I have always been a fan of the Bay Club but I have to say I appreciate it even more now after…read moresampling other gyms of similar price range in SF. Gorgeous and well-maintained facilities from locker rooms with sauna/hot tub to group exercise studio. Wonderful group fitness program with outdoor/indoor boot camp classes, mind and body classes and cardio dance. Brendan is just adorable--rainbow and sunshines--that's what I call a pop dance party. Yet, incredibly professional and really knows how to manage the room. What a gem. Iting is an amazing artist who encourages self expression while still delivering a cardio workout. Maricela is a fantastic instructor who specializes in salsa and has the best Latin music playlist in the city hands down--you can try to stop dancing but you'll fail! David Coelho's Ignite class is so hard, I need to hug my kids' stuffies after I'm done to self soothe :). I adore the guy! He's exactly what I love in a good coach. Manny's rooftop boot camp rocks. I don't know what's the best part: the music, the views or the intense workout. It just all works together so well. Staff are professional and members are a delight. And here's the best hack you should know about: if you're part of a group membership, you basically pay the same amount as you would pay for other gyms that, in my opinion, offer so much less in value. Definitely worth the drive to North Beach.

I wanted to love Bay Club--and for a long time, I did. The outdoor pool is genuinely beautiful, and…read morethe location is a sweet spot if swimming is your thing. Unfortunately, the experience behind the scenes completely unraveled that goodwill. When I needed to cancel my membership due to a major life transition (leaving a well-paying job to return to school for nursing), I was met with zero flexibility, no real consideration of timing or loyalty, and a rigid, policy-first response that felt cold and dismissive. I was charged again after canceling, with confusing explanations and unresponsive communication. What should have been a straightforward, human interaction turned into weeks of frustration and escalation. The broader experience didn't help. The bathrooms are consistently grimy for a club at this price point, the vibe skews heavily toward entitled, out-of-touch "old money" members who are seemingly retired and love to spend their time complaining, and the business itself feels like it's run by an outdated boys' club that hasn't caught up to the reality that community and quality customer support actually matter now. Bay Club markets itself as community-focused, but when it mattered most, that value didn't show up for me. It's a shame--years of great swims were ultimately overshadowed by how poorly this was handled.

This studio has transformed my health and my life…read more The trainers are extremely attentive and knowledgeable across both physical exercise and recovery / muscle and tension release. They are the best of the best! When I first started with DJ I was slightly worried because I had had chronic knee problems and I didn't know if I would be able to achieve my fitness goals or if that would further injure my knee. He is extremely knowledgeable and tailored my regimen to help me achieve my fitness goals without ever provoking my knee. If anything, he has made improvements to it because he is able to apply physical therapy practices to improving it along the way, and he taught me what adjacent stressors were causing pain in the knee. I have been working out with him for a year and a half now and I am in the best shape of my life. I couldn't recommend them more highly.

So here'a the deal. The three are the nicest most caring…read moreprofessional trainers I have ever worked with. They are all a little different, but all check their EGOs at the door, and just want you to succeed. That being said if you want to be pampered go to the nursery. Your paying them to balance you, and push you, not break you. They know the body and how not to hurt you. So many idiot trainers will either push you to the point of breaking and hurting Or don't know body mechanics and hurt you. They also have some sweet amenities. 1. Big screen TV 2. Great screen savers 3. You can pop in for a quick cardio session if their not too busy 3. Don't Use trendy bullshit. Most of the work is you using your own body. They do have great equipment but is very select and designed around you using your body to work the machine, or bench or use the moon shaped leather bags from Romania?? NOT the other way around. 4. Jack Lalaine is rumored to haunt the studio 5. Great PC screen savers. 6. They smile and drink Cofee as they work your ass off. That's so sweet. 7. You get what you pay for. Great attitude, support, and a true deep down commitment to make you want to do, and be better.

I needed someone to help me get into the habit of weightlifting, focusing on proper form and safety…read morebecause I have knee injuries (don't we all?). David is great to work with, his office is clean and well equipped, and the super slow method is wonderfully challenging.

I have several friends who see trainers at Desisto, and one of them encouraged me to give it a try…read moreso I did. I'm totally writing this review based on one trial session I had with Kevin, but it still elicits five stars. The way that Kevin walked through the training methods showed how much knowledge and passion he has for his clients and this industry. He explained the purpose behind every movement and exercise, simultaneously ensuring that I felt comfortable and safe on the machines. The gym itself is very well-kept and provides and intimate environment to grow. Even after one session, I was totally sore for a week (not that it's an indication of strength-building) but I felt good about my future progress. I want to continue coming back on a regular basis when I have the appropriate funds to do so. If you are interested in giving it a try, go for a trial session. It's efficient and rewarding.

Great value for your workout! The coaches are knowledgeable on technique with boxing and form…read more I bought the Groupon for one month and have made it my goal to be consistent with working out this month. They make it easy to go to a class as you don't have to sign up for a class prior to attending. You can just show up and they can accommodate you. My choose this gym because it convenient from my work and I can walk here after work. The only thing is that they make you purchase their shirt as part of their "uniform" policy if you go and are there for their Groupon. Shirts are $13 each which is not bad, but just beware and know this beforehand.

My girlfriends and I have been talking about getting together for a work out class for the past…read morecouple of months. When one of them found a Groupon for Empower: 5 group kickboxing classes for $19 (according to Groupon, originally $200), we decided to go for it. Our first class was on Wednesday, August 10th at 5:30pm. Johnny taught our class and he was awesome! Would make sure our technique was correct without making us feel like we were doing it completely wrong. Great in a class atmosphere if you get a little shy in group classes. We started off with jumping jacks as part of our warm up. Then we paired up and he taught us boxing combos. We would take turns punching and blocking/receiving. Great way to get out aggression. Most of the class was spend doing this. Then we went into their version of burpees, running in place, and some kind of crab/bear/spider crawl. When I was giving up during my crawl, Johnny kept cheering me on. We ended with crunches (which luckily for me, weren't too bad) and of course high fives to finish up the class. This isn't in the fine print for the Groupon, but it's only valid for their Monday or Wednesday class at 5:30pm, so keep that in mind before purchasing. For those who get off at 5:30pm or later, I wouldn't suggest getting this as you can't apply it to any other classes. Great first class. I haven't worked out in over a year, so it was nice breaking a sweat and punching out some pented frustration. Looking forward to my second class!

Fantastic advice on healthy living from Andy with his deeply personalized fitness and nutrition…read morecoaching for the Silicon Valley tech set. His coaching has helped me become more self-aware of my eating choices AKA diet. Workouts are 20 minutes a week and I get the results I want . Highly recommended Andy for weight loss and body toning - I now have more definition and look better overall, thanks to his advice and regime.

It seemed no amount of effort with my physical therapy exercises could make a dent in my overall…read morephysical endurance. I panicked. I had hit a wall with physical therapy and I wondered whether it was possible to revive the level of stamina I enjoyed prior to my automobile accident. Over a year had passed since I managed to break six bones in my right foot, tearing 2 ligaments, and another bone in the left. Needless to say, I wasn't running or skateboarding anymore. I had trouble walking great distances or standing for extended periods of time. The ease with which I used to move through my yoga classes had been replaced with the constitution of a two-year old -- think wobbly legs and drooling all over myself. *** All it takes is 30 minutes a week. That's it! Sounds too good to be true? I thought so too for I'm a bit of a skeptic. *** I have managed to increase my physical strength by 30% in two months! I have never injured myself while training with him, despite the intense load on my muscles and the fact that I am performing a full body workout each and every visit. The strength I've acquired is functional. I'm back in the yoga studio with renewed vigor and even skateboarding around the city from time to time. Granted, Andy is not a physical therapist, but the style of weight training he furnishes was the next logical step in my recovery. It's quite safe and the results are mind blowing. I believe everyone can benefit from this kind of training. Andy is always reading new material and I feel fortunate to receive a free education from him during each of our encounters -- he's a teacher, yet ever the student. Andy is the man to see if you're serious about improving your overall physical health!

I recently joined Fitness SF - Embarcadero after moving to the city, and it's been such a great…read moreexperience so far. The facility is always clean, well-maintained, and has everything I need for a solid workout! The staff really make a difference everyone is friendly and welcoming. I especially want to shout out Peter at the front desk he's always kind, personable, and quick to answer any questions I have. He really helps make the experience of navigating the gym feel comfortable and easy!! Really happy I chose this location highly recommend!

This location barely has anything compared to Transbay, Soma or Mid Market…read more The layout of the gym is terrible, lacking in machines, and the showers are nasty.

Matt and all the trainers here are amazing!! I used to stick religiously to Barry's/Bodyrok, but…read moreafter years still wasn't seeing the results I wanted. I also always felt exhausted, and started to dread working out. After discovering MoveSF, I'm EXCITED to come to class now because it's different every time, I feel STRONGER, and the workout intensity is JUST enough where I have energy for more! I also think all the trainers are incredibly friendly and personable. I cannot recommend MoveSF more I've basically swapped out all other classes for this!

Always get a great workout at Move-SF... good cardio and strength classes... easy to book online…read more.. classes available 7 days a week morning to most evenings...the trainers Matt and Nina are perfectionists... I really appreciate them coming over and correcting my form... the studio is always spotless and clean... A great gym!

Sara is an excellent personal trainer! She begins with a comprehensive assessment and plan, then…read moresystematically meets each week or session to carry it out. It's motivating to have a competitive bodybuilder with a medical background work with me - I try just a little bit harder.

I found Sara on Yelp and signed up for a $96 groupon package with her. I had two phone…read moreconversations in an attempt to understand Sara's offerings and schedule an in person appointment. As an FYI, Sara has several options she offers including a training/nutrition plan, lots of personal training options unfortunately however; the options are not clearly laid out and/or explained. In our phone conversations, it was a challenge to understand Sara as English is not her first language. From our second conversation, I understood that I was meeting with Sara in a professional gym environment to discuss personal training options and decide that day if I wanted to work on a training/nutrition plan with Sara or if I wanted to begin personal training sessions with her. Upon arrival, I was expecting a professional gym setting instead I was directed to Sara's apartment complex and a tiny poorly maintained apartment complex gym full of residents working out. I also anticipated a professional experience working with Sara, however; it was quite the opposite from my first impression meeting Sara. She rushed me through the rain into another building, through a series of dark corridors to a tiny poorly maintained gym. I was told to warm up on two of the only available machines...either the bike or stair master. I had to ask to go to the bathroom. There was no place to leave my stuff or change. When I came back, it was not clearly explained to me what we were doing. Sara briefly asked me about my goals, then launched into her personal training packages. I asked what we were doing today as I had already paid $96. To which she responded, that I had agreed to and signed up for personal training with her. I was shocked! I said no....I had wanted to discuss the options but now from my poor impression of Sara and the facilities I just wanted to get the training/nutrition plan to which she refused. At no point, did Sara apologize for the miscommunication and ask what she could do to resolve the issue. Instead, she blamed me for not understanding the options. She made it very clear that her needs were most important...that she had scheduled her time for this session, how she would not work on a training/nutrition plan bc I had already chosen personal training sessions with her (I had not), how she had already redeemed the voucher, how she would only be paid $10 for this appointment, etc. I stayed 20 min, 15 mins of which Sara argued with me in front of a room full of people. I was so frustrated dealing with Sara because she does not listen, is combative, confrontational, so self-centered, not personable and does not care about a potential client. I was so disappointed I wasted $96. But, I am so glad to have had this experience because I would never sign up for personal training sessions or any other sort of service with someone like Sara. I am also glad I get to let other people know about Sara and the kind of services she offers.

I attended a morning power class this past Saturday and boy was I in for jam pact hardcore but…read moremanageable class. All F45 classes last roughly around 45 minutes where members spend time (30-45 seconds) at a station working on strength or cardio exercises. For this particular class it was a mix but the burnout for me was the sled push with weights on it- I havent done it in a while so it felt good but I was gassed out while pushing back and forth on the turf. Each of the instructors were energetic, encouraging, and helpful on correcting form etc. The class is co ed and everyone is so tunnel focused on their progress that you don't feel secluded or judged. I went to F45's transbay location and they're both equally clean, organized, and a great workout environment.

F45 is a great place to start or continue your workout journey…read more Andre and Kira are my personal favorite trainers. Andre has helped me tremendously with modifications and teaching me correct form, as well as bringing an incredible and welcoming vibe to the studio! Excited to continue my training with F45 North Beach.

Love Barry's FiDi! The front desk team--RJ, Gaby, and Daja--always bring such great energy and…read moregenuinely amazing customer service. They're motivating, welcoming, and set the tone before you even step into class. If you're new to Barry's, I highly recommend taking class with Colby, Suvy, Sami, or Luke--each one brings something special and makes your first class feel challenging but totally doable. Such a great studio and community.

I took a little break from my home gym to come here for my first class. I've know about Barry's for…read moreyears but always chickened out coming because I'm averse to treadmills. I used to run competitively outdoors, so running inside on a treadmill doesn't hit the same. Still I gave it a chance and am quite glad I did. I joined for a 9:30 AM Saturday full body upper body focus class, and it was super energizing. With rapid spring and strength sets synced to a pulsing, high-octane playlist, the workout started my weekend on a high note. Aside from the workout, what facilities I saw and used were clean and odor-free. Staff were polite but a bit rushed. The layout of the room the class I took was held in was a bit confusing to navigate in the dim lighting. They do have a reference map at the check-in desk, so it's definitely a good idea to arrive early and review it first if it's your first time here.