Almost three years later, and I couldn't be more grateful that I found this gym!…read more With the continued incredible support and guidance of the trainers, I've lost about 60 pounds and completely changed my relationship with fitness. The trainers are amazing, and Michelle is simply the best! They push you, motivate you, and genuinely care about your progress. This journey has been life-changing, and I'm so proud of how far I've come. Here's to getting stronger every year!

I've been training at Shape360 twice a week for almost one year, and I can honestly say that it is…read morethe best thing I did for my health and my body last year! While I was already pretty fit as an avid swimmer, hiker, occasional runner, and yogi, I hadn't strength trained regularly in nearly a decade and was a bit nervous to dive back in. I had nothing to worry about. Mike, Michelle, and Kristianne are all exceptional! They bring energy, expertise, and creativity to every session, and make getting strong fun. They take the time to learn your goals and provide modifications, whether you're recovering from a muscle strain or rebuilding strength after a more serious injury (in my case, a bone break from the previous year). I receive tailored feedback on my form in every session, which has been invaluable for injury prevention. The workouts are always challenging but fly by. No two sessions are the same. Nearly a year in, I'm STILL learning new exercises and variations. And my results speak for themselves: I have gained muscle everywhere and am much stronger than I was a year ago. I have doubled (or more) the amount of weight I'm using since day one in many exercises, and I never thought I'd be doing dead lifts and chin ups--but with consistency I've made great progress. I've got more stamina on long hikes and am able to climb up steeper hills more quickly (and with less discomfort during and soreness afterward) thanks to the strength gains I've made. As someone who travels frequently for work, I've also learned some bodyweight and resistance band exercises that I can easily do in a hotel room, keeping me on track no matter where I am. Michelle has done an incredible job fostering a sense of community here. The other members are friendly and inspiring, and their support and positive energy makes me look forward to coming to class. Shape360 is an amazing environment to train in!

Watching my bestie attend SGO's bootcamp for 3 months I finally decided to try it out. Was perfect…read moretiming with an unlimited Bootcamp offer through one of the groupon sites. My first experience was a Tuesday morning woman's only and boy was I excited. Not only does Sarah have the best name around, but she's funny, motivated, and very well educated about fitness. My bootie was pushed. My next time was a monday night and again I was pushed in a good way. Then I got sick :( and wasn't able to attend for about 2 weeks. When I came back I met Sean and the last few times have pushed my body beyond anything I thought I could do. When a exercise is to hard for my level at the moment, Sean doesn't let you give up but modifies it to more your level. My body and musckles (yes I said musckles) are still hurting two days later. I can't wait to go back!! Sean and Sarah (best name ever!!) are definitely an A++++ program and awesome people!

SEAN ROCKS!!!! I have to admit that I was very nervous and intimidated to attend the first class in…read moreanticipation of what boot camp would be. Sean is what makes the class - he is high energy, super knowledgeable and friendly and mixes the class up. I've been 8 or so times and we have never done the same circuit twice. He always remembers your name and uses it when encouraging you to do your best. I look forward to going to class each week and pushing myself to new levels that I didn't think I would be able to accomplish. I highly recommend that you try SGO. They offer a free class each month to new students, give it a try it and you'll be hooked. It's one of those things that hurt so good. Hey......no pain, no gain!

I started on Zepbound in December 2024 and a year later had achieved some success with it, having…read morelost 30 pounds. However, it seemed I was on a plateau when I learned about Kari's GLP-1 Strong program. While prescribed by my PCP, I had always felt there wasn't much structure other than take this every week and watch the pounds melt away. While this is all good, I wanted a plan to progress more quickly and to utilize once off the medication. I cannot say enough good things about this 12-week program and Kari's knowledge on fitness and nutrition. Kari customizes her plans for each individual and focuses on accountability, consistency, and behaviors to focus on. I am an additional 12 pounds down and have gained the strength and confidence to finish my journey, including after stopping the jab. I will most likely sign up again during this transition.

I started working with Kari in December 2022, originally to lose weight for my wedding. I was…read morefeeling stuck, out of shape, and unsure how to actually get results without burning out. Spoiler alert: this wasn't just a wedding prep plan, it turned into a total lifestyle shift. The first year wasn't perfect (life happens...hello, wine nights and takeout!), but Kari never judged or gave up on me. Instead, she helped me reset, get real about my goals, and build habits that actually worked. By my wedding in June 2024, I was down 40 lbs and 10% body fat and I felt strong, confident, and truly proud of how I looked and felt walking down the aisle. Since then, we've shifted to strength, mindset, and maintenance and let me tell you, that's been just as empowering. I've learned how to stay consistent, lift heavier, eat more without guilt, and care about so much more than just the scale. Working with Kari isn't just about macros and workouts (though those are dialed in); it's about learning how to show up for yourself even when life gets messy. I cannot recommend her enough if you're ready for change that actually lasts.

In January 2023, I was in a devastating car accident that left me with a broken back, a crushed…read morehip, a broken arm, and numerous other injuries. I spent four months in a recovery home, and because my initial hip repair failed, the hardware had to be removed. I then spent 11 months in a wheelchair with no hip joint at all. In November 2023, I finally received a new hip replacement and immediately set my sights on walking again. I had one very important goal: to be able to fully enjoy a pre-planned month-long family trip to Thailand in December 2024. I'd known Shawn, the General Manager, for a few years because we worked in the same shopping center and had always encouraged me to join. Whenever I needed help at my store, he never hesitated to lend a hand. So when it was finally time to begin rebuilding my body, he was the first person I called. When I started training with Shawn, I had only recently progressed from a wheelchair to a walker, and then to a cane. Even with the cane, I was still very unsteady. Shawn met me exactly where I was. His knowledge, experience, and ability to tailor any workout for my limitations gave me confidence that I could recover. Just as important was his personality. His enthusiasm is contagious, and somehow he makes you actually look forward to working out. Time flew during these sessions because he made the process enjoyable while constantly pushing me to improve. Shawn has created a gym that is clean, welcoming, and feels more like a family than a fitness center. It's an environment where people genuinely want to be, and that made showing up consistently so much easier. Before I knew it, I no longer needed my cane. By Christmas 2024, I was doing things I once thought might never be possible again. I managed my own overpacked luggage through the airports in Tijuana, China, and Beijing. I kept up with my family as we walked everywhere throughout Thailand. I even dove off the side of a boat into the Red Sea. Less than two years after spending 11 months in a wheelchair with no hip joint, I was living the trip of a lifetime. That transformation didn't happen by accident. It happened because of hard work, expert guidance, and Shawn's unwavering belief that I could get there. Shawn has been a personal trainer for many years, and it shows. He has the knowledge to help people recover, get stronger, and achieve goals they may think are impossible. More importantly, he has the rare ability to motivate you in a way that makes the work feel rewarding instead of overwhelming. I recommend Shawn without hesitation or reservation. If you're looking for someone who genuinely cares about your success and has the expertise to help you achieve it, you won't find anyone better.

Love this gym - Pete and his staff are solid humans. Variety of equipment is legit. Their child…read morewatch is a huge benefit to my wife and I and we have the whole family on membership for $99 - an absolute steal. Would highly recommend this gym to anyone.

The classes are awesome and every instructor have a different technique and are also very nice and…read morewelcoming. I have improved my overall health in the last 6 months. Highly recommended i give it a 10

I've been attending classes at Align for a little over a year now, and I can't recommend it enough!…read moreComing from the world of CrossFit and high-intensity workouts, I initially thought Pilates would be an easy "break" for my body. In some ways, it has been a much-needed shift, but I was so wrong about it being "easy"--Align classes are no joke! They're challenging in the best way, and I've never felt stronger (or lighter) in my life. I even have obliques now--who knew?! I love that every class is a full-body workout, fine-tuning muscles I didn't even know existed. The Align community is also something special. I was super nervous attending my first class as a complete reformer Pilates newbie, but the instructors were so welcoming and made me feel at ease right away. Now, I'm completely hooked--and I've even converted some of my friends into regulars, too! If you're considering trying Pilates, Align is the place to do it.

I found Coach J back in 2023 by complete accident and am thankful that accidents happen. She is an…read moreincredible trainer and motivator! I am so much stronger than when we started and even ran my first marathon a few months ago at the age of 55! Beyond the physical gains, Coach J has been a constant source of encouragement and motivation. She truly cares about her clients' well-being and progress, always listening attentively to my goals and concerns. Her positive attitude and dedication make every session enjoyable and productive. Thanks to Coach J's guidance, I feel healthier, stronger, and more confident than ever before. I can't recommend Coach J highly enough to anyone looking to achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall well-being. Thank you, Coach J, for your unwavering support and expertise!

I had the incredible opportunity to work with Coach J for a 12 month virtual program. She is well…read moreeducated and a vet in the fitness world. She doesn't sugar coat or beat around the bush when it comes to pursuing your goals and doing the hard thing -- she's truly your biggest cheerleader. She coached me through mental obstacles during the program and helped me overcome them. She also didn't just prepare me to go through the program successfully, but also taught me how to continue taking care of my health after the program was completed. I was able to drop from a size 18 to a size 12, lost and kept off 15 lbs, and lost 9.5 inches off of my waist. I'm so grateful for the impact she made in my life and I suggest her for anyone I know who is serious about improving their health.

I joined Hardcore Fitness of El Cajon shortly after having my second child at the beginning of…read more2023. Now, in 2026, I'm still here, and that says a lot about this amazing place. Hardcore Fitness is far more than just a regular gym. From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed and supported. Every trainer has encouraged me throughout my fitness journey, especially Athena, Giovanny, Hesham, and Jose. Each of them has made a significant impact on my growth, confidence, and success. What truly sets this gym apart is the genuine care the trainers have for their members. If you're dealing with an injury, such as a shoulder or knee issue, they will always provide alternative exercises and modifications to help you continue progressing safely. They want to see you succeed, no matter what challenges you face. That dedication, support, and sense of community are why Hardcore Fitness of El Cajon holds such a special place in my heart. I'm incredibly grateful to be part of this fitness family.

Well... let me start with a confession: I've spent years avoiding private gyms like they were…read moreextended car warranties. We had a perfectly good home gym. I also work out at the fire station consistently. Life was structured, predictable, and free of the "let me show you around" tour. Then last summer happened. I decided to temporarily join a gym. You know, the classic three month commitment that absolutely never turns into anything longer. This was mainly to support my daughter as she headed into her high school soccer season while rehabbing from ACL surgery. So I reluctantly agreed. Signed the papers. Mentally prepared to count down 90 days. Then we met Brittany, the gym manager. Problem number one: she was actually great. Super friendly, respectful, and did not hit us with the usual high pressure sales pitch. Honestly, she could have sold ice to a fire crew without trying. Next thing you know, we are signed up and showing up. And here is where things went sideways in a good way. Hardcore Fitness El Cajon is nothing like the other gyms we have tried. Brittany sets the tone. She is not just behind a desk, she is in there working out with everyone else, keeping the energy high and making the place feel legit. Now the trainers. Diego. This guy is dialed in. I am there at 0530, barely functional, and he is making rounds correcting form at every station like a fitness sniper. I used to hate being coached. Now it actually helps and somehow does not annoy me. Hesham. Equal parts coach and stand up comedian. Keeps things light, keeps you moving, and somehow makes you feel like a champion even when you are questioning your life choices mid workout. Gio. Pretty sure his mission is to make everyone sweat out their entire life story. I hear he writes the workouts now, which explains a lot. Respectfully brutal. Johannes. Top tier coach. He worked with my daughter during her knee rehab and did an outstanding job. That alone says a lot. Athena. High energy, funny, and very easy to stay focused around... or at least try to. She brings a ton of motivation to every class. I know I am missing a few, but the entire staff is solid. What really stands out is the community. No ego, no weird vibes, no cliques. Does not matter who you are or where you are from, everyone gets along and puts in the work. And here is the part I did not expect. For the first time, I am actually consistent. Not "I worked out twice this week so I deserve a reward meal" consistent. Real consistent. And I am seeing results. Strength is up, agility is better, and apparently I now have what can only be described as beach muscles. I am not entirely sure when that happened, but I am not questioning it. So here I am. A guy who avoided gyms for years... actually recommending one.

I have been going to NXPT for about two months now and I'm loving it. It is exactly the friendly…read morecommunity atmosphere that I was looking for. The classes have pushed me beyond where I thought my fitness limits were. I am lifting heavier weights than I thought I was even capable of. I do not have an athletic background at all and after having a baby I wasn't in my best ever shape. But I do feel stronger already and I look forward to going. I started with the one week trial for $10.

Great gym for any level of experience looking to kick it in high gear! Try them out for 10 days for…read morejust $10! You'll get hooked