Working with John has been transformational. Before John I was out of shape, hated going to the…read moregym, and was 200lb. Over for the past 6 months I lost 40lbs and went from 26% body fat to 12%. John is a great guy to work with. He's extremely friendly and knowledgeable and will build a plan for you to do your best. John helped me achieved the results that I wanted (and beyond). I know he will be able to do the same with you

Been working with John and his team on and off for a few years. Top level service from each one of…read morethem. They will push you hard and get you where you want to go.

I've been getting weekly personal training sessions with James Coca for a little over a year now…read moreand it's been a really worthwhile experience. I went in with some lingering injuries to my lower back and right shoulder, so James started me out the first month or two slowly with a focus on strengthening those areas before advancing to heavier weights and exercises. My primary goal was to gain strength and some muscle, but I also wanted to do some tailored strength training for my tennis game, and James diligently created and continually customized workouts each week to help me progress in those areas. He also has a great personality, which makes the training sessions fun and something to look forward to each week. As part of the personal training package, I also have access to free group classes and testing (DEXA scans, VO2 Max tests), and I've really enjoyed the Tuesday Hyrox class with Donovan and the Sunday Circuits class with Elijah. I've also now gotten two DEXA scans (9 months apart), which has shown that I've increased my muscle mass by 5 pounds while lowering my body fat percentage. In addition to seeing myself lift heavier weights over time, it's also great to be able to quantify the change in body composition as well. Overall, it's not cheap, but with the targeted training and extra access to group classes and perks, it feels like great value for the cost. I've never had a personal trainer before, and I'm glad I started last year even if it meant cutting down on expenses elsewhere - it's increased my accountability to my health goals, and that feels like a great investment!

I've been training with Brandon Tran for almost 2 years now, and am by far at the peak physical…read morefitness I've ever been in my life (strength, injury resistance, cardiovascular health, flexibility, skill with movement, and mental discipline). If you commit fully, you will get results.

This was my first time ever working with a personal trainer, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect…read more Looking back, I'm incredibly thankful that I made the decision to work with a professional to help me achieve my fitness goals. Richard has been an outstanding trainer from day one. He is knowledgeable, encouraging, and incredibly patient. One of my biggest concerns when starting was managing my chronic back and knee issues. Richard took the time to understand my limitations and designed workouts that worked around those challenges while still helping me make meaningful progress. Not only have I gotten stronger, but my back and knee pain has been significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated. That's something I never thought would be possible. Today, I'm the strongest I've ever been, and I give Richard a tremendous amount of credit for helping me get there. He consistently challenges me while making sure I train safely and effectively. The facilities are top-tier as well. The equipment is high quality, everything is well maintained, and the gym is always exceptionally clean. I highly recommend Richard and this facility to anyone who is serious about improving their fitness and making a commitment to becoming stronger and healthier. Whether you're new to personal training like I was or have years of experience, you'll be in great hands. Five stars all around!

I've been training with Richard for over two years now, and it's genuinely been one of the best…read moreinvestments I've made in myself. Since starting with him in November 2023, I've gone from around 156 lbs to ~126 lbs while building and maintaining 90+ lbs of lean muscle mass. The progress I'm most proud of, though, is how much stronger I've gotten. When I first started, I could barely hip thrust the bar--now I'm hip thrusting more than my body weight! I'm stronger, leaner, more athletic, and so much more confident in the gym than I was two years ago. Richard is knowledgeable, encouraging, reliable, and genuinely invested in his clients' progress. His approach is personalized and focused on sustainable, long-term results rather than quick fixes, and he's always been incredibly flexible around my work and travel schedule. After 2+ years of consistent training, the results speak for themselves. I couldn't recommend him more!

I called DIAKADI Gym to prepare for the SF Sheriff Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and the owner,…read moreBilly Polson, was so friendly--he explained everything clearly and gave me a tour. The facility itself is spotless and extremely well-equipped! I signed up for personal training with Randy Miranda, who is wildly professional, in fantastic shape, and deeply invested in his clients' success. Thanks to Billy and Randy, I passed the Sheriff's PAT with record numbers! I genuinely appreciate all their help--HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to anyone looking for an amazing gym and top-tier personal training.

There is no functioning HVAC system, so the windows are open. The building is surrounded by heavy…read moretraffic, including an elevated freeway, so you are exposed to a lot of vehicle exhaust while working out and hyperventilating. This cannot be healthy. The gym has very limited hours and on holidays they limit their hours even more, so when you have time off from work for a holiday you cannot use the gym. You pay to work with a trainer and also pay an additional gym fee on top of that.

I've been going to Alex fitness off and on for several months now. They have the perfect set up. It…read moreis super flexible, whether you want to book by the day, the week, or have a monthly set up, everything is possible. That gym itself is great: it has all the machines and weights you need. As a bonus it's also never crowded. Last but not least, the location is super convenient and the staff very friendly and helpful. if you are looking for a convenient way to get in a good workout, I can highly recommend Alex Fitness.

Best gym ever staff is super nice, gym is clean has everything you need no waiting to use…read moreequipment-it's a garden gem

I've been working with Francisco for about 6 months. I am 14 months postpartum from my second child…read moreand wanted to return to feeling strong and confident in my body. Francisco has been wonderful. He is a very knowledgable trainer, who is also very thoughtful about the way he approaches each session. He balances being extremely personable with just the right amount of pressure and witty sarcasm to keep you motivated. I have consistently become stronger with every week and am starting to see physical results that I'm confident will maintain. I'll be back to give another in 6 months once I have more progress!

My husband and I signed up for weekly couple's training sessions with Francisco as part of our New…read moreYear activity. What we didn't realize was how much he would change our personal fitness life for the better. Francisco is not only knowledgeable and experienced as a trainer, but he is also a fun and engaging individual. He emphasizes challenging yourself, but taught us to recognize our limitations to avoid injuries. He reminded us that there are plenty other ways to target a muscle group rather than focusing on one specific exercise. We genuinely looked forward to our sessions with him. I now feel confident at the gym, thanks to Francisco. Whether you're a newbie to the fitness world or an experienced gym-goer, I would highly recommend Francisco.

I joined for a week when I was staying in the neighborhood visiting family. This gym is very…read morewelcoming. I am happy with the range and availability of equipment and facilities, especially what I needed to continue with exercises prescribed by my physical therapist. SHOUT OUT to Julian and Moses for their friendly and careful attention to signing me up for my membership and familiarizing me with the gym BONUS excellent location near cafés, restaurants, groceries TIP their week-long membership is a good deal; most gyms don't offer any temporary memberships

This is a great gym--the staff is very friendly, and it has all the equipment you need for a…read morequality workout. Also, there are plenty of classes included in the membership; it is easy to find something that works for you. I've been attending classes led by Ernest Lardizabal and Lizbeth Ellis, and they are both great coaches. They are enthusiastic and constantly vary their exercises, so you'll never feel bored. It doesn't matter if you're new to working out, either; they are flexible and always ready to make adjustments for your fitness level.

Jessie helped me boost my confidence in the gym and create a fitness routine that worked around my…read morevery busy lifestyle. Prior to the program, I had a lot of worries about lifting and aggravating an old hip injury- but she created a plan that helped me build from the ground up and now I feel like I can challenge myself in the gym. The plan was integrated with marathon training that I was already in the middle of. I typically get fluffier after a few months of training for long distance but this time I was Actually able to shed some inches off my waistline! Also, I unexpectedly gained PR for my marathon even after cutting out 1 day of running a week and tackling a hilly course. That goes to show that I should always keep my fitness journey well rounded and prioritize strength training just as much! I appreciate Jessie!

I am so incredibly thankful for Jessie! Prior to working with her, I had never worked with a coach…read morebefore and I am so glad I took the leap. I can't recommend Jessie enough! Working with her has been a game-changer in my fitness and health journey. Not only has Jessie helped me lose weight and get toned but she has also been incredibly supportive every step. Everyone's fitness journey is different and l appreciate how Jessie will customize workouts and nutrition. She has an app that she provides new workouts every month. She taught me how to count my macros in a way that made sense and it's amazing how much I've learned about fueling my body properly. She's very knowledgeable and will alway answer my questions. Jessie is not just a coach but also a cheerleader and a source of motivation. She makes me laugh too. She's always there with encouragement and practical advice to keep me on track. If you're looking for a knowledgeable, supportive and genuinely caring trainer, look no further. Thank you Jessie for being a life changer in my fitness journey! Do not hesitate to sign up with her!

Really glad we found John for my mom. She's in her 60s, has had multiple joint surgeries, and was…read morerecovering from rotator cuff surgery when she started training, so finding someone who could work with her specific needs was really important to us. It's also been a big plus that John speaks Cantonese, so my mom can communicate with him comfortably. She's been training with him about once a week for a few months, and she tells me she feels stronger and has noticed improved range of motion. John also adjusted her exercises as she's improved. She tells me she has less lower back soreness and doesn't get as tired or sore doing everyday things. Even going up and down stairs feels easier for her now. He's been great with her, and I'm glad she's had a good experience with him.

I started personal training sessions with John a year ago at Raise the Bar Fitness in…read moreParkside/Sunset with a goal of getting back to running short distances. Before that, I had been unsuccessfully working with a virtual PT to recover from runner's knee, so I decided to try working with a personal trainer. That change really made all the difference for me. Not only have I been able address the imbalance in my legs & glutes, but I've also regained overall body strength. I finally feel like I'm back on the right track to rebuilding the muscle strength I lost after having two kids during the pandemic. The training sessions are fun, and John keeps things fresh by switching up and progressing the workouts so that it remains challenging while also addressing any new issues that come up. I also really appreciate his positive attitude and the fact that he works with you at a pace that fits where you are in life.

I had been running for an indeterminate period of time. I suspected it to be an eternity, but I…read morealso suspected that in my exhaustion I might be exaggerating things. Though I had certainly hiked greater distances, it dawned on me that this was possibly the longest distance that I had ever run in my life in one sitting. One of the girls running next to me spoke up. "Do you know how long we've been running?" she panted to our trainer, merrily peddling alongside us on a bike. "I think this is the longest I've ever run in my life." "About 5 and a half miles," he replied. "This is madness!" I exclaimed. "Madness? This...is...booooooooooooot caaaaaamp!" Okay, so that didn't happen, at least the 300 reference (although our trainer was in fact an easy-on-the-eyes Scotsman). But I really did run 5.5 miles that day, as well as perform various other feats of strength and endurance that would ordinarily seem improbable for me to do on a nearly daily basis. But beyond the fact that my goal weight is currently 22 pounds, I a) have reached the point where I really don't want to go to the gym and do the same routine day in and day out, b) know that despite my inner grumbling, I enjoy a good ass-kicking (especially if it means that I don't have to sweat the occasional chocolate or bucket of fried chicken), and c) would like to spend a least some of my day outside when I spend so much time inside working. For all these reasons and more, Boot Camp SF has been perfect for me. They have a variety of locations, great instructors, and various levels for each time slot offered. If for some reason you think you'll be gone a lot during a session (as I was for the previous one), you can purchase a pack of 10 classes to take when you are able (they can also be purchased singly). Having your measurements taken, which may initially seem mortifying, is actually a great way to see your progress and stay motivated. Oh, and you'll most likely end up bonded to the people in your group, if for no reason other than (happily) sharing in the suffering together.

Welcome to Bootcamp Smack Down. Two bootcamps enter the ring, one leaves. We'll see who has the…read morebest cuisine. Wait.. that's Top Chef. Oops, sorry. I've attended two of the oldest and best established bootcamps in San Francisco (probably the country): Bootcamp SF, and Sgt. Ken's START Fitness. This is a review of Bootcamp SF, but it's also a compare/contrast with START Fitness http://www.yelp.com/biz/start-fitness-sgt-kens-boot-camp-san-francisco Bottom Line: Both START and Bootcamp SF are excellent programs, but for most people START is the better, and cheaper, option. For details, read on - Facility BCSF is entirely outdoors. That's a welcome change for many a gym rat, but you are at the mercy of the weather, equipment is limited, you'll frequently be running around public parks in the dark, and no showers or changing facilities are available. They suggest you buy a headlamp and gloves. I think the gloves are optional, but the light is a good idea. START meets inside everyday and offers nice mats, clean showers, changing rooms, and decent if basic equipment including brand new TRX suspension mounts. It heads outside, weather permitting, for a distance run on Tuesdays, sprint work on Thursdays and for half of class on Friday. Intensity and Effectiveness BCSF makes students work hard. START is all about pushing students out of their comfort zone. I also think START's five-days-a-week class availability (even if you don't go five times a week) and lack of a session structure make it easier to be consistent at START then at BCSF . One BCSF veteran said she saw major changes in herself after about three sessions (18 weeks) and I believe this. Based on my own experience and gossip from both classes, I'm guessing the same amount of change would probably have come in one to two months at START. The Vibe For a program to work you gotta go. The right vibe really helps. Bootcamp SF has taken a few knocks on Yelp from people who felt left out. I had a fine experience, but I can see how BCSF could feel like junior high school PE: a bit cliquey, and there is little sense of being together as a team. Sgt. Ken's is, in my experience, aggressively inclusive and more diverse than BCSF in every way, including ability level. It is, however, a little more structured than BCSF (example - at BCSF everyone may go out and run around a course as individuals, at START you are more likely to be put in a group of 5 people doing relays). If you hate structure but are still attracted to a group exercise program BCSF might be a better fit. Schedule/Location/Cost - BCSF Bootcamp SF meets four days a week (though there is a Saturday make-up session you are welcome to attend whether or not you actually missed a class). The program is organized in six week sessions with a week's break between sessions. You have to join at the start of a session, so if you're timing is bad you could end up cooling your heels for five weeks. Classes are available in the Marina (where I participated), Golden Gate Park, South Beach, Dolores Park and at one location in the South Bay. Times vary by location, but classes are usually at 6:00am, 7:00am, 8:30am and 9:30am Monday through Friday but with Wednesday off. There is also an evening class in Golden Gate Park. Schedule here https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AfptCVdE9mT9ZGczNmZqeGdfODdjd3YycmpnMg&hl=en BCSF is $295 per session if you go 4 days a week, $260 for 3 days a week. This works out to $12 and $14 a class. Schedule/Location/Cost - START Sgt. Ken's boot camp meets five days a week at 6:00am and at 7:00am, in a studio at Franklin and Bush. The program runs continuously, so you can join anytime. Cost varies depending on length of commitment, but if you don't mind stepping up for eight or twelve weeks, it's half to a quarter as expensive as BCSF. They have a three day free trial. 1 week commitment = $17/class 4 week commitment = $14.50/class 8 week commitment = $5.90/class 12 week commitment = $2.92/class If neither BCSF or START sound like your cup of tea, and just in case I haven't given you enough information, here's a list of some other bay area bootcamps. I haven't been to any of these, but I figured I'd share my Googling... Raw Fitness: http://myrawfitness.com/services/boot-camp/boot-camp-415/ (note - only meets twice a week) Schnell Schnell Boot Camp http://schnellschnellsf.com/ (Cole Valley, outdoors, looks like it meets 3 times a week in the morning and twice in the evenings) BasicTraining SF http://www.basictrainingsf.com/ (program organization looks a lot like BCSF) Koi Fitness http://www.koifitness.com/ (program organization looks a lot like BCSF) Crossfit http://www.sanfranciscocrossfit.com/whatis.php According to the New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/22/fashion/thursdaystyles/22Fitness.html an intense, sometimes dangerous workout SF Adventure Boot Camp www.sfadventurebootcamp.com (Women only and coed camps, sessions are 2 and 4 week