Lightning&#x27;s Boxing Club

(30 reviews)

1.2 mi

I cannot recommend Branden Henderson enough! From the…read moremoment I started training with him, I knew I was in excellent hands. Branden has been instrumental in helping me achieve my fitness goals, and the results have been great! What sets Branden apart is his personalized approach to training. He took the time to understand my goals, limitations, and preferences, and tailored each session to maximize my progress. His expertise in fitness and nutrition was evident in every workout plan and dietary advice provided. Not only did Branden push me to new limits, but he also ensured that each exercise was performed with proper form and technique, minimizing the risk of injury. His motivation and positive attitude was contagious, making every session enjoyable and something I looked forward to. Thanks to Branden, I achieved my goals of loosing weight, building muscle, improving endurance and have never felt better. I am stronger and feel confident. I was training for the Spartan race since February and can say I killed it with his preparation and help. If you are looking for a dedicated, knowledgeable, and inspiring personal trainer, look no further than Branden. He will undoubtedly help you reach your fitness goals and beyond!

Elite fitness has top of the line trainers such as Remi and Branden Henderson. I trained for over 6…read moremonths with Branden and he has been an exceptional coach. He is not in this field for the money. He truly cares about his clients. He approaches coaching in a holistic manner, focusing on mental, spiritual and physical health. He provided meal plans, strength training plans and weekly coaching check ins. In our checks in he would share his wisdom, strategies to do better, encouragement and accountability. He is truly an amazing coach and trainer. Book him if you are ready to change your mind and body.

Each member has their own space for training, minimizing the need for sharing equipment

Client results through strength training and personalized nutrition plans

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Our dumbbells go from 5lbs to 100lbs, accommodating all fitness level.

Body Mechanix - Laurel

(61 reviews)

1.3 mi

If you're looking for a gym where the trainers will lovingly torture you while you question every…read morelife choice you've made, BodyMechanix - Laurel is your spot. I've been coming here since I turned 34 (I'm 37 now, so let's just say my attendance record here is more consistent than my dating life), and it's become my second home. My happy place? Boxing with Nico on Thursday nights and Andy on Saturday mornings. They work us hard--from the bags to the mitts--and you can tell they genuinely love what they do, which makes you want to work harder too. The vibe here is energetic, supportive, and community-driven, even if you're like me--assertive, rebellious, and just a little defiant. I've made it my mission to talk back during workouts, roast the trainers mid-burpee, and encourage others to listen to their hearts when Nico, Andy, or any of the other amazing trainers push us like soulless robots. (They're not soulless, I promise--just slightly sadistic, in the best way.) If you think lifting weights and working out is drab, you haven't done it here. The community is what makes every drop of sweat and near-tear worth it. The trainers truly care about your transformation, not just physically but in how you see yourself and your own strength. They've created a space where you feel seen, pushed, and celebrated, even when you're lying on the mat wondering why you thought a 6pm class after work was a good idea. Shoutout to the trainers Ming, Angelo, Warren, and Tori, who keep the energy high, the encouragement real, and the workouts spicy. And to owner Terrell, who's built a place that feels like home (if home had kettlebells, a power rack and trainers encouraging you on while you question your life choices). If you're looking for a place to get strong, laugh while suffering, and meet some of the best humans in Oakland, come here. And if you see someone talking back to the trainers while smiling and refusing to quit, that's probably me. Come say hi, and let's complain about landmines together.

Meh, place just OK. Kind of snooty workers, strict rules, very small inside, too expensive, nowhere…read moreto park. Not feeling it.

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Monica Morris- Personal Training

(54 reviews)

1.6 mi

Monica is one of - if not THE- most compassionate and intuitive people I've ever met. Not only does…read moreshe care about her craft, but she centers the individual and their overall wellbeing. I have multiple disabilities and illnesses, which have resulted in a difficult relationship with my body. It was important to me to find someone knowledgeable about the body and a comfortable, private space where I could learn. I initially reached out to Monica to focus on getting stronger, and I am! The unexpected results have more to do with my confidence, and she's helped me recognize that I'm capable of so much more than I thought. Ok so I could go on forever about how amazing she is, but in addition to all of the above she: - provides customized weekly workouts - Is extremely flexible when it comes to scheduling conflicts - Has a safe, clean, calming space in which to work out and learn - Can tactfully Target specific areas of strength training to meet specific goals - Can advise on supplementary actions to further progress - Offers frequent check ins throughout the week for accountability and progress She's also got a wonderful memory and an expert understanding of anatomy. If not for her, I wouldn't have pursued figuring out underlying health issues that have impacted my energy, mobility, and overall wellbeing.

Monica didn't just help me 'lose some weight', she coached me to carry out a more active and…read moremindful lifestyle to ultimately help me accomplish the goal of feeling at home in my own body. She's very patient and will only push you if she knows you can do it (trust me, you can :P). Sessions with her are not just another gym class, she truly listens to you and your concerns and keeps you motivated in your journey to become a better you

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Maxwell Personal Fitness Coaching

(5 reviews)

1.6 mi

Max is a very professional, reliable, and knowledgeable personal trainer! He is super approachable…read moreand motivating. Not only do I look forward to our workouts, but I have also been amazed at my results- I lost 20 lbs without sacrificing muscle mass. I 100% recommend Max if you are looking for an efficient, dedicated, and talented personal trainer!

Started with Coach Max a year and a half ago and saw very positive results. After some health…read moreissues, I returned to pick up where we left off Coach Max knows what he is doing. He motivates you and keeps you moving and growing with different exercises so things never get stale. He also gives advice regarding nutrition that has been very helpful. With Max's continued guidance and encouragement I can challenge myself to lift heavier, get fitter, and am surprised at what I can do! I push past my limits, and you will too. He is also a great guy to spend an hour with and I always look forward to my workouts.

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Oakland's Most Powerful

(24 reviews)

2.4 mi

I joined Oakland's Most Powerful a year and a half ago. With just two 1-hour classes each week, I…read morehave made tremendous gains. Mel and Luis lead efficient classes, allowing time for mobility exercises, warm-ups, strength exercises and cool-down in just an hour. Both coaches emphasize proper technique, and in every class I benefit from the specific observations and pointers they give me. What's more, Mel and Luis are awesome people, bringing a positive stoke to every class, and building a diverse, fun, and welcoming community. If you are looking for one thing you can do to benefit your health, get fit, or support your athletic performance, look no further than Oakland's Most Powerful.

I've been working out with the coaches at Oaklands Most Powerful Gym through Strong Start and it's…read morebeen amazing. The coaches are knowledgeable, encouraging, and build a great sense of community. I ENJOY going to class, have built strength and tools that are helping me feel great. Highly recommend Coach Mel and Coach Luis! (And don't be intimidated if you're just starting out - the program takes you step by step)

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Oakland's Most Powerful

Frank’s Functional Fitness

(1 review)

2.0 mi

I have worked with Frank since February 2022. His approach to training is personal and tailored fit…read moreto each person's needs. I've appreciated this immensely, as I've sustained multiple injuries over the last couple of years. He has always met me where my body is physically--finding the best ways to support my recovery while continuously increasing strength and mobility. His care for me outside of the gym (mental, emotional, social) is also incredible. He always inquires after my family and work worlds, always encouraging me to take care of my health and wellness. All I can say is sign up with Frank today!

From the owner: Hello! I'm Frank Panares, your dedicated personal trainer committed to guiding you on your fitness…read morejourney. Whether you're looking to enhance your functional mobility, manage chronic pain, or simply get in better shape, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Join me at Polos Gym, located in the vibrant Laurel district of Oakland, or let me bring the workout to your doorstep for added convenience. My philosophy is straightforward: "I can't promise it will be easy, but I can guarantee impactful results." Let's embark on this transformative journey together and unlock your full physical potential!

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Polo's Gym

4.7

(67 reviews)

2.0 mi

It's been a while since my last review here, and I'm happy to say this gym has only gotten better…read more I wasn't very consistent with the gym over the past few years, but I've been back for almost three months now and have actually been looking forward to every workout. I'm down 15 pounds already and honestly feel like I'm in my 20s again. The gym has everything you need to get a great workout in. It's clean, well maintained, and the atmosphere is exactly what I'm looking for. No influencers setting up tripods, no one hogging equipment for photo shoots, just people focused on their workouts. Everyone is respectful, cleans up after themselves, and gives each other space. It's become part of my routine again, and I don't see myself going anywhere else. Definitely happy to be back.

I love this gym! It is so well equipped, the other patrons are very respectful and it doesn't get…read moreoverwhelmingly crowded. Polo, the owner, is wonderful. I have been training with Rio for the last few months and achieving my fitness goals. I highly recommend coming here!

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Wide Open!

Planet Fitness

2.8

(275 reviews)

1.2 mi

I like this gym. I wish they would keep it cleaner, enforce the rule of putting equipment back…read morewhere it belongs after use, and use disinfectant in the spray bottles to clean equipment other than water. Water isn't cleaning it.

I love this gym. It is clean, high tech and machines adjust so taller people like me can fit haha…read more I do wish they was open 24/7 like they used to be

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Dancing with your Doctor

(8 reviews)

1.6 mi

If you're like me, you're here to find out -- what results can I expect? I'm all about that "before…read morevs after" story. Before: - Postpartum mommy bod with NO pelvic floor, NO core strength, and NO upper body strength. I couldn't even jog for more than 5 minutes. After: - Body confident mama who wore a SILK hip hugging dress to her friend's wedding with no Spanx! Ha! My arms are the most toned since high school 20 years ago (truly! I looked up my old photos!). I feel confident in shorts again. I can easily lift my baby, pull my body weight up, and even... RUN! My neck that used to get tweaked every other week hasn't flared with pain in months. Ezekiel helped me fundamentally change how my body carries itself. How does he do it? He studies and analyzes how each exercise is helping your body specifically. For example, we were doing chest presses and I wasn't moving up in weight - he researched and tested out different adjustments to my technique until we saw results! This is the difference between exercising by yourself or exercising with any other trainer -- Ezekiel uses his deep knowledge of how the body works to tailor a plan for you.

I used to be incredibly active but when the pandemic hit, I went from overactive to couch potato…read more From prior experience, when I've went from a period of very little activity to back to what I used to do, I very frequently end up injuring myself. Ezekiel was very patient with me and allowed me to build the confidence in my own ability. Not all trainers do this in my experience. My previous trainer do a general assessment and then push you at your max to obtain results faster. This was not my goal, I wanted something sustainable and Ezekiel took this to heart. When I was ready to push myself, he definitely provided. He always kept each exercise fresh. I noticed that I started to do more weight-lifting (something I dread and get bored with) on my own. Please consider him if you want something who really listens to your needs.

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Hi Everybody!

Jpettyfitness

(2 reviews)

1.0 mi

I love having Justin as a trainer! Not only does he motivate and push you to do better, but he also…read moreknows how to make a balanced workout plan that adheres to your specific needs. As an ex college athlete I wanted a trainer who would understand my needs, and I fully trust his guidance and opinions. With his knowledge of the body and different injuries, as well as an eagerness to figure out with you what might be causing your pain or injuries, he makes sure that your are healing your body while still getting stronger and reaching your goals. He's a great trainer and makes each session something to look forward to , 10/10 would recommend.

Amazing trainer. Always on point when he trains me and other clients that's in the gym. I love the…read morefact that I have a trainer who understands the body and also understands our ability.

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.

East Bay Regional Park District

4.7

(595 reviews)

2.9 mi

I went hiking at the Reinhardt Regional Redwood Park for the first time and loved it!…read more Plenty of street parking at the Redwood Bowl lot and we had no issues with vehicle break ins, luckily, although there were a few warning signs up to remind you to put your valuables away. There are bathrooms by the Redwood Bowl but we couldn't find any helpful maps so just used our phones to navigate. The trail we ended up taking was around 4 miles and took 2 hours. Most of it was shaded and among redwood trees so I really enjoyed that this could work as an afternoon hike. It's a moderate difficulty level with some steep areas. There's also a popular picnic area with grills and an archery range. You could even walk to the nearby swimming pool or visit the Chabot. We only did one half of the hiking loop so will be back to check out the other side.

Peak My Interest…read more ***PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE YELP PAGE FOR REINHARDT REDWOODS REGIONAL PARK*** I was attempting to change the name to the proper moniker that included "Reinhardt," but Yelp mods, being the highly regarded sort, somehow decided in their infinite wisdom that they should change it to "East Bay Regional Park District"?! What the what?? 0_o So, that's on me, kids. My bad. Onto the review... A giant ±1,833-acre redwood forest nestled in the Oakland Hills, this park was a former logging site back in the 1800s. Fortunately, there has been a nice resurgence of redwoods to replace those that were cut down. It ain't old-growth, but we'll take what we can these days. The Good: * Free at certain times of year and at certain entrances (more below) * Mountain biking on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Horseback riding on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Camping available (check website for info and reservations) * Reservable and non-reservable picnic tables (check map & website) * Restrooms available in parking lots, as well as at some campsites * Nearly forty miles of trails with something for everyone * If you're looking for a moderate ±4.5-mile loop, go to the Skyline entrance and take the Serpentine Prairie Trail to Dunn Trail to Golden Spike Trail, then back to Dunn Trail The Meh: * $5/vehicle entrance fee on weekends and major holidays between April and October, only at the Redwood Gate entrance * Most of the trails are pretty decent, but some are in rough shape due to water damage The Ugly: * One of the few parks I've seen with "off-leash" sections for dogs--which is fine, except you know there's a good majority of dog owners who think they can control their dogs but really can't. We saw a panicked guy chasing his dog down a trail at one point, and who knows when--if ever--he caught up to it. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Conclusion: Great park with tons of trails and lots to see and do.

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

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Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

Temescal Pool

3.9

(76 reviews)

5.6 mi

First time visiting this outdoor pool faciltiy on 1/17/26 (Saturday) during their public hours…read morewhich opens at 11am. Front desk staff was friendly and I was able to sign up for a 10 visit pass for $51, otherwise it's $6 a visit. I figured this will hopefully keep me consistent for the beginning of the year. The facility itself could use an upgrade but overall it is wat you would expect from an older building. The entrance into the pool is through the locker area which has lockers, changing area with benches, showers, and bathrooms. The pool looks fairly clean on the surface and we'll maintained. There are lanes divided into slow, fast, and medium speeds for circle swimming. Much of the demographics is 50+ during the time I went and they were all spaced out fairly evenly. The pool is actually open earlier for swim club members ($55/month) which is nice for early birds and the crowd seems younger at that time. I was told it's open to the public to sign up for that as well. The water itself was a good temperature. The pool goes from 3 ft to 9 ft. The bottom of the pool was clean on the 3 feet side, but had debris on the floor in the 9ft side. Folks would swim for about 30 minutes - 1 hour and more folks would flow into the lanes. Everyone is respectful and the regulars would chat with one another at the walls. There are kickboards and other supplies you can borrow from in a shed if you'd like. There is a lifeguard on duty. I asked her for the time, but she didn't know it, which I thought was odd because I could hear her talking on the phone or talking aloud. I asked another swimmer for the time and he said there's a clock right behind me, which I didn't see, and I'm surprised the lifeguard couldn't just tell me there was a clock to check. Apart from that, I enjoyed my one hour swim and got a reality check on how out of shape I am. I'll definitely come back to continue swimming and work my way up to the fast lane. Check out more recs and spots in the bay @thefoodhigh

Superb pool. The lanes are wide and the pool is heated. The pool length is 30 yards. The other…read moreswimmer are friendly.

Spring 2008 Intrasquad Meet

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Joaquin Miller Park

4.4

(313 reviews)

2.4 mi

What a nice park; filled with greenery and trails galore…read more Park near the ranger station. Be sure to walk over to the nursery garden area too. The Sunset trail is a winner; get a brochure to view your route. Enjoy.

Beautiful park in Oakland. Lots of nice trails and there are dedicated off leash dog areas and dog…read morepark. Plenty of parking is available as well. There is a playground for children and steps for those that want to use stairs for their exercise routine.

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Crown Memorial State Beach

4.3

(169 reviews)

4.8 mi

Fantastic beach for younger kids, and a great option for East Bay residents who aren't up for the…read moretrek into the city or the even longer drive to Santa Cruz. The beach is clean and has useful amenities, including outdoor showers, picnic tables, and restrooms. I haven't actually used the restrooms, so I can't speak to their condition, but I can say I've never noticed trash on the beach, even on busy days. The crowd is generally respectful, which goes a long way. The downside is that the water isn't exactly pristine by appearance, smell, or feel...but you can't have everything. My favorite thing about this beach, aside from the fact that the water isn't freezing, is how shallow it stays. I can wade out with my kid what feels like half a mile and still not feel like we're anywhere close to being too far from shore. P.S. Do NOT forget to pay for parking if you're in the lot. It's yellow, located at the far end, the fee is 5 dollars and it's easy to miss. Also, they don't accept Discover debit.

In The Teen and I's new Friday ritual of water watching before we head home, we stopped by Crown…read moreMemorial before heading through the tunnel to let traffic die down a bit.. This was definitely the place to be back in the day! Parking was a snap and we found a bench to sit on starting the water watching. The view was awesome and the sun was shining just like Bob Marley said. There were people, young and old playing in the sand, lots of bike riders, and of course, those dog walkers. The Teen put the phone down and ventured out and some sand, touching and driftwood drifting.. Definitely, we will be back when it gets warmer with hopes of finding front row parking again!

7/2022

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Alameda Beach

4.0

(166 reviews)

3.8 mi

Alameda beach is one of the few beaches in norcal where you can lounge at…read more We have been regularly doing our open water swims in the area and the water's always feeling relatively clean and refreshing. There is plenty of parking all along the roads and overall, a great place to reset in the mornings, evenings and on weekends.

Love, love this beach! It's a perfect place for toddlers. Easy parking, tjs basically across the…read morestreet, clean sandy beach and calm waves. Makes for a perfect day in the sun! Its close location is also ideal given that its way closer than any other beach

Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary

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Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary

Splash Pad Park

3.7

(3 reviews)

4.2 mi

This park is small, but has a great location!!…read more Also home to the Grand Lake Farmers Market on the weekends, this is a great place to come to eat at after grabbing a bite at one of the nearby restaurants, especially on nice days when you want to eat outside. There's a small water fountain area here, plenty of parking under the 580 freeway, and plenty of areas to sit down. Decent Park!!

It's one of those, places in the Oakland area other than right on Lake Merritt a place where you…read morecan sit in feed the birds and watch people pass by Fun fountain structure for kids and nice enough on farmers market days, One of the places we walk by on our daily walks A gem of an urban park, mostly maintained by neighborhood volunteers. The Saturday farmer's market is year-round, and well worth a visit. Restaurants in the Grand Lake neighborhood (on Grand and Lakeshore) are diverse and welcoming. The Grand Lake Theatre shows first run movies and include an organ player on Friday and Saturday evenings. A walk around Lake Merritt is a 3 mile jaunt well worth the effort.

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Athletic Playground

4.4

(123 reviews)

6.7 mi

Took a beginner silks class here and had such a great time! I was a little intimidated at first,…read morebut the excitement quickly took over. The instructor was super kind, encouraging, and explained each step clearly, which made it easy to follow along even as a total beginner. A few years back, my kids also took the parkour class and absolutely loved it--it was the perfect way for them to get moving and burn energy. Overall, this place has such a fun and welcoming vibe. Highly recommend for both adults and kids looking to try something new!

Really cool spot. Took a handstand class here which was excellent but there are also a ton of other…read moreclasses I want to take. Friendly folks, great facility.

AcroYoga / Partner Acrobalance

Handstands!

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Monkey Ninja Camp! Ages 5 and up!

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11 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Robert S.

0

1

0

14 years ago

hi my name is robert simmons and I am a boxer at lighting Lopez boxing gym this gym is a great Jim to be a part of because not only is it a gym it is a family and is a great motivator and he knows how to make you feel like 1 of the teen. this is Jim is a full out gym it has weights it has a heavy bag it has a double end bag it has a speed bag and it has a full size range field with spirit in lots of motivation to persevere and not the week. so far are you out of here looking at this do not miss out on a great opportunity to not only be a part of a time but to be a part of the family. read more

James V.

0

1

0

13 years ago

I've got over 20 years of experience in combat sports: Wrestling, BJJ, Judo, Muay Thai, and MMA. I wanted to get in shape for a few BJJ tournaments and sharpen my boxing skills. This is the real deal: Kris has taken me from the basics to sparring rounds in a few short weeks - and I was in great shape for my tournaments too! Parents - Kris has a great kids program too, with excellent boxers of excellent character. Bring them by as soon as you can. James Valentine BJJ Black Belt Multiple time World and Pan-American Medalist and Champion, International Brazilian Jiujitsu Federation read more

Brian G.

0

10

1

14 years ago

This gym offers no classes!!!! Its a traditional boxing gym like gleasons in ny. the trainer individually attends to each member as if they are a competitive fighter. if you come here you won't be able to hide behind a bag or lift weights in some obscure corner. at some point you'll be 1on1 with the boxing trainer and he will take you to your limit. read more

BT Z.

0

1

0

14 years ago

I came to Lightnings boxing club event a few months back to support a friend and be entertained and I definitely had a great time watching the well conditioned fighters do their thing in the ring. Lightning's boxing club is a name I'l remember and recommend to anybody who wants to beast up ! read more

Kris L.

0

14

16

13 years ago

Get off on 16th turn left on embarcadero drive 1/4 mile turn left on livingston drive 200ft slight left on 22nd ave. turn into Embarcadero Cove bubusiness park( big white gate)This is in the safe industrial area on the oakland harbor side of 880 frwy . The parking lot is huge and Free!!!! read more

Elvin F.

0

7

2

12 years ago

Been going here for 1year now, after leaving my old gym. I have improved alot and get the attention i feel a boxer needs to excel. Coach is the real deal. He checks up on his fighters , and we talk more than just boxing. I recommend this gym for any kid that want to try out the sport read more

Daniel L.

243

14

0

14 years ago

This is a real gym no harwood dance floors no corny "classes" There are fitness people here, and active fighters, everyone co-habitates well. Could use a treadmill for variety,but real fighters run for real so maybe not. read more

Aidyn Y.

29

2

4 years ago

I've trained in many gyms around the world. And this gym is one of the best. Kris's boxing school is one of the best at the moment. Highly recommend read more

Lightning L.

19

8

14 years ago

The best boxing coach in the bay area resides here. This gym is hands on everyone is trained as if they were fighting for a world title

Cdd34000 D.

0

1

0

10 months ago

Nice, clean facility, great coaching!! Helpful atmosphere, Truly a hidden gem in the Town!!

Naj S.

6

0

11 years ago

I'm looking forward to going back. This place is still the flyest gym ever.

Lightning's Boxing Club - sports_clubs - Updated July 2026

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One of the greatest boxing gyms in the greater Bay Area. Old school boxing, with old-school boxing…read morerules. A true boxers, paradise.

Old-school boxing gym…read more I read about this place in the 3/23/25 SF Chronicle newspaper and went to buy a t-shirt for a friend who is a long-time boxing aficionado. Located in a short cul de sac next to the frontage road just east of highway 880. Parking was haphazard. Was greeted by Celeste King, who owns and operates the gym now. Inside it's like a scene out of a boxing movie, old school and serious business. There's an elevated ring where two boxers were sparring, guys skipping rope, hitting the heavy & speed bags. Hundreds of posters and photos adorn the walls and ceilings, including ones that proclaim this the home of Andre Ward! I bought a t-shirt with their logo for a very reasonable $20. When my buddy visits me again I'll bring him here, he'll luv it no doubt.

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Absolutely LOVE Phight Club! Started training with coach…read moreKofi about a year ago and I've only ever seen improvements with my health and boxing. In the past three months I was able to lose 15 lbs without any dietary changes. Phight Club offers kids classes, adult beginner, intermediate and fight team classes all of which are strictly boxing. I highly recommend Phight Club for anyone looking to either lose weight, have a more active lifestyle, or to become a fighter! Prices are very reasonable as well.

Jay’s Training Grounds

(18 reviews)

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

Supreme Mma

(26 reviews)

We have been participating in the toddler, then kids class for almost 2 years. It's so fun and we…read morelove seeing our kids grow. Not only are they learning how to move their body in safe and dynamic ways. The community aspect, family involvement, and guidance from the coaches is second to none. We have loved the friendships our kids are making. Also, it's so cool to see the great balance of boundaries, play, strength, discipline, coach Panda instills in the young kids. They also have tons of classes for adults too!

Great BJJ and Muay Thai gym for kids and adults of all levels, from beginner to competitive…read moreathletes. Very friendly atmosphere!

TITLE Boxing Club

(21 reviews)

This is a great gym to get started at! The classes are well structured and so much fun! They have a…read moregreat playlist and keep you moving. I like how Coach Bryon teaches. He keeps you engaged and checks on you throughout class to help with form. Everyone is very encouraging there! They also offer varieties of classes from kickboxing, boxing, and more! They have several classes throughout the day too, so anything can fit into your schedule. This is a great gym for everyone, no matter what level you are at!

Love this place! My husband and I have been trying to make it a habit to come once a week and we…read moretake classes with either Byron or Ron as the instructors. I love how inclusive, lively and friendly it is to all fitness levels. It is great to see a small fitness community within this establishment. We think it's a wonderful workout and a great way to sweat out any stress we have during our day. We reccomend this place to our friends and try to make it a group workout by inviting them when we go too.

Armada MMA

4.8

(12 reviews)

I started here after a few months of Muay Thai elsewhere. I have participated in Muay Thai, Jiu…read moreJitsu (Gi and no Gi), and wrestling here and can say that all of the instructors care about the growth of the students! The environment is great for anyone who wants to train seriously or get a good workout in.

This gym is like a second family. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and push you to improve…read moreno matter your level. Training is challenging but structured in a way that helps you build real skills while getting in shape. What I appreciate most is the culture -- everyone works hard, respects each other, and supports one another. It's not just about fighting; it's about discipline, growth, and learning every day. If you're serious about training MMA, jiu-jitsu, or striking, or just want to learn to defend yourself and become more confident this is the place to be.

MMA Bravo Zulu

(51 reviews)

I've been a member here for a few years now. The clientele is a broad mix of people at all…read moredifferent levels of fitness and with different goals. Despite the name of the place, you shouldn't think of it as only an MMA gym. They cater to a wide variety of people and I LOVE that. It's clear that the owner, Nick cares about his gym. The facility is spacious, and super clean! All of the classes they offer challenge you until the end and they're various types of classes so you will definitely never get bored! I've gone to a number of gyms over the years and tried personal training a few times. The owner, Nick is extremely knowledgable, and he's the first trainer I've worked with who actually keeps my goals and my fitness level in mind on an ongoing basis. I have been working of mental and physical goals and Nick has helped me achieve a lot of those. If you want a gym that you can feel comfortable in and feel like home -- look no further!

I was a little apprehensive when my son asked to join Bravo Zulu, bc I kept thinking of Cobra Kai…read more(the original Karate Kid version w/ Johnny.) But boy, was I wrong. Coach Nick, an Oakland resident, is strict but kind, and conducts the class in a calm manner. It's strictly a gym that conducts mma classes, not a weird "yes sensei!" dojo situation that I was afraid it would be. It's been really good for my son, learning discipline and hard work in what he calls a "very friendly environment." No "sweep the knee" situation here.

Body Mechanix - Laurel

(61 reviews)

If you're looking for a gym where the trainers will lovingly torture you while you question every…read morelife choice you've made, BodyMechanix - Laurel is your spot. I've been coming here since I turned 34 (I'm 37 now, so let's just say my attendance record here is more consistent than my dating life), and it's become my second home. My happy place? Boxing with Nico on Thursday nights and Andy on Saturday mornings. They work us hard--from the bags to the mitts--and you can tell they genuinely love what they do, which makes you want to work harder too. The vibe here is energetic, supportive, and community-driven, even if you're like me--assertive, rebellious, and just a little defiant. I've made it my mission to talk back during workouts, roast the trainers mid-burpee, and encourage others to listen to their hearts when Nico, Andy, or any of the other amazing trainers push us like soulless robots. (They're not soulless, I promise--just slightly sadistic, in the best way.) If you think lifting weights and working out is drab, you haven't done it here. The community is what makes every drop of sweat and near-tear worth it. The trainers truly care about your transformation, not just physically but in how you see yourself and your own strength. They've created a space where you feel seen, pushed, and celebrated, even when you're lying on the mat wondering why you thought a 6pm class after work was a good idea. Shoutout to the trainers Ming, Angelo, Warren, and Tori, who keep the energy high, the encouragement real, and the workouts spicy. And to owner Terrell, who's built a place that feels like home (if home had kettlebells, a power rack and trainers encouraging you on while you question your life choices). If you're looking for a place to get strong, laugh while suffering, and meet some of the best humans in Oakland, come here. And if you see someone talking back to the trainers while smiling and refusing to quit, that's probably me. Come say hi, and let's complain about landmines together.

Meh, place just OK. Kind of snooty workers, strict rules, very small inside, too expensive, nowhere…read moreto park. Not feeling it.

The Kennel Boxing Gym

4.7

(58 reviews)

My son loved going here for his training the other kids welcomed him and showed him a some stances…read moreand the trainer was very helpful and would do a one on one with the kids. If we still lived in the bay we would definitely still have him go.

I've been training at the kennel for a little over a year now, and I can say it's one of the best…read moredecisions I've made. Coach Arvin is great at what he does. He doesn't just show up to run a class. He truly wants to see you improve, pushes you to your limits, and isn't afraid to call you out when you're not giving your best. I also attended the strength and conditioning classes with Coach Paul, and I highly recommend it. His sessions are well-structured, challenging, and designed to build real, functional strength that complements boxing training perfectly. On top of all that, the front staff is great -- always friendly, welcoming, and super helpful with any questions or scheduling needs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your training, this gym offers everything you need with the right people to back it up.

Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda