★ 5

My wife and I started with Abu in fall 2024 to prepare for our daughter's wedding, intending to stop after about 6 months, but we've enjoyed the results and, even more, interacting with Abu, Ayo and Patrick that we've kept coming back. They create a challenging and fun atmosphere as well as a sense of community among the clients. Strongly recommend NLF!

Source: Google

★ 5

I first started working with Abu because I was intrigued by his “The Next Level” approach: just start where you are and work to improve to the next level, then the next one after that, etc. He helped me improve my fitness and my overall health significantly. Most impressive has been his knowledgable and very individualized training. In the last.5 years, I have had 3 joint-replacement surgeries. For each one, Abu took the time to plan exercises to increase strength in the specific areas that would be most important for post-surgery recovery. I am quite certain that the training Abu has provided for me greatly impacted my recovery from each of these major surgeries. I am healthier, happier and able to not only walk more easily than I could before I worked with Abu, but now I can also run for the first time in many years! I’m sure some credit should go to my orthopedic surgeon — but easily half goes to Abu. As a bonus, as I have increased my strength, balance and flexibility over the last few years working with Abu, I have also steadily lost 30 pounds.

Source: Google

★ 5

For me, a man approaching seventy, Abu has been an outstanding personal trainer. I had been exercising at home for years at home, lifting weights (clueless about my form) and riding a stationary bike, when I started having lower back pain. As a primary care physician, I knew the solution was daily, disciplined stretching. But stretching had always been too tedious for me stick with. Abu taught me how to use a foam roller to counter muscle stiffness and a dynamic stretching routine that is also aerobic, so it doesn’t feel like I’m wasting time. My second revelation came from adopting his approach to work-out content, which makes it NOT boring. After a year of working with him, he continues to teach me new varieties of core and extremity strengthening exercises. Now I decide on the whim of a moment which specific exercises will go into my repetition sets for today. Abu pushes me farther than I would go on my own, but never too far, and always integrates my feedback into the work-out content.

Source: Google

★ 5

Abu and his team at Next Level Fitness ( including Patrick and Ayo) are great personal trainers! They vary workouts with different exercises at sessions to strengthen muscles and improve core strength, so the workouts while challenging are never boring. I’ve been a client for 7 years and continue to be impressed and grateful. Even if you have never worked out with weights or had a personal trainer before, I highly recommend them to anyone interested in improving and more importantly, not losing strength with age.

Source: Google

★ 5

Having worked out with the crew of Next Level for over 20 years, I feel strong and healthy and I really enjoy my work-outs in a supportive and fun environment. They really tailor the exercise plan to a client’s fitness level and adjust the routines for physical limitations you may have.

Source: Google

★ 5

I never thought I would become one of "those people" who exercises every day. But here I am -- fitter in my senior years than I have ever been -- because of Next Level and Abu. Been working out with the same group for more than 15 years, under Abu's informed, relentless and good-natured command. Enormous gratitude!!

Source: Google

★ 5

20+ years of great training, friendship and growth

Source: Google

★ 5

I worked with Abu for over a year and loved every minute of it. Abu is great for people of every fitness level, and taught me a lot about proper form and how to get the most out of my workouts. He will push you to get stronger, and even had some good tips on proper diet that I found to be helpful. I would highly recommend Abu to anyone, especially to those at the beginning of their fitness journeys.

Source: Google

★ 5

Abu is amazing!! I did personal training at Next Level for a little over two years and in that time I saw a complete body transformation. I gained over 10 lbs of muscle and the confidence to be able to workout on my own safely. Abu is great at accommodating all fitness levels, and adjusting to your level as you progress. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to enhance their fitness journey in the Oakland area!

Source: Google

★ 5

Next Level Fitness has changed my life for the better! Abu has helped me get back to my pre-baby body and weight but even stronger. He's helped me lose at least 25+ pounds while looking and feeling my best. I've been seeing Abu for almost a year and I truly appreciate his approach to fitness for his clients. He cares about his clients and their longterm success.

Source: Google

★ 5

Got some amazing training here a year ago. I still use the training plans Abu gave me to this day. Effective, efficient and overall great experience!

Source: Google

★ 5

Abu is amazing - I was a client for a year and a half and he really helped motivate me and guide me through my fitness and weight loss goals. Rates are definitely affordable compared to a trainer at a gym where you have to pay membership fees on top of trainer fees. He had a great way to keep track of your progress, and he sets up a great weekly workout plan for you. Sessions with him usually go by so quickly he always keeps you entertained cracking jokes and singing along to his music. Unfortunately I moved out of town, he will be truly missed and very hard to replace! Would highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been training with NextLevel as a couple for about a year. We originally intended to only train for a few months to deal with some specific issues, but with the gains we have experienced in strength and flexibility, we intend to continue indefinitely. Abu's monthly measuring and weighing in is a pretty great way to track progress. He adjusts workout routines to deal with any injuries that you might have. With the fun vibe, cool music and Abu's fun personality, and the variety of workouts, we always look forward to our training sessions. Never boring, often challenging, but always fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've worked with a few trainers over the years, and Abu is, without a doubt, the most knowledgeable, effective, and fun to work with.

I have a history of injuries, so I really appreciated Abu's beginning assessment. He took time to understand my concerns and my goals. His expertise as a chiropractor and trainer makes it so I'm able to train and not worry as much about reinjury due to his knowledge of the body and focus on form. And, if something where to happen, he'll know how to support me.

Within three months of working with Abu, I was able to do a chin up, and, shortly after that, a pull up! I had pretty much given up on achieving that goal as it's one I've worked on for years to no avail. I am stronger, have more energy, and sleep better since training with Abu.

Also like that he didn't assume weight loss was my goal as most trainers do. And he believes me if I say something hurts/doesn't feel right--and sometimes notices before I say anything. I wish this were more common amongst trainers, but, sadly, that's not been my experience.

Abu has helped me have a healthier relationship with my body--I now have a lot more gratitude for what my body is capable of and feel proud of what I'm learning to do.

Really couldn't ask for a better trainer. If you're looking for one--go see Abu!

Source: Google

★ 5

Abu is an excellent and patient trainer. He has a positive, encouraging personality and clearly practices what he preaches.

The workouts are thoughtful and responsive to my needs. They vary each time and I have never found myself bored or felt it was getting repetitive. I have seen rapid progression in strength and overall fitness. The pricing is fair and I appreciate the membership package which allows for use of the equipment during dedicated times outside of the personal training blocks. I also work out with my partner and appreciate Abu being able to accommodate us training at the same time.

The space has ample light and air circulation. It is equipped with a squat rack and free weights allowing training to fully incorporate strength training. The space out front of his studio is also not heavily trafficked allowing for certain parts of the workout to be done outside which can be a nice break depending on the weather.

I highly encourage anyone interested in improving their physical fitness to look into training at next level fitness.

Source: Google

★ 5

Abu is a great trainer and a pleasure to work with. He's customized his workout plan to meet my specific needs. He's got a very nice small facility with top notch equipment. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

Abu is a patient and motivational trainer. guru, and friend. I had no personal tradition of exercise or fitness before meeting him, but he has helped me to develop one. I am in significantly better shape than I was when I first started training, and I owe it to Abu. Spending time with him is an essential part of my week and I recommend him highly.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working with Abu for several months now. I am 55 and was really out of shape. I feel so much better now. My goals were weight loss, strength and flexibility and all of these things are moving in the right direction.

Also, Abu is a great human. It is no problem for me when the alarm goes off at 5:30am because a really like going to Next Level. I work out with a small group. We all enjoy each other's company. We laugh a LOT. And the 45ish mins always go by really quickly.

This fitness thing is hard. It's a life style issue. I feel like I have engaged in something that is completely sustainable physically, economically and emotionally.

Source: Google

★ 5

Abu is the best trainer..not only is he patient but he listens to your problems and concerns regarding your body and designs a fitness plan that helps you achieve your goals. It's been about 3 months of me training with Abu and I've lost a little over 14lbs💪🏽..he also designed a workout program for me to use while I'm out of country for the next few months..he is an awesome person with the right attitude and even more importantly...He is a Black Owned Business💕💕

Source: Google

★ 5

I was physically active through my 50s but everything beyond that has been a struggle. Working with Abu has motivated and encouraged me to get back to the balanced existence I once enjoyed. He is patient and understanding and individualizes his workouts to fit the needs of his diverse clientele. Working with Abu has improved the quality of my life. And, isn't that what it's all about?

Mimi JJ

Source: Google

★ 5

Abu has been great; working with him has been a wonderful way to stay motivated to realize honest fitness goals.

I'm not getting any younger, but working on my health certainly helps me feel that way!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've trained with Abu in the group classes for about 6 months. Its a small fun bunch of us keeping young. Abu is fun and patient, and I always come back from his gym feeling happy and a little worn out. I'm in good enough shape now that I just did my first 10k run in 1hr 3mins!

Source: Google

★ 5

Never worked out in my life, and Abu has managed to keep me on track and motivated for (coming up on) a full year. There’s no one like him, and his large fanbase of long-term clients is proof of that!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been working with Abu for several years now and my overall health has improved significantly. I highly recommend Next Level for anyone looking for individualized training either one-on-one or in small groups.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is my first time with a personal trainer and I couldn't have chosen better! My husband first started coming to Abu about a year ago and when I complained about needing help to get fit he suggested I give Abu a try too. It has been a great experience - Abu works with you at the level you are at and motivates you to work harder and improve your fitness. I find I actually look forward to exercising!

Source: Google

★ 4

This is a great starting point to wellness

Source: Google