to the Strength Studio in Sebastopol to do a very specific, and it turns out, efficient form of exercise called SuperSlow weight training. I've done it consistently, for 30 minutes each session, and am now giving my enthusiastic recommendation for all my friends in the area to try it. First, some general info. The studio is run by Hector Sanchez, a very friendly, but serious (about training) guy who is clearly knowledgeable about why SuperSlow is one of the best ways to combat muscle loss. He has some great literature that shows how we all begin losing muscle beginning when we turn 30, which is called Sarcopenia. Losing muscle is more than just losing your good shape; it has many effects, including energy loss, aching joints from not being supported well enough, not to mention that you burn food much more efficiently with more muscle. Given that bone mass declines with age, there's no doubt that some form of weight training is good for everyone. The question is what form should you do? SuperSlow has a very specific and scientific reasoning behind it: if your muscles stay engaged with the maximum load they can bear, without use of momentum or rest, the results will be much more efficient and you will be under less risk of injury. The machines that are used (these are not "free weights", which can be dangerous when not done properly) are set up so that your muscles stay engaged through the push and the pull - there is no "off time", which results in quicker fatigue, and hence more growth of the cells that turn into new, healthy muscle tissue. You work for about 2-3 minutes max on each machine, going at a steady pace, with Hector coaching you on your form, breathing, and giving you encouragement to reach your maximum. It is not easy, but it is extremely satisfying, as when your 30 minutes is up you know your body was worked out in a way that is safe, and extremely thorough. There are a number of types of SuperSlow companies out there, most of which are off-shoots of the original created by Ken Hutchins, the founder. I can't vouch for them, but the science behind this technique is very apparent, and makes sense from a practical point of view, too. Who among us can go to the gym, lift the exact amount of weight that we think (what our mind tells us) is appropriate, follow a regimen that is consistent, avoid bad technique, avoid injury, and reach our maximum potential in 25-30 minutes? Even Hector, who says he sometimes tries to work out on his own, says he is able to reach a much higher level working with a coach. One of the best parts of the Strength Studio is how well designed it is. Hector has light classical music playing, no distractions of other people while you work with him (or one of his trainers), and there is nothing to keep you from concentrating on the task at hand. Even my girlfriend, who hates exercise, has loved the experience of working out with Hector. He makes you feel good about yourself, your body, and gives you strong encouragement. I've found it to be one of the best things I've done for myself in a long, long time. Try it out, and you'll probably get hooked. read more

I have been going to the Strength Studio for little over 1 year. The facility is always immaculate and comfortable. Hector the lead trainer is an amazing coach. He has improved my physical strength and also my wellbeing. The wellbeing part is my greatest reward. Spending time with Hector is like spending time with a wise life-coach. He is focused on so much more than just working out for a better beach body. He has deep insight and his kind words and positive attitude have brought me to a physically and emotionally powerful place. I look forward to my workout times like a mental reset. Hector is a good person with so much to offer. I gladly recommend him to others looking for more from their workout. He has become a friend to me and I cant say enough good about him and his Studio. read more

With only two 30-minute workouts a week, I've really transformed my physical condition. I've got better muscle tone (obviously) and better endurance (of course) and increased strength (duh) - but what I was not expecting was relief from arthritis which I was experiencing in both knees. I really thought THAT was an age-related problem, but it turns out, regular weight workouts help a myriad of issues! Check out the Power of Ten, and definitely come in and see Hector at the Strength Studio! You won't be sorry! read more

Hector and his team really helped me start my journey to wellness and strength. I went from zero activity (besides walking around town and occasional hiking) to lifting lots of weight (under close supervision) and feeling strong as heck! And now I'm going to multiple fitness classes a week and absolutely am on a different program than I had been for years! I feel great! Really, this is a great place for someone who doesn't "do gyms". I don't know about you, but if I just have an open membership somewhere, I go far less often than if I have someone waiting for me to show up to my appointment. I definitely get way more motivated, and the results prove it. I lost inches where I wanted to, gained a ton of strength, and felt better in general. My flexibility improved, I was more aware of my posture, and I noticed I was getting less headaches and pulled muscles. The workout could feel meditative if you focused and really concentrated on feeling your muscles. I'm too chatty, so that wasn't usually the case for me, but I know it can be. My fiancé goes there too (he broke his back 20 years ago in a snowboarding accident. He can walk and dance, but he has a lot of strength and balance issues), and it's helped enormously with his stability and muscle strength. PLUS he has a butt now! THANKS, HECTOR! For real - the exercises grew a butt. It's amazing what one hour a week can do for your body. Go and find out for yourself! You deserve to give yourself some time and love. Get it! read more

My wife tried other types of fitness off and on for years,health clubs, curves, even bought a stationary bike. Nothing worked for her fitness/schedule life style until she began at Strength Studio. She likes going and we see improvement in mind, body fitness, attitude and energy. It's convenient, it works for us for the long term commitment to health. Hector changed the course of her fitness/well being. read more

Love slow strength! Hector and his studio is wonderful. Massive results in just a few months. Was wonderful at working within my limitations of old injuries and dramatically improving my core strength and muscle mass. read more

This is the single most effective exercise option I have ever experienced, and the one that I have been absolutely able to prioritize among all the other competing details of a busy life. The 30 minute session once or twice a week is prompting my muscles and overall fitness to improve consistently and dramatically. The personal workout is crafted and monitored meticulously, and so worries about going too far (or not working hard enough) are a thing of the past. Hector calls this "clinical strength training" and it truly is - individual limitations are thoughtfully and safely accommodated, and clients include all ages and baseline abilities. This is a quick, private, efficient experience - who can't fit a half an hour? Park, run in, half an hour flies by, and you leave with that feeling that your muscles have truly been put through their full range of work and will be stronger the next time you come back. Go! read more

I noticed a change in my overall strength after only a few sessions and am amazed at how a 30 min. weekly session improved my overall health. Hector is very knowledgeable and such a great motivator! read more