Expert certified personal trainers at Strong Island Fitness in North Berkeley are dedicated to enabling every client to transform their bodies and improve their health. You benefit from engaged, authentic professionals who truly care about your personal goals and helping you to fulfill your maximum physical potential.
Our environment is a community of supportive, welcoming people who work together as we strive to attain our ideal well-being. We are deeply invested in our clients and strive to exceed their expectations of how they live, move and thrive! We are thrilled as we see you transform your body, mind, belief system and ultimately your life.
Our environment is a community of supportive, welcoming people who work together as we strive to attain our ideal well-being. We are deeply invested in our clients and strive to exceed their expectations of how they live, move and thrive! We are thrilled as we see you transform your body, mind, belief system and ultimately your life.
Services
I love what I do. I am passionate about motivating and empowering clients of all ages and skill levels to achieve their wellness and fitness goals. Strong Island changes the quality of clients lives. They have fun and work hard in an inviting environment to transform their lives. My passion for health and movement is based in a life-long love of dance, strength training, yoga, climbing, running, tumbling, swimming, mixed martial arts, and hiking.
Reviews (20)
Lisa Oglesby
Nov 16, 2021
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I've been a Strong Island customer for years upon years now. If it wasn't for Rick, I would not be in the great shape I am in. He changed me from a lazy senior who hated exercise to a healthy, strong person who likes to walk, exercise, travel and dive. He has helped me overcome a broken shoulder and two knee surgeries. I am so grateful to him!
Jake C.
Jul 09, 2021
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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!
Five Stars!
Daniel & Shawna B.
Sep 20, 2019
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Mamie L.
Sep 04, 2019
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Jesse G.
Aug 05, 2019
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Cynthia M.
Jun 30, 2019
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Scott C.
Jun 27, 2019
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Lee H.
Jun 24, 2019
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Been a client for over two years and my trainer Carolina is the best. Strong Island is a personal training studio, not a monthly fee gym; as long as you have a session with your personal trainer, you can use the facilities as much as you want that week. Rick, the owner, is fantastic: he knows everyone's name, and the gym feels like a cozy little community. No bait and switch, no upselling, just lovely people helping you attain your fitness goals.
Sara T.
Nov 10, 2018
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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
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
Joel C.
Aug 10, 2018
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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
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
Mamie Lai
Jun 30, 2018
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Jonathan G.
Mar 28, 2018
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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
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
Meryl N.
Jul 28, 2017
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Shane H.
Mar 10, 2017
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Alex C.
Nov 03, 2016
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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.
Athena A.
Jun 23, 2015
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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
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
L. I.
Mar 15, 2015
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The previous reviews are completely accurate.
I started personal training with Molly O'Rourke a couple months ago and I couldn't be happier! Ms. O'Rorke is actually a two time national champion in judo, world-class power lifter with superior intelligence and a heart of gold! She professionally applies her knowledge and expertise with patience while considering the whole person. I TRULY appreciate her for motivating me to safely push myself physically, make better food choices, in addition to teaching me to address my personal tendency to eat emotionally.
After sustaining significant
I started personal training with Molly O'Rourke a couple months ago and I couldn't be happier! Ms. O'Rorke is actually a two time national champion in judo, world-class power lifter with superior intelligence and a heart of gold! She professionally applies her knowledge and expertise with patience while considering the whole person. I TRULY appreciate her for motivating me to safely push myself physically, make better food choices, in addition to teaching me to address my personal tendency to eat emotionally.
After sustaining significant
Chris P.
Feb 02, 2015
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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 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
Benny A.
Jan 15, 2015
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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
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
Kate H.
Nov 21, 2014
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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
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
