Testimonials
“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
“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
“I’ve had the privilege of training with Robin Smith for the past 12 years, and I truly can’t imagine my fitness journey without her. Robin is an exceptional instructor. Always motivating, incredibly knowledgeable, and deeply committed to making sure my form is correct to prevent injury. Whether we’re in a class or training one-on-one, her energy is contagious and the atmosphere she creates is always fun, high-spirited, and inspiring.
Robin has a unique ability to make you feel completely at ease, even as she gently challenges you to push just a little bit further. She knows exactly how to get results, and she does it in a way that feels empowering rather than overwhelming.
Her enthusiasm, dedication, and positive attitude are the reasons I plan my schedule around her classes. Simply put- Robin is the best, and training with her is the highlight of my week!”
Julie Lauritzen
“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
“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
“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
“I’m an active older woman and have known Robin for many years. She’s an incredible coach who has helped me build strength, motivation, and confidence I never thought I’d have at my age.
Robin’s care and dedication are unmatched. She coaches with love and respect, always offering modifications when needed. Her focus on technique, posture, and balance has made a huge difference for me—and we even share some good laughs along the way!
Anyone would benefit from working with Robin!”
Marilyn Epstein
“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
“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
“I have so much to say about Robin’s training. She is full of energy and so enthusiastic — always smiling and ready to push you to be better and stronger. I think this is the #1 quality in a trainer.
Her positive attitude always impresses me, even when I don’t feel like pushing. She is so encouraging, from her upbeat and varied playlists to her constant motivation throughout the workout — always helping you reach the next level and your best self.
Since I started training with her, I have seen a transformation in my body — and in how I feel. Her workouts are complete, full-body, and always focused on form. I never have to worry if I’m working enough of a certain area. If something needs correcting, she is right there making sure I get the full benefit.
My posture, energy, and confidence have improved. I’m loving my body more and more. Thank you, Robin — you are a blessing, helping people on a much deeper level than just physical training.”
Kamaria Ripoyla
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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