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

I've been training 1:1 with Bailey for over a year kickboxing starting from having never thrown a…read moreproper jab before. Training with Bailey has been fantastic -- he calibrates each session to push me one step further each time and knows how to make a session productive even when I'm injured or not at 100%. Bailey also will combine conditioning with hitting pads, helping to build those muscle areas that matter for the actual fight. It's incredibly exciting to see myself improve month to month both in terms of technique, new combinations, and greater strength, conditioning, and flexibility. He also makes sessions so much fun! Highly recommend!

I've been training with coach Bailey and it's been a great experience. He's super professional but…read morealso flexible. The sessions are always challenging (in a good way) and really motivating -- I leave feeling pushed but also excited about the progress. Definitely recommend if you want to get into calisthenics or level up your training.

Love Barry's FiDi! The front desk team--RJ, Gaby, and Daja--always bring such great energy and…read moregenuinely amazing customer service. They're motivating, welcoming, and set the tone before you even step into class. If you're new to Barry's, I highly recommend taking class with Colby, Suvy, Sami, or Luke--each one brings something special and makes your first class feel challenging but totally doable. Such a great studio and community.

I took a little break from my home gym to come here for my first class. I've know about Barry's for…read moreyears but always chickened out coming because I'm averse to treadmills. I used to run competitively outdoors, so running inside on a treadmill doesn't hit the same. Still I gave it a chance and am quite glad I did. I joined for a 9:30 AM Saturday full body upper body focus class, and it was super energizing. With rapid spring and strength sets synced to a pulsing, high-octane playlist, the workout started my weekend on a high note. Aside from the workout, what facilities I saw and used were clean and odor-free. Staff were polite but a bit rushed. The layout of the room the class I took was held in was a bit confusing to navigate in the dim lighting. They do have a reference map at the check-in desk, so it's definitely a good idea to arrive early and review it first if it's your first time here.

I've been attending O2 about 1-2X week for the past few years through ClassPass. If I lived closer,…read moreI absolutely would consider membership but it's about a 20 minute drive for me each way (and yet, I still come here over closer gyms). Street parking usually isn't too bad either. It's always a good workout, circuit-based training, with a variety of equipment that I would never be able to stock at home. The coaches are super friendly and are always there to help correct form or re-explain a move. The workouts really push you to your limits and always leave me sore the next day. I also really just appreciate the supportive, non-judgemental, and welcoming community. People of all shapes and sizes with varying fitness levels take the same class and find different ways to challenge themselves because there are always options/modifications available. The focus for each day varies so look at their website or snag a picture of the monthly lineup so you know what to expect. I always secretly die inside when I forget to look in advance and end up on a "Hyrox Training" day. But, I also appreciate surprises like Obstacle Course day that make me feel like working out is a game! Would highly recommend this gym to anyone in the area that wants a good workout and good vibes.

Recently moved back to the area, so I've been in search of a new workout routine that keep it…read moreinteresting, as I got bored of doing the same stuff at the gym - this place has been around for what seems like forever as I always passed by it when even years ago when I was in middle school. I've been going for a few months now here and there and it's definitely a great workout. The community is also great, and all the teachers are kind and goes at a level you're comfortable at. Every time I've been, there's something new I'm learning or a new form I'm getting down. If you're bored of going to the gym, I recommend this bootcamp to add into your fitness rotation. All the instructors are very supportive, and really does try to help you and push you to do your best. Also, the music is great and love the water machine.

I'm in the middle of my second 4-week boxing bootcamp here and loving it. The gym stays amazingly…read moreclean, and the instructors are very friendly and helpful. The vibe is challenging and no-nonsense while still feeling warm and accommodating to different ability levels. Simon is the head coach and really stands out for how well he manages to provide individualized attention and feedback even in a large class. He also knows everyone's names within a couple of days.

Instructor Simon was very professional and well knowledge in the boxing field. He helped me with my…read moreform so l don't injure my back, and we also worked on my footwork. I learned more of the foundation of boxing which was very fun and exciting. I had a great full body workout. The gym is very clean, the people are welcoming. I will definitely go back and whoever is reading this should check them out!

I joined Koi Fitness a little over 2 years ago. During COVID, indoor exercise classes just seemed…read moretoo reckless. I never expected my 6am bootcamp classes would become permanent and important part of my life. I was not fit. I could hardly finish a class when I first started. Stevan and Ryan have been so patient with me. I am still the last of the pack today but I never feel too much unnecessary pressure. Another great thing is the people I have met during these tough classes. Everyone is so genuine and kind. Really feel like a big family.

Stevan keeps you motivated and accountable and encourages you to progress and challenge yourself…read more You can enter this space with no fear of judgement. I have seen an improvement not only my fitness but in my confidence when exercising. His (and all the coaches) positive attitude and warmth really puts you at ease making exercise enjoyable and not intimidating. All of the classes are different (which keeps things exciting) and designed for varying fitness levels. The comradery at Koi is unmatched. Stevan has built an incredible community. If you're looking to for a community that will help you meet your goals and feel good, this is it.

Many boxing classes often focus on cardio boxing or kickboxing with minimal focus on actual boxing…read moretechniques. What I like about this gym is that the instructors all have boxing experience (not just fitness or cardio kickboxing) and provide instructions on boxing techniques. The gym is fairly large with an ample amount of heavy bags. There is a section for weight lifting though I hardly use that. Finally there is an open area for sparring for those interested. To start, you have to take a few introductory boxing classes where you learn the basics of their boxing techniques (e.g 1 is jab, 2 is cross, 3 is front hook punch, etc.). After that you can take the other more advanced classes. I typically take the Old School Boxing Class. The Old School Boxing Class consists of a 5-10 min warmup, some basic boxing warmup like shadow boxing, some partner drills, and finally some punching on heaving bags. Good workout for an hour.

Because it's true. The realest gym inna city! Everyone is a help. Everyone is a somebody…read more Everyone makes eachother better. And you're constantly learning. 3rd Street Boxing Gym Builds WARRIORS!

Been coming for years. My all time favorite workout. I tried so many workout studios and nothing…read morebeats a Barry's workout. I feel so accomplished after I finished a class. And Marina has the best location too. Staff is nice and studio is always clean.

The only thing I'm mad about is that I didn't try Barry's sooner! It was so great, Tommy was an…read moreawesome teacher and really motivating. The staff were all super welcoming. To add the facility is super clean with great bathroom products.

I have been training with Cesar for a few months and I love his approach with his clients. I used…read moreto belong to 24 hour fitness and then Crunch and was pretty fit back in my 50s but now in my 60s and after some injuries, I find that training is harder. Cesar's way of training is gentle yet gets his point across. He understands your goals and pulls together a program to help you achieve them. We also discuss nutrition which is extremely important on my journey to better and stronger health. If you are older (or younger) and looking for help with getting in shape, Cesar is your go to. He is extremely patient, caring and kind and if this was a 10 star rating, he would definitely be that! He will get you to where you want to be. I am happy he is my coach. Did I mention he was handsome? Easy on the eyes makes working out great lol

Don't waste your time. Not a serious gym. Spoke to the only contact, Ryan, and he is terrible at…read moreresponding. Twice I've asked to join and nothing. Not even a meeting time to start. I have never encountered a gym that isn't eager to get new clients. Sloppy care, do not recommend to anyone. I was fine with the $165/month but after all this chaining around, I'll happily join Equinox.

Just go to Kate, she will give you the workout of your life and show you how to maintain it over…read moretime. She makes it fun and really pushed me further than I thought I could, and she gave me an after-work-out stretch, that was awesooooome. She is knowledgeable and walks her talk. Love ya Kate!

The best! I love working out with Kate. Nothing feels better than finishing one of her bootcamp…read moreclasses. They are such a great workout and the time flies by. Right when you think you can't do one more thing she switches up the workout; keeping it interesting and even fun. Kate encourages you to keep improving without being aggressive. Go see Kate, you will end up fit and strong!