I've been working with Nate Hagen for about 6 months now and honestly couldn't be happier with the experience. I came in knowing basically nothing about proper lifting technique, and he built everything up from the ground floor, never making me feel rushed or embarrassed for being a beginner. What stands out most is how patient he is; he'll take the time to break down a movement until it actually clicks, not just move on when you sort of get it. That focus on doing things right has made a huge difference. If you're serious about strength training and want a trainer who actually pays attention to the details, Nate Hagen at RHAX is your guy. read more

Highly recommend Rhax! I've been training with Nate since early 2026 to initially get in shape for my wedding, and it's been such a game changer for me. I've already surpassed many of my initial goals and I am hitting new PRs regularly. I'm genuinely the strongest I've ever been in my life! Nate is really motivating and fun to work with, he is incredibly knowledgeable too. He's very passionate about what he does, and if you have any weaknesses, imbalances, or injuries, he's great at working around them while also figuring out the root cause and helping you strengthen those areas. He truly tailors each workout to your specific goals. I look forward to my sessions every week! The gym itself is also great. It's small but has everything you need, is very clean and there are usually never more than 3 people working out at the same time which was the biggest selling point for me. I hate overcrowded gyms. I also really appreciate that you can work with a trainer without having to purchase a gym membership, which is what I'm currently doing. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming, and it's just a really comfortable environment to train in. Couldn't recommend Nate and Rhax more! read more

I've been training with Ellen for years, and she's been one of the best investments I've made in my health. She doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach--every session is tailored to how I'm feeling that day, whether I have lots of energy or need to work around a sore spot. She also guided me through pregnancy and postpartum with so much knowledge and flexibility. I always felt strong, safe, and confident because she knew exactly how to adapt my workouts as my body changed. Ellen genuinely cares about her clients. She checks in outside of sessions, is always willing to answer questions, and creates programs that keep you challenged and making progress. If you're looking for a trainer who is experienced, thoughtful, and truly invested in your success, I can't recommend her highly enough. read more

Personal training at RHAX with Ellen has transformed how I think about exercise. Instead of something I dread, I look forward to each session! Ellen keeps each session fun and motivating. With Ellen's help, I've been able to consistently grow stronger and lose weight, which I struggled to do on my own for over a decade. Her expertise has also kept me injury-free, despite a history of RSIs, back issues, and hypermobility. I only wish I started sooner! The private gym itself is also great. I found other gyms intimidating and over-stimulating, but not RHAX. It is always clean and never feels over-crowded. The few people that are there are always polite and respectful (no influencers recording, returning weights, etc.). The owner is very nice and welcoming too! read more

I have been training with Ellen for a few months now and I definitely notice the difference in my strength and I feel great! Ellen provides different techniques and forms so I learn different things each week plus she records and monitors your workouts. I think she is a great trainer and very experienced. I highly recommend her. read more

I've been training with Richard for a little over 2 years now (since Nov'23), and I can confidently say it's been one of the best investments I've made in myself. For context, I'm 5'1", so losing weight has never come easily for me. When I first started training with him, I was around 156 lbs. Today, I'm down almost 30 lbs at ~126 lbs and am continuing to make steady, sustainable progress. What I appreciate most about Richard is how thoughtful and personalized his approach is. He doesn't believe in one-size-fits-all programs or quick fixes. He takes the time to understand your goals, lifestyle, strengths, and limitations, and builds a plan that is both challenging and realistic to maintain long term. I also appreciate how reliable and professional he is. He's very organized with scheduling and communication, and over the past couple of years, has always tried to be as flexible as possible when coordinating around my busy work schedules, travel, and life in general. Beyond the physical results, I've also gained so much more confidence in the gym and a healthier overall relationship with fitness. I'm stronger, leaner, more athletic, and genuinely feel better than I have in years. Richard is knowledgeable, encouraging, professional, and clearly invested in his clients' success. After working with him consistently for 2+ years, the results truly speak for themselves. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer who prioritizes long-term, sustainable results and creates an environment that is both supportive and motivating! read more

RHAX Gym is an outstanding addition to West Portal. The quality of trainers is unparalleled to other gyms In San Francisco. The owner, Richard, is hands on which shows in the quality of equipment, design and trainers. My trainer, Nate is outstanding. I have made great strides in my mission to gain strength, mobility, balance and overall well being. Nate is an excellent motivator and highly trained in delivering an exercise program per your individual needs. Highly recommend Nate and RHAX Gym. read more

Had a great experience training with Nate while I was in town for a short period. It actually made me not dread going to the gym

The last two years have been physically challenging for me, so I'm really glad that I made my way to RHAX, and trainer extraordinaire Geneva Fortson! This is only the second gym I've gone to, and it is clean, welcoming, and not at all intimidating. Also, it isn't crowded like the other, larger gym that I tried. I first heard of Geneva on Nextdoor, where I asked for recommendations for trainers with a focus on older women. She has tailored workouts that help me build strength while not aggravating pain points from osteoarthritis, and if something isn't working, she always has another move to try. I really enjoy her witty personality, and always look forward to our sessions. If you've hesitated to join a gym for any reason, you should do yourself a favor and give RHAX a try; they've got trainers for people of all fitness levels, and all of the equipment that larger gyms have. read more

I spent weeks looking through options for a welcoming, clean, and accessible gym on the west side of the city, and I've finally found it! After passing RHAX on West Portal by chance and seeing how nice the space looked, I decided to take the leap and reach out to Richard. Before starting, we had a quick phone consultation to go over my goals and experience level. I'm completely new to strength training and I was nervous about signing up - but what started out as a few sessions to test the waters has quickly turned into 4 months of training and counting! 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 a great balance between being approachable for a newbie, yet challenging and effective. I feel myself getting stronger and more confident every session. The gym itself is well-maintained, private, calm, and conveniently located with plenty of parking nearby. You can tell Richard has put a lot of thought into the space and the overall experience. I'm so happy I found RHAX and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gym or personal trainer in the area! read more

Two reviews here: 1) The space itself is convenient, with decent opportunities for parking nearby. All the equipment looks to be in excellent shape and the surfaces are all clean. There are fairly strict controls on the number of people scheduled to use the facility at the same time, so the space doesn't feel crowded. A nice place to workout! 2) I have been training with Roxie Rivas for the better part of a year, and she has been an excellent coach in bringing my fifty-mumble year-old, out of shape body into something much less egregious. The sessions are varied and well-planned, and Roxie herself is an engaging, encouraging coach. read more

RHAX has been an incredible find in the neighborhood for me and my family--my dad and wife are also members. We were searching for a gym that was convenient, clean, and not crowded, and RHAX has exceeded every expectation. It's not only the cleanest gym I've ever been to but the sign-up system guarantees there are never more than three people in the space at a time, meaning you'll always have access to the equipment you need without any wait. For those seeking training, Richard and the trainers are exceptional--knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive. They meet you at your level, whether you're an experienced lifter looking to refine technique or a complete beginner that's a little nervous about just getting started. The atmosphere is private, encouraging, and welcoming for everyone. Beyond the workout itself, RHAX also has a nice sense of community. It's a place where you'll recognize familiar faces, exchange friendly hellos, and walk in knowing you're about to have a great workout and access to all the machines/equipment you planned for. I can't recommend RHAX highly enough--it's a gem in the neighborhood. read more

Updated review: For all the strength training newbies, I encourage you to sign up for personal training at RHAX. I was brand new to--and very nervous about--strength training a year or so ago, but Richard's personal training sessions set me up for success and helped me be comfortable in a gym. I've since stopped my personal training sessions (but am still a gym member) and have been able to confidently navigate all the gym equipment and develop my own workouts. I'll always be so glad I signed up for personal training a year+ ago and I'm so much stronger and healthier because of it. Again, the gym itself is still SUPER clean and you'll never really have to wait for equipment. Richard is always thinking about how he could make the gym better (e.g., new equipment, adding new workout areas). You could tell he's really proud of this space because it's so well-maintained. I don't think I could go to a big box gym after this :) read more

I've been training with Richard for the past 8 months and the change is incredible. When I started out I couldn't don10 push ups without doing half of them from my knees. Now I'm doing 4 sets of 15 with a 15lbs plate on my back! My pants are too big now and shirts are too small :-) All good problems! The gym is fantastic! All new top of the line equipment and not over crowded! read more

RHAX - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I have been training with Richard for just over two years and have been so pleased with my results. In the beginning I could barely last the full hour, now I am doing hip thrusts and bench pressing crazy weights (he always tells me not to brag!) I am also a member and the gym is perfect, it has all the equipment I ever wanted and I've found new things to love. The location is also great - West Portal is so accessible and parking is easy. For many years I've been with big gyms, so it was a bit of a leap to go with RHAX, but it was the best decision and I'll never go back. read more

Rhax opened just under a year ago and, already, it's one of my favorite gyms compared to the ones I've tried in other cities in the U.S./Canada. The gym and the equipment inside are kept extremely clean. The coaches and the people that train there are a small community that are respectful of each other and the equipment. Everyone is serious about and focused on their goals. A plus about the gym is the range of equipment, all top of the line, from power racks, sled to kettlebells and free weights, battle ropes, cardio, yoga balls, TRX (and more). Richard, the owner of the gym, is passionate about what he does, and it shows. Overall, if you're looking for a smaller but quality local gym for a more personal experience, don't wait and just reach out to Richard! I highly recommend the gym and the team there. I've noticed that there are a variety of personal trainers/coaches, with different focuses and strengths, on the team Richard has put together. Regardless of your fitness goals, Richard should be able to pair you with a trainer best suited to work with you to meet your goals. Finally, with respect to Richard as a trainer, I've been training with him in the last two years and what I've come to appreciate the most is that he continuously tailors the training based on your circumstances and non-linear skill level, in addition to goals. He is very knowledgeable and will explain the benefits of different movements and combinations. While he continuously challenges you, he always pays attention to your condition and proper form, and never pushes beyond what is safe. read more

If you are seeking workout time at an extremely clean, safe and calm atmosphere gym, I highly recommend that you consider RHAX on West Portal. There has never been more than 2-4 clients using this high end gym at one time when I go in for my personal trainer sessions. They welcome clients of all ages and fitness levels. (So refreshing!) The owner, Richard, ensures that all of the personal trainers and equipment meet his very high standards. Do check out RHAX for your fitness needs. read more

Have had a fantastic experience working out at Rhax and training with Richard. I have been together with him for 3 years and it has been such a positive experience and fun. Would recommend 10/10 to anyone looking for a gym and/or trainer in SF. Richard is extremely attentive and tailors every session to each client and their specific needs. He will make sure you get the most out of your workout and progress towards your fitness goals. Importantly, he makes sure you work out and develop proper form, posture, and stay safe for each routine. The workouts are always appropriately challenging yet doable, to allow you to make consistent progress. In addition Richard is friendly and easy going. Each session is a joy to attend and he is fun to be around and talk as a friend. Rhax is one of the most premier gyms you can find in SF. The equipment is top notch in terms of quality, and there is a large variety of weights, bar bells, machines etc for both strength and cardio workouts. I would highly recommend Rhax to anyone looking for a gym and fitness coach. I feel much stronger, healthier and happier from my last 3 years with Richard. read more

I have been training with Richard at RHAX for several months and I can't speak highly enough about the experience! Richard is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, profesional, responsive and approachable. Richard is clearly super thoughtful about how he approaches each individual training program. Our sessions are uniquely tailored to my fitness level, progress, and goals. Each workout is appropriately challenging and so fun. I have learned a lot from Richard about proper technique and in general how to structure a high quality workout. I have seen tangible progress working out with Richard, which has been very rewarding and confidence boosting! read more

I have been training with Richard, the owner of RHAX for the last year. His new gym has top of the line equipment and is never crammed full of people like other gyms in the area. He is very knowledgeable and has helped me work towards both my weight loss and strength training goals. I would recommend him as a trainer and his gym as a great place to be a member to anyone in the area! read more