I love this gym! It is so well equipped, the other patrons are very respectful and it doesn't get overwhelmingly crowded. Polo, the owner, is wonderful. I have been training with Rio for the last few months and achieving my fitness goals. I highly recommend coming here! read more

Excellent gym, nice for someone who is visiting. The day pass is reasonable - as there is a large variety of available machines. The gym is not very crowded. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good workout. read more

I love this gym so much. It's hands down one of the most quaint and special gyms you'll find anywhere in the Bay. It has every type of machine you can think of, but what really makes it stand out is the community and heart behind it. As an avid gym-goer who's tried countless gyms, this one feels the most grounded, humble, and focused on getting stronger, not just training for aesthetics. It truly defines what a "home gym" should feel like welcoming, real, and built around support and growth. The owner, Polo, is one of the sweetest and hardest-working people I've met. And Rio is hands down one of the best trainers I've ever worked with. He's a walking encyclopedia of functional strength and human anatomy. Every session is super intentional, grounded in progressive overload and focused on building real strength, power, and endurance. I'll say something like "let's hit glutes today," and he'll instantly pull out a full Rolodex of creative, effective exercises tailored specifically to that. It's like he has a mental library of movement patterns. He trains with intention and precision, and every rep has a purpose. I've gotten stronger, more confident, and I genuinely understand my body better now Highly recommend this gym if you want a place that's rooted in community, strength, and real progress and trainers who truly care and know what they're doing. read more

Jim owner is great, very kind and trustworthy guy. His trainers are also very polite and kind, and very knowledgeable with great training programs. I met Rio and was happy to see him training his clients effectively. The members there were also very friendly and my first time at the gym I made a few friends. I highly recommend this gym for anybody in Oakland. read more

This is easily my favorite gym in all of my years. Wide open space, functioning clean equipment, no pretentious attitudes to be found. Rio is the Highest quality trainer I've ever worked with. His enthusiasm and deep catalog of movement choices will keep me here forever. I look forward to every workout. There are not many gyms that check all my boxes but this does. Good stuff. Go book a session and see for yourself. Exceptional. read more

Stopped by this private gym while I was visiting Oakland and it was exactly my kind of spot. Old-school vibe, great equipment, and super clean. I ran into the owner he's a super cool guy and really welcoming. You can tell he takes pride in the place. Definitely recommend if you like real gyms with good people. Most definitely will come back next time I visit! read more

This is probably one of the best gym I ever signed up for. I wanted a gym that wasn't a "chain" and I'm always for supporting local business. After researching different gyms in Oakland - trying to find the ones that weren't constantly packed with people, fits within my budget, who had the training equipments I was looking for, and had an overall community vibe, I decided to choose Polo's Gym. I texted Polo to see if I could come in and get a quick tour of this place. We scheduled a time and he explained the process of signing up as a member. The gym is clean and has a fan at almost every corner of building. Definitely a place you should check out if you're looking for a (new) gym!! read more

This is the best gym. It's down to earth. Well supplied. Great amount of space. Friendly people. Family owned. A place where people workout, not hangout. Never too busy in my opinion. Please support polo and keep this business alive. We are lucky to have this gym in the neighborhood. Also - taco truck outside! How can you beat that? read more

Clean, spacious, and very well-stocked gym with a wide selection of equipment (they even have Persian "meel" or "Indian clubs" which look like big bowling pins and are used to train strength and mobility; like ancient kettlebells). They make good use of their space and you can always find a spot to lift safely. I mainly powerlift and appreciate the full cage, half cage with safeties, and deadlift platform. The benches also have safeties, which is lovely for trying for a personal record without a spotter. Speaking of spotters, staff has always been friendly and helpful as well. They have actually spotted me before in the days before all of the benches had safety bars on them. That also brings up another point. They are constantly striving to improve the gym, whether it's new equipment or more efficient arrangement of the space. It feels safe and efficient (door has a code). The other patrons are also considerate, wiping down equipment, making sure weights get put away, etc. My only criticisms are that it can get a *bit* hot when it's hot out (though the fans do well to combat the heat generally), I wish the second treadmill didn't squeak as much as it does, and I wish they had a second elliptical, but other than those minor nitpicks, this is an excellent gym. While part of me wishes it would stay a hidden gym, I also know that they need more members to survive and thrive, so you should all buy memberships. Only show up a little bit though, haha. read more

Polo's Gym - Deadlift/squat area with safety bars with nice cutout for 2.5 lb weights, plus a pivot for pivot presses and the like - Gyms Near Me - Oakland, California

Great gym been going there for years! Everything you need to get in the best shape, good culture, parking right outside, super high quality facility. Most importantly, Polo treats people well. Highly recommend! read more

So spacious, so much equipment, never crowded. If I'd known about it sooner I would have signed up a long time ago

Love this place! Nice environment. Nice establishment. Uncrowded. Fair pricing. Nice owner. read more

Polo's Gym - ROOMY! - Gyms Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been a personal trainer/instructor in the East Bay Area for the last 4 years - experiencing many different facilities and interacting with the staff. The first day I walked into Polos, I felt welcomed and was impressed by the quality of the equipment! The owner, Polo is extremely kind and has created an environment that artfully balances good motivational energy, while also preserving the "non-corporate-chain"- nice local business feel. Parking is always great, the members are kind, never over-crowded and stays clean! No random yearly fees or minimum requirements - Polo makes things easy and simple! If you're looking to support quality businesses and people in the Bay Area, Polo's is the perfect place! read more

Hands down, your best local gym with a friendly neighborhood feel. Everyone is super chill and friendly. Ownership takes great care of their clients by constantly improving the layout of the gym and furnishing new equipment. (Polo built the Olympic weightlifting platforms and jerk blocks with his own two hands! There's seriously something special about using homemade equipment- you can feel the dedication and love that goes into it!) They have just about everything you could find in a crossfit gym too, if you're into that! Oakland Strength Factory is my best kept secret... it gets busy-ish around 6pm but throughout the day it's fairly empty. If you want a non-intimidating, friendly, and clean gym without the crowds- OSF is now your secret too. read more

Polo's Gym - Gyms Near Me - Oakland, California

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This is long, but for good reason.... Know this, any guy that thinks he can ILLEGALLY stay open during the pandemic and ILLEGALLY not have his gym staffed for hours on end is Sketchy enough to make a fake name to get people in. I used to be a member and figured that since my passcode was valid, I was good. I held my membership twice. The first time it was illegal for him to stay open but he did throughout the entire pandemic, refusing to ask people to mask up. The second time I put it on hold was the same reason, as I simply thought he would have changed and it did not. Imagine my surprise when I see a Groupon for the address and sign up, thinking it was a good way to see about going back. I went in, trained for 3 hours, spoke with his employee who said he did not know about any Groupon but welcome back. I thought I'd come across the owner but my third visit back, no employees working for at least an hour, again, and a trainer that I do not know came in and introduced himself. Very kind guy who said Polo, the owner, did not have my number and he called him. Polo goes on a tirade saying that I am trespassing, a thief, a liability and a ton of really cruel and mean things. There was no calming him down nor way to have him listen. I offered to pay, as I thought I already had but NBD, I only spent $30 on the fake Groupon. He said No. You are not allowed in my gym ever again. I tried for a few minutes to help him see I had no ill intentions but I thought the Groupon was a good way to ease back in without the contract. He screamed what name is on the door!! I tried to remind him that for Months Oakland Strength Factory was on the front despite being Polo's and I did not know if he changed it/ sold it/ whatever. He just kept screaming. Don't go anywhere near this place nor the owner, Polo Garcia as he is poor excuse for a business owner and a worse excuse as a person. read more

Wonderful gym and great people! I'd still be a member if I hadn't had to change work locations.

I love this gym. The weight machines and cages are plentiful and in good repair. The other folks working out are friendly but focused on their own goals. The staff are helpful if you have questions and stay on top of keeping the pace clean and organized. It's also a good bargain compared to other places I have worked out at. read more

Great locally owned gym. If you hate gym crowds, lines at the squat rack, and just waiting to get your work out in (in general) I encourage you to check out Dimond Fitness! Services: The owner Polo gave me a tour when I first came by and he was super friendly and genuine. He gave me a trial (no obligation) work out and told me about the variety of ways I can take advantage of the gym --from group classes, to personal programming/training or if you already have a solo routine.. this gym will suit your needs! Being someone who is just getting into strength training, I sought help from Polo. He does "personal programming" where together, you assess your needs/goals and he will take you through exercises and come up with some routines that you do on your own or modify to your liking! Equipment: -Cardio: treadmills, rowing, jacob's ladder, cycling -lots of free weights, kettle bells, benches, squat racks.. more things than I can dissect lol -punching bags Environment: -Continually being renovated/improved -lockers and clean bathrooms -parking lot -more crowded in the evenings due to other trainers using the space for their classes -open half days on weekends -during the day you'll most likely be able to enjoy a work out without having too many people around. Pricing: -affordable -you're paying for an "intimate" gym.. not to waste your time waiting for other people to finally be done with the machine you want (like at a big box gym) -there's a price point to fit most budgets read more

Polo's Gym - They have classes now! - Gyms Near Me - Oakland, California

Great gym, great owner! Plenty of equipment to suit your needs and hit your goals. You won't be waiting around for equipment. It's reasonably priced for a private gym, you won't go wrong giving it a try! read more

Polo's Gym is exceptional. Polo and Vilma are welcoming, kind owners. It is very difficult to find a gym that offers the massive array of free weights, barbells, kb's, and more for such a reasonable monthly fee. Most gyms in the area only offer group classes or require sessions with a personal trainer. Polo's Gym is a huge, open room with soaring ceilings and plenty of space to maintain social distancing. The place is immaculate and is open every day, even on holidays. For the independent-minded gym-goer, this gem in the Diamond District can't be beat. I've been a member on and off since 2019. Can't speak highly enough of the experience or the owners. read more

Super friendly, great people!! Good range of equipment and people actually put their weights away.

I just moved to Oakland a month ago and Polo's Gym is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Locally owned, great price, no crazy longterm contracts, no mountains of paperwork involved and always PARKING. As Jo-Annie mention, Polo, the owner is great! He's constantly cleaning and organizing the equipment. All the equipment works smoothly. Having been to many gyms in my life, I really notice and appreciate good ergonomic weight machines that are well-kept. Chris at the front desk is great as well. Really I have no complaints, just all good things to say about Polo's Gym and couldn't recommend it enough. read more

I was a member of Polo's (at the time, it was still known as OSF) from August-November 2020, and I can honestly say it was the best gym experience I've had in the Bay Area! It looks tough and hardcore on the outside, but it's SO warm and welcoming on the inside. It was awesome to see the same gymgoers every time I went, and the tight-knit community feel there is palpable. As a 21-year-old college senior at the time, I was worried I'd be viewed as an outcast and not taken seriously as a member, but my experience at Polo's was anything but. Additionally, the facility itself is awesome--it's small enough to where it doesn't feel overwhelming, but it's still big enough to fit all the gym equipment you'll need for your workout. I no longer live in the Bay Area, but if I ever move back, I'm definitely restarting my membership at Polo's!! read more

Outstanding Gym!! I started going to the Oakland Health and Performance Center for almost 2 months now. I got into a bicycle accident a year ago and I'm starting to get back into fitness. While shopping for a gym, I was debating between my old gym 24 Hour Fitness, the new Planet Fitness up the block and here at the Oakland Health and Performance Center. While this place is considered 'cozy' versus the others, it houses everything I need or would want to use. 24 was just a tad outta my area and Planet fitness was a joke, lacking in the some basic equipment, and the staff was completely unprofessional and was downright rude. The Oakland Health and Performance Center has been adding more programs to their gym including personal training and group classes. I've taken quite a few group classes with the Head Trainer Nate and it has awesome! He is quite knowledgeable and informative. I got such an effective workout in a short amount of time, the constant feedback and positive motivation really helped me power through! I have improved quite a lot since starting the classes! The entire staff has been quite friendly, helpful and all around great people! They provide friendly service, helpful tips and tricks. I feel very comfortable working out here. I highly recommend this place for anyone and everyone who wants a great experience working out. Lastly, you are supporting a local owned and run establishment! Always got to give back to your community!! read more

I've been a member for about a year now and this gym is one of the best I've been to! It's no frills but has everything you need - plenty of squat racks, bars, weights, dumbbells, and a variety of machines for accessory work. I recommend it, especially if you're looking for a place to just go, workout, and leave. read more

This is a great locally owned gym, 100% 5 stars. The trainers are all knowledgable and really nice and make anyone feel welcome. It doesn't matter what level you are - if you come here you can get strong. Facility is clean and well maintained, everything you need for strength and conditioning & nothing you don't. There are a few machines both strength & cardio, kettlebells, squat racks, oly, and tons of other conditioning. TRX, sled... can't even remember all the cool stuff I have done here. Don't underestimate the convenience of having a local gym!! This is pretty much the best thing that has happened to me all year. read more

My new favorite place! An awesome, neighborhood gym that has everything you need!!! Weightlifting and cardio machines, and more. Nothing like 24 hr fitness. 100% better! Everyone is respectful, clean up after themselves, Not crazy crowed, especially during these times. Polo, the owner is great! He's constantly cleaning and disinfecting the spot. Chris is great too at the front desk as well. Check it out! read more

Polo's Gym - Gyms Near Me - Oakland, California

Fantastic neighborhood gym. Great mix of free weights and machines, large and airy space, busy but rarely crowded. I switched to Polo's after years at a chain gym and only wish I'd done it sooner. read more

I've been a member since 2018 and have really enjoyed my experience. Quality equipment for strength training, cardio, and functional training. Not crowded, friendly staff, friendly patrons. Great holiday hours. Polo always picks up the phone when I call with a question. I highly recommend this gym. read more

Love it here! I started taking boxing classes with a personal trainer, and oh my gosh its amazing! Such a great body workout

I've had nothing but positive experiences here so far. After a couple trial days, my husband and I quit our longtime membership at 24 hr fitness and never looked back. I've found the owner and other employees to be totally welcoming. I feel a strong sense of community in there (even though it has never been very full when I've gone) which is worth more to me than the amenities I no longer have here (classes, pool, changing room) Also, the price is great, the equipment is cleaning and in working condition, and there aren't long lines waiting for cardio machines. The other review here really surprises me since it is so different than what I've witnessed or experienced there. read more

Polo's Gym - Gyms Near Me - Oakland, California

Great local gym in my neighborhood. The convenience of such a great all around gym in my area. I started here at the beginning of the year and have had nothing but positive impact on my over all health. The staff are very knowledgeable and very helpful. read more

Pollo is super nice and welcoming to beginner gym go-ers like me. There are three squat racks and three deadlift platforms. I'm beginning how to use all of this with my husband and I feel like there is no judgement here. read more

This place has all the tools you need! Ownership that cares about its clients well being and instructors that have many years of experience to help you at any level of your training needs. Jeff has been training and instructing well over 20 + years and brings unique methods of functional training and martial arts to his arsenal. He's also a nutritional expert and has changed my life with his comprehensive diet plans that work with no gimmicky bs. You wont be displeased training at this gym. read more

Polo's Gym - Awesome logo !! - Gyms Near Me - Oakland, California

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Joined just a few weeks ago, wish I had known about this place this whole time. Great atmosphere and a friendly staff. Great place if you want to do a lot of barbell training. Polo the owner is a great guy who is very very strict about sanitation especially during this pandemic, he's either cleaning or getting ready to. Great owner and a great gym. read more

This is my first experience with a local gym after using big box and large university gyms my whole life. It took some getting used to, but I can't imagine going anywhere else to work out. The owner, Polo, created this gym specifically because he knew there was a need in the area. And, since he lives nearby, works another full time job, and believes in fitness, he wants to keep the membership within certain numbers and available to folks in the Dimond/Laurel. I live a block away and tried out the gym when it was just a few weeks old. After negotiating a monthly rate (yes, Polo let me negotiate the rate, no problem!), I joined the gym and have been a member for over a year since. Over time, Polo has added equipment to include most everything you would need for a standard gym, from free weights to multi-purpose machines and cardio equipment. The Jacob's Ladder is one of the best pieces of equipment to maximize a cardio workout in a small amount of time. The staff are always friendly and responsive and will show you how to properly work with any of the equipment or suggest a routine for you to meet your goals. The gym is never crowded and I rarely have to wait to use any equipment. If something needs servicing, they make sure to replace it or have it fixed quickly. I began to encourage my wife to visit, and after one session with Polo training her on various weights she decided to join. Polo, being the fantastic person he is, allowed her to join for FREE since I was such a loyal member (although I doubt this is firm policy and I do not endorse Polo this policy for anyone else so that the gym can keep making money and stay open. I'm very selfish :). All in all, I hope this place sticks it out since it works out so perfectly for many of us. read more

Excellent local gym that offers huge selection of free weights (barbells, dumbbells and kettlebells) as well as cardio machines. There's also a selection of more unusual fitness items such as climbing ropes, gymnastic rings and sleds. The owners (special shout out to Polo) have been extremely conscientious about cleaning and sanitizing during the covid pandemic. There is enforced social distancing and excellent airflow in this large open space. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the gym. Members are welcomed and, as a result of Polo's leadership, are very considerate about following covid related cleaning protocols. Gyms that offer reasonable monthly memberships for "open gym" time (as opposed to mandatory payment for classes or personal training) are quite rare and make Oakland Strength Factory such a rare jewel in the Dimond District. Couldn't be happier or more grateful that OAS has remained open during this very difficult pandemic year. Highly recommend this gym! read more

I've used this gym for about a year now. I ended up having to move out of the area and so i emailed Jeff one of the owners to cancel. Not only did they over charge me $149 upon activating my membership but these guys are still charging my card $59 a month for 4 months after. I have emailed them and have received no response. These two owners are a bunch of thieves. read more

If you're looking for a fitness center with full amenities, lines of cardio machines, and cucumber infused water, this place probably isn't for you. That said, this is hands down the best gym I've been to in years, and a perfect fit for me. They have an awesome setup, and are really efficient with their space. If you're into weight training, they've got all the equipment you could ever ask for. There are 3 full squat racks, one of those with bumpers, and two other bumper platforms, with plenty of Olympic lifting plates. There's some turf with a prowler sled, a few heavy ropes, a bunch of trx setups, tons of kettlebells with varying weights, all sorts of medicine balls, giant tires if you're into flipping or pounding those, and so so much more. Maybe my favorite part about this place is that it's empty, or nearly empty, every time I'm in there, weekday/weeknight/weekends. The staff and other gym goers are friendly, but don't ever bug me with chit chat. I love that I can get in an out of there with a solid workout, and I've never ever had to wait for any of the equipment. Can't speak to the classes as I like to do my own thing, but the 1:1 training sessions I've seen seem to be appropriate for the clients and the trainers seem knowledgeable. Sure, the water cooler's empty sometimes, and there's not A/C (whenever I've been in there anyway), but this place is a BARGAIN for all of the amazing equipment and space you get to yourself. Seriously in my top 5 favorite businesses in all of the east bay. read more

Polo's Gym - Gyms Near Me - Oakland, California

Just and update that the gym is now located in the Loard's Ice Cream plaza, deep in the corner by the convenience store. 2817 MacArthur approximately, although there's no number on the door. All the same equipment, twice the space. Prior review still stands in terms of generally being a great little (slightly less little now) community gym. read more

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