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GymAbout the Club
DNA Sports Performance helps middle school, high school, and college athletes — as well as adults of all ages — build strength, confidence, and resilience both in and out of sports.
Our athlete programs focus on developing strength, power, balance, coordination, and athletic performance in a positive, team-based environment. For adults, we provide small group training designed to keep you moving, stay strong, and support long-term health and energy — no athletic background required.
Located in Needham, MA, we’re committed to helping every member of our community perform their best, and offer group and personal training options to help you perform your best on the field, in the gym, or in daily life.
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Reviews
Ziv Feldman
★ 5
DNA Sports Performance is a great place! I do 1:1s with Derek and have seen significant gains in my mobility and strength. He is extremely knowledgeable and makes sure each exercise has a purpose.
The gym itself is also a really fun place. It has a great culture where everyone feels comfortable and the vibe is very social. It’s one of my favorite places to go!
Source: Google
Helen “Knittingfingers” Siers
★ 5
Before starting with DNA Sports Performance, I was really struggling with neck and back pain from a herniated disk. The training program I received was completely custom-tailored to my needs, helping me get stronger without hurting myself or aggravating my condition. Since doing this program, I’ve noticed real positive changes — especially less pain in my everyday life. At 53 years old and not naturally athletic, I’m honestly amazed at how much better I feel. I’m grateful for the thoughtful, individualized approach that truly made a difference.
Source: Google
Christine Gilleran
★ 5
Very personable trainers!
Source: Google
Iris Park
★ 5
Derek and Az are incredible!! They are so personable, supportive, and truly go above and beyond to help you meet your fitness and nutrition goals. They are also so passionate about what they do - they make it so motivating and fun to move my body!
Source: Google
James Viglas
★ 5
Source: Google
Patricia Gani
★ 5
Derek is an outstanding trainer who takes a thoughtful, intellectual approach to fitness. He’s constantly learning and applying new ideas to help his clients improve. What really sets Derek apart is his meticulous attention to detail — he’s always watching closely and making small but important adjustments to form that make a big difference in results and safety.
The gym itself is excellent — well-equipped with everything you need and has a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Derek’s partner, Az, is also an excellent trainer, though I haven’t had the chance to work directly with her yet.
At 66 years old, I’ve seen major improvements in my balance, strength, and overall fitness thanks to Derek’s guidance. I couldn’t recommend him and the gym more highly!
Source: Google
Matan Feldman
★ 5
Derek is an amazing strength and functional trainer. Every session is challenging, personalized, and focused on real progress — he’s got a great eye for form and knows exactly how to push you the right amount.
The gym itself is great: clean, modern, and fully equipped, with a great community vibe that makes training fun and motivating.
I’ve noticed major improvements in my strength, mobility, and overall energy since working with Derek. Couldn’t recommend him — or the facility — more highly.
Source: Google
Emma Spear
★ 5
Beat trainers around. Work with individual needs and help you get to your goal! So kind and funny!
Source: Google
Ava Chiappinelli
★ 5
DNA Sports Performance was essential in my preparation to becoming a college athlete and completely elevated my athleticism. Not only are their training plans optimal and inclusive, but the people there are top tier. The perfect place to go to if you want to see results and have fun doing it. They are the best!!
Source: Google
Tessa Taylor
★ 5
Derek and Az are true professionals. They have helped me train for major tournaments not only to reach goals but to help me with injury prevention. When you are O40 that is everything. The adult group classes are welcoming, supportive, fun and the highlight of my day!
Source: Google
Lisa Mesicek
★ 5
The team at DNA are knowledgeable, fun, and are incredibly supportive in helping you reach your goals! So grateful to be part of the DNA community!
Source: Google
Lital Asher-Dotan
★ 5
Source: Google
kim daley
★ 5
What an amazing place! I am so grateful to Derek and Az for all their support and to all my fellow workout buddies for making this gym fun! I am so much stronger and these guys make me want to go to the gym!
Source: Google
Buz Aaron
★ 5
Whether you are doing a one-on-one or a group session, Derek and Az have your best interests at heart. The training programs are well thought out and the implementation is spot on! I've been doing the group training for over three years and it feels like family. Everyone starts where they are and it doesn't matter what level you're at. Everyone in the group supports everyone else in the group.
Source: Google
Scott Wilson
★ 5
DNA Sports has been the perfect place for me to train to stay fit. The adult fitness classes are great for building muscle, mobility, and balance. I have been going for 3.5 years and could not imagine a better place for my goals.
Source: Google
W Olson
★ 5
Both of my sons (one in high school and one in middle school) attend workout classes at DNA Sports Performance and absolutely love it. The coaches do a fantastic job teaching proper workout techniques while making it fun and challenging. My boys have gotten stronger, learned how to train safely, and gained a ton of confidence along the way. Highly recommend DNA Sports Performance for any young athlete!
Source: Google
L Horowitz
★ 5
Coach Az is an incredible trainer! She’s so supportive and makes coming to the gym genuinely fun. The culture at DNA Sports Performance is warm and welcoming, and you can really feel that from the moment you walk in. On my first day training with Coach Az, I had been out of an exercise routine for some time. Az immediately noticed an issue with my hip during movement and figured out the cause within just a few sessions. Since then, my strength around those joints has grown, and the pain I hadn’t even realized was there is now gone. They won’t just help you reach your goals—they’ll also make sure your body gets the attention it needs to stay strong and capable in a meaningful and long-lasting way. Az is endlessly patient with me—even when I forget how to do an exercise she’s definitely shown me a few times. She always encourages me to see the best in myself and is compassionate on the days I don’t feel motivated, helping me feel proud just for showing up. I’ve been to a lot of different gyms, but DNA Sports Performance stands out for how safe, caring, and health-informed their training is. They do a great job offering modifications and are always receptive to feedback when something isn’t working for me. Coach Az truly shows that we’re a team—she’s not just training me; she’s supporting me. I’m so grateful for her guidance, positivity, and the environment she creates. <3
Source: Google
Danen C
★ 5
Awesome team who makes you feel welcome. Always at hand to alter the routines if it is causing discomfort. This great team and tailored routine is the reason why I am still here at this gym after more than 2 years.
Source: Google
Omri Gabriel
★ 5
Derek and Az are true professionals, running a fantastic, well-equipped facility that welcomes everyone, regardless of age or gender. My son has been working out there for several years and genuinely enjoys going, he looks forward to every visit. The friendly, inclusive atmosphere they’ve created makes the place stand out.
Source: Google
Danielle Boudreau
★ 5
There is such a great culture at DNA! The trainers as impressively skilled and qualified to support at all levels (beginner to advanced) and under all conditions (like when I tore my ACL!). They create a fun and light environment that creates great camaraderie in the small group adult classes. The workouts are thoughtfully planned and the coaching is targeted. I started at DNA with a goal of going 3x/week just to stay somewhat fit; but two years later, I go 4-5x/week and my goal is to truly grow in full-body strength & mobility. DNA trainers helped my goal grow organically thru their low-pressure support. It’s the best place to start (or end?) a day!
Source: Google
Jesse Schreier
★ 5
My daughter attends DNA Sports regularly. Great gym. Great people running it! Five stars!!
Source: Google
Caroline Rubin
★ 5
My daughter has been training at DNA sports for a while now. She loves the atmosphere and her confidence has increased ten-fold. It is awesome watching how strong she’s getting and her pride in this growth!
Source: Google
Samantha Hughson
★ 5
The trainers at DNA are the best! I have been training with since they started and the environment is so welcoming. The group classes are so fun and not competitive. We help push each other further as we train, and I have often surprised myself with how much my body can handle. The owners/trainers are very focused on prevention of injury and recovery. I always know I am in good hands when training here. I couldn't speak highly enough of this gym. I also love how many other women train here.
Source: Google
J Tai
★ 5
I've been going to DNA for about 2 years now. After a major knee injury, I was able to get back my original strength in heavy lifting without injury. They focus on functional movement with changing phases so it never gets boring and my body never gets complacent. I cannot recommend As and Derek enough as trainers!
Source: Google