I started working with Mae about 6 weeks ago as someone who was pretty new to the gym, and she has…read morebeen great. She immediately made me feel comfortable and never intimidating, which made a huge difference for me starting out. She does a really good job of explaining what we're doing and why, so I actually feel like I'm learning instead of just going through the motions. Every workout feels challenging in a good way, and I've already noticed myself feeling more confident in the gym. If you're new or just want someone knowledgeable who makes the process feel approachable, I'd definitely recommend Mae.

Signed up for membership here since this location is a quick walk from home. It's nice, but the…read morespace is a little small, esp for the area. At times I had to wait a bit for a machine to free up, which was annoying. But the space is clean and everyone seems respectful, so I wont complain too much. I just need to figure out which times are less crowded. It would be great if the app displayed that info - like Planet Fitness. Will I return? Um yeah. I'm paying for a membership, and it's up the street. Another positive: based on the reviews I was nervous of passing out from lack of ventilation, and the temp was actually perfect. It wasn't stuffy/hot at all.

*** UPDATE #3 *** This gym is still a solid 4 star and a…read morerecommend if you can afford but I a had to cancel a couple of months ago (cancellation was no problem). I left the gym because of dues increase. I just can't continue as the closing hours during the week and weekend are far too early for me leaving me not able to get there as often as I need for the price. I understand things are rough in Oakland and downtown with many vacant offices and apartments (less people) but, I must have a gym that I can get to without rushing to after finishing work at 6:30 PM and that has later PM weekend hours. I am unhappy as management would rather see someone cancel who uses the space 1 - 2 days max per week instead of leaving their dues as they were vs. any increase considering the place was usually nearly empty when I did go those 1 - 2 days per week. I was a member for 10 + years before Covid and when the gym was Club One. Current management/ownership should also take members membership history into consideration when they decide to increase dues in today's financial climate amongst cutting hours, classes, and closing the wet sauna. BOTTOM LINE - if you want a GREAT GYM in Oakland, The Club at City Center is the best overall gym for sure.

This is a very shady gym, and honestly I'm not surprised it's turning into a ghost town. My dad…read morepays over $170 a month for this place, and somehow they still can't consistently keep the hot water running in the showers or pool. The locker rooms are gross, a lot of the equipment is outdated, apparently there's a jacuzzi that's been out of order since covid and the only thing this gym really had going for it was the basketball court. I first came here back in 2022, then again in 2026, and the difference is night and day. In 2022 the place was packed. Fast forward to 2026 and it looks abandoned. Either people got priced out, or everyone found a better gym. The funniest part is how they handled their guest pass policy. When my dad signed up, he was told he could send guests even if he wasn't physically there. I had already used the guest pass once before while I was finishing college, and they took all my information down. Ever since then they've absolutely spammed me with texts and emails trying to sell me a membership, even after I told them I didn't live in the area. It was way harder than it should've been to stop the marketing, which honestly doesn't inspire much confidence if you ever wanted to cancel a membership. I recently moved back and figured I'd use my second guest visit. I walked over for a leg day because they have one machine I actually like. The woman at the front desk asked for my dad's information and then asked if I could call him to confirm I had permission to use the guest pass. I explained he was currently out of the country. She disappeared into the back for a few minutes, came back, and suddenly said, "Actually we've changed the guest policy, so even if your dad called, we still couldn't let you in." ...Wait, what? You literally just asked me to call him. So I asked when the policy changed, and she said, "Maybe about a week ago." The whole interaction was awkward and honestly didn't sit right with me. Maybe it really was a brand-new policy, maybe it wasn't. Either way, asking me to call my dad for approval and then immediately telling me his approval doesn't matter makes absolutely no sense. The irony is they spent months blowing up my phone trying to convince me to buy a membership, but the second I tried to legitimately use the guest benefit that came with the membership my dad already pays for, suddenly I couldn't get through the front door. If you're spending over $170 a month, there are far better options. The YMCA down the street has a better value, and if you're willing to spend a little more, Equinox offers amenities that this place isn't even close to matching. This gym feels like it's circling the drain. Poor management, inconsistent policies, dirty facilities, and prices that make absolutely no sense. Save yourself the headache and spend your money somewhere that actually values its members.

Overall, I think this is a great gym! I only had the chance to take one class before breaking my…read morewrist (outside of the gym), so unfortunately I couldn't dive in too much. As someone new to CrossFit, I found James to be a great coach -- patient, attentive, and focused on proper form. He gave helpful adjustments and kept the class moving at a good pace. I'd definitely consider coming back once my wrist heals. I did have a small billing issue that took a little time to sort out, but James ultimately took care of it. It's clear they're a small business doing their best, and I appreciate that. I'm glad to support a local gym that offers solid coaching and a welcoming community.

Pacific Strength is truly something special…read more I am not a lifter and walked in feeling genuinely intimidated by a functional fitness gym environment. That fear disappeared almost immediately. The instructors (Jessica, Zach, Makenna, James, and others!) are kind, attentive, and incredibly good at meeting you exactly where you are -- no ego, no pressure, just thoughtful coaching and encouragement. James, the owner, is a wonderful human. He sets the tone for the entire space: supportive, inclusive, and deeply invested in people's progress and well-being. The community reflects that -- the patrons are welcoming and encouraging, and there's absolutely no judgment. I'm more of a yoga and Pilates person, but I knew I needed to incorporate strength training for long-term health. Since coming here, I've gotten noticeably stronger, improved my range of motion, developed better form, and -- most importantly -- gained confidence with weightlifting. No one cares that I lift a fraction of the weight others do. Everyone is focused on their own progress, and there's always a way to scale or modify. This is an ideal gym even if you're not looking to become an Olympic weightlifter but are looking to maintain muscle, protect bone density, move better, and feel strong -- especially for women who want functional strength without intimidation. Pacific Strength proves that strength training can be empowering, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable. I can't recommend it enough.

see my old reviews? back in 2012and 2014??? well since then there's been lots of life: kids and…read moreaging parents and working and and and... AND now I'm back, 10 years later. still flipping tires, still pushing sleds and lifting heavy. Vibe is as friendly as ever. Coaching continues to be excellent quality. Still no posturing or ego to be found. Just a great a$$ kicking workout no matter your age or fitness level.

I have been coming to this gym for years and it is my favorite part of the day, especially after a…read morestressful workday. With the coaches help, I've lost over 40 pounds of fat in the span of a year and gained muscle mass. Urban Fitness emphasizes using free weights, focusing on form and technique before lifting heavy. You'll find that while you're able to squat heavy on machines, poor posture and bad habits from not bracing your core does little in the real world. The style of training can be transferred to every day chores from carrying bags of groceries up the stairs in one trip, to lifting your fridge while remodeling your kitchen. I never realized how little I could lift on my own without machines involved. The workouts are class based and has a coach demonstrating each set and correcting form. As intimidating as a class workout sounds, the community and friendship bond you will find in class are unmatched. It's really easy to make friends, especially if you're someone working from home and need a change of pace, this is a good place to go. The people I've met here became my family. We go on snowboarding trips and run spartan races together. It's not CrossFit and all levels are welcomed. The highly trained staff can provide all different levels of workouts whether you're new, looking for a challenge, or injured. There's something for everyone.

Touchstone gym located in downtown Oakland…read more This is a more small and intimate gym in comparison to Pacific Pipe. There is a small Boulder section, top roping, work area, weights, and workout area. The staff here is super friendly. My friends took the intro to climbing class here and they really enjoyed it. The staff was really helpful in teaching them the ins and outs

I love the structure. Super fun, climbing competition. Great stuff. Super fun…read more I came for the 2024 climbing competition. I had such a great time so glad I came. This building is gorgeous and so fun so aesthetic. The staff was super friendly. When I made a joke about my chalk, they were receptive and fun. Their store was pretty well stocked. Grab myself an adorable, red crop sweatshirt. They're set up was very organized. Literally zero drama. Highly recommend, and I'll be back.

Best gym in the bay! My husband and I have been unlimited members at FTC for almost 2 years. As…read moresomeone who has tried many studios in the SF Bay Area - I can confidently say this is the best out there. The programming / phase structure helps you build and get stronger over time. The classes aren't packed so you get attention/corrections from the coaches. There are modifications and ways to level up - whether you're a beginner or advanced, the workouts feel inclusive! FTC also offers Hyrox specific training and group cohorts. If you're interested in competing in a Hyrox or looking for a gym with the right workouts and equipment to prepare, this gym can help. But the best part is the community. If you're looking for a welcoming, inspiring, motivating environment - FTC is the place. Go take your first class - you'll have a great workout and meet some friendly faces!

Coolest gym in Oakland, great classes, better community. I've had the pleasure of hosting some…read morephysical therapy workshops here. Fitnesse clearly cares about their member's health and well being.

This gym is a perfect nexus for me. It's convenient to get to, it's remarkably inexpensive…read more(relative to similar gyms), and staff are friendly. The facilities are always clean and there are plenty of machines and weights for all (leg workout devices are a little sparse). Maybe not state of the art and new, but it's excellent value. As a member, you can also visit any City Sports Club in the area, and there are many!

This is a really nice physical space, I love the big windows and natural light…read more.. But omg I am too old for the misleading and covert sales attempts First of all, if having you hold a little machine with metal handles was a legit way to measure your physical fitness or cardio strength or lean muscle vs fat, I think on many decades of doctor visits I would have encountered it! This felt like 100 percent an attempt to leverage people's trust in technology and fear of the wellness industries standards too make me buy more services from this gym. Did I mention I'm too old to have a young man and his machine tell me about my body and health goals? They told me when I joined i would get a free personal training session that would tell me how to use machines ( i expressed repeatedly that i don't need help with goal setting, good on that, thanks!) Instead the supposed personal training session was an elaborate sales pitch. Did I mention I'm too old? The trainer had me do some exercises and I guess evaluated something but to get any details on how to use the machines, which I stated many many times was my only reason for the session , I was invited to give up more of my money and time. Luckily, I'm old, so all I wasted was about 3o minutes instead of also spending extra money or having random people with pseudo scientific machines and full in the blank worksheets make me doubt myself and my body. I'll keep coming bc working out feels good and makes me feel healthy but I'm aware I'm walking into an attempted scam every time I enter.

I have been a member since ~2018. I love this club because it is gigantic and it is almost…read moreliterally across the street from my warehouse loft. If you go to the Crunch Gym in Alameda and then the Bladium -- you'll have a new appreciation for space and room to breathe. The remodeled men's locker room is cool -- most importantly -- it is clean and does not stink. I only use the facility for cardio and free weights. The machines and free weights are probably 30+ years old (seriously), but they work and I like the old school steel plates. The entire facility has been under construction and it looks like they're going to make the facility like something on par with the NFL Combine's fitness facilities. I learned during the pandemic that new weights and weight machines cost a fortune, but I'm hopeful they will update the equipment. Most importantly, I hope they extend the hours of operation on the weekends. Indeed, their hours of operation should be 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. (minimum) every day. Oh, there is always free/available parking and the gym manager is extremely responsive/professional. Bottom line: this gym has the space and location to become the best fitness facility on the East Bay -- but they must extend their hours and spend a small fortune on new weights/weight machines. The images I have included with this review are dated, but they give you a good idea of the size of this place and show the degree to which they are re-doing the place!

I grew up playing at The Bladium since I was 4 years old with lil kickers. I played with the Bay…read moreOaks and SJND for indoor footie and played with my AAU basketball team in this facility. So many memories, like winning a state championship and rock climbing with my friends. The Bladium was an experience: to drink, to play sports, to work out, to have fun. I recently came back after finishing college, just to find the main football field and a majority of the weight room gone to pickleball. At first, I did not mind, however, it feels like the only people who come in are pickleball players. Its sad to see my friend's old family business being made into a pickleball center. Even the new company's logo shows where their priority is at. Heartbreaking to see. I will always remember the sounds the floorboards made.

The GYM, and its morning classes, led by owner Chris, is an incredibly welcoming, kind, and fun…read morecommunity. After a negative experience with a personal trainer a few years ago somewhere else, I finally found a place that offers encouragement and a dedicated community that welcomes new folks. Despite being new to CrossFit, I feel supported and valued here. Chris's extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor make the experience enjoyable for individuals of all skill levels. He ensures that I can navigate workouts without aggravating any injuries. The entire workout crew / gym members are consistently friendly and encouraging, making each session something to look forward to so I can keep moving toward my goals.

Been coming here for years and have nothing but gratitude for Chris and his coaching staff…read more Learning how to lift properly and safely has been a major benefit to my life and overall health. Each class has a strength portion and a conditioning portion (with lighter weight) that have you feeling amazing post-class and for the rest of the day. The community is supportive and I've made plenty of friends along the way as well.

I was invited to God's Gym for leg day and immediately upon my arrival I meet Gary. Gary's whole…read moreenergy field was bright and uplifting and I knew that I was in great hands. Picture this- a gym where it feels like the 1980's in the best way. No pretense , no " lifestyle branding" just you, your gymmates , and Gary pumping iron. I felt like I was back in the gym with my dad when I was a kiddo. I loved being part of the camaraderie- everyone cheering you on to see you succeed and Gary counting your reps and motivating you to crush it. Although it was only a half hour session I began to question what I was actually accomplishing at my home gym. At God's gym people weren't scrolling their phones- they were present and they were putting in the work.

I love this gym and the people that work there. Gary is the perfect blend of professional and…read morepersonable. I was able to see real results and gained a lot of strength. Do yourself a favor and check out this gym!