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

Over 10 years now! Still training at HHF x 5 classes each week ranging from Core, Bosu to Spin. 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! read more

I went to Happy Hour Fitness through ClassPass and had a great experience at the Whole Body Challenge class, led by Xavi. Xavi was very welcoming and engaging. He did the entire class with all the attendees, which was great, since we could see the exercise move that he was instructing us to do. I particularly liked how there were limited breaks involved. Many times, when I take fitness classes, I feel like there are too many unnecessary breaks. I'd definitely attend another class when I'm in Berkeley again! read more

There are 168 hours in a week and I have to say that my one hour with Xabi at HHF is my favorite hour of each week! No matter how my week is going I can always look forward to my happy hour. I've been training with HHF for nine years and I've gotten both physically and mentally stronger over the years despite getting older. Xabi and HHF were there for us during Covid by moving classes and training outside and online. For the past four years I have been training with Xabi online after moving to Michigan as I couldn't imagine training with anyone else. On top of that, the community that HHF has built is incredible and a testament to Xabi's commitment to health and happiness for anyone that walks through the door. read more

If you're looking for a trainer with a funny ribald sense of humor who also gives intense workout classes and cares about your fitness a lot, go to Happy Hour. Happy hour fitness is not for everyone. ONLY 1 out of every 10 people who go to a class or personal training session will really enjoy it, but it will be a profound enjoyment. The other 9 will probably strongly dislike the classes. Happy Hour is for those who enjoy a welcoming, positive and supportive community AND very challenging and intense workout classes. I was someone who had real, real difficulty working out consistently or doing anything physically demanding. On top of that, a few years back I dislocated and broke every bone in my ankle and now I have metal plates and screws in there as well as osteoarthritis. Add two kids under 4 to the mix and you can see why I was not optimistic about Happy Hour work outs working out for me. Working out with Xabier was not a panacea, I still have the same issues, but with Xabier's support I'm able to prioritize my own health and fitness and make significant progress not only in strength, but in cardio and flexibility too. It has become a focus in my life. I leave the studio feeling happier than when I went in. I started personal training with Xabier and now also go to the workout classes regularly. Xabier is a great accountability partner and is very responsive. The classes are never repetitive and the dopamine rush after is addictive!! Xabier has even been flexible and let me do a training session with my 1 year old, which is amazing!! Also, he has a good sense of humor, or at least he makes me laugh. If you're looking for a trainer with intense workouts who will give you everything you put in and more, check out Happy Hour fitness. If you're looking for something less intense physically and emotionally, there are other gyms that will be a better fit. Ok, I'm off to spinning, hope to see you there! read more

Young women beware. Culty. Unprofessional. Hazing. I went to the mat class and he went between selling me on the studio to shaming me and picking on me every other exercise. In an attempt to validate his unprofessional behavior and communication he said it was part of his culture to be direct and that he liked "helping" Americans to come out of our shell as if he was some kind of savior but it was just strange and uncomfortable. I got the sense he was insecure because he said most class pass people don't come back- I wonder why!! It got to the point where I said "do you usually pick on the new girl this much?!" And someone else said "yes. It's called hazing." To top it off, when I left he said "if I don't see you again, happy new year" TWICE which I took to mean he was basically calling me a new years resolution gym goer it was a trippy experience.... I do see another even worse 1 star review from two years ago from "max" and I could see if I was more shy that this would have been a much worse experience. This is NOT ok! This is abusive. This back and forth between dangling belonging and care and shame and embarrassment is the exact manipulation techniques you see in cults. One of the younger women that left a bit early (since he started ten minutes late) blew kisses and said "I love you!" What the actual f*%#?! I really hope the regulars are feeling safe here and are treated better. Not sure how/ why everyone is condoning this behavior and just being bystanders. There are plenty of other gyms around... read more

I tried a HHF class on classpass 6 months ago and loved it so much that I immediately made it my primary gym! Each class is so different, you will not get bored! I have tried a lot of studios in the area and this is definitely one of the toughest classes - It makes you feel really proud at the end of each one! Xabier the instructor is so friendly and high energy and makes the classes really fun. The Main Reason I've stuck with this: From the first day, I loved the fact that everyone in the class knew each other. There are a bunch of regulars who have been coming for years (and are very welcoming to newcomers)! I always look forward to class to spend time with this sweet community!! read more

I've been training at HHF 2-3x/week for more than ten years (whole body, bosu and spin classes) and keep going because every workout is different, the community is special, and you feel motivated to push out of your comfort zone. The workouts are effective (both intense and varied) and help build stamina and strength while increasing functional fitness and energy level. I've also utilized the studio for weekly personal training sessions and credit Xabi's attention to core strength, mobility and stretching with being able to make a complete recovery from a herniated disc and be in the best shape of my life! read more

My only hesitation in writing a review is that I don't want Berkeley's best kept fitness secret to get out! I joined the HHF family about 8 months ago, and there's no looking back. It's the best combination of a damned good workout, great music, a beautiful community, and above all, a talented teacher who can motivate even the most stubborn among us... Come for a group class, it's a ton of fun- you'll be sore, but you won't be sorry! read more

Xabier (Xabi) at Happy Hour Fitness is an outstanding personal trainer and fitness-class instructor. I am a 73-year-old male and have been going to Xabi with my wife to get personal training for almost four years. It has been and continues to be a rewarding experience. Xabi works on building our core strength, balance, and endurance. He takes a personal interest in our well being and tailors each workout to our special needs and limitations. His joyful approach to each workout builds our bodies and lifts our spirits. I strongly recommend coming to Happy Hour Fitness for one of his classes or for an excellent personal training experience. My health has improved significantly in the four years I have worked with him. read more

Xabier is a unique and special personal trainer. He is very knowledgable and highly skilled. I never enjoyed working out until I started training with Xabier. Every workout is different, fun and challenging. I think Xabier makes every client feel special, strong and capable at any age. I am more confident and happy since I started training with him. He has truly been a blessing in my life. read more

My husband had been going to Happy Hour consistently for a year and it never appealed to me- it seemed way too intense and I couldn't fathom committing a full hour to a workout. A few months ago, I decided to try it and I became hooked! I walked in and was immediately greeted by a really warm and welcoming community- many of these people have been working out with Xabi for over a decade. Someone told me the first day "the workouts are hard- but they're never boring." The music, camraderie and variety of exercise types make it a truly enjoyable place to be. And I'm finally moving my body and building strength in ways I have missed doing! I was a high school and college athlete and I haven't worked out this hard in ages, nor had a group to do it with (basically, not since our 10 and 13 year old were born). The combo of cardio, strength and flexibility in the group classes, plus the spinning classes, are phenomenal work outs. I never get anywhere close to this level of a workout doing videos at home. I'm moving my body in ways I never have before and I keep thinking about how I'm building a baseline of health. As my body ages, I'll be in a much better place because of these workouts. Xabi does a great job of offering modifications, so even though I'm a lot less fit than others in the class, I'm able to have an amazing workout at my level and those of you who are super athletes will also get an amazing workout. As an added bonus, I genuinely have fun in the classes- I love the music and Xabi keeps us laughing throughout! If you're wanting a really good a** kicking, join us! read more

This place is alive with real motivation and energy! How do you say? It's the owner Xabier! He has the ability to make you push harder than you ever thought you would. Pure energy and excitement for life and movement. I have tried all sorts of gyms and Y classes. This studio tops them all. Spinning and the outdoor fitness (boot camp style) are amazing. He provides music and the expertise to get you to move in ways you never thought you could. I never have back pain any more because I never miss class because I want to go, I don't want to miss out on the fun. The prices are amazing considering the top notch workouts are like a personal training class. He also does personal training...to a very loyal following. He is single handedly helping me defy my aging process and keep up with my grandkids! I'm over 50 and I kick, I stretch, and I jump all to the beat of this amazing gym and the amazing people who workout with me. read more

Working out with Xabi (the owner of Happy Hour Fitness) has completely changed my life. About 7 months ago, I hobbled into Happy Hour Fitness to see if I might work out with their trainer. After years of being a serious rower and trail runner, I'd experienced a rapid series of injuries that left me unable to even walk for any distance. The injuries, the lack of exercise, and pandemic-era work-from-home had me in a vicious cycle of serious weight gain, inability to exercise, lack of motivation, and depression that I couldn't find my way out of. Thank goodness I found Xabi and the amazingly supportive group of regulars at Happy Hour Fitness. In personal training sessions, Xabi found ways for me to push myself physically without re-injuring my knee and ankles. It's been so amazing to have regained the mobility that I thought I had lost forever. I've even been able to start back to running...slowly and carefully...with Xabi's guidance. Xabi is also so supportive and warm - giving lots of encouragement along with push when needed. I still have a long way to go, but I can tell that Xabi has a plan that keeps pushing me just the right amount, without risk of injury. In fact, much of what we do has helped with injury prevention. On top of the personal training sessions, the group classes are fun, challenging, and super motivating! Every class is different. The routines are often as challenging mentally as they are physically and I'm so distracted figuring out where I'm supposed to put my feet that I don't realize how hard I'm working out. The best kind of distraction. And the music -- oh, the music. So good! Long ago I realized that I wouldn't exercise unless it was fun, so the fact that I've been going back to Happy Hour Fitness for six work-outs a week is a testament to what a wonderful community it is. Even when I'm feeling exhausted from a hard day of work, it's easy to get motivated to go to a group class when I know that it will be so welcoming and fun. Definitely recommend giving it a try! read more

I wish I could give more than 5 stars! I have been coming to HHF for a little over a year and it has completely changed my body. I have always had issues with my back and shoulders due to years of competitive sports but never found a good workout that could challenge me without injury. I started regularly attending power bosu twice a week with Xabier and David and I've never felt better or stronger. In addition to the strength and balance that I've built, I've also gained a whole family of people who encourage me and I look forward to seeing every week. I like that the gym is open for classes and personal training only. I've never been good at working out at my own pace so I know I'm going to get a super challenging workout every single time I go. Xabier has created an amazing and fun environment where you immediately feel welcome. Do yourself a favor and go...all of the classes and instructors are amazing. read more

I absolutely loved this gym! Honestly, I will admit that at first I didn't really care for joining a small gym. But now I can't go anywhere else. I love the community feeling here. Xabier and his other instructors make it a point to know your name and your activity level. They always work with you and give you modifications if you have certain problems. I love the fact that they have 6am classes. That way I can get my morning workout and enjoy the rest of my day! My favorite instructors are Benji and Margaret (only because they are instructors that teach the 6am morning classes). I ALWAYS have an amazing workout with these two. I ALWAYS leave the class feeling exhausted, but oddly energized and ready for the day. On the other hand, they are a little on the pricey side. But if you are able to commit to the monthly subscription it's absolutely worth it! And the have a pretty good selection and variety of classes to choose from. Therefore, you'll won't get bored of just one type of class/exercise. Highly Recommended!! read more

Long overdue rave review for Happy Hour Fitness! My husband and I are delighted with our personal training sessions with the amazing owner, Xabier (Xabi) Zapata. He is a highly qualified trainer who puts personal safety first, making sure that you are in the proper position to do each exercise. Especially important when you are getting older and are out of shape! Xabi is so much more than just an instructor--he motivates and encourages us to gain strength, flexibility and coordination while making workouts fun! We look forward to our couple training sessions as much as any other dates we've had over the years! read more

I've gone from an occasional yoga-dabbler to Zumba fiend since I first came to Happy Hour Fitness about 4 months ago. The energy of this small, well equipped studio sets it apart: such a positive environment, I can't stop smiling from the moment I arrive. I've taken Zumba classes now with Flo and Oscar: wonderful instructors who will have you dripping by the end of the class. Plus their styles are varied enough to show you two different angles of Zumba dance--they compliment each other and I recommend you try both! Yoga with Hope in the morning is FANTASTIC. The pace is perfect for those who both want meditation and a good, challenging stretch. Every class is different and works on a different area and she gives adjustments (classes are usually small) which really help/feel great. I've discovered BOSU as a great way to improve strength and balance; fear not, it looks impossible but actually takes no time at all to get the hang of it. Xavier is hilarious and will get you laughing as you become a stronger, leaner you. Body conditioning with Franklin was super challenging since I hadn't been doing much weight training, but hes very knowledgeable and the class felt like a personal training session (which he does offer) but at a college student's price point. If you're ready to work hard and get in shape fast, try this class. Lastly, spinning is a lot of fun. Close your eyes, get into the music, and set your goals for how hard you want to push yourself. Thankfully the studio provides towels for the copious sweatfest you'll experience. The personal trainers all seem awesome so if you've been considering a more serious fitness routine for a while, and are ready to commit to it, you should talk to them. I love this place. read more

Xabier (the owner) has been doing personal training sessions with my mom for the past 7/8 years. Last year I started attending his spin and agility classes and his energy is contagious and so motivating. He pushes you in a way that gets you a fabulous workout with a fun vibe. He's versatile with personal training sessions as he has clients ranging all ages up to 80+. Since COVID19 restrictions my mom and I have been doing FaceTime sessions and it's been amazing how much of a workout you can get at home with minimal equipment - a set of weights and a chair, exercise ball optional. Give Xabier and Happy Hour Fitness a try to reach your fitness goals! read more

I started going to Happy Hour Fitness about six months ago and am very happy there. I am fairly out of shape, and need all the help I can get to get back in shape. I feel much better physically now that I am going there twice a week for spin classes. The instructors there - Xabier (the owner), Michael and Lisa etc are all very enthusiastic and are particularly welcoming of and helpful to new comers, regardless of their fitness level. This was my first time going to a spin class and Xabier met with me to go over what classes would work best for me and my goals. He watches everyone in the class and gives them pointers to help them have a better workout. He will get off his bike during class to adjust someone's bike if he thinks the settings can be improved. His enthusiasm is contagious. The instructors all do stretching after the spin portion of the class, which I really appreciate. Everyone in the classes are friendly and there is never a competitive feeling - everyone goes at a pace that challenges them. I am hoping to get to where I can go to some of the more challenging workout classes soon. read more

My first and last experience at this studio was awful. I have gone back and forth on whether to say anything about it or not, but ultimately my experience was so distressing, I think other users of this app, especially young women, should be aware, so they can avoid the possibility of a similar experience. What started as unwanted excessive attention from the instructor as soon as I arrived (I later learned he is also the studio's owner), accompanied by condescending remarks from studio members, developed over the hour-long class into the instructor singling me out as the object of his bullying and ridicule. I'm a shy person and don't like being in the spotlight, especially in a new place, but this instructor seemed personally offended by my shyness and my genuine inability to respond (I was already breathless from the workout and then began having a panic attack). I thought he'd eventually stop (otherwise I would've left right away), but his verbal abuse kept getting worse and worse as he made jokes about my appearance and my slowness, made everyone (over a dozen people) keep sprinting until I caught up to pace to his satisfaction, pried into my personal life and asked for my "dirty little secret," and at the end of class yelled at me, "There's the door--get out!" After the class, I sat in my car and cried, called my partner to describe what had happened, waited till I'd calmed down, and then drove home. In a bizarre development, when I described the experience to my therapist a few weeks later, they recognized my description of the studio from reports from another individual who experienced even worse harassment and abuse there. I've necessarily abbreviated my account, but I hope that, if other people have had this experience but not spoken up, hearing about my experience will show them they are not alone and that this treatment is unacceptable. read more

I went to a spin class here with a friend while visiting from out of town. It's a really nice space - clean, bright, and welcoming. And, while it's not a huge gym space, it's organized really well and I didn't feel cramped at all. The class was really good and I especially enjoyed the post-spinning core workout part (that's not something we do at my regular spin classes). I haven't really sweated in a spin class for a while, but I did that morning! Great workout + great music + coolest spinning bikes ever. Xabier is definitely the highlight of Happy Hour Fitness. He's friendly and enthusiastic and clearly cares deeply about his gym and the patrons. He wants everyone to leave feeling not just that they had a good workout, but that they also had a great experience. I highly recommend this cool little gym. I'll definitely head back there next time I'm in Berkeley. read more

I have been going to Happy Hour fitness for a few months now, and am so happy to have found it! My husband and I moved to Berkeley a couple years ago, right before our baby was born. After she was born and we were well into the parenthood routine, I desperately wanted to lose the last of my baby weight, but was having a hard time finding a gym and class schedule that worked for me. We came across HHF, and I one day decided or just try it out. I'm so glad I did! I started with Benji's spin class, which is a 45 minute spin and 15 core work. It's a perfect combo for those of us who want a bit of cardio and strength in our workouts. From the first day everyone was so very welcoming, from Benji's and Xabier (the owner), to everyone else in the classes. Benji's classes were just the start. I have taken classes from almost all if the instructors and have enjoyed every one. It's rare that you find a gym that offers a variety of classes with quality instructors to challenge your whole body in different ways but at the same time have such a wonderfully welcoming community. There are no judgements, competition, smug looks here, just people who want to be healthy, happy, and get a great workout. read more

I initially went to Happy Hour because my back was going out way too often and something had to change. Xabier the owner, has a deep understanding of the human body, and an intimate awareness of how to work past and then bolster against injury. Xabier is also exceedingly charming. Crazy? Well, if you think of charismatic, comedic, loving, and silly all wrapped in the shell of a thickly accented, exceedingly fit Basque man crazy, then sure! But he's just my kind of crazy. I've been doing personal training sessions with Xabier twice a week for about four months now and doing so I went from going to the chiropractor once a week to less than once a month now. I've dropped over 10 pounds (although people ask me if I've dropped a lot more), am more flexible, have better balance and just better all around fitness. I am actually just better at living now. I have more energy, I'm faster (both very important with two young kids) and can do things I couldn't before like change my socks while standing on one leg or holding my son over the edge of a pond simply by bending forward at the waist (previously unthinkable for me). All of the instructors there are so dedicated and caring and charming and all the group classes I've seen while training look fun and dynamic and engaging, in no way your run-of-the-mill cardio classes! Now if i could just find the time to sign up for some of them, I'd be an Adonis! To really judge this place though, just hang outside for a few days. You'll see nothing but regulars, all different sorts of folks, popping in and out, day after day, all laughing and smiling and greeting each other in an obviously supportive and encouraging environment. I feel blessed to have found Happy Hour as I know that I wouldn't have had that same level of success anywhere else. Is it perfect for everyone? Of course not, but Happy Hour is a really special place and if you are serious about making a significant, positive change in your fitness, you owe it to yourself to give it a try! read more

I have been coming to this gym consistently for the past year and I absolutely love it! I am in the best shape I have ever been in and the work outs are really fun. I do personal training once a week with Xabi and every week we do something different. He has helped me through a back injury and worked to strengthen my core. I also go to a spin class and a Bosu class. I am an avid bike rider and my biking has improved greatly from the spin classes. When I first stated coming to the Bosu classes I could not even stand on the Bosu without holding onto something, now I can stand on one foot while lifting weights. Not only are they great workouts it is a wonderful community of people and a very diversified crowd. I highly recommend this place, it is really special. read more

I have been a member of gyms/sports clubs and have worked with different trainers around the world. I usually get bored after a few months. However, my love affair with Xabier and Happy Hour Fitness has lasted almost 2 years. After 2 kids and gaining 15 lbs per kid (yes, do the math) and multiple surgeries, I was looking to get my health and fitness back. I stumbled into Happy Hour Fitness initially because I was looking for a spin class, having road biked prior to motherhood. I like Xabier's energy, his enthusiasm, his quirky pronunciation of the English language, and along with that, he Basque temperament. I started personal training with Xabi over a year ago and even though I may skip every other exercise I planned for the week, I never skip my training sessions with Xabi---that says it all. The classes, like Xabi's personal training, are always fun, different, and challenging---probably why I keep going back. I always look forward to going to the Happy Hour Fitness. All the trainers are great and the classes are varied. Also, I love the community. The members are from all different backgrounds and levels of fitness but they are supportive of each other. I love it that someone always calls my name when I enter the classes and I have yet to learn more than a couple of names. Get to Happy Hour Fitness and become happier! A hard-earned 5 start from me (I don't usually give 5 starts.) read more

I have taken Zumba in several other places, but I started coming here regularly because its close to my house, and cause I really like Flo's class. She is fantastic, and I highly recommend it. Flo has a wonderful high pep attitude, and her class is super fun. Her class is more infused with latin dance styles, such as salsa, cumbia, rumba and a little bit of hip hop. Tanya, who just started teaching a Friday morning class, is also excellent. From one class with her I would say her class is more infused with afro-brazilian, african dance, hip hop, samba. Tonya is a trained dancer and you can tell. I like the idea of taking her class regularly and improving on the more technical aspects of the moves. Her work outs are fast paced and intense, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be back. Xabi, the owner, is also very sweet and you can really tell he puts everything into running his gym. Yeh for small business owners!! read more

awesome. I have been training with Xabierto for 3 months, and my body has completely transformed. He focuses on whole body workouts, it made me realize what I had been doing at the gym was so minimal and isolated. I also recommend the bosu class on Saturdays - a lot of fun. Try this place out, it is a hidden gem! read more

Since I started working out at Happy Hour Fitness last September, I've lost a total of 16 lbs. I couldn't be happier with the trainers there. I can't say enough about both Laura and Xabier, so I'm including my review for both of them here because they've both royally kicked my ass. My results are total proof. Having both of them alternate my workouts has been the best decision I've made. There's never a dull moment, and I felt like their workouts really complimented my style and the different moods I had at the gym. Laura is more paced, with ease, whereas Javier is more high energy. It was great to alternate between the two. You can't go wrong here, don't wait, take back control of your life! Laura: In the past I've had major anxiety about going to the gym, but Laura is so patient and makes me feel at ease. She has a gentle, but "firm" hand, and actually makes you forget about being at the gym. She somehow gets you to do everything with a sense of balance and comfort. I really felt like her specialty was ergonomics, and helping me understand the moves and the equipment so I didn't get injured or have pain. She also has years of experience with yoga and spin, so we do a variety of workouts. It's always more motivating when you have a varied routine at the gym, it actually gets me to go! Xabier: Xabier is a high energy and engages me in a totally different kind of workout. I've never had so much fun at the gym! He was a professional soccer player in Spain and teaches sports so he encourages me on the yoga balls, jump rope, free weights and more. It's so cool because there's never a dull moment with him. His personality is totally infectious too and he's great to talk to. Xabier is totally more bootcamp energy! read more

I love this place. I have been training with Xabier for quite a lot and keep coming back to this happy place. I am writing about Flo, the zumba teacher. She's great. Love the pace, the choice of music, her energy. It's really a wonderful work out. Way a go HHF. read more

I'm an audio engineer and recording producer. My life alternates between setting up and taking down gear in a hurry, sitting at my desk for long periods of time. I cracked my tailbone at age 9, and avoided exercise afterwards, except for lots of bike riding and walking. Fast-forward to April 2011 and I was bored with the Nordic Trac and rowing machine at home. I had gone to a few yoga classes but really had no idea what I was doing. I found out about Happy Hour Fitness and went to some classes. At first I was so sore afterwards - muscles hurt which I never knew existed! While a few teachers have come and gone, the focus remains on balance and core strength through a variety of exercises in each class. The routines can and do change, which adds to the challenge. Xabi's approach is stringent, but he is not a "jock" who humiliates students. Even when other teachers are leading the classes, he keeps mental notes on everyone and often gives a few pointers after those classes individually. The whole experience has been positive for me. At one point I hurt my right knee from doing a lunge incorrectly; he and the other teachers helped me through the process. DItto for a long-term problem with my right hip; a combination of stretches and exercises is building that area up properly for the first time in my life. At the same time I can do more than lift those 50lb. cases; I'm not worn out at the end of the day and can concentrate on doing my job well. In addition, my body image is finally changing to something more realistic as I push my own boundaries. read more

I have been going to Dario's Tuesday and Thursday 8 am classes now for 2 years. I love this class because Dario, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, is lots of fun, has fantastic music, mostly Brazilian (muito bem!), and is an outstanding trainer. I was pretty fit from cycling, hiking and yoga, but I feel that with this class, which has a huge variety of activities, and every class is very different--balls, bozu, weights, stretching, rollers, you name it--never a dull moment!--that I have achieved a much higher level of fitness. Lots of core training, balance, but mainly, since I generally don't like classes, I have to say this class is incredibly fun due to the beautiful, open space, music, and ambiance, combined with Dario's charming and witty dialogue and expertise. My posture is better, back pain gone, I feel very strong and energetic. Recommended!! read more

Dario's Tuesday and Thursday class is great, While I have been going for several years, I have never felt either bored or not challenged. One of the important things about Dario is that he varies his workouts to both work on different muscles but also to maintain interest in the exercises. We work a great deal on balance and strength. While I am in relatively good physical shape, I have balance problems that have only gotten worse with age. Dario understands the process of aging and its challenges and has helped me immensely in gaining a greater sense of balance and control. I always leave the class feeling better than when I went in which is a strong statement to both Dario's work and his positive inspirational attitude. I would take ANY class or private training from him and hope he never goes back to Brazil. read more

I've been going to Dario's class for a little over a year now. He is terrific and very knowledgeable. He has a great background from Brazil which includes a lot of what would be physical therapy expertise here. In my class at 8am he focuses on balance and strengthening exercises although I imagine that he modifies his emphasis depending on what his client's needs are. I've done a few individual classes with him which were challenging as well as fun. read more

I'm thrilled to have discovered Happy Hour Fitness. The lunch workout, whole body workout and spin combo classes are excellent and add the bursts of strenuous exercise that I've been looking for. After attending classes for just a few weeks I started to see results that I hadn't gotten from my home workouts. Bruce and Andrew are great instructors; I haven't taken a class with Xabier, the owner, but he's friendly and welcoming and keeps the place very clean. The classes are reasonably priced with a variety of times - working from home, I'm grateful that I can take a class at midday and reserve my early mornings and evenings for my family. The people I've met in class are also friendly and fun. If my schedule allowed, I would be here every day. I can't recommend it enough. read more

10 stars! Happy Hour is the BEST fitness center my husband and I have ever belonged to! It is fun, challenging, and a perfect fit for all fitness levels! I like a challenge and Xabier never disappoints- he changes up every class so there is a lot of variety! The atmosphere is friendly, welcoming, and inclusive! Just purchase classes on the website and come join us! read more

I took Zumba classes here over the space of about 7 weeks, and I found it to be disorganized and unprofessional. First, the owner typically arrived and opened the place right when the classes were scheduled to begin, which made it impossible to change and warm up a bit at the beginning. There is no changing room, only one restroom, so there was usually a stressful dash to make a fast change at the start. Second, the instructors for Zumba kept changing every week. I started out with Oscar, and he seemed great, though there was also a distracting private training session going on in the same space at the time of the class. Then, I arrived for a class and was told that Oscar "had something else to do" according to the owner (not sure what that meant), and a guest instructor taught the next three classes (Yanette). She was also good. Then, she had "something else to do," and a very inexperienced guest instructor taught the class. She couldn't remember the routines, didn't teach the moves in ways we could follow, and is not an instructor I could recommend. Her class was uncomfortable to be a part of, and I left early. Thinking that any business owner would welcome feedback, I left the owner a message explaining why I left, and asking for a credit for a different class with a different instructor. I also asked that I be informed if the regular instructor would not be teaching. I never received a reply to my message. My review is based on my experience with Zumba classes there only, so keep that in mind when considering it for yourself. Addition to this review, August 26th: I received a message from one of the owners with an apology and an offer for a free class. They said the problems I mentioned above have been addressed. I haven't been back yet, so I can't confirm that from experience yet. read more

It will be interesting to see if this review is actually posted or stays up. Sense of Community, hmmm? The owner of this business seems to have no regard for the neighborhood he has moved to. I asked if he could please shut the door (because of loud music) as the 84yr. old man (dementia patient) across the street was unable to sleep (8:30pm). And another resident, student, was trying to study. No. He was unwilling to turn the music down or close the door. He starts up at 6:30am. Hello, This is a residential area. That means people LIVE HERE. I know it is important to have music when you work out but come on. At least give some consideration to your neighbors. Compromise? Close the door. Why is that so hard? And after watching the makeover of the building and seeing long toxic fluorecent tubes (with mercury) left against the school yard fence (repeatedly) and talking to some people about the owner and then reading the yelp reviews, well I think maybe there is confusion about the definition of nice, charming and sense of community... We do not get a warm and fuzzy feeling. Right now we are listening to people yelping and the beat goes on. LOUDLY. Can't we all just get along? Please close your door. read more

I've been working out here for about four months, training with Dario Mathias. I recommend him highly. I really like this gym; the classes (Dario's are the ones I know) are good, it's a nice community of friendly supportive people. It's done me a world of good; I've lost about 30 pounds and toned up a lot. Still kind of a spaz, but they're working on that. read more

I write very few reviews, only for those I feel strongly about. But Happy Hour Fitness definitely fits that bill. With a full time job and family, time is extremely limited for a good workout. Since it's "me" time, it also has to be pleasant and effective. Honestly I tried just about every gym I could find on yelp or google, but none ultimately held a candle to this place. Great variety, great size (max 10ish people), and great classes all around. Spin, Zumba, Physio ball, Bosu, body conditioning, etc. Exceptionally CLEAN and pleasant environment. Xabier truly cares about his clients, seeks input to make the gym what everyone wants and needs, and works your butt off with a smile on his face. Instruction that fits the variety of clientele that walk in the door: everyone from current athletes to those of us who haven't seen as much activity as we should have, in a loooong time. I almost hate to share the secret of this place, but I believe good businesses deserve credit and bustling clientele. Can't recommend it more highly. read more