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Berkeley Ironworks

4.1 (348 reviews)
Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

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Services - Berkeley Ironworks

Group fitness

Personal training

Berkeley Ironworks Photos

Recommended Reviews - Berkeley Ironworks

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Seating area next to the well stocked gym
Sherry Z.

Figured it was time to write a review of this place. Other than being a little small I have no complaints. There is a lovely gym are with plenty of machines, lifting stations, etc so that it never feels like you have to fight someone for a spot. I've done a variety of the classes here. Highly recommend any of them from spin to yoga to the HITT classes. The instructors are supportive, you can take things at your own pace, and if you are there often enough, know you by name. Climbing: this is probably why most people come here and have a membership (why I have one). Bouldering area can get pretty crowded during the busy hours (~6PM on weekdays) but if you go on the off hours I find that I have the entire wall to myself (or can find an area that is free). The walls are reset on a pretty consistent basis so there is always something to work on. Same with the top rope. Generally I find that top roping is more accessible during the busy hours and there is always something interesting to try. Overall, give ironworks a shot for your various workout needs. Everyone there is friendly and supportive.

Bicycle parking
Michael T.

Awesome gym! It's so convenient having a regular gym and climbing under the same membership. Most of the time I visit here I am doing strength training with barbells. They have pretty much everything I've needed even though this is primarily a climbing gym! People are generally friendly here. During busy times you may have to wait to use one of the barbell stations (the oloy pads or squat racks) but generally it clears quick. There's a large amount of stations! Besides the gym equipment, the climbing is great. There's enough bouldering, top rope, and lead rope climbing routes to keep you busy. They rotate the routes every now and then. It's fun bringing friends on the first Friday of the month (can check in a visitor for free). There's a lot of car and bike parking outside. The lot next to the gym does fill up but there's plenty of street parking nearby. Parking a bike outside is generally safe. I've accidentally left my lights on my bike a couple times and haven't had them stolen (you should still lock up your bike + remove accessories haha). Another big benefit is getting to use other Touchstone gyms. It's fun visiting the neighboring gyms in the Bay Area (Pacific Pipe, Dogpatch Boulders, etc). It's also come in handy when visiting LA (Cliffs of Id, Hollywood Boulders)! Overall I've been very satisfied with my membership here!

5.6 climb
Sandy M.

First time rock climbing today. Arms are still sore as I type. The place is spacious and they enforce the Covid protocols (mask and vaccination card check). There were people of varying levels and varying ages. We came here with my nephew who was 4 and my sister. My sister was belaying us so we were able to go on the higher climbs. The place was very clean and people were very courteous. Had a good time overall (minus sore arms) and even made it to to top of one! Not bad for a first timer!

Jaime F.

Tested out Ironworks with friends. Fantastic set up here with ample parking. In the long run, a monthly pass has great value when compared to a $25 day pass plus $4 shoe rental. There is a variety of boulder routes for both beginners and the experienced. The crowd is a mix of people, families with kids, students, and more. People were pretty friendly rooting each other on to conquer a route. Bouldering seems harder than top roping. There is no auto-belay for vertical climbing here, but there are classes teaching one to belay, so that is a plus. There is plenty of other weight equipment. Complete with lockers and showers, this can easily be someone's primary gym. Not an expert here, but here's a little warning to prepared to callous, bleed, and fall. My lifting callouses peeled, but I had a great time. I also had delayed soreness at the weirdest parts, my fingers and forearms especially. It's a great workout and involves not only strength, but technique, coordination and nimbleness. Lastly, don't worry about falling while bouldering-- the padding is some of the softest ever.

Mostly lead only routes
Leo A.

I really liked this place, I wanted to pass my lead check, and even if the place was very busy, the staff was able to find an instructor. I waited 10-20 minutes, but it was worth it! Very professional staff, and amazing routes. Climb on!!

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3 months ago

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9 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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7 years ago

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2 years ago

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Lyn V.

Jenny! We're blushing over here. Thank you for the kind words!

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9 years ago

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3 years ago

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Monica A.

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4 years ago

Good for bouldering and top roping. About half half. I went for bouldering. Pretty good. Grading is on easier side.

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7 years ago

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6 years ago

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17 years ago

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4 years ago

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6 years ago

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8 years ago

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6 years ago

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Lyn V.

Thank you Felicia!

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

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8 years ago

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Lyn V.

Appreciate you and this kind review! Thanks so much.

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12 years ago

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

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8 years ago

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6 years ago

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Lyn V.

Thanks for the kind review and welcome to the gym!

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8 years ago

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Lyn V.

So appreciate the great review!

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7 years ago

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4 years ago

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Lyn V.

Thanks for your review William. Hope to see you back soon!

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13 years ago

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18 years ago

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17 years ago

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Ask the Community - Berkeley Ironworks

Monthly membership fee?

Please check out our website for current membership fees. https://touchstoneclimbing.com/ironworks/members/

What is the cost per month to join?

They have lots of different options, and the prices vary depending on whether you want a student, senior, family, or just adult membership. Also, there are cheaper prices for buying a whole year vs just month to month. Right now, a standard… Read more

View All 3 Questions

Review Highlights - Berkeley Ironworks

Great routes available for bouldering, the facility is clean and has good equipment, everyone is nice.

Mentioned in 46 reviews

Read more highlights

City Sports Club - Yoga class

City Sports Club

(914 reviews)

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.

Bay Strength - Section of gym

Bay Strength

(75 reviews)

West Berkeley

Bay Strength is not a gym. It is not a bunch of trainers. It is not a set of equipment. Bay…read moreStrength is a source of inspiration and perspiration. It is a reason for people to bond while they bend. It is a place where people come to lift their spirits as much as lifting weights. I highly recommend Bay Strength to anyone looking for a way to get started on strength training without being intimidated by it! The trainers are great at providing the right mix of support, guidance and independence to let each person navigate their own journey. They go above and beyond to provide an open, accepting, and fun environment which makes the whole experience so much better! I've only been training here for a few months and I can already feel myself getting stronger every week. Big shoutout to Kelly and Katherine for being amazing trainers and for helping me get started on my strength training journey!

I love this place so much! As someone who has always been intimidated by weight rooms at most gyms,…read moreI immediately felt at ease and welcome at Bay Strength. The coaches teach you and correct your form in a positive way that is so encouraging, you never feel self conscious. They'll help you with alternative exercises or modifications if you ever need it. It's also so nice to not have to plan out your workouts, since the coaches lay everything out for you. They make it easy so that you can just go in and have fun while working at your own pace. The absolute best part of this gym is the people. I've made so many friends and we're always laughing and chatting and being silly. We cheer each other on, celebrate PRs, and crack jokes between sets. It's a true community, and I always feel so uplifted every time I'm here. Joining Bay Strength was the best decision I've made in a really long time, and I'm so grateful to be a part of this beautiful place.

Phoenix Gym - Girls garage boxing!

Phoenix Gym

(40 reviews)

West Berkeley

Everything I said in my previous review still stands, I just want to highlight how awesome the…read moretrainers have been during the last year plus as we've all had to negotiate the COVID pandemic. They've adapted to teaching a mix of in-person and online classes and they've done an excellent job of making things challenging while keeping workouts accessible and adaptable as needed for everyone's personal situation. All of the trainers here are excellent, but most of the classes I take are with Deanna. Training with her is an incredibly positive experience--she is completely committed to helping her clients succeed, and not just in the gym. And on those days when my tank is empty or I'm not with it for whatever reason she's completely understanding and is able to adjust things to meet me where I'm at so I still get a good workout in. A lot of it may be behind the scenes, but she works just as hard as her clients at helping them achieves their goals. Phoenix Gym is an incredibly positive, supportive, and judgement-free zone, and being a member here has been a life-changing experience.

Kelly is bad ass. She's tough and gorgeous at the same time! And she's super awesome to be around!…read more So the building is Krav Maga but you enter and go to the right of the building. Bootcamp has it's own deal. I came here for a free trial bootcamp class (and I'm hooked and coming back on Friday). Luckily it was 6 ladies and myself. I really liked that it was small and everyone was friendly. It started with some jumprope, followed by push ups (and repeat 5 times). Then we got our hands wrapped and put on the boxing gloves! We hit punching bags. Pretty fun to feel like Muhammed Ali. :) my knuckles are red. Boxing is only on Wednesdays. Then we did squats in between the different types of boxing moves. Then we got out some yoga mats and did different types of crunches. Sadly I forgot where my abs once were :( but I'm hoping to find them soon. Anyway, tons of fun!

BodyRok Berkeley - Pilates reformer

BodyRok Berkeley

(68 reviews)

BodyRok Berkeley has become my sanctuary of strength, sweat, and sleep restoration. I'm currently…read moreon the monthly package, and it's one of the best decisions I've made for my body and mind. With classes running every hour, each day targeting different muscle groups or training styles, I never have to overthink my workout routine--I just show up, 4 to 6 days a week, and let the rhythm carry me. These hybrid Pilates classes are reformer-inspired but go beyond the traditional format, incorporating cardio and conditioning in a way that feels both efficient and empowering. The programming is smart, the flow is intentional, and the results are real--I feel stronger, more grounded, and I've been sleeping better than I have in months. Now for the real shoutout: Vanessa, or V Dog as she's listed on the schedule, is a force of nature. Her classes are masterfully led, with a level of attention to detail that makes you feel seen, supported, and challenged. She's clearly experienced and deeply knowledgeable--not just about movement, but about how to guide a room full of diverse bodies through safe, effective, and transformative exercise. Vanessa always cues spring settings before each move, offers modifications to scale up or down, and walks the room to ensure everyone's form is on point. Her safety reminders aren't just helpful--they're part of a larger ethic of care. She teaches with precision, but also with warmth and humor, making even the toughest sequences feel like communal choreography. Yes, the classes move fast. Yes, you'll sweat. But you'll also leave feeling like you've earned something. The energy is high, the community is focused, and the instructors--especially Vanessa--treat every class like a ceremony of strength. BodyRok Berkeley isn't just a workout studio--it's a rhythm I've folded into my week, a place where movement becomes medicine, and where instructors like V Dog turn technique into testimony.

Iyahna is one of the best instructors in all of bodyrok east bay! She is thorough in her…read moredemonstration, makes minor adjustments to form, and is super encouraging. Took my first class with her 3~ years ago and still love taking her class!

Berkeley Ironworks - gyms - Updated May 2026

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