I have been working out with Ron Ballatore as a personal trainer one hour per week for exactly one year since my previous fitness center closed. In that time, I have seen significant improvement in strength and flexibility that I didn’t’ think was possible at age 59. Ron is an outstanding trainer who understands that different clients have different needs, so he tailors the exercise regime for each person specifically, tracks your progress toward goals over time, and takes a balanced approach to training the entire body. We usually do a basic set of exercises for the main muscle groups, such as back squat, deadlift, bench press, overhead press, pullups, and rows, then do other things each time for variety to keep it interesting. The clean, simple gym, located on south Main street in Gainesville, is equipped with numerous free weights, barbells, kettlebells, overhead bars, mats, elastic bands, glute-ham developer, rowing machines and has an outdoor space for crossfit training. Ron and his two co-trainers, Kelly and Josh, offer physical training to individuals, small groups, and regularly scheduled classes, and they also organize offsite sessions for swimming or stadium steps on weekends as a bonus to their members. Ron is a stickler for proper form in all exercises as the basis of effective and safe training, and he is obsessive about gaining mobility in the shoulders as a foundation for upper body strength and posture. He always clearly explains and demonstrates each exercise to the client, watches closely and provides continuous commentary on your performance. As a former champion UF swimmer and supremely well trained athlete himself, Ron is a model of fitness and health to his clients. Finally, Ron is a very genial fellow who makes it a pleasure to work out. I like having the individual attention and accountability of a personal trainer focused just on me. If you have never worked with a personal trainer, try it and see how Ron can help take you to the next...
Read moreI am a big fan of this gym and the great trainers that work there. I have been going for years (really consistently for the past year) and have really come to appreciate the passion and skill that Ron, Josh, and Kelly bring to the gym. There is no hype, no crossfit nonsense, and no protein-shaker-bottle bros slamming weights on the ground. The trainers aren't just teaching something they just watched on Youtube, they are applying theory, physics, physiology based on extensive training and education. They apply theory and philosophy to a field that is dominated by misinformation and oneupmanship and the results are proof that they know what they are doing. The programs are well thought out and effective. Classes and personal training are affordable, flexible, and personalized to any skill level. If you want to train with some of the best instructors in town in a safe, non-judgmental environment, this is the place to go. On top of all that, you will meet a bunch of hilarious characters who make the hour-long (max) workouts a lot of fun. Your health is worth the cost. Sign up and keep going and you will absolutely see results. The progress I have made over the past year is really remarkable and I owe it to Ron and the rest of the team. If you bring discipline, they will take care...
Read moreBallatore strength provides a motivating and supportive environment to learn strength training techniques at all levels. From experienced lifters to beginners on day 1, the community here encourages each other to meet and surpass individual goals. All ages and all levels can learn and thrive in meeting strength goals.
If you're someone with gym anxiety or are apprehensive about learning big lifts, this is the place to start. Experienced lifters benefit from the private gym environment as well--no waiting for equipment or crowded spaces.
If you're struggling to self-motivate, Ballatore Strength will make training fit into your weekly schedule so it's just a part of your life. You won't want to miss a day of your programming , but if you need to, it's easy to schedule through the app. You choose your time slots.
The coaches are attentive and knowledgeable. They make sure everyone is making progress and using proper form and weight. You always have a spotter on deck ready to have your back.
I'm one year in and the strongest I've ever been in my life in...
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