HYROX AffiliatedNewington, CT · Est. 2021

Strong Feels
Different.

HYROX performance training, structured group PT, and expert coaching for busy adults who want real results — and the accountability to keep them.

  • HYROX Performance
  • Structured Group PT
  • Real Results
  • Expert Coaching

If you’re tired of inconsistent workouts, feeling unsure in the gym, or not seeing progress from your effort, you’re in the right place.

You don’t need experience. You just need to start.

HYROX Affiliated Gym

Built for the
world's fittest race.

HYROX-style training is woven into our weekly programming. Strength, engine, and skill — coached every step, scaled to where you are today.

HYROX Affiliated

Officially affiliated. Train on equipment, formats, and standards built for the world's fastest growing fitness race.

Strength + Endurance

Programmed conditioning that pairs sled pushes, sandbags, rowing, and ski with our strength system — without breaking you down.

Beginner to Athlete

Every workout is scaled. Whether your goal is your first 5K or a sub-90 HYROX, the standard is the same: coached, deliberate, measured.

Competition Ready

Race-prep blocks, pacing strategy, and partner sessions for members training toward HYROX events across the Northeast.

Train HYROX With Us Walk-in any class · No HYROX experience required
Our Philosophy

Your training should leave
you better, not broken.

Mastery of the Fundamentals

We prioritize proper technique, intelligent progression, and repetition of foundational movement patterns. Real strength is built on consistency.

Built for Long-Term Strength

We don’t chase quick wins. Our system balances dedicated strength days, hypertrophy volume, conditioning, and structured recovery — so you train hard for years.

Coaching Comes First

Every session includes movement preparation, technical instruction, and intelligent scaling. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll receive feedback designed to improve performance safely.

Measurable Results

We track lifts and provide body composition scans so you see real progress — not guesses. The proof is in the numbers.

The Training System

Six class types.
One system.

Progressive strength, targeted hypertrophy, intelligent conditioning, and structured recovery — blended into one cohesive weekly system.

01

Lower Body Strength

Develop powerful, resilient lower-body strength.

  • Primary compound lower-body lifts
  • Posterior chain development
  • Unilateral training for balance
  • Core bracing and trunk stability
02

Upper Body Strength

Build upper-body strength, structural balance, and pressing/pulling capacity.

  • Progressive compound lifts
  • Balanced push and pull training
  • Upper-body accessory work
  • Core stability integration
03

Full Body Strength

Build well-rounded, durable strength across the entire body.

  • Multi-joint compound lifts
  • Coordinated total-body work
  • Bilateral and unilateral training
  • Reinforcement of foundational patterns
04

Hypertrophy Focus

Targeted muscle development and structural support.

  • Targeted activation work
  • Controlled tempo and muscle engagement
  • Structured volume accumulation
05

HYROX Training Camp

Race-specific HYROX preparation built into our weekly system.

  • Sled push / pull, sandbag, ski, row
  • Run intervals + transitions
  • Pacing strategy and event prep
  • Scaled for every fitness level
06

Performance Recovery

Improve movement quality, joint control, and resilience.

  • Core stability work
  • Functional movement preparation
  • Resistance bands and sliders
  • Controlled power and tempo work
Flagship Program

The 6-Week
Challenge.

Six weeks of structured coaching, accountability, and HYROX-inspired training designed to deliver measurable results — for beginners and returning athletes alike.

  • Structured group PT
  • HYROX-style conditioning
  • Nutrition + accountability
  • Body composition scans
Members training during the Valhalla 6-week challenge
Next cohort starting soon
6W
A Typical Week

Nothing is random.

Each element supports the others. Programming runs in structured blocks designed to build strength and capacity over time.

Mon
Lower Body
Squat / hinge
Tue
Upper Body
Press / pull
Wed
HYROX Skills / Run
Engine + skill
Thu
Full Body
Compound lifts
Fri
Hypertrophy Focus
Muscle development
Sat
HYROX Training Camp
Race-style work
Sun
Performance Recovery
Mobility + control

* Programming updated quarterly to align with member goals and HYROX season.

Meet Your Coaches

Coaches who see every rep.

Strength is built on mastery of the fundamentals.

Ben Andreotta

Owner · Head Trainer
StrongFirst SFG10+ years coaching

Ben founded Valhalla Fitness in 2021 to build a gym where strength is coached with intent — fundamentals first, science-based progression, and real accountability on the floor.

With over a decade in the industry and thousands of hours leading group sessions, Ben has built the system every Valhalla coach trains under. His StrongFirst credentials emphasize precision, power, and movement quality under load.

Strength is built on mastery of the fundamentals.

Fun fact · Co-owns and runs Valhalla alongside his wife Nicole, who leads systems and member experience.

David Abreu

Strength & HYROX Coach
Landmine UniversitySFG L1 (in progress)

David brings both coaching experience and competitive HYROX experience to Valhalla. His coaching style focuses heavily on form, technique, and progression — the foundation for safe, effective training.

He loves seeing members accomplish goals they once thought impossible — a new PR, a tough lift, a movement pattern finally locked in.

Starting is already a huge milestone. Stay consistent, trust the process, and you’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

Fun fact · Huge fantasy and anime fan — conventions, medieval culture, and Renaissance fairs.

Brandon Mercado

Coach

Full bio coming soon.

Stephanie Fontano

Performance Recovery & Strength Coach
B.S. Exercise ScienceM.S. Nutrition & Human PerformanceCertified Exercise PhysiologistCertified Functional Strength CoachCertified Health Mindset Coach

Stephanie combines a strong academic background with a holistic coaching approach. Her philosophy prioritizes movement quality, safety, and body awareness — fitness that fits into your life sustainably.

She especially loves coaching foundational movements — squats, hinges, presses, pull-ups — and the core and stability work that builds confidence and pain-free movement.

You don’t need to be ‘fit’ to start. Build a strong foundation, progress gradually, and fitness becomes empowering instead of intimidating.

Fun fact · Hosts Bliss Up, a wellness podcast on holistic health, mindset, and alignment.

Rachel Heslin

Power Yoga for Lifters & Strength Coach
NASM CGFIYoga Instructor

Rachel specializes in helping athletes move better, recover smarter, and build durability through intentional movement. Her philosophy centers on movement quality, safety, and consistency.

She uses yoga as a tool to improve mobility, breathing, and body awareness so members lift stronger, move more efficiently, and stay healthy long-term.

You don’t need to be in shape to start — you just need to be willing to work. Strength follows effort.

Fun fact · Outdoors with her husband, two sons, and German Shepherd — camping, hiking, kayaking.

Real Results

Built by the
members who show up.

200+
Active members
12k+
Sessions coached / yr
94%
Members hit goals
4.9★
Avg member rating
Megan training at Valhalla Fitness
Down 18 lbs · Up 60 lbs deadlift
I came in to lose weight. I left with the strongest body I've ever had — and a community that actually shows up.
Megan
David training at Valhalla Fitness
First HYROX · Sub-90 finish
The programming carried me from zero conditioning to a competition finish. The coaches built the plan — I just kept showing up.
David
Lauren training at Valhalla Fitness
Postpartum strength rebuild
Patient, intelligent coaching that met me where I was. I feel stronger and more confident than I did before kids.
Lauren
The 7-Day Trial

Try a full
week with us.

Seven days. Unlimited classes. A coach in your corner. Step inside and find out what structured, coached training actually feels like — then decide if Valhalla is the right fit.

  • 7 days of unlimited classes
  • Body composition scan (Fit3D)
  • 1-on-1 coach consultation
  • Movement assessment
  • No contract, no pressure
Member Proof

Join 100+ members
training at Valhalla.

I’ve trained at a lot of gyms. Valhalla is the first place I’ve actually gotten stronger and stayed injury-free — the coaching is on another level.
Long-time member
Member · 5 years
Every session has a purpose. The coaches see every rep and the programming builds on itself week to week. I’m the strongest I’ve ever been.
Member
Member · 3 years
I was nervous walking in. Now it’s the best part of my week — real people, real progress, no ego.
Member
Member · 2 years
FAQ

Common questions.

Ready to Start?

Step inside.
Get stronger.

Build strength. Build confidence. Build performance that carries into every part of your life.

33 Alumni Road
Newington, CT 06111
Start 7-Day Trial