My first review of 2023 has to be for a new (to me) biz that I've been frequenting lately. A former…read morecolleague of mine swears by Orangetheory (hi Diandra!) and had encouraged me to try it out since, like, 2020, but I'll be honest! I was too nervous. I went to my first OTF class in December '21, not in the best shape, and finally willing to try my first class for free (an offer you should take advantage of, by the way!). I was super nervous at first and I was expecting it to be competitive and intimating, but it completely blew my expectations out of the water. The 60 minute classes are my new favorite way to start the day and I'm now a Premier member (unlimited classes, I pay roughly $200/mo).Between the membership + cost of the OT Beat (their heart rate monitor) it's a little expensive for a gym membership, but I feel like it's worth the investment if it's something enjoyable and a workout I'll will be consistent with. I believe the OTB is around $110-120 (but you can find used ones online for cheaper or might know someone who has one lying around) but is not mandatory to take the classes. I personally bought one because I like seeing how my workout breaks down and I know they recommend having one. After each class you get an email with your breakdown and stats, it also goes straight to your Orangetheory App. A lot of people just use their FitBits or Apple Watches or you can rent one of theirs for $10/class. There's a diverse group of people I see in each class I attend. Different ages, backgrounds and fitness levels which I really enjoy. The coaches and front desk staff are the kindest, non-judgmental people and I look forward to seeing them. The coaches will help correct your form on the weight floor if you need it and always offer up different options if you have any restrictions which is great to make the class more inclusive. One thing I will say, is I wish they'd help correct peoples form on the rower a little more since some people flail around and it's a little scary when you're right next to them lol. I know a lot of people are looking to get back into shape this new year and I think Orangetheory could be a good option to consider. It's been great to me so far!

Unforgiving, join a gym where if you're 5 mins late you can still do something…read more I had been attending classes for a few months and having generally a positive experience. One time for reasons beyond my control at work I arrived a few minutes late, they sent me through to get changed. Once I had changed they told me I was more than 5 mins late and couldn't join the class. If you're going to do this why send me through, I literally changed in less than 2 minutes?!? I essentially decided not to do business with them anymore at this point and just join a gym that offers free classes - roughly the same cost and if I'm late it's not the end of the world and I have no where to go. To add insult to injury on this, they essentially told me their cancellation policy would mean I have to pay for another month of classes I had no intent on using after this experience. They made no exception and charged me for the full month even though I didn't come. Clearly care about their margins rather than any customer experience. Strongly suggest to avoid these money grabbing folks whose rules suit them, not you. Just join a good gym with classes.

I've exercised lots at the gym, and taken lots of classes, so I thought I had a pretty good idea…read morehow to "workout" until Steve invited me to try personal training with him. What a difference! This is not the same old, going through the motions routine. Two things you notice right away about Steve- he really has fun training, and he's very focused on your exercise. I've noticed trainers in the gym spending a lot of time chatting with people, but with Steve you work. When I have a problem he immediately notices and coaches me on good form or changes the exercise. When I get too tired he stops, otherwise he keeps the heat on! We do a mix of boot camp type exercises at the beginning, then really hard weight lifting with equipment he brings. Everything is hard enough to push me, but not more than I could do. Being outdoors is wonderful too, much more pleasant than the gym, plus I can take my dog. I have recommended him to everyone I know and will continue to do so. You will sweat, you will be sore, you will want to give up, but you will also get stronger, have more stamina, and feel better!

From the owner: Personal Training Functional Strength Training…read moreHigh Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Weighted Clubs Ski and Snowboard Conditioning Equestrian Fitness

I joined FFL mid November 2018, having no idea where to start. But I wanted to point out that…read moreduring summer 2018, I was only able to squat with the bar at the gym..maybe 5-10lbs on each side if it was a good day, but after going to FFL pretty religiously, I'm happy to say I was able to squat with 25lbs on each side! ;__; I was incredibly shocked to say the least - I haven't squatted with the bar for over four months. Less than two months with FFL and I was able to do that! Perhaps by the end of 2019 I'll be able to squat at least one full plate on each side :) The gym is open Monday-Thursday and there are classes in the mornings and evenings. Each class is about an hour in length and each day focuses on a different body part (upper body, legs, core, full body). Each week is a completely different workout, which I really appreciate because I would get bored otherwise. The MV location is probably one of the bigger locations (in terms of members and size). James is an awesome trainer and the music during the classes is generally on point ^_^ My only con is that the gym is only opened Mon-Thurs : (

I've been going here for 3+ years and had to give my feedback. I love this place - the workouts are…read morenever the same and it's always so much fun. Each week has the following focus: Monday upper body Tuesday lower body Wednesday abs Thursday full body Jermaine and Shani recently took over as trainers in the Mountain View location. They've added their own spin to the workouts and are so supportive and helpful. People are at various levels - beginner to advanced and many in between - so you fit right in. Highly recommend checking them out!

If physical health, efficiency, and accountability are a priority for you, then you should consider…read moresigning up at Fit Theory. I'm a pretty sedentary person and peeling me off the couch after a long day at work is nearly impossible. Fit Theory helps keep me more active than I would be, gets me in and out in 30 minutes, and keeps me on a consistent schedule. Regular gyms are often packed, no one cleans after themselves, and stuffy, but Fit Theory takes care of that my running multiple 1-on-1 sessions simultaneously so you aren't waiting on other people, prioritizes cleanliness, and has multiple air purifiers. It's a more pleasant atmosphere. What I like about Fit Theory is the convenient location on El Camino between the intersection of Mountain View, Los Altos, and Palo Alto. Since its in a central location, you can come in from work and then run errands right after. The property is large and has plenty of parking in the back. Signing up for classes is easy and flexible with an online app. Classes are individually tailored, but capped at 4-5 people per time slot. Everyone is really friendly and supportive. The 4-5 person cap per half hour time slot means that you save time by not having to wait for machines like you would at a gym for equipment that might not have been cleaned. You save a lot of time by getting access to the equipment you want and when you want it.

Candy is a knowledgeable and supportive trainer who uses your own goals to create personalized…read moreroutines that work for you. The gym is a spacious, clean, and supportive environment--I couldn't recommend FitTheory more!

Won a 1 month membership from a giveaway and was able to attend 12 group classes. It's a good…read moreworkout and everyone seems to know everyone there. They're also very friendly and welcoming to newcomers. I do wish there were more times as the schedule is a bit limited. However, there are some cool equipment that you typically don't see a regular gyms. I think there's a lot of promotions, so I would recommend signing up when they have a deal. They might also offer free trials for newbies before you commit too!

Recently tried a 2-week free trial here (which is quite generous of them) and it's basically 3 to 4…read morerounds of circuit training. You typically run through 4 different exercises in 1 circuit and repeat it 3x before moving on to the next 4. Sometimes they mix up the pattern every now and then, so it might not always be a 3x4 pattern. You're on for 40 seconds, and rest for 12-15 seconds, so it's pretty manageable and time goes by FAST. All the coaches are very friendly and engaging. It seems like most members have been going for quite some time now, so they have a pretty solid community. People are generally all very supportive of one another. It's also a family-run business. The only cons are that the schedule is a bit limited, especially on Fridays-Sundays. Also pricing is kind of hidden and you have to reach out to them in order to find out more info.

I love this studio, practically my second home and it's all due to the people I workout with…read moreincluding the trainers. I have been coming to the studio for the past year or so, and ever since I been addicted. Whether it be 1 on 1 with Chi or for the boot camps that they offer, the trainers know how to challenge your body. I thought I was In good shape but had seconds thoughts after the bootcamp haha (I lift and run at the track 3 times a week) The workouts are better than and structured to each individual, way better than insanity or crossfit, you will leave wanting more. Everyday is different and I'm always presented with a new challenge. With chi (and any of his proteges) you will learn the proper techniques of lifting and be more in tune with your body. Whether you have experience in lifting or not, you won't be disappointed and will see results in no time, while having a good time For those wondering Their equipment consist of: Squat racks Bench press Place to do cleans and dead lift TRX Pull ups Medicine balls, kettle balls, dumbbell Pretty much everything you need. If your looking for a place to help you accomplish your goals and take fitness to the next level then I recommend you give this place a try. All the trainers are encouraging, supportive and will try their best to have you reach your goal. I now have a new perspective of the word "fit" after coming here

I've been working out with Chi for the last year. HE WILL GIVE YOU RESULTS. It's simply up to you…read moreto do your part and execute. He provides all of the necessary tools, physically and mentally, to make you a faster sprinter, better athlete, and overall in better shape. You will come in thinking you were performing movements correctly. He may tell you otherwise. You may think your "mechanics" are correct b/c you were working HARD. He will teach you to work SMART and efficient. Further, working out with the other athletes has been an absolute joy to me. They not only provide motivation to be faster but the veterans are always available to provide coaching advice as well. So, not only do you get invaluable advice from 3 solid coaches, the athletes themselves will help as well. Whether you graduated from college, want to be fit, or want to be a fast 100M sprinter, ISC Fitness is the place to go. You receive personalized training regimens as one size does not fit all. All you have to do is show up and be willing to put yourself outside your comfort zone.

The fake grass inside the place is pretty awesome. Its like a huge inside field y'know…read more Theres lots of room in here for exercising and working out. Been coming here in the mornings for a little while now. I like Keith he's a great guy, he really gets you motivated. I swear I seen him on some tv show with David Spade but anyway, hmm one day it'll hit me an I'll remember that show. They only have morning workout times an there's only two of em since I've been here. It's convenient for me tho cuz I go right after my graveyard work shift. The space is pretty huge that they use... I like it. I like fit for life in general. I've never had problems with them. The whole process is pretty casual . I like how signing up for one fit for life means you can go to any location, you don't need any extra special membership to do so, its just the same basic pay that you paid to begin with. I didn't have an enrollment fee either , just a decent price an cash in hand or card if you prefer that route. Great crowd here , everyone's nice and there's all types of people different ages , different body types, genders, races, etc.. YOu should feel at home here.

It's not easy to get up at 6AM to go to gym...but if trainers were motivating and inspiring; and…read morepassionate about their work, it makes it a bit easier. At this boot-camp, you can expect the sessions to start 10-15 min late because trainers like to chit chat and sell their stupid nutrition supplements and products before and during the sessions. By the way, the membership after the trial period is not cheap either and everyone pays a different price, ranging from $50 to $110 / month, depending how much the trainer likes you. LAME! Right!?? Did I tell you about their customer service btw? Roy, the owner, and Beau, the GM, don't care to hear about your concerns and won't respond to your inquiry.

This place has literally changed my life. I started out here years ago having NEVER gone to a gym…read morewith any regularity. The coaches are cheerful and supportive. And whatever shape you are in, you will get a good workout. You'll row, run, and do floor work every time. You'll leave sweaty but not broken. In the last year I've lost 20lbs of fat and gained five pounds of muscle. OTF is amazing.

Been a member for a while. It's great, keeps you accountable with a $12 charge if you cancel less…read morethan 8 hours. Lots of class time options. If you haven't done it then definitely try! Everyone is friendly and coaches are cool. They also have a inplace body comp machine, regular challenges etc. Been to many other OTF and this place is the only place that still offers towel service when showering. Yesss. Thank you. The only thing I am going to complain about is they need to actually make the cleaners clean the floor. I have seen hired cleaners before and I can tell you, they're not doing their job. Why you have to get very close to the edges of the machines and floor, you can see the collection of dust and hair. yuck.

Ilissa is a gem and has found her calling as a trainer. She is patient and inspiring and you can't…read morehelp but work hard and have fun doing it when you're taking one of her classes or working with her. Sign up with her today and you will not regret it!

Shiraone is the best bootcamp for women in town! She, not only trains you hard, she knows women's…read morebodies! Everyone loves Shiraone!

I joined Equinox through work about two months ago and already had a strong Pilates background from…read moreclassical private and group sessions, plus I do Solidcore pretty regularly around 10 classes a month. I booked the complimentary 1:1 Pilates intro just thinking it would be a nice add on and even told a friend I wasn't planning to continue after. That completely changed after my session with Joan McCarthy. I'm so glad I happened to be paired with her for that complimentary session. She is truly exceptional. I ended up buying a large pack of sessions right after and now see her twice a week. We've even done a few double sessions which have been amazing. I'm already seeing real progress in my strength, flexibility, and overall toning, and the principles she teaches have helped me get so much more out of my Solidcore and other group workouts. What really stands out is her energy and approach. She has such a positive and motivating attitude, and she really pushes me to challenge myself, find my limits, and get the most out of every session. I've also learned so much more about fitness and overall health from working with her. She combines deep Pilates expertise with a dance background, and her hands on adjustments are amazing. She also sends an in depth breakdown after each session of what we worked on and is very responsive, which makes everything feel thoughtful and personalized. I'll be honest I waited to write this because I wanted to lock in my recurring time slots first, which probably says everything. I'm fully obsessed. Thank you Joan!

Equinox Palo Alto has a great selection of treadmills and equipment plenty of options, so you're…read morerarely waiting around for a machine. That said, the Life Fitness treadmills are older and out of date compared to other less expensive Equinox clubs like Santa Monica, South Bay, and Newport Beach. Probably the least "premium" part of this location is the men's locker room and bathrooms. They're consistently humid, cramped, and not as clean as you'd expect from an Equinox. For a premium membership price, the facilities should be held to a higher standard. Good gym for getting a workout in, but the locker room experience drags down what could otherwise be a great club.