I am an avid runner who attended over 10 sessions of PT with Dr. Lin at The Technique to address a…read morechronic foot tendinopathy, which was preventing me from running. I hate to be the first reviewer leaving less than 5 stars, but given that PT is a major investment, I felt I should be honest about what worked and what didn't work for me during my treatment. What worked: -Dr. Lin has excellent bedside manner and generally makes his patients feel at ease during treatment. I can tell he is also a well-trained massage therapist with expertise in various techniques. -Dr. Lin takes a holistic approach, isolating not just the symptom but root causes that may stem from various parts of the body. -The practice was well administered and Dr. Lin's assistant Milly is fantastic. What didn't work: -The holistic approach felt like a double-edged sword, as it caused my treatment plan to lose focus. At its peak, my plan had over 20 PT exercises. When I expressed to Dr. Lin that this felt unmanageable, he suggested alternating 10 each day. But this still felt unwieldy and I couldn't do all of them while really focusing on form and progression. I later switched to a PT with a different approach, identifying a highly specific biomechanical chain of events that contributed to my condition. He prescribed just ~3-5 exercises a week with a keen attention to detail. Ultimately this led to a much better outcome for me and I'm now back to running at pre-injury levels. Of course, for other conditions, Dr. Lin's approach may work better than it did for me. -I felt that, at times, my feedback wasn't fully considered. After about 8 sessions with Dr. Lin, my condition re-flared and it was bad enough that it was inhibiting my sleep multiple nights a week (to be clear, this was unrelated to our work together and unfortunately is just a part of my injury). When I expressed concern about my progress at that point with the hope of adjusting my program, Dr. Lin focused his explanation largely on anxiety, leaving me feeling that my concern itself was unaddressed. Also, after about 10 sessions, I noticed that his massage approach felt too aggressive for my injury and wasn't really helping, rather it led to more next-day soreness. When I expressed this, he did reduce the massage intensity that particular session but unfortunately returned to the previous intensity the next session.

Rob Lin is an exceptional physical therapist. Rob and his entire team are patient and welcoming,…read moreand his 1-on-1 work is phenomenal. If you have the option, I cannot recommend The Technique enough. I knew when I signed up that working with him would be an investment, and it is one I am so glad I made. I came in with an injury that I have been struggling with for 4 months. I had been seeing another PT but I had repeated setbacks during my recovery. I was in consistent pain and I wasn't improving. In 3 weeks or so, Rob has gotten me to a place where I can function again and even push my physical limits. He is kind, reassuring, and his hands-on work has consistently made an obvious impact. Immediately after getting off the table, I feel less pain and improved stability that last. His work on me has allowed me to push further during session and during at-home exercises, which he's tailored based on my feedback. TLDR: I've already recommended Rob and The Technique PT to friends struggling with injuries and would urge anyone to book a free in-person consultation. Rob is amazing and I look forward to every session. I can't thank him and his team enough. -Raya (she/they)

I took my first class with James years ago at Yoga Tree (previously Yoga Mandala). I remember being…read moresurprised when, in a forward bend, my emotions suddenly flowed up out of my body somewhere and ran out my face in the form of tears. I was impressed that, in our first class together, he was able to create a space safe enough for that level of opening. Over the years I have followed him to Ojas Yoga in El Cerrito, where the small classes and quiet atmosphere created space for an even more introspective practice. And I have worked with him one-on-one to deepen my personal practice both in my home and in his. James is always thoughtful, patient, and considerate with his students, making accommodations for their unique physicality and their own depth of practice. When I got pregnant, he continued to welcome me and was determined to learn more about prenatal forms of yoga as my belly progressed. I always know I'll get a lot out of his classes, whether I can do each pose or not. Thank you James!

James is an unbelievable yoga teacher. I take his Friday 930 am class at Ojas Yoga in El Cerrito…read more It is always a well-crafted odyssey of poses leading up to a peak pose--which then feels somehow new and doable. Every class is really different from every other, which keeps the class feeling alive and interesting. It is the most challenging class I have taken at Ojas, so I get a really good workout, but it always feels COMPLETELY SAFE for my 50-something body. James is focussed but not overly serious, supportive but never intrusive. He's the real deal.

I needed to lose weight and a strength and conditioning strategy for an upcoming jiu jitsu…read moretournament. Brandon tailored a plan that gave me more energy during my training sessions and helped me lose 16 pounds in 3 weeks!! I started at 161.8lbs and weighed in at 145.6lbs. He always checks how I was doing and provides helpful information to make the weight cut easier. I will definitely use their services again and completely recommend them!

I compete in jiujitsu and I needed a strength and conditioning program to supplement my sport. I'm…read morehappy to have found 2Eleven Fitness, Brandon has professional experience as a competitor himself as well as having great knowledge of fitness. Programs were tailored and sport specific and helped me to get where I needed to be. From gaining strength to cutting weight for competition!! He gives you the attention every person deserves during your program! Check them out, you won't regret it.

Jim was my anatomy teacher in massage school. His deep understanding and ability to articulate…read moreeverything to do with human anatomy, movement and healing was what inspired me to go to graduate school. I recently had a treatment with him for an injury I sustained weight lifting. After spending the last 10 years in the massage/chiropractic/movement world, I was once again astonished by what Jim brings to the table (no pun intended). His body work brought immediate relief and his movement coaching illuminated several dysfunctional patterns I had been carrying unconsciously for years. His simple cues gave me several "Aha!" moments. Those insights are worth more to me than anything else, because they allow me to drop deeper into my body/mind complex and move one step closer to self-actualization or whatever it is that we are all moving towards. Healing and freedom from pain just happen to be the side effects of that process. Jim has been ahead of the curve for decades, and brings an elite level of expertise and penetrating insight to his work, balanced with a gentle nature and joyful attitude. If you want to move better and feel better, I can't imagine a better practitioner than Jim Donak.

I first discovered Jim Donak's genius nearly 20 years ago when I first came to the San Francisco…read moreCircus Center. As someone dealing with some physical limitations and injuries from high school, traditional training pedagogy often created difficult roadblocks that prevented me from training consistently to my fullest potential. More often than not, these methods and classes lead to further pain or injury, setting me back even more. I began working with Jim in his "How to Train and Not Get Hurt" workshops as well as his Introduction to Handstands, and "Extreme Stretching" series of classes. More than any other teacher I've had, by far, Jim has an absolutely thorough knowledge of anatomy, both in an academic sense, but most importantly, as it applies to the cycle of training and recovery. He brings a level of nuance to training protocols beyond the rote "one-size-fits-all" methodology that permeates the world of fitness and circus in particular. This breadth and depth of both knowledge and application creates a truly next-level learning experience. I've come to such a deeper understanding of my own form and function, where my unique strengths and weakness lie, and how to approach training in the most effective way possible while limiting my risk of injury as much as possible. I should also add that I not just an athlete but also a massage therapist myself, and when tweaks and injuries do occur as they inevitably do over time, I've found it very difficult finding a therapist who truly understands the unique needs and challenges faced by extreme athletes. In such instances, Jim has been my go-to bodyworker for my manual therapy needs and I recommend his courses for any massage or physical therapists who really want to deepen their knowledge beyond the theoretical and into the practical needs of extreme athletes and physical artists. As both a student and veteran of the athletic and therapeutic worlds, I could not give a higher recommendation for Jim Donak.

I've been working with Ace Morgan for the past nine months, and it has been a fantastic experience…read more As a middle-aged woman navigating a lot of changes in my body, I wanted a safe, supportive place to take strength training more seriously as part of aging well. Ace has been exactly that. He brings a deep well of knowledge, skill, encouragement, and care to every session. He meets me where I am, pushes me appropriately, and helps me understand not just what to do, but why it matters. The changes have been significant. I feel stronger, have more energy, eat better, and feel much more confident in my body. I also have a new appreciation for what strength training can do, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I'm very grateful to have found Ace and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and encouraging trainer.

I've been training with Ace for about 10 years. He helps me get in shape for my activities and…read moreadventures!

Javier is a beast! Can a workout also be cathartic soul cleansing? It can here, seriously though…read morehe's very good, nice calisthenics group class.

Over 10 years now! Still training at HHF x 5 classes each week ranging from Core, Bosu to Spin…read more I used to be at a self-training studio that had timed circuits with a repetitive bell to move you to the next machine, or person waiting at your machine - that studio was not be a good fit for me. The high energy intense workouts that challenge me physically and mentally are at HHF. Over the past decade, we know each other's names, support one another in/out of class, and encourage one another to be at the next class. No class is the same!

I started seeing Jordan a few years ago after an injury. I wanted to build confidence in…read moreweightlifting and get stronger by lifting heavier. It's also nice to have a built in weekly appointment to work out and stay committed! Jordan has been a tremendous coach and motivator. He has helped me understand the proper mechanics of all the core pillars of strength training, including squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. I've seen significant improvements in my strength and enjoy surpassing my personal bests. I love how he structures the workouts and makes suggestions on homework to do in between sessions. Jordan is very affable and able to have a laugh between sets, which I appreciate. He always encourages me to push myself (within reason). I definitely recommend Jordan to anyone looking for a personal trainer!

I've worked with Jordan on and off for the past 4 years and I still always look forward to my…read moresessions with him each week. Jordan is thoughtful, creative and embodies the perfect balance between being both your cheerleader and a coach that encourages you to challenge yourself. This past year specifically, Jordan has helped me prepare for three half marathons while staying injury-free and improving my pace/mile. If you've never lifted heavy weights before and or think that you're not a 'gym person' (I fell into both of those categories initially), Jordan is the trainer for you. He's truly THE BEST trainer and I'm so happy that our paths crossed.

I've been a remote training client of Tom's for two years. I'd been training without a coach for…read morearound 3 years and was in search of someone who I respected. After working with Tom at two Barbell Medicine seminars, I was confident we'd work well together because our personalities were similar. Despite that, this is a positive review. Tom is very knowledgeable, uplifting, and responsive. I've PR'd all of my lifts by substantial margins. If anyone is looking for in-person instruction or programming I would recommend Tom with no hesitation.

I started training with Tom about 1 1/2 years ago and am thrilled with his coaching and my related…read morepersonal progress. I have worked with a handful of personal trainers before on a very short-term basis but never stuck with it due to lack of interpersonal connection and/or my confidence in their true effectiveness, knowledge base, and a disturbing sense that they were just repeating exercise routines from a hokey health magazine. Tom undoubtedly breaks the mold. I am stronger and more comfortable in my body than ever in my 30 years on this planet (and that means a hell of a lot given my tumultuous history with severe body image issues). He encourages a healthy lifestyle in general and his own success and competence inspire me to live out that manifesto on a daily basis. I've worked out with several of his other trainees on a regular basis and they all appear to be as happy with his work and, by the way, they're also super strong people! His approach is just firm enough to keep you going when the going gets rough and he seems to know exactly when you need a gentler approach to stay motivated. I highly recommend Tom for effectively training both men and women and strongly encourage you to give him a shot! Oh and another important detail: his rates are reasonable and he is a very generous person in general. He wouldn't hurt a fly and he is a kind, intelligent, and just plain fun person to be around.