★ 5

Excellent personal trainer. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and engaging. He will help you reach your goals though a personalized approach. I could not ask for a better experience!

Source: Google

★ 5

D'Mario is an amazing trainer! I started working with him because of some imbalances in my body as a result of orthopedic surgery, which had led to chronic pain. D'Mario helped me strengthen muscles that had atrophied, and through that, restored balance on both sides of my body which magically relieved the pain I had been feeling in my neck and shoulders for years. A fun side effect to it all was how much stronger I looked and felt as a result of our work together too!

Source: Google

★ 5

D’mario is an excellent personal trainer. His deep knowledge and understanding of biomechanics and kinesiology set him apart. He takes a lot interest in developing a workout plan specific to your goals and body type. He’s always changing workouts to keep it challenging, while keeping workouts safe and the body free from injury. He’s got a great sense of humor and keeps things light, which helps when you are pushing your limits. I really enjoy and appreciate his approach to fitness.

Source: Google

★ 5

The best trainer I’ve worked with. His attention to detail and understanding of body mechanics and exercise makes the workouts feel so effective and good. Plus he’s fun and has good music. Worth the cost if that’s what you’re wondering.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you are looking for change and willing to work hard Akua ba Strong is the place to be. Over the course of 8 weeks I’ve been working out with DMario and I have noticed big changes in my overall health and well-being. I have lots of energy, lost inches over my entire body and see changes in physical appearance. DMario is a fantastic trainer and he ensures you are working out safely.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great instructor.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am a male in my early 60’s with reoccurring cervical and lumbar issues related to two cervical fusions and lower back surgery. Following my most recent setback, including another round of physical therapy, my body felt broken and I knew I needed to get serious about conditioning.

I have been a client of D’mario’s for 2 months, seeing him 3 times a week and now heading into my 3rd training session. My results to date, both physical and psychological, have been exceptional. D’mario is an excellent, highly skilled and knowledgeable Personal Trainer. He has a master’s degree and is a specialist, holding advanced certifications in rehab and training - just what I needed. However, that said, I have also witnessed his training sessions with other clients, a teenage soccer player, a 30-something female bodybuilder, and several 70+ individuals to name a few. He is adept at working with people from all fitness levels whether you are male, female, a teenager, mid-life, senior citizen, athlete, or non athlete. His gym is equipped with both strength training and rehab equipment, the perfect combination of tools to lead you through whatever your fitness goals and needs are.

Given all that, what I appreciate most about D’mario is his personality and style, and his approach to training. I think it is a rare thing and what separates D’mario from the rest is his ability to connect to your mental side. He takes a vested interest in getting to understand your psyche and leverages that in training. The core of my training has involved compound movements that challenge muscle groups and joint systems together rather than in isolation. He has keen understanding of how and when to adjust my training goals to maximize my progress while minimizing risk of injury and burnout.

This is more of a journey for me and I have faith in D’mario getting me there effectively and as safely as possible. So far, his approach in rebuilding my body from the ground up, literally focusing first on establishing stability, proper movement mechanics and mobility training, has been life altering.

I highly recommend D’mario. And, I will provide updates along my journey but feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been working with D’Mario for three years and he’s an awesome trainer. He customizes every workout to meet your needs and no two days are the same. He’s worked hard to become a master trainer and it shows. And it’s fun going there too.

Source: Google

★ 5

D’Mario has been my personal trainer since my early 50s and I am now 65. He has shaped my health, well-being, and functionality in ways I would have never imagined to be possible. He meets me where I am and takes me further in every training session. It is a relentless challenge but SAFE, impossible for me to achieve on my own. His continuing dedication to learning with the NASM has only propelled his mastery of understanding movement and the involvement of every bone and muscle (from the inside, out) to augment the creativity and effectiveness of his training methods. I am a scientist in an unrelated field; I defer to his unique expertise as a scientist with deep understanding of how the body works and what it needs to grow muscularly and neurologically. My job for each session is to show up, warm up, be present, and do my best. It is efficient, productive, and an investment in the quality of my life, the experiences I can have, and places I will have a chance explore.

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm 41 years old and still play competitive tennis. Working with D'Mario is enabling me to stay a step ahead of the vast majority of my peers in the sport. The attention to detail in the programming is second to none and you can immediately see how invested he is in the success of his clients. I challenge you to find anyone better in the Greater Hartford area. A true professional.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started working out with D’Mario for month. Before I join Aka Ba Strong.I was in too much pain from my lower back and hips. He listen to me and work on strengthening my body to improve my posture. The pain started to disappear and have better night sleep instead of waking up in middle of the night from the pain. I really recommend D’Mario. He has a good personality and good motivator to push you to the limit you do not believe you can achieve. Thank you so much for helping me.

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been working with D'Mario Sowah at Akuba Strong for over 3 years. We are both over 65 and have benefited tremendously from our workouts. We are healthier and taller than we have ever been. D'Mario is a great trainer and works with us on every aspect of our conditioning. We are so grateful for his time and expertise in all areas. Thank you, D'Mario for continuing to have faith in our abilities!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

D'Mario is by far the best trainer in the area. His knowledge of biomechanics and his ability to read his clients and tailor an appropriate program is unparalleled. I have been training with D'Mario for more than 7 years and he is constantly introducing new methods of training, always creating new challenges and helping his clients build their strength and push their abilities to new levels.

Source: Google

★ 5

My time at Akua Ba Strong was, without a doubt, the best workout experience of my life. Here, you can pay for personal training with no regrets. The attention is unique, and the program is designed to target your individual needs and increase your athleticism. Unfortunately, I could only attend for about three months, but I saw results and felt stronger. I wish I could go back!

Source: Google

★ 5

D'mario is the consummate personal trainer. I have never met a trainer who is more deliberate and mindful in his approach.
He does more than make you tired
And sore and sweat. He really personalizes and customizes fitness regimen to the client.

I have run marathons, biked centuries, lifted weights, gone to classes and worked with other trainers, but after this past year with D'mario, I feel like I am in the best shape of my life and he is fun to
Work out with! Great personality and warm hearted man.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great experience overall. Very friendly staff and clean workout area. Would definitely recommend.

2 reviews

TONE your body, get STRONG and feel GREAT no matter where you are in your fitness…

Source: Google

★ 5

D’mario cannot be beat for his expertise and knowledge as a Master Trainer. He has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years, and has made a name for himself by being able to assess each person individually and crafting a program that’s works for them. He has evolved over the years by continually pursuing advanced fitness certifications such as performance enhancement and corrective movement, so he has the ability to work expertly with clients of all ages, levels and abilities. He is professional and personable and his skills as a trainer are superior to those you will find anywhere in the area. Highly recommended!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have known & trained with D'Mario for about 8 years; following several years with other trainers and physical therapists. D'Mario is at another level than all the others that I have worked with. His knowledge of human anatomy , physiology and the musculoskeletal system is second to none. Better than any other physical therapist I've worked with and w/o question the best trainer . I get the best of all worlds: strength & conditioning along with agility & flexibility to keep my aging body healthy and functional. HE'S THE BEST. A bargain at any price.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I started working out at Strong Fitness in February and I already feel stronger and more healthy. I belonged to a "big gym" from 2013-2018 and got lazy. I was tired of lining up at the door waiting for spin or body pump to start and having to race in and fight 40 other people for equipment and space. So I tried working out myself and was not motivated. Strong Fitness isn't a big gym with tons of treadmills and other equipment. Rather it is a small personal gym with fantastic trainers who carefully watch body position as they lead small group classes. The classes are very challenging and the trainers make the workout interesting. They put variety and challenge into each group class. Each trainer has a wonderful personality. I actually feel like I'm part of a family and feel welcomed. I'm working once a week with an amazing Master Fitness Trainer who truly cares about his clients. I'm so glad that I decided to get serious about working out and joined this gym! If you are ready to take fitness seriously you should join too. It's already changing my life. Plus the trainers take the time to learn about your body and modify exercises based upon ability, strength, or and injury you might be working through.
Best fitness trainers. Best programs. Best atmosphere. Best gym. I love this gym!!
Andee

Source: Google

★ 5

Great trainers, great classes, great atmosphere!

Source: Google

★ 5

A year ago, if you had asked me to do a push-up, I would've laughed at you. Now, ask me that same question and I'll drop down and show you- with perfect form. Before Strong Fitness, I was pre-diabetic, weak, and extremely unhappy. After less than a year of working with this amazing group of individuals, I have found myself again. I have lost 30 pounds (and counting), gained strength & muscle, and I've found my confidence again. Finding a gym with trainers that make you excited to work out is rare. Every day, they challenge me and push me to be my best self. I won't say it was easy, but it is WELL worth any amount of time and money. Their genuine compassion and knowledge has led me to achieving goals that I had once thought were impossible.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have nothing but praises for D'Mario and his fitness training regimen. What i like the best about working out with him is that he assess where and how your body is feeling before starting the workout and then modifies your work out plan to fit your body needs.....and still keeps it challenging. I personally prefer trainers who are grounded and also understand that my body is different than theirs and it also has to function post workout as i have to function. Having said that if you are looking for a trainer led exercise regimen. I recommend giving this place a try.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love Strong Fitness. The trainers there are awesome and the classes are great. I have been working with D'Mario and his crew for 3 years now and what a difference it has made in my life. This is the only way to work out, I would never go back to a a regular "gym". I highly recommend anyone who is looking for awesome personal trainers and some fun group classes.

Source: Google

★ 5

Highly recommend Strong Fitness. The staff is outstanding. Classes are effective and fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

Strong Fitness has made my life so much easier. The staff are professional, knowledgeable, and able to understand what is best for each individual. I travel from east of the river to attend 3 sessions per week. If I lived closer, I would also take part in some classes.
Strong Fitness has helped me to trim down, maintain good body strength, and look forward to each day with a positive self-image.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I was a client at Akuaba for a few months shy of two years, and if I hadn't moved out of state, I'd still happily be one. Chris, Andy, and Ro got me in the best shape of my life, kept me consistently challenged and motivated, and pushed me to believe in the best possible version of myself without ever pushing me past what my body could handle. If you're thinking about joining a gym anywhere in the vicinity of West Hartford, absolutely choose this one: it's going to be one of the best decisions you've ever made.

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined Akua Ba Fitness about five months ago. At the time I was researching different gyms to join and visited a few. I didn’t feel comfortable at any of them until I walked into Akua Ba. I loved the welcoming atmosphere from all of the employees and I didn’t feel like I was rushed with all of my questions I had. In the beginning I was also just looking for group classes (which Akua Ba offers), however, after my free assessment with a personal trainer, I decided to try it a few times even though I was nervous. Now, I don’t think I could go back to working out without a trainer. They are so dedicated at Akua Ba to your needs and abilities. I have learned so much from them and have pushed myself harder than if I were to exercise on my own. It is different from the chain gyms, smaller, but it feels like a family with the people I have met there!

Source: Google

★ 5

This place has changed my life!! A year and a half ago I walked thru the door at Akua Ba Fitness and since then it's been my home away from home. Wanting a happier & healthier me, I went to Akua Ba and spoke with D'Mario about the goals I was looking to achieve. His vision and approach to fitness is one of a kind! The trainers that he has on staff are amazing!! The clients are great too! It's like a family, everyone knows everyone, and the great thing is we all support one another. You know going into your workout that know matter who you're training with, you for sure are always in great hands. You may wanna yell, scream, or even cry thru your workout, at least I do some of the time lol. But that's the great thing about it!! You walk out of there feeling like you can accomplish anything and I attribute much of that to the staff. The confidence they've instilled in me, teaching me to believe that I can achieve the goals I set for myself, I can't say thank you enough!!

Source: Google

★ 5

The staff are very friendly, the gym is clean, spacious and there is ample parking space. My trainer is very professional and also keeps me motivated by keeping the training interesting and challenging.

Source: Google

★ 4

The new facility located on 121 Talcott Road in West Hartford is outstanding. 10,000 square feet of positivity, I recommend everyone come by and give the new building a tour!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent trainers, always available to answer my questions.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place to get a workout. Trainers are awesome and give you wonderful personalized experience.

Source: Google