Owner and certified instructor D’Mario Sowah, known as one of the "best trainers" as Molly Qerim, ESPN broadcaster, related to the Hartford Courant, helps students achieve healthy levels of strength and self-confidence at Akua Ba Fitness in West Hartford. Upon moving to New York, D'Mario spent 10 years as a personal trainer before opening the intimately sized Akua Ba Fitness facility. D’Mario⎯a practitioner of both capoeira and meditation⎯motivates his students by constantly highlighting the transitive property of mental mastery. His group classes often focus on muscle confusion, a methodology which challenges muscles to adapt to new resistance by mixing up routines and administering algebraic pop quizzes. Trainees also maintain fit forms with the help of the facility's resident nutritionist and wellness coach. D'Mario is so renowned as a trainer that he has been tapped by The Doctors to help guests lose weight and get fit on an upcoming program.

The air was chilly and the sky was still dark one wintry morning in Hartford, when five women huddled around Racquel, awaiting instruction at the very first Racquels Addiction Fitness boot camp. But as hard as that first workout may have been, it obviously inspired something positive in the women who attended. From that day forward, word spread about the workout that group fitness instructor Racquel had put together—a powerful routine that targeted problem areas such as the hips, thighs, glutes, and abs and quickly transformed them with little to no help from cumbersome workout equipment. Today, Racquel and fellow fitness instructor Betsy have branched out from just boot camp. At Racquel's Addiction Fitness, they also teach Piloxing (a blend of Pilates and boxing), Zumba, and Hot and Bothered on the Bench classes, which blast calories with help from a step bench and weights. And, in their quest to make fitness fun for everyone, the studio also hosts many exercise-themed special events, including chair dance fitness parties, pole dancing parties, and sultry potato sack races.

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? The Volta Studio uses spinning poles and gives you the space to learn at your own pace. We treat every student as an individual, and encourage students to invent new moves and place emphasis on form first in order to develop an array of moves. Exercise is challenging. How do you keep clients motivated and engaged? We perform for others at least once a month, so students are encouraged to polish their own routine with an instructor so that everyone looks and feels like a professional. What was the inspiration to start or run this business? The Volta studio was inspired by a passion for dance, fitness, and escaping the tedium of the gym. What do you love most about your job? I love watching people accomplish their goals and feeling better about themselves. I love the beauty of dance and seeing everyone's unique interpretation.

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? Specializing in safe effective exercises to reduce discomforts and prepare for a comfortable birth and safely heal and recondition in the postpartum period. Reduces your risk of intervention during childbirth and symptoms of Diastasis recti, incontinence, and prolapse. Exercise is challenging. How do you keep clients motivated and engaged? Keep them fun, interesting, and positive. What was the inspiration to start or run this business? My own personal experience with a dissatisfied birth outcome and knowing there needs to be a better way than "do anything to lose the baby weight" led to the birth of Mind and Body Mama! What do you love most about your job? Supporting women and being part of their journey through motherhood!

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? We are the the only mobile "gym" in the area, allowing clients to work out in the comfort and convenience of their own homes or mine. Exercise is challenging. How do you keep clients motivated and engaged? Tracking progress is one of the best motivators. We check body fat and measurements every month as well as their increase in strength. We also make every workout enjoyable by offering yoga, bootcamp, yoga bootcamp, boxing, and much more! What was the inspiration to start or run this business? I wanted to create an affordable and effective place for people to change their life. What do you love most about your job? I enjoy helping people reach their fitness goals.

Take advantage of the top-notch machinery at West Hartford's Excel Fitness and lose those pesky five pounds. Sure you could eat at home, but you'll want to take advantage of this gym's restaurant for high-class food. Bring the whole family to this gym, where kiddos are welcomed with open arms. The worst part about working out is that you can spend lots of time with few results. A personal trainer is a great safeguard so that you efficiently use your time to achieve real results. Indulge in a total body workout with one of these kickboxing classes and leave feeling and looking your best. A great body starts with an excellent program of cross fit. When you enroll in some circuit training, you'll be amazed at how great your body looks. Parking is available at an adjacent lot.