Wellbuilt Strength

Fantastic experience: Well Built Strength is the best gym in the Carlyle neighborhood. The gym is the creation of Alex K, Alex A and James. They have created a professional but relaxed atmosphere. They are professionals and able to help beginners, those wishing to lift competitively and everyone in between. They offer individual and small group instruction. I have been working with James for 2+ years. He is a consummate professional and has helped me achieve all my training goals. If you are serious about getting in shape, in a relaxed small group environment with expert advice close at hand and minimal wait times for equipment then Well Built Strength is the place for you.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been coming to Wellbuilt since December 2023 to keep up my progress after finishing physical therapy for knee pain, and it’s been fantastic. The staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and really take the time to understand your needs. I never feel out of place, and the support has made it much easier to stay consistent. The space is clean, well-equipped, and not overwhelming. Also, I’ve learned a lot from my trainer, Alex Karaer, as she has provided a personalized goal-oriented fitness environment for me, and others, focused on understanding your body, not just doing an exercise. As a bonus: they have cute dogs that sometimes hangout and say hello during your workout!

Fantastic experience: The moment you walk in the door at Wellbuilt Strength, you know you are in a gem of a gym. It is sparkling clean and well-appointed, the layout is well thought out. When I've been there, I've seen people from every age group and ability level, from those receiving consultation for rehab of an injury, to those who are training for a weightlifting competition. Partners Alex and Alex set the tone you want in a space like this -- one where wellness is the ideal, and the community of people who gather are serious about their workouts, but still kind and considerate of one another. They are an incredible duo -- amazingly knowledgeable, approachable, and pretty much always there to help or offer advice if and when you need it.

Fantastic experience: Eleven years ago I wanted to hike the rim-to-rim trail across The Grand Canyon in a single day. It’s a long hot hike with significant changes in elevation. I didn’t know if I could do it. Or what I would need to do to get ready . . . Fortunately, I was introduced to Alex Argueta. He worked with me for four months. Not only was I able to complete the hike, but I loved every minute of it. I had a ball. My wife (who drove shuttle) said I was beaming when I stepped up onto the South Rim at the end of that 13+ hour day. . . I am now 80. I continue to work with Alex. And he continues to provide workout routines that challenge me and allow me to test myself on rivers and trails. I am so very fortunate to get to work with him. - Rick Maurer

Fantastic experience: Alex K and Alex A are owners They run a beautiful super clean gym and are the most skilled physio trainers I have ever worked with. Bespoke workouts. Experienced and constantly learning best new techniques and practices. This is not a personal training gym per se. It is a combination of Skilled diagnostic body mechanics and proper corrective training regime. If you have limitations or nagging injuries. Go here. If you are fit and want to get strong the right way. Get you self to Wellbuilt

Fantastic experience: I’ve been training at WellBuilt for almost two years as part of their group Powerlifting class, and it's been an incredible experience! Alex A and James W are both outstanding coaches—extremely knowledgeable and talented. I'll be competing in my first powerlifting competition soon, and their guidance has been invaluable in preparing me for it. The gym itself is always clean, and the atmosphere is welcoming. Everyone at the gym is friendly, courteous, and respectful of both the equipment and one another. The trainers at Wellbuilt (Alex A, Alex K, and James W) provide excellent support and guidance, and I highly recommend training with any of them if you're looking to achieve your fitness goals!

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Wellbuilt Strength. The trainers are knowledgable and friendly, and their wealth of experience is evident. Alex K ensures that each exercise is performed with proper form, and programs workouts that are both challenging and fun. The gym is small but mighty, and the clientele are respectful and supportive of each other. All in all, a great place to strength train!

Fantastic experience: Alex A is a very talented and knowledgeable trainer! I’ve been working with him for over a year now for general strength and fitness goals. Alex also piqued my interest in Olympic weightlifting and I recently competed in my first weight lifting meet and had a great time with his guidance! I’m a physical therapist and I’m always very impressed with Alex’s ability to adapt his workouts to clients of all different fitness levels and goals regardless of age. I definitely recommend Alex as well as the rest of the team to anyone looking for personal training. You won’t be disappointed!

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Alex A for many years. He is a fantastic trainer and even nicer guy. We have done both power and Olympic lifting (which I loved but my knees did not) over the years. He excels at teaching both equally. He is very motivating and inspires you to want to do more and be better. And gives minimal grief when you are just not feeling it like pushing sleds. He is an attentive listener and adapts workouts accordingly. The WellBuilt facility is the perfect size. Since the number of people at one time is limited, it is never crowded and there is space and equipment for everyone. Street parking is never a problem. Overall a great place and always an enjoyable group of people to spend time with. Love of 80s music is a bonus.

Fantastic experience: I’ve known Alexandra since 2010 and that was when I had knee pain bc of running.They told me I might need a knee surgery, not only did she make my knee pain go away but also she has been making me stronger everywhere else ever since❣️ She’s a professional/hardworking coach that pays attention to details and pushes you to achieve whatever goal you have in fitness! Thank you for making it possible to have an awesome family gym! Wellbuilt strength is my happy place! ️‍♂️

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend this gym. I’ve been working with Alex A on Olympic weightlifting since Aug 2022. When I first started working with him I jokingly told him that my goal was to compete on a national stage before I turn 35. After 1.5 years I actually qualified to compete on a national stage and will meet my goal. This gym brings results. If you tell them your goals they will do everything possible to make it happen for you. Alex has rearranged his schedule countless times to help me with specific training needs. Everyone at the gym including Alex K, James, and the members are very friendly. Even after moving an hour away I still come to this gym because this gym is a safe space that is very welcoming and if I ever needed help, help is readily available. Also, most importantly, this gym is very clean with a clean bathroom/changing room too.

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Alex K. for about a year and a half, and in that time I’ve gained strength and my chronic neck and shoulder pain dramatically improved. Alex is generous with her time and considerable expertise, and the whole gym feels welcoming and supportive. I’m so glad I found this gym.

Fantastic experience: I just can't recommend this gym enough. Where to begin? Alex A, Alex K and James W are among the nicest people one can meet anywhere. Top that with their intense dedication to and obvious passion for their work, and it's an unbeatable combination. Alex A has been my trainer for the past year, and has worked with me through injuries and other challenges. From strength training to weight loss to overall fitness, Alex has been patient and relentless in his encouragement and support. Icing on the cake - the other folks in the gym are polite, considerate and focused on improvement as well.

Fantastic experience: Great. Have been working out at Wellbuilt since thy opened. Excellent training and encouragement. I highly recommend it.

Fantastic experience: I’m a huge fan of Wellbuilt Strength. Alex A has helped me increase my strength, coached me through injuries, and taught my teenagers how to lift. They are preparing for their first Olympic Weightlifting competition. The gym is clean, organized and I love the community Alex A and Alex K have built. I recommend the gym to all of my friends and family.

Fantastic experience: I've been going to Wellbuilt for the past year with the recommendation from a past trainer. Alex has been extremely helpful with training me for competitive powerlifting, even after I tore my ACL. Nice small gym and the community is supportive.

Fantastic experience: You will love this gym! Personalized training from the best. Alex K helped me recover from a chronic injury when so many things hadn’t helped. Check it out!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym and staff. Alex is patient and great at motivating his clients!

Fantastic experience: Wow, what can I say. My experience training at WellBuilt has been nothing short of exceptional. This place and the trainers who run it are unbelievable, and I'll share with you why. Training with Alex Karaer has truly been a gift. I wanted to work with her to get out of persistent joint pain throughout my body and have some semblance of normal functioning in my life. She has helped me achieve that and so much more. Even after just one or two training sessions, I could feel that my body was moving better and I knew I had found something special. Because of my training with Alex, I can tell that years (perhaps even more than a decade) of suboptimal movement patterns causing changes in my posture are now being properly corrected. This is not only because Alex is so knowledgeable in exercise science and postural mechanics, but also because she truly cares about the progress of her clients. With our training sessions, Alex is constantly helping me learn more about my body, how it tends to operate suboptimally, and what corrective exercises and cues we can implement to help. Working with Alex, I never feel like I am going through my training journey alone because she is always willing to help, whether that's choosing the right exercises, giving me advice and cues to achieve proper form, or working with me through pain and dysfunction. Add to all of this that I'm beginning to look and feel better than I ever have because of my time spent at WellBuilt and we have a unique situation that is hard to find in life - a Win-Win-Win. I am so happy to have found an incredible tribe at WellBuilt. A place to go to focus on improving yourself with some of the best guidance you can find anywhere. The trainers are extremely knowledgeable, the facility is top notch, the clientele are like family, and you can just feel the good energy from all of the healing and positive change happening within these four walls. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Alex and let you all know that this place is truly something special to be a part of!

Fantastic experience: I've been coming to this small, bespoke gym about a year into the Covid pandemic. We were able to safely meet to work out given the limit on clients. I started with Alex A who was able to assess my physicality and strength and put me on a path to achieve my personal goals. You don't necessarily know what you don't know, but that's what Alex and Alex are there for. They know! And they know how! A chin-up - just ONE chin-up. It took me just under a year to get there having started at a hang with a slight bend in the elbow. Two years later, I can do 7 chin-ups in my one-hour workout! I couldn't even do that as a kid. There are so many other areas of progress: core, legs, shoulders. Just knowing what I can do now vs. when I started, I feel so empowered. And it has helped with my yoga practice! Don't let age or time get in your way. Do what you can when you can and just keep trying. With the leadership of Wellbuilt Strength and the supportive community, you are on your way!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym and staff. Alex is patient and great at motivating his clients!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been training with Alex K for the last 11 years. Her knowledge of body mechanics is exceptional. I have had multiple knee surgeries before I came to her. Since I’ve been with her I’ve never been injured. I myself am an anesthesiologist with a background in anesthesia for orthopedics. I am blown away by her knowledge. If my body feels “tight” or stiff before my workout, I always leave feeling significantly better than when I arrived. I am able to do things in ever imagined doing with good form. She doesn’t push heavier weights until you can properly manage appropriate ones (not too heavy, not too light). She doesn’t care how you look, how much you can lift, but she works hard to make you the best you possible. She really cares about her clients’ well-being. She pushes me in the best way possible to be the best version of myself.

Fantastic experience: When Alex K and I started training together I told her the emphasis needed to be on being healthy, not necessarily skinny. I wanted enough energy to play with my kids, to be able to pick them up and carry them to bed, and to not be sore from having to work at my desk all day - she's delivered on all of it.  We've experimented with many different workout approaches (kettle bells, then powerlifting, and now weightlifting).  She's always been able to identify what in the workout I'm enjoying the most so I actually look forward to them (especially seeing how I'm getting stronger and how my technique is getting better).  From her my view of workouts has changed from being punishment/ a payment for what I've been eating to a celebration of what my body can do.

Fantastic experience: Wellbuilt Strength is a welcoming and unintimidating gym with great trainers. It has become a community of friends that I look forward to seeing and with whom I enjoy working out as well as sharing accomplishments and support. Alex K is an exceptional trainer. I started working out with her after unsatisfying experiences with other trainers. My initial focus was to get back into shape and build core strength after recovering from a back injury. I could tell right away that she understood how to tailor my program to my needs promoting strength, flexibility and, most importantly, proper form. I had never really been into weightlifting before (I was more of a cardio person), but with Alex’s coaching, we moved into barbell lifting, something I never thought I would be able to do with my back issues. It was also something that had been pretty intimidating as a somewhat novice gym-goer. However, with her help, at 49, I am the strongest I have ever been in my life, my back problems are gone, and I feel comfortable and confident doing heavy deadlifts, back squats, bench, etc. What I most enjoy about the training with Alex is that she always keeps it interesting and fun.

Fantastic experience: This place is a gem . The owners have created a very unique thing here. This is not just a place to train and work out- it's a lifestyle- a positive, healthy, energetic environment run by extremely knowledgeable professional trainers . More importantly - they are welcoming and inclusive of all levels. They want the best from you and for you . Training with Alex A he will set your goals, guide and push you to get there......and then do it all over again ...." just one more !" Workouts are challenging, varied and always fun. The gym is spotless and they are very mindful of Covid protocols, everyone's safety and comfort level. Grateful to have found it.

Fantastic experience: This is a fantastic place to train. I have trained with Alex K. for several years now, I’m 66, and I’m stronger than I have ever been. She meets you where you are, but you don’t stay there. The focus on goals and getting stronger is 110%. It’s a small place, but it has every piece of equipment you need, and everyone is super friendly. Great place to work out.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been working out with Alex A. for 10+ years and he has helped me change my body which has increased my confidence. He is incredibly encouraging and truly understands the human body. When I share my fitness goals, he works out a plan to help me achieve them. I also feel a strong sense of community at the gym and am surrounded by friends when I work out.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been training at Wellbuilt for 1 year and with Alex A. For 10+ years. The owners are knowledgeable and experienced personal trainers who are passionate about what they do. I appreciate the focus on tailoring my training program to meet my individual goals for health and strength. The gym is a well-designed, open space, clean with lots of natural light, and a friendly, supportive community.

Fantastic experience: My wife and I have been working with the owners of Wellbuilt Strength for quite some time. What I appreciate most about their approach is the focus on good mechanics. They want to ensure that you are moving in a manner that allows you to get the most out of the exercise. The owners take the time to make sure you understand what you are doing and to do it correctly. The atmosphere of Wellbuilt Strength is great. The cliental and the owners are so supportive of each other. It is not uncommon see people supporting each other to be better.

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Alex Karaer for nearly 10 years. Over this time, I have learned to train smarter and the importance of each exercise. Alex takes the time to understand how your goals and how you are feeling during each session. Over the course of this time I have made so much progress in my mobility and strength. Alex and Ales have built a wonderful community at Well Built Strength as a result of their care, passion, and heart!

Fantastic experience: I’m 43 years old and have been training with Alex Karaer for 10 years, and I’ve never felt stronger or more fit in my entire life. Alex has a great way of breaking down each exercise and really emphasizing proper technique. I’m able to deadlift, bench, squat and do a variety of other complex exercises, while avoiding any injuries due to her laser-focus on proper form. Alex is also extremely knowledgeable about the musculoskeletal system and skilled at devising stretching routines to deal with minor pains that come with getting older. The gym itself creates a wonderful community and I count many of its members as good friends.

Fantastic experience: Alex K. is the first personal trainer I've hired, and I did so based on the high praises from a close friend. She took the time to listen to my initial concerns and goals, and then we got to work. She's helped convert the gym from an intimidating place to one where I feel like I belong. With proper form always on the top of her mind, I've learned so much about alignment, what I specifically need to pay attention to, and have gained strength and mobility. She's patient and encouraging, and frankly I've used equipment and done reps that I probably would not have attempted without her guidance and support. Wellbuilt is where you want to join if you're looking for great individualized training, a bright welcoming space, and a friendly atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: I started training at Wellbuilt in 2020 and highly recommend the gym and my trainer Alex A. He was able to quickly make an assessment of where I was and tailored a program to my needs. I have problems with flexibility and range of motions which I thought couldn't be fixed. In a couple of months I've already seen positive changes in my day-to-day life thanks to Alex. The gym itself is a friendly environment both in terms of the owners and the other gym goers. The customers seem to range from people like me to more serious athletes. In my experience, everyone has been friendly and respectful of each other. If you are looking for a personal trainer, it is well worth your time to check out Wellbuilt Strength.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been working out with Alex K for a number of years now and have to say she is someone who knows what she is doing and is fun to train with. She reminds me of that favorite football coach who kicks your butt during practice, but you’re happy because of it. If you are looking for a place to train, not just work out, then this is the place and she is the person for you. Alex helps you set strength and fitness and goals and then puts in a place a plan to help you achieve them. I’ve never been stronger in my life and am motivated by her and the plan she puts in place to achieve my fitness goals. I highly recommend Wellbuilt Strength as it's a great place to work out and highly recommend using either Alex K or Alex A as your trainer!

Fantastic experience: I've been working out at Wellbuilt Strength since they opened, and with Alex A. for more than 7 years. Both Alex and Alex are fantastic - you can tell that they take great pride in what they do and are focused on the fundamentals. They both have tons of long-standing clients who have stayed with them, even through the uncertainty of a global pandemic - there's possibly no better testament to their professionalism. The facility is excellent: well equipped and always clean. It's become a real community for me, and everyone else. I can't recommend it highly enough!

Fantastic experience: Passionate trainers who are committed to your personal success. Have learned a lot over the years and went from feeling uncomfortable in the gym and dreading my time there to enjoying my workouts and gaining muscle. Small, personal training gym without the riff raff of a big box gym. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Great gym, personalized workouts that are custom fit for your requirements. Cleanest gym I have ever used. I started a week before everything shut down last year. The trainers still found a way to create a program for me, the trainers here go above and beyond for their clients.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been training since college and Wellbuilt Strength has extensively advanced my overall strength training program. I’ve learned how to correctly back squat and can now squat over 350 lbs. I’ve also learned how to incorporate kettlebells into my workout - including Turkish getups, which has really helped to strengthen my core. Highly recommend Alex K. for already physically fit people looking to take their bodies to the next level!

Fantastic experience: Best gym I’ve been to. Alex and Alex are amazing trainers and very professional. They really know their stuff and provide a bespoke service to their clients.

Fantastic experience: Wellbuilt Strength is owned and operated by two trainers - Alex A and Alex K, who are kind, extremely knowledgeable, flexible and patient. They continuously challenge themselves to learn and innovate in order to train their clients in a safe, goal-oriented, results driven way. The clientele in the gym is a mix of all different ages, abilities and backgrounds – all should feel welcome! The gym is bright, open and very clean. The equipment is top quality and is well maintained. The trainers and the members take pride in keeping the facility clean and tidy. It is never too crowded – the training gym model allows people to sign up for a specific personal training time or gym time. I love that! I much prefer this format to the large box gyms which can be very overwhelming. I have trained with Alex A for nearly ten years. He is a supportive and encouraging force in my life. I am so very grateful for his coaching and for helping me adjust my goals across the years to allow me become the strongest and healthiest I have ever been. He keeps it interesting, mixing up the workouts and keeps me trying new things. I appreciate that both he and Alex K put a lot of focus on proper technique and teach their clients the right way to do things to avoid injuries and advance their goals. Wellbuilt Strength opened just before the pandemic in 2020. The owners immediately immersed themselves in what the local health department guidelines were and put appropriate protocols in place to make everyone feel safe and remain healthy. I truly appreciate the care they took. As a result, the gym has been open with adjusted attendance and with COVID mitigation protocols, but open nonetheless. I know the clients really appreciate being able to continue to train during such a stressful time. For the clients who weren’t comfortable coming into the gym, they adjusted and held remote training sessions. Their commitment to their clients is bar none. They have safely and successfully navigated this challenge! If you are looking for a qualified, capable trainer and great gym I strongly recommend Wellbuilt Strength!

Fantastic experience: The gym is intimate and has state-of-the-art equipment smartly organized. The owners are also trainers and they are experienced and thoughtful instructors, tailoring programs with care on an individualized basis. All in all, top notch.

Fantastic experience: I've been working with Alex A for about 3 years now and I'm very happy with what we've been able to accomplish together! I've had surgeries, injuries (nothing related to lifting), ridiculous work schedules and he's always able to adapt! Their new facility is very nice! Super clean, great quality equipment, and a wonderful community of people!

Negative experience: I'm a competitive paddler looking to build muscle and strength for my upcoming season, walked through the door and let's say the the greeting was very icy and certainly not welcoming. Lost my business right away.

Fantastic experience: Wellbuilt Strength has made a positive change in my life. I have been working out with Alex K for 6 years. I came to her with low mobility in my shoulder and right hip. She is a combination of coach and diagnostic trainer. Alex moved me further than any PT had in the past and this past month at age 62 I canoed the 100mile Allagash Waterway pain free! If you are serious about getting better and mobile you should come see this team

Fantastic experience: I have been training at Wellbuilt Strength for a year and with Alex A for almost 5 years. I appreciate the mindfulness in the gym itself and the technical precision you get working with the trainers. Before training with Alex A. I approached strength training with dread and something to just "get through". Alex has shaped my training into something that is fun and challenging. The community at the gym is very welcoming and we cheer each other on into the next challenge!