I've been to dozens of gyms and studios and this is the most supportive and uplifting environment for working out. Maria and all of the instructors care about making their classes fun, challenging, and safe. "Can't" is a forbidden word here. All different ages and fitness levels attend this studio and the Hard Core family is truly the most amazing group of people. Classes are small and you receive great instruction and encouragement. I was first drawn into the studio by the fun atmosphere of the Zumba classes. After my first Burn session (6-week bootcamp style), I was hooked. I've enjoyed the variety of HIIT, Zumba, Tabata, and Kettlebell classes, and the affordability of different membership options. After losing about 30 pounds, I decided to participate in a 90 day transformation last year and was able to lose 40 pounds with healthy changes to my diet and exercise. Hard Core offers virtual classes which has been fantastic during COVID (Facebook group or live via FB messenger). Whatever your fitness goals are, HCFS is there to support you. read more

I went in for a workout and, it was amazing !!! The ower is very friendly, the workout was effective, the staffs was very helpful. Even the members are very encouraging as well . All my questions was answered , definitely going back tomorrow , and the next day. Highly recommended . read more

I came here last Friday for my first time and took the Zumba clasa and it was a great class and very intense..I loved it and I'm still sore!! The instructor was great ( I can't think of her name. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming!! I can't wait for the next class! read more

This fitness studio doesn't judge and is very friendly being my first ever fitness class I was very apprehensive but Maria made me feel welcome. You are pushed in a friendly way to push yourself but not forced into doing something you don't feel comfortable doing. Maria is a great leader and instructor and also fun. Tip: make sure you tell her when it's your birthday. :). read more

An amazing studio! Never have I felt more welcomed and supported at a gym. From the teachers to the other members there is a strong sense of family and also a dedication to fitness. Maria kicks my butt in Zumba and the hour flies by! My 6 year old also does Zumba and Fitness Training at Hard Core with Yesenia. I love that she LOVES exercise because Yesenia and Hard Core makes it fun. Highly recommend coming to Hard Core no matter what Fitness level you are currently. read more

Ok if you guys wanna have fun working out, and meet amazing people in your life, that are positive and full of energy? This is the place to be! I've been coming here since May of 2017 and lost -35lb and I love it... I'm currently in a challenge and still loosing weight. I definitely recommend "Hard core fitness studio". So many good classes to choose from. You never workout alone... ( Zumba, cycling, kettle bell, and so much more....!) read more

This is by far the best gym/studio I have ever been to. The instructors/coaches truly care about your fitness and overall health. They will push you to reach your goals. The staff and people who attend are very welcoming and friendly. You never feel judged or out of place. Classes are small so the instructors are able to help you individually. I would really recommend anyone of any age, size, shape to try it out! read more

I love our studio!!! I love walking in hesitant and coming out accomplished! This place is my second home. But more than anything I love the people there!! Great trainers, great community, great variety of classes! Trust me, you want to invest your health with Hard Core Fitness Studio!! I recommend this spot to all my family and friends and to anyone looking for a place to call their second home read more

This is the one gym that I actually look forward to visiting. Everyone here is extremely friendly and the trainers make working out fun. No gimmicks, just hard work and results with your new fitness friends. read more

Hard Core Fitness Studio - Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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I have always been "going to the gym." Ie. Crunch or 24 hr... That is how I injured my lower back! I knew I needed help. Hardcore was recommended to me and now it's my second home. The trainers know what they are doing, and how to modify for injuries Maria the creator of BURN stresses very much on form, which pushes everyone up for success. Im amazed to find a gym where everyone is friendly which then becomes your accountability to stay on it!! I just recently discovered cycling and kettlebell classes and I'm obsessed! I used to come to only burn 3xs a week. Then got into the zumba groove. And now Im at the gym at least 4-5 days a week! If you are at all interested in finding a gym home where you can feel motivated to stay active it here.. and if it's your first time there, its FREE!! read more

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BEST GYM IN OC--I drive 25+ minutes to workout everyday, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I can't even begin to express how lucky I feel to have finally found my home away from home at Hard Core Fitness Studio. Before starting at HCFS about 8 months ago, I was always intimidated by gyms and the culture surrounding them. I never felt like I was wearing the trendiest thing, I didn't know how to use the equipment, men in tank tops would stare, and I never saw the results I wanted. Hard Core is a diamond in the rough. The overwhelmingly welcoming and non judge-mental environment, the clean facilities, awesome music and ever-changing workouts means there's something for everyone. Oh and catching your reflection in the mirror and seeing a muscle...? Or even 2...? Ok yes queen, added bonus. My work schedule changes from time to time and there is always a time slot I can find to get my workout in, and it's the highlight of my day. Whether you've always worked out, or are nervous to start, come take a class, I dare you. You'll be pushed to your own, individual limits, and soon enough, you'll be HOOKED! :-) read more

Looking for a studio where you can get a great workout on and have fun? Want to be laughing and smiling when you're sweating? This is the place. As a graduate student, I don't have a lot of free time but getting to a class at Hard Core Fitness is a priority for me every week because of how much I love everything about it! The instructors are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and care about the people in the class. The Zumba classes have an infectious positive energy (Yesenia and Maria are awesome!) that will stick with you long after you leave class. The people who go to this gym are also terrific people that bring a positive attitude. This is a welcoming, friendly, and supportive place to work out. read more

if your looking for an amazing, welcoming environment and a kick ass workout. THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE! in total I've lost 100 lbs since i started to come to HCFS. They have it all here! bootcamp style workout, zumba, kettlebell (my fave) , cycling!! All the instructors are knowledgeable and are always available for questions etc. Maria the owner is Ah- MAZING ! thanks to her i found my home away from home, "gym heaven" lol ! come try it out! read more

I love this place. Awesome people, great work outs, wonderful trainers... who help you, grow with you and laugh with you.

This is a boutique fitness center but the awesome thing about this one compared to all others is that instead of just offering 1 style of work-out you have 6 to choose from for less than the competitors prices. The second you walk in you feel as if you are a part of the family. But get ready to get a very intense and challenging work-out & to be pushed to your max! Maria is probably one of the up-lifting and motivating instructors you will EVER meet. Once you try it, you will be hooked. read more

Incredible work out studio, amazing classes, and super badass instructor. I'm literally here 6 days a week. Intense 60 minutes class and feeling fantastic afterward. Love cycling, love kettlebell, love tabata class... love everything about this little precious gem in Lake Forest! read more

Hard Core Fitness Studio - Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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I love Hard Core Fitness in so many ways! The location is very convenient - right off the freeway. The gym itself looks amazing - nice open waiting area with plenty of seating, gorgeous fitness room complete with great floor, teacher's stage, great sound system, large mirrors, and even mood lighting! There is always a kind receptionist at the front - never a long wait for service. The staff and students are a fitness family - everyone is so sweet, interactive, and everyone truly cares about each other! It's a great motivational environment where everyone feels welcome and no one is left behind or out of place. This is truly a place where everybody and every BODY is welcome to come and push to your own personal maximum challenge. Maria, the owner is an amazing coach - strong, dedicated, enthusiastic, encouraging, and creates great workouts with lots of dynamic challenges and variety! I love Burn sessions where you can monitor your body shape and your fitness progress through the series. To top it off, this is the best place for Zumba! All of the teachers are so fun, enthusiastic, creative, and the whole place has great party vibes! So much goodness in one place! read more

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Let me start by saying I am not a gym person but for my 55th b-day instead of an AARP card I signed up for my first BURN session. To say this was a stretch for me is an understatement but I love this place. It is small gym with great classes that will kick your butt and keep you motivated. Maria the owner is amazing. She is so encouraging and knows when to push you when to encourage you. The Kettlebell class, Circuit Circus and Tabata are great additions to the weekly workout. There are cycling classes too for those folks who like to cycle. Everyone at the gym is encouraging and you NEVER feel like you are being judged by anyone but yourself- so kick that negativity to the curb and sign up for a BURN session you will work hard but you will be amazed at how much better life is when you start to take control over your life and health. Strong is the new skinny read more

High energy, fun, welcoming Zumba class! Thanks Maria for a great class! One of the best Ive ever been to!

Best gym, best instructor, best deal and amazing people! I'm glad I'm part of this awesome fit family! read more

Hard Core Fitness Studio - Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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High energy and friendly staff members. The group of girls (members) from zumba and piyo class were all amazing! Made me feel so comfortable when I first started. It's not just a workout... it is a FUN workout! Highly recommended for those who likes to have a good time while working out. read more

Life changing!!! I found HCFS by looking for a dance class on Google...and it has never been the same since! Maria, the owner and amazing instructor, welcomed me with open arms and it was love at first Zumba class. Her loving spirit made me want to keep coming back and utilize all the classes to improve my health. At first I was intimidated by the classes, but now I have attended every single one of them more than a handful of times. The instructors and fellow members are now my good friends too! I worked out in the local parade the studio was in and tomorrow I am cheering them on at a fitness expo! Not only have I gained friends but I lost weight too!! Over 10 pounds so far and counting! Maria doesn't hold back and she makes sure you get a good workout! It's always easier to lose weight when you are having fun...and you definitely will here! read more

I went to a Zumba class with Maria when I was in town visiting my parents for Thanksgiving, and I have to say it was one of the best I've been to. And, I've been to a lot of Zumba classes. Maria had really great energy and everyone there was really nice and welcoming. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in town!!! read more

This is my favorite place, I'm here 6 days a week and somedays I go in the morning and back after work. Maria is the best instructor and fitness coach, she and her team are amazing and all the classes are intense. I love my workouts at hard core fitness studio, I love the energy, I love the people everyone are very nice and make you feel like home. I highly recommended this studio. I stared in March 2016 and after 3 months they help me to lost 23lbs and now I have the motivation to continue until I reach my goal read more

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Hard Core Fitness is a great gym. The classes are smaller and the instructors are great at what they do. The classes are high energy and intense. An hour class passes quickly and you get a really good work out. I would definitely recommend this gym to anyone. read more

I've been going to Maria's zumba classes for a year now. I remember coming back from my first class and still continued dancing at home! The music, energy, moves, ambiance and of course the instructors keep me coming back. I love that the lights are dimmed when you're dancing which means no one is looking at you and you can't see yourself in the mirror (unless you want to and that's what the front row is for!). Also love the jam cycling session - Maria has such good taste in music and she makes 1 hour fly. I promise you'll sweat. It took me this long to write a review because I was selfish and afraid the studio would get too crowded and leave me on the waitlist. haha. read more

I attended the Ring My Kettlebell class and loved it! The studio is a welcoming environment, from the staff to the other participants in the class and even the motivational quotes on the walls! Maria has so much energy and enthusiasm, pushing you to your limit in a positive way. I also love the fact that you can sign up for any class with no membership required, it's super convenient for my schedule. You WILL break a sweat taking any of her classes! :) read more

Their zumba classes are super fun and get my body moving. I love the way they make their fitness routines so fun. I'm always so sweaty after each class. I feel great after my workout. Maria is a great instructor. She helps everyone build up their confidence and get fit! I'm going to try BURN next. read more

Finally found my gym home! I've been working out at total woman for 12+ years, but it never felt like home. Maria (the owner of Hard Core) was a Zumba instructor a few years ago at TW & was always my favorite. So happy to hear she opened up her own studio. The ZUMBA classes have a nightclub ambience. I am also doing the BURN sessions. Everyone is so friendly here and the classes are invigorating. I go through 30 ounces of water and 2 towels. LOVE this place!!! read more

This is the best fitness studio around! Supportive, uplifting, empowering, come as you are and they will walk with you the whole way to a healthier you. The family atmosphere is so much better than a large impersonal gym. Come try a class, a huge variety to chose from, the first one is free. Maria is the best, her passion for your health cannot be contained it is infectious, you can't help but be smiling as you complete a class. read more

This gym/therapy/boost of energy is absolutely worth it! A full body work-out each and every time.

I truly love this gym! My unlimited membership is the best gift I have given myself which I opted over a designer purse when I got my bonus earlier this year - LOL! Hardcore Fitness is a unique, friendly, nonjudgmental fitness studio; it is more than just a gym. It is a family atmosphere where the instructors are there to encourage, support and motivate members even providing tutorials during a busy class. I love (sometimes hate, in a good way) the BURN Fitness, it is a challenging and fun program, I love that every work out is different, and how it challenges me both mentally and physically to a level that I will not even try on my own. I have attended all the classes offered at Hard Core and I love them all! I also love that Maria comes up with special classes such as Partner Workout, Ride-in Movie Night a 2 hour cycling class while watching a movie on a projector, and other fun workouts. The Zumba class is not your ordinary Zumba class, the great music selection will get your body moving and it will make you sweat, I mean really sweat, it's hardcore. I also enjoy the company of the members and how we encouraged each other to do our personal best. I am so grateful for my awesome and passionate instructor who I used to detest in the beginning, calling out my name a lot during class (with good intentions of course), which is just what I needed to push harder. I am now on my third round of BURN program, I have lost 10 lbs., 9 inches total, and most of all I feel stronger and leaner than I have ever been. read more

Love love love this fitness studio! Maria rocks and you can't beat her prices on the classes - affordable for anyone!! No lock in contracts