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.

VAL VALDEZ, OWNER/TRAINER