The best life decision I've made in the past year was to complete the "get matched with a coach" google form on the PerformanceGaines website. I was matched with trainer Daniel L. and he has exceeded my expectations! And, he has helped me get on the path of achieving my fitness goals. Daniel L. is knowledgable, adaptable, thoughtful and kind. I look forward to each of my training sessions-literally the best part of the day! While reading Dr. Peter Attia's book, "Outlive" was my call to action to lead a healthier life, if you're reading this, perhaps this is yours. Remember, Health is wealth. Invest wisely. read more

Great gym for personal training or fitness generally. They have a big variety of weights and apparatus for lifting, not s as much for cardio machines. read more

Amazing setup with many equipments to keep your workout challenging and different. The staff is awesome with great attitude.

Favorite gym I've ever been to. Honestly, much cleaner than Equinox and more space to train and feel like an athlete. #TomBradyhereIcome Speaking of athletes, they have a turf so you can push the sled or do any training drills Not sure if they have a climbing rope anymore, but that was a great full body workout. I'm also happy that they provide towels so I never needed to worry about bringing my own. read more

Great barbells and bumper plates, lots of power racks for squatting and bench pressing, barbells available for both powerlifting and Olympic lifting. There's also a bunch of functional fitness equipment and a big turf area, as well as cable machines and dumbbells. They have fractional plates! I didn't go at standard gym peak hours (i.e., right before/after work), but it seems like it's never too crowded as it's mostly personal training clients who sign up. However, there were still always enough people around that I could ask for a spot when I needed one. Their prices are on their website. I think they're reasonable for this level of equipment quality and lack of crowds. The employee who signed me up also was able to set me to not auto-renew the month-by-month membership, which was great since I was in town for only 3 weeks and it's always annoying to have to remind yourself to cancel a gym membership. PerformanceGaines is a great, locally owned gym option for powerlifters. read more

I came to performance gains on a Tuesday night at 7pm for the "Moving Correctly" class with Ori Shapira! I definitely recommend Performance Gaines and Ori's class! The class objective of moving correctly was to understand the impact of how our brains are wired on our movement and alignment. The class was really intimate (only 3 people) and unique and I had an absolute blast! First, Ori asked us how much we'd like to learn about neurology vs. have a workout (came out to 50/50 interest) and from there provided a mix of lessons about how our brain affects how we move and traditional circuits (push ups, squats, bear crawls, leg raises). I learned a lot about how to assess and reassess my body for alignment and how to fix my alignment if I am feeling off. There were also several unique stretches and exercises that caused me to work up a sweat. It was a great experience overall in a facility that reminded me of a training center for elite athletes. There was turf, heavy weights, and a lot of personal trainers and coaches roaming around. Thanks for a great class Ori! read more

I am in a bootcamp with Chris for past few months. Everyone who knows me knows that I dont like to excercise. If they dont know it, then, I make sure to let them know about it. Recently Chris helped me to change my mindset around excercise. I still hate excercise but I enjoy going to my class little bit more than yesterday. I like his style of teaching so much I created a video of him. If anyone who considers hiring a personal trainer, I can't think of anyone better than him. I hired so many trainers throughout my life but I am telling you, he is the only one who helped me to reframe my fear around excercise. Video Link: https://youtu.be/N0IkIBEaia8 read more

Came here for a Sunday morning class for first time. Place is clean, well equipped, and the class -- led by Mike -- was awesome. So different than many of the other gyms I've been to. The bathrooms are clean and have lockers for your use. Definitely coming back. read more

PerformanceGaines is a great gym with excellent facilities. Every person I've interacted with is at the top of their game (Jenny's massages are amazing!) but this review is about the trainer I was randomly matched with way back when. Kevin Bernstein is definitely the best trainer with whom I've ever gotten to train, though I've had some great ones in the past. Along with seeing incredible and almost dramatic results (dropped weight, dropped body fat, increased strength), I haven't needed to see a chiropractor or physical therapist since I started seeing him. I am traditionally plagued with minor injuries, especially in my back. Kevin can fix it all and help prevent them. He adapts to the incredible number of weird health stuff that has happened to me since I started training with him and I continue to see progress despite lots of setbacks. In terms of personality he is a fitness nerd (not a bro) who eats a surprising amount of donuts, which is apparently what works well for me. read more

If you want rap-a-tap classes, lotsa time standing around chatting and plenty of mirrors to check yourself out in ... PG is NOT the place for you. However, if you want to train in an environment where time is valuable and results come from the guidance of knowledgeable and proven coaches who push you to train hard and train smart then PG is the place for you. No distractions, no buffoonery, no corporate set "WOD" run by a salesperson...err....trainer. Training is personalized and understandable ... no pretense. That "no pretense" part is pretty important. read more

I've been training at PerformanceGaines for months, and it's fantastic. Unlike any other gym or training center I've seen in the Bay Area. - You're not swarmed with other people working out. - The equipment is top notch - The trainers are all fantastic - They don't offer gym memberships, just training, so everyone there is very focused. Highly recommended for anyone who's looking for a great training experience with a high level of guidance. read more

As an accomplished figure competitor and powerlifter, Alyssa has both the firsthand experience and professional expertise to guide her clients, whether their goals are strength-based or aesthetic. I've made more progress in the past five months training with Alyssa than in years of 'working out' on my own (i.e. performing circuits out of Shape magazine while watching Bravo). I appreciate that I wasn't put on a cookie-cutter program. Alyssa designs my workouts to suit my objectives and pays special attention to the asymmetry in my movements from mild scoliosis. Her feedback and coaching cues have helped me engage muscles I struggled to activate before (glutes and lats), and I'm already seeing improved definition. Alyssa prioritizes technique and watches every rep attentively - she even has her own tutorials posted on Youtube. I continue to be impressed by the comprehensiveness of Alyssa's coaching. Alyssa programs my solo workouts down to the rep, reviews my nutrition logs, and checks in often. I get so much more out of my training than our scheduled sessions - Alyssa really cares about her clients' progress between sessions and how that consistency translates to long term progress. She's also the sweetest! read more

Performance Gaines!!! Can't say enough good things about this place. There trainers are well educated and friendly. The facility is clean, well equipped, and always has great music playing. Just go! read more

Love this place!! It is a functional fitness playground with some of the best trainers in the peninsula. It has a real sense of community I find uncommon in fitness clubs. A Gem on Cal Ave! read more

Performance Gaines is a fantastic find in the Bay Area! I have been going consistently to the kettlebell power hour class every Tuesday night. Chris, the owner/instructor, is a great coach and has a very engaging and funny personality. He keeps you sweating and also coaches technique. The facility is totally clean, people put away their equipment and their staff is very friendly and helpful. read more

I've trained with Brent for a few years now, and I can't say enough good things about him or the entire PerformanceGaines team! Brent helps me to train smart, steadily work towards my fitness goals, and remain motivated to work hard. Even when I've had lulls in dedication, Brent has been understanding and supportive while still pushing me and encouraging me not to give up. He's constantly working on himself, passing on any new techniques and exercises to his clients, and is eager to share his ever-evolving wealth of knowledge. I've learned so much from Brent ... regarding both mental and physical strength. I would highly recommend Brent to anyone! read more

I'm a fitness trainer and former athlete, and have seen several trainers over the years. None have had me wanting to return for sessions the way Chris Gains and his team has. The word that most comes to mind when asked about him is talented. I am always impressed by his feel for the body I'm also impressed by his thorough preparation of the body This is a talented, dedicated team. read more

Best Gym in the Area! I've been coming here for a few months for open gym, and I've loved my experience. I had been working at Functional Lifestyles down the street and the facilities and price are far superior here. The equipment is fantastic and much more advance than something you'd find in an average gym, and most of all, the staff and trainers are so friendly and accommodating. And they have awesome locker room facilities with towels! And parking is easy to find. AND it's never super crowded - not matter what time you go, e.g. 7am, or 5pm, you're guaranteed to find a barbell rack and ample space for activities. No more waiting, no more overpaying. :) read more

CHARLIE V. at Performance Gaines is an exceptional trainer! As a certified fitness instructor myself, I walk out of each session with Charlie surprised at having learned something about my form or about body movement in general (in addition to receiving an awesome workout). His training sessions are deliberate and effective, educating the client so that s/he has the ability to replicate the exercises/ stretches at home. Charlie is not only super knowledgable, but he has a positive and quietly enthusiastic manner that makes each session FUN! You can tell that he cares a lot about his clients and the impact that he has on them. Performance Gaines itself is a beautiful and large facility full of clean and well-maintained equipment. The owner and other trainers and staff couldn't be a nicer group of people. The vibe is welcoming and truly non-competitive among the clients. I tried one of the classes (iCardio) which was a mix of kettlebells, TRX, bodyweight exercises -- loved it! read more

PerformanceGaines is one of my favorite gyms I have ever been too! Being a personal trainer, I have been to and worked at many gyms and this one is by far my favorite. All of the personal trainers are extremely knowledgeable and genuinely friendly. Whenever I come in I feel so welcomed and cared for. I trained with Chris Gaines and he was absolutely AMAZING! I had been struggling with hip and lower back pain for quite a while. I had been to my trainers that specialize in this issue but none were really helping. My chiropractor suggested I see Chris Gaines and I am so glad I listened to him! Chris gave me some exercises that really targeted the area of pain and I ahve never felt better. The pain I have been struggling with for years is almost all gone and its only been 2 months. Even if I wasn't training with him he would come over and make sure I was doing the exercises right. I was so impressed with his caring attitude. Being in the health and fitness industry I have met many personal trainers and he is by far the best one I have worked with. However, the other trainers might give him a run for his money ;) I never had the opportunity to work with them but watching how they interact with their clients, you can tell the are extremely knowledgeable and caring as well. The facility is amazing as well! All the equipment is high tech and well kept. They have everything you need to get a good workout in. I highly recommend this training facility for anyone who is looking for a dedicated team that will provide you with a challenging yet fun training experience. read more

Now that I have been taking class regularly for 3 years & with COVID forcing us to take class online, I thought I would update my review. I take the kettlebell class w/ Chris 1-2 times a week. I have always appreciated the great programming that Chris provides. It took me a while to learn about myself, but he challenges me enough that now my workouts are relatively injury free. Today my massage therapist told me that I am an A- at taking care of my body. And the last 2 weeks, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much stronger my upper body has become. And all that while working out getting instruction through a screen & only 4-6 kettlebells. As all my friends & clients complain about how deconditioned they have become while sheltered, I fulfilled my goal of thriving during this pandemic & not just surviving. And the front desk is super punctual & helpful whether in the gym or just via email. I used to travel to gyms along the West Coast & Southwest. PG is by far the best & cleanest gym. I do miss chatting w/ members & trainers, but PG has been awesome at creating events that we can interact and/or learn from coaches. read more

The most reasonably priced business in Palo Alto. The staff is extremely professional and the equipment is as good as it gets, the atmosphere energizes you. read more

Hidden gem. I follow my own programming for Crossfit, and this gym fits my needs perfectly. It's much cheaper than a Crossfit gym and has open gym hours available anytime the gym is open. But unlike a standard gym that has those features, PerformanceGaines is fully equipped with barbells and bumper plates, kettlebells, rowers, gymnastic rings, a huge monster rack, extensive matted floor space for Oly lifting, etc., and they treat you like an adult (i.e., they are not all prissy about chalk, bare feet, temporarily rearranging equipment into a circuit, etc.) The equipment is very well-maintained, the staff trainers are friendly, and I've never seen it crowded. This gym has a calm, laid-back vibe instead of the adrenaline-charged chaos that I sometimes miss from Crossfit gyms, but this is absolutely a place where you can train hard and effectively, and on your own programming if you so choose. read more

Super staff and really nice members. I have never been a member at a gym before, but this one has me happy, healthy, and going to classes and training sessions three times a week. There is a community here, and that is something that comes out of the way the staff and the members work together and treat each other. There's lots of encouragement, and a lot of flexibility in making things work for your particular needs and interests at the time. read more

Just started working out here when I saw the cool space on California. Really fun gym, with great trainers and staff that know their stuff. They have really helped with my ACL rehab. I do the "Move, sweat, smile" class on Fridays with Nick Weiss and it will leave you exhausted. Can't wait for the next class! read more

I have had personal training sessions with Dan for about a year. It has been transformed my health and how I feel physically. I started my sessions with Dan one year after delivering my first child at age 37. I had hip pain, knee issues and a couple of other issues that prohibit from running which used to be my regular exercise. Dan has the amazing approach to strength my core. All my joint issue are gone now. I was lifting 80 pounds this morning l (I am small Asian female who has never done weight lifting before) and feeling awesome. Dan is extremely knowledgeable, perceptive, patient, genuine and encouraging. I am very grateful to his help. read more

I have known Nick Weiss for years and he is the best personal trainer you could ask for. I have had back and knee surgery but training with Nick helped me get rid of pain at the same time I got in better shape than I'd been able to achieve, even before my injuries. Nick has a background in physical therapy and understands anatomy and injuries so well that no matter your condition, he can keep you safe and get you strong. Plus he makes working out fun! The time flies by. read more

I love PG, the coaches are like family!! I train with Dan. He's super knowledgable and I always learn something new from him. I've worked out at gyms all over the Bay Area and have to say that PG cares the most about health, mobility, and performance. read more

Performance Gaines is the gym that you dream about! Has everything, everyone is pleasant, super clean and very lovely. The trainers are fabulous especially Nick Weiss and the staff is practical and kind. read more

I have had the tremendous pleasure of working with both Chris Gaines and Alyssa Chang for many years now. I first started working with Chris in 2006 or 2007. He is incredibly focused on making the right movements to achieve the right work from the right muscle group. Subtle changes in position lead to incredible isolation of muscles that are quite experienced at not working and letting other carry the load. In 2011 I was in a significant bike versus car crash. After 5 months in a hospital bed and another 7 months working with physical therapists, I was able to start working with Chris and Alyssa again. I needed Alyssa's special skills in vision training and Z-Health as I worked on my concussion and chronic pain issues. When I first started training with Alyssa, I had no idea what a tremendous impact subtle stretches, mobility work, and other "non work out" activity that I can't explain would have on my recovery. I have pain issues that I felt I would have for my entire life. Now I have learned simple drills that relieve me of the pain and allow me to continue to progress in my recovery. It has been over three years since the crash but I am still progressing thanks to Alyssa's creative, thoughtful and in-depth approach. The vision training and Z-Health drills are the most unusual aspect of my training. If you told me that simple visual drills would lead to almost immediate resolution of neck spasm and decreased range of motion in my neck, I would not believe you. As an individual who has been trained in medicine and studied, practiced and researched in the field for over 30 years, I would not believe the connections without experiencing them first hand. Equally impressive is Alyssa's attention to my "pain of the day" and her memory of what had triggered and relieved that pain a year earlier. I cannot begin to explain the appreciation I have for Alyssa and Chris for their role in getting me back to a place that is actually better than where I started before the crash. read more

I have been training with Alyssa for the past several years and have been wholly impressed by her knowledge, attentiveness to my individual needs, and ability to enhance my levels of health and fitness. During a recent marathon training season, Alyssa was able to diagnose a recurring knee injury and modify my training regiment to allow me to reach my goal finishing time. On previous brushes with injury, I thought rest was the only option. But through innovative Z-Health drills, Alyssa was able to address my pain and to guide me through new strength and conditioning routines, which ultimately increased my strength and stamina and made the process of training more enjoyable and pain-free. As an active surfer as well, Alyssa has worked on specific imbalances in my back, chest, and torso helping to strengthen my paddling stroke. These routines have allowed me to continue enjoying what I love doing the most every day of the year. She is an excellent coach whom I highly recommend. read more

Chris Gaines at PerformanceGaines is an extraordinary trainer, as well as a wonderful human being. I had tried several different gyms, programs and trainers before I found Chris, and now I have now been working with Chris for more than 7 years. Not only does Chris do a great job motivating me to stick with the program despite my busy schedule, but his knowledge and skill has helped me overcome what had been constant lower back and hip pain. Whether it is changing my stance by an inch or two, reminding me to lower my shoulders or pull from my lats, or some other minor adjustment, Chris is great at diagnosing an issue and correcting it in real time. Our sessions focus not only on strength training and conditioning, but also on balance, mobility and flexibility, as well as proper stretching techniques. Chris is even preparing a program for me to do on my own for when I am traveling in my RV. The older I get, the more I appreciate Chris and his knowledge and approach to exercise and training with intention. read more