Thrive Strength & Wellness

Menands, 21 Simmons Ln, Menands, NY 12204 | ★ 5 (37 Review)

📞 +1 518-227-0436

Activity

Physical fitness program

About the Club

Personalized Strength Coaching and Programming for Small Groups and Private Training

Photos

 Thrive Strength & Wellness
 Thrive Strength & Wellness
 Thrive Strength & Wellness

Leave a Review

Reviews

Raymond Tashjian

★ 5

Derek is awesome. He can create a personal program for you which will help strengthen weak points.

Source: Google

Cody Wasial

★ 5

For about 10 years now , Derek has been coach , whether it’s the personal training aspect , or the classes I have taken , I have always felt supported and love the custom aspects to cater to my body and where it’s at , the community and people at Thrive are lovely , it’s not a “clicky” gym . Everyone is welcoming . If your looking for that personal feel that also has experience and good vibes this just might be the place for you :) come join us

Source: Google

Aaron R

★ 5

Derek and the thrive team are great. Good space with trainers who are focused on results while making sure to prevent injuries. Recommended for any fitness level.

Source: Google

Dena Hazzard

★ 5

This gym is my happy place Derek and the coaches are fantastic. Its clean and fun place to get strong 💪

Source: Google

Sean Kennedy

★ 5

You can find weights anywhere. You can lift those weights pretty much anywhere. What is in short supply however is the type of positivity and coaching that comes with all of the staff at Thrive.

People are what set the experience apart, whether it is your coach, your partner, your waiter, or your boss. Invest in yourself and your wellbeing, I'm happy I did.

Source: Google

Zeke Merchant

★ 5

This may sound cliché, but Derek and the other coaches at THRIVE have literally changed my life for the better. I am admittedly TERRIBLE at trying new things, especially in public. I went into this cautiously optimistic and was hooked within the first week.

Each session includes a group warmup before proceeding to personalized workouts that are prepopulated in a very user-friendly phone app. Not someone who likes using apps? Lots of folks transcribe their workout plans onto whiteboards and it works great. The team at THRIVE is very good at meeting people where they are at and helping them achieve their growth goals SAFELY. The programming is wholistic and refreshing as you change exercises regularly, but come back to them later and feel progress. It ensures that each week, you've worked out your entire body that leaves you appropriately sore in a way that makes you think "Wow, I absolutely KILLED it. I can't wait for next week."

As someone who had VERY little knowledge about working out and deeply prioritized safety, I was hesitant to lift a lot of weight. Within the first few weeks, I had a great understanding of my current capability. Before long, I started to see sustainable progress. Derek and the THRIVE team have helped me to understand my body and it's capability in a way I've honestly never experienced. I used to think that the gym wasn't for me. Now I know that I was just going to the wrong one.

I've moved out of the Albany area and not being able to go to this gym three times a week has been one of the hardest parts about leaving. Give THRIVE a try. You won't regret it.

Source: Google

Don Dybas

★ 5

Derek and the Thrive team are first rate. The gym is well equipped, clean, and well run. Thrive is a diverse community of folks at various fitness levels - and Derek tailors each workout program to each member’s unique capabilities and limitations. At age 57, with Derek’s guidance and motivation, I personally have rehabbed an injured shoulder and overcome poor hip mobility to achieve levels of strength I previously never thought achievable.

Source: Google

Sarah Kennedy

★ 5

Thrive is unlike any other gym I've joined!

The basics: Each class is limited to 12 people. Warm up is done as a group, then each person moves on to their personalized plan. This is programmed into an app ahead of time so you can review the workout and individual exercise videos if you so desire. The coach is there to help show you any exercise, from demonstrating it to checking your form to just encouraging you.

The coaches are knowledgeable and so supportive, gently pushing to strive for more than I thought possible. In addition to these amazing coaches is a growing, friendly community of fellow gym-goers of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

I love Thrive. I think you will, too. Give it a try - your first class is free! Can't wait to see you there.

Source: Google

Rami Massoud

★ 5

Source: Google

Yakov Leonov

★ 5

Source: Google

Mary Bradley

★ 5

I have been working with Derek since my 2016 diagnosis of osteoporosis. I needed strength training and overall fitness improvement. He developed a plan for me and " strength and fittnes homework "for my non gym days. With strength training, increased calcium and Prolia (a prescription medication), I am out of the osteoporosis range now. I have gone from 5 lb dumbbell routines to 12 lb dumbbell routines. As a 60+ person, the gym is friendly and really meets the needs of every member. The trainers watch your form and corrects it before it becomes a habit. The individual attention prevents injuries.

Source: Google

Joe Kearney

★ 5

Thrive is the best thing I’ve even done for my overall strength. I have never been stronger in my life than I am now.

The trainers at Thrive will assess your physical condition and your needs/goals and then design a workout program just for you. They do that for every client, so it’s a very individualized setup. You can be a power lifter, athlete, or someone that is aging and is looking for better mobility, flexibility, and most importantly, less day to day pain.

All the trainers are awesome people, and they’re very helpful and invested in helping you achieve your goals.

A lot of other gyms that you join are filled with people with egos, and it may seem like they’re just there to get attention while they’re working out. Thrive isn’t like that. There’s zero judgement in the place. It’s like a family, and a very fun environment.

One thing the pandemic has taught us is how important our physical health is. This should be a priority for ANYONE that wants to take good care of themself.

Thrive is a fantastic and fun way to do just that.

Source: Google

Jeff Burkhart

★ 5

A little off the beaten path, but a great workout. If you're into strength or yoga, thrive has it all. Stop by and try it out. Prices are great. Ask for Derek Gelato. Tell him Jeff sent you.

Source: Google

Kelly B

★ 5

Thrive is unlike any gym I have ever been to. Every trainer there truly cares about your goals both personal and physical goals. Thrive is different from other gyms as you have personal strength training tailored to your goals in a group setting. You have the option to do personal training 1 on 1 which is how I started going to Thrive but once my sessions for personal training were over I was hesitant to switch over to the group personal strength training as I thought “well I guess I am on my own now” like every other gym I’ve been to and quickly stopped going to. Absolutely not!
The trainers design your workout program just for you in their nifty and easy to use app. It is still super personalized even though you are in a group. I will be honest I used to go to the regular best fitness gym and never really committed as I was going by myself and nothing felt personal to me nobody cared if I showed up or if I was hurting my back doing a squat, the attention to detail was just not there. This is why thrive is soooo different the energy is amazing. You show up to your group class with 6-8 other members and we all warm up with some stretches and a good ole question of the day to lift everyones moods and get started. Afterwards you go on your own to do your workouts but you have the personal trainers there to make sure you have proper form and to prevent injury and providing any feedback needed, it’s basically like having a personal trainer. I’ve never felt more motivated and encouraged to show up as the trainers ACTUALLY care about you. The vibe is super fun and supportive every other member there is supportive and there’s no feeling of competition or awkwardness. They have created an atmosphere where I feel sad if I can’t go one day cause they bring so much joy to my gym routine. I have definitely become a stronger and healthier individual thanks to Thrive.

I wish everyone could experience this kind of gym experience as it is absolutely life changing I can never go back to a regular gym. Thank you to Derek for everything he’s done for us at Thrive. Overall I would recommend this gym to everyone I know.

Source: Google

Anna Dechene

★ 5

Thrive has changed my life, and it is impossible to fully explain how.

First, for anyone who doesn’t understand how this gym is different, it gives you personal strength training at a much more affordable price. You have a personal trainer (yes, a real live coach who works at Thrive) who writes your workout programs just for you! So whether you sign up for 2, 3, or 4 sessions per week, your workouts are designed specifically for you. Second, you get to complete your workouts in a small group setting. This means that when you show up for your workout, there are at most 11 other Thrivers using the gym (I would say average class size is more like 6-8). There is one coach leading each class, and he or she is able to give you personal assistance and feedback because the class size is small. They help correct your form and motion, answer questions, spot you, and offer a ton of encouragement. You are not left to your own best guess as to how to perform the exercises that have been programmed for you. Third, the atmosphere is fun, supportive, and non-competitive! I love the other Thrivers, who all embody the supportive spirit.

Okay, so about my experience. I joined Thrive in May 2021, and am writing this in January 2022. I had never worked with a personal trainer or followed a strength training program before. Needless to say, I was shy and nervous about joining. That vanished almost immediately after I joined. What I love most are the coaches- they are all well educated in the subject matter, so friendly and enthusiastic, and genuinely care about you! There is no judgment; only a desire to help you. They create the sort of atmosphere where, even if you didn’t feel like going to the gym that day, you are so glad to be there once class starts up. They are your biggest cheerleaders, but also encourage you to be your own cheerleader. They truly listen to your feedback and help you navigate the journey towards wellness. Also, even if your own trainer is not leading the class you attend, you are able to leave feedback and message each other, so you’re always in sync and your programming is 100% tailored to you. (Plus, the coaches share feedback with each other.) If something isn’t working for you, they work with you. For example, I battled knee tendinitis for several months, but with careful and specified programming, I am now pain free.

My confidence has grown, and it feels good to prioritize my health. I am well on my way to changing my body shape, and have gained a lot of muscle. This gym is SO much more than a place to focus on physical health and strength- it has improved my mental well-being and has overall made me a happier person. I love seeing my growth and accomplishments, and I cannot thank the coaches, especially Derek, enough.

You are worth this time and money investment. It’s your life. I wish everyone I care about had the opportunity to train at this gym, because I know it would bring them only wonderful things. Thank you Thrive!

Source: Google

Christian Webb

★ 5

Absolute top notch gym! The coaches are really nice and knowledgeable! They helped me work through a back and shoulder problems to continue strength training. This is the real "judgement free zone"

Source: Google

Eric Luper

★ 5

I've been to numerous gyms around the Capital District and Thrive is tops. Although it is a small group format, everyone is doing their own thing, which is personally customized depending on your goals and your progress. The app is great because I can see what I've done in the past and see a video of each exercise. Plus, the trainers are super helpful and friendly. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, I suggest you give Thrive a try.

Source: Google

Sherry Ringwood

★ 5

Source: Google

Nawal Massoud

★ 5

Source: Google

Analeeza Gallagher

★ 5

Brandon and Derek are fantastic! They are always there to give you support and guidance to reach your fitness goals. Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or are a long time athlete, thrive is the place to be. Such a positive environment to help you push yourself to be better than you were yesterday!

Source: Google

Mary Christman

★ 5

Thrive is so much more than just a gym, it’s a family! It’s the most welcoming environment, everyone working at their own fitness level, no stress, intimidation or confusion, like you may have at a typical gym. Derek and Brandon create a fitness plan specifically to you, focusing on the areas you need to strengthen and improve, as well as incorporating all of your fitness goals. They are both extremely attentive, encouraging and truly care about you! How many trainers from the gym randomly check in to see how you’re feeling or to tell you how much you’re crushing it lately?! They’re the BEST! The end HIIT work outs in the group sessions leave you sweating and feeling accomplished. Thrive has been a game changer for me and is worth every penny!! I actually look forward to my morning work out and seeing my Thrive fam 💪🏼❤️ The first session is FREE, come see for yourself!

Source: Google

Michael Rizzo

★ 5

Great gym with experienced coaches that are fully devoted to what they do. They work with members to create an individualized nutrition and/or fitness action plan. That plan then gets put into practice in a group setting. The monthly investment amount is a far better value than the expense of a personal trainer in my opinion. That being said, if you’d rather work individually one on one with a trainer, that is also offered.

Source: Google

Kristina Hall

★ 5

I can’t express more how amazing this gym is. Derek and Brandon provide not only a great workout program, but also such a positive environment. As someone who has always been into fitness, I’ve never experienced a gym environment that’s quite like Thrive. Besides the amazing workout programs, the overall community is one of the main reasons I come to this gym. If you’re looking for a welcoming environment with awesome results, then this is the place for you! Well worth it!

Source: Google

Jim MacFawn

★ 5

Thrive Fitness & Wellness is a low-key gym that offers high quality fitness classes. It maintains a personal feeling through small group classes that allows the trainers, Derek and Brandon, to provide members 1:1 training. Equipment is clean, members are warm and friendly, and an all around great atmosphere.

Source: Google

Colin Mathews

★ 5

I have hated and resisted exercising forever, but my vanity demanded that I finally do something. Thank God I found Thrive. They focus on fundamentals that *work*. I never thought I'd enjoy training with free weights, but after two years and incredible results, I am a convert thanks to the extremely competent, encouraging, and supportive team at Thrive. Their approach just works.

Source: Google

Kate Brown

★ 5

Trainers are very helpful

Source: Google

Dina Castiglione

★ 5

I cannot say enough good things about Thrive! Brandon and Derek are the most accommodating, knowledgeable, caring people I have ever met! I am very new to the gym scene and I'm so glad I started here! The individualized attention given in a group setting is fantastic. Not to mention the other "Thrivers" are extremely friendly and welcoming! I never thought I would ever say this...but I ( for the first time in my life) always look forward to the gym!! Check this place out! You won't be disappointed!

Source: Google

Heather Contois

★ 5

Today I was brought by a friend for the first time and I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was so nice and I felt like part of the team right away. Derek was checking in on me asking if I was ok the whole time. It was really a great experience I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a group exercise class. Thanks again guys for having me.

Source: Google

Amy Henges

★ 5

Thrive is a great place to check out if you need individualize attention but love a group atmosphere. The environment Derek, Brandon, and Connor have cultivated has made transitioning from CrossFit to their group fitness model, which focuses on the individuals needs in working out, amazing. Not only are they great coaches for fitness, but wellness too, which is a major focus at Thrive. Thanks to the boys I am working on moving better and eating well which has led me to lose about 30 pounds so far as we keep going on this journey together! Can’t wait to get to the gym everyday!!!!

Source: Google

Jeremy Dievendorf

★ 5

I've been working out at Thrive for over 6 months now. Derek and Brandon are amazing, very knowledgable and supportive!

Source: Google

Brendan Jeffers

★ 5

Great place! Very friendly and welcoming environment. I came in to Thrive with some nagging pain in my right hip, and the trainers quickly identified my squat technique as the main cause. They helped me adjust how I move through the exercise and gave me some new stretches to make sure the pain didn’t come back. I’ve been pain free ever since! I keep going back to Thrive because I continuously get a great workout and I know that I’ll have a trainer there making sure that I’m moving properly. Brandon and Derek are great! Check it out!

Source: Google

Nick Maio

★ 5

The Thrive coaching team, Brandon and Derek, are competent and professional in every sense of those words.
They care for their clients, giving both individual attention and leading groups through fun and unique, yet challenging workouts.
The individual programming and attention they give each client is personalized and designed to allow them to achieve their goals.
The group workout environment creates a culture of care, comfort, and hard work.
No matter your background in fitness or your goals, Thrive Fitness and Wellness will give you the opportunity to take your health to new heights.

Source: Google

Sam Smith

★ 5

Brandon and Derek are extremely knowledgeable. The place is clean, and the equipment brand new and also from high quality brands. Brandon will put an insane amount of effort into helping you with whatever you need in terms of health and wellness.

Source: Google

Jason Hughes

★ 5

I can’t say enough great things about Thrive. The coaching staff is great - very friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable - and the programming is personalized to each member’s goals and fitness level. It’s a great fusion of personal training and group-based workouts with coaches who closely monitor (and sincerely care about) each individual and his or her progress. You won’t get lost in the crowd, and you’re not just another member at Thrive. The coaches take genuine interest in each member, and the environment is fun and welcoming. They even offer traditional personal training if you prefer more one-on-one attention, which is a great option. Ultimately, whether you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, or are more advanced, I would highly recommend giving Thrive a shot.

Source: Google

Sean McPadden

★ 5

Source: Google

John Flansburg

★ 5

I've never been one for the gym. It's always been too out of the way or too busy. Who wants to pay extra as a beginner to figure out if you're even using the equipment right?

Thrive is a whole new experience. Derek and Brandon are fantastic. I've never felt so comfortable not only discussing my goals and wants for the future, but how I'm feeling every step of the way. Their experience in knowing how to get me to where I want to be, and to keep me motivated every step of the way is second to none.

If you're looking for not just a gym but a real support system, look no farther. Five stars and all the love for Thrive all the way!

Source: Google

Josie Gallagher

★ 5

Awesomeness is what Thrive is all about. Unique workouts and knowledgeable staff help you take your fitness experience to the next level. Check it out!!!

Source: Google