I love this gym (and the trainers) for the same reasons everyone else does: it's an incredibly kind and supportive place where people from all walks of life come to lift weights for a multitude of reasons. After reading the other 75 five-star reviews, I struggled to think of what hasn't been mentioned. So, consider this a resounding +1 on every positive thing said in every other review. Beyond that, it's worth highlighting just how responsible and respectful Bay Strength's COVID policies have been. Early in the pandemic, they kept lifting in a park and then opened an outdoor location. After moving back indoors, they implemented reasonable mask requirements, which is more doable in a powerlifting gym. They gradually lifted mask requirements as CDC guidance was updated. The gym also has excellent ventilation, air purifiers, and fans running all the time. While I have been exposed to COVID here, I have never actually gotten sick as a result. Doubling down on the "great community" theme (because it really is that great): * They do mock meets every six months or so (vids on Instagram to get a feel for that) * They have had a tie-dye party * They threw a karaoke party * People put interesting (occasionally hilarious) polls on one of the whiteboards, often with amazing artwork * Have I mentioned how positive and supportive everyone is? I know what you're thinking: "75 five-star reviews, and not a single complaint? I don't believe it." So, to make this a little more believable, I thought about all my complaints over the last couple weeks (and asked a few other lifters): * They scheduled the tie-dye party for a day I had another commitment * I felt guilty for whining about missing the tie-dye party when they sincerely responded by saying they could schedule another one "for anyone who missed the last one" * The music is occasionally not what I want to listen to, and it might take seconds to walk over and change it. I haven't actually had to yet, because other lifters changed it before I got up, but it could happen! * There's a super friendly trainer who loves jokes. Not naming names, but Jeremy, we've heard that one before! * They have a bowl of Smarties in case you need some sugar (which is great), but I'm convinced the different colored Smarties are not actually different flavors * Sometimes I crave a smoothie, but they only have filtered water in three temperatures: hot, cool, or cold Oh, and with the help of the trainers and community here, I was able get stronger than I ever thought I would be. Without any injuries. read more