About us!
The Valhalla Fitness experience
At Valhalla Fitness, we believe you should leave every workout feeling better than when you walked in. Our programs are designed to minimize your recovery and maximize your results.
Mastery of the fundamentals is key to advancing any skill and we incorporate this philosophy into every training session. Whether you are taking part in a group training class or doing a one-one-one personal training session, our coaching will arm you with the proper techniques to optimize your progress and achieve your goals.
Our first rule at Valhalla is to check your ego at the door. No one is above coaching, and every day you can come expecting to learn something new, not only about kettlebells, but also about yourself. You will leave every session feeling both mentally and physically stronger.
The workout: what to expect?
A vigorous, high-intensity experience. Each training sessions is designed to be a high-intensity experience that will push you to the limit of your capabilities. However, we want to push you to the brink, not over it. While we believe that a strenuous workout is essential, that is only half the battle.
A focus on technique. At Valhalla Fitness, we emphasize the importance of safety and using proper form in every technique. We specialize in kettlebell training, but also incorporate a variety of other methods and fitness tools into every session including barbells, dumbbells, and suspension training, among other systems.
A team based environment. Our group training sessions blend the high-energy atmosphere of a group class with individual instruction and attention. This is not a competitive environment, our members motivate and push each other.
What makes us different?
A science-based approach to training. At Valhalla we are constantly learning - both you as students, and us as teachers. Our trainers are up to date on current scientific literature, and we only teach techniques and methodologies supported by what the science tells us.
Unique programming that is effective for people of all ability and experience levels. When you walk through our doors, come prepared for a workout different from anything you have experienced at other gyms. We are not crossfit, and we are not a boot-camp gym. We have created programs that include an innovative combination of traditional strength training, functional training and high-intensity metabolic conditioning.
A one-of-a-kind, inclusive community. We believe in building real relationships through trust and results. If you have these, everything else will fall into place.
Flexibility. Our pricing is 100% transparent and we offer a range of membership options so can choose what is best for your schedule and budget.
Meet our founders
Valhalla is owned and run by Head Trainer, Ben Andreotta. Ben has over 9 years of experience in the fitness industry including one-on-one personal training as well as over 5,000 hours coaching group training classes. He holds a StrongFirst Girya Level 2 kettlebell certification, StrongFirst Lifter barbell certification, NASM-CPT certification, Precision Nutrition L1, and is CPR/AED certified. Ben specializes in “hardstyle” kettlebell training, and incorporates these principles into every lesson and program he writes. Ben has an unrelenting dedication to learning and is passionate about teaching others. While coaching is his main focus, he strives to constantly improve himself as a coach and an athlete. As a wise man once said “coaches never stop needing coaches”, and Ben trains regularly with elite kettlebell instructors to keep his own technique on point.
Ben’s partner-in-crime is his wife, Nicole. Tax accountant by day, kettlebell expert by night, Nicole holds an SFG Level 1 kettlebell certification and is Ben’s #1 training partner. While you will not see Nicole coaching classes, she will often be seen participating in class motivating others, and taking photos for Valhalla’s social media page.
Assistant Coach Killian is a six year old pit-bull mix who is Ben’s right-hand man. While he lacks the expertise of his father, he more than makes up for it through his charisma and strong motivational attributes.
Our other two four-legged children, Abel & Opal, are also often seen assisting Dad as well!
Location
33 Alumni Road
Newington, CT 06111