Bay Area Bodybuilding Academy - Pleasanton, California

Lucas F.

Matt has literally changed my life. I have been seeing him for about two years now and had a major injury event resulting in almost a dozen surgeries. After seeing physical therapists, massage therapists, "specialists", etc. I still was unable to resolve my knee and back pain issues. I met Matt and the rest is history. Every dollar spent has been worth it. I went on a recreation trip with my family last month and paused after hiking and biking with literal watering of tears in my eye as I reflected on the long journey I've been through with all of my injuries and surgeries. The tears were from the utmost gratitude and gratefulness I have for Matt and everything he's done. I went in to my first visit (and several after) so frustrated with his processes and strength training techniques because I thought it was going to be another round of "here's another person costing me money". He encouraged me to hang in there and showed me where my weak points were in my hips and legs. Sure enough, he was more than correct. I would recommend (and have) to ANYONE. Be patient with the process as there is not "immediate" fix to long term injury. But, Matt has the direction, the professionalism, the patience, and the positive attitude to get you there.

jimmy C.

I’ve been training with Nate for over 5 years now. The amount of knowledge and experience he has, has allowed me to take my fitness goals to a whole new level!
This is an amazing gym with an awesome atmosphere! Super friendly, personable, and knowledgeable trainers! Cannot go wrong with any of them!
Having the private one on one sessions is a game changer, it works wonders having someone double check your accountability.

Anand K. S.

After many years of lower back pain due to overtraining, I was recommended by someone I trust to see Matt. Matt specializes in healing from injuries and strengthening in a safe way.

I have now worked with Matt for a little over eight months. The lower back pain is completely gone. The recurring ankle injuries are slowly going away.

Matt constantly changes and upgrades the training program and gave me a home workout plan to use when I am not working out with him.

I am a backpacker and we have been focusing on lower body strength and core strength, in addition to whole body workouts. I finished my annual week long backpacking trip with a 40 lb backpack in the high Sierra at high altitude and very rocky terrain. It is as if I have new legs. My recovery at the end of each day was near perfect. I have never felt like this in all my years of backpacking.

Matt also notices minor errors in posture and pointed out how they affect my body and overall problems I have. He has helped me to become cognizant of such posture and how to handle them on a daily basis.

I feel I am lucky to have discovered Matt in my fitness journey. I highly recommend Matt for anyone looking to heal from long running chronic pain and to build a proper base for their future.

Tamara S.

I have been working out most of my life doing aerobic classes, running, yoga, etc. I felt like I was in pretty good shape but as I started getting older, I realized that I needed to focus more on strength for muscle tone and bone health. I have been going to the Body Building Academy and training Nick Peregrino and WOW what a difference it has made in my overall health and muscle tone. I have never felt better and can visually see the change in body tone and all my aches and pains have virtually gone away!! I wish I would have started lifting weights earlier in life, but I am so glad I finally started, it has made the most difference for me than any other workout. Everyone is so nice there, the atmosphere is positive and upbeat, and I always look forward to going.

Sara T.

All the Trainers at Bay Area Body Building Academy are amazing! My husband and I have been working out with Matt for about 5 years now. We are in our upper 40’s, but also in the best shape of our lives! We have loved our experience with Matt so much that we have recommended him to family and friends looking for help in the gym, and many have trained with him over the years too. We have sent all four of our teen/adult children to Matt to learn proper weightlifting technique, as well as speed and agility training to help them in their various sports.

Matthew W.

I have back issues and my chiropractor (who is top end) recommended that I see Matt O'Neill. I have been working with Matt weekly for about five years and as a result I am in substantially better shape with a stronger back and core. He emphasizes proper posture, technique and form while doing exercises and strength training to focus on specific muscle groups and avoid injury. Matt asks his clients at the start of each session about their physical condition so that he can make adjustments to the workout to accommodate any weaknesses or injuries. During the sessions, he carefully oversees my efforts to ensure that I don't overdo it. He has a strong background in kinesiology which he uses to educate his clients on the mechanics of the body. This constitutes a huge bonus that you don't often get from trainers. He is very personable and does his best to be flexible in scheduling. Matt also works with my adult son who holds Matt in high regard.
Bay Area Bodybuilding Academy is low keyed, people are friendly, not overcrowded and with all of the equipment that you need.
I strongly recommend the Bay Area Bodybuilding Academy and while I think all of the trainers there are quite good, I can specifically recommend Matt O'Neill.

Charles F.

Blake Howard has been training me for the last six months. He has done an outstanding job of providing a well balanced training program. Not only do his sessions include body and weight exercise, but also instruction on proper movements to avoid injuries. I have a shoulder injury and he has helped me greatly with pain relief and therapy steps to help mend it. He also infuses proper diet practices to help with weight reduction and muscle rebuilding after strenuous workouts. Blake is very good at assessing my level of physical activity and shaping a routine around it. He is very creative with all of the sessions so as they are never boring and are always challenging. His attitude towards helping others to better health is outstanding!

Melissa O.

I have been training with Blake on and off since about 2012! He has really helped me by making me personal workout and nutrition plans as well as making me feel confident to push myself in my workouts! He is very motivational and keeps the gym environment positive! He always switches up the workouts which makes working out a lot more fun!