★ 5

My life improved greatly when I found Strength! Every decision Val has made for her gym makes it easy to get into a healthy routine and reach your fitness goals in a fun and safe way. She also brings such warmth, care and knowledge to training and has fostered a great little community of trainers and clients. It can be intimidating to join a new gym and the team at Strength makes everyone feel welcome. I’m amazed at how Val remembers little things like my pain areas or previous injuries when she has so many clients! I’ve had a positive experience with all the trainers there, who each bring a unique perspective and skill set. Diego especially is a master at personalizing a workout to suit each client and offering extra tips!

Source: Google

★ 5

Went in for a 45-minute group strength class with Casey. The studio was super clean and cute! Casey did a great job explaining each exercise and helping with form. The workout was intentional and seriously kicked my butt. Finished with a 500m ski... that was tough! Loved the vibe and would definitely come back next time I'm in town.

Source: Google

★ 5

Val and her team do a great job at programming and making sure everyone gets top-rate, individual feedback on perfecting their form. Both guys and gals were in the class and it was very welcoming. Will return when I am in town again.

Source: Google

★ 5

Zach knows his stuff. I love working with him. In a few sessions I started looking and feeling better. He really catches you on form and posture and he truly pays close attention to how you align your body.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the best gym on the peninsula if you are serious about getting healthy and strong. The programming is AMAZING. The coaching is AMAZING. I shocked there are not more men in the gym who are seeking cross-fit like (but more sustainable) workouts in a coached setting. Diego, in particular, has been incredibly helpful and nuanced in his coaching. He is passionate and thoughtful while catering his advice on an individual basis. The value you get out of this place is absolutely unmatched!

Source: Google

★ 5

Beautiful boutique-style studio with high-quality professional equipment. Classes are either private or small-group, ensuring intensive attention and quality trainings. Exercises are structured on a consistent four-week schedule - great since they also track your progress. I especially love the strong focus on efficient lifts and fundamental strength-building movements; you'll learn all the important lifts here! Lilly and Diego, whom I've worked with, are top-notch professionals with great personalities. The small class size also makes it easy to connect with others and take your time training since you often don't have to share any equipment. A great place to train!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great staff and energy!

Source: Google

★ 5

Diego is the best! Post medical rehab, I went to Diego to further my shoulder rehab and help me get back general strength and mobility. He was able to customize my workout plan, add modifications where needed, that all resulted in me being far more strong and flexible! Thanks for supporting me so well during my recovery and giving me the boost I needed!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love that Strength started offering small group classes in addition to personal training! I’ve been going regularly to both morning and evening classes and have to say that Diego and Val are both really great trainers! You basically get the attention of a personal trainer at a studio price. It doesn’t hurt that the studio itself is beautiful, the equipment new, and the staff friendly. You won’t only start to feel stronger, you’ll love the process too!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been doing strength training with Diego for 5 weeks twice weekly for newly diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease. I am so appreciative of the progress I’ve made. Diego works you hard and knows exactly what he is doing. I have made an incredible amount of progress and my mobility and confidence. My strength has improved dramatically. This facility is the best as is Diego.

Source: Google

★ 5

Diego and the crew are amazing. I had a bad hip injury and he's got me back running, lifting and being able to be active again! Highly recommend!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Val (owner) & Ariel are great Personal Trainers serving clients of all ages. Properly certified and experienced to help you train hard to your level of ability while avoiding excesses & injury.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great personalized training. Very knowledgeable and accommodating.

Source: Google

★ 5

Lovely community gym with an incredible team of trainers. I have never been a gym goer and Ariel makes it so fun! I am learning so much about my body and love getting stronger.

Source: Google

★ 5

Valerie is patient and inspiring. Every week we get different work outs. It keeps it interesting

Source: Google

★ 5

Val offers a rare opportunity to heal and exercise in a warm and welcoming environment.

At STRENGTH, you can’t avoid noticing the exceptional energy in the space.

Val helped me get back on my feet after a severe “trauma “ that changed my life. I arrived in significant pain and with her healing, in less than 2 months, my pain is drastically reduced.

In addition to Val’s knowledge in a very wide range of physical therapy modalities, together, we took 31 pounds off in just over 30 days with her knowledge of nutrition and metabolic enhancement techniques.

Without a doubt, STRENGTH offers the most advanced and inviting environment to train and heal your mind, body, and spirit!

The best healer I ever met!!

Jeff E

Source: Google

★ 5

Such a wonderful, overall great space for a personal workout. This has been a true blessing for what's evolved this year. Val is not only knowledgeable about her rehab/training techniques, she truly cares for you as a person. I am grateful to have met her and able to use her program.

Source: Google

★ 5

Last summer, I needed to rehab a badly damaged ankle after a series of trail running injuries. I am so happy to have found Val and STRENGTH! We spent the first few sessions strengthening my ankle, but I enjoyed my time and the progress so much that I have stayed on as a weekly client. I have lost 15+ pounds while adding muscle mass and definition. I highly recommend Val and STRENGTH!

Source: Google

★ 5

Right in downtown Monterey, Strength has a refreshing boutique-style private gym feel - bright and clean with quality equipment and accented with plants at all corners. You can tell a huge amount of love and work went into the design.

I went for strength training and ended up loving the cardio equipment as well. The rower is super efficient and the assault bike lives up to its name, in a good way (I think)! Favorite new spot for strength and sweat, thanks Val!

Source: Google

★ 5

Val is the Best trainer around! She has such a passion for what she does and a vast knowledge to back it up. Her attention to form from day one with me, is really what got me wanting to come back. There is a push to do more, but also a non judgemental attitude that makes you feel comfortable and the training anxieties to dissipat . I can not say enough about her approach to fitness, it is a focus on full health and instead of focusing on how the body looks, focus is on what can the body do and build STRENGTH!
I love my training times and you will too!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I am so thankful to have Val in my life! With her amazing energy, professionalism, and attitude she has helped me through The journey of a full shoulder replacement with excellent results. Her background in physical therapy and extensive knowledge in strength training were incredibly supportive in working my way back to a strong and fully functioning body. I’m so happy to work out with her in her very own studio— STRENGTH is a safe haven for body, mind and spirit!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, personable and motivational personal trainer, then look no further than Val Valdez. She excels in communication and structuring a routine that best suits your current fitness level. She’s an active listener and really pays attention to your form, ensuring that the exercises are done correctly and safely. Above all, she has a knack for making exercise FUN. 5 stars. 10/10

Source: Google

★ 5

I have worked with a number of very good trainers over the years and Val is by far the best She has an in-depth knowledge as a function of the time she spent working towards a doctorate in physical therapy before changing her career direction. She is caring and sensitive to her client’s needs. I highly recommend her

Source: Google

★ 5

Val! I highly recommend Strength training with Val. I appreciate her approach and knowledge base. She develops a program specifically to target my areas of weakness and optimize healthy, functionality. Also she's done a wonderful job using the space.

Source: Google

★ 5

Val is the most knowledgeable trainer I have ever met. She recognizes issues before I am even aware. She will see me compensating during a workout, point it out, and then adjust the exercise to prevent injury. She knows the human body so well that she can describe specific tendons and their attachment points—probably from all her education. Nutrition, exercise, motivation—she knows it all. Val is just the best.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working with Val for a few months now. She is the BEST trainer I have ever worked with. She is extremely knowledgeable, patient, kind and encouraging. I loved how she organized my training sessions to get the maximum benefit from my workouts. I am gaining strength and confidence at the gym that I never had.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have had many years of experience with personal trainers and Val is definitely the best. I was referred to her by a physical therapist because of her own PT background in order to rehab from an injury. She has been vital in my road to recovery. I will continue to see her for her expertise and also for the pure enjoyment of working with her.

Source: Google

★ 5

By far the most knowledgeable trainer I have ever encountered. Truly looks at you from a holistic perspective but is not afraid to push your limits. Her attention to form is key to the amazing gains I have achieved in muscle strength, balance and core strength. I have never felt this fit or in control of my wellness. Val is a Godsend that has changed my life!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Let me tell you. This trainer is the last trainer you'll need! What a great trainer! Very knowledgeable about this industry, and is willing to think outside of the box of the current standard. Combined with a PT background provides very effective results. I'm on track to getting the body I've always wanted. Without counting calories! Easiest lifestyle change I've ever done. Lots of progress so far but plenty more to go! 💪

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic trainer. Really pays attention to your form when you do each exercise to ensure you’re doing it properly. Time efficient workouts that’ll leave you feeling it for days.

Source: Google

★ 5

Val is wise beyond her years. She has created, guided and supported a challenging exercise and wellness program for three generations of our family - 20, 55 and 75! Life changing.

Source: Google