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May 2024 by Stephanie Quinton Giampiccolo
I joined Critical Mass January 2021, right after moving to the county, with Ken as my trainer. Went out on a medical leave and then came back at some point in March or April 2021. After doing countless one on one sessions Ken convinced me to come to class during one of the CM challenges. I never did a class and was convinced it wasn't for me for the longest time, till Ken convinced me to try class. Have been going to class ever since AND continuing to do one on one with Ken. I have had 2 trainers prior to Ken and NEVER saw as much progress as I have with Ken. Completed me second, MassFest, a lifting competition for many gym members to earn PRs, cheer on peers, and truly think the group of people are inspiring to watch and makes me want to continue to do better. As for Ken, he not only inspires you but knows your strength more than you do, and pushes you to reach beyond your full potential. I have never felt stronger in my life then at this point, and this is after being athletic in high school. Ken and Critical Mass are the sole reason for that. If you are debating on a gym or debating on a trainer, search no farther than Critical Mass and Ken
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April 2024 by Jessica Powers Gilman
After months of hesitating, I finally reached out to Coach Ken of Critical Mass Gym in Shrewsbury to schedule a free personal training session. I'm a busy mom of 4 young kids and had been struggling to find something that worked with my hectic schedule and a workout that I enjoyed/was consistent with. Through two friends - I was encouraged to give Ken and the gym a try. Coach Ken is warm, welcoming, and pushes you in a nurturing way. I have been working with Ken for over 6 months, consistently training in 1 on 1 sessions for about 30 minutes, 2 times a week, and have gained so much. Besides the physical changes, my confidence and strength are back! I am hitting PR's that I never thought I could manage and am feeling stronger than I ever have. Ken is encouraging, believes in you (sometimes more than you believe in yourself) and truly cares about his clients. He takes time to explain the science behind the movements, shows you new exercises and will even help you with your nutrition. He truly cares about each client in a positive, impactful way. I think it speaks volumes that everyone who trains with him has been a client for a long time (most have been clients for 5+ years!). Ken has even let me bring in my kids if I am in a bind for childcare - he really wants the best for each of his clients! And the environment at Critical Mass is just so welcoming. Everyone from Jon and the team, are always so welcoming from the moment you walk in the door. I participate in some of the small group classes and everyone is cheering you on. There is no competition amongst each other; you truly just want the best for each other and it feels like a small gym family. Thanks Ken and Critical Mass for helping me be consistent, believing in me and helping me get stronger for not only me, but my kids!
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February 2024 by Karen Villany
I have been a member of Critical Mass for 8 or 9 yrs. I have always done cardio workout classes but never really tried weight training until Critical Mass. I have found weights are the only workouts that really change your body for the better. The classes are small. It is like small group personal training and Ken is an attentive, always positive trainer. The classes challenge every age. My 22 yr old daughter loves these classes as much as I do. My 30 yr daughter is a fitness instructor in San Francisco and everytime she visits she wants to go to Critical Mass almost every day. 2 yrs ago I found out i had arthritis in both knees during a painful flare up. Critical Mass added yoga classes twice a week over a yr ago. Practicing yoga, while improving balance and flexibility, I have not had any arthritic pain at all. I am fortunate to have found such a great community of people. The positive energy fuels the classes!
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February 2024 by Kimberly Breslin
I’m so happy to have found Critical Mass and Ken as my personal trainer. Ken puts so much thought and effort into each class and personal training session and fosters such a great sense of community at the gym. The classes are fun and friendly--with good music too! He makes sure to progress your workouts at a safe pace, allowing you to reach your goals. He is very helpful and attentive in making sure you are lifting with good form, to make sure you don’t hurt yourself. He also helps with nutrition tracking, helping to hold you accountable in a nonjudgmental way. As a physical therapist I recommend Ken to all of my patients because I am confident they will be in good hands and 100% trust his expertise!
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January 2024 by Jonathan Stolpe
Ken is the best! I had been suffering from lower back pain for the last decade, but after only a couple months of working with Ken (just a few times a week) I saw a major improvement and now have virtually no back pain! Even when I do start feeling a little tight, I now have the knowhow to move my body in ways that will stop the pain from progressing and loosen me up.Just a quick session with Ken will totally turn how you’re feeling around both physically and mentally. My job(s) feel less strenuous and demanding, my energy is up, and my wife can’t stop grabbing my butt!If you have been putting off making the move to working with a trainer or going to the gym at all, then you are exactly where I was 6 months ago (king of procrastination over here). I had only been to a gym maybe 2 dozen times in my life prior and now I go every chance I get, including while traveling for work. I’m completely hooked and I never in 32 years thought I would be a “gym person”.The team at critical mass is awesome and it’s definitely not a “bro gym”. I’m sure we’ve all been to spots where the vibe is terrible so let me assure you that this place is different. Give C Mass a try, group or 1on1 (yoga too!), it’s all great!!
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January 2024 by Jessica Wilczynski
Critical Mass is the best gym I have ever joined. Nothing has transformed me physically and mentally like these classes and my trainer Ken! Even in group class settings, Ken makes the time to individually recommend weights and correct form with each person. I have learned how to lift heavy and set PR after PR in these classes! As a result of Critical Mass, my confidence in and out of the gym has skyrocketed. Thank you Critical Mass and Ken!
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December 2023 by Thea Malley
Critical Mass and Ken are the best in the biz. Ken has worked with me while I fought to keep my physical and mental health strong through fertility treatments then through pregnancy followed by a rough postpartum period. Every workout is tailored to where I’m at physically and mentally. He makes every accommodation so I can bring my newborn or toddler to a session if I need to. He even makes sure I have a private place to breastfeed. My kids love coming to workouts with “Coach Ken” and it makes my life easier knowing I can show up exactly as I am, whenever and however I can. There’s no “bounce back” back or diet culture at Critical Mass - it’sall about acceptance, compassion, community, believing in yourself, and building strength. 10/10 recommend!
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December 2023 by Candy DeFalco
It is so important to stay both mentally and physically challenged as we age. Critical Mass has been my rock! My trainer, Ken, has been there for me every step of the way offering his personable knowledge and expertise. At age 67, there are times when my body has certain limitations and my workouts are maximized by modifying where needed. This has enabled me to stay in really good shape through many years of training. Our bodies are all at different stages and levels of fitness and CM classes are designed to consider and benefit each one.The Critical Mass family is one-of-a-kind! We support and encourage each other no matter what your level of fitness. I have made life-long friends from a very nice mix of people which has carried over outside of the gym. The common bond is that everyone is kind and focused on personal growth and strength.Did I mention Coach Ken’s other talent? Oh yes, he is a DJ extraordinaire! How does someone his age know so much about classic rock?? Or any other genre you can name? I could dance instead of working out, but the point is that the fantastic music enhances the workout and makes the time fly by!I LOVE MY GYM!! ❤️❤️❤️???
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November 2023 by cfitz1992
I started at Critical Mass with Ken and Jon in the summer of 2019, then had to take a break during the pandemic and restarted with them in June 2021. Since then I work with Jon once a week and Ken twice a week for personal training. I honestly can’t imagine missing a training session as it helps me just feel mentally and physically better during the work week. Twice a year, they host MassFest where gym members can showcase their own feats of strength and we all cheer each other on to lift more and do more. Through working with Ken and Jon, not only am I the healthiest I’ve ever been but I’m also starting to compete in official strongman competitions and lifting weights I never dreamed I’d be able to lift. I’m excited to see where this journey leads and it’s all thanks to Ken and Jon at Critical Mass!
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November 2023 by Samantha Breslin
I’m so grateful to have found Critical Mass because it has become a fun, supportive, and inspiring part of my life. I recommend it to all of my friends and clients who are looking for a local gym. I’ve tried lots of gyms and this one is my speed—you go at your own pace, and you feel part of a team—you’re not competing with everyone around you. The culture is one of friendship, acceptance, connection, and finding belief in yourself with the help of people around you who believe in you too! When I leave after a workout, I feel strong and steady, not like I’m going to throw up. Ken is the best trainer I’ve ever worked with--he is so knowledgeable and dedicated to helping people with what they actually want to work on and what they want to see themselves doing differently, in a variety of training styles and with creativity. He sees people’s strengths, not their deficits, he’s very encouraging, and he makes working out manageable and not intimidating because he actually teaches you what to do and why, corresponding with your unique body proportions—I’ve learned from him that a squat or a deadlift isn’t going to necessarily look the same for everyone and that’s normal and necessary! I’ve also learned with his help that an unexpected injury does not need to hijack continued, significant exercise. Ken went above and beyond and even spoke with my physical therapist when I felt like I was going to go “backwards,” and the collaboration has been so helpful in keeping me on track. I never thought I would be able to walk into a gym and lift serious weights with confidence, and I have never been so consistent at this level. Thank you to Ken and Jon for creating such a welcoming, cool, and down-to-earth environment. Oh, and the music is the cherry on top!
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November 2023 by Kathy Yabroudy
I’ve been a member at Critical Mass for 6 years now working with Ken - a fantastic trainer. I’m not only in the best physical shape of my life, but my mental clarity has significantly improved through the wonderful friendships and support I’ve gained since joining the gym. For anyone who is intimated to join a gym or start their fitness journey, the training team and regulars are so welcoming. It feels like family!
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October 2023 by John S.
I've been training here for a few years. The gym has everything I need including excellent personal trainers. The gym also caters to high school athletes and even gives back to people with disabilities. The owner is wonderful and an excellent athlete himself. I highly recommend!
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July 2023 by Ben F
Critical Mass is the best gym I have found in my life. I have been training with Ken for over 5 years. Ken brings his “A” game when he comes to the gym everyday. His enthusiasm and level of energy is something that can’t be matched.Some say you lose muscle as you age, I say BS! In my 40s, I am stronger than I have ever been and I have done it safely and injury free under the guidance of Ken’s training. Before Ken, I didn’t know what a gada or steel mace was. Now, Ken helped me to be strong enough to swing a 56 lbs mace.Critical Mass is not your traditional gym. The equipment and most importantly the people set it apart. I have met nothing but good people in the gym and we follow each other on social media and support our respective fitness goals.As a bonus, Coach Ken is a great DJ and plays what you want to hear during personal training sessions.
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July 2023 by Courtney Schellhorn
Critical Mass has had an incredibly positive impact on my life and my family over the last six years I’ve been a member. It is the most positive, individual-focused, and family-friendly gyms I’ve ever been to. I’ve attended classes with various coaches and personal training with Ken Potis through pregnancy and two postpartum recoveries, always feeling safe training with coaches educated in women’s pre- and postpartum health. My husband now also attends class and trains with Ken, and my 6-year old daughter even joins for occasional training sessions. Thanks to the guidance and encouragement of Ken and Critical Mass my family is the strongest we’ve ever been. We have the energy and strength to keep up with our active kids and enjoy life to the fullest!!
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June 2023 by Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater
This place changed my life! I came in weak with all sorts of injuries from years of professional dance, the staff and the community of Critical Mass embraced me and got me through tough times…I sm so grateful to Kenn Potis my trainer for helping me get empowered and strong again. Run here ! You will also make great friendsGabriel
