Bay Functional Fitness

(36 reviews)

1.7 mi

This is my review for Tucker at Powerform! I've been working with Tucker now for nearly 3 months…read more He came on recommendation from 2 of my friends and I've now referred another of my best friends to him as well, and so glad we're all getting trained by him. From day one, he's been engaged, incredibly enthusiastic and clearly loves what he does. I appreciate his energy and creative approaches to agility, flexibility and strength exercises. He's attuned to form and adjusts weight accordingly based on what he sees in you... and he's a fantastic communicator. I have definitely left each session feeling accomplished and having learned something new!

I started my time at Powerform after having my second daughter in April 2023. As someone who has…read moretypically engaged in Pilates, the idea of weightlifting was intriguing but intimidating. Max, the owner, was quick to respond to my online inquiry and was able to set me up with two trainers- Mikkie and John. He took time to chat with me about my goals. Shout out to Max for his excellent communication and thought processes for connecting you with particular trainers. John - within seconds, I immediately felt comfortable with John. He always lays out the groundwork for you so you know what to expect. His warmups always get me motivated for what's to come. I love that he is so encouraging and always keeps me on my counts during reps. John is extremely personable, and I truly enjoy our conversations. Mikkie- she has refined my squat game like no other and has pushed me to lift more than I ever expected to. She pushes me in the best way and always gives me opportunities to excel. I truly enjoy her style of training. As a mother of two young children, working out at Powerform has been transformative, to say the least. This has been my time out of the day for myself both mentally and physically. After many years of aimless workouts, I finally feel like I know how to spend my time to get the results I want. I feel stronger than ever, and that is thanks to the wonderful staff at Powerform. Highly recommend!

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BFT Rockridge

(40 reviews)

1.6 mi

Tried a strength class Monday and a Cardio HIIT class Tuesday. Both were awesome!! I appreciated…read morethe staff and the fact that there were 2 coaches in both classes (not sure if that's typical). All 4 were great! Street parking, try to come a little earlier. PS I hate cardio, but they really made it bearable so I may come back just for the cardio HIIT classes!!

Love it here and I love all the coaches and community. Coach Lorraine is the most dedicated coach…read morein the world!

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FITNESS SF - Oakland

4.0

(431 reviews)

0.3 mi

I started working with Mae about 6 weeks ago as someone who was pretty new to the gym, and she has…read morebeen great. She immediately made me feel comfortable and never intimidating, which made a huge difference for me starting out. She does a really good job of explaining what we're doing and why, so I actually feel like I'm learning instead of just going through the motions. Every workout feels challenging in a good way, and I've already noticed myself feeling more confident in the gym. If you're new or just want someone knowledgeable who makes the process feel approachable, I'd definitely recommend Mae.

Signed up for membership here since this location is a quick walk from home. It's nice, but the…read morespace is a little small, esp for the area. At times I had to wait a bit for a machine to free up, which was annoying. But the space is clean and everyone seems respectful, so I wont complain too much. I just need to figure out which times are less crowded. It would be great if the app displayed that info - like Planet Fitness. Will I return? Um yeah. I'm paying for a membership, and it's up the street. Another positive: based on the reviews I was nervous of passing out from lack of ventilation, and the temp was actually perfect. It wasn't stuffy/hot at all.

Faulty equipment

Upstairs Weight Floor

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Cardio

Flex Circuit Gym

4.6

(116 reviews)

0.9 mi

Self circuit gym. $50/month. Great location in piedmont ave. Not much classes, and youd need to…read morepay extra $$$ to attend. Plenty of weight lifting and treadmills. I recommend it if you frequent this area. Staff is friendly and keeps the facilities clean. I rarely see broken equipment. Its smaller than most 24 hour fitnesses. I use the dance studio for my own dance exercises.

Nice little gym where you can do a very efficient circuit in half an hour. Well located and low…read morekey. I didn't try the classes, but they look interesting. It's well priced.

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Personal Training

X˙CORE - Oakland

4.8

(105 reviews)

1.2 mi

My first visit here with the daughters who absolutely love the workout and instructors…read more A very nice studio, Janice is encouraging, patient and very helpful in ensuring proper technique. Make no mistake, this is a workout! You work parts of your body that you didn't know could do the moves here. Very good for you body and soul!

I LOVE everything about XCORE. I signed up for their unlimited newbie special and I strongly…read morerecommend getting this membership if you're first starting out as you get to experience different instructors and take both xBurn and xClimb classes. They have so much availability (morning, noon, evening) on their schedule making it easy to schedule out my weeks ahead of time. The instructors genuinely care that you're having fun, enjoying the moves, and feel comfortable in your body. It's a challenge, but they will push you! I've taken a couple of their xClimb classes and oh my, that is SUCH a workout. Great music and you feel amazing after class. Parking has been pretty easy at this location! Sometimes there are events at the chapel down the street making it difficult to find parking, but that's quite rare in my opinion. Overall, I'm super grateful to have found this studio and community. I cannot wait to explore the other studios & instructors throughout the Bay!

Climb xcore

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Pacific Strength

(30 reviews)

0.8 mi

Overall, I think this is a great gym! I only had the chance to take one class before breaking my…read morewrist (outside of the gym), so unfortunately I couldn't dive in too much. As someone new to CrossFit, I found James to be a great coach -- patient, attentive, and focused on proper form. He gave helpful adjustments and kept the class moving at a good pace. I'd definitely consider coming back once my wrist heals. I did have a small billing issue that took a little time to sort out, but James ultimately took care of it. It's clear they're a small business doing their best, and I appreciate that. I'm glad to support a local gym that offers solid coaching and a welcoming community.

Pacific Strength is truly something special…read more I am not a lifter and walked in feeling genuinely intimidated by a functional fitness gym environment. That fear disappeared almost immediately. The instructors (Jessica, Zach, Makenna, James, and others!) are kind, attentive, and incredibly good at meeting you exactly where you are -- no ego, no pressure, just thoughtful coaching and encouragement. James, the owner, is a wonderful human. He sets the tone for the entire space: supportive, inclusive, and deeply invested in people's progress and well-being. The community reflects that -- the patrons are welcoming and encouraging, and there's absolutely no judgment. I'm more of a yoga and Pilates person, but I knew I needed to incorporate strength training for long-term health. Since coming here, I've gotten noticeably stronger, improved my range of motion, developed better form, and -- most importantly -- gained confidence with weightlifting. No one cares that I lift a fraction of the weight others do. Everyone is focused on their own progress, and there's always a way to scale or modify. This is an ideal gym even if you're not looking to become an Olympic weightlifter but are looking to maintain muscle, protect bone density, move better, and feel strong -- especially for women who want functional strength without intimidation. Pacific Strength proves that strength training can be empowering, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable. I can't recommend it enough.

Sweat

(118 reviews)

1.9 mi

I was just starting to get into Sweat classes before this pesky pandemic hit. Speaking of hit, my…read moregirlfriend and I have really come to love the HIIT classes sweat offers. We have now become regulars to their zoom offerings and while not the same as in person, having become familiar with Anya and Ashley, they are both very good about calling us out on adjustments to our form or slacking off. What I like most about these classes is that they always offer an option with some at home equipment if you have it (bands, weights, chairs, balls, etc) or alternative options if you don't have these things. I personally prefer full-body days but I also enjoy showing up to class not knowing what to expect. That element of surprise keeps you on your toes. This is probably more of a thing for classpass users as they don't say what the theme is for each class. Thanks Sweat for keeping me somewhat active during this crazy time.

Lots of classes offered in the day or evening, weekend, and weekdays. Small groups of 8max. Circuit…read moreexercise with bicycles, rowing, or ladder for you to choose from. Weights provided. Environment: lots of room to workout. High ceilings and open windows allow lots of fresh air to enter space.

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BK Roots Fitness

(113 reviews)

1.0 mi

My husband and I have been working with Ash for almost 2 years on a weekly basis and we couldn't be…read morehappier. The gym is clean and well maintained. Parking is generally easy on Piedmont Ave and surrounding streets. Ash is very knowledgeable and we always leave there feeling better than when we walked in. I have trained with Ash through 2 pregnancies and one postpartum period so far and he has helped me stay strong and active. He is equally understanding and respectful of my physical limits- whether it be from nausea, general pregnancy discomforts or general fatigue. In terms of scheduling, we buy our training sessions in packs and have weekly set times. If we need to change our schedule, Ash has been very accommodating. Both Mindy and Ash are very reachable via email or text so communicating with them regarding scheduling or billing has never been an issue for us. Overall I'd highly recommend BK roots for personal training. Both Ash and Mindy are very knowledgeable and experienced and can help make anyone regardless of age or physical fitness level feel strong and capable with their body.

I have had chronic back pain, sciatica, and piriformis syndrome since 2013 and my usual approach…read morehas been to go to Pilates or a physiotherapist to maintain core strength. I started going to Mindy last April and she has turned my life around in the past one year. Not only does Mindy take a physiotherapist like attention to detail with injury, she also brings a strongly intuitive understanding of what the body needs to heal itself. I had been hearing about the importance of retaining muscle mass for women in their forties and coming to Mindy addresses that for me as well, in addition to the recovery from my injuries. Mindy assessed my strength and identified every single muscle system that needed work. With all my past attempts to heal myself, the focus had always been the core. She shifted that to be the full body. She had me working on my glutes, hamstrings, and back muscles in addition to my core. Her focus on my shoulders has improved my tech-neck posture and significantly changed the way my body responds to stress. Through the past year, I have had multiple setbacks (back spasm, low iron, low energy levels) and she has always met me where I am at to build the strength back up again. She has advised me on nutrition, conserving iron, and adjusted our sessions for my low energy days just right so I could continue to build from whatever I had. I am now looking forward to going on an anti-inflammatory regimen that she recommended. Previously, she was tracking my food consumption on MyFitnessPal. At 46, I am the strongest I have been since my early 30s, after over a decade of having a broken back. The two sessions with Mindy are so important to me that I plan my travel around them as often as possible. So many of the pains that I thought would never go away are gone now (knee pain, lumbar spine pain). Working with Mindy has been such a gift! I truly appreciate her no-BS, straight talk approach to solving these problems with empathy, deep understanding, and hard work. Thank you for all the healing and my renewed belief in my body's ability to heal!

Kettlebell class in Oakland

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Weight loss nutrition in Oakland

East Bay Regional Park District

4.7

(595 reviews)

5.6 mi

I went hiking at the Reinhardt Regional Redwood Park for the first time and loved it!…read more Plenty of street parking at the Redwood Bowl lot and we had no issues with vehicle break ins, luckily, although there were a few warning signs up to remind you to put your valuables away. There are bathrooms by the Redwood Bowl but we couldn't find any helpful maps so just used our phones to navigate. The trail we ended up taking was around 4 miles and took 2 hours. Most of it was shaded and among redwood trees so I really enjoyed that this could work as an afternoon hike. It's a moderate difficulty level with some steep areas. There's also a popular picnic area with grills and an archery range. You could even walk to the nearby swimming pool or visit the Chabot. We only did one half of the hiking loop so will be back to check out the other side.

Peak My Interest…read more ***PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE YELP PAGE FOR REINHARDT REDWOODS REGIONAL PARK*** I was attempting to change the name to the proper moniker that included "Reinhardt," but Yelp mods, being the highly regarded sort, somehow decided in their infinite wisdom that they should change it to "East Bay Regional Park District"?! What the what?? 0_o So, that's on me, kids. My bad. Onto the review... A giant ±1,833-acre redwood forest nestled in the Oakland Hills, this park was a former logging site back in the 1800s. Fortunately, there has been a nice resurgence of redwoods to replace those that were cut down. It ain't old-growth, but we'll take what we can these days. The Good: * Free at certain times of year and at certain entrances (more below) * Mountain biking on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Horseback riding on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Camping available (check website for info and reservations) * Reservable and non-reservable picnic tables (check map & website) * Restrooms available in parking lots, as well as at some campsites * Nearly forty miles of trails with something for everyone * If you're looking for a moderate ±4.5-mile loop, go to the Skyline entrance and take the Serpentine Prairie Trail to Dunn Trail to Golden Spike Trail, then back to Dunn Trail The Meh: * $5/vehicle entrance fee on weekends and major holidays between April and October, only at the Redwood Gate entrance * Most of the trails are pretty decent, but some are in rough shape due to water damage The Ugly: * One of the few parks I've seen with "off-leash" sections for dogs--which is fine, except you know there's a good majority of dog owners who think they can control their dogs but really can't. We saw a panicked guy chasing his dog down a trail at one point, and who knows when--if ever--he caught up to it. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Conclusion: Great park with tons of trails and lots to see and do.

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

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Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

Temescal Pool

3.9

(76 reviews)

1.5 mi

First time visiting this outdoor pool faciltiy on 1/17/26 (Saturday) during their public hours…read morewhich opens at 11am. Front desk staff was friendly and I was able to sign up for a 10 visit pass for $51, otherwise it's $6 a visit. I figured this will hopefully keep me consistent for the beginning of the year. The facility itself could use an upgrade but overall it is wat you would expect from an older building. The entrance into the pool is through the locker area which has lockers, changing area with benches, showers, and bathrooms. The pool looks fairly clean on the surface and we'll maintained. There are lanes divided into slow, fast, and medium speeds for circle swimming. Much of the demographics is 50+ during the time I went and they were all spaced out fairly evenly. The pool is actually open earlier for swim club members ($55/month) which is nice for early birds and the crowd seems younger at that time. I was told it's open to the public to sign up for that as well. The water itself was a good temperature. The pool goes from 3 ft to 9 ft. The bottom of the pool was clean on the 3 feet side, but had debris on the floor in the 9ft side. Folks would swim for about 30 minutes - 1 hour and more folks would flow into the lanes. Everyone is respectful and the regulars would chat with one another at the walls. There are kickboards and other supplies you can borrow from in a shed if you'd like. There is a lifeguard on duty. I asked her for the time, but she didn't know it, which I thought was odd because I could hear her talking on the phone or talking aloud. I asked another swimmer for the time and he said there's a clock right behind me, which I didn't see, and I'm surprised the lifeguard couldn't just tell me there was a clock to check. Apart from that, I enjoyed my one hour swim and got a reality check on how out of shape I am. I'll definitely come back to continue swimming and work my way up to the fast lane. Check out more recs and spots in the bay @thefoodhigh

Superb pool. The lanes are wide and the pool is heated. The pool length is 30 yards. The other…read moreswimmer are friendly.

Spring 2008 Intrasquad Meet

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Joaquin Miller Park

4.4

(313 reviews)

3.3 mi

What a nice park; filled with greenery and trails galore…read more Park near the ranger station. Be sure to walk over to the nursery garden area too. The Sunset trail is a winner; get a brochure to view your route. Enjoy.

Beautiful park in Oakland. Lots of nice trails and there are dedicated off leash dog areas and dog…read morepark. Plenty of parking is available as well. There is a playground for children and steps for those that want to use stairs for their exercise routine.

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Crown Memorial State Beach

4.3

(169 reviews)

3.5 mi

Fantastic beach for younger kids, and a great option for East Bay residents who aren't up for the…read moretrek into the city or the even longer drive to Santa Cruz. The beach is clean and has useful amenities, including outdoor showers, picnic tables, and restrooms. I haven't actually used the restrooms, so I can't speak to their condition, but I can say I've never noticed trash on the beach, even on busy days. The crowd is generally respectful, which goes a long way. The downside is that the water isn't exactly pristine by appearance, smell, or feel...but you can't have everything. My favorite thing about this beach, aside from the fact that the water isn't freezing, is how shallow it stays. I can wade out with my kid what feels like half a mile and still not feel like we're anywhere close to being too far from shore. P.S. Do NOT forget to pay for parking if you're in the lot. It's yellow, located at the far end, the fee is 5 dollars and it's easy to miss. Also, they don't accept Discover debit.

In The Teen and I's new Friday ritual of water watching before we head home, we stopped by Crown…read moreMemorial before heading through the tunnel to let traffic die down a bit.. This was definitely the place to be back in the day! Parking was a snap and we found a bench to sit on starting the water watching. The view was awesome and the sun was shining just like Bob Marley said. There were people, young and old playing in the sand, lots of bike riders, and of course, those dog walkers. The Teen put the phone down and ventured out and some sand, touching and driftwood drifting.. Definitely, we will be back when it gets warmer with hopes of finding front row parking again!

7/2022

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Alameda Beach

4.0

(166 reviews)

4.0 mi

Alameda beach is one of the few beaches in norcal where you can lounge at…read more We have been regularly doing our open water swims in the area and the water's always feeling relatively clean and refreshing. There is plenty of parking all along the roads and overall, a great place to reset in the mornings, evenings and on weekends.

Love, love this beach! It's a perfect place for toddlers. Easy parking, tjs basically across the…read morestreet, clean sandy beach and calm waves. Makes for a perfect day in the sun! Its close location is also ideal given that its way closer than any other beach

Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary

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Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary

Splash Pad Park

3.7

(3 reviews)

0.2 mi

This park is small, but has a great location!!…read more Also home to the Grand Lake Farmers Market on the weekends, this is a great place to come to eat at after grabbing a bite at one of the nearby restaurants, especially on nice days when you want to eat outside. There's a small water fountain area here, plenty of parking under the 580 freeway, and plenty of areas to sit down. Decent Park!!

It's one of those, places in the Oakland area other than right on Lake Merritt a place where you…read morecan sit in feed the birds and watch people pass by Fun fountain structure for kids and nice enough on farmers market days, One of the places we walk by on our daily walks A gem of an urban park, mostly maintained by neighborhood volunteers. The Saturday farmer's market is year-round, and well worth a visit. Restaurants in the Grand Lake neighborhood (on Grand and Lakeshore) are diverse and welcoming. The Grand Lake Theatre shows first run movies and include an organ player on Friday and Saturday evenings. A walk around Lake Merritt is a 3 mile jaunt well worth the effort.

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Athletic Playground

4.4

(123 reviews)

2.5 mi

Took a beginner silks class here and had such a great time! I was a little intimidated at first,…read morebut the excitement quickly took over. The instructor was super kind, encouraging, and explained each step clearly, which made it easy to follow along even as a total beginner. A few years back, my kids also took the parkour class and absolutely loved it--it was the perfect way for them to get moving and burn energy. Overall, this place has such a fun and welcoming vibe. Highly recommend for both adults and kids looking to try something new!

Really cool spot. Took a handstand class here which was excellent but there are also a ton of other…read moreclasses I want to take. Friendly folks, great facility.

AcroYoga / Partner Acrobalance

Handstands!

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Monkey Ninja Camp! Ages 5 and up!

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Micki T.

18 years ago

I used to go to the gym by myself and do about 45 minutes of exercise. I used the elliptical machine and then did weights. I was bored, could not wait to leave, and probably didn't get much accomplished. Then a friend told me about Lisa Vonnegut, a personal trainer. Working out has never been the same again after I signed up with Lisa. I never go by myself anymore. I followed Lisa to Bay Functional Fitness(BFF). She is a wonderful trainer and the gym is perfect. It is very intimate and all the trainers are to tops in the field. I am proud to be one of the clients at BFF. It feels like you are in on a great secret to go there. Lisa is really superb at what she does. She is very personable and really gets to know your personality. She can tease you into working harder than you ever thought possible. She knows about the body and all the muscle groups etc. She keeps the sessions fun and never boring. If you are like me, you will discuss all your problems with her while working out and she will become your BFF. read more

Xena C.

16 years ago

I was looking for a trainer and ended up working with Mel Hilario in one-on one sessions for about a year. GREAT TRAINER. Melanie has a very diverse knowledge base of techniques which makes her fantastic at not only keeping it interesting and challenging, but also increasingly difficult as desired. By being able to draw from pilates, martial arts, boxing, weight training, and other methods of training, Melanie is able to really work through any physical issues that you might have, including injuries and still keep it motivating and challenging. Initially I worked with Melanie just to build up strength, but eventually ended up doing regular boot camp workout with her. Either mode is great. She is energetic, positive, supportive, and really helps push you past what you thought were your limits -- and has a wicked sense of humor and really responds to her clients. All round great trainer. read more

Barry E.

9 years ago

I have been training with Annamarie Murphy for several years, meeting with her once or twice a week. I followed her to BFF from our prior gym, where we initially worked together. She is extremely knowledgeable about the human body and has a very wide range of exercises and therapies at her disposal to address imbalances, injuries and other problems. She is very careful to avoid injury (or exacerbating injuries) while also pushing enough for improvement, week after week. Annamarie is a professional trainer; this is her full time job and advocation. A trainer like Annamarie can and should be a serious part of your weekly activities if you want to keep up with your athletic pursuits or just keep your body in shape. (If you want to contact her, she can be reached at (510) 418-3754 or annamarie.murphy@gmail.com.) read more

Kathryn R.

18 years ago

I have been in the best shape of my life during the past seven years that I have been training with Lisa. She is hands down the best trainer I have ever worked with. Lisa knows how bored I get repeating the same set of exercises over and over, so she creates many different programs addressing each muscle group. In addition, Lisa possesses in-depth knowledge about sports science and the body. I refer to her often when I have questions about my health or nutrition. If you are like me and only want to work with people who are at the top of their field, are well informed, and you are results-oriented, then Lisa is the personal trainer for you. She also happens to be one of the nicest and most fun people I know! read more

MaryJane P.

8 years ago

I've worked out with Lisa Vonnegut for over ten years and I'm grateful every day for it. She's supportive and kind but she works to push me out of my comfort zone and I mean that in a good way. I'm pretty dedicated to my own cardio workouts but it's the strength training I do with Lisa that really keeps me fit. I love that she commits to her own education to learn new techniques, exercises, etc. that she brings to her clients. I've found her training in Z-Health with its focus on using the connection between the brain and body to be particularly insightful. Thanks in big part to Lisa, I look forward to my time at the gym each week. read more

D S.

9 years ago

I have been training with ANNAMARIE MURPHY (510-418-3754 OR ANNAMARIE.MURPHY@GMAIL.COM) for the last 10 years. I have been training with her once a week regularly and she has helped me become a stronger runner (And actually like running!) and more aware of how to work out effectively. She has a very balanced approach, from learning how to stretch effectively to really developing that core strength we all want! Even more importantly, Anna is flexible, generous and serious about her profession. She cares deeply about her clients and is an amazing person to know! Please take a session with her now and see for yourself! read more

Leslie B.

18 years ago

In the years I've been working out with Lisa, she has taught me so much - that even though I'm older, I can be in the best shape of my life, how my body works, and how to live a healthier life. She is so intelligent and insightful, and so professional! She has changed my life. She is the essence of "Learn and be unafraid." She (and all the trainers at BFF) focus years of professional training and experience on each individual, so that whatever kind of body you have, each moment is perfectly tuned to your abilities, and to expanding those abilities. And a massage with Lisa is a near-Nirvana experience. read more

Galen Q.

4 years ago

I highly recommend Bay Functional Fitness. Working with Michael is like having a strength and functional fitness trainer combined with a yoga instructor and a physical therapist. When I describe Michael's approach to friends who live outside the area, they uniformly wish that they lived close enough to see him regularly. Michael is very knowledgeable, his professional skills are highly developed and he is exceptionally observant. He regularly adjusts core exercise routines to address individual goals, needs and capabilities. read more

Gail N.

18 years ago

When I worked in a sedentary desk job, I was referred to Lisa Vonnegut, and experienced the best massage I have every received. I've continued monthly massages for the past two years because I have received beneficial deep tissue work that has enhanced my life. Recently I transitioned to a more active lifestyle. Lisa not only eased shoulder and knee symptoms but gave me tips to avoid future injuries. It's great to be treated by someone who loves her work. She is the best! read more

Dan R.

18 years ago

This is a great facility and the staff is outstanding. I've been using a personal trainer at this facility for two years and it's made all the difference in my health, fitness and well-being. The staff here has an unparalleled understanding of human physiology. They are hip, fun, careful and incredibly knowledgeable. They know how to prevent and also to handle injuries. I have unlimited confidence in them and really enjoy the experience there. read more

Leigh A.

4 years ago

I've been going to Bay Functional Fitness for 10 years. I started seeing Michael after suffering the first of two debilitating strokes. He isn't a certified physical therapist, but as an exercise trainer, his emphasis on functional fitness, balance, flexibility and strength, has been crucial to my recovery. I highly recommend Bay Functional Fitness. read more

Larry T.

9 years ago

The entire team at "BFF"is knowledgeable, supportive and adaptable to individual needs. I personally use Mark Lynn who has guided me to better and injury free fitness. Mark adapts the rigorous workout at each session to keep it interesting and demanding. He is the best! read more

Bay Functional Fitness - gyms - Updated July 2026

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I won an auction for 3 Pilates reformer classes last year and I haven't stopped going! I knew I had…read moreto start building strength for my health, but was having trouble motivating myself to go to the gym. Alison's classes are fun and challenging. I can tell I'm so much stronger than I used to be.

If you are one of the many of us, trying to get back into shape after Covid, Truve Fit should be…read moreyour first stop. A key factor of whether you will stick with an exercise program is the having a frictionless environment. Truve has validated parking at the Hive so you do not have to be driving around in circles trying to figure out where you can park safely and get into the class on time. When you walk in through the front doors, the vibe is very chill so you do not feel anxious walking into class. Most importantly, the other people working in the gym are extremely supportive and will become your community quickly. Having all these things in place makes a fitness routine so much easier to establish. There are even free community classes if that's how you prefer to give this place a try. The instructors are excellent. Classes are capped at 10 for general fitness classes, and three for Pilates. As a result, their instructors can give you abundant corrections and attention so you avoid injuries and develop great form. If you are worried that you don't know how to use a Pilates Reformer, you can hire a private trainer for three classes to learn the ropes like I did. This is the premier gym in Oakland for rehabilitation from injuries. I am a 7 year cancer survivor who has had numerous surgeries. Each time, I've had to fight back to regain my health, strength and flexibility. My last surgery was major, set me back the farthest, and happened during the height of the pandemic; recovery felt close to impossible until I walked through these doors. Not only have I converted fat into muscle, lost weight, gotten so much stronger and gained so much range of motion over 5 months, but I can keep trying new things like TRX Bootcamp that turned out to be fun. Truve's got a wide range of things you can try to keep from being bored. Also, you can go buy fresh baked bread and pastries at Firebrand Artisan Bakery next store or empanadas at Javi's Empanadas caddy corner after you finish your workout. Truve's location is fabulous.

Oakland Strength

(5 reviews)

I have worked with Cindy over the past two years and can't say enough about how great she's been…read more When I first saw her, I was dealing with sciatic pain and looking to return to strength training after being away from it for a few years. I am now pain free and stronger than I've ever been. She is great at identifying and addressing your specific needs, teaching you how to lift safely, and helping you get the most out of every workout. If you want to see results, she'll deliver.

I have been with Cindy for 6 months. From the get-go, she tailored to meet my individual fitness…read moreabilities. Each session was challenging yet achievable, pushing me just enough to break my own boundaries but still within my comfort zone. Cindy's extensive knowledge and expertise in strength training were evident in the way they guided me through each exercise. She is always ready with encouragement and advice, correcting my form when necessary, ensuring not just my progress, but also my safety. The skills and techniques I learned have been instrumental in helping me maintain a regular fitness regimen. I wholeheartedly recommend Cindy as a personal strength trainer.

Urban Fitness

4.7

(102 reviews)

see my old reviews? back in 2012and 2014??? well since then there's been lots of life: kids and…read moreaging parents and working and and and... AND now I'm back, 10 years later. still flipping tires, still pushing sleds and lifting heavy. Vibe is as friendly as ever. Coaching continues to be excellent quality. Still no posturing or ego to be found. Just a great a$$ kicking workout no matter your age or fitness level.

I have been coming to this gym for years and it is my favorite part of the day, especially after a…read morestressful workday. With the coaches help, I've lost over 40 pounds of fat in the span of a year and gained muscle mass. Urban Fitness emphasizes using free weights, focusing on form and technique before lifting heavy. You'll find that while you're able to squat heavy on machines, poor posture and bad habits from not bracing your core does little in the real world. The style of training can be transferred to every day chores from carrying bags of groceries up the stairs in one trip, to lifting your fridge while remodeling your kitchen. I never realized how little I could lift on my own without machines involved. The workouts are class based and has a coach demonstrating each set and correcting form. As intimidating as a class workout sounds, the community and friendship bond you will find in class are unmatched. It's really easy to make friends, especially if you're someone working from home and need a change of pace, this is a good place to go. The people I've met here became my family. We go on snowboarding trips and run spartan races together. It's not CrossFit and all levels are welcomed. The highly trained staff can provide all different levels of workouts whether you're new, looking for a challenge, or injured. There's something for everyone.

FITNESS SF - Oakland

4.0

(431 reviews)

Express Strength

(6 reviews)

I've been a client at Express Strength for a little over a year and I am happy to report that I…read morehave experienced a significant improvement in my strength and knee related issues. Alexis is kind, patient, knowledgeable and clear. I always get an excellent workout and look forward to my time at her studio. If your physical therapy work is not keeping pace with your progress, please consider Alexis & Jack's studio! I admit I was dubious about using machine weights and fewer workouts but their method really works. Consistency is key and they are methodical and meticulous in their planning, attention and training.

This place is perfect for me - one-on-one guidance and support, with no other people there at the…read moresame time. Alexis is kind and extremely known.

God's Gym

(65 reviews)

I was invited to God's Gym for leg day and immediately upon my arrival I meet Gary. Gary's whole…read moreenergy field was bright and uplifting and I knew that I was in great hands. Picture this- a gym where it feels like the 1980's in the best way. No pretense , no " lifestyle branding" just you, your gymmates , and Gary pumping iron. I felt like I was back in the gym with my dad when I was a kiddo. I loved being part of the camaraderie- everyone cheering you on to see you succeed and Gary counting your reps and motivating you to crush it. Although it was only a half hour session I began to question what I was actually accomplishing at my home gym. At God's gym people weren't scrolling their phones- they were present and they were putting in the work.

I love this gym and the people that work there. Gary is the perfect blend of professional and…read morepersonable. I was able to see real results and gained a lot of strength. Do yourself a favor and check out this gym!

Margo Rose - Body Aware Living

(13 reviews)

Margo has an elaborate background in fitness and training. She has worked as an aerobics instructor…read moreand a personal trainer at several area gyms. She now works out of her home doing one-on-one instruction in a quiet, non-judgemental space. First She takes the time to learn what your goals are and what you can do. Then she will set up a routine that will help you acheive that goal. It doesn't matter if you are 100 years old, 400 pounds and in need of more exercise in your life or a little bitty thing that wants new ideas for flexibility and relaxation. Margo will find a plan for you. Second She will help you and she will make you feel like you are the greatest person on earth. Did I happen to mention that she's wonderful for your self-esteem? She is a lot of fun. She gives you permission to laugh or cry depending on your mood. She will integrate and work exercise and stretching into your day. Third You will hear her voice when you aren't with her. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Her voice isn't creepy. She reminds you continuously to breathe, to stretch, to adjust your posture in little ways that makes a big difference (to your workout and your life). And you will catch yourself doing it and hearing her gentle reminders. And no, this doesn't mean she's all peaceful and new-age-like with crystals and crap. She's just a good person, with great skills, and she's willing to share them so you can integrate them into your life long after you stop seeing her. Fouth You would think for all this Margo Rose would be expensive. She's not. She's comparable to other trainers, with all the above benefits. I would recommend her to my co-worker in her 20's who is in great shape as well as to my grandmother who is wheelchair bound. She really is good with working around injuries and weaknesses. She promotes health and happiness inside and outside.

Margo is da bomb! We have been working out together for a month and I am no longer in danger of…read moresliding down the middle-age-blobby-middle-muffin-top-from-Hell slope. Like other reviewers have stated, she tailors work outs to the individual, their lifestyle, their body and it's limitations, etc. She asks questions about what works and what doesn't and observes her clients carefully to provide apt feedback and to change up programs appropriately. Furthermore, she is very accommodating to those of us who have insane schedules and need to reschedule, postpone, move around stuff at the last minute. I've worked with other trainers before, but Margo is head and shoulders above them all!

Train With Lucie

(10 reviews)

I have been working out steadily for years and needed a bump. Lucie has been fantastic. She has…read moreincluded exercises that use my home gym equipment. She has also provided me with workout routines and recipes that can be used on my iPhone and iPad. It has not been boring! Lucie continues to find new and varied exercises and has been the motivation I needed to stay interested in continuing a workout routine.

May of this year I began training Lucie…read more Lucie is a very experienced Trainer who is able to seemlessly shift between considerate encouragement and professional advancement of workouts at just the right time. I find that my workouts with Lucie are motivating and encouraging for me to continue to strive towards my health and weightloss goals as she takes my workouts to the next level. Lucie has an vast library of exercises, always changing things up while working targeted muscle groups. In addition to all that, she is a super nice person. I find every minute spend under her guidance inspires me to work harder and remain committed to living a healthy active lifestyle. Under Lucie's training, I have lost over 30lbs, over 20 inches and the remants of my sciatic nerve problems are completely gone.

Emily Park