ABOUT US

SMART TRAINING. REAL RESULTS.

OUR PHILOSOPHY.

We’re here to bridge the gap between rehab and real strength. Every session at STRENGTH is backed by education, built around your goals, and designed to help you move with more confidence — whether you're lifting your first weight or your heaviest.

OUR STORY

My business was born from the idea of bridging the gap between healthcare and wellness.

I’m originally from Los Angeles, California, and moved to the Monterey Peninsula to attend CSU Monterey Bay, where I studied Exercise Physiology. During school, I worked in both a hospital and a physical therapy clinic, which gave me my first experience helping people regain strength and mobility.

After graduating, I was accepted into the Physical Therapy program at Duke University. During my first semester, I realized how limited I would be within the insurance system — only able to work with patients for a short period of time. It didn’t align with the level of impact and support I wanted to give people, so I made the difficult decision to leave the program and pursue a different path — one where I could help people long-term.

I came back to Monterey in December 2018 and hit the ground running. By February 2019, I was working at a boutique gym and training clients who needed post-rehabilitation support and strength training. Word spread quickly, and I began receiving referrals from local physical therapists, which allowed my business to grow steadily.

In June 2020, I took a risk and opened my own boutique studio called STRENGTH. The studio quickly became a space focused on preventative strength training, helping individuals manage chronic conditions, build confidence, and feel strong in their bodies. In 2022, we expanded our space and offerings to include both personal training and small-group strength classes.

Today, STRENGTH has continued into its third phase of growth. We now offer personal training, small-group training, and gym memberships for individuals who want a supportive, education-focused space to train on their own. The vision has stayed the same, to create a place where people can learn to lift properly, stay healthy, and build strength for life.

Owning my own business has been incredibly rewarding and has allowed me to turn my passion for health and movement into something meaningful for our community.

Valerie Valdez, Owner/Trainer

WANT TO ACCESS OUR WORKOUTS FROM ANYWHERE?

For those seeking a flexible training solution, we also offer comprehensive online programs through our custom-branded app. These structured, progressive workouts ensure consistency and results, whether you train in our studio or remotely.

TRAIN DIGITALLY WITH US

  • WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

    “This is the best gym on the peninsula if you are serious about getting healthy and strong. The programming is AMAZING. The coaching is AMAZING. I shocked there are not more men in the gym who are seeking cross-fit like (but more sustainable) workouts in a coached setting. Diego, in particular, has been incredibly helpful and nuanced in his coaching. He is passionate and thoughtful while catering his advice on an individual basis. The value you get out of this place is absolutely unmatched!”

  • WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

    "I have been working with Val for a few months now. She is the BEST trainer I have ever worked with. She is extremely knowledgeable, patient, kind and encouraging. I loved how she organized my training sessions to get the maximum benefit from my workouts. I am gaining strength and confidence at the gym that I never had."

  • WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

    "Working with Ariel has been an absolute joy! She has a deep understanding of human movement, and her wide-ranging set of tools makes her personalized workouts very engaging and effective. She has helped me manage some chronic physical challenges, and I feel stronger and more able to do the things I need to do (and love to do!)."

  • WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

    "Val is the most knowledgeable trainer I have ever met. She recognizes issues before I am even aware. She will see me compensating during a workout, point it out, and then adjust the exercise to prevent injury. She knows the human body so well that she can describe specific tendons and their attachment points—probably from all her education. Nutrition, exercise, motivation—she knows it all. Val is just the best."

  • WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

    "Val is wise beyond her years. She has created, guided and supported a challenging exercise and wellness program for three generations of our family - 20, 55 and 75! Life changing."

  • WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

    "Working with Ariel was nothing short of transformational. She is positive and focused, she is able to clearly articulate exactly what she wants you to do to keep good form, and she'll push you to do more than you think you can do. I took group classes with her and loved it so much that I signed up for some private sessions a few months before my wedding. It was amazing how quickly I started to feel strong! From private sessions to group classes, from yoga to kettlebell, Ariel is the absolute best."

REAL COACHING, NOT JUST CHEERLEADING

OUR TRAINERS.

We bridge the gap between rehab and real strength. Our trainers are educated, experienced, and focused on your goals. We teach you how to move well, lift safely, and build strength you can feel in everyday life — whether you're picking up your first weight or chasing your strongest set yet. 

EXPLORE OUR TEAM

TRAIN WITH INTENTION.
MOVE FOR LIFE.