These last several months at CrossFit Hillcrest constitute one of the longest streaks of consistent fitness gains without significant injury in my adult life. Jordan and Maggie care enough to understand my fitness goals and keep me safely on track. The folks who choose to work out here are friendly and welcoming, and the coaches happily scale the workout to meet you at your fitness level, but it is always a challenge. It is easily the best fit for me of the several boxes I have tried over the last few years. Jordan's acerbic sense of humor is not for everyone, but he is the reason this gym is such a friendly and welcoming place. read more

Place changed ownership in fall 2022, Pride flags came down immediately. Almost all the staff were let go or resigned, and years-long members left in droves (Check out CrossFit Humanity, where you can find most former HAC members). There are still a few good ones behind, especially coach Jake. But, the vibe changed entirely. I let my 5+ year membership go. The new owner Jordan is cold AF, with a huge ego, just ick. He ruined the magic of HAC in a matter of days. Sad to see what the place has become, it used to be amazing. Thanks for the memories, and for the safe space this amazing gym once was. I've since left for another gym and am much happier. But will alawys love this place for the memories and love before it turned into a sinking ship. Check out CrossFit Humanity instead! read more

I just celebrated my one-year anniversary with Hillcrest Athletic Club, and I couldn't be happier. It's not just a gym, it's a family. HAC is my second home! After such a rough year, the HAC became my community that I needed. CrossFit has always intrigued me online, but I was afraid to join because it seemed too challenging. The HAC community has been welcoming and non-judgmental. In addition to teaching you the movements, they show scaled down versions for those still learning and motivate you to give it your all. There are specific classes for Olympic Lifting, Endurance/Running, Breathing, and Competition. During my time at HAC, I had to step away for a few months to focus on my recovery, and I would receive weekly check-ins from the coaches. Their members are so important to them, so I was so excited to return to CrossFit this past month. They offer a free trial week, and I highly recommend it. read more

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After dropping in for a few weeks while visiting the area... Of all the crossfit gyms I've dropped in around the country, this box ranks near the very best. The coaching team, led by Jordan, is top tier. And to their credit, I witnessed them to be equally attentive and supportive to all athletes of all experiences and abilities. Lastly, the community is terrific. They embody the spirit of crossfit, and then some. Inclusivity is off the charts. Keep it up. This is now my go-to box when I'm in the area. read more

CrossFit Hillcrest is a great gym. I felt very welcome even though I was out of shape and out of practice. The coaching and programming are top notch. I really liked that they incorporated social aspects to help to get to know some of the other members. I think Jordan the owner is a real pillar of the community and changing people's lives. Highly recommend. read more

I have been a member for several years, and I cannot say enough about this gym. All of the coaches are welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. I was initially nervous about going to a crossfit gym, but after my first visit I found this to be a great place to get a vigorous workout without feeling intimidated. There is no judgement here. If you are looking for a gym try Hillcrest Athletic Club, you won't be sorry. read more

I ended my San Diego vacation at Hillcrest Athletic Club. I found this gym on ClassPass and did a bootcamp with them. It was led by a lady from Oregon named Marian. It was actually more of a HIIT workout. We had an interesting opener with some exercises I hadn't seen. Then we did a series with ball slams, sit-ups, jump rope, and I added in some pull-ups because they have the bars. We did that for 15 minutes. Then we did a rowing exercise with rowing machines. 200m and then 1 minute off. We got around to 4 of those before ran out of time. This gym does crossfit. This is a decent gym in Hillcrest. Marian is new to working at this gym and she seemed enthusiastic about leading a workout. It was good. read more

CrossFit Hillcrest - Interval Training Gyms Near Me - San Diego, California

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Another great drop in experience! I was in San Deigo for Comic-Con and of course, I had to find a great gym to drop into while I was there. As always, I started on Yelp, looked in the area I was staying, and found the perfect one! What turned me on to this gym the most was their inclusion of everyone. Inclusion is a huge factor for me when I look at a gym to drop into. I don't want to go somewhere where it seems like everyone is just looking to be the next game's champion. This gym checked all my boxes. What really sold me was their Pride event! I was so bummed I wasn't in town during Pride because this gym went off! I loved following their social media over the weekend and was definitely experiencing major FOMO. I dropped in on a Friday morning and was greeted right away. I loved how in-depth the coach went for each of the movements. I hate handstands but I was able to kick up and accidentally do a strict handstand pushup! I was so shocked that when the coach said to do it again, I was like "This is a one-time deal. I don't know how I did that!" but now I know it is possible for me to do it. For the WOD itself, there was an option to do the handstand pushups from a box. This was a move I have never done before and the coach did a great job helping me get positioned correctly and make sure I wouldn't hurt myself. I loved this gym. If I lived in San Diego, this would for sure be my new spot. read more

For years I avoided CrossFit, thinking it wasn't for me, intimidated by the athletes. The Hillcrest Athletic Club changed all that for me. This is one of the most welcoming and inclusive fitness spaces I've ever encountered in the many gyms that I've tried over the years. The coaches are attentive, encouraging, and experienced. The members are welcoming and kind. And the workouts have pushed my fitness to the next level and helped me pushed past my plateau. Would recommend to anyone at any fitness level, this is the gym for you. read more

I've been holding off on writing this review for some time now. I guess I keep hoping for improvement because I use to really enjoy attending this gym. Sadly, this place has been going downhill. There was a management change in late summer of 2022, and it's been deteriorating ever since. All of the most experienced coaches left by the time this management change occurred, which is super unfortunate. The majority of the remaining coaches could benefit from training on how to improve their coaching styles. They could gain this training from the new manager, but he does not appear to be very present. His response to contact forms and emails is very, very slow, especially for someone running a business. The previous managers used to respond right away. He only coaches 1-2 times per week for a couple hours - if that. He is not even listed on the website. It seems to me like he doesn't want any accountability for the gym or to put much effort into it. It is not his priority. The former managers were very passionate about the gym and the community. This gym used to have events every month, like fundraisers, challenges, meetups, etc. The community feel has strongly diminished over the past 6 months or so. Their social media used to show photos and videos of members working out each day, along with the enjoyable monthly events, but now the social media presence is basically nonexistent. This gym used to have (still has?) a slogan that they truly lived by: "The gym where you belong." It doesn't feel like the current management is interested in cultivating that vibe anymore. The url link on their Instagram profile goes to an error page. The wodhopper link on the January 29, 2023 IG post is spelled wrong. There just seems to be an overall lack of care and professionalism now. Again, it doesn't seem like the new manager or remaining coaches want to promote the gym or the community that used to be so strong. The workout programming also changed with the new management. It seems very haphazard and is undesirable to many. It doesn't feel like much thought is put into the workouts. Quite a few members have brought up not liking the WODs since the management change. Before the change, emails were sent out every week to explain the programming and the goals for the workouts and the upcoming training cycle. That also has disappeared. There have been a lot of members leaving recently, some who have been at HAC for several years or more. It is sad. Another thing is that the updated website now has stock photos of some other gym(s) with random people, some using machines that aren't even equipment used at Hillcrest Athletic Club. It is misleading, as none of the photos represent HAC. Why not show the actual gym and actual members (like the website used to)? I wish this gym could make improvements and be the successful business and fun environment that I used to look forward to each day. read more

When I moved to SD, I checked out many crossfit gyms in the area before settling on HAC. No other place had the combination of community, coaching, and programming that I was looking for. My biggest gripe would be the facility/location - while it has all your typical equipment needs, it's on it's in a busy part of Hillcrest so accessibility is not great unless you live nearby. Parking can be frustrating. But overall, it is a lovely gym with coaches and an owner that care deeply about the community. read more

Don't miss the opportunity to train with one of the most accomplished CrossFit coaches on the planet. The owner, Jordan is incredibly passionate about helping athletes reach their goals, and the welcoming atmosphere and people make this a no brainer if you are looking to join a gym in San Diego. read more

I took my first ever CrossFit class yesterday and I am so glad that I had the chance to take it at Hillcrest. Not only were they so helpful, informative, with excellent customer satisfaction but they made me feel LOVED and seen! My coach was Crystal (really hoping I remembered her name) and Megan helped me out. Pekeia (I hope I got his name right too) was soo sweet and even though he wasn't my coach, helped me feel excited and calmed my nerves about being a first timer. The class was hard and effective and my coach gave me modifications for a newb. If I lived in SD I would make HAC my gym just because everyone in there was so lovely...including the patrons. Thank you for the warm visit and providing excellent service. You are good people. read more

New owner and not the safe space it used to be for all gender identities and the LGBTQ+ community. I hope things change for the better soob, but had to cancel my members after 8 years working out here. read more

I've been coming to the gym for several months and love the coaches and members! Everyone was welcoming from the start - so my guess is that any inevitable challenges that can come from a change in ownership have been worked out. Coaches Jordan and Dez are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful (and fun!). After taking some time off from CrossFit I was nervous about getting back into things, and they definitely did a good job of making sure I went at my own pace. read more

I Love Crossfit Hillcrest Community For the Great Atmosphere, Knowledgable Trainers and Great Location. Great Trainer Led Group Classes Mornings and Evenings. Crossfit is addicting and Rocks! Come get in the best shape of your life! read more

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I've been a gym member for 4 years now! I do crossfit here along with the barbell lifting class. I have not been able to find a better gym that I fit into free of any judgments. The coaches are great and are always looking to give you positive feedback for improvement. If you're looking for a gym that has a wide variety of options for all fitness levels and a great way to feel like you're a part of a community look no further! read more

I was a member here for several years and I cant say enough good things about this gym. The trainers, the members, the facility are all wonderful. Moving for work is the only reason I left and one of the things I miss most about San Diego. The beach, the tacos, and CrossFit Hillcrest. read more

Big shoutouts to Coach Austin and the 9:30am Saturday morning crew for the warm welcome to two brothas and me dropping through from Orange County and Northern California. We RSVP'd through the website the night before and arrived a solid half-hour prior to class to see a boisterous group working out early during open gym hours. After filling out waivers and mobilizing, we went through introductions and immediately into a fun dynamic workout with the gym's new assault bike before practicing skill work and then jumping into a hero wod -- shoutouts to McGhee -- of deadlifts, push-ups, and box jumps. CF Hillcrest is an intimate establishment with its doors open for over three and a half years. I thoroughly enjoyed the drop-in experience and would most definitely return again! read more

CrossFit Hillcrest - Brothas and me dropping in for the Saturday 9:30a class! - Interval Training Gyms Near Me - San Diego, California

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Been here for a year now and have found my new gym home. I am constantly challenged by the coaches and fellow members, that I now call friends. This is not just a gym, it's a welcoming community of strength, empowerment and support. read more

Are you looking for a gym that's more than just weights and equipment, but a community? Do you enjoy varied movements and Olympic lifting? Are you looking for accepting, supportive, and knowledgeable coaches? Well look no further!!! HAC is a fantastic Crossfit gym with amazing coaches and programming. I have been going to HAC for a year now and I love it. So many different class times and types to accommodate everyone. There are classic cross training classes (CrossFit-like), Olympic lifting, specialty (gymnastics, rowing, rehab), running (endurance, sprint), community classes, and open gym. The class times are 5:30am, 6:30am, 8am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm with options for open gym all day. The gym is super open (see picture) and clean, and even has parking in the back. Don't walk, RUN! And try out a week for only $25 before committing to a monthly plan! See you there! read more

CrossFit Hillcrest - So much open space!! - Interval Training Gyms Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been going to HAC for the last 5 years and love it! The community and the trainers are the best

Dropped into this gym on my vacation to San Diego. The website wasnt very informative about class or open gym times so that was a bummer, and when I messaged them- I never heard back. I showed up and luckily there was a class within the next thirty or so minutes. The coach while being mid workout herself wasnt very welcoming when finished and only realized I was a drop in as she started explaining the workouts to the class. The workout itself was just okay, the coach seemed like setting up one part of the work was too tedious and just suggested something else. So I was hoping to get some barbell and accessory work in after class, to make up for it. Which to my surprise there was no open gym. Super bummed. Also no bathroom, just a porter potty? For what you pay for a drop in, in this area, I expected more, especially compared to the facility I enjoyed the day prior. read more

My girlfriend and I signed up last month. The biggest challenge we had and i am sure we all have is just taking that first step. It's looks intimidating, but let me just say that Crossfit is for everyone not just the fittest people out there. The everyday person who is looking to get stronger, get fitter, loose weight and so much more. Why more, because when you join a gym like Crossfit Hillcrest you become family, a member, a team, a Community. Their is something about training and sweating together as individuals as well as a team. This is great place to make friends and become healthier at the same time. The owners and trainers are very friendly and knowledgable. They will help you and guide you along your exercise path. I am so grateful to be a part of this gym and I'm sure anyone else would feel the same way if you just make the decision too. I challenge anyone who is reading this or even thinking about Crossfit - Just Do It! Give it a try... You can only start by trying read more

CrossFit Hillcrest - We all have to start somewhere - even the greatest athletes !!! - Interval Training Gyms Near Me - San Diego, California

Was in town traveling and asked if I could drop in, they said absolutely and that they love guest. Great staff and great workout, even helped me work on some technique I have not mastered yet. If you are traveling through or live local and looking to give Crossfit a try you have to definitely check this place out first. read more

Hillcrest Athletic Club is awesome. The overall vibe is super warm and welcoming - everyone feels like they belong regardless of body type, ability, age, etc. The coaches are great - I always feel like I'm getting an extra push or advice on form/technique. I'm also impressed with how they run the business - very transparent and never pushy. read more

Horrible first impression. I had submitted a request for quote on different pricing on 12/28/22. On the 17th of January Jordan introduced themselves as the owner and sent an invite to try a free class to which I RSVP'd but not get a confirmation. On the 31st we finally nailed down a date and time for me to meet to sign some waivers and to take a free class. I showed up today to meet Jordan and sign some waivers but was greeted by someone who stated Jordan doesn't show up for Thursday's 5pm class but they could help me out. There was a pitbull running around the gym and jumping all over the trainer. I am allergic to pet dander. If I had known I would have taken a Benadryl ahead of time but I couldn't take the class because my nose was almost immediately starting to run. I walked away with the impression that the owner doesn't care enough to show up for new clients, a runny nose, and itchy eyes from a dog running wild in a gym. read more

I don't write a lot of reviews but my experience has been so counter to some of the negative folks on here I felt compelled to add to the conversation. As a queer woman of color I can say that finding truly safe and inclusive spaces can be a challenge. And I found exactly that at CrossFit Hillcrest. The old manager Crystal was absolutely amazing and fostered a supportive and inclusive community. I will admit the ownership change over was a bit rocky. I will be the first to admit that I was skeptical about how it would all shake out. It took several months but I am so glad that I stayed because along with this still being the same safe and comfortable space Jordan has elevated the quality of the facility and the quality of the trainers. He values continuing education just having sent two trainers to get their level 2 certificates. Jordan himself is a CrossFit level 4 coach which if you don't know is a really big deal. Probably the hardest training credential to achieve. He made wonderful physical changes to the facility as well and I love it. I am not someone who LOVES to exercise so the fact that these people get me to show up several days a work and sweat my butt off means they are doing something right. Dez is so encouraging and Maggie might be the friendliest person I have ever met and she really cares about keeping you moving properly. They all do. Do not hesitate to give CrossFit Hillcrest a try. read more

This is an amazing space to work on your cross fitness. Great coaches, plenty of good class times and a true sense of community. Check'em out- you won't be disappointed read more

Visiting San Diego for the week from New York and had an amazing experience. The facility is very clean and organized and the instructors (Carlos and Shaye) were thorough, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Will definitely come back to work out when visiting the area again. read more

This box has taught me everything I know ( ok I don't know much but that's not their fault) . I was the 10th member at this box and from the moment I walked in to sign up I was welcomed with open arms! No matter if you're new or experienced , the vibe here is community. Members help members, trainers help members, we all just love to work out together. This is a great place to start crossfitting if you've never crossfitted before bc it's not an intimidating place. Come check it out on Saturdays at 1030! There is a free community wod that's a little modifies for beginners! Or just make the leap and come join today! read more

I chose this gym to drop into while here on vacation. I'm so glad that I did! The coaches are super friendly, inviting, and know their sh*t! Looking forward to going back a few more times! I highly recommend HAC! read more

SUPER ACCOMMODATING!!!!! These guys are great! They let our big bachelorette party come in during off hours and run a wod. The guy working was so patient, helped all 10 of us get pictures and tee shirts. Would highly recommend for an inclusive environment to fitness in. read more

I'm from out of town and stopped here twice this week. Had a great workout both times. Coaches were helpful and knowledgeable and the space itself was clean. I'd definitely recommend this place. read more

I love this gym. I come into town periodically and occasionally want to drop in for a WOD when away from my home gym. The coaches and the athletes are welcoming to my random appearances and i always work harder than I think it will be. The gym is small but efficient. read more

I can't say enough positive about this gym and its coaches. As inviting of a CF gym as I've ever experienced, with coaches who will push you while being cognizant of your safety and health. I felt welcomed from the moment I stepped in the door, and 3 months later it's a part of my daily routine. The right place to start CF or continue to train and improve. read more

CrossFit Hillcrest is amazing! I can't say enough about how welcoming, professional, and dedicated the trainers are. It's the first time in my life that I look forward to working out! 5 stars all the way! read more

I have been a member of this gym going on three years. I was formerly a Crossfit member, but have been exclusively working out through their America's Finest Boot Camp program. The owners and coaches of this gym do an amazing job at building a supportive, engaging community. I attend classes 4-6 times a week, and they are generally the best part of my days; I leave feeling accomplished and challenged. I have definitely noticed an improvement in my strength, endurance, and flexibility. I recommend folks try out the free Saturday community classes to get a feel for what Hillcrest Athletic Club has to offer. read more

Love this gym! The trainers are so friendly and welcoming. I had such a hard time finding a crossfit gym when I moved to San Diego from Washington state and when I moved into the area I got lucky when they were located only 3 blocks from my apartment! So many friendly and awesome members, I look forward to going to the gym everyday. I highly recommend Crossfit Hillcrest! Go check it out! read more

The staff and members served as an incredibly open, welcoming box away from home during my recent vacation in San Diego. They really went above and beyond typical hospitality. I am really grateful for your kindness, and look forward to incorporating you in to my next visit to San Diego! read more