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January 2024 by Manav Bhogal
D’mario is an excellent personal trainer. His deep knowledge and understanding of biomechanics and kinesiology set him apart. He takes a lot interest in developing a workout plan specific to your goals and body type. He’s always changing workouts to keep it challenging, while keeping workouts safe and the body free from injury. He’s also got a great sense of humor and keeps things light, which helps when you are pushing your limits. I really enjoy and appreciate his approach to fitness.
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June 2023 by Niko Jarmoszko
The best trainer I’ve worked with. His attention to detail and understanding of body mechanics and exercise makes the workouts feel so effective and good. Plus he’s fun and has good music. Worth the cost if that’s what you’re wondering.
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June 2023 by Judy Earlington
I’ve had a few trainers in the past, but nothing compares to what Damario has at Akua Ba strong! If you’re looking for a trainer that not only helps with your physical and outward appearance, but also your mental health, and confidence as well, then this is the place for you. Not to mention his knowledge, and insight, and how to avoid injuries. But he is also educated and empathetic on how to bounce back from any injury when your first walking his gym. I have to be honest, Damario will push you to new levels and heights, you never thought was attainable. The growth is uncomfortable in the beginning, but so worth every once of sweat in the end.
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November 2022 by Lisa Bingham
If you are looking for change and willing to work hard Akua ba Strong is the place to be. Over the course of 8 weeks I’ve been working out with DMario and I have noticed big changes in my overall health and well-being. I have lots of energy, lost inches over my entire body and see changes in physical appearance. DMario is a fantastic trainer and he ensures you are working out safely.
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July 2022 by Greg Casale
I am a male in my early 60’s with reoccurring cervical and lumbar issues related to two cervical fusions and lower back surgery. Following my most recent setback, including another round of physical therapy, my body felt broken and I knew I needed to get serious about conditioning.I have been a client of D’mario’s for 2 months, seeing him 3 times a week and now heading into my 3rd training session. My results to date, both physical and psychological, have been exceptional. D’mario is an excellent, highly skilled and knowledgeable Personal Trainer. He has a master’s degree and is a specialist, holding advanced certifications in rehab and training - just what I needed. However, that said, I have also witnessed his training sessions with other clients, a teenage soccer player, a 30-something female bodybuilder, and several 70+ individuals to name a few. He is adept at working with people from all fitness levels whether you are male, female, a teenager, mid-life, senior citizen, athlete, or non athlete. His gym is equipped with both strength training and rehab equipment, the perfect combination of tools to lead you through whatever your fitness goals and needs are.Given all that, what I appreciate most about D’mario is his personality and style, and his approach to training. I think it is a rare thing and what separates D’mario from the rest is his ability to connect to your mental side. He takes a vested interest in getting to understand your psyche and leverages that in training. The core of my training has involved compound movements that challenge muscle groups and joint systems together rather than in isolation. He has keen understanding of how and when to adjust my training goals to maximize my progress while minimizing risk of injury and burnout.This is more of a journey for me and I have faith in D’mario getting me there effectively and as safely as possible. So far, his approach in rebuilding my body from the ground up, literally focusing first on establishing stability, proper movement mechanics and mobility training, has been life altering.I highly recommend D’mario. And, I will provide updates along my journey but feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
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June 2022 by marcia nozik
I’ve been working with D’Mario for three years and he’s an awesome trainer. He customizes every workout to meet your needs and no two days are the same. He’s worked hard to become a master trainer and it shows. And it’s fun going there too.
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May 2022 by Lynn Puddington
D’Mario has been my personal trainer since my early 50s and I am now 65. He has shaped my health, well-being, and functionality in ways I would have never imagined to be possible. He meets me where I am and takes me further in every training session. It is a relentless challenge but SAFE, impossible for me to achieve on my own. His continuing dedication to learning with the NASM has only propelled his mastery of understanding movement and the involvement of every bone and muscle (from the inside, out) to augment the creativity and effectiveness of his training methods. I am a scientist in an unrelated field; I defer to his unique expertise as a scientist with deep understanding of how the body works and what it needs to grow muscularly and neurologically. My job for each session is to show up, warm up, be present, and do my best. It is efficient, productive, and an investment in the quality of my life, the experiences I can have, and places I will have a chance explore.
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April 2022 by Michael Raymond
I'm 41 years old and still play competitive tennis. Working with D'Mario is enabling me to stay a step ahead of the vast majority of my peers in the sport. The attention to detail in the programming is second to none and you can immediately see how invested he is in the success of his clients. I challenge you to find anyone better in the Greater Hartford area. A true professional.
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April 2022 by Maya Al
I started working out with D’Mario for month. Before I join Aka Ba Strong.I was in too much pain from my lower back and hips. He listen to me and work on strengthening my body to improve my posture. The pain started to disappear and have better night sleep instead of waking up in middle of the night from the pain. I really recommend D’Mario. He has a good personality and good motivator to push you to the limit you do not believe you can achieve. Thank you so much for helping me.
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February 2022 by Brian Zelman
D'Mario is by far the best trainer in the area. His knowledge of biomechanics and his ability to read his clients and tailor an appropriate program is unparalleled. I have been training with D'Mario for more than 7 years and he is constantly introducing new methods of training, always creating new challenges and helping his clients build their strength and push their abilities to new levels.
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October 2021 by Loredanna Di Benedetto
My time at Akua Ba Strong was, without a doubt, the best workout experience of my life. Here, you can pay for personal training with no regrets. The attention is unique, and the program is designed to target your individual needs and increase your athleticism. Unfortunately, I could only attend for about three months, but I saw results and felt stronger. I wish I could go back!
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September 2021 by Julie Reid
D’mario cannot be beat for his expertise and knowledge as a Master Trainer. He has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years, and has made a name for himself by being able to assess each person individually and crafting a program that’s works for them. He has evolved over the years by continually pursuing advanced fitness certifications such as performance enhancement and corrective movement, so he has the ability to work expertly with clients of all ages, levels and abilities. He is professional and personable and his skills as a trainer are superior to those you will find anywhere in the area. Highly recommended!!
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September 2021 by Royal Thomas
Great experience overall. Very friendly staff and clean workout area. Would definitely recommend.2 reviewsTONE your body, get STRONG and feel GREAT no matter where you are in your fitness…
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September 2021 by Rahul Magavi
D'mario is the consummate personal trainer. I have never met a trainer who is more deliberate and mindful in his approach.He does more than make you tiredAnd sore and sweat. He really personalizes and customizes fitness regimen to the client.I have run marathons, biked centuries, lifted weights, gone to classes and worked with other trainers, but after this past year with D'mario, I feel like I am in the best shape of my life and he is fun toWork out with! Great personality and warm hearted man.
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September 2021 by Joseph Jarmon
I have known & trained with D'Mario for about 8 years; following several years with other trainers and physical therapists. D'Mario is at another level than all the others that I have worked with. His knowledge of human anatomy , physiology and the musculoskeletal system is second to none. Better than any other physical therapist I've worked with and w/o question the best trainer . I get the best of all worlds: strength & conditioning along with agility & flexibility to keep my aging body healthy and functional. HE'S THE BEST. A bargain at any price.
