As a loyal Gary Lee follower since 2003, I am happy to find that he is finally being recognized apart from the gym at which he teaches. The gym is fabulous, don't get me wrong, but Mister Lee's master workouts deserve more than a small blurb between a description of the locker rooms and the ever-increasing monthly dues. His workouts are the "meat" of my routine and the reason I drive thirty minutes to get to a workout rather than five, and pay $180 per month instead of $50. I do this because there's something about Gary... I'll begin with Gary himself. Thirty-something with a wiry strong, athletic physique, he doesn't look like some crazy Crunch instructor maxed out on steroids. Think Tim Lincecum. Down to earth, often funny, he's one of those people that just walks around exuding good vibes. People tend to gravitate toward him and are excited to be a part of whatever it is he's doing. In the gym, he notices and remembers what each client can do and works from there. He'll yell at you but it's never EVER meant to be mean or to make you do something beyond your personal ability. More encouraging than intimidating, it's a "I notice you're slacking off right now because I know exactly what you're capable of and you're not doing it" warning. My reaction is always either a sheepish grin, or a "you want me to do THAT?" brow furrow... and then I do whatever it is I'm told. The real question is, will training with Gary get you to lose weight? Yeah, it will. As with any trainer though, diet is a huge chunk of it, so don't expect this to be your ONLY solution. Beyond the weight loss though, over time, you'll start to feel tougher. Not just stronger, tougher. (Yes, I'm talking to you too, fellas. Half the class is composed of fit dudes and they have to stop to catch a breath, too). First, you'll notice that you're developing endurance. In the middle of a hard run, you'll be able to drop to a three minute plank followed by a set of push-ups before getting back up to start running again. You'll gain balance such that you won't be twisting or spraining your ankles as easily because the small muscles in your lower legs somehow react faster. Your chronic low back pain will no longer plague you because your core will become tough enough to actually support you (imagine that). The endorphin rush you'll walk away with following each workout will last for hours, putting you in a relaxed, positive mood. These are all effects that I have come to experience for myself throughout my years of training with Gary. Whenever my school schedule conflicts with my G-schedule, I can see and feel the difference, even when I'm consistently taking other bootcamp-style classes, Body Pump, Spinning, Step, and (non-G) kickboxing. I never feel quite as tough or as lean. Needless to say, those are the semesters I dread the most. Fortunately for us all, Gary has branched off to train clients on his own, independent of the pricey gym with workouts on most days of the week. He's the best kept secret to fitness in SF, but now that he's official with Yelp, I think the secret is out... read more

I've only been going to Gary's Total Athletic Conditioning class at the Bay Club for three weeks now, but I'll keep going as often as I can for as long as we're both in the same city. It's the hardest fun I've ever had at a gym. Most other teachers at the Bay Club wear headsets and keep talking and giving instructions throughout the class. Gary comes in and says maybe ten words to the class in the whole hour. He teaches like an animal: pure id. He'll sort of bark to get the class's attention, demonstrate the next move, and maybe say the number of repetitions to do, and then blend back into the crowd. It's hard work, but Gary's spirit and the room's esprit de corps really keeps you working hard at it despite any mental resistance. He'll ask you (without words) to do some insanely challenging stuff -- but instead of feeling messed-with, or abused, or anything else negative, you just laugh at the outlandishness of the challenge, then give it a try and find that you can do it. After every class I go home to my wife and say "look what Gary had us do today!" and demonstrate these things where you're in plank and have to jump the length of a step-aerobics-step without really bending your legs, or this "donkey kick" where you're in plank and kick your legs high and balance on your arms, again without really bending your legs. I show my wife and she says "jeez be careful you'll make yourself puke". (On the other hand, my wife is very happy with the physical results of the class). Gary's Bay Club class keeps getting more and more crowded and I hope they will add more classes (maybe they've simply cut back for the summer?) so I can go more often than just Monday and Tuesday. I take 1.5 hours out of the middle my workday to go to Gary's class--so I have to come into work early and/or stay late on TAC days to keep up good appearances. This is totally worth it. read more

I honestly cannot say enough about Gary Lee's personal training, classes and overall enthusiasm for fitness. He is motivational and inspirational, not demeaning. I leave his classes feeling like I have worked hard and enjoyed myself , which is not always the case with other instructors. If you have the opportunity to work with Gary you should not pass it up! You will thank yourself. read more

What can I possibly say about Gary Lee & G-GYM???? WOW! What an experience! Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would get excited about exercise, get in shape and actually have FUN doing it! He delivers the best - Every day is a new experience and each workout is different from the last. I still leave each workout feeling just as challenged as I did the first time. Gary has a magnetic and infectious personality and a passion for what he does. Those traits are what has kept me coming back for more. There is no better reason to get up before the sun - G-GYM is the best part of my day! Thanks Gary! read more

Gary Lee is honest to God changing my life. I've never considered myself a "fit" person, or the kind of person who makes fitness a priority in life, but with Gary's help I'm on my way there. I was always afraid of personal training, and imagined being yelled at, pressured and embarrassed because of my lack of ability - but Gary's sessions are the exact opposite. He is fun, he motivates, he laughs with you, and he makes working out something to look forward to. Importantly, he has pushed me to reach new levels that I never knew could be within my realm, and just by saying "you can do this" he has me believing it's true. I'm finding myself pushing my own boundaries independently and feeling my workout confidence growing. Gary approaches fitness with a very personalized and holistic view, teaching about total body wellness within the workouts (including understanding the mental component of exercise), and beyond the workouts (nutrition and lifestyle changes). He's like a fitness coach, life coach and therapist all in one. By far the best investment I've made in a long time - Gary is awesome! read more

If you're looking for someone who is smart, works you hard, and cares about your overall fitness, then look no further. Gary Lee is a different kind of trainer; he is holistic in his approach. He isn't tied to a specific method or cookie-cutter approach. He creates a completely custom program to meet your goals. He's cured my overly abused knees, kept me in shape during pregnancy, and cured my post-baby body. Love my Gary Lee! read more

Gary's classes are phenomenal. I have been a devoted follower of Gary for eight years now, and I highly recommend Gary to anybody who is interested in improving their overall wellbeing and physical fitness. Gary takes the time to get to know his clients and areas they want to improve. He personalizes the activities in his outdoor classes for various levels of fitness and tailors exercises when people have injuries. Gary makes exercise fun, and his enthusiasm is contagious. I leave his classes happy I was there and looking forward to the next one. read more

I have been going to Gary's TAC at the Bay Club for almost 4 years and have just recently started doing his outdoor classes this year. There is really no one like Gary. His classes have without a doubt changed my body and improved my overall physical fitness and well-being. Before Gary's, I was an avid gym goer and consistent runner. I felt like I was in a good shape. Going to Gary's has taken me to the next level and I couldn't imagine it not being a part of my weekly fitness routine. Gary isn't the type of instructor who barks out orders throughout the class, but quite the opposite. He blends in with the class, running around making small adjustments to individuals, demonstrating the next move, or simply checking in to see how you're doing. Gary makes an extra effort to get to know everyone who comes to his classes. He caters exercises for those with injuries and personalizes his workouts to accomodate all fitness levels. During his classes, there is barely a second that goes by that I'm not moving. After an hour, I am exhausted and happy after a total body workout. Every class is different and challenging, which makes me excited for the next. Even with a 6 AM start time. You can tell that Gary LOVES what he does and is really good at it. The amount of loyal followers he has accumulated throughout the years is a testament of what kind of program he runs. I highly recommend Gary if you are looking for a fun environment to get in shape and maintain great physical fitness. read more

These classes are just great. Pretty straightforward. If you like being outside during a workout and having a different challenge to face each time then this is the class for you. No workout is the same and the coaching is top notch. Every workout can be custom tailored to account for different body types, fitness levels, and injuries. There is no wasted time explaining anything as it is always go-go-go. The venues and times offered are perfect for keeping it interesting during the week as well as being able to go before or after work. If you have any inclination to give it a try you definitely should as you will not be let down. It is always a great group of people and Gary will make you feel like you have been friends forever immediately upon arrival. read more

You simply will not find a trainer who cares more about his clients. Whether you attend a group class, or opt for personal training sessions, you will be in great hands. His energy will inspire you, and his creative never-boring sessions will keep you engaged every single time. Amazing bang for the buck as well - his prices are beyond fair. Do yourself a favor and book a session now! read more

So motivating! Hard to believe I enjoyed working out at 7am but thanks to Gary (and Jen), I did. I find it addicting, and really a great way to start my day. read more

I was lucky enough to catch a break and get into a month of Gary's classes. As someone who used to consider herself a professional athlete, I have worked with countless trainers of all kinds and Olympians from 5 countries (I only say that because...) and when I say Gary is awesome it is compared to all of those! I was only able to make it to 8 workouts (three weeks) and I lost 4 lbs without changing my diet at all. My arms and abs are noticeably more toned and stronger. He really pushes you - but toggles the workout perfectly from upper to lower body so you can keep going. He also keeps things moving and changes the workouts up enough that time flies when you are in his class. What I was most impressed by, though, was how he was able to manage people at so many different fitness levels in one class. You never feel left behind or like he isn't right there - even with 20 people all at different parts of the circuits. He is very positive, even while giving you corrections. I had so much fun and would recommend the group classes to anyone. Literally anyone. If you can swing it, I bet his personal training session are off the hook. And I have to say I always thinks it speaks volumes about people who work with their family - well Gary's wife, Jennifer, is who you will book with and helps keep his classes organized and on time. They are a great team. I just wish they ran classes in Dolores. read more