As a former of member of 'SockWest', I'm not at all surprised they would try to incent/bribe their bootcamp participants with 'free socks' to encourage positive reviews and boost their standing on Yelp. I don't normally write Yelp reviews, but felt compelled to do so when I heard about 'Sock Gate'. Their 'Best of the Bay' status is equally questionable as they spam members for weeks if not months prior requesting not one vote, but 'multiple' votes. I'd tend to echo Marcia J's sentiments, that these guys seem a bit desperate. My experience with Jay was not terribly positive. Smarmy is one adjective that comes to mind. Wantonly flirtatious is another adjective that comes to mind. There's no question Jay knows some stuff, but I was really turned off by the way he engages with female members. As far as the programs go, it's kind of a crapshoot. Kim was great bootcamp instructor, but some of the other instructors really don't have any substantive experience (or any kind of fitness certification). Richard was solid as well. The run program is a bit half baked. The reality is that beginner runners probably shouldn't be doing track workouts right off the bat, but that's what they have everyone do. At the end of the day I'm pretty turned off by the way these guys operate. Soliciting members for multiple 'Best of the Bay' votes and offering free socks to those who write positive Yelp reviews smacks of desperation. But, to echo Marcia's sentiments if you like free socks, Go Sockwest! read more

I decided to start 2008 with a resolution to get in shape, much like 2007, 2006, etc. This year I was serious, however, and decided to check one of the boot camp workouts that are some popular lately. Pac West won my business by having evening sessions and locations both downtown and in GG Park. I'll be honest that I'm very out of shape. I don't run, I hardly ever work out and am basically a pretty sedentary person. Needless to say, I was a little nervous to jump into a workout program like this, afraid that I couldn't keep up and that the class would pass me by as I gasped for air on the sidelines. The entire experience has been fantastic, and I couldn't be happier that I took the plunge. The workouts are tough and get tougher every week, but Richard is fantastic for motivating me to keep working hard and helping me alter the workout enough so that I can keep up. Even though I'm much less fit than a lot of the members of my boot camp, I never feel like I am holding anyone back or slowing down the class. Richard keeps an eye on everyone and makes sure we are all getting a great workout. It's been 5 weeks so far and I already feel healthier and more fit, I can't wait to sign up for next season. read more

I 'dropped' in for one of their bootcamp sessions and I will say I enjoyed myself and the people participating were nice. But, I would NEVER give these guys my business. The whole sock offer for a positive review on Yelp is just classless and a real indication of the kind of business these guys operate. I don't know what's more laughable....the fact that they BRIBE their participants to post 'fake' reviews on Yelp or that they thought this wouldn't come back to bite them eventually! At any rate, these guys must be pretty desperate to use this tactic. Based on the reviews I've read thus far it appears the majority were likely prompted by the 'free sock' offer. I'm pretty confident based on what I saw for the session I dropped in on that one of these reviews was posted by the girlfriend of one of the instructors. I wonder which reviews were posted by parents, cousins, uncles. Anyway, there are tons of other bootcamps out there that are just as good and the reviews are actually authentic. But, if you want FREE SOCKS, Join Pacwest TODAY! read more

So I think everyone should do bootcamp to get into shape. There are 3 main reasons 1) It's outside!! - You live in SF, you want to work out and you don't like the gym smell. It is great to do be doing situps and looking at the GG bridge. There nooks are crannies you see with PacWest that are great. 2) It's organized - You just show up and do what the instructors tell you. You don't have to think about what to do and where to go. They do a full workout from running stairs to push ups to curls with the bands they give. 3) It's social - It isn't my yourself, you do pushups and run a few hundred yards and chat up the person next to you. After a few classes you make some new friends and it is a great to see familiar faces I think PacWest is great because of the coaches and the regulars. They are fun and it is social while getting a work out. PacWest also has a tri, bike and run program you can do if you want to take bootcamp to the next level. Anu read more

Pac-West boot camp really WILL make a difference! My name is Jack and I am a 29 year old Male who is in the best shape of his life because of Pac-West boot camp and coach Jay. I have been attending the downtown boot camp for the past 5 seasons, and my athletic ability has increased from virtually nil to extremely robust in less than a year. The work-outs are fun, difficult (but not impossible) and productive. Don't under-estimate the power of group exercise; just the right combination of a lot of team work and a little competition will drive you to do more than you ever thought possible! You will really notice a difference in your health and wellness as a result of this program, and if you really do right by yourself, eat properly, and exercise regularly outside of the boot camp sessions, the pay-off will be huge. I can attest! Give it a shot! It's a lot of fun and you WILL see the results! Not to mention the unbeatable price! Jack read more

Ditch the gym and get a great workout outdoors with Pacwest bootcamp. Whether you are training for an event, are bored with your current workout or just want to be more challenged, you will want to give this a try. The owners, who are also trainers, are passionate about fitness and making sure Pacwest is a high quality organization. They are easily accessible and always welcome feedback. The trainers are great, the locations unbeatable. Each workout is different so you'll never get bored. You sign up for 8 week sessions that become more challenging each week. My trainer always shows modifications for people who are injured or are new to an exercise. She also makes sure we stretch adequately after warming up. Because you're working out with a group of really dedicated people, you'll push yourself more than if you were just working out on your own. You'll definitely start to see and feel results! read more

I've been attending the Tues/Thurs bootcamp in the Presidio for close to 3 years. I love it! Kim, our instructor, does a great job at getting us motivated and moving at 6am. It is a great way to get out of the gym, mix-up your workout routine, and enjoy the outdoors. I never thought I'd enjoy doing repeats at the Lyon Street stairs...but I do! PacWest also has a run program that I've been participating in for the last couple of years. We do track workouts at Kezar on Thursday and have a coach led run on Saturdays too. I love the Saturday runs because you'll be introduced to different locations that will help keep you motivated. There's nothing quite like running across the Golden Gate Bridge and then up Conzelman Road to Hawk Hill--360 degree views of the Bay Area. If that's not enough to keep you moving I don't know what is. read more

I've been doing the Pac West Boot Camp in Oakland for most of the past two years and it is fantastic! Coupled with my spin classes, it has kept me in great shape and I now actually love to run up stairs! Really, now whenever I see stairs - at an airport, movie theatre, anywhere - I run up the stairs (not walk) and never, never take the escalator. It feels great! Jay is wonderful...he knows his stuff and we have fun. Many thanks to our team captain Rachel, who keeps us motivated. We have a fun group and I highly recommend Pac West's boot camp. I like the four locations that rotate around to. It is a great, all around workout and it's fun exercising outside first thing in the morning. read more

Definitely worth the time and so much more fun than a gym! It's the most motivating workout I've done in a while. I joined part way through the season, and still have seen a big difference in my ability, strength and energy. I look forward to the two sessions a week, and now prefer these workouts over the gym. The program is well suited for all levels, and is very flexible if you can not make certain sessions. I mostly go to the Golden Gate park sessions, but I've tried a couple of the other times/locations/coaches, and thought they all led a great workout. Every coach is very personable and learns each participant's names right away. It will wipe you out each day, but it's worth it!!! read more

Pac West's downtown boot camp is such a blast! I was petrified that I had been working out in a gym for so long that I would never be able to hang with boot camp! BUT, to my surprise, anyone can do it and it's a ton of fun! The classes are always changing so you can't ever get bored, and working out in beautiful downtown SF is better than anywhere in the world (in my personal opinion!). The coaches ensure that everyone is doing the exercises correctly and that it's a good challenge. Strength training and cardio combined into one- you can't get that kind of workout in a gym in an hour and fifteen minutes! I'm a happy bootcamper and would recommend it to everyone! read more

I work out with the South Beach boot camp group and it's fantastic. I was never motivated to work this hard on my own at the gym, so this gives me the perfect structure for a great workout. Our instructor is awesome, and the location is wonderful (beautiful, peaceful & urban all at the same time). While the workouts are totally challenging, the experience is not intimidating or frustrating. Our instructor teaches us how to do each exercise in a way that works for each of our own levels. All attendees are really nice and the program has a great feel. I couldn't be happier; I'm in my 3rd season and it's definitely working for me. read more

I have been attending the Downtown Bootcamp program for about 2 years now and I absolutely love it. When I began the program I was not able to run at all and had to speed walk from place to place behind the group. Additionally, I wasn't able to do half the exercises and thought I was going to die after every workout. (Coach Jay will kick your behind.) However, with lots of encouragement from our Coach and great determination - I am 30 lbs lighter!!! I am able to jog with the group and I did 90 pushups, yesterday. It is amazing to see the difference. PacWest Athletics has been fabulous and I highly recommend them. read more

PacWest Bootcamp is AMAZING and so much fun! The people and diversity of locations makes it fun - particularly for the downtown group where you see the beautiful sights of downtown San Francisco...Coit Tower, the Ferry Building, and all of the piers along the Embarcadero. I can't think of anything I'd rather do than be outside, getting a good workout, while being inspired by an amazing coach, among new and old friends. I've been doing it for almost a year and have seen a HUGE change in my overall strength, flexibility and visible muscle tone. If you are even thinking about trying it out -- don't hesitate -- just do it! read more

I was looking for a work out to get in shape for my upcoming wedding. I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but was pleasantly surprised. I just completed my first 8 week boot camp and thought it was fantastic. I saw results after just a few weeks. Coach Richard was the best! He's such a great motivator and cheerleader for whatever fitness goals you have. And believe me, if I can do this work out, anyone can do it. It is absolutely worth it to get up and work out at 6 A.M. The Presidio locations are really beautiful and makes you appreciate the city we live in. read more

Downtown Rocks! I've trained with PacWest for three seasons straight and love it! The Downtown program is great...lots of veteran particpants and some new cats that are great too. Our coaches Jay and Missy are fantastic. They work us hard but are fun too. My friends keep telling me that they can really see the difference in my arms, etc....I never knew I had triceps! And that's just from Boot Camp twice week! I'm getting married in a few months...we call it Bridal Bootie Camp...but I intend to keep going after the wedding. Thanks PacWest! read more

I sat around for a year with one excuse after another for not going to the gym, not riding my bike, not going for a run, or just getting some exercise - any exercise. Then I joined PacWest and I love it. It's great to again look forward to working out and great to see and feel results. PacWest has reminded me of what I use to be (in shape) and motivates me to be healthier in all ways. I look forward to waking up early and starting the day with a good group of people in beautiful environments while a trainer kicks my butt. read more

I am a new PacWest participant and it has already surpassed my greatest expectations. For the first time in a long time I look forward to working out. I attend the evening Boot Camp in Golden Gate Park and find the work out exhilirating even after a long work day. The instructor is motivating but not militant and the group dynamic makes the time pass by quickly. Above all it seriously kicks my booty and I already notice the results. read more

I LOVE Boot Camp at PacWest! We work hard but have fun along the way. Coach Jay and Captain Missy know just how hard to push us and every workout I walk away feeling more fit, stronger, and more confident in my work out abilities. There are several "brides-to-be" in our group, and Coach Jay has promised we'll have "wedding dress arms" before our big days! For what it's worth, my fiance loves my new butt! read more

PacWest Bootcamp is by far the best group workout in SF...hands down. Everytime I work out with the group I'm challenged, and the coaches are great...knowledgeable, motivating, funny, and organized. It gets me up early, and I get to take advantage of stellar workouts in some of the most beautiful parts of SF. If you want a tough work out with a great group, PacWest is the way to go. Get out of the gym. read more