My boyfriend and I have been going to Dimond Health Club for about a month now and feel like we're getting a great deal. There's no waiting for machines, it's quiet and the owner even bought a couple of pieces of equipment that I mentioned I wouldn't mind seeing there! The owner is super nice and so are the other staff that work there. The negative review on here is surprising... and really, the rates are very low, so to comparing this locally owned independent gym to a big box gym and feeling the need to negotiate over a few dollars doesn't make sense to me. Enjoy waiting in lines for equipment at 24 Hour Fitness! Nice to go to support a local business (and work up a good sweat) where the owner greets you by name when you walk in the door! read more

Oakland Strength Factory is great! I've been rotating through a number of gyms in the East Bay for the last three years and am so happy I finally found this one. People with a spectrum of workout goals are welcome, and their trainers are accessible and knowledgeable. I've been working with Jeff for six months now and have seen my form and recovery time improve drastically under his direction. Hands down one of the best gyms in Oakland. read more

Bar none, this is the best place for strength and conditioning work in the East Bay. Whatever your goals are, the staff has the skills (and the facility has the tools) to help you succeed. I train with Jeff Bott and he's a crazy genius coach, possessing both the creativity to put together programing that actually works and the careful attention to make corrections so that the client doesn't get hurts. Whether you're a pro athlete (a number of whom workout here) or an out of shape couch potato (same goes), this is the place to get that work done and transform your life. read more

I don't usually post reviews but this was probably the most cold encounter I have ever gotten. I went to OSF intending to find a new place to train but instead I was awkwardly greeted and felt immediately judged. I made an appointment for a tour and sign up and I when I got there it was already off. I introduced myself and the owner legit just looked at me and said nothing back. He then told me to look around myself and when I turned around to ask a question he had already walked away to do his own thing. I walked around for a second and the owner didn't seem to interested so I just left. I'm pretty serious about lifting and was looking for a dope place to train for competitions but I will have to keep looking. I understand the want for a certain type of person in a small gym but no reason to disregard me when I went in with the intentions to sign up. I initially contacted them a month prior, but I had to take a break from lifts as I had just had an injury and I'm finally cleared to start getting into it so I was sooooooooo excited to start. Overall, probably the weirdest experience I have ever had regarding customer service. I'm born and raised in Oakland and supporting local businesses is beyond important. But maybe this just isn't the spot that doesn't truly welcome everyone. read more

Love this place. The owners are kind, welcoming, knowledgeable and always willing to answer a question. Polo, not sure if that's spelled correctly, is a gem. I enjoy working out with him. I highly recommend this gym no matter your fitness level. read more

OSF is a fantastic gymn with a great open space and a large variety of weigh training, cardio and other fitness equipment. The trainers Jeff, Anthony and Danny are all excellent and really know their stuff. I have enjoyed the 6am semi private training (usually 1 to 4 or 5 people) which fits nicely with my work schedule. I have definitely become stronger and more toned in the last few months after joining OSF. read more

I give 1 STAR to the Business Owner, NOT the gym. Let me emphasize that. The Gym itself is great. Its got the equipment you need, its a small "cozy" gym, its close to where I live. Overall I GIVE the GYM: 4 STARS. The Business Owner, however, gets ONE star. I worked out at this gym for free for 2 days, then I was ready to sign up. - I liked it so much, I met a man who lived across the street from the gym, AND I recommended the gym to him: told the man to JOIN the gym. So I was helping promote the gym a little-bit. Anyways, get this: I walk in the gym. And I sit down to sign up. I start negotiating a price. He was set on "XX" amount of dollars. And me being a negotiator, I try to negotiate $5 lower. Its normal with gyms. And I compared his gym to a larger gym (his gym is smaller, the other gym has classes, etc). WELL,... apparently the guy took it personally, and he said that I should go to the other gym. I went BACK to the Original amount, and agreed to pay his price price... He would not take it. He took it SO PERSONALLY, he would not even sign me up if I paid his original price... He said, "you are trying to low-ball me, and comparing my gym to a big gym"... DUH... of-course I'm going to negotiate. That's most people. 'Cause most people want to get the lowest price on everything. I ended up APOLOGIZING to him. I said, "okay, I apologize. I was not trying to low-ball you". HE STILL WOULD NOT ACCEPT MY BUSINESS, and sign me up. WOW... I "promoted" his gym a little with the guy across the street, and I apologized, and still refused my business for a measly $5 dollars?!! I'm sorry, but that's just ridiculous. read more

Great gym. After nearly 15 years at a big box gym I decided to try this locally owned, neighborhood gym and can't imagine ever switching back. The owners, Polo and Jeff, are friendly and knowledgable and have created a comfortable space with a diverse and unique mix of equipment. Daily small-group classes are a perfect and non-intimidating way to learn new exercises or hone techniques, regardless of level of fitness. Though business is steady, it's never crowded and I've never had to wait for equipment. Members are mostly local folks who come in to do their thing and then get on with their lives. It's by far the best gym experience I've had. read more

I've always been a chain gym member like 24 or Crunch. I'm so glad that I found Oakland Strength Factory it is by far so much better then corp gyms. I've always felt unsure of myself or felt like I was just being looked at the other gyms that it was discouraging. Here at Oakland Strength Factory I feel like I can actually just focus on my own work. There always clean, the staff is so friendly and they have great hours. I can come at 6 a.m. or I can come at 8 p.m. and It's conveniently located off the freeway. Again my biggest reason for joining is becuase its more private and you can get away from the crowd and just work on yourself and your own goals. read more

Great gym. Best for weight lifting. Great staff. Reasonable prices. No frills. Just get in and get strong.

The owner of this gym is extremely caring and passionate and it shows in the facilities. The equipment is kept extremely clean and maintained, and there are often new additions. On top of it all though, it's really a community gym. You get to know all the workers at the front desk, and they know the names of everyone who visits. Great place to get a workout in and avoid big crowds. read more

Been going to this gym since beginning of year and absolutely love it. All the trainers here are top notch and have a different niche to offer anyone looking for a challenge. They have early 6 am classes and a nice range of equipment and tools you don't see anywhere else. Jeff specializes in really unique weighted club work that will absolutely kill you. Danny is a super technical Olympic lifter and Anthony a power lifter. Good vibe all around. read more

A thing of beauty. I had trouble believing my eyes when I walked in for the first time. High ceilings, tons of pull-up bars, barbells, and kettlebells, along with plenty of space. I love this gym. I want to shrink it down to the size of a box of tic-tacs and carry it around in my pocket only to re-embiggen it when I want to train. read more

I wish I could give this place a zero. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!!! Jeff is a d$&ck! I made arrangements with him 4 days prior to check out the gym as a potential member. He knew how far I had to drive. I was stuck in traffic for 40 minutes to have him blow me off because he was with a client at the time. If he had a client, he should have told me. I don't like to have my time wasted nor waste other people's. I even confirmed the time with him again and he still gave me the green light. When I arrived, Polo (the owner) approached me first and told Jeff I was here for him. Jeff approached me and was very impatient. He was so impatient the whole time that we were talking that he asked me what else I wanted know other than what I've read on the website. I was very turned off by his rude behavior. He has no manners or common sense at all and he seemed very arrogant with a stick up his ass. He left me standing there like a fool so I had to rely on Polo and his client's gym experience to give in an insight into how the gym is like. I told them I was pissed off and his client told me not to let his Jeff's attitude deter me from getting a membership there but it was too late. She told me that Jeff did the same thing to her when she first came in to check out the gym. I was baffled. Before coming in, I had read all of your great reviews but now they seem very misleading. I'm glad to have dodged a bullet with this place especially Jeff's ugly soul. Please AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS. They don't care about you. You're better off spending your money elsewhere. Polo vouched for Jeff but I was not impressed. I don't care how knowledgeable he is or how skilled he is, he lacks the basic customer service. read more

Great place to work out! The owner (Polo) is very friendly and is a great personal trainer! 5/5.

Great gym! It's a lot more comfortable working out here then it is at one of the big chain gyms. Also, the trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful at making sure you are lifting properly. read more

Great place to get a workout in with a knowledgable staff.

Man I feel as if this review is waaaay over due. So I've been going to Polo's gym (Now called OSF, I've always called it 'Polo's gym') for maybe 4 years on and off due to work always getting the way of me being able to consistently go. I've got to say from all the gyms I've been to this will always be my favorite go to gym. It's a local Oakland gym that these mainstream big corporation gyms can never compete with. The atmosphere is always super chill and friendly since all who work out here are locals from the area. The gym is always constantly evolving and getting better and better, equipment wise it's got everything you'd need for full work out no matter what your needs or goals are. As for the owner Polo's the coolest guy super friendly and welcoming, very attentive to his business. He's hella knowledgeable about what he does and he's always given me great tips and pointers on bettering my physique. I went in as a total noob I switched over from 24 on high st cus it was over crowded and atmosphere just sucked and I feel like I've hit my fitness goals because of the work out environment at Oakland Strength Factory and the tips and advise both Polo and Danny have given me. Once my work schedule is a little bit more stable I plan to go back. My only wish is that it would be open 24/7 so work wouldn't be in the way of me going to the best gym in Oakland consistently. TLDR: Best local gym in town, if you've got fitness goals and you want a great spot to achieve them look no where else but Oakland Strength Factory! read more

Although I had been working out the majority of my adult life, I felt I needed a re-boot in terms of the way I approach training, conditioning, mobility, form and recovery. Enter Mr. Jeff Bott... Jeff helped me correct my form ( think barbell work, cleans, kettle bells, posture, clubs/maces, balance etc...). 2 months of training resulted in a significant improvement of everything listed above. Jeff's understanding of the human body for functional movement for day-to-day patterns, for advanced movements in martial arts and for other sports is quite amazing. I'd highly recommend working with Jeff if you need a work out re-boot, want to correct your form or learn new techniques to get to your personal version 2.0. I had a very specific outcome that I was seeking and I definitely believe I got my investment's worth. Thanks Jeff! read more

Friendly folks...a great place to get your workout in and get out...Towel service is heat too...

I've been training at OSF over six months now and I love it! Since I started working out with Jeff twice a week I've made incredible progress towards my fitness goals (which in my case were to get leaner, more explosive and more flexible while maintaining muscle mass). He is a great coach with impressive knowledge of human biomechanics and an all-around great guy who will inspire you to work hard and live healthy. I highly recommend this gym to anyone who is serious about their health and fitness. read more

This gym is great. It's not too busy like some of the corporate gyms. It's locally owned and one of the owners, Pollo, is a trainer that I work with. He's a good guy, quite knowledgeable, and a great trainer. My son and and wife come work out here too and enjoy it. You can't go wrong with this place. read more

Local gym is a fantastic alternative to the "treadmill wasteland" at the big box gyms. 5 squat racks (the most in town) and plenty of freeweights, benches, machines, bikes, rowers and kettlebells. Tons of space, never crowded, lots of smiles. Polo, the owner, often works the front desk of his new location, making improvements and chatting with members. Polo said they're working on more upgrades next year. This place is great and always improving! read more

OSF is a great place to work out. The space is large, they have lots of functional equipment (kettle bells, weighted maces, weighted clubs, etc.) and lots of free weights. There is never a line for machines or weights and the other members are friendly, supportive, and seem genuinely intent on improving themselves. The morning classes are great and the trainers are helpful even when you arent paying them. Props to Paulo who is helping me meet my pull-up goal (free) and to Jeff who I have started working with (paid) to improve my form on deadlifts and squats, and Jorge who gave me some great advice about eating and setting goals (free). Most of all it is a place where I as a novice (and a relatively old guy) can feel welcome and supported as I improve and not feel like I am in some kind of spandex disco tinder pickup scene. Bonus if you get some of Danny's home made beef jerky. read more

Wish I had a gym like this in my neighborhood! Spacious, with a great mix of gear to support any number of training styles, low cost, and with knowledgeable trainers/owners. The folks who run this place have a passion for it and it's been great to see that realized. read more

One of the best-hidden gems in this city. This gym is worth every penny. It offers equipment for whatever workout you are into. Classes look pretty effective. Owners keep the facility clean. They even steam clean the equipment regularly. I highly recommend this gym. read more

This is a simple, straight-forward, CLEAN, locally-owned neighborhood gym, the kind that the big chains put out of business en masse a while back. The machines and weights are good quality and work well. Even though it's a small gym, towel service and water are provided. The owner, Polo, is very attentive to members, and very on top of keeping things in working order. No showers or locker rooms, but lockers are available. I usually change in the bathroom. No classes (so far) but the staff are more than happy to help you. Prices are comparable to the big chains. If you just want to work out without all the distractions of TVs, long waits for equipment, and big crowds (looking at you, 24 Hour!), this is for you! read more