AOS is NOT the type of gym where you put your headphones in and wonder what everyone is thinking about you. It is the type of gym that makes you want to stay longer after completing a 2 hour lift. I have been lifting with Rob since 2020. The atmosphere in the gym is so positive and uplifting. Everyone there cheers you on and pushes you to be your best. I am a Junior Field Hockey Player at the University of Scranton and I have become a much better player because of Rob. Rob has taught me so much, not only about lifting, but also about nutrition and how the lifts I am doing apply directly to my sport. Awesome place. Awesome environment. Awesome trainer. If you want to be fit and have a great time doing it - AOS is the place to go.
Lauren Franco July 27, 2023
Hi I'm Maria and I teamed up with Rob at the beginning of August. I have always been an athletic person; however, over the course of the years, life just happened to catch up with me.
While still relatively fit, I noticed changes in my body--losing muscle definition, rounder face, larger tummy (it may also be noteworthy that I have been working at a brewery for almost three years where the beer flows like wine...which, we have some of that too). No matter how often I worked out, how often I rock climbed, I wasn't getting any real changes.
When I met up with Rob, he sat me down for a screening to get him up to speed with my daily habits and movement. Knowing how it is easy to fall into a pattern while working at a brewery, he asked me a fews question and from that moment on, Rob knew exactly what to do. It turns out fitness wasn't my issue, it was my lifestyle.
Rob taught me so much about eating like an adult, not over-consuming, making trades/incentives with myself, and taught me the importance of fundamental movements within fitness. What I liked most about working with Rob was his genuine interest in my progress. He made me feel like I was the only client he was working with, which was far from the truth. He put different workouts and movements into perspective to where it just made sense, not because it's what the "fitness gurus" tell you is "right". He was also careful in coaching me through the movements to help with my shoulder injury that happened a few months prior.
Within two weeks, I noticed some serious muscle definition and weight loss. My stomach started to firm, my arms were more defined, I felt extremely happy and healthy, and most importantly, I was getting deeper and deeper sleep. Workouts were short and effective, but it wasn't always for the faint of heart. He made sure you worked, and worked hard. You only get what you put into it. While I still have a ways to go, I learned more than I have by any other fitness program that I got sucked into.
I'd recommend Rob to anyone and everyone (and already have). This dude is legit, and I'm grateful he let me be a part of his program. Thanks Rob!
Maria Caridi Downingtown, PA. September 9, 2016
I’ve been training with Rob since April 2015. I was attracted to the idea of kettlebell training to balance my regular—mostly lower-body cardiovascular exercise. I’m not an easy client because I travel more than 50% of my life so a “regular training routine” is impossible.
When I am home I see him 2-3 times/week.
Usually “unintended consequences” are negative—NOT THIS TIME!
- Weight loss although it wasn’t one of my goals: about 7 pounds—enough to make everything fit better
- Blood pressure down to a “very healthy” level from already “healthy”. My doctor was impressed
- Confidence that I won’t hurt myself lifting almost anything: that included hauling boulders while building houses in a small village in Peru
- Fewer visits to my chiropractor
- More energy daily
- Greater focus on healthy eating: I don’t want those sugar highs and lows!
Rob focuses on past injuries, providing corrective exercises for recovery and improvement.
Rob understands my goals, explaining what we are doing and why, making my training with him feel customized every day.
I find that even a few minutes of the strength exercises he’s given me, added to cardio while I am traveling makes my early-morning pre-client workouts even better.
I recommend “my strength coach”, Rob Akers, to everyone!
-Nancy Arnosti (Age 63)
Chadds Ford, PA.
August 19, 2016
Rob, is a young, energetic, and knowledgeable person and coach. He has coached me for about a year and a half in kettlebells, weight training, and joint mobility. Together we have focused on improving my strength, endurance, and movement.
His style is firm, but gentle and caring. He continually assesses my strengths and weaknesses and tailors his programming to meet my goal of strength and flexibility.
He consistently encourages me to achieve new levels of fitness. He is always learning and searching for what works best.
I am probably his oldest client, and thanks to his well thought-out programs, I am able to take on most of life's physical challenges. ... (Also he smiles a lot!)
Tom Tribble (age 73)
August 19, 2016
I was a soon-to-be bride looking for the best possible training program to look and feel the best I could on my wedding day. Rob helped me achieve my goal.
I have constantly struggled with exercise because, like most people, I am not a big fan of gyms. Torturing myself by running endlessly on a treadmill just does not appeal to me. Rob helped change the way that I thought and felt about exercise.
Not only was I happy with my body for my wedding, I also felt amazing! My confidence sky-rocketed! I was so happy that I did not have go on some insane diet to lose weight. Through Rob's kettlebell classes, training became more fun, fast and simple! In only 2 months I lost 5 inches from my waist and they still had to take my dress in 2 weeks before my wedding!
If you are trying to look and feel amazing in the least amount of time possible, Rob can help.
Amanda Hoffman Downingtown, PA. September 29, 2015
