I recently had a virtual session with Nick over Facetime and I am even more impressed with him than…read moreI was before. He was able to offer corrections and adjustments even though he wasn't anywhere near me! I was quite sore the next day despite doing only bodyweight exercises in my living room. He coached me through several exercises I could continue to work on on my own to help with achieving better posture while working at my desk all day and also making just about any basic exercise more challenging by engaging all parts of my body correctly i.e. plank, lunges, cat cow pose. Even if you can't get to the gym, Nick can offer a fantastic session online.

I worked with Nick for about a year. He was really great. He helped me learn and understand what…read morewas going on with my 45+ body that was causing knee, back and shoulder pain. He worked with me to reactivate my core and glutes and to slowly build back up strength and conditioning without reinjuring old injuries. He pushes and knows when to listen and not push too much and really knows his stuff.

I found Najee to be a great coach that listened, was thoughtful, accommodating, understanding, and…read moreflexible with schedule shifts, and had did a fantastic job of getting the most out of me during each session. I started working with Najee shortly after our first child was born, in an attempt to get back into some semblance of shape. My wife had found Najee pre-pandemic to help get in shape for our wedding. After our child was born, we both decided it was time to get back into shape. I'm a professor of Exercise Science, so I have a high bar when it comes to allowing someone else to design a fitness program for me. In my experience, Najee blends a high level of knowledge and curiosity with an impressive capability to read individuals and keep them motivated as they move out of their comfort zone. My wife and I are motivated very differently, yet Najee was able to keep each of us focused while also listening to the feedback we provided about how we were feeling about our workouts, both physically and mentally. Quick example of my results: I'm in my 40's now and after a couple months of focused work with Najee, I was snowboarding with more power and stamina than I had in the previous 10 years. I'd recommend him to anyone, whether you have a specific goal or not (I didn't at the time). Najee can work with you to help find what works best for you.

I've been training with Najee for over a year, and I couldn't be happier with my results. He's not…read moreonly an excellent trainer but also genuinely cares about his clients progress. His upbeat, jovial personality makes every session enjoyable, even when he's pushing me to my limits! I've gotten noticeably stronger, lost weight, and feel more confident in my body. He challenges me in the best way possible, firm but never harsh and always keeps me motivated. If you're looking for a trainer who truly knows what he's doing and makes fitness something you look forward to, I highly recommend Najee.

Ive been a gym go'r all my life. But as you change so does ur habits. I spent some time looking…read morefor a reason why I should go beyond 'Looking Great Naked'. But first I had to signup. I spent NYE 2022 in Hong Kong & did a great deal of walking alone & thinking to myself. I decided to signup there and when I got back Id attend. Ive always been reluctant to do crossfit simply bc it didnt look like me (body, community, etc). But when I walked thru the door (insert meme "How yall doing!") I found what I really wanted which was encouragement w/i a Community. Now I was most impressed driving by daily or riding the 14 bus frm East Oakland to Downtown for the office...seeing their smart use of outdoor space. This brightened the community & demonstrated you can throve anywhere in Oakland w/ positive intentions & smiling people. Now its only been a few sessions yet Ive done 2x a day but when you experience anything it has to be inside first! Glad I went to see what its all about...and I can use any weight Id like! Special S/O to Jason(trainer extraordinaire) who is POC...Ive never seen many POC so FYI visibility matters..& they are always on time & point! (Prayer Hands) Fyi no pics just imagine me naked hahah

I needed a place to do CrossFit WODs with knowledgeable instructors and I didn't want to get lost…read morein a big gym with no one to talk to. Some of these places have so many members that you can feel lost in a crowd. CLASS SIZE: Enter Sequoia CrossFit, where the biggest thing is the actual gym building! The classes are a perfect handful of 10-15 people and the instructors keep a keen eye on your form and make helpful suggestions. DOGS: But the best thing about it is that it is dog-friendly!!! Matt, the owner, has welcomed my dog, Stella, with open arms and even lets her run around with his own pups before and after class when everyone has left. It's the thing she looks forward to the most, more than the actual dog park! LOCATION: One thing I should say, though, is that there are no big signs so I had a hard time finding the gym next to a mechanic shop and buffet. I was nervous to go in and I tried researching it on Google Maps but even there you can't tell where the building is, especially when the hangar doors are shut. Just know that it is a dark grey building. I'll try to post more pics of the outside and post them here. FRIENDLINESS: As a travel nurse, I move often from city to city. This gym has felt like a diamond in the rough, not because of the huge space, free parking, large bathrooms, new equipment, and other amenities, but because of cool people like Coach Matt and Coach Chris and the rest of the members here. I'm currently doing the Open right now, and they have been so accommodating even when I have to retry to get a better score. And now I'm looking forward to their in-house competitions where they have silly trophies and the goal is just to have fun and get to know other members! I could write more about this wonderful space, but I recommend that you come and check out their free introductory class and packages before committing to a membership if it feels right. I promise that you will feel so vibrant and accomplished because of all the support you'll receive that you will easily rise to the challenge.

Ive officially graduated! It's been almost 3 years now and so much was gained…read more Since my my original review, I tried out the group training. It's super fun! Even though it's a group setting, you're grouped with others who are able to lift similar weight brackets as you. Even though everyone is sub grouped, everyone is still encouraging each other on their last rep!!!! Got the chance to meet Coach Ed as well!! Just everyone has been great! I truly believe this is the best space to practice consistency because it truly promotes community and encouragement. This is such a diverse group of people on different stages of fitness. Safe space to get familiar with equipment. Extremely pleased with my progress and excited to continue!!! Thank you Impact!!!

In 2022, I was looking for a trainer who could help me build up strength in my knees and also teach…read moreme how to lift weights with the correct form! My non-negotiables in identifying a trainer were someone who knew the different muscle groups and variations of exercises, made me feel safe, was patient, would challenge me, and supported my fitness goals. Impact Fitness and the trainers, Liam and Ed, embody all those characteristics! On my first day, I could not lift a trap bar because of my form and general weakness in my knees. I was also unable to jump up and land on both of my feet or even crouch down in a squat without it being super uncomfortable. Each day, Liam was incredibly patient with me and celebrated all the little wins with me as my knee progressively got stronger. Liam also encouraged me to seek physical therapy and took time to incorporate some of my physical therapy exercises into the exercises that I was doing in the training. Fast forward to August 2025, I can easily do four sets of 192 lbs on the trap bar and maxed at 205 lbs. I can now squat while holding a 40lb dumbbell, and be confident in the strength of my knees. I also learned how to do different variations of different exercises to accommodate my height and relative flexibility. If you are wondering if this is the place for you, I would say BIG YES if: 1) You want to be in a safe and empowering gym where folks encourage you to push harder but also celebrate the big wins 2) New to strength training and do not know where to start 3) Have goals to improve muscle weakness and learn how different exercises work different muscle groups 4) Looking for a space that does not have "gym bro" culture that is centered on supporting people reaching their optimal health Overall, I love this place and am so grateful to both Liam and Ed for being excellent trainers. I included a video of the inside of the gym, which is always kept clean, and they provide complimentary sweat towels, a filtered water station, and bathrooms. Truly a gem! *Important note: I was enrolled in the semi-private class with 2-3 people per group. I have also taken the group class, which was great!*

Completely remote now. This is the most comprehensive fitness experience known to man. I am already…read moreexperiencing good results

The owner of this business is truly remarkable!! Andre cares about your health and nutritional…read moreneeds. He has a excellent staff that motivates you daily, where else can you go and people really care about your mental health? The staff is like family, everyone is so welcoming that you feel like you are a part of the family. I am so glad I've found this wonderful piece of happiness right here in the bay area. May the pounds I shed go away and never come back.

I've trained at quite a few Muay Thai gyms over the years. Like a lot of people who move around,…read moreI've bounced from city to city and tried different spots. Most of them were solid. Good people, good workouts. But Jay's Training Grounds was the first place where things actually clicked for me. What stood out immediately was the way Coach Jay teaches. Instead of just drilling combinations, he breaks down the fundamentals and the reason behind every movement. Footwork, balance, timing, defense, how punches connect with kicks, when to check, when to counter. You start to understand the system instead of just memorizing techniques. That made a huge difference in how fast I improved. The atmosphere is also very genuine. No ego, no intimidation. Just people who want to train hard and get better. Beginners get clear guidance, and more experienced fighters still get technical details that sharpen their game. It feels like an authentic Muay Thai training environment, not a cardio kickboxing class. If you're in the Bay Area and looking for a place to train seriously while still feeling welcome, Jay's Training Grounds is worth checking out. Drop in for a class, talk to the coaches, and see it for yourself. You'll know pretty quickly why so many people stick around.

My Muay Thai journey started back in 2014, and from 2014-2018 I was fully committed to training…read moreuntil life hit me with school, work, and relationships that forced me to step away. During that time, I gained a lot of weight and felt like I lost a big part of myself. When I tried to come back, I found that the gym where I originally started had closed due to rising rent costs. I checked out a few gyms in Oakland, but none of them had that same community vibe where people truly enjoyed Muay Thai for the art and what it represents, I didn't feel welcomed Honestly, I felt lost and thought I'd never find that feeling again. I even considered driving far just to train because I missed Muay Thai so much. That all changed when I came across Coach Jay's bio and saw that he had trained under the same coaches I had when I first started. I looked at the photos, saw the location, and instantly felt the same vibe I'd been searching for. From day one, Coach Jay was welcoming, helped me get my technique back, and I immediately felt the support from the entire team. Since rejoining, I've gone from 260lbs to 210lbs, building muscle along the way thanks to the strength and conditioning classes (something I never had access to before). On top of that, I've been training in boxing, improving and learning a lot, while of course continuing with Muay Thai. I've even competed in a PKB and plan to keep competing in the near future. For me, Muay Thai and boxing here have not only helped me get in shape but also pushed me to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. The training is tough but motivating, and the team always makes you feel supported like family. Everyone trains hard, but there's also real camaraderie and respect. This gym has given me opportunities to challenge myself in ways I never imagined, from sharpening my technique to stepping into the ring. It's more than just a gym, it's a community that keeps you accountable and pushes you to become the best version of yourself. I'm incredibly grateful to Coach Jay and the gym for helping me return to what I love and for improving my health. If you're serious about training or even just curious to try something new, I can't recommend Jay's Training Grounds enough. - Manny

Tom is awesome. Just took my first kettle bell class and it was with Kettlebell Zen. Why I enjoyed…read morethe training: -Tom is rigorous about great form -The class caters to ALL fitness levels -Tom pays attention to where you might want to be pushed -Students are really encouraging -It's like having a coach take you seriously & listens VS. an instructor with an ego I HIGHLY recommend training with Tom at least once. I enjoyed the time a lot and will be back---even though I live an hour away.

Uneasy about how to start strength training? Curious about that iron ball with a handle, resembling…read morea tea kettle? Cubicle player with limited time? Cubicle evader with ample time? Athlete with a need to be stronger and more balanced? GO.SEE.TOM. He will intelligently, strategically, and swiftly challenge your body into phenomenal shape. Your strength will grow exponentially. Your body will morph in ways that will surprise you. You will laugh, bond with good community, enjoy the glory of nature, and ALWAYS leave wanting more. I met Tom 1 year ago through a fellow fitness practitioner, started training with him 5 weeks ago, and am in shock at how quickly my fitness level is growing. I am pushing more weight than ever before, and I credit his smart programming. As a trainer myself, I have not enjoyed working with someone so much. He trusts my own body awareness, but pushes me past my limits in such a natural way that I am seeing RESULTS, and looking forward to getting up to train.

I have a confession to make. I egregiously violate a stereotype of my ethnicity. Dancing is not…read moreamong my natural talents. During my first dance class in my senior year of college I did 16 hours of extra credit, including mopping behind the good dancers, to get a B-. Yes, a B-. That did not look good on graduate school applications. I was not good at standing. That is not a typo. When I stood up with my weight toward my larger toes I fell on my face. Although I admired, and enjoyed dancing I could never do it or aerobics or any choreography set to music. Then, in 2008, I met Eduardo! I had heard of Zumba. I even had a Zumba video. Actually, I had two of them and couldn't follow them. I took Eduardo's class and I could follow it. It took practice but I could do it. Why could I do it? 1. Eduardo explains what you will be doing with each song 2. Then, he demonstrates after the description 3. Instead of just standing at the front of the class he makes it ALL the way around the classroom, studio or gym (yes, I said gym the man can cover an entire basketball court) to help, you praise you, or have fun with you. Oh, and make no mistake, if you don't do it right the first time he will invite you to do it over. 4. He phases routines in and out slowly. Sometimes, he brings older songs back. 5. Regardless of your fitness level, you leave his class with a good, thorough workout and cool down as well as basic instruction on what to eat to recover. He works you hard and you see results. You will enjoy getting those results. You will want to follow Eduardo wherever he goes for fitness instruction.

Moving Eduardo's zumba classes to the Alameda Mariner's Square Athletic Club is a nice space--but…read moreprobably somewhat deceptive to Eduardo's old exercise crowd--- or anyone from outside who wants to try out the class. You probably thought you couldn't go anymore because the classes are now inside a private club or you would have to join it. WRONG! Guys and gals--you can still come to class and get a punch card like you used at Just Dance Ballroom, and you do NOT have to be a member of the club. So if you've been thinking of doing a fun, challenging (more challenging than regular zumba), latin-based, cardio dance class, please do not let the huge scary stop sign at the entrance stop you. Just go straight up the stairs to the right to the dance room. And do not be intimidated by the choreography, especially your first time. If you get a few basic repeated moves down, you will be able to sweat your little heart out and get a good workout after a few sessions--which is the whole point. I can do my 5 mile run once a week, but this is still the most productive hour in my week. I cross two tunnels each time to get here, and it's more than worth it. Eduardo is still after all these years, the best zumba around the bay.