The Gym of Life
Fitness for EveryBody
Welcome to The Gym of Life
A private fitness studio based in Astoria NY, offering Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching in a welcoming environment
UPCOMING EVENTS
No upcoming events
Services
Personal Training
If you are looking for an individualized approach to fitness and you prefer to train in-person, Personal Training may be right for you! No matter your fitness level or goals, Personal Training is designed to meet you where you are and guide you to where you want to go.
1:1 Online Coaching
Online Coaching is designed for those who prefer to train on their own with an individualized program. Online Coaching is accessible over a user-friendly app, and regular check-ins are provided so that you’re always supported.
Location
Address: 26-34 18th St, Astoria, NY 11102
Hours: Open by appointment only
Public Transit:
CitiBike station located across the street
Multiple bus stops in the vicinity, including Q100 and Q69
10-minute walk from the Astoria Ferry Terminal
15-minute walk from Astoria Blvd (N/W) and 21st St-Queensbridge (F) subway stops
Prefer to train at your gym?
I can come to you!
Rachel Sims Baker,
Founder & Coach
Hi, I'm Rachel! I have been training and coaching since 2015: first in Austin, TX and now in New York. Specializing in strength and conditioning style training, I have a knack for making exercise fun, accessible, and effective.
My own fitness journey began as early as I can remember. Coming from a family that prioritized fitness and nutrition, I was seemingly set up for success…but instead I fell prey to eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and obsessive over-exercising. It took well over a decade of struggle to come full circle, and in the end, fitness helped to save me.
I am a firm believer in fitness for ALL - everyone is warmly welcomed. As a coach, it is my job to meet my clients where they are, while also encouraging them to tap into their full potential.
Of course, life is much more than just fitness: I am a project manager (by day) and a mom (24/7). I am proudly part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I speak openly about mental health and always try to keep it real.
Current Credentials
NASM-CPT (2015-present)
Precision Nutrition L1
Anticipated Credentials
PN Sleep & Stress Management (late 2024)
NSCA-CSCS (early 2025)
Former Credentials
CrossFit L1 (2015-2020)
Functional Movement Screen L1 (DATES)
USA Weightlifting (DATES)
Our Philosophy
There are thousands of personal trainers and coaches out there...what makes The Gym of Life stand out from the crowd?
Wellness as part of the bigger picture of your life: You have a full life of work, family, friends, hobbies, and rest. Fitness and nutrition should support and augment the bigger picture of your life, rather than detract from it.
Mental and physical health are interconnected: Exercise and nutritious foods have been proven (time and again) to improve both physical and mental health markers. At The Gym of Life, we operate from the premise that they work in tandem.
Science-backed, human-focused: The Gym of Life is committed to staying on the cutting-edge of exercise science and behavior change, while also working from practical experience.
No gimmicks, diets, or shame: There's a lot of BS out there about fitness, nutrition, and wellness...like, a lot. We cut through all the noise to help you focus on what truly matters.
Testimonials
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"Rachel has the perfect combination of different training methods. Her individualized and challenging exercise programs set a realistic foundation to achieve your goals. Her professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to her work and her clients provide an ideal scenario for success."
-Gabie K.
"Rachel has been great to work with so far! She’s encouraging and will push you to push yourself, but is definitely not a drill instructor. Her program is tailored to your specific goals and is effective!”"
-Lindsey F.
"I don’t usually post myself in this way [on Instagram], but I think it’s important to be proud of your accomplishments. Through personal training I have become stronger, more confident, and overall healthier. I couldn’t have done it without the guidance and support of [Rachel]!! She is seriously amazing guys! If you’re in the Austin area and need a push to a better you, give this woman a call! Working out is hard, and being overweight is hard...pick a struggle."
-Shauna P.
"I knew I had to do something different when it came to my body. I wasn’t motivated to workout on my own and didn’t want to get a gym membership that I knew I was unlikely to use. I decided I should research personal training and really commit to my health and fitness. I found [Rachel] from an online database for personal trainers...I liked the honesty and the comfort I felt from Rachel’s website just from reading what she had to say. Rachel is the same in person. She is always in a great mood and is just as excited to see you progress as you are. Her knowledge and experience is invaluable. She is constantly reading about new things in the fitness world and truly invests in learning the correct way to do each move. Coming into this, I had experience with team sports 15 years ago but was almost completely new to the gym equipment and programming a routine...Over the last five months, I continue to be excited to come to workouts. I am rarely sore because the workouts build up with my muscles and the stretches vary each time depending on the workout. ...Nothing beats a workout tailored to you each week and someone there watching to make sure you execute correctly to get the best results. The workout is at my speed and we can change on the fly if we need to. I like that I’m not waiting for someone else and Rachel is flexible with my ever changing travel schedule. She also provides remote sessions for me when I’m on the road at no cost. She listens to what you want and will make sure you aren’t doing something you hate. Overall, I would recommend Rachel to anyone. She is so encouraging and I’ve never once felt judged or worried about asking questions. Working with her you will gain new techniques, creativity in workouts, and even nutritional guidance to stick with the fitness long term. Invest in the body you want with someone who will get you there."
-Terryn M.
"Rachel is beyond amazing. In just a short time period (going on a month) I am already seeing great results! She is encouraging, effective and super friendly. I am so glad I found her, I can honestly say she is changing my life; I actually enjoy my workouts now."
-Ashley G.
"Rachel is a rock-star! Not only is she super motivating, but she tailors a workout program specifically for your individual goals. She monitors that you have perfect form, and changes the intensity as needed, during the current session. I would recommend her to anyone seriously wanting a healthier lifestyle."
-Amy H.
"Rachel and I have been working together since the Spring of 2017. With her guidance, positive attitude and knowledge she has helped me achieve physical and mental successes I have never had on my own and did not know possible. She has provided me with loads of accessible information about my physical capabilities, mindset/mental framing, and fitness equipment that has empowered me to get better each day. Her flexibility in training sessions, ability to program on the fly, and humor are just a few of the reasons she excels at her craft. I still have a long journey ahead and I am looking forward to that with Rachel as my coach."
-Will B.
"Rachel has the perfect combination of different training methods. Her individualized and challenging exercise programs set a realistic foundation to achieve your goals. Her professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to her work and her clients provide an ideal scenario for success."
-Gabie K.
"Rachel has been great to work with so far! She’s encouraging and will push you to push yourself, but is definitely not a drill instructor. Her program is tailored to your specific goals and is effective!”"
-Lindsey F.
"I don’t usually post myself in this way [on Instagram], but I think it’s important to be proud of your accomplishments. Through personal training I have become stronger, more confident, and overall healthier. I couldn’t have done it without the guidance and support of [Rachel]!! She is seriously amazing guys! If you’re in the Austin area and need a push to a better you, give this woman a call! Working out is hard, and being overweight is hard...pick a struggle."
-Shauna P.
"I knew I had to do something different when it came to my body. I wasn’t motivated to workout on my own and didn’t want to get a gym membership that I knew I was unlikely to use. I decided I should research personal training and really commit to my health and fitness. I found [Rachel] from an online database for personal trainers...I liked the honesty and the comfort I felt from Rachel’s website just from reading what she had to say. Rachel is the same in person. She is always in a great mood and is just as excited to see you progress as you are. Her knowledge and experience is invaluable. She is constantly reading about new things in the fitness world and truly invests in learning the correct way to do each move. Coming into this, I had experience with team sports 15 years ago but was almost completely new to the gym equipment and programming a routine...Over the last five months, I continue to be excited to come to workouts. I am rarely sore because the workouts build up with my muscles and the stretches vary each time depending on the workout. ...Nothing beats a workout tailored to you each week and someone there watching to make sure you execute correctly to get the best results. The workout is at my speed and we can change on the fly if we need to. I like that I’m not waiting for someone else and Rachel is flexible with my ever changing travel schedule. She also provides remote sessions for me when I’m on the road at no cost. She listens to what you want and will make sure you aren’t doing something you hate. Overall, I would recommend Rachel to anyone. She is so encouraging and I’ve never once felt judged or worried about asking questions. Working with her you will gain new techniques, creativity in workouts, and even nutritional guidance to stick with the fitness long term. Invest in the body you want with someone who will get you there."
-Terryn M.
"Rachel is beyond amazing. In just a short time period (going on a month) I am already seeing great results! She is encouraging, effective and super friendly. I am so glad I found her, I can honestly say she is changing my life; I actually enjoy my workouts now."
-Ashley G.
"Rachel is a rock-star! Not only is she super motivating, but she tailors a workout program specifically for your individual goals. She monitors that you have perfect form, and changes the intensity as needed, during the current session. I would recommend her to anyone seriously wanting a healthier lifestyle."
-Amy H.
"Rachel and I have been working together since the Spring of 2017. With her guidance, positive attitude and knowledge she has helped me achieve physical and mental successes I have never had on my own and did not know possible. She has provided me with loads of accessible information about my physical capabilities, mindset/mental framing, and fitness equipment that has empowered me to get better each day. Her flexibility in training sessions, ability to program on the fly, and humor are just a few of the reasons she excels at her craft. I still have a long journey ahead and I am looking forward to that with Rachel as my coach."
-Will B.
"Rachel has the perfect combination of different training methods. Her individualized and challenging exercise programs set a realistic foundation to achieve your goals. Her professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to her work and her clients provide an ideal scenario for success."
-Gabie K.
"Rachel has been great to work with so far! She’s encouraging and will push you to push yourself, but is definitely not a drill instructor. Her program is tailored to your specific goals and is effective!”"
-Lindsey F.
"I don’t usually post myself in this way [on Instagram], but I think it’s important to be proud of your accomplishments. Through personal training I have become stronger, more confident, and overall healthier. I couldn’t have done it without the guidance and support of [Rachel]!! She is seriously amazing guys! If you’re in the Austin area and need a push to a better you, give this woman a call! Working out is hard, and being overweight is hard...pick a struggle."
-Shauna P.
"I knew I had to do something different when it came to my body. I wasn’t motivated to workout on my own and didn’t want to get a gym membership that I knew I was unlikely to use. I decided I should research personal training and really commit to my health and fitness. I found [Rachel] from an online database for personal trainers...I liked the honesty and the comfort I felt from Rachel’s website just from reading what she had to say. Rachel is the same in person. She is always in a great mood and is just as excited to see you progress as you are. Her knowledge and experience is invaluable. She is constantly reading about new things in the fitness world and truly invests in learning the correct way to do each move. Coming into this, I had experience with team sports 15 years ago but was almost completely new to the gym equipment and programming a routine...Over the last five months, I continue to be excited to come to workouts. I am rarely sore because the workouts build up with my muscles and the stretches vary each time depending on the workout. ...Nothing beats a workout tailored to you each week and someone there watching to make sure you execute correctly to get the best results. The workout is at my speed and we can change on the fly if we need to. I like that I’m not waiting for someone else and Rachel is flexible with my ever changing travel schedule. She also provides remote sessions for me when I’m on the road at no cost. She listens to what you want and will make sure you aren’t doing something you hate. Overall, I would recommend Rachel to anyone. She is so encouraging and I’ve never once felt judged or worried about asking questions. Working with her you will gain new techniques, creativity in workouts, and even nutritional guidance to stick with the fitness long term. Invest in the body you want with someone who will get you there."
-Terryn M.
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