It's been 8 weeks since I stated at Nu Fitness, but it's long enough to give Nick, his trainers and…read morethe facility a positive review. I spent a few days looking for a personal trainer close to work. After some searches on the Internet and Yelp reviews, I started reading reviews about Nu Fitness and Nick. After some positive reviews, I filled out the form and emailed him. I noted my fitness journey to this point in life and briefly explained what I wanted to accomplish going forward. I found myself in a terrible routine, work 12 hours, then heading to the local breweries for a few beers and dinner. Needless to say this didn't bode well for my wellbeing. Looking back over the years, I had gained control of health in my mid-30s, where I lost 40+ pound, gained strength and started running. Running led me to a period in my life that saw me conquer a few 50-mile races. An achievement I never thought I would attempt, hell I never thought I would run 5 miles. Life changed. Priorities changed and slowly I saw everything I had worked hard for slowly slip away. Now age 55, life wasn't getting any easier. I knew I was not very active. I also knew that my daily routine was not one for success. I decided I needed to help make a change in my life, but more importantly to make that change permanent. Previously I joined 24 Hour Fitness (never again) but found too many excuses NOT to go. Sound familiar? Searching Yelp for personal trainers, I ran down a local list in the Oakland/Alameda area. Reading profiles and reviews, checking website, I ran across a trainer, Nick Baltazar. It felt right. I emailed Nick with my story and filled out the form on the Nu Fitness website. It wasn't even a day and I had a response from Nick and we were talking about my fitness journey, where I had been and what I wanted to achieve. He was willing to work with my schedule to get three days of training. After a day of communication with Nick, he connected me with Wyatt. I met Wyatt at Nu Fitness, located at 2345 Broadway, parking in The Hive. Yes, they have easy parking and validation while you are at your session. This makes getting in and out quick and easy. I was highly impressed with the facility, the way Nick had spoke about it, I knew I would be. The work out areas were clean and profession, a small reception area, all Rogue power racks and weights, with room for everyone to work on their fitness goals. Wyatt Berreman, my personal trainer worked with me, after provided basic information from Nick on what I wanted to accomplish. He created a plan specifically for me, tracking my journey, weights and reps for each session. It's been just about 2 months, but its been reestablishing a workout routine. I have a sense of accomplishment, even through I don't see it in the mirror...yet. It will happen. Wyatt has been a wealth of knowledge and has helped create a plan for me to gain strength, balance and flexibility. But also work within my limitations due to previous surgeries on my knee and shoulder. I am very impressed with Nu Fitness, Nick, Wyatt and what they have to offer in the way of personal training. I would highly recommend giving Nick a chance to show you want they can do to help create a fitness plan for your to achieve your goals.

Nick is so great! Very focused on my goals and I've made a ton of progress -- I started having…read morenever done any weightlifting and now I'm deadlifting much more than my own weight and feeling stronger than I've ever felt. Nick has worked with me through a bunch of different injuries I got (outside the gym!) to help my recovery as well. I couldn't ask for a better partner to help me with my fitness and strength!

Danny has been helping my group of 3 women (ages mid sixties to mid seventies) for over 10 years…read moreto keep moving, improve balance and get stronger. During that time, one of us may be in recovery mode from surgery. He manages to keep us all pushing our boundaries while being very informed on how not to re-injure ourselves. He makes it fun, it is different every week and he is very informed when we ask why we are doing a certain exercise. I personally think he is amazing and I'm very grateful he keeps me positive. If you are younger have no fear he will push you to get stronger and stronger...it's a talent to work with a wide range of abilities and do it well..that's Danny..... Ramona

My wife and I have been doing strength training together with Danny for a couple of years now and…read moreit's been a transformative experience for me. I'm in my early 60s and am focusing on core strength and balance. Danny is always patient, focused, and organized. As an extra plus, he's one of the nicest personal trainers you'll ever meet! Highly recommended!

This is my review for Tucker at Powerform! I've been working with Tucker now for nearly 3 months…read more He came on recommendation from 2 of my friends and I've now referred another of my best friends to him as well, and so glad we're all getting trained by him. From day one, he's been engaged, incredibly enthusiastic and clearly loves what he does. I appreciate his energy and creative approaches to agility, flexibility and strength exercises. He's attuned to form and adjusts weight accordingly based on what he sees in you... and he's a fantastic communicator. I have definitely left each session feeling accomplished and having learned something new!

I started my time at Powerform after having my second daughter in April 2023. As someone who has…read moretypically engaged in Pilates, the idea of weightlifting was intriguing but intimidating. Max, the owner, was quick to respond to my online inquiry and was able to set me up with two trainers- Mikkie and John. He took time to chat with me about my goals. Shout out to Max for his excellent communication and thought processes for connecting you with particular trainers. John - within seconds, I immediately felt comfortable with John. He always lays out the groundwork for you so you know what to expect. His warmups always get me motivated for what's to come. I love that he is so encouraging and always keeps me on my counts during reps. John is extremely personable, and I truly enjoy our conversations. Mikkie- she has refined my squat game like no other and has pushed me to lift more than I ever expected to. She pushes me in the best way and always gives me opportunities to excel. I truly enjoy her style of training. As a mother of two young children, working out at Powerform has been transformative, to say the least. This has been my time out of the day for myself both mentally and physically. After many years of aimless workouts, I finally feel like I know how to spend my time to get the results I want. I feel stronger than ever, and that is thanks to the wonderful staff at Powerform. Highly recommend!

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

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.

250 classes today!!! :-)…read more I joined in November '23, and it's been quite a journey. Day by day, week by week, month by month, I have seen incredible progress. The way the classes and challenges are set up constantly shows your progress. Much of my transformation is also because of the coaches [Elliot, Jon, Mel, & Sonia]. They are there to answer any questions you have (and I have too many) and are always up for a discussion. They are patient, have high energy, and will go above & beyond to see you succeed. I love the office staff; they are also invested in your success & cheer you on at every step. I love OTF Montclair, and I cannot thank them enough. I can't wait to update this review with a photo of my 1000-class sign.

I've been a member at Orangetheory Montclair for about 5 months and usually enjoy the workouts and…read morecoaches, but my experience on October 24th at the 8:30 AM class left me really disappointed. Before class started, I told the front desk that my heart rate monitor wasn't showing up on the screen. They told me they'd handle it and to go ahead and start class without it. Twenty minutes passed without a working band until I waved over the coach, Elliot, who kindly stepped in to help. It's very likely I would have gone the entire class without a monitor if he hadn't intervened--twice. First, I was given my own band back and told it would work, but it didn't. Then Elliot had to tell the manager to give me a loaner band and comp it. By that time, half the workout was over. Since the heart rate data is such a core part of what you pay for at Orangetheory, this really undercut the experience. After class, the manager suggested the problem was with my band, but it synced perfectly to my phone both before and after class. When I asked for a replacement class (since I'm on the 4-classes-per-month plan), she was resistant and said she'd get back to me. I never heard back from her or from corporate customer service, despite reaching out through the official website. What's been most disappointing since then is that the manager hasn't acknowledged me at all when I've come in--no hello, no follow-up, no recognition of the issue. That lack of accountability and basic customer service doesn't reflect well on the studio or the brand. I want to emphasize that the classes themselves are excellent and the coaches are consistently fantastic, which is why I'm continuing to go. They make the workouts worth it. But I hope the studio's customer service and follow-through can start matching the quality of the coaching team.

This is truly a Pilates Oasis!!!! I have been doing reformer Pilates on and off for 10 years and…read moredespite this being an intro class, I FEEL THE BURN AND IT FEELS SO GOOD! The vibes in this studio are immaculate and I'm very appreciate that Nati spent the time to explain everything because I brought my mom for an intro reformer class and she loved it! Parking is easy, it's on the street! You need a code to get into the area, but once you have the code it's easy. Really excited for this spot, I love the thought and care that went into the studio design as well as the quality of the equipment!

The Oasis is a new-ish pilates studio in Oakland. Opened in February…read more Plenty of street parking available and after you register, an email reminder is sent with instructions to find The Oasis. Studio is beautiful and aesthetic, yet functional. Loved the Reformer + Strength class that I tried. I've done both separately before, but it was refreshing to have them combined. For the strength training, you can customize by picking the dumbbells/kettlebells weight. Not intimidating at all, even for first timers! Nati is the best - she truly forms a community at the studio. Several regulars that are all friendly! :)

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!

This is such an awesome gym! All the equipment you need for strength training--including barbells,…read moreracks, dumb bells, kettlebells, machines, and plenty of cardio options, too. Never a wait. Free parking. Great hours. Very clean and well maintained. The patrons and trainers are friendly and Polo, the owner, is a super nice guy. This is a real community asset and far better than the big box gyms. I highly recommend this place.

Through out the workouts the trainers give helpful cues for doing the activity oror movements…read morecorrectly.

I can not say enough good things about Mark Sutro and his teaching and coaching abilities. I was…read morevisiting from San Diego and took Mark's cycle class and I enjoyed it so much that I stayed for his rowing class. It was my first time doing a rowing class and Mark was so helpful and continued to help correct my form and guide me in the right direction through the class. His music is excellent! A great blend of classics and current hits, all high energy and making you want to move! The facility is clean and well maintained and if I lived in the area I would definitely join. They have a wide range of classes for every interest and skill level and a full schedule throughout the week. Towels are provided and there is a water dispenser on one of the faucets in the locker room.

I wanted a change of scenery and joined personal trainer, Nick, at his new studio. I appreciate the…read moreprivacy and comfort that the gym provides. My sessions are twice a week, and I'm happy with the workouts. The circuits that Nick prepares for me are tailored to my fitness and health goals. He's easy to work with!

From the owner: 24/7 Private Gym Access!…read more Month to Month membership gets you in the door whenever you want, train on your time! Avoid large crowds and waiting long for machines, with limited memberships available, you can get your workouts done on your schedule with the ability to setup your workout space to hit your goals! Weekly scheduled fitness workshops included as part of the membership to improve form, efficiency and gain different styles. Be one of the limited members and Join today!

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)