RISE FITNESS — Local services in Glen Ridge

My kids have been training with owner/head-coach Ayo since before day 1—almost 5 years. My daughter has received multiple D1 offers and will be a college athlete; her younger brother was the only freshman to start on his varsity team last year. This is in no small part to the strength, work-ethic and positive approach to overcoming challenges that Ayo has instilled, and the supportive welcoming environment he fosters for kids of all abilities in his athletic development program.

I’ve also been a client of Rise for 3 years. I started with Ayo as a personal training client, and after building my fitness level transitioned to now a 3-4x/week participant in the group classes. The attitude, environment and community Rise cultivates is unlike any I’ve experienced. Everyone shows up ready to put in serious work, but without competitive BS, and with genuine—not performative or rah-rah—support for everyone in the class. New comers are readily embraced with patience and encouragement. If you’re looking for a place to get strong,...

I came to RISE Fitness in August ‘22 and immediately felt very welcomed by Coach Ayo and Coach Sarah. It’s quite amazing what Ayo has built here from the ground up. The facility is immaculate, well equipped, and highly functional. Ayo builds training programs structured into 8 week blocks and they are TOP TIER. They incorporate progressive overload and deload weeks so you never plateau/exhaust yourself. Group classes are tough but always doable, and Ayo and Sarah are always present to provide exercise mods and form corrections. Most times, they pop by just to give an encouraging cheer and a laugh!

I joined for the equipment/programming but stayed for the community (and dope music haha). It’s been so fun making new friends and working out in a safe space that’s free of judgement! I can’t wait to see the results of consistent training with...

Joining Rise has been a game-changing experience, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. I came to my first class as someone who kinda exercises, but this has been something totally different—this is training. I feel like I’m playing a team sport again in all the best ways. Thanks to Ayo, the approach at Rise is so community oriented, so fun and low pressure, that you can get in the best shape of your life simply by showing up and staying open. Ayo’s programming is smart, progressive, and varied, and his attention to detail is unreal. He’ll check and correct your form kindly (seemingly with eyes on the back of his head!). And the gym is well organized and immaculate. Can’t recommend...