I took my first hot yoga class in years here!…read more Very easy to get to downtown. There's a Lyft bike dock like a block away, and many Muni lines come around here (hey, it is the Financial District.) Interior is very sleek, clean, and modern. I like how they had a water refilling station and some salts (hey, you sweat so much, you really need to replenish!) They also have cool towels which are so helpful because it is HOT in there!

Location was super clean and the instructor was wonderful but I was absolutely not prepared for how…read morehot the room was going to be... I really wish the temperature was listed clearly in the "See You Soon" email we received rather than just in the FAQs link in the email. I do hot yoga pretty frequently and I had to leave the room during this class. Do your research and come prepared for the intense heat!!

I've been on a group workout class kick and stumbled upon The Bar Method-FiDi once when I was…read morewalking back home from downtown. Workout classes are not cheap, but what drew me to the Bar Method was the sign outside that said 13 classes for $78 (use within 60 days.) That comes out to be $6/class! What a steal! I'd never done barre before, but have pilates and yoga experience. I liked Barre because it toned so many different areas! We started with upper body, then moved down the body to legs and glutes and calves and abs! I liked how the class attendees were much more diverse (age, ethnicity, size) than pilates classes. It's very inclusive. Owner Noreen was the instructor and she was very helpful, guiding me and others to have better form. There are pads for when we kneel and sit. The studio is clean and airy. I like their no cell phone policy--too many people in other studios use cell phones during class and it's distracting! I also liked seeing the check-in counter woman diligently cleaning the locker area outside the class room. We take off our shoes there before going in, and it seemed clean. Will be back!

I love The Bar Method workouts! My Bar Method journey started in 2014 at their Honolulu studio & I…read morecontinued with The Bar Method when I moved back to San Francisco right before Covid. I took classes online & at other locations but the San Francisco studio closed last year & we were so sad. So, when we heard that The Bar Method was opening up in the Financial District, we all did our happy dance. I signed up for the 5:30 Bar Method class & it was great to see some familiar faces & meet the studio owners (they also own the San Mateo & Palo Alto studios). It was a great class, fun & very effective & I know that I will be sore tomorrow. Looking forward to taking more classes soon!

Super friendly local spot with weight workouts and yoga and weight oriented (NOT CLASSICAL)…read morePilates. They also have special one-off classes like a sound bath or quiet, rejuvenating yoga. They cultivate a community feeling and the owner memorizes your name quickly and makes you feel so welcome. I enjoyed the kettle bell class in person and online. No one made me feel wussy because I was choosing lighter weights and wasn't as strong as the regulars. The yoga class was lovely. I didn't like the core pilates class because it was really hard core and not enough Pilates, but the other 15 people in the class seemed really happy to be there. The kettle bell class had more like 8-10 people in it. They have massages and yoga too, but I haven't tried them.

My favorite yoga studio! Glow has fabulous instructors and a welcoming community. Definitely take a…read moreclass if you haven't yet

I joined Rae Studios as a beginner dancer in 2024. Since then, the studio has been the highlight of…read moremy life in San Francisco. Every single teacher at Rae puts their all in. They take the time to look at you, what you're doing, and help you learn, adjust, and get to know your body more. I'm an unlimited member, but the $25 per class (or whatever it is), is the best way to spend $25 in San Francisco. Not exaggerating. Jess is such an experienced coach. She moves like water. She watches your body, and understands how it works. She makes hands on adjustments. Being in class with her - I truly feel like I'm with a professional-grade artist. Power Barre is a must, for any dancer, any fan of Pilates, or anyone who just wants a lean, toned dancer bod. And Pop Jam is so much fun. I've also taken Jazz Funk with Tashi, which is the BEST way to start a Monday. It's beginner friendly, but you learn technique. She's fun, lively, hilarious. Every single person is beaming when they leave her class. Drenched with Anna is also a pleasure. She's a delight to watch. A true athlete in her flow. It's a real workout! Belly Dance with Andrea was a surprise to me. I had no idea what Belly Dance was until I took this class. As it turns out, Belly Dance is like a mix of Pilates and Booty shaking. I didn't think I could move so precisely, but Andrea is such a good teacher, and so good at explaining the moves - I believe she can teach anyone how to Belly Dance. She has a thorough understanding of the history, the culture, and the artistry. Hip Hop with Mahi - the most energetic ball of fun there is. She's effortless. Drenched with Diamond - another great workout, and a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning. I love to take my girlfriends and get brunch in Union Square afterwards. Also, the Rae Studios Showcase was SO much fun. You get training in how to perform as a group. The adrenaline is intoxicating. There are people who do four per season, is how fun it is. How many opportunities in life are there to perform? Rae Studios makes this accessible to everyone. The world is tough right now. We could all use a little more dance and light in our lives. Check out Rae!

Love Rae studios, long overdue review:…read more Convenient location near Union Square, a short walk from Powell station. You will need to ring the studios for them to buzz you into the building and take the elevator up to the 7th floor. Beware, the elevator can take a hot minute, so get there early! There is usually a receptionist that can help check you in, but you can also self check-in via their tablet in the bigger room. That room also has a dressing room for those that need to change clothing. There is a key for the bathroom. There is a waiting room and cubbies to place your stuff and high end water fountains. I'm glad that Rae studios has partnered with Wellhub/Gympass, This week I took a regular kpop class with Oche for the first time. I have done the performance workshop series with Fran last fall. Both Oche and Fran are great teachers, super energetic, thorough warmups and always checking in if we have questions on the choreography. Also both are super stylish!! Typically, you can see what song is being taught on Rae Studio's Instagram the day before the class. I've also taken several of the free kpop classes at Civic Center with Fran. For the free class, it is on the other side of the outdoor gym. It can get loud during events nearby, but Fran does her best to be loud and clear. As for the performance workshop, it was fun but the day of the performance was quite chaotic. The lights were different than how it was during the rehearsal runs and it was super disappointing when the music cut out. On the bright side, I felt like our group got to know each other well and even held a potluck together! I probably won't do another performance workshop series anytime soon, but will definitely keep coming to the regular and free classes.

I used to visit this studio when I lived nearby. It's clean, machines are spaced out decently, and…read moreinstructors are professional. For example, there was one instance in which a random person, likely unhoused, wandered into class and caused a minor disturbance. The instructor handled it quickly, kept the situation under control, and got us back on track shortly. I also feel like core40 really likes their plants. All the studios I've visited have similar plant vibes, but overall ambience is a bit different at each one.

I took a class with Melody. She was delightful but I had trouble hearing her at times (may be a…read moreproblem with the audio system.) The studio is sleek and I like the plants and natural lighting. I like the machines. My one complaint is I thought the workout was just okay. Melody corrected my form a few times and was very encouraging, but I didn't feel as sore as I thought I should be afterwards. Great location near Trader Joe's and a Lyft bike dock!

Beautiful space outside of the gym! The gym itself is fairly standard -- looks clean, smells great,…read moreand the equipment is well-maintained. The real standout is the locker rooms: stocked with Le Labo products, plus a lovely pool and steam room. I attended a barre class, which was solid overall, but the instructor didn't have a mic, making it tough to hear cues clearly. The mats are also very short -- shorter than your typical mat -- so taller folks may find it challenging. Minor gripes for an otherwise nice experience!

I was honestly surprised by the lack of service at Equinox Pine Street. For a gym that positions…read moreitself as "premium," I really don't understand where that reputation comes from. Here's what happened: my colleague was visiting San Francisco for just one day, and we decided to meet at Equinox. She sent me a guest pass so we could work out together. When we arrived, we found out that her membership had expired on April 30th. The date of our visit was May 5th. She was told that she needed to renew her membership through the original club where she signed up, which was in Los Angeles. That part, while inconvenient, was understandable. What wasn't acceptable was the attitude. The manager (a young Asian man in a green Stone Island sweater) didn't even take the time to listen to the situation. He brushed us off and simply told us to call the Los Angeles club. This is a paying client of a nationwide network, not someone asking for a favor. We tried speaking with the front desk associate, but she said the manager was unavailable and couldn't say when he would be free. She also said she couldn't help us in any way. We even offered to open a brand-new membership right there at that location, since we had already been waiting for a renewal link from Los Angeles. Time was the key issue for us, not money. In the end, my colleague wasn't allowed to enter the gym. Ironically, the guest pass she created for me on April 30th still worked -- so I was able to get in, but she wasn't. As for the facility itself, it's clean but clearly outdated. The smiles at the front desk feel forced, along with the routine "hello" and "have a nice day." If you're going to market yourself as a premium fitness club, the level of service should match -- especially when it comes to loyal clients.

Small yet has what you need to sweat. If you're driving There's no validation on parking before 5…read morePM $20 or 45 minute workout with a couple hundred dollar membership not worth it. Park on the street or come on a non-busy day. Or after 5 PM.

This is great office club right down in the financial district. The locker room is luxurious and…read moreeverything is provided, which is great since I only use it when visiting for work. The fitness area isn't very big at all, but really has most of what I need. Recognize this is truly a business type gym, just what you need and nothing more. It's got few windows, but knowing what you're going into, it makes great use of the space.

I have been to this YMCA before and the activiitie the I took was Swimming Lesson which was a long…read moretime ago during when I was in High School.... And this year I did another fun Activity which was volunteering at the ŸMĈÀ with my Fŕìèñð Ðàvìð 朋友 Péngyǒu Dà wèi & His Sister Ada & Her Friend 我的朋友大卫和他的妹妹艾达 Wǒ de péngyǒu dà wèi hé tā de mèimei ài dáat at the ŸMĆÃ 5K 10k Řãćê!!!!! And Coolest That We All Got Was Taking A ŸMĆÀ Ÿèàŕ Òf Ťĥè Ŕàìť 5Ƙ & 10Ƙ Ŕàćê Mèďàĺ We also got a Fŕèê ŸMĈÃ 5ƙ 10ķ Ť Śĥìŕť just for Volunteering At The ŸMĆÃ 5ķ 10ƙ Ŕàčè!!!!! If you Ÿéĺpēřs & Ÿëľpèťťèŝ like Volunteering for a 5ķ 10ƙ Ŕãćé Try going to the ŸMĆÃ it's a fun activity to do!!!!!

It is very strict here. They have 30 days cancellation policy. Even though my dad joined this past…read moreSaturday 4/25 and only went once and then asked to cancel 4/29, they charged 1 month through his insurance. His knee hurts after exercising so decided not to continue. He gave me his card but the registration person said cannot share card even though he canceled and not using it. His picture showed up when I tried to sign in with the card. The facility here is also not good compared to Fitness SF. Adult membership is $91 and Senior is $81 so not much of a discount even though his is paid for by Kaiser. They have free resistance band workout every other Wednesday at the Union Square plaza at 8am. It's a free class and the instructor is nice.

Overall the facility is very nice and clean. Just the people working the front desk have no…read morecustomer service. They are just rude and obnoxious. They need to train their employees to be nicer and welcoming to the facility.

Let me count the ways how much I miss and love Equinox…read more Yes, I know--it's a high-end gym. But you truly get what you pay for. I was a member of this location for over a decade, and since moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, I can honestly say there is nothing quite like it. The nearest one to me now is in Atlanta, and I still miss the San Mateo club regularly. This location has everything you could possibly want in a fitness facility--and then some. The Fitness Floor Downstairs is a beautifully air-conditioned workout space designed for people who are serious about exercising. No distractions, no crowds hovering by the windows--just a clean, focused environment. You'll find: * Full weight training equipment * Recumbent bikes, ellipticals, and treadmills * Dedicated spin, Pilates, TRX, and group fitness studios * A large open stretching area with foam rollers * Cold, filtered water stations throughout * Staff available for spotting if you're training solo It's efficient, professional, and thoughtfully designed. Locker Rooms & Amenities The locker rooms feel more like a boutique hotel than a gym. They are consistently spotless and fully stocked with: * Plush towel service * Spacious showers with teak benches * Steam rooms infused with eucalyptus * Complimentary razors, Q-tips, and personal care items * Premium Kiehl's products It's luxurious, yes--but also incredibly practical. You can comfortably get ready for work, dinner, or travel without feeling rushed. The Rooftop Pool One of the standout features is the heated rooftop pool. It has multiple lap lanes, cabanas, and water aerobics equipment, and it truly feels like a mini country club in the middle of downtown San Mateo. The pool is heated year-round, which means you can swim in any season--something you quickly get spoiled by. They even provide sunscreen from Supergoop!, along with full towel service. It's those little details that make the experience feel elevated. Classes, Spa & Services The class offerings are extensive and easy to manage through the app. Signing in is seamless--just scan your phone and go. Highlights include: * Yoga in a beautiful bamboo studio with HEPA filtration and ceiling fans * Pilates (available as private, duo, or small-group sessions) * A full-service spa on the upper level * A juice bar and retail shop featuring premium fitness apparel Everything feels intentional, polished, and well-maintained. Location & Convenience The club is located right in the heart of downtown San Mateo, making it incredibly walkable. There are restaurants, grocery stores, and cafés nearby, including one of my favorite bakeries and specialty markets. Parking is also surprisingly easy for a downtown location: * Two-hour validation * Surface lot, garage, and rooftop parking options That convenience makes a big difference in daily use. Value & Membership Yes, membership can be expensive. However, many employers offer corporate discounts, which can make the cost more manageable. In my case, the value absolutely justified the price because I used the facility regularly and took advantage of the amenities. Even when I relocated, canceling my membership was straightforward and professional--no pressure, no hassle. Bottom Line Equinox San Mateo set the standard for what a fitness club should be: clean, thoughtfully designed, service-oriented, and genuinely enjoyable to use. If I ever move to another city with an Equinox, I will join again without hesitation. Because at the end of the day-- life is short, and you should live well.

Edit: knocked off a star for their cell phone policy. I find it distracting when so many people in…read morethe class use their cell phones. Also, if we take shoes off outside the studio room by the lockers, shouldn't instructors do the same? I came here pre-pandemic with Classpass and enjoyed it. Only recently have I begun doing pilates again and exploring different studios. I've tried X'Core and Core40 and Bodyrok is my favorite. I like the studio--it's light and airy. I think the studio is more welcoming and larger. I like how there are 2 rows of machines--I think it's more communal. The women who go to this studio are more diverse in terms of bodies and ethnicities than other ones I've been to. Also, there are more men in these classes (usually partners of women also taking the class, but still.) So far, I've taken Guns n Buns with Meghan, Cardio Sculpt, and multiple classes with Mackey. They all kicked my butt (in a very good way)! I liked the instructors and thought they were very helpful, encouraging, and supportive. They pushed me more than the instructors at the other studios, where I left not sweaty and not sore. In both Bodyrok classes, I had to use modifications and could feel myself be sore within the first half of the class (complimentary.) I got a membership here and will be back!

on my journey to find a pilates / lagree studio for the low energy days when I need a boost in…read moreblood circulation. I visited this studio through classpass since the only available bodyrok studios on classpass are in sf. It's super out of the way for me but I made a solo date out of the trip. I appreciated how I really felt a workout after this and felt super sculpted. it was my fourth class of the weekend. in hindsight, this was a probably not a smart idea since I almost injured myself. part of the carriage hit my shins. I don't even remember how this happened. perks - I found parking very easily on a sunday afternoon and it was free cus sunday. the street has a few boutiques and cafes to check out before or after class. colored lighting i always fun.