Great workout and fire playlists! I look forward to Wednesdays now to get a good sweat in and have…read morean all around fun time. Priya's energy is so high you can't help but try to match it! I used to be a Bollywood dance teacher so I really need some challenging and fun choreography - Doonya delivers!

Doonya is one of the best Zumba classes I've been to! I've…read morebeen going since over a year now, and it's usually my thing to do on Wednesdays. I started at Doonya taking Shruti's classes, and later switched to the Heron St location for Palak's sessions. Both of them are amazing instructors! The steps are broken down into easily graspable parts, the choreo is a little challenging but at the same time not too complex which lets you also focus on the "working out" part of it, and moreover the energy level of the instructor is what makes this class truly motivating and pushes you harder. Palak also organizes happy hours, which is a great way to meet people if you're new to the city. Would definitely recommend this class for a fun workout!

It's now been a year since I started at YuBalance and I'm still on a steady 3x/week workout…read moreschedule. I have never, in my life, had a consistent exercise routine I was able to stick to for a year. More than that, I look forward to it and I often find myself with extra energy during the sessions. The coaches at YuBalance taught me a vocabulary of exercises, and every month they mix them up a bit so you don't get too used to anything. But there's a lot to appreciate when you know the moves. Yes, you may have done a forward or backward lunge many times, but how deep is your lunge? How heavy are the dumbbells you're using, how good is your balance? I love the fact that like Bikram, once you know the core moves, your workout can really focus on form and strength, rather than thinking, "am I doing this right?" When you know an exercise, you can scale it up to be challenging and the instructors will tell you how to do that. There are still two 30lb dumbbells I'm nowhere close to conquering (yet). I'm not the lightest I've ever been (that has a lot to do with nutrition), but I'm the strongest I've ever been, and I look better than I've ever looked. At 57, being fit is really important and the core strength I've gotten from YuBalance is a godsend. I'm counting on this to keep me independent as I age. Finally, the instructors have such a great attitude. They have a sense of humor, they introduce me to new music, and are all very encouraging of my progress. I feel really lucky to have access to this in my life.

YuBalance has been a big part of my health journey this year! Over the past twelve months, I've…read moregotten stronger and lost weight while gaining muscle, and I couldn't have done it without the support of the trainers at YuBalance! They are super friendly and positive, and they work hard to keep the workouts fun, varied, and challenging!

I joined Rae Studios as a beginner dancer in 2024. Since then, the studio has been the highlight of…read moremy life in San Francisco. Every single teacher at Rae puts their all in. They take the time to look at you, what you're doing, and help you learn, adjust, and get to know your body more. I'm an unlimited member, but the $25 per class (or whatever it is), is the best way to spend $25 in San Francisco. Not exaggerating. Jess is such an experienced coach. She moves like water. She watches your body, and understands how it works. She makes hands on adjustments. Being in class with her - I truly feel like I'm with a professional-grade artist. Power Barre is a must, for any dancer, any fan of Pilates, or anyone who just wants a lean, toned dancer bod. And Pop Jam is so much fun. I've also taken Jazz Funk with Tashi, which is the BEST way to start a Monday. It's beginner friendly, but you learn technique. She's fun, lively, hilarious. Every single person is beaming when they leave her class. Drenched with Anna is also a pleasure. She's a delight to watch. A true athlete in her flow. It's a real workout! Belly Dance with Andrea was a surprise to me. I had no idea what Belly Dance was until I took this class. As it turns out, Belly Dance is like a mix of Pilates and Booty shaking. I didn't think I could move so precisely, but Andrea is such a good teacher, and so good at explaining the moves - I believe she can teach anyone how to Belly Dance. She has a thorough understanding of the history, the culture, and the artistry. Hip Hop with Mahi - the most energetic ball of fun there is. She's effortless. Drenched with Diamond - another great workout, and a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning. I love to take my girlfriends and get brunch in Union Square afterwards. Also, the Rae Studios Showcase was SO much fun. You get training in how to perform as a group. The adrenaline is intoxicating. There are people who do four per season, is how fun it is. How many opportunities in life are there to perform? Rae Studios makes this accessible to everyone. The world is tough right now. We could all use a little more dance and light in our lives. Check out Rae!

Love Rae studios, long overdue review:…read more Convenient location near Union Square, a short walk from Powell station. You will need to ring the studios for them to buzz you into the building and take the elevator up to the 7th floor. Beware, the elevator can take a hot minute, so get there early! There is usually a receptionist that can help check you in, but you can also self check-in via their tablet in the bigger room. That room also has a dressing room for those that need to change clothing. There is a key for the bathroom. There is a waiting room and cubbies to place your stuff and high end water fountains. I'm glad that Rae studios has partnered with Wellhub/Gympass, This week I took a regular kpop class with Oche for the first time. I have done the performance workshop series with Fran last fall. Both Oche and Fran are great teachers, super energetic, thorough warmups and always checking in if we have questions on the choreography. Also both are super stylish!! Typically, you can see what song is being taught on Rae Studio's Instagram the day before the class. I've also taken several of the free kpop classes at Civic Center with Fran. For the free class, it is on the other side of the outdoor gym. It can get loud during events nearby, but Fran does her best to be loud and clear. As for the performance workshop, it was fun but the day of the performance was quite chaotic. The lights were different than how it was during the rehearsal runs and it was super disappointing when the music cut out. On the bright side, I felt like our group got to know each other well and even held a potluck together! I probably won't do another performance workshop series anytime soon, but will definitely keep coming to the regular and free classes.

I've been on a group workout class kick and stumbled upon The Bar Method-FiDi once when I was…read morewalking back home from downtown. Workout classes are not cheap, but what drew me to the Bar Method was the sign outside that said 13 classes for $78 (use within 60 days.) That comes out to be $6/class! What a steal! I'd never done barre before, but have pilates and yoga experience. I liked Barre because it toned so many different areas! We started with upper body, then moved down the body to legs and glutes and calves and abs! I liked how the class attendees were much more diverse (age, ethnicity, size) than pilates classes. It's very inclusive. Owner Noreen was the instructor and she was very helpful, guiding me and others to have better form. There are pads for when we kneel and sit. The studio is clean and airy. I like their no cell phone policy--too many people in other studios use cell phones during class and it's distracting! I also liked seeing the check-in counter woman diligently cleaning the locker area outside the class room. We take off our shoes there before going in, and it seemed clean. Will be back!

I love The Bar Method workouts! My Bar Method journey started in 2014 at their Honolulu studio & I…read morecontinued with The Bar Method when I moved back to San Francisco right before Covid. I took classes online & at other locations but the San Francisco studio closed last year & we were so sad. So, when we heard that The Bar Method was opening up in the Financial District, we all did our happy dance. I signed up for the 5:30 Bar Method class & it was great to see some familiar faces & meet the studio owners (they also own the San Mateo & Palo Alto studios). It was a great class, fun & very effective & I know that I will be sore tomorrow. Looking forward to taking more classes soon!

I had been running for an indeterminate period of time. I suspected it to be an eternity, but I…read morealso suspected that in my exhaustion I might be exaggerating things. Though I had certainly hiked greater distances, it dawned on me that this was possibly the longest distance that I had ever run in my life in one sitting. One of the girls running next to me spoke up. "Do you know how long we've been running?" she panted to our trainer, merrily peddling alongside us on a bike. "I think this is the longest I've ever run in my life." "About 5 and a half miles," he replied. "This is madness!" I exclaimed. "Madness? This...is...booooooooooooot caaaaaamp!" Okay, so that didn't happen, at least the 300 reference (although our trainer was in fact an easy-on-the-eyes Scotsman). But I really did run 5.5 miles that day, as well as perform various other feats of strength and endurance that would ordinarily seem improbable for me to do on a nearly daily basis. But beyond the fact that my goal weight is currently 22 pounds, I a) have reached the point where I really don't want to go to the gym and do the same routine day in and day out, b) know that despite my inner grumbling, I enjoy a good ass-kicking (especially if it means that I don't have to sweat the occasional chocolate or bucket of fried chicken), and c) would like to spend a least some of my day outside when I spend so much time inside working. For all these reasons and more, Boot Camp SF has been perfect for me. They have a variety of locations, great instructors, and various levels for each time slot offered. If for some reason you think you'll be gone a lot during a session (as I was for the previous one), you can purchase a pack of 10 classes to take when you are able (they can also be purchased singly). Having your measurements taken, which may initially seem mortifying, is actually a great way to see your progress and stay motivated. Oh, and you'll most likely end up bonded to the people in your group, if for no reason other than (happily) sharing in the suffering together.

Welcome to Bootcamp Smack Down. Two bootcamps enter the ring, one leaves. We'll see who has the…read morebest cuisine. Wait.. that's Top Chef. Oops, sorry. I've attended two of the oldest and best established bootcamps in San Francisco (probably the country): Bootcamp SF, and Sgt. Ken's START Fitness. This is a review of Bootcamp SF, but it's also a compare/contrast with START Fitness http://www.yelp.com/biz/start-fitness-sgt-kens-boot-camp-san-francisco Bottom Line: Both START and Bootcamp SF are excellent programs, but for most people START is the better, and cheaper, option. For details, read on - Facility BCSF is entirely outdoors. That's a welcome change for many a gym rat, but you are at the mercy of the weather, equipment is limited, you'll frequently be running around public parks in the dark, and no showers or changing facilities are available. They suggest you buy a headlamp and gloves. I think the gloves are optional, but the light is a good idea. START meets inside everyday and offers nice mats, clean showers, changing rooms, and decent if basic equipment including brand new TRX suspension mounts. It heads outside, weather permitting, for a distance run on Tuesdays, sprint work on Thursdays and for half of class on Friday. Intensity and Effectiveness BCSF makes students work hard. START is all about pushing students out of their comfort zone. I also think START's five-days-a-week class availability (even if you don't go five times a week) and lack of a session structure make it easier to be consistent at START then at BCSF . One BCSF veteran said she saw major changes in herself after about three sessions (18 weeks) and I believe this. Based on my own experience and gossip from both classes, I'm guessing the same amount of change would probably have come in one to two months at START. The Vibe For a program to work you gotta go. The right vibe really helps. Bootcamp SF has taken a few knocks on Yelp from people who felt left out. I had a fine experience, but I can see how BCSF could feel like junior high school PE: a bit cliquey, and there is little sense of being together as a team. Sgt. Ken's is, in my experience, aggressively inclusive and more diverse than BCSF in every way, including ability level. It is, however, a little more structured than BCSF (example - at BCSF everyone may go out and run around a course as individuals, at START you are more likely to be put in a group of 5 people doing relays). If you hate structure but are still attracted to a group exercise program BCSF might be a better fit. Schedule/Location/Cost - BCSF Bootcamp SF meets four days a week (though there is a Saturday make-up session you are welcome to attend whether or not you actually missed a class). The program is organized in six week sessions with a week's break between sessions. You have to join at the start of a session, so if you're timing is bad you could end up cooling your heels for five weeks. Classes are available in the Marina (where I participated), Golden Gate Park, South Beach, Dolores Park and at one location in the South Bay. Times vary by location, but classes are usually at 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:30am and 9:30am Monday through Friday but with Wednesday off. There is also an evening class in Golden Gate Park. Schedule here https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AfptCVdE9mT9ZGczNmZqeGdfODdjd3YycmpnMg&hl=en BCSF is $295 per session if you go 4 days a week, $260 for 3 days a week. This works out to $12 and $14 a class. Schedule/Location/Cost - START Sgt. Ken's boot camp meets five days a week at 6:00am and at 7:00am, in a studio at Franklin and Bush. The program runs continuously, so you can join anytime. Cost varies depending on length of commitment, but if you don't mind stepping up for eight or twelve weeks, it's half to a quarter as expensive as BCSF. They have a three day free trial. 1 week commitment = $17/class 4 week commitment = $14.50/class 8 week commitment = $5.90/class 12 week commitment = $2.92/class If neither BCSF or START sound like your cup of tea, and just in case I haven't given you enough information, here's a list of some other bay area bootcamps. I haven't been to any of these, but I figured I'd share my Googling... Raw Fitness: http://myrawfitness.com/services/boot-camp/boot-camp-415/ (note - only meets twice a week) Schnell Schnell Boot Camp http://schnellschnellsf.com/ (Cole Valley, outdoors, looks like it meets 3 times a week in the morning and twice in the evenings) BasicTraining SF http://www.basictrainingsf.com/ (program organization looks a lot like BCSF) Koi Fitness http://www.koifitness.com/ (program organization looks a lot like BCSF) Crossfit http://www.sanfranciscocrossfit.com/whatis.php According to the New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/22/fashion/thursdaystyles/22Fitness.html an intense, sometimes dangerous workout SF Adventure Boot Camp www.sfadventurebootcamp.com (Women only and coed camps, sessions are 2 and 4 week

I've been with Coach Charlie for a little over a year now, and he's been such a great personal…read moretrainer to me and my friend. We wanted to set up weekly training sessions, but he eased us in with a quick trial to see how we like the sessions and what we can do to achieve our goals in terms of weight, strength, etc. Since then, he's always taken care of us, made sure we engaged the correct muscles, and maintained proper form. We've never felt uncomfortable as he's always been a respectful yet witty and engaging coach throughout. The gym space is the perfect size for a class of 5-8 people. There's a ton of equipment available, and he keeps everything clean at all times. I love that the studio is never too cold or too hot, meaning I never feel like I'm suffocating or rigid from the temperature. Would recommend this gym to any of my friends!

Love Charlie's workout classes! The variety is great -- no two classes are quite the same -- and…read moreCharlie helps correct my form when I'm off. The community of women is also great. Highly recommend!

I love YuBalance, however, almost all of the instructors I started going here for have abruptly…read moreleft. They are what kept me going to class as they made it so fun! I am not sure what happened, and nothing was ever communicated to us.

I love the NV studio, and both the classes and personal training offerings. I try to get 2 personal…read moretraining sessions and 2 classes in per week and that keeps me active, motivated, and I can see steady, incremental improvement in my overall physical fitness. The studio is always clean, airy, the equipment and mats are wiped clean of sweat and dirt, and there are never too many people in the studio to make it feel crowded and overwhelming. My one significant disappointment in recent months is the swift succession of trainers who have abruptly left the studio without the owners informing the members of their departure or the reason thereof. In doing my own research and in talking to these ex trainers, it seems that these have been politically motivated as in - the ownership clashing with them on (unknown to me) aspects such as their training time (too much to sustain physically or too little to make it economically feasible, and personal decisions made by ownership. In any case, it would be good if a newsletter went out informing the members of trainers who are leaving/have left and sending them off in a supportive, respectful manner. I've gone through 4 or 5 really good personal trainers - with whom I'd built a personal and professional rapport - only to find out that it was their last week at the studio. This is both disheartening and disappointing. Advice to management - We come to the studio for the whole experience - the convenience of the location, the quality of the training and classes and most importantly the professional expertise and warm personable attitude of your trainers - whom are your biggest assets. Please don't take them for granted.

I'm in the middle of my second 4-week boxing bootcamp here and loving it. The gym stays amazingly…read moreclean, and the instructors are very friendly and helpful. The vibe is challenging and no-nonsense while still feeling warm and accommodating to different ability levels. Simon is the head coach and really stands out for how well he manages to provide individualized attention and feedback even in a large class. He also knows everyone's names within a couple of days.

Instructor Simon was very professional and well knowledge in the boxing field. He helped me with my…read moreform so l don't injure my back, and we also worked on my footwork. I learned more of the foundation of boxing which was very fun and exciting. I had a great full body workout. The gym is very clean, the people are welcoming. I will definitely go back and whoever is reading this should check them out!

My first ever Zumba experience was a Saturday morning class with Nannette. I was hesitant to go as…read moreI've never tried zumba and to my surprise ended up having such a fun time! I was hooked. Nannette's positive energy is contagious and everyone in the class is super enthusiastic and helpful. The music varies from beat filled songs to mellower sounds which give you a hellouva workout focusing on strengthening muscles. Of course you're encouraged to go at your own pace. Now that I work weekends I can't take her class regularly. I've tried other Zumba classes to fit my schedule but honestly nothing compares to this one!

I took Nannette's virtual class, and it was fun, and had my heart rate going. I can't always make…read moreit, but, now and then I can. See you soon

I've been wanting to join a workout course for a long time because I hate going to a gym to lift…read moreweights on machinery. A free class appeared on social media for Pure Barre and this place is great on all fronts: - Very clean - Respectful members - Excellent instruction - Attentive service - The isometric movements hits every part of the body and I feel nicely sore and warm all over afterwards!

I have heard of Pure Barre for many years but had not made time to try it out until this year! I…read moredidn't know what to expect my first class and was quite lost but truly I was my biggest critic. I've taken classes with Chinwe and Millie and they're both amazing instructors that will help you get the proper form throughout the classes. I primarily take the Classic which is a pretty consistent class that focuses on legs, core and upper body! The transitions between each work out can be fast, but it's nice once you attend class 4-5 times, you get the hang of what to expect. I know there are other types of classes to take (Empower incorporates wrist weights which I'd love to try eventually). I signed up for Pure Barre hoping to improve my core but I've gained so much more! My mind muscle connection has improved as we go through the workouts of the class. I'm quite impressed that the workout having that ability.