OUR STORY
About 838 Strength and Fitness in Monroe, CT
Twenty-Seven Years of Coaching, One Studio
A personal training studio in Tollgate Plaza, Monroe, built around the idea that your program should be yours.
WHY WE'RE HERE
Our Mission
Help adults 35 and older live a healthier life — without beating up their bodies.
Train the movement, not the muscle group.
Structured. Supportive. Results-Driven.
MEET THE OWNER
About Joe
Owner & Head Coach
My love of fitness started with sports. While studying business management at Sacred Heart University, I played two years of Division I baseball and worked part-time as a personal training intern. I quickly realized that I loved helping people get stronger, move better, and see what they were capable of.
For the past 27 years, I've made that passion my career. I started out focused on athletes and sport-specific training, and I still enjoy helping young athletes build strength and improve their performance. But my own experience with low back pain and disc issues opened my eyes to how much the right training can matter in everyday life. It also sparked a deeper interest in helping people move well, build strength, and feel better in their own bodies.
Over the years, I've continued my education in both sport-specific training and corrective exercise, with a special passion for movement assessment. I look at how each person moves, work to identify muscular imbalances, and use that information to create a program that fits their fitness level and their body's needs. By improving movement quality, building strength, and helping the body work more evenly, we can make training more effective and meaningful for each individual.
There's truly nothing better than hearing that after a few weeks of training, someone is sleeping better, waking up with fewer aches and pains, or has more energy to play with their grandkids. Those are the moments that remind me why I love what I do. And of course, seeing people make changes to their bodies and feel proud of their progress is incredibly rewarding, too.
Certifications and Education
- Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC), Levels 1 and 2 - Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning
- Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Levels 1 and 2 - Functional Movement Systems
- Resistance Training Specialist (RTS), Levels 1 and 2
- Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach
- TRX Suspension Training and Rip Trainer
- Kettlebell Concepts Level 1
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer (2000-2018)
- LindaFit Mat Pilates Certified
- Stick Mobility Certified
MEET THE TRAINER
About Art
Trainer
After spending more than 20 years working in Boston's tech industry, I decided to make a career change and pursue my interest in massage therapy and personal training. I know firsthand how the stress of corporate life, long hours at a desk, and constant video calls can affect your posture, movement, and overall well-being.
My experience with myofascial release and therapeutic work has given me a strong foundation for helping people who are dealing with tension, discomfort, and movement challenges. I have a particular interest in helping people who work at a desk and experience neck discomfort or what’s often called “tech neck.” Since I lived that lifestyle myself, I understand how it can affect your body and how important it is to find an approach that works for you.
My background in massage therapy and corrective exercise, combined with my advanced-level certifications, has given me the tools to work with a wide range of clients, from advanced athletes looking to improve their performance to people returning to exercise after an injury. I also hold a Level 1 certification from the Titleist Performance Institute, widely regarded as the gold standard in golf fitness and performance training. It helps me assess how a golfer’s movement and physical abilities may relate to their swing.
What I enjoy most is getting to know each person, understanding what they're dealing with, and helping them make progress toward their goals. Whether that means moving with less discomfort, getting stronger, or improving their golf performance, I want each client to feel that their training is built around them.
Education and Certifications
- The Massage School, Boston
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
- NASM Behavior Change Specialist
- XPE CORE Myofascial Certification
- Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Body-Swing Connection Certification, Level 1
WHO YOU'LL TRAIN WITH
Our Coaches
Joe Santacroce
Owner & Head Coach
27 years of personal training. Division I baseball at Sacred Heart University. Nine professional certifications.
Art Capozzi
Trainer
Former Boston tech professional turned massage therapist and corrective exercise specialist. TPI Level 1 golf fitness.
THE TEAM ON THE FLOOR
Coaching Is the Whole Product
Every session is coached. A trainer is on the floor correcting alignment and form while you work — which is what members tell us separates this from the gyms they came from.
They are consistently offering adjustment reminders for proper alignment and form to make sure each person is working safely and effectively.
Jennifer Turey, Google review
Families That Train Together
IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Celebrating Three Years in Monroe
We just celebrated our three year anniversary at 838 Main Street in Tollgate Plaza, and we train people from Monroe, Newtown, Southbury and the surrounding Connecticut towns.
IN THEIR WORDS
What Longer-Term Members Say
“I've been attending personal training classes for about 6 months and have seen great results in weight loss, increased strength, and am in better shape than I've been in years. All of the trainers are great and create a fun and welcoming environment. Our kids have also been attending youth athlete classes, really enjoy them, and have seen great results. I would highly recommend the team at 838 to any adults or youths looking to improve their fitness level.”
Patrick Kelley
Google review
“I have been with 838 Strength and Fitness in Monroe for six months and am so grateful to have met this team. I am 78 years old and was looking to gain strength, lose weight, and physically feel better. They are invested in my success and are the kindest, most dedicated people I have met. I have worked with individuals in the past, but no one like this team, who are invested in my success as if it were their own. They push me to my strengths, and I have already lost weight and become physically stronger. They adapt to your needs, and as you grow, they adjust the goals, constantly challenging you to work harder.”
Kathy A
Google review
“I have been exercising at 838 Strength for 6 months. Like everyone else, I had experience at other facilities. I was a bit taken aback by the appearance, wondering where all the equipment was hidden, but that isn't what this facility is about. Joey has crafted challenging routines that focus on different muscle groups with a mixture of strength training, cardio, core, and range of motion. Due to the small class size, we all get a lot of attention concerning our form and effort. When I joined the classes, I had sciatica that was affecting my ability to exercise and golf. After a month at 838, the pain is gone, my strength has improved, and my range of motion continues to improve. If your form isn't good, you get immediate feedback. One aspect of the gym that really surprised me is the fact that some of the sessions will be mixed gender. I figured women would be intimidated to exercise with men, but they aren't. I may lift a heavier weight, but the women are incredibly strong in different ways and put the guys to shame. This is a different sort of gym offering a unique experience.”
Mark Boland
Google review
FREE SESSION
Come and Meet the Team
Your first session is complimentary. Come in, meet a coach, and find out how your program would be built.