24 HOUR FITNESS @ UTC LA JOLLA…read more Parking is available on the first floor of the Genesee Avenue parking garage. If you're visiting with the 5-day free pass, I highly recommend entering through this entrance because it can be a little confusing to find the gym since it's located underneath the UTC mall. One great perk is that 24 Hour Fitness validates an additional two hours of parking on top of UTC's free one-hour parking, giving you a total of three hours to work out and even do a little shopping afterward. This was actually my first time ever visiting a 24 Hour Fitness. Since I live so close to UTC, I've always wanted to check it out, especially because it's open 24 hours. I originally signed up for the free 5-day trial, but after taking a quick tour, the salesperson was incredibly friendly and even gave me $15 off the regular membership price. That made it an easy decision to sign up. I'm a pretty low-maintenance gym person, so all I really care about is having a clean, spacious gym with plenty of equipment, and this location definitely delivers. There are lots of free weights, machines, and plenty of equipment for both upper and lower body workouts. I also love that they offer cycling classes and are adding Pilates classes soon, which is a huge bonus. My only real complaint is that it can get very crowded during peak hours, especially in the mornings and evenings. Luckily, I work remotely, so I have the flexibility to go during off-peak times when it's much less busy. If you have a flexible schedule, I think you'll have a much better experience. Another feature I really enjoy is the recovery amenities. They have both a sauna and a steam room, which are perfect after a tough workout. My membership only costs $47 a month, which is honestly much cheaper than some of the smaller boutique gyms I've belonged to before. It also includes a guest buddy pass, making it easy to bring a friend along. Overall, I've had a great experience with this 24 Hour Fitness. While it can get crowded during busy times, the spacious facility, wide variety of equipment, group fitness classes, recovery amenities, convenient location, and affordable membership make it a gym I would definitely recommend trying.

They recently "upgraded" this gym. It was clean for about two weeks then without proper upkeep it's…read morenasty again. They moved the free weights area to the old basketball court, which is larger than before but it's always stuffy down there. NO AC!!! At least they added more squat racks. But downside, we lost the outdoor area. So this gym is still ghetto. I regret renewing my annual membership.

I moved to Carlsbad and still look forward to making my trip twice a week to train here. It's been…read morea little over 8 months, and Mia, Fernando, and Will have changed my life. But it's thanks to Justin's leadership the entire team inspires me, whether I'm hearing other trainers across the gym or chatting at the front desk, or moved just a bit extra by daily quotes on the whiteboard. Every hard rep is celebrated with high fives and every day I'm not training, the staff is working hard on my nutrition, my growth, and adjustments for chronic pain. John was there to hear *all* my concerns my very first day, top of which was that I've been recovering from an eating disorder since 2012 and had been fearful of training because of triggering language or incentive. John briefed the whole team for me, and 8 months in I've never once had to explain myself or course correct. They got me, they push me, they celebrate with me, and see me as a person they're really invested in. It's obvious that same level of energy and investment carries to all their clients. Today I feel strong, excited, powerful, and healthy. I fit my jeans again, I'm eating better food, and I'm still completely removed from bad habits, all because the iron orr team carries that weight (and counts for me every rep! ;) ) I've come to love them all as friends and members of a big San Diego community and I'm going to train there the rest of my life, on my way to becoming a ripped grandma.

I love this place, plus i have the best trainers! Fernando and Francesca are amazing and i look…read moreforward to working with them every week! They're really knowledgeable and help you meet your fitness goals within a reasonable amount of time. Plus it's literally right across the street so i can easily go over anytime. I love working out here and def recommend!

Taking advantage of a 3 for $36 intro special, I tried out PVOLVE, one of the fitness studios…read morelocated in the newest section of the Westfield UTC Mall. It took me all 3 classes to finally understand what PVOLVE is. Their signature classes utilize a lot of proprietary props and accessories like the p ball (a resistance band that holds a ball that you put on almost like a belt or pair of pants). They do have a weighted training class that does involve light weights (up to 15 lbs). The movements are described as functional. As the instructors teach, they often describe how the movement mimics a movement you'd do in your everyday life like picking up something of the side of the bed or closing the door. There are foundational positions that you frequently work out of involving small, but effective movements. As someone whose done all sorts of group fitness classes, I can honestly say it isn't quite like anything else. While there are components that mimic barre or pilates, it's different. There are a lot of inverted positions in which one foot might be facing forward while the other is moving inward. That was unique and felt a little difficult to get used to, but the instructors are very attentive in helping you get it right. I especially enjoyed Maggie. She was so friendly and I took her classes twice! If you're a first timer, know that you do wear athletic shoes here. They have a nice locker room and changing area. You pick up your basket of props and drop them off at the end of class. Overall, I really enjoyed the classes. I think this studio would be especially great for those recovering for an injury as it feels slightly similar to physical therapy. It's highly accessible and there was a wide age range of participants in the class. The only thing that would prevent me from continuing to come here is the cost. The monthly unlimited membership is $400/month. It's a great workout, but that's a really high cost, even in comparison to many other group fitness studios. The benefit is that it does come with access to their at home classes, but it's still difficult to justify. A single drop-in class is $45. I really enjoyed the class and hope I can find a way to come to another class!

I tried out Katie's class at PVolve called Sculpt and Burn. It was epic! Very good for someone…read morebattling nagging injures etc. Very different from anything else I would do. This is top of my list of best new workout studios hands down. Good for all levels of exercise enthusiasts.

I love this studio! They offer so many variations, I never get bored of it. Instructors are so warm…read moreand helpful, they make it super approachable for beginners! Love that they also offer modifications for all levels so there's no plateau

New to this location, I love the size of the studio and the amount of Reformers. Despite a full…read moreclass, it wasn't overwhelming at all and the AC was at a perfect and comfortable level. Taking the Pilates Traditional Reformation class under Cameron was wonderful and she kept us working! I love that there's a front desk here and there's several merchandise to look through even as a drop-in. Lockers can be used and are wide enough to fit plenty of items. Instructor uses a microphone headset and was pretty clear in her directions. Overall felt very great after class. They text you with specific directions on where to park. I was worried at first if I was parked wrong but it was absolutely handy and you can quite literally walk out from your car towards the mall and glance straight towards the studio. It specifically says to do the second story of the parking garage but parking on the first level works just as fine. *they don't validate parking for the UTC since class is only one hour and UTC offers 2 hours for free

Ben is absolutely fantastic. I have been training with him for a few months now. He is very…read morefriendly, knowledgable, and efficient. He truly cares about his clients and works with them to get the results they are looking for. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer!

I met Ben in late 2012 because I was in search of trainer to help me achieve my weight loss goals…read more And when I say weight, I mean WEIGHT. This was not 10lbs before my wedding type of situation. Up to this point I have lost over 100lbs with the help of Ben and his fitness regimen. He has instilled in me a stronger work ethic and we have only just begun to scratch the surface of my potential. Over the course of my training I have lost body fat and gained a friend. Ben is attentive, compassionate, and genuinely cares about his client's success. Sometimes I feel like he wants me to achieve my goals more than I do. With Ben you not only get best in class personal training but clients will also receive an interactive, digital dashboard which includes nutritional and supplement plans and workout schedules. Everything is personalized to you and your fitness goals for maximum results. If you are considering hiring a trainer, I would highly recommend Ben Bodde. His dedication to his clients far exceeds any trainer found at a corporate gym. I am still one of his clients and plan on remaining one for a long time. Some of you may be hesitant about investing so much into a trainer however; there is no greater investment than your health! Insider tip: Scheduling your sessions earlier in the day will be more enjoyable as there are less people in the gym.

It's a love-hate relationship because on most days my muscles think that Ryan Regensburg is a jerk…read more But that's just because they have a problem with authority, and Ryan is good at his job. Between my mental will power and Ryan's direction, my muscles will thank us both later. He is not aggressive or preachy about his training style. He is big on form and repetition, but he keeps plenty of variety in my actual sessions so there is little opportunity for boredom. He also emphasizes thorough stretching at the end of each session, which is not something to be overlooked, in my opinion. The $$$: Ryan's training packages are competitively priced and, if you commit to training at least 4x/month, you can get a discounted rate of $75/hour. Ryan was offering a 20% deal as well, but I don't know when that expires. He usually trains me at the Burn gym in Santa Monica between 3rd and 4th streets, but he is flexible on location as well. Check him out! He's nice, professional, and seems infinitely patient.

Great personal trainer, very personable but at the same time knows how to push you really far each…read moresession. I trained with him over the summer during an internship, and in the 6 weeks (3x per week) I lost 5 pounds but more importantly for me also converted another couple pounds of fat into muscle for the lean look I was going for. Gym is either at an apartment complex or at the Qualcomm campus if you are working there, which was ok (could be better / more private) but at the rates I paid vs. market no complaints here. Also did some group training when my friends came to visit (first session was free, so all in all I think he did like 5 free sessions for visitors).

I have been training with Anthony for 6+ years from when he was located in Costa Verde and Sorrento…read moreValley to his own business now (also in Sorrento Valley). I first met him through a Groupon deal and 6+ years later I'm still seeing him for my weekly sessions. I also managed to hustle a few new clients for him through my work colleagues. You are welcome Anthony!! :0P He listens to what your fitness goals are and is realistic with what needs to happen in order to achieve them. I also like that since opening his new business/gym he is open to feedback to make it successful and inviting for those who are looking to get fit. I like that the gym is never too crowded as it is private and limited to the clients of the personal trainers working there. I would highly recommend Anthony as a trainer as he is personable with a good sense of humor which you can appreciate if he's busting your balls by asking you to pedal for 30 seconds nonstop on an air bike. UGH! LOL!!

I had the pleasure of doing 8 partner training sessions with Anthony and my girlfriend earlier this…read moreyear. We really enjoyed working out with him and learned a lot in the process. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and has an easy-going friendly and motivating attitude. He was able to train both of us at the same time despite our different workout goals, and was easy to schedule sessions with. We always got the full length of training time, and never had to wait around for him like I've had to do with other trainers. He gave us a lot of nutritional advice as well in the form of emails, and also gave me a workout routine in the form of an Excel spreadsheet that I still use on my own half a year later. Thanks a lot Anthony! Hope to see you some time in the future :)

Tim is a great person to work with . With just 3 sessions he was able to make a big difference to…read morefix my Plantar fasciitis issue. He knows what he is going . Highly recommended this organization.

I am fortunate to have met Tim, to whom I was referred by my personal trainer. I had chronic pain…read moreand limited mobility in my shoulder and had performed 2 rounds of physical therapy without much progress. Tim was able to zero in on the specific muscle groups and insertion points causing the trouble, and release much of the tension through manipulation and a series of targeted exercises. I think he's magic. I recommend a consultation - see if you agree!

I've been pretty hesitant to join a gym, partially because they can be really bro-ey, crowded, or…read moredirty (or all 3) depending on the location. I've been going to this Planet Fitness location for the past year and have never had that issue. This location is in an office park, so parking is plentiful. Most people that come in are diligent in wiping the machines down right after using them. It never gets too crowded, I've never seen them use the "Lunk alarm." There's almost always a massage chair or hydro massage open as well. Great reliable and affordable gym!

My teen signed up for the free Teen Summer promo and the app never indicated that we had to freeze…read morehis existing account. I came with him on Monday 6/22 at 5:30 pm and was told we'd be charged. I said but we didn't know to freeze it. The manager Stormy promised she'd handle it before her break. She never did. Got charged $15 three days later. Called in today 6/25 and talked to the GM. I believe her name was Crystal. Crystal said there was nothing she could do because Stormy never wrote it down. So their mistake becomes my problem? And the note of someone who didn't follow through on her word yields more weight than me telling the 100% truth. What!?!?! Crystal said that she's going to talk to Stormy during her next shift this Saturday. She said she'd have Stormy call me. When I asked her if she knew my name and had my mobile no, she said no. She was gonna hang up without ever getting it. There's also a guy with long dark hair at the front isn't helpful who just stares- very creepy It's only $15. But I was lied to, dismissed, and made to feel like I was the problem. A manager made a promise, didn't keep it, and leadership covered for it. That's a culture issue.

SOLIDCORE @ LA JOLLA…read more Parking is available in the shopping center lot. Since this Solidcore location is tucked toward the back of La Jolla Village, there are a lot of surrounding restaurants and stores, so the parking lot can get pretty busy, especially on weekdays and weekends. I was still able to find parking without too much trouble, but I would recommend giving yourself a little extra time just in case. I've been to Solidcore a couple of times before, but I'm usually more of a gym girl than a Pilates person. One of my friends has a Solidcore membership and had a "bring a guest" pass for the month, so I was excited to join her for a full-body class that focused mainly on biceps and legs. The studio itself is pretty small compared to other Solidcore locations I've visited. Since classes run back-to-back, the lobby and locker area get crowded with people coming in and out. We took the 50-minute class from 4:10 PM to 5:00 PM, although they also offer shorter 30-minute classes. Going into the workout, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Since I was still learning the movements, I found myself watching my friend and the people around me to understand the exercises better. Thankfully, it wasn't too difficult to catch on, and I really enjoyed how challenging the workout was. It gave me a great mind-to-body connection, and I definitely felt the burn throughout the entire class. Unfortunately, the instructor completely changed my experience. She was very hands-on in a way that made me uncomfortable. Instead of simply giving verbal corrections, she would physically push my arms or reposition my body without asking first. It felt overly forceful, and having that happen in front of a full class made me even more uncomfortable. I've taken Pilates classes and worked with trainers before, and I've never experienced an instructor correcting me in that way. Overall, I genuinely enjoyed the workout itself and can absolutely see why people love Solidcore. The class was challenging, effective, and left me feeling accomplished. However, because of my experience with the instructor, I personally wouldn't return to this particular location. The workout was great, but the coaching style wasn't a good fit for me.

What a workout! This was my first time experiencing Solidcore and I was not prepared for the…read moreintensity. The class I took was the Signature50: Full Body, led by Haley. This isn't like a heated class but you will definitely be sweating by the end. We arrived 20 minutes before class began and we're able to enter the building with a pre-generated code. Before the main room with all the machines, you'll find lockers, bathrooms, and water fountains. We stowed our stuff and once doors opened, we quickly went in to claim our spots. If it's your first time, make sure you come early so there's enough time for the instructor to go over the equipment and how the class works. Instead of weights, the equipment relied on tension and it might not seem hard but the workflows have a lot of holding that tension so you really feel the burn. The beginning started off with a lot of abs exercises and then switched to lower body with some upper body stuff. By the end, I could really feel it in my abs and slightly in my legs. Highly recommend trying at least once! Haley was great and kept a fun energy throughout the class!