I'm getting back into running long distances and it was the perfect time to start really thinking…read moreabout my form. I had the Chi Running book for years and finally read it. I signed up for Ed's class because I needed some help really understanding if I was getting my form and alignment correct. Ed explained it all clearly and showed me where I was falling short. He was very supportive and helped with specific advice on how I could improve. He gave me a better understanding and the tools I needed to improve. I'm training for my next marathon and I much better after my long runs than I did last time, 20 years ago.

I happened upon the Chi Running book and started trying the exercises. However, for physical…read moreactivities I much prefer to learn in-person than from a book, so I signed up for one of Ed's workshops. In just one Saturday morning, Ed corrected my posture and got me to understand how the proper running form should feel in my body (i.e. it feels weird, but that's where practice comes in). Learning Chi Running with Ed was so much more efficient than reading the book. (Though now, after the workshop, I will use the book as reference while I practice.) Ed recorded before and after videos of my running form and I can really see the difference. With his feedback, I feel more confident to practice running. For the sake of your knees, take Coach Ed's workshop!

Gary is truly one of the best. He taught my son from kindergarten all the way through high school,…read moreand the impact he had on him went far beyond the valuable karate training he received. Gary helped shape him into a confident, compassionate human being--so much so that my son ultimately chose a career as a clinical social worker, dedicating his life to helping people who are struggling. Seeing Gary again recently reminded me of the extraordinary work he continues to do with students of all ages. I'm excited to explore karate myself once I finalize treatment for a torn rotator cuff. I'm deeply grateful for the time he gave me and for the lasting influence he has had on my family.

I've trained with Sensei Gary for near-to 20 years. With a focus on practical self defense, and…read moredecades of teaching experience, the classes at USSD Palo Alto are ones to remember. If you are looking at classes for yourself, or a family member, you have to check out this dojo.

I have been incredibily happy with TruAction.In Just few weeks I've seen amazing result that I…read morewouldn't have achieved in a big gym.The trainers geniuenly care and always there to motivate you.s .I learn how to do the workout in correct form and when i need variations my trainer is always there to help .I have found a supportive group of likeminded people, making me never want to miss a workout. If I can do it, anyone can and I highly recommend giving a try-you won't regret it!

These are definitely some of the most skilled trainers i have ever had the pleasure of training…read morewith. Would definitely recommend checking out a boot camp or group lift session to get an idea of how these folks operate. If you're looking to get in shape and not sure about the more mainstream places, you'll definitely have a great experience at True Action.

Best decision I've made in a long time. What a workout. So much more enjoyable than the normal…read moregym lifting and on the treadmill. I have now completed three classes. I was hooked after one.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Brian was so kind and informed and patient with my husband! He's out of shape and…read morehas never done boxing before. He's really excited to improve his energy and health with such a fun workout. Brian was super accommodating to our busy schedules as well. Great and affordable 1:1 workout, but they offer classes as well!!

Billy Bad Ass Cardio Kickboxing is amazing. I have been taking his class since July 2013, when he…read morewas still at the Tannery. He has since moved to Toadal Fitness (a super nice facility) and teaches Billy Pruz Cardio Kickbox Conditioning. He teaches at Toadal Fitness (West side) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm and Downtown on Saturdays at 10:30 am. I came from upstate New York and used to take a few different cardio classes, but I hadn't found one that I liked as much as this one. What's different about Billy is that he really wants everyone in his class to be successful and to feel good. He wants everyone to be able to have good results; he will even personally help you to squat lower or jump higher. Billy is a great teacher, trainer and friend. He has the type of personality that makes you instantly feel welcomed and empowered. He is funny, high energy, motivating and keeps you pumped throughout the entire workout. His class is great for all ages and body types! He really cares about his class and it shows! The music that he plays is a blend of a bunch of different styles that gets your heart rate up.

Fantastic music! I'm more inspired attending this twice a week treat! Thank you Billy for your very…read morecreative and awesome cardio kick moves!!! This class is on top of my list of activities every week and no plans to quit!!! This has helped me tremendously in my weight loss regimen!!! Wohooooo!!

I took my first lesson with Eskape Sea Kayaking (ESK) back in 1999. I was hooked and have been…read moreexpanding my kayaking skills ever since, mainly under the tutelage of the instructors of ESK. Roger, the owner, is not only a great teacher, he is an amazing coach. He keeps his class sizes small so that he can give each person individual attention. Both in receiving lessons and watching him teach others, it always impresses me how much Roger tunes into the nuances and needs of each person in the class. The staff ESK brings in to help with the classes always mirrors that style as well. Roger, Tom, Bryan, Gregg and the rest are some of the best paddlers on the West Coast. Whether you want to just learn the basics or go out and take on the big waves, this is the place to go.

What Yoda is to The Force, Roger Schumann is to kayaking. If your future kayaking plans involve…read moreanything more then calm fair-weather kayaking on a pond, Roger's instruction will be invaluable. Roger will taylor classes to your skill level and comfort. We spent four consecutive days with Roger and left far more competent and safe than when we arrived. The classes are reasonably priced and you could not ask for a more beautiful location. We saw Sea Otters, dolphins and birds beyond count. We could not have been happier!!! http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g33048-r317079943-Santa_Cruz_California.html#

this group meets every week, tues @ 6.15pm and sun @ 9am…read more it's a good running group, but they use the same route every week, so it can feel repetitive. distance is runner's choice: you can run up to 6 miles each way on the san tomas aquino creek trail, and back to the store....so 12 miles total. you can turnaround at any point in time to shorten the route. pace-wise, since the group is so large, it's hard to tell, since members leave at different times (some arrive earlier and leave early, some arrive later and leave later). chances are, you'll find someone who runs/walks your pace. a few pitfalls: *no water along the trail, so bring your own esp if you're running long (store has a water fountain) *no bathrooms on the trail, but plenty inside the store *trail isn't marked with mile markers at the end of the run, there is a large bin of snacks, gu gels, sports beans, etc. each runner is entitled to any 2 items from this bin after the run. incentives: **there is a monthly drawing for a $25 sports basement gift card. 3 winners are chosen from the raffle box, so when you run with the group, fill out a raffle entry. **since last year, they've started mileage award incentives. after your run, write the # of miles you ran next to your name. awards are given for the following total miles (cumulatively, not per run): #50 Miles - Run Group Technical T-Shirt #100 Miles - Running Socks #250 Miles - $10 Gift Card to Sports Basement #500 Miles - $25 Gift Card to Sports Basement #1000 Miles - Special 1,000 Miles Sports Basement Run Group Member Item so far, i've earned a run group technical t-shirt, which is a dri-fit, dark green, short sleeve shirt. very breathable and comfortable to wear during a run.

I've been running with the Sports Basement Run Group twice now. It's really motivating to run with…read moreother people and everyone is very friendly. Everyone runs in a group for the first mile until you hit the San Tomas Creek Trail, chats about the races they're signing up for, goals they're setting, etc. Then people take off based on their ability level. A couple runners do 10+ miles at a very fast pace, but most are in the 4-8 mile range. Some do intense interval workouts, others are just slow and steady. There are about 10-15 people who do the Tuesday night runs right now. It sounds like a slightly larger Sunday crowd. I'd imagine the numbers thin out in the winter though. Here is a description from Mike Gibson who sends out a weekly email to a distribution list (if you want to get the emails, just sign up at the store): "We now officially have 2 run groups. We meet every Sunday morning at 9AM at the store AND Tuesdays at 615 PM... rain or shine. We step off shortly after that. Attached is a copy of the route that we go. Some people run 1 mile, some run 10, it's entirely up to you as well as the pace. Everyone generally starts together, but some people are naturally faster than others and take off, but feel free to run whatever pace is most comfortable for you. We do this to promote fitness and the sport of running! Upon your return you are entitled to 2 FREE snacks from our nutrition department... 2 bars, 2 drinks, a bar and a drink, a bar and a gu (individual items, not whole boxes!), just make sure you get it "snacked out" at our register. Aside from that, you get to enter you name into a monthly raffle for a $75 gift certificate, if you come 4 times in a month then you get 4 entries for that month!" I definitely recommend this group to people who need a little motivation to get their runs in for the week. It's not the most beautiful place in the world to run but chatting with others is enough distraction.

Finally i found the right place, where I'm feeling safe and supported during workouts. It's hard to…read morecome back to your body work after the break, gaining weight. It's awkward to be that person who isn't able to do some exercises. And how important it's not to be judged at that moment, but supported. When coach figuring out right there how to adapt exercises for your body, so it's challenging, but not painful. I'm so happy to finally came here and try it. And continue! Thank you!

I found Santa Cruz Movement about one month ago and I highly recommend their classes. Leela, Dean…read moreand their staff are inspiring, patient and welcoming. They know when to challenge you but also know when to help you modify and they never push you past what you are comfortable or safe doing. The community is friendly and supportive for all levels.