My wife saw Daniel torturing some poor soul at Duboce park one day and decided she'd like to see me…read morego through the same thing. After a few months of training with Daniel its no longer torture as I'm my best shape in years. Daniel works you hard but the results are well worth it. My energy levels are way higher now that I've been training with him for a few months. He did a great job of tailoring a problem that perfectly met my needs. If you're looking to do some intense training that sucks for 45 minutes but leaves you feeling great for the next few days, you should definitely contact him!

I worked out with Danny for well over a year and would definitely go back for more. HIs methods…read moreare far from conventional but very effective and there is no such thing as a predictable, run-of-the-mill, boring workout. He incorporates agility and endurance training in to every workout and definitely gets the blood pumping and the muscles loosened up and working to build and tone. In many respects, Danny makes working out seem like really healthy "play." But you definitely feel the effects afterwards in all aspects of life from overall health, attitude, appearance. Danny also prefers to workout in the outdoors when possible. I had mixed feelings about this. But thinking back, it is the best approach to exercise. I even felt at times like I was in boot camp doing pushups out there in the drizzle. I moaned about it, but now think back with pride for that hard work I did. Danny is a good coach, mentor and trainer in all aspects of fitness. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a novel approach to fitness training.

I've been training with Daniel for the past year and I've never felt healthier. Daniel understood…read moremy goals and helped me get there. Daniel is attentive during our sessions and is constantly adjusting the routine to help maximize my time. Daniel pushes me to constantly challenge myself and supports me when I need to make adjustments.

We stumbled upon Daniel for duets strength training. My friend and I are both postpartum mamas and…read morewere excited to work with someone who was located close to us. Unfortunately, he was not the best fit for us. We felt he was not able to properly assess our capabilities for working out. When we commented that some of the workouts were advanced for us, he ended up laughing us off. Our final session with him, I did a pull up exercise and ended up pulling a lat muscle. He did try to help stretch it out but there was no follow up the next day. If you're a postpartum mama looking for support, I suggest finding another fit. He might push you way past your limits and us mamas can't be injured when we have little ones to care for.

Sebastian taught my partner and I the perfect routine to improve our posture while strength…read moretraining. We came to him with a unique request, but he's a master of finding solutions uniquely suited to your needs. He has all the right soft skills too: he's a great communicator, he's friendly, and he simply knows how to make the workout fun. We'd highly recommend him and would certainly work with him again!

Sebastian is an awesome instructor. I did quite a bit of looking around this time before choosing…read morea trainer and went to Sebastian because people said he's the best in the city. Hard to say not knowing every trainer in the city but I'd say it's probably true. I started out in 1-on-1 training sessions with Sebastian to get some of the basics down and then moved into group sessions which are both more economical and more fun, training with others. Sebastian has an awesome location in Noe valley where we exercise outdoors with views of the city and a killer set of steps on which to torture ourselves. I'm 2 days away from my first Olympic Triathlon which I don't think I'd be ready for without Sebastian. He helped me dig out from 10 years behind a computer screen and get back into shape in just a few months and I'm confident he'll help me reach my aggressive fitness goals over the next 6-12 months. Come work out with us, it's fun!

I started training with Raul 6 months ago and it's been the best fitness decision I've made in…read moreyears. My background is that of a former competitive athlete (volleyball) through high school and into college. That however was a long time ago and my own personal fitness efforts veered to that of a standard loop through the gym with a little cardio and weights; and in more recent years, yoga. I've been lucky enough to be able to maintain a fairly fit physic, without too much effort, for most of my life. But I noticed that shifting about 2 years ago. I needed to step up my game, but lacked the motivation to really do it on my own. A shoulder injury a year and a half ago (obtained while playing with my then 6 year old daughter) sidelined all gym activity. After a year of yoga, I just wasn't seeing the results I wanted. I needed to get moving again, which prompted a game changing decision, and I walked into Raul's class. First off, Golden Gate Park...could anyone ask for a more stunning backdrop to workout in? No TV's, no smelly gym, no cell phones. It's one of my favorite places in the City, and I get to workout here! And you will workout! Strawberry Hill, a set of stairs, park benches, and your body weight is literally all Raul needs to give you an unreal workout. Of course, he has kettles bells, tractor tires, and barbells that he likes to mix into workouts as well. Everyday is different. Every workout brings something new that has us asking, how did he come up with this, and what will he bring tomorrow? The group atmosphere is one of the key components for me. I like being part of a team, I like having a "coach", I like have that comradery and motivation from within the group. They support you, they push you, they hold you accountable (even when Raul isn't looking) It pushes you to fight through fatigue, to get those last 2 reps in, and at the end of the hour, it's something we've all done together. Raul's knowledge of the human body, how to work the muscles, to get the optimum performance out of them, is incredible. That coupled with his medical training makes him the perfect trainer if you are injured, or needing rehab. He can have 4 different workouts going in the same hour to adapt to a physical limitation someone may have in class. He is bringing my shoulder back after nearly 2 years of chronic pain. I not only feel it, I see it. I'm stronger, I'm leaner, I have endurance I haven't had in years. If you're looking to change your life physically, come meet us in the park. You won't be sorry.

Raul Hurtado is hands down the best trainer I have worked with. No, really... EVER!! It constantly…read moreblows my mind how knowledgeable, qualified, smart, and instructive he is, and if that weren't enough-- he's one of the nicest, most patient people I've ever known. Forget the fact that I'm in my 40's and in the best shape of my entire life, thanks to workouts with Raul and San Francisco Strength & Conditioning. His outdoor group exercise class in Golden Gate Park (and at his nearby studio!) completely sets the tone for my entire day. It's SO awesome to be outdoors in nature for an entire hour, exercising alongside of some really cool people I've gotten to know. And whether they all realize it or not, they help hold me accountable for showing up and doing the the work. And by "work", it's actually more like "fun"! Raul is incredibly creative in coming up with different workout routines, so it NEVER gets boring. Some days he'll show up with boxing equipment, and we spend and hour throwing punches and doing crunches. Another day there'll be a truck tire that we have to strike with a sledgehammer, or a competition between two teams to see who can finish a list of exercises first. OMG. SO. FUN!!! (I snapped some pics recently during one of our competitions, and will post them here). The best part of it all really, is the value that you get for your money. Working out with SF S&C is like having a personal trainer, because that's how engaged Raul is with each person's individual workout, form, technique, etc. And if someone has an injury or physical challenge, he ALWAYS remembers, and offers them a modification. A good personal trainer in San Francisco will run you $125+ per HOUR. Eek! But I get to work out 4 days a week PLUS an optional free Saturday workout, PLUS free studio workouts to target specific areas or injuries, and per month, it costs me less than TWO sessions with a personal trainer who isn't half as good as Raul. SFS&C is the best investment in myself that I've ever made!

Jeffrey is the best!! I wanted to get stronger but had a…read moreneck issue and he helped me find a way to lift with this in mind. As my neck has healed, he has helped me find ways to get a balanced workout and push myself. As I tried to find a way to healthier eating he also helped me set goals and make practical plans to eat better. And I am! He checks on me and keeps me accountable and motivated. In general he's really knowledgeable and has a great coaching style. Finally I can tell how hard he works to meet his clients where they are and work around their schedules. He works so hard I'm surprised he has time to work out himself as well. I truly love working with Jeffrey and it almost makes me love working out. At least I can say I really enjoy it now.

Jeffrey is an amazing fitness trainer. He takes the time to get to know his customers and…read morecustomizes the workouts to your goals, schedule and location preferences. I have been doing strength training weekly with Jeffrey and can see and feel the results from our workouts. He has helped me create a workout routine that I can do on my own between trainings at my convenience. Jeffrey even gave me recommendations for gym equipment for my home when I asked. I would recommend Jeffrey without hesitation.

1. What is the "Sports Palace" 2. Jim Schmitz, the legend…read more3. My story (1) "The Sports Palace" is the bay area's original [Olympic] Weightlifting gym hidden away in the basement of a bodybuilding gym in South San Francisco. A true hidden gem! Over the several years of training here, we've been visited by professional athletes, weightlifting royalty (athletes and coaches), and visitors from around the world; if only just to mingle with Coach Jim Schmitz and train in the most complete and original curation of weightlifting history. And of course with the best equipment: ELEIKO... everything!... barbells, plates (discs), etc. Even some custom fabricated equipment. Just be prepared to count in kilograms [it's easier... trust me]. (2) Jim, as you may have read from other reviews... is a decorated Olympic and National Coach. Yes. He coached in the Olympics for Team USA (1980, 1982, & 1988). He's kind of a big deal; but you'd never know it. He's very down to earth, and loves sharing stories of his escapades and adventures over the years (between sets, as long as you're working hard). He knows how to read a room and is full of corny jokes which will keep you entertained while you're focused on training. He also wrote for MILO magazine for a period of time and consulted/held positions with USA Weightlifting and the International Weightlifting Federation. (3) I originally sought his coaching after several years of "recreational weight training" using prescribed workouts from my collegiate days. I always thought I was "in-some-kind-of-shape." Boy was I wrong. I couldn't overhead squat a broom stick on my first day; let alone snatch a barbell. My posture was terrible, I had zero joint stability, and was less flexible than I thought I was, or should have been. Jim assured me that with consistent effort (and personalized drills) results would eventually come. Just... try not to get a new exercise named after you... (inside joke). A year later, I snatched OVER my bodyweight; AT FULL DEPTH (see pictures). My posture is the best it's ever been [despite working in a lab and at a desk], and I still train today (albeit remotely, due to relocating). Jim for a while trained my fiancée too, and we invited him to our wedding! [TLDR] Seeing people lift heavy weights overhead may look and sound intimidating, but the people here are really the friendliest and most dedicated individuals you'll meet. Complete novices to international champs, all are welcome. Lifting heavier, and heavier is truly intoxicating. Come by to watch, have a chat with Jim, train, get strong.

Lifting with Jim is always a great time, and there's a super supportive community as well. It's a…read morewelcoming and friendly environment for both new and experienced lifters. I trained with him for four years when I was in high school, and recently visited again while I was in town for the holidays, and I immediately felt at home again! The equipment is top notch (all the bars are eleiko) and Jim is very experienced. He's coached a number of Olympic athletes and this is one of the oldest weightlifting clubs in the world. Another plus is that there are lots of great options around for food after your workout.

I've been training with Richard since February 2024, and honestly, he has been more committed to my…read moresuccess than I have been to myself. That says everything. He has navigated multiple injuries with me without ever letting me lose momentum, always adapting, always finding a way to keep me moving forward safely. What I didn't expect was how much he'd also build up my confidence along the way. I'm not just stronger physically; I genuinely feel better about myself. Richard is rare in that he doesn't just show up as a trainer, he shows up as someone who actually cares. He's become a confidante and, at this point, a friend. If you're looking for someone who will meet you exactly where you are and push you further than you thought possible, Richard is it.

I've been training with Richard at his gym for the past 4+ months and have had a great experience…read moreso far! I'd been wanting to start strength training for months but struggled to find options in the area. After passing RHAX on West Portal by chance and seeing how nice the space looked, I decided to take the leap. Before starting, we had a quick phone consultation to go over my goals and experience level. I'm new to strength training and was nervous about signing up, but Richard has made the overall experience very approachable and I look forward to our sessions because of the results I'm seeing. Richard is knowledgeable and thoughtful in the workouts he designs. He's conscious of any injuries or weakness I might have going into each session, and will tailor the workout accordingly. The sessions go by quickly (I don't find myself checking the time and wishing the hour was over like I do during some group fitness classes..) and they're challenging and effective. I feel myself getting stronger and more confident every session. As a gym owner, you can tell Richard has put a lot of thought into the space he's built and the overall client experience. If you're new to strength training like me and looking for an approachable and knowledgeable trainer, I highly recommend working with Richard!

Still the best trainer; still improving my fitness and feeling & looking great…read more Njoying every workout - always the best time of the day. Thx for keeping the pump up!!!

Daniel Cunha is an excellent trainer. He accesses the full body and personalizes a program that is…read moreeffective and efficient, while keeping it exciting and empowering for the mind and spirit. I came to Daniel unmotivated and in a state of lethargy - immediately he gave me a boost of confidence that came with a workout and diet plan: short term and long term. He emphasizes the "LIFE STYLE CHANGE" and teaches how to reprogram our choices and eliminate those bad habits with replacing them with healthy substitutions. In the gym, we focus on full body strengthening with a concentration on the core - and for my trouble zone, hips and gluts! Followed by an amazing lesson on stretching those computer muscles using a form roller. Daniel will switch it up and bring the next session out on the beautiful Marina Greens and teach how to utilize the public Outdoor Fitness Court!!! - Body weight exercises: pull-ups, push-ups, dips, rows, trx and finish off the last 10 mins (right when you think you can't do it anymore) with an energizing kick boxing session. In the kitchen -- yes! he will not neglect this important step -- he will raid your frig and pantry and show you what combos of veggies and protein that are delicious and nutritious. He's great in NOT making one feel ashamed for the non-food items that are there, but gave me the motivation to make those choices on my own.