Plenty of problems to work on at this climbing gym. The routes are also decently rated. Staff at Ironworks are helpful. Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere and set up here. read more

Amazing gym, went with our old neighbors for climbing, been a hot minute almost 20 years for me and it was a good plunge back into climbing. really friendly people both employees and patrons, parkings a bit of a fight if you don't know where to go, but membership gets you into other gyms. read more

Came here on a random day and we were excited to try it out. The gym has it all. Climbing and bouldering. We wanted to top rope but we weren't allowed - we needed to take a class :( We opted to just boulder and they had many different walls to choose from. We spent most of our time at the beginner's wall and it got us through our stay. There also is a gym with machines and some dumbbells. We finished the day with a back and arm workout. Seems like a good community with good vibes. Lots of strong climbers. Day pass is $30. Hope to come back someday and try top rope. read more

Berkeley Ironworks - Gyms Near Me - Berkeley, California

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If you're a parent with 2 young kids but just a few years ago you used to go too hard on some weak sauce California trad and have since stood helplessly watching your older one not climb the same 5.6 while asking for cookies while the small one attempts to sprint EVERYWHERE and the cool young climbers at Pac Pipe scoff at you for being (probably) some gumby noob parent who doesn't belong, come here. They are nice. They're ready to support you learning if you are a gumby noob and as long as you keep the 2 year old out of the squat rack they are pretty understanding about the chaos. Last week my 6 year old let me boulder here for 30 whole minutes and now I feel almost human. 13/10. Thank you for including us Berkeley. read more

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. read more

Berkeley Ironworks - Seating area next to the well stocked gym - Gyms Near Me - Berkeley, California

So I cancelled my touchstone membership for awhile due to the issues outlined in my last review, which did not resolve. I re-enrolled after a break, but usually climb at Pac Pipe. On Friday night I decided to bite the bullet and give Ironworks a try again. Maybe they've changed? No, it was actually even worse than many months ago. Horrible, inconsistent grading (again, so many climbs feel set for men and when you check it out in Kaya you'll find that the 5.10c you couldn't climb-- right after succeeding on a 5.12a-- was set by someone literally 6 feet tall). But the really bad part was the staff attitude around closing time. I have IBS. I had to use the bathroom (with no warning because that's how IBS works) at 9:56 pm. I had stopped climbing and packed up most of my stuff by then. I used the bathroom and wasn't able to leave until 10:02 pm (according to my watch, my phone, and my partners phone and watch), though, and I am not kidding, they have set their gym clocks ahead of the actual time! I apologized to both employees on my way out and was met with cold, harsh, silent stares. They wouldn't even acknowledge me or like nod or anything. My partner informed me that one had loudly proclaimed to the other what an inconvenience it was that "someone is still in the bathroom." Great. Glad to know my digestive issues which made me 2 minutes late are worth literally shouting across the gym about. I could have left right at 10, which maybe I should do in the future, though I fear the employees would be more upset about the trail of diarrhea left in my wake as I prioritized their strictness over my own body and over public sanitary concerns and concerns about them having to clean up after me. Seriously this place is so ableist to complain about someone with IBS leaving the bathroom two minutes late. Like really ableist. We are considering cancelling for another multi-year break again on principle. If you go to local business gyms instead of corporate Touchstone, you'll find employees who actually get to know you by name, and who are reasonable and kind people and, for example, do you the humanitarian service of allowing you to use the toilet even if it's close to closing time. Seriously touchstone has made me so anxious about closing time that now I have an IBS flare up every time I'm trying to leave!!!! The way they're acting is achieving the opposite of what they're aiming for. read more

Their class schedule should be more organized. They will give you a spot if you are 4 minutes late. They will provide you with not a grace period or notice that your class was canceled. I canceled my membership over frustration. read more

This gym has it all. Lead climbing, top roping and some solid bouldering. The fact that there is also yoga classes, a sauna and a stout amount of workout equipment makes this place a good deal when it comes to a monthly membership. I come here for the workout equipment more than the climbing aspect. read more

Why I prefer Berkeley Ironworks over other BAY area STRENGTH training gyms: - I can lift in peace without being sucked into loud political discussion - I can go whenever I want, not just one specific time slot on certain specific days - I'm not constantly hit with new pricing schemes - Nobody is monitoring my every move - It's not a cult, or if it is, it's a chill one Lift here. read more

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! read more

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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! read more

Berkeley Ironworks - 5.6 climb - Gyms Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I have canceled my membership. I DO NOT SUPPORT a business that allows PREDATORY BEHAVIORS. I supported this business throughout covid by continuing my membership when they were closed, what a fool I was. You are nothing but a membership number and a cash cow to them and anything serious that happens to you will be met with shrugged shoulders. Further research; go to glassdoor. Update: Monica; you do not get to wish me and my family anything in your response. Your words are hollow and meaningless. I hope people read this, see through your reply and realize the words you write holds no depth in sincerity. You've lazily copied and pasted the exact same response to others who have had these issues! read more

It's been almost six years since I last reviewed Berkeley Ironworks, and even after all this time, I still consider it one of the best gyms in the entire Bay Area and definitely deserving of five stars. I like this place so much that I often travel all the way here from SF when I'm in town for work, even though I no longer live in the East Bay and there are many gyms closer to the hotel that I usually stay at. It might sound a bit odd that I would be so excited about a climbing gym when I rarely climb, but the fitness area at Ironworks is so amazing that you don't need to be a climber to visit or even become a member. I will say that the climbing and bouldering area here is HUGE, one of the biggest I've ever seen. However, I think that the real star here is the fitness area, which is also fantastic. I am a powerlifter, and Ironworks has some great equipment for both powerlifters and olympic lifters. There are plenty of squat racks, barbells, bumper plates, and other lifting accessories, in addition to lots of space to lift. There are also tons of different machines, including aerodyne bikes, concept 2 rowers, GHDs, cable machines, and a full array of standard gym machines. Additionally, there is a large stretching area with bands and other recovery items. All in all, this is one of the better gyms for serious lifters in the region. The locker rooms are great, with lots of lockers, showers, and clean stalls. The staff is super friendly. Prices are very reasonable, particularly day pass prices on weekdays before 3pm, but membership prices are great too. They have a good selection of workout drinks. The gym is located about a block from an Emery-Go-Round stop, which provides free transportation from BART. All in all, I would highly recommend this for anyone who is into their fitness, and while the name implies its mostly a climbing gym, you don't need to be into climbing at all to visit or become a member and get your money's worth. read more

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. read more

Berkeley Ironworks - Gyms Near Me - Berkeley, California

HUGE gym. There are lots of classes, huge cardio section, weights section, and more. The bathrooms are always clean & you can Boulder, top rope, or lead climb. I love the community. Always good vibes. Plus, it's near the coast so it tends to stay cool. read more

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

The last time I came here was when my sisters were still in college, and recently when I came back to visit family, we decided to go rock climbing. I forgot how immensely huge this place is - the walls go so much higher than any gym I've been to since, and there's so many more options of routes here. Their selection of both top rope and bouldering is amazing, so you can be sure to find your level of climbing without worry. I did feel like some routes' gradings were easier, most of which were their 5.10B's that felt more like 5.9's. Other than that, the variety of how the walls curve up and how the routes are set are amazingly done. I love how their gym equipment section isn't like other climbing gyms were it's a small corner of weights - Ironworks has an entire floor for powerlifting and a second floor for all your cardio needs. Honestly would trade this membership for both of my current gym and climbing gym memberships in a heartbeat. I also appreciate how on their website, they give you an update of when new routes are set and the entire layout of the gym is put up - this is the first time I've seen anything like it available online. Truly an amazing establishment, and will definitely want to come back when I visit again! read more

A problematic locker room culture is arising. On November 15th and 17th, I was repeatedly touched in an inappropriate manner by another member while in the sauna. This behavior continued even after I clearly told him to stop, more than once. This is in addition to his other problematic behaviors, such as asking other men why they cover their genitals in the sauna, and sitting on the floor of the sauna forcing others to climb over him to get to the benches, while we are only wearing towels or nothing. These behaviors escalated over the course of several months. On Nov. 17th, I brought this to the attention of the manager, Lyn, who told me she would investigate. To my understanding, the investigation began and ended with asking the member in question if he had touched me. He said he had not touched me. He denied the other behaviors as well. Lyn saw fit to only warn him and leave it at that, though I was told that if this behavior continued, THEN something would be done about it. I don't have much confidence in that prospect since nothing of consequence was done this time. I did not join the gym, or support it during the COVID shutdowns, to sign up for sexual predator watch. I joined to have a good, safe place to stay in shape and be with people I love. So, I immediately canceled my membership. My wife did the same. We do not feel safe or comfortable at this gym anymore, which is heartbreaking, because it was a very important part of our life since early 2018. We had even begun bringing our two year old, but I will not bring him there ever again. I have also sent an email to Touchstone's home office. I have not received a response. Have you ever felt like you've been cheated? UPDATE: a few hours after posting this review I was contacted by the head office. They told me that Lyn conducted interviews with other males who use the sauna as well. As this comes from a second hand source, was never mentioned by Lyn, and comes only after my original posting, I find the claim dubious. They also stated that the sauna etiquette standards will be updated. For the sake of gym members, I hope it works, but I remain unconvinced. read more

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!! read more

Berkeley Ironworks - Mostly lead only routes - Gyms Near Me - Berkeley, California

I had my son's birthday party here yesterday. The party "room" is located way in back and away from the main climbing walls, the weights area, and of course possibly a few self-absorbed 20-somethings who might have mentioned that they hate kids. We had a great time. Gayle was there as were 2 of her sons and her granddaughter. So was one of David's old school friends and a few kids from the neighbourhood. The Berkeley Iron Works staff person who belayed the climbs was very good with the kids and the back climbing area fit their talents well. The pizza and cake also went over well and my son left the party very happy. The Berkeley Iron Works also has great potential for gym membership. Staff were friendly and helpful, there was a nice selection of cardio machines upstairs, the weight machines had good variety, the men's locker room was well-appointed, and then of course there is the amazing collection of climbing wall options. I also like how they have left a few of the old architectural touches of these old industrial building (like the front overhead crane) in place. read more

Came here to try the gym. We had previously talked with Amy on the phone. She said we could come in for a free pass to try the gym before we become a member. Once we're there, the other colleague -a guy greets us. (The guy who has his shift after Amy on a Friday night) When we tell him we wanted to try the gym, he says there's no such trial. We didn't feel welcomed and he also didn't provide info about the membership options either. We do not recommend this unfriendly place. read more

I was really excited to join ironworks when I first moved back to the area. Most of the staff are friendly, with one exception, who was extremely condescending during the belay test. Overall, the energy of the gym is great however it is far too crowded and it seems as though they haven't been able to keep up with the volume. The gym really needs a thorough cleaning more than once a day. Gym equipment is pretty gross and worn out. The boxing class is really fun with a great instructor but I stopped going because the gloves aren't cleaned and your hands smell disgusting after you remove them. They only have one fitness room for all class types. Doing yoga in a room on a floor that isn't swept between classes is really gross. Additionally, they don't seem to enforce policies or really have any policies. For example, no one wipes down gym equipment after use. Because it's a climbing gym people will work out barefoot or in sandals. Also, there are toddlers crawling around the weightlifting equipment. Most of the group workout classes are over booked and crowded. They are also a huge pain to book. I joined because I wanted to learn how to climb but wait times are ridiculous. There aren't any decent gyms in the area which is why I think they have a monopoly. I can't wait for my annual membership to end. I will not be renewing. read more

Be sure to disclose private medical information to your mindful yoga teacher for permission to have your phone nearby. If not, you might need to be ready to have your property touch by the mindful yoga teacher who will touch your stuff without asking permission. Yes, she acts pretty much how she writes and this gym has allowed it. Yes, be sure to disclose any illness you, your friend, or your family might have. This mindful yoga teacher will not ask you (from my experience at least). You need to be mindful enough to tell her. So don't you be rude! Even if it's your first time in class with her, this mindful stranger would like you to be a mindful person to tell her if any health or childcare reasons will require you to have your phone out and visible to her. She also will likely mindfully admonish you in front of class after so mindfully not asking or talking to you. Have a phone near you at your own risk. She wants a mindful yoga practice here so don't make her do the work of thinking about why your phone is next to you facing up. It needs to be faced down or in a bag. As she writes herself, if she didn't grant you permission to do otherwise, it will be an issue. So rude to have her think of anything then her mindful yoga practice so disclose some health history or person tidbits and let her be the judge to help you make adult decisions. You might have ill friends and family but are you really adult enough to make the choice to have your phone face up or not in a bag without consulting this mindful yoga teacher? Is this a personal space violation? Perhaps Is this legal? No Is it her way or the highway atmosphere? Kinda Is she going to give me a chance to speak out in class if she says crazy things I don't agree with? Doesn't matter, I have a loud voice and microphone from my protesting days in college -- along with a nifty thing called the first amendment which I've used many times to be comfortable with. Will she get herself and this gym in legal trouble by requiring people to tell her personal details that might make her treat them differently? All signs point to yes. When? Ask me later. Do I let entitled people who think they have the right to know personal things about me in the form of "special requests" and touch my things without permission? Nope. Pro? An extraordinary example of privilege to see from a mindful yoga teacher to visualize privilege. read more

Berkeley Ironworks - Gyms Near Me - Berkeley, California

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TLDR: By far my favorite climbing gym in the Berkeley area! It gets busy weekday nights (when everyone gets off work). There's showers, towels, soap/shampoo, and a regular gym if you want to lift some weights. I pay about $80 a month and I get access to all Touchstone gyms! So if I ever find myself in SF or South Bay, there are still a bunch of gyms I can check out. Overall, my experience has only been positive here. The bathrooms and gym facilities are very clean. There's also a good mix of top ropes and bouldering, so you can customize your work out! The one thing I really appreciate about Berkeley Ironworks is the equipment. There are nail clippers and brushes readily available; the mats are the perfect amount of soft and sturdy. The weights/cardio machines are also relatively free, so I've never had to wait to use equipment. This is definitely one of my favorite climbing gyms in the bay! read more

After Lyn's helpful explanation of why they raised their prices, it makes more sense to me. Cost of living increases. You gotta put food on the table. Or in this case, you gotta put molded resin on the walls. Thanks ironworks for being a chill and adventurous climbing gym! read more

I absolutely love Berkeley Ironworks. I've been frequenting this place to climb on day passes, which added up so I recently became a member. Now, I can access all Touchstone gyms (an awesome perk considering there are several in the Bay Area). What really stands out to me at Berkeley Ironworks is their friendly and helpful customer service. Not to mention, it has literally everything I need. The gym is equipped with cardio machines, dumbbells, squat racks, power racks, benches, a yoga studio, and a steam room. As far as the climbing, they are pretty well balanced with top rope climbing and bouldering. It is def a plus that you're not always going to see the same routes and holds. They switch them out from time to time. read more

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I came with a group for a beginners climbing class. I can't remember the instructor's name, but she was easy to follow, patient, and explained the basics of getting our gear ready for climbing really well. Once we got the basics down, climbing is so much fun. Ironworks gear and equipment were all fairly new and maintained. It was really busy on a Friday night, but you get your chances on the various wall climbs. Everyone there is super friendly. read more

Berkeley Ironworks - Gyms Near Me - Berkeley, California

Pleasure to always go to another Touchstone rock gym. Staff were nice and so was the community. Go to do some nice challenging bouldering. Found a belay partner after some time and got to top rope a bit. I've to have showers and a sauna here too. If you haven't rocked climb before. This is a great gym to get started in. Learn how to climb. Meet some cool folks and you'll eventually fall in love with the lifestyle. Hope it takes you out to the beauty of the wilderness and walls. read more

Berkeley Ironworks - Gotta love the climbing and weight areas. So much more than any regular gym. - Gyms Near Me - Berkeley, California

Not a great place for sanitary conditions or breathing problems. Staff rarely reprimands individuals for no shirts, bare feet and general cleanliness is scary to say the least. The dust from the chalk for climbing has a nasty build up on surfaces and in the air. Lungs suffer, some chalk likely has asbestos in it as well. Great timing for corona virus as well. All around the facility millennials skirting rent payments and generally take up valuable/precious parking for people who use the gym after work etc. the sprinter vans and campers are everywhere. Good luck! Add the very large amount of car break ins and you generally have an unsafe environment. The spin bikes are a travesty, crappy shape, many break frequently and they do pose a major safety hazard, the instructors are pleasant and fun. read more

I joined BIW on the recommendation of friends who are hosting me while I'm in town for a 2 month work contract. They are members and invited me to tag along one day to check it out. So glad I did. I was primarily looking for a gym that had free weights and cardio equipment but also had the option of classes, as sometimes I find those more motivating when attempting to drag myself out of bed at 0545. The fact that it is ALSO a climbing gym meant I could get all of my needs met in one space, which is super fantastic. On my trial day, I paid the day pass fee, and after one of the employees kindly gave me a tour, had myself a workout. I spent a bit of time just observing and could tell most people were courteous sharing equipment as well as wall space. I took a peek at the class schedule and decided I'd seen enough to join. The same employee then refunded my day pass since I decided to become a member that day. I really appreciated that he also took the time to figure out my best payment option; turns out joining with recurring payments and then cancelling would be cheaper if I was going to be here 3 months or longer. But for 2 months, paying for 2 separate 1-month memberships was the cheaper route. Sold. I've been a handful of times now and will say I'm impressed. The staff has always been pleasant and helpful. The classes (I've done a few different yoga classes and bootcamp) have been challenging and fun. And the other gym members are friendly. 5 stars alone for the fact that membership includes towel service and the showers are not only clean-smelling (so many gym showers smell like feet) but also supply high quality shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. The ladies locker room is stocked with blow dryers, etc and has ample countertop space to get ready for work without crowding out your neighbor. There is a reservation system to ensure classes are not overcrowded; they can fill quickly but I've generally not had any issues registering for the ones I've wanted to attend. I've only climbed once so far, but they have a great variety of routes for both beginner and advanced climbing/bouldering. I also appreciate they make overhead announcements if you're solo and looking for a climbing partner. I will be sad to leave it when it's time to go back to CO! read more

Loved rock climbing here with my partner back in the summer time. We decided to try bouldering together and came in during the week in the daytime. It wasn't busy, and everyone was super nice! Rentals were also fairly cheap! Would def come back! read more

I am not a meathead. I'm not even a climber, but I truly L-O-V -E this gym. The staff, the people, and def the feeling of community. The membership is diverse in age, ethnicity, gender and experience. When life gets in the way of my gym days, and I'm unable to get down there for any extended period of time, I truly miss this place. Props for their COVID protocol. I feel safer working out than I do outside. read more

Love this gym. Just wish I was closer or that they still had a Touchstone climbing gym in Marin. The staff, though sometimes busy, is watchful, super nice and helpful. The gym has so much to choose from - cardio, weights, yoga, machines, steam room and more. I love the Acroyoga when I can get to it. If we need another belay partner, we can usually get one (not our experience in the city). The people are friendly, courteous and pretty awesome to watch and be inspired. We also love watching families climbing together and the kids learning to gain confidence while getting some freedom and challenge in a safe environment. It can be a bit cold but it's a great open space with room to hang out. Routes are a bit loose in rating but that's helpful for a 10a/b climber like me. I always have a fun time challenging myself here. Snacks and drinks are available, BTW. read more

I love this climbing gym! It's enormous with a ton of cool routes to choose from. It was built in some sort of renovated industrial space, so the gym is really aesthetically pleasing and cool to be in. They offer fitness classes with your membership, like yoga and spin, and they have a pretty sizeable fitness center upstairs. Plus, if you join this gym, you get access to all of the other Touchstone gyms for free! There's one in Oakland and another in the Mission. The staff is super friendly and patient despite me being like half awake talking to them. I signed up for a membership and I'm super excited to spend more time here! The only problem is, this place does get super crowded on weekends and parking is a bitch. read more

My favorite gym in the Bay. Bouldering, climbing, and excellent lifting / exercise facilities. I've been to at least three other Touchstone gyms and consider this one to have the most established weight area. You have the space and equipment for nearly any lift. It's great. Bouldering area is good, albeit much smaller than Dogpatch. Friendly staff. read more

As a powerlifter, I loved BIW. There were 5 squat areas (one power cage, 4 squat areas in the training rig), rogue plates, a ton of weightlifting bars (including a couple of rogue Ohio bars), microplates, a deadlift jack, weightlifting belts if you didn't have your own, and a lot of mat space for deadlifting. And best of all, most of the people using the weightlifting area understood gym etiquette so it wasn't often that someone was using the squat rack to deadlift (if space permits). On top of that, BIW was constantly adding/updating their lifting equipment. I was stoked when they added a glute ham raise machine and a reverse hyper. Unfortunately I no longer live in East Bay and am currently a 24 Hour Fitness super sport member, so I am writing this review to reminisce the days where I could select which weightlifting bar I want to use and have the option of using an ohio bar... Prices are steep compared to any other gym, but definitely worth it with all things considered. I never really used any of the climbing facilities, but would definitely recommend this place to any powerlifter looking for a second home! read more

This gym is not for me... at all. Was I made aware of this being a climbing gym? Yes and was not interested in the climbing aspect but thought I'd give the "gym" portion a try or so I thought... I signed up for 1 month a month ago and paid $100 for a 1 time workout and here's why. When I sign up for a gym membership it's usually only for the treadmills and the workout machines but both of these options at Ironworks totally suck. I tried the old outdated machines downstairs for weights and not only are they ridiculously rusty but they make a really loud clanging sound every time I lift. Also the way the lifting area is set up is unreasonable because those who want to climb the wall will need to pass you, therefore ending up in your personal space while your lifting... Come on hasn't anyone noticed this? Downside number 2 are the totally dinosaur 70's treadmill machines that I tried to use and none of them worked and when I was making my way to the most modern treadmill someone was using it, therefore ending up on a stupid skiing elliptical machine that doesn't do squat for me. In a nutshell if you are looking for what I'm looking for in a gym then this place is not for you but by all means try it if your into this sort of thing. A heads up on cost: 1 membership at this climbing joint will set you back $71 a month if you pay for a year up front and the cheapest it ever gets if you pay up front is $65 a month, which is too high for me. So at this point I've joined PF gym, which is only 10 minutes away from my house for $10 a month and worth it for me. Good Luck! read more

Climbed today for the first time in years ... here at Ironworks, my old stomping grounds. It hasn't changed much - walls of routes of all varying levels of difficulty, a bouldering wall, gym equipment, hot guys and their equally hot (and fit) girlfriends. Go early to beat the crowds and to get your ass kicked by 5 year olds who can climb better than you ... and more gracefully. The staff laughed at my 7 year old belay card ... but I was too embarrassed to take a retest today. Ironworks hasn't changed much ... but I have. I think my butt grew. read more

Very good gym both for climbing and lifting. Sizable bouldering area and really extensive lifting area, especially if you're planning to squat etc and need a rack for that- they've got a bunch, which is super nice. Don't go here super often, but only since it's a bit out of the way relative to the other touchstone gyms for me (tho it actually is pretty accessible - not too far from uC berkeley and close to the highway so easy to get to by car too). Still a big fan, especially if I'm planning to both climb and workout. read more

My co-worker took me here because I wanted to try rock climbing. It was scary at first especially since it was my first time. But by the end of the day, I was hooked. The crowd varies - from seasoned veteran rock climbers to first-timers (like me), it wasn't intimidating at all. As a matter of fact, it was interesting watching others climb and see different technics they use. As far as the facility, I like how they have a gym inside and they also have a "bouldering" area. The place is huge and very nice. The staff is excellent; they were very helpful and nice. They took the time to explain the instructions and answer any questions I have. There's no such thing as a stupid question. I want to go back! read more