Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Built By Nando

    5.0 (88 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Request information

    You can now request a consultation from this business directly from Yelp

    Services - Built By Nando

    Personal training

    Weight counseling

    Personal coaching

    1 More Service

    Weight plan development

    Built By Nando Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Built By Nando

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    My first bikini competition
    Keiko W.

    Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to achieve the physique that I now have. Built by Nando has truly changed my life and introduced me to a whole new world. I can't thank this team enough for all of their support and hard work.

    Transformation
    Kristian D.

    There are so many things that I can say, but if I was to some it all up, it would be "a great experience". Coach Nando brings a lot of experience towards helping you get to your goals!! From nutrition, workout plans, and weekly check ins to getting you to your goals, Coach is in tuned to you!!! Throughout my fitness journey, I have been mostly independent, but when joining his team of athletes, I quickly found that there was a lot more that i didn't know. My one thing for sure, if you have a fitness goal, a competition or just want to start a journey right, this is the place to be!!

    7 weeks apart Weekly Check ins

    Absolutely the BEST TEAM & COACHES in the industry hands down!! They produce winners! Before working with Team Built I was just another gymrat pretending to be a bodybuilder. Now, I am proud to say I'm a Winning NPC Bikini Bodybuilder, I took 3rd place Open Class C at the NPC/ IFBB Pro Legion Sports Fest in Reno, NV on 10/7/2023. Team Built, built the body I have today, taught me correct stage posing, and proper nutrition for bodybuilding. The coaching and guidance I received was truly genuine and caring. Being a Team Built Athlete has changed my life forever!! Sponsored Team Athlete - FitDelilah

    Less than a month
    Krystal P.

    I enrolled with Nando after 4-5 terrible experiences with other coaches. I was even more hesitant because I'm out of state but Nando listened to my experiences / doubts and assured me that his coaching style would be different and he did not disappoint. Within the first month of starting my sessions I was able to see a difference in my body. My arms were my biggest insecurity and I was super excited when I could actually see the definition coming in. I have muscles in my legs and arms that I've never seen before. Nando cares about your progress, he's always willing to hop on a call/zoom and he is willing to put in the work with you. I do not compete and only wanted to "tone", I got so much more!

    Justin B.

    I followed his program and let me tell you my body changed! It was so impressive people offered to use me as a fitness model and influencer Left & right. It works! You have to put in the work, but it is so worth it! Amazing results

    3 months progress photos
    Hiromi N.

    I wrote a review in 2018 for Built by Nando regarding Nando's personal training services; yet in light of the Pandemic, I felt the need to update the review. I've been a client of Fernando Montes off and on (mostly group fitness, partner training sessions and 1:1) since he started serving in Alameda prior to 2018. I've seen him transform his personal training business from general health and fitness lifestyle coaching and training to also reach out to bodybuilding physique and fitness athletes/competitors. During this transformation and growth, COVID-19 happened and I've also seen him pivot and position himself to address the need for virtual coaching and online training programs. For a year into the pandemic, I spiraled back into depression, anxiety and alcoholism. For someone who was a pretty avid recreational athlete (runner) prior to COVID-19, it was a gradual but very real decline. I gained over 30 pounds from February 2020 to February 2021. At one point, I was not only sick and tired of looking at the visible physical changes in the mirror, but my health began to deteriorate. I started having issues with sciatic pain because I spent most of my day in bed, my anxiety rose along with my blood pressure, I had fainting spells along with tingling in my arms and legs which actually sent me to the ER in fear of stroke or heart attack and I started experiencing floaters in my eyes. At one point during one of my visits to an urgent care for COVID-19 and FLU testing, my blood pressure was 140/90, which technically is categorized as Stage 2 Hypertension. The Nurse Practitioner seriously spoke of putting me on meds. Let's just say that was my wake-up call. At the time, I had just turned 46 years old. How in the world had I gone from physically fit and being in IDEAL health to being borderline in a hypertensive crisis in a year? That's when I decided to go back to my foundations of physical fitness and how I reunited with Nando. After working with another personal trainer to rebuild some consistency, I felt like I wanted to take my body to the next level and give myself the goal of competing in NPC bodybuilding again. In the process, I found my way back to myself with Nando's 24 week program and the only time that I look back now is to admire how far I've come. I see Nando's coaching and personal training services like therapy and also an INVESTMENT in me. I look forward to my check-ins with him and also receiving my nutrition plan and my exercise program. If you follow both closely and consistently, there is NO WAY that you won't achieve results. Just to be clear, the process is a two way dialogue with Nando and if something isn't working after you give it 100%, then, Nando will work with you to adjust so that you get your results. Just don't give up. I know this is a long review, but if you've stuck with me and see my photos, which are worth 1000+ words, you will understand why I trust Nando for taking me to the next level with my goals.

    This program is amazing and helped me get back on track the coach spent ample of time tailoring the program specifically for me and my needs. I highly recommend!

    I reach out to Nando after one of his previous client told me bout him. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. In six months he gave me so much knowledge about how to diet and proper way to train. With his guidance and commitment to me I was able to place in legion sport fest 2023. Without a doubt I'd recommend him to anybody who think about or want to change their lifestyle around to be in better shape and health.

    First week of the program

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Fernando M.

    Fernando M.

    We are so thankful for being with us and trusting the process.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Fernando M.

    Fernando M.

    Thank you Justin

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Fernando M.

    Fernando M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Fernando M.

    Fernando M.

    Can’t wait to see you do your next show

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Fernando M.

    Fernando M.

    Time to grow and plan 2024 show !

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of patrick m.
    314
    37
    22

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Fernando M.

    Fernando M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mya B.
    223
    107
    24

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Fernando M.

    Fernando M.

    Thank you so much

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mayra C.
    170
    18
    2

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liza R.
    272
    10
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Built By Nando

    Review Highlights - Built By Nando

    Fernando is the guy you want to go to if you want to make a body transformation and look the best you've looked !

    Mentioned in 54 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Truve - Spin area on the second floor

    Truve

    4.9(196 reviews)
    0.0 miDowntown Oakland

    If you are one of the many of us, trying to get back into shape after Covid, Truve Fit should be…read moreyour first stop. A key factor of whether you will stick with an exercise program is the having a frictionless environment. Truve has validated parking at the Hive so you do not have to be driving around in circles trying to figure out where you can park safely and get into the class on time. When you walk in through the front doors, the vibe is very chill so you do not feel anxious walking into class. Most importantly, the other people working in the gym are extremely supportive and will become your community quickly. Having all these things in place makes a fitness routine so much easier to establish. There are even free community classes if that's how you prefer to give this place a try. The instructors are excellent. Classes are capped at 10 for general fitness classes, and three for Pilates. As a result, their instructors can give you abundant corrections and attention so you avoid injuries and develop great form. If you are worried that you don't know how to use a Pilates Reformer, you can hire a private trainer for three classes to learn the ropes like I did. This is the premier gym in Oakland for rehabilitation from injuries. I am a 7 year cancer survivor who has had numerous surgeries. Each time, I've had to fight back to regain my health, strength and flexibility. My last surgery was major, set me back the farthest, and happened during the height of the pandemic; recovery felt close to impossible until I walked through these doors. Not only have I converted fat into muscle, lost weight, gotten so much stronger and gained so much range of motion over 5 months, but I can keep trying new things like TRX Bootcamp that turned out to be fun. Truve's got a wide range of things you can try to keep from being bored. Also, you can go buy fresh baked bread and pastries at Firebrand Artisan Bakery next store or empanadas at Javi's Empanadas caddy corner after you finish your workout. Truve's location is fabulous.

    As a (very introverted) beginner, I was apprehensive about starting to workout in a gym. Alison has…read morecreated a really welcoming and supportive environment, with a friendly and attentive coaching style that keeps me motivated. I was insecure about exercising at home in between sessions due to lack of space, equipment, time and know-how, but she's gone above and beyond to make me realize how approachable and adaptable fitness can be, with the help of her app. She even kindly gifted my partner and I a set of resistance bands when we mentioned wanting to try to do more at home -no more excuses!

    Photos
    Truve - Truve founder Alison Roessler running

    Truve founder Alison Roessler running

    Truve - Buddy personal training session

    Buddy personal training session

    Truve - 3 person Pilates reformer class

    See all

    3 person Pilates reformer class

    Alison Roessler - Certified Personal Trainer - Pilates reformer strength with Alison

    Alison Roessler - Certified Personal Trainer

    5.0(65 reviews)
    0.0 miDowntown Oakland

    20 years in restaurants and kitchens has left my body pretty creaky and beat up. With the long…read morehours and confined work space, I was starting to get a sense of urgency around my physical health. I knew that the only way to keep working on my feet was to get stronger -- but I had no idea where to start. Being an extreme introvert with limited executive function, just showing up to a gym or public fitness classes on my own volition didn't feel like an option. Thankfully my partner and I were introduced to Alison. With Alison's guidance we've been getting stronger and more confident in our work and daily activities. Consistent weekly appointments help me stay on track with my goals and give me a sense of accountability that I just can't impose on myself. She makes sure we never do the same workout twice which keeps things interesting and never boring. I've never felt stronger or more comfortable in my body. My joints feel lighter and my back is straighter. Working with Alison has been game-changing!

    Cannot recommend Alison enough. As someone who spends long days on my feet and does a lot of…read morerepetitive movements and heavy lifting as part of my work, I was always in pain. I feared I'd make things worse by trying to work out with no knowledge of how to approach exercising correctly. And, the motivation to go to a random, not-always-welcoming gym on my own simply wasn't there. Seeing all the great reviews of Alison and Truve, I approached Alison with my concerns, thinking she'd direct my partner and I to a group class or different trainer, but amazingly she agreed to work with us. We are so grateful for how she's made time to train us from scratch, and barely 4 months in, we already feel a huge improvement in our daily lives. Alison not only makes working out approachable, she manages to make it fun and practical.

    Photos
    Alison Roessler - Certified Personal Trainer - Student in free community Truvefit camp with Alison

    Student in free community Truvefit camp with Alison

    Alison Roessler - Certified Personal Trainer - Client during a personal training session

    Client during a personal training session

    Alison Roessler - Certified Personal Trainer - Buddy training session with Alison

    See all

    Buddy training session with Alison

    Nick Baltazar - Ready to reach to the sky and your goals!

    Nick Baltazar

    5.0(36 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    Certified professionals
    Free parking

    It's been 8 weeks since I stated at Nu Fitness, but it's long enough to give Nick, his trainers and…read morethe facility a positive review. I spent a few days looking for a personal trainer close to work. After some searches on the Internet and Yelp reviews, I started reading reviews about Nu Fitness and Nick. After some positive reviews, I filled out the form and emailed him. I noted my fitness journey to this point in life and briefly explained what I wanted to accomplish going forward. I found myself in a terrible routine, work 12 hours, then heading to the local breweries for a few beers and dinner. Needless to say this didn't bode well for my wellbeing. Looking back over the years, I had gained control of health in my mid-30s, where I lost 40+ pound, gained strength and started running. Running led me to a period in my life that saw me conquer a few 50-mile races. An achievement I never thought I would attempt, hell I never thought I would run 5 miles. Life changed. Priorities changed and slowly I saw everything I had worked hard for slowly slip away. Now age 55, life wasn't getting any easier. I knew I was not very active. I also knew that my daily routine was not one for success. I decided I needed to help make a change in my life, but more importantly to make that change permanent. Previously I joined 24 Hour Fitness (never again) but found too many excuses NOT to go. Sound familiar? Searching Yelp for personal trainers, I ran down a local list in the Oakland/Alameda area. Reading profiles and reviews, checking website, I ran across a trainer, Nick Baltazar. It felt right. I emailed Nick with my story and filled out the form on the Nu Fitness website. It wasn't even a day and I had a response from Nick and we were talking about my fitness journey, where I had been and what I wanted to achieve. He was willing to work with my schedule to get three days of training. After a day of communication with Nick, he connected me with Wyatt. I met Wyatt at Nu Fitness, located at 2345 Broadway, parking in The Hive. Yes, they have easy parking and validation while you are at your session. This makes getting in and out quick and easy. I was highly impressed with the facility, the way Nick had spoke about it, I knew I would be. The work out areas were clean and profession, a small reception area, all Rogue power racks and weights, with room for everyone to work on their fitness goals. Wyatt Berreman, my personal trainer worked with me, after provided basic information from Nick on what I wanted to accomplish. He created a plan specifically for me, tracking my journey, weights and reps for each session. It's been just about 2 months, but its been reestablishing a workout routine. I have a sense of accomplishment, even through I don't see it in the mirror...yet. It will happen. Wyatt has been a wealth of knowledge and has helped create a plan for me to gain strength, balance and flexibility. But also work within my limitations due to previous surgeries on my knee and shoulder. I am very impressed with Nu Fitness, Nick, Wyatt and what they have to offer in the way of personal training. I would highly recommend giving Nick a chance to show you want they can do to help create a fitness plan for your to achieve your goals.

    Nick is so great! Very focused on my goals and I've made a ton of progress -- I started having…read morenever done any weightlifting and now I'm deadlifting much more than my own weight and feeling stronger than I've ever felt. Nick has worked with me through a bunch of different injuries I got (outside the gym!) to help my recovery as well. I couldn't ask for a better partner to help me with my fitness and strength!

    Photos
    Nick Baltazar - Getting a fun group outdoor workout in the sunshine!

    Getting a fun group outdoor workout in the sunshine!

    Nick Baltazar - Cardio kickboxing intervals to make training enjoyable!

    Cardio kickboxing intervals to make training enjoyable!

    Nick Baltazar - We check in about form, technique, and mind-muscle connection in our personal training sessions. Especially with strength training!

    See all

    We check in about form, technique, and mind-muscle connection in our personal training sessions. Especially with strength training!

    Urban Fitness - Coach Christy at the ready to answer any questions

    Urban Fitness

    4.7(101 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    see my old reviews? back in 2012and 2014??? well since then there's been lots of life: kids and…read moreaging parents and working and and and... AND now I'm back, 10 years later. still flipping tires, still pushing sleds and lifting heavy. Vibe is as friendly as ever. Coaching continues to be excellent quality. Still no posturing or ego to be found. Just a great a$$ kicking workout no matter your age or fitness level.

    I have been coming to this gym for years and it is my favorite part of the day, especially after a…read morestressful workday. With the coaches help, I've lost over 40 pounds of fat in the span of a year and gained muscle mass. Urban Fitness emphasizes using free weights, focusing on form and technique before lifting heavy. You'll find that while you're able to squat heavy on machines, poor posture and bad habits from not bracing your core does little in the real world. The style of training can be transferred to every day chores from carrying bags of groceries up the stairs in one trip, to lifting your fridge while remodeling your kitchen. I never realized how little I could lift on my own without machines involved. The workouts are class based and has a coach demonstrating each set and correcting form. As intimidating as a class workout sounds, the community and friendship bond you will find in class are unmatched. It's really easy to make friends, especially if you're someone working from home and need a change of pace, this is a good place to go. The people I've met here became my family. We go on snowboarding trips and run spartan races together. It's not CrossFit and all levels are welcomed. The highly trained staff can provide all different levels of workouts whether you're new, looking for a challenge, or injured. There's something for everyone.

    Photos
    Urban Fitness - Coach Jesse showing Winston proper form of scratching

    Coach Jesse showing Winston proper form of scratching

    Urban Fitness - Fitness family

    Fitness family

    Urban Fitness - TRX work

    See all

    TRX work

    Powerform

    Powerform

    4.9(36 reviews)
    2.5 miNorth Oakland

    This is my review for Tucker at Powerform! I've been working with Tucker now for nearly 3 months…read more He came on recommendation from 2 of my friends and I've now referred another of my best friends to him as well, and so glad we're all getting trained by him. From day one, he's been engaged, incredibly enthusiastic and clearly loves what he does. I appreciate his energy and creative approaches to agility, flexibility and strength exercises. He's attuned to form and adjusts weight accordingly based on what he sees in you... and he's a fantastic communicator. I have definitely left each session feeling accomplished and having learned something new!

    I started my time at Powerform after having my second daughter in April 2023. As someone who has…read moretypically engaged in Pilates, the idea of weightlifting was intriguing but intimidating. Max, the owner, was quick to respond to my online inquiry and was able to set me up with two trainers- Mikkie and John. He took time to chat with me about my goals. Shout out to Max for his excellent communication and thought processes for connecting you with particular trainers. John - within seconds, I immediately felt comfortable with John. He always lays out the groundwork for you so you know what to expect. His warmups always get me motivated for what's to come. I love that he is so encouraging and always keeps me on my counts during reps. John is extremely personable, and I truly enjoy our conversations. Mikkie- she has refined my squat game like no other and has pushed me to lift more than I ever expected to. She pushes me in the best way and always gives me opportunities to excel. I truly enjoy her style of training. As a mother of two young children, working out at Powerform has been transformative, to say the least. This has been my time out of the day for myself both mentally and physically. After many years of aimless workouts, I finally feel like I know how to spend my time to get the results I want. I feel stronger than ever, and that is thanks to the wonderful staff at Powerform. Highly recommend!

    Photos
    Powerform
    Powerform
    Powerform

    See all

    Built By Nando - healthtrainers - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...