Testimonials

Poe Mash

“I have known Robin for many years and have had the privilege of being a part of her coaching expertise. I am an older person in her classes and I always feel safe that she will guide me in moderation. She is very dedicated to helping everyone achieve their goals. I started out with cycling then went to Bodypump and then TRX. Robin is totally experienced in all these different activities. She knows how to keep you focused and encourages you to do your best. Robin is an amazing coach and her knowledge, enthusiasm, and her ability to just make it fun is such an inspiration. She is the best!!!”

Poe Maish

“Training with Robin has been a bright light shining on my fitness journey for years! Her knowledge, skill, patience and humor has got me through many a sessions. And when I growled in protest (jokingly), she knew it was a great workout! With having many years of exercise experience under my belt, she still can manage to keep me engaged and challenged. I gained more strength and endurance and working with Robin. The laughter was a bonus benefit! I highly recommend her!”

Yvonne Goodrich

Marty

“I’m Marty Gelman, and I’m 83 years old. After running daily for 30 years, I switched to spinning in my 60s and took classes with some excellent instructors over the years. When I moved to Novato, I joined CycleBar and met Robin Smith—and she’s truly something special.

Robin’s energy, encouragement, and teaching style keep me inspired every time I get on the bike. Thanks to her, I’m staying strong, motivated, and reaching my goals—even in my 80s.”

Marty Gelman

Linda Lewis

“I was introduced to Coach Robin when I signed up to take her Cycle class. I had never taken a Cycle class before and I told her that, before class. She could not have been more encouraging, enthusiastic and welcoming to me —

a person that was entering the unknown…!

…3 months later and I am still there!!

Coach Robin is the real deal— she knows what she is doing:

She will motivate you

She will inspire you

She will increase your performance ability!

She is complete positivity.”

Linda Lewis

“Before I met Robin, I had no muscle tone!

Robin changed my body AND my frame of mind—I found her incredibly motivating and inspirational. She’s a wonderful coach and a remarkable human being. I cannot say enough great things about Robin!”

Kathryn Otoshi

“What can I say about Robin…

I began taking her classes a few years after having my second child. Through strength and aerobics training, she helped me build not only my body but my mind stronger than prior to having children. Robin has endless positive energy and always encourages her clients and team to “do one more!” and “to keep going!”.  I hear her battle cries outside of the gym as well. “Yes you can!” keeps me exploring new things and teaches me to never give up.

If you need modifications, she will provide a variety to keep you healthy and safe. She cares so deeply about each person she trains and is a true gift to the world of gym athletes and friends. You are one of the lucky ones to have Robin in your pocket.”

Emily Studer

“Working with my Robin has truly been life-changing!

Thanks to her guidance, I’ve been able to avoid shoulder replacement surgery—something I didn’t think was possible. My progress has been so significant that even my physical therapist is amazed at how far I’ve come. My arthritic joints are noticeably less painful, and I’ve even seen improvements in my blood pressure. She knows exactly how to push me while still working within my limits, and the results speak for themselves.

You can’t go wrong working with Robin!”

Carol Meyers

Pamela Thompson

“I’ve been taking Robin’s training classes for over 11 years, and she is truly exceptional. Her workouts are thoughtfully structured with the right mix of challenge, variety, and fun—always including proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretches. Robin listens to her clients, tailors movements to all levels, and brings an encouraging energy (and great sense of humor!) that keeps people coming back year after year. I highly recommend her as a trainer and coach.”

Pamela Thompson

“Robin always makes me feel like I can do it. She makes every workout fun, even when we’re working hard and building strength and stamina. Training with her keeps me active and motivated instead of stuck sitting all day. I’ve surprised myself by doing things I never thought I could, and I’m in better shape now than I was at 40! Her workouts are never boring, and I always look forward to them. On top of that, we’ve built a wonderful friendship that makes the experience even more special.”

Debbie Nehasil

“If I’m being honest, working out isn’t something I crave or do for vanity’s sake. I do it because I know it’s good for me and is a non-negotiable if I want to age well. That being said, I don’t always approach my fitness classes with the highest of energy or motivation sometimes. That all changes when I started training with Miss Robin Smith!!! What I appreciate most about Robin is her encouraging approach—she pushes me just enough without ever making me feel overwhelmed. She has an infectious energy that gets me motivated within minutes, and I’m so happy to be there. Her knowledge about fitness is incredible and she can tailor moves to accommodate my injuries or limitations. I love that she explains everything in a way that makes sense. Thank you, Robin, for making exercise fun again!!”

Sharon Jones

“I met Robin over 20 years ago, and in that time she has become not only my trainer but also one of my closest friends. She has incredible energy and a positive attitude that never runs out. Her dedication, hard work, and support have made her a true role model in my life. She knows exactly how to push you past your limits and inspires you to believe you can achieve anything. I’m so grateful for the impact she’s had on my fitness journey—and my life!”

Natalia Balytsky

“Strong With Robin is not just the name of her company — it is a commitment to be experienced and a blessing we all deserve. 💪💝🏋️‍♀️

My training journey is new, deeply personal, and challenging. Like many women, I carry the daily pressures, stressors, and heaviness of life — and I naturally lead as a giver, not a receiver. Reinvesting in my own well-being requires intention, discipline, and a conscious commitment to self-care.

Simply showing up to Strong With Robin Personal Training is no small feat. I drive an hour from home, juggle the demands of a corporate leadership role, and fit workouts into an intentionally — and admittedly — insanely busy life. And yet, I keep choosing to show up.

Robin has inspired me by truly seeing me and believing in my ability to become a stronger, better version of myself. She is a compassionate listener and an exceptional teacher of mental health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition. She continually adapts to my evolving needs and delivers exactly what serves me best in every session.

I have accomplished more than I ever expected of myself — every single time. Her encouragement between sessions keeps me focused, grounded, and strong.

I have big, audacious goals — and I will achieve them with Robin as my teacher and friend.
I deserve her… and so can you. 💪✨”

Toni Forsberg

Craig Kiernan

“I trained with Robin from age 49 to 53 and ended up in the best shape of my life. I started thinking I needed to lose weight but with her smart programming and constant attention to technique, I actually gained muscle, lost inches, and felt stronger and more confident than ever. Robin brings high energy, motivation, and real expertise to every session. She builds not just better bodies, but real community and accountability. Anyone lucky enough to work with her – is in for something truly transformative!”

Craig Kiernan

“Since I started working out with Robin, I’ve lost weight, gained muscle, and become flexible in ways I didn’t even know were possible. I feel stronger and healthier, and our sessions are not only effective—they’re fun (we laugh a lot!). Even though I might swear during the tough moments, I always finish feeling proud of myself for pushing through. It’s become truly addictive, and I can’t wait to go back for more.”

Pamela Ford

“Robin is an incredible coach who helps us get stronger both physically and emotionally. She motivates and guides us by leading through example, showing how to overcome life’s obstacles and challenges. We are beyond grateful to have her in our lives.”
— Alex & Lada Tsibulya  

Alex & Lada Tsibulya

“I am so blessed that I found Robin as my personal trainer. Her knowledge, practice, and dedication show in the results she creates for me. It shows how she lives her life and what she brings to her clients — she truly walks the talk. Based on the results, the time, money, and effort spent are absolutely worth it. As she helps me turn a big page in my life, I am writing a chapter about her in my book. Thank you, Robin. I love you so much. 🙏❤️”

Niro DeSilva