Bay Strength is exactly what I was looking for. They provide personal weight-lifting instruction and programming in a small-group setting. Their fantastic trainers are knowledgeable, excellent communicators, and they will design a weight-lifting program just for you and support you every step of the way. At every other gym that I have experienced, you are forced either into a cardio/strength routine (e.g., boot camps or cross-fit) that is not solely focused on building strength and muscle or a personal training regimen that will soon drain your bank account, or you are otherwise left to your own devices. Not at Bay Strength! They are focused on teaching and using power-lifting to help you build strength and muscle, and their knowledgeable trainers will assist you in gaining confidence with barbell lifts and in making sure you are using the correct form. And because their programs involve small group sessions of 5-6 clients for every one coach, you get personalized attention without breaking the bank to hire a personal trainer multiple times each week. And, on top of all that, Bay Strength is truly welcoming to everyone! Whether you are a novice lifter, have years of experience, or fall somewhere in between -- no matter who you are -- Bay Strength provides a supporting and welcoming atmosphere to learn, lift, and get stronger in body and mind! Special shout out to Eli who did my "Learn to Lift" program, and Kelly who has designed my current plan -- I really look forward to continuing to work with all the great people at Bay Strength! read more

Bay Strength is not a gym. It is not a bunch of trainers. It is not a set of equipment. Bay Strength is a source of inspiration and perspiration. It is a reason for people to bond while they bend. It is a place where people come to lift their spirits as much as lifting weights. I highly recommend Bay Strength to anyone looking for a way to get started on strength training without being intimidated by it! The trainers are great at providing the right mix of support, guidance and independence to let each person navigate their own journey. They go above and beyond to provide an open, accepting, and fun environment which makes the whole experience so much better! I've only been training here for a few months and I can already feel myself getting stronger every week. Big shoutout to Kelly and Katherine for being amazing trainers and for helping me get started on my strength training journey! read more

I love this place so much! As someone who has always been intimidated by weight rooms at most gyms, I immediately felt at ease and welcome at Bay Strength. The coaches teach you and correct your form in a positive way that is so encouraging, you never feel self conscious. They'll help you with alternative exercises or modifications if you ever need it. It's also so nice to not have to plan out your workouts, since the coaches lay everything out for you. They make it easy so that you can just go in and have fun while working at your own pace. The absolute best part of this gym is the people. I've made so many friends and we're always laughing and chatting and being silly. We cheer each other on, celebrate PRs, and crack jokes between sets. It's a true community, and I always feel so uplifted every time I'm here. Joining Bay Strength was the best decision I've made in a really long time, and I'm so grateful to be a part of this beautiful place. read more

Yay! This place was recommended by a friend, and is exactly what I was looking for. I was seeking a supportive space where I could learn and that didn't feel intimidating or inaccessible. They are all the things! Knowledgeable trainers and a welcoming space. I can feel myself getting stronger and that makes me feel more confident in my ability to manage daily activities. I really appreciate their approach, which is just challenging enough while also letting you decide what you're comfortable with and ready for. I love it. read more

Bay Strength - Trainers Near Me - Berkeley, California

One the best decisions I made in my life. They are knowledgeable, informative, patient, kind, motivational but still down-to-earth. You can get stronger too! read more

I love this gym (and the trainers) for the same reasons everyone else does: it's an incredibly kind and supportive place where people from all walks of life come to lift weights for a multitude of reasons. After reading the other 75 five-star reviews, I struggled to think of what hasn't been mentioned. So, consider this a resounding +1 on every positive thing said in every other review. Beyond that, it's worth highlighting just how responsible and respectful Bay Strength's COVID policies have been. Early in the pandemic, they kept lifting in a park and then opened an outdoor location. After moving back indoors, they implemented reasonable mask requirements, which is more doable in a powerlifting gym. They gradually lifted mask requirements as CDC guidance was updated. The gym also has excellent ventilation, air purifiers, and fans running all the time. While I have been exposed to COVID here, I have never actually gotten sick as a result. Doubling down on the "great community" theme (because it really is that great): * They do mock meets every six months or so (vids on Instagram to get a feel for that) * They have had a tie-dye party * They threw a karaoke party * People put interesting (occasionally hilarious) polls on one of the whiteboards, often with amazing artwork * Have I mentioned how positive and supportive everyone is? I know what you're thinking: "75 five-star reviews, and not a single complaint? I don't believe it." So, to make this a little more believable, I thought about all my complaints over the last couple weeks (and asked a few other lifters): * They scheduled the tie-dye party for a day I had another commitment * I felt guilty for whining about missing the tie-dye party when they sincerely responded by saying they could schedule another one "for anyone who missed the last one" * The music is occasionally not what I want to listen to, and it might take seconds to walk over and change it. I haven't actually had to yet, because other lifters changed it before I got up, but it could happen! * There's a super friendly trainer who loves jokes. Not naming names, but Jeremy, we've heard that one before! * They have a bowl of Smarties in case you need some sugar (which is great), but I'm convinced the different colored Smarties are not actually different flavors * Sometimes I crave a smoothie, but they only have filtered water in three temperatures: hot, cool, or cold Oh, and with the help of the trainers and community here, I was able get stronger than I ever thought I would be. Without any injuries. read more

See all

The folks at Bay Strength are very welcoming, knowledgeable, and all-around awesome. I'm new to lifting but have been avoiding the gym for most of my adult life. The coaches I work with are so helpful, and all the folks I've met create a really good vibe, without being showy or competitive. Highly recommend at least trying out a learn to lift session and seeing for yourself. read more

I've been a member at Bay Strength for about a year, coming in 3x/ week to build strength and stamina and keep myself as mobile as possible as I get older. I was seeking a gym that was inclusive, welcoming, and free of diet culture B.S. I have absolutely found that in Bay Strength. I am able to work out at an incredibly well-equipped gym, with a great community, and fantastic coaches. No one's out here telling me I can't be a fat person working out if I don't want to lose weight. I'm free to focus on my goals, without having to dodge someone trying to convince me to join a weight loss challenge or buy some diet supplements. We need more spaces like this where people can focus on being stronger, and I'm glad Bay Strength is among those leading the way. read more

Bay Strength - Bay Strength values, front and center! - Trainers Near Me - Berkeley, California

It's hard to put into words how incredible this gym and community are, but I'll try. I've been lifting with Bay Strength for about 2.5 years. I began ~3 months postpartum after the birth of my third kid; at that point I had chronic back pain and knew I needed to get stronger. I had very little power lifting experience, and my body was deconditioned by 3 difficult pregnancies. Like others, I was planning on doing a couple training sessions and then moving on to a cheaper gym. The training I received was fantastic, focusing on body mechanics and RPE for 4 main power lifts: squat, bench, deadlift, press. The trainers were respectful, attentive, and willing to meet me where I was. I signed up for some extra classes, and 2.5 years later, here I am. My trainer continues to put together great workouts, varying them every few months so I don't get bored. The community is fun and nonjudgmental. Most importantly, I have rebuilt muscle mass and strength and feel empowered by my training. A great strength of this gym is it's diversity. Many different ages, genders, and body types represented. Are you looking to get huge and PR? Great. Are you in your 70s and rehabbing from knee surgery? Great. Are you a busy professional hoping to safely incorporate strength training into your weekly workouts? Great. Again, this place is kind of magical. If you are looking to make steady, safe gains in strength, this is a great place to do it. read more

I needed a change in workouts and I'm so glad I found this weightlifting gym! Never had I imagined being able to start weightlifting and with the personalized training I see the difference in my legs, arms. Truly appreciate the inclusive and noncompetitive vibe. Gwyn is fantastic on pushing you. All trainers are helpful & options for training are great. read more

Bay Strength - Section of gym - Trainers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Bay Strength is great! The gym is equipped with good equipment and has really amazing coaches/staff. Bay Strength is unique because they foster a sense of community. You are able to get to know the familiar faces you see when working out, which is really different from a normal gym. The coaches cater to your individual needs, which is great for both experienced lifters or those who new to their fitness journey. read more

Been going here almost a year and never imagined myself as someone who would head to the gym multiple mornings a week. But Bay Strength makes it really fun--there is positive encouragement to succeed and great supportive coaching. I never thought of myself as a gym person and now it is one of the things I look forward to in life. Both for the great people you will meet and feeling stronger. My back pain is gone! read more

Ode to Iron (for Bay Strength) It's only been a year But what a year A year of rack and bar Clank and grunt Lift and laugh This band of beings Bodies gathered In celebration of being bodies Bodies growing strong Together We stack the weights We set the bar Engage! Hams and buttocks Back and abs Breath braced And oh, Heart Heave. Bow. Bend. Arise. Release. The numbers tick upward The loads get heavier but feel lighter Between lifts we share the Biggest of small talk Pet pictures Washing machine woes Gift ideas Book reviews Breakfast menus First date stories Camping plans Building friendship Along with muscles Check out this body! Look how it holds itself With strength and love Sitting upright on the meditation cushion Hauling bags of cat litter Wrangling the vacuum hose through Backseat footwells Leaning over a hospital bed To hear what the man with almost no voice Is trying to say Bones, tendons, ligaments, muscle Feel the heft of this body Nurtured with iron Solid read more

I've been going to Bay Strength for about 6 months. The most important thing about this gym is that the environment makes me WANT to go. As a busy mother of a young child, having that intrinsic motivation is key to sustaining an exercise program when so many competing demands can take over. At first, I thought I would do the Learn to Lift program and then take what I learned to a traditional gym that was much closer and cheaper. But my experience in the intro class was so good that I knew that this was the place to train. The vibe is friendly and inclusive. You can be chatty or quiet, which is perfect for an introvert like me. I also know that the conversations folks will have will be pleasant and not demeaning, sexist, body-shaming, be about hitting on someone, and so on. I know that traditional gyms would give me the dread of having to swat away annoying lifters or feel judged or uncomfortable, leading me to abandon my exercise program. I also had a lot of back and hip pain due to injuries and health conditions that impact my ability to lift. The trainers here have been very attentive and helpful in adjusting my technique to prevent injury. And the strength that I've gained here have prevented further injury and pain. I can lift my 35 lb wriggling toddler without fear. I am no longer out of commission for weeks at a time due to pain. My body and spirit feel great when I lift here! read more

Want to feel good in your body? How about carry your groceries from the car in one trip? Or just feel the sleeves of your shirt tighten around your growing arms? Or maybe you're just needing slight adjustments in your technique. Lifting can be intimidating (for many reasons), but Katherine and the Bay Strength team make it really accessible! Feeling like you can show up comfortably in your body and give it the exercise it needs matters. Training in an inclusive space matters, and Baystrength and its coaches intentionally curate a comfortable environment for you to be fully there so that you can get the most out of your training. In designing a training program for you, Katherine and the coaches invite you to contribute, whether you know exactly what you need or have no idea what an RPE or safety is. If you join one of the morning classes (especially the 6am class), Katherine makes it extra enjoyable, lighthearted, and totally worth waking up before the sun rises! In fact, she and the 6am classmates even make it worth crossing the Bay Bridge from San Francisco! I trained with Katherine for about 13 months, and then moved much further from the gym. While I'm unable to attend in person anymore, Katherine offers programming and support to help me continue with my goals. You deserve to feel good in your body (and to carry your clothes or laundry in one trip), and Katherine and Baystrength might just be what you need to support you on your way. read more

Increased my deadlift by 200lbs in 1 1/12 years! I love this gym; everyone is nice, equipment is good and available, and the coaches are great. I have been coming to Bay Strength for about 1 1/2 years working with Giacomo Pizzo. I've come a long way since when I first started. When I started, I had very limiting lower back pain. I'd recently received a less than ideal medical diagnosis about the injury. I worried I was fated to follow the path of invasive surgery and opioids to manage the pain like I'd seen happen to people close to me. After some physical therapy and further research, I felt the next step to my recovery should be making strength training center stage. I'd never done much powerlifting before. Katherine Bickford did my Learn to Lift sessions and reassured me I was doing the right thing, even though my lower back didn't feel great in the beginning. She helped me find my entry points to training, which was at a very low weight- luckily Bay Strength makes any entry point accessible as they have plenty of 15lb bars. When I started in May 2021, deadlifting 35 lbs caused aches for a couple days; same with squatting 35 lbs. This past week, I was able to deadlift 235 lbs and squat 200 with no pain. Throughout the process, Giacomo Pizzo wrote my programming and patiently showed me how to do everything. He is so kind, good natured, knowledgeable, and plays great music :). When I had a couple set backs, he reassured me and helped me dial down the weight to keep going. Consistency and discipline with methodically tracking and increasing or decreasing the weight week to week paid off (also paying attention to protein intake and supplementing with creatine). I can't thank Giacomo, Katherine, and Bay Strength enough - getting my health back is priceless. I'm stronger than I've ever been and excited to keep going. read more

Amazing gym. I completed the Learn to Lift with Katherine and she was extremely kind and supportive! Now that Im in class, I feel well prepared and love weightlifting! I enjoy working with my coach (Giacomo), who's extremely supportive and gives me tips on how to correct my form for numerous workouts. Every time I head to class, Im truly excited! The gym is super inclusive and extremely clean. The trainers and the environment have definitely reshaped my perspective on working out. Definitely the best gym experience ever, Id give more than five stars if I could! Sign up if you can and do the Learn to Lift Program! Lastly, I not only feel more confident in myself, but my body feels great as well. Cant wait to continue training :D read more

Reading the other reviews, I can second all of them. I'd just add that as a woman in her late 60s I feel totally comfortable here. The coaches take everyone seriously and I have never felt talked down to, as can happen in some gyms. There is a lovely balance of serious lifting and socializing between lifts. It has been very fun getting to know people of all ages and life paths I might not have had the chance to meet in the rest of my everyday life. Whether you are a long term, serious lifter, or someone who has never lifted but keeps hearing you probably should (yes I'm especially talking to you my fellow "mature" women) check them out. You will not regret it. read more

I have nothing but amazing things to say about Bay Strength! They have been very accommodating to my physical needs from the start as I was recovering from a chronic injury. I felt they really took the time to explain everything and provide guidance. The space is clean and the individual stations made me feel less self conscious as I was learning. The general community of the gym has been supportive and friendly. Kelly is my coach and I highly recommend her and this space. read more

THIS GYM is the BEST. I've only gone here for the Learn to Lift (2 sessions where you're taught the major barbell lifts) but I'd love to come back soon! Everyone I met is kind, encouraging, and friendly. On the first day I came, I was working with Katherine (amazing amazing amazing!) I can honestly say I'd never been more excited to go to the gym. She made working out fun! Katherine's an expert in strength training, which was evident by the way she corrected my form and fielded my questions. Gosh I had a lot of questions, but she was unbelievably patient! Working with Katherine made me feel more comfortable in the gym and in my body, and that's priceless. It takes a special person to be a great coach, and it takes an even more special one to be someone I can look up to. Katherine is both. Though my experience was mainly with Katherine, everyone else was also top-rate. I remember being floored that Jeremy cared to know my name even though we weren't working together, and I was impressed by Gwen's thoughtful encouragement of her lifters. I'd wholeheartedly recommend Bay Strength. They have a lot of heart! read more

I love bay strength so much. The coaches are kind, supportive, and knowledgeable. The training plan is adapted to my goals and my needs. They promote a friendly and kind atmosphere. I went to improve my strength - I thought weightlifting would be like a boring chore, but I was wrong! read more

Joining Bay Strength was one of the best decisions I made in the past year! The coaches are incredibly friendly, welcoming, and fun to work with -- and are always very responsive to any feedback you provide about the training programs. The foundations I learned in my Learn to Lift sessions made me feel immediately more confident in myself in the gym, and classes with Katherine helped me see progress towards my goals quickly. I'm now using the reserve gym option, so I don't get as much personalized attention, but coaches are always available to chat, show me an exercise I might not be as familiar with, and generally check in a few times a day with some feedback. The other thing I so appreciate about this gym is the community they've helped foster. Every other lifter I've met here has been friendly and supportive, which I think is such a testament to the work the coaches have done to make Bay Strength a special place to work out. Highly recommend this gym for anyone looking to start or continue their power lifting journey in a supportive and fun environment. read more

I am so glad to have found such a community-oriented gym where I feel comfortable. There's no pressure to lift a certain amount or look a certain way--everyone has their own goals and it's a super supportive environment. Knowledgeable and kind coaches, high-quality equipment with plenty of space, and lots of potential for good chats between sets. Highly recommend! read more

The best exercise plan is consistent, supported, and fun. Bay Strength excels at all three with plans individually tailored to your skill level and goals. All the coaches are friendly and helpful - I've personally benefited from Gwyn's encouragement and attention to detail. read more

I can't say enough good things about Bay Strength. I started working out here as a complete novice in January, and did two Learn to Lift sessions with Haley. I deeply appreciated Haley's patient and precise instructions. I've taken classes with Gwyn and Kelly, and love how both of them maintain a friendly atmosphere that allows lifters to challenge themselves at the pace that makes sense for their individual needs. I also like the gym's class and make-up session policies, since these create the right balance between encouraging me, on the one hand, to keep up a standing commitment to at least two sessions a week, but on the other, giving enough flexibility to adjust to occasional changes in work or life scheduling. read more

Been lifting here for a little over a year and so glad I joined. Not only are the coaching staff well informed, thoughtful, and fun but they have created an environment where everyone at the gym is welcome. Bespoke training programs are a bonus! read more

This is such a great gym! Everyone is welcome here, and the coaches are really knowledgeable and helpful. There's no ego here, and no competitiveness. There's good accountability built into their structure, but no pressure. It's a positive place, and I always feel stronger and encouraged after each workout. read more

I have been intimidated by big corporate gyms and less-than-ideal intro sessions for years. I have tried so many times to try to learn the fundamentals of weightlifting. I thought I would never be able to have the ability to even touch a barbell let alone deadlift 265 or squat 170. Bay Strength is a wonderfully supportive environment with great coaches that I am deeply grateful is so close to me. Jeremy and Katherine who I've worked primarily are patient, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable. They help refine your technique to the micron while building you up. I cannot recommend this place enough! To anyone of any age, gender expression, or physical shape. It is a safe and welcoming environment to feel better about your capabilities and learn and grow. read more

I've been attending classes with Kelly at Bay Strength for 6 months. I pay for the 3 classes a week plan and go Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Each class is centered around a programmed workout. I often do warmups without supervision but Kelly always spots and gives form critique for my last warmup set and my working weight sets. All the trainers are great! I've trained, over the months, alternately with others besides Kelly. They're all very good and knowledgeable and careful. When I started my workouts I was weak and uncoordinated and unconditioned. I'm not now a monster of weightlifting or of fitness but with Kelly's help I've gone from a 35 pound deadlift to 175. And I have made other impressive progress with other lifts. Another thing to know is that the gym is very affirming and open and diverse and supportive. There are people of all shapes and sizes and ability and age. And we don't support oppressive politics. And that's very important and nourishing to me. And I suspect to other regulars I've grown to know and like and admire. The lifters are good people and the trainers are quite good and affirming too. Overall one of my very favorite gyms of all time. Good job Bay Strength! read more

Aging is inevitable, weakness is not! I highly recommend weight training as a way to stay healthy at any age. And Bay Strength is a great place to learn how to do it. I belonged to another gym for years doing random machines and never seemed to improve. I decided to try free weights and got a trainer but that gym had only one squat rack and was a bit intimidating. During COVID we started a home gym but I decided I needed a coach so I tried the Learn to Lift program and joined a class at Bay Strength. I have learned a huge amount and improved significantly! The gym is very inclusive and friendly. The coaches are all well trained and work at trying to give feedback in a way that helps. They are also very good at adapting the workouts if you have an injury or other limitation. Although you sign up for a "class" the program is individual to your needs and you get one on one feedback from the coach. It is also a fun community as you get to know the others in your class and they have fun activities such as a mock powerlifting competition and a karaoke party. Check it out! read more

Having injured my back learning to squat via YouTube videos, I decided it was time to find a real coach. Bay Strength opened up near my house, so for the sake of convenience more than anything else I made an appointment for personal training there. That really could've gone a number of ways but I hit the lottery. Everyone I met their seemed kind, helpful and smart. Not a single macho jerk in the place. The woman who coached me (Gwyn) is amazing athlete with an enormous background in martial arts and dance as well as weightlifting. She taught me a new (to me) type of squat and watched me very carefully making frequent small corrections to my form. She gave me the time I needed to think about what I was doing and wrote out a plan for me to follow with lifting in the future. I left there wishing that I could go to Bay Strength three times a week. Alas, I already pay for another gym so I won't be going for weekly workouts at Bay Strength but I will go in for regular check ups so that my form doesn't drift too far. If you are a human looking to get strong in a smart and safe way with a wonderful teacher, I recommend Bay Strength. If you are a woman and looking to do the same, definitely don't go anywhere else. read more

I've been training at their outdoor location since October of 2020 and I absolutely love it. The coaching is superb and the location/facility is great. I'm a huge fan. read more

I just want to give some love to my lifting coach Katherine! It seems like a lot of the reviews here so far are for Jeremy, so I wanted to leave Katherine some major props. Katherine taught my "Learn to Lift" intro package and I decided to continue afterward with regular small-group lifting sessions 3x a week. Katherine is so knowledgeable about lifting, passionate about teaching, and dedicated to serving her students. Her primary goal when she is in class is to help you perfect and improve your lifts, and it shows. Katherine brings such good, positive energy to each coaching session and strives to make Bay Strength an accepting, affirming environment for lifters from all walks of life. I really appreciate the lifters I get to share space with three mornings out of the week! Just to give you a sense, even though I'm currently the weakest one in the whole class, I've had my classmates wholeheartedly cheer me on when I set new personal records. And where else can you find a class full of people deadlifting well over 200lbs jamming out to a playlist called "pop divas, too gay to handle?" Whereas classes used to be held in a rented-out space, Katherine and her team of strong strong coaches have finally opened up their own space at 1440 University Ave. It's spacious, clean, and probably any serious lifter's dream with thoughtful and considerate touches like racks to hang your weightlifting belt or shoes (until the next time you come in to lift), changing rooms, microplates (for the precision nerds among us), stretch tape and copious amounts of chalk. Highly recommend this fantastic group of humans for teaching you how to pick up or push heavier stuff than you ever thought possible!*** *** Personal example: I've been coming here for 3.5 months. I wanted to get more serious about strength after taking bootcamp style class that incorporated bench/squat/deadlifts for about 1.5 years. In that bootcamp class, I could never deadlift 95lbs without some kind of lower back pain. I thought I was someone that just _couldn't_ deadlift. I'm on track to hit a 200lb deadlift in two weeks and not only is it painless, it's my favorite lift now because I can feel my back muscles actually engaging and getting stronger. My sitting posture is so much better now! read more

I'm a 6 months postpartum mom, and dealing with all my body changes, weaknesses and sagginess after being a full time mom for 6 months is extremely hard, and makes it so intimidating to start working out again (at least for me!). I've decided that it was time to make a change, opted for weight lifting cause it has already impressed me to see thin tiny women lifting hundreds of pounds. I think I needed to feel that "empowerment"... Started my lifting journey by taking the learn to lift class with Coach Gwen. She taught me all the basics of safety, good posture, rigor and discipline, and the 4 basic lifts: deadlifts, squats, bench press and the overhead press. She seemed "tough" but I liked that and appreciated it so much, cause it sat the tone for seriousness and rigor. While I was there for 2 sessions, I could not not notice the fun ambiance, at the gym and all the support that trainees brought to each other. It was hard to resist enrolling, and I'm so glad I did get enrolled. I started early morning classes with Coach Katherine. She is wonderful, very supportive, friendly and fuels you up with motivation :) So far, I'm extremely happy with my journey. Good energy is everywhere at BayStrength. Thank you Coach Katherine for the smiles. They make the heavy weights so light :) read more

I came with my boyfriend for the "Learn to Lift" package. It's 2, 90 minute sessions going over four basic lifts: deadlift, squat, bench press and press. It was great! We both now feel confident to do these without Gwyn's expert eye. While I had lifted weights in various bootcamp-type classes, and had some familiarity with deadlift, bench press and press, I hadn't really ever done weighted squats. My boyfriend has very limited experience with weight training. Gwyn gave really clear instructions and helpful cues to ensure we had good form. She was able to help each of us with our specific needs. She is really encouraging and clear. After our first session we were able to go to our gym and do a whole workout. There's also a really helpful packet that comes with the Learn to Lift package to help you get started quickly. I had always been a little intimidated by the weight room, but now feel like I can go in there, with a plan, and get a good workout. I am excited to continue weight training and expect to be back at Bay Strength if I want to make sure my form is still correct or learn a few more moves. Lastly, though we were doing the 1-on-1 type training, the other folks working out at Bay Strength are super friendly and the other trainers are also great! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking into weight training :) read more

I've been in Jeremy's group class for almost 7 months, and it has been an incredible journey so far. I began my lifting career years ago, so I figured that it would be easy to pick up the Starting Strength program. Not so. My previous experience arguably made things more difficult for me, as I had to unlearn a lot of bad habits. Jeremy is a gifted coach with high emotional intelligence and lots of patience. If you pay close attention, he never coaches or communicates with any two lifters the exact same way. I've also thoroughly enjoyed being coached by Katherine, Gwyn, and Kelly, who occasionally fill in if Jeremy goes on vacation. For anyone interested in the numbers: Squat estimated 1 rep max 01/2018: 185* 07/2018: 330 Bench Press estimated 1 rep max 01/2018: 215 07/2018: 295 Deadlift estimated 1 rep max 01/2018: 205 07/2018: 365 Overhead Press estimated 1 rep max 01/2018: 125 07/2018: 205 * My first few months of squats were atrocious and came nowhere near full depth. read more

Bay Strength is AMAZING! Feels so good to walk into a gym full of people of every shape, size, and ability absolutely crushing it! I'll see a lady who looks like my gran step up and press more weight than me, or somebody who looks like a total meathead lifting light to be respectful of their injuries. Don't worry at all if you're a total beginner - the coaches are with you the whole way, too, and they get proactive about making sure your form is on point. Actually, this might be the ideal environment to be a first-time lifter in. You know it's good when you see your coaches doing their own workouts there (so many trainers preach one thing, but do completely different workouts themselves). It's a good way to make friends, too - everybody is super supportive and friendly. Who ever thought you could have gym chat without a side of harassment?! Amazing. No mirrors. No B.S. Just lifting. New Year's resolution-making season is upon us. Did you know that having more muscle mass means you burn more calories ALL the time, instead of just during that one hour you're in spin class or whatever cardio crap? Just saying. read more

I actually stumbled upon this gym and thought I would try it until I got back into shape enough to pick up martial arts full time again. I wasn't looking for a weightlifting regimen nor did I think I was going to do this long-term. If anything, seeing "bros" weightlifting at the gym while taking "swolfies" are a total turn off to me. I am local to the neighborhood and I figured I would give it a try. Giving Bay Strength and weightlifting a try was absolutely the best decision I have made for my mental and physical well-being. Weight training at Bay Strength is a very different experience than any other workout regimen I have been through (and I've tried many). All coaches that work at Bay Strength are certified Starting Strength coaches (this is quite impressive in itself: this certification is the real deal and there aren't many coaches with this extensive knowledge and experience). Katherine is absolutely amazing. She really knows how to coach according to your individual needs. Katherine is very knowledgeable and is always willing to explain the "why" behind what we are doing in class and the different lifting techniques. Being able to train full classes and carefully attend to each individual is truly a gift that makes Katherine an extraordinary coach. The classes are really fun and queer friendly! With that said, all of the Bay Strength coaches that I have met are fantastic and you get the chance to meet them during classes and meets. I have to give props to Jeremy and Gynn too! I highly recommend Bay Strength to anyone looking to meet their fitness goals, get stronger, and connect with amazing people! read more

I have benefited from training at the Alameda location with coach Kelly! I did not expect to get so much out of my experiences here. I *highly* recommend Bay Strength for several reasons. ---- 1) It is a safe, straightforward, and supportive environment. All are welcome even if you do not think you are strong or fit-looking. You do not have to be a tech startup billionaire or roll with the high-tech crowd to feel welcome. Come as you are :) Bay Strength is about getting stronger and not about training for aesthetics or fitting into a particular stratum of Bay Area society. Be yourself. 2) Results are clear. Although it is not easy to get stronger, the process is simple. If you can, with good form, lift heavier during the next session, you are getting stronger. Existing injuries do not nag as much. My back and knees feel stronger. I have gained more muscle mass. I see more tone in my arms. My clothes fit better. I can now do five chin ups in a row (instead of zero). 3) Coach Kelly is amazing! She is very knowledgeable, helpful, and gives clear instructions. She understands the physics and kinesiology behind lifting. You will be guided step-by-step through all movements and given feedback. There will always be something to improve upon. 4) Bay Strength is a community. You can be as involved as you care to be. Your fellow lifters are a fine group of people. They will offer words of support and cheer you on as you surprise yourself with your amazing feats of strength:) You also have the option of competing in meets and socializing with the larger lifting community. 5) You can get stronger despite being injured. I am an aging athlete, a woman in her early thirties who has been active since adolescence. Currently, I have a torn left hip labrum and a right hip injury from martial arts. It was soul-crushing to be so injured that I had to pause my martial arts training. I could barely walk. Fitness and wellbeing are very important to me, and I *LOVE* working out and training, so thank goodness I found powerlifting as a way to get stronger while receiving physical therapy and awaiting surgery. 6) I have severe treatment-resistant PTSD. Barbell training with coach Kelly has helped me feel more confident in my physical strength and resilience. I have found a safe space and another tool in my tool-kit to manage a serious condition. 7) Puppies! Coach Kelly has puppy who quietly and sweetly observes our classes at a distance. She will melt your heart, as she has melted mine :) read more

Having had injuries from working out in the past, it was important for me to find a gym with a sense of expertise and community I could trust. Bay Strength turned out to be that gym. Jeremy and the team there are very helpful, and the place is always spotless. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a gym in the area! read more