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.

Excellent customer service. I was in the market to buy…read morecycling shoes as a new rider. I kept missing the mark on buying shoes online. After narrowing down the type of shoe I wanted, I set out to find the nearest retailer for this specific shoe. I came across this cycling studio that carried it and communicated with the owner on stock and availability via email. I finally made it out today and Kelly was the most pleasant person to work with. She helped me find the correct size, installed the cleats and gave me tips on correct sizing on cycling shoes vs athletic shoes and how to place/install/adjust cleats. I even scored a limit edition color way of the shoe! Thank you so much Kelly for your guidance, and assistance to this newbie rider.

Fantastic local cycling studio…read more Have always wanted to try a spin class, but was too intimidated by the larger format, bike preselection and the requirement of specific gear. Kelly walked me through an intro class - which gave me the rundown of what I would expect during a full length class. She also instructed me on how to adjust the bike to what was comfortable for me. Also: 1) theme days, yes, Beyoncé and Boy Bands 2) filtered water station 3) towels are provided - an improvement would be unscented 4) different price packages for your workout needs Locally owned, warm instructors, spacious, naturally lit and hip environment. Puts another 'cool' notch into Alameda's belt.

I second everything Giselle said below (we miss you Giselle!). The gym is now called Island Grit CF…read moreafter Charlene Miller (w/ Ryan) took over in 2024 as headcoach/s. The coaches, training, camraderie, encouragement from beginner to elite - you will find it here. I was a strong cyclist when I started in 2021 but found I could take it to a higher level of muscle development with the great vibes here.

Now called Shipyard CrossFit, this place is literally my second home. I've been going 4-5 times a…read moreweek for almost 2 years now and this community has become such an incredible support system. The comraderie is unmatched and the culture here is inclusive, light hearted and warm. The monthly membership fee is shockingly affordable compared to other boxes in the area, AND it includes full access to the rest of the gym that it's housed in. The head coach, Sharon, is a gem. She is always finding ways to enhance the experience of being a member and fosters an incredible environment to work out in. Friday nights are the best. The crew stays for awhile after the workout to enjoy each other, share a few beers and kick the weekend off right. Whatever your fitness goals are, this is the spot. All experience levels from beginners to elite long time athletes call this home. Come on in and join us!

I first met Jen in 2013 when she was training at TPS. She was. A big part of my journey into…read morefitness, weight loss, and helped me genuinely fall in love with strength training and lifting. When I left TPS, I missed the trainers more than anything and it has been a long road to finding workout routines and gyms that could come close... Recently, the stars aligned and I was *finally* able to make it out to Jen's 'new' (to me) spot in Alameda. It's been over a year since I've lifted weights/done strength training with a barbell and I am still recuperating from a serious ankle injury; but Jen totally kicked my butt in the perfect amount (enough to get my heart rate up, to remind me of how much I miss and love strength training, enough to seriously challenge me yet not so much to discourage me or make me feel like a total loser) she's dam brilliant with her programming, she's beyond patient and meets you where you are while still pushing you just the right amount. She's great at keeping you on point with your form and workout and she genuinely cares about you and your goals. If you're looking for a solid trainer or a place to go for kickass small group session check her out- I guarantee you'll be hooked!

"I strongly advise against joining this club. My experience over the last ten days has been nothing…read morebut frustrating. The environment is extremely toxic, filled with arrogant and rude individuals who lack basic manners. The staff here is just as unprofessional and unhelpful. It is not a place for decent people; the atmosphere is mentally draining, and the quality of people frequenting this club is highly questionable. Save your time, money, and mental peace--this place is not worth it."

I'd especially like to give a shout out to the wonderful massage program at the HBC spa…read more Nonmembers, when booked for a massage, can also have access to use the locker room, women's private indoor hot tub, steam sauna, dry sauna, as well as the private women's sun deck after the massage. What an awesome spa treatment! I've been a member for two years and love the pool and the yoga classes. The staff are very helpful and friendly. Two years ago I booked an introductory tour and swim reservation, and I was immediately impressed and hooked! Parking is plentiful and the setting is very spacious and peaceful overlooking the water.

Having fallen into a demotivated state of general disrepair, and with a painful shoulder that had…read morebecome almost "frozen" through lack of use, I tried Pilates training with Lucie and haven't looked back. She has brought me up to speed at a pace that's realistic but always challenging and engaging. It's exciting to have recovered almost 100% range of motion in my shoulder, which is now virtually pain-free, and to regain muscle tone everywhere. Lucie is patient, easy-going, and has a knowledge base of, apparently, hundreds of different exercises, poses and motions to work every muscle group. She is a keen observer, and will make adjustments or introduce new activities on the fly, to target an underperforming body part. I can't recommend her highly enough!

I've been training with Lucie for 2 years several days a week. She is the perfect trainer for me…read more She knows how to exhibit the exact balance of encouragement and challenge. She is in tune with my capabilities, encourages me to challenge myself and has a million different types of exercises to work each muscle group. I also take pilates with her and she has all the latest equipment and expertise to lead you through a challenging pilates session in alignment with your physical ability. I wouldn't train with anyone else.

The studio is so fun for kids aged 4-12 and then for adults for jiu-jitsu! The offered days (M,W,F,…read moreSat) options for attending are great for flexible scheduling and the coaches are amazing. There are several coaches per class so even big classes get attention. Highly recommend if your kids (or adults) are looking to try out Jiu-Jitsu in Alameda!

Awesome business, fantastic instruction…read more Safe environment for kids. I've been searching for a place for my two younger kids (7, 3) to go to in the area, this was convenient, good parking, great instructors who cared about the wellbeing of the kids! Also, I'm an old fart and signed up too and it is worth its weight in GOLD! Thank you Island Jiu Jitsu!

I have two issues with Oaktown Boulders: communication and organization. It was impossible to get a…read morehold of them by email or phone to sign my daughter up, so we drove there and showed up to talk to someone. I signed my daughter up for a class, and after she attended one session (and after getting her excited about climbing), they emailed me to say they messed up, and the class was full. So they cancelled her enrollment and gave me a partial refund. Totally unacceptable! My daughter was so disappointed. After that experience, we joined another climbing gym and asked Oaktown Boulders to take us off their email list. They have literally emailed me half a dozen times, promoting new classes and letting me know about openings. EVERY SINGLE TIME, I ask them to remove me from their email list! No response. Also, unacceptable! Get your sh*t together, Oaktown Boulders!

Part of loving Oaktown Boulders is loving that they are aiming to make climbing something that ALL…read morekids have access to. And doing so by providing quality and fun instruction - there's no compromising in what they offer. It is exciting to see the growth that they have achieved over the past couple of years and moving locations, hiring/training new staff is never easy. If I wanted big box climbing lessons for my kid I'd go elsewhere. Yet, in addition to wanting this confidence boosting and camaraderie building experience for my kid it matters to me to give my money to a place also working to do good in our community. Have you read the Mission?