This was my first time ever working with a personal trainer, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect…read more Looking back, I'm incredibly thankful that I made the decision to work with a professional to help me achieve my fitness goals. Richard has been an outstanding trainer from day one. He is knowledgeable, encouraging, and incredibly patient. One of my biggest concerns when starting was managing my chronic back and knee issues. Richard took the time to understand my limitations and designed workouts that worked around those challenges while still helping me make meaningful progress. Not only have I gotten stronger, but my back and knee pain has been significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated. That's something I never thought would be possible. Today, I'm the strongest I've ever been, and I give Richard a tremendous amount of credit for helping me get there. He consistently challenges me while making sure I train safely and effectively. The facilities are top-tier as well. The equipment is high quality, everything is well maintained, and the gym is always exceptionally clean. I highly recommend Richard and this facility to anyone who is serious about improving their fitness and making a commitment to becoming stronger and healthier. Whether you're new to personal training like I was or have years of experience, you'll be in great hands. Five stars all around!

I've been training with Richard for over two years now, and it's genuinely been one of the best…read moreinvestments I've made in myself. Since starting with him in November 2023, I've gone from around 156 lbs to ~126 lbs while building and maintaining 90+ lbs of lean muscle mass. The progress I'm most proud of, though, is how much stronger I've gotten. When I first started, I could barely hip thrust the bar--now I'm hip thrusting more than my body weight! I'm stronger, leaner, more athletic, and so much more confident in the gym than I was two years ago. Richard is knowledgeable, encouraging, reliable, and genuinely invested in his clients' progress. His approach is personalized and focused on sustainable, long-term results rather than quick fixes, and he's always been incredibly flexible around my work and travel schedule. After 2+ years of consistent training, the results speak for themselves. I couldn't recommend him more!

Ginna is wonderful! She is bright, supportive, and easily adaptable. She helped me achieve some of…read moremy health goals. Her workouts are varied and interesting. Before working with her, I worked out 1-2 times per week, but struggled with actual progress. Part of my problem was diet which I didn't appreciate. Making small changes and meal planning made a difference. I also loved that I didn't need to join a gym to work with her. She came to my home and we were able to workout outside. She brings all the equipment, good music and good attitude. I highly recommend her.

Ginna is THE BEST! I have been working with her over 6 months now and I am always excited to get to…read moremy workout. She always has a great attitude and is always more than willing to listen to what you need out of your session. She constantly has accommodations for me when needed and continually pushes me to go the extra mile. She's a wonderful trainer (and now friend!) and I can't recommend her enough!

Joining RHAX has been one of the best investments I've ever made in my health and fitness. As…read moresomeone who had never worked with a personal trainer before, I didn't know what to expect, but RHAX exceeded every expectation. The location is incredibly convenient, right in the heart of West Portal, making it easy to stay consistent and committed to my fitness goals. From the moment you walk in, it's clear that RHAX is a first-class facility. The equipment is top-notch, everything is exceptionally clean, and the overall environment is welcoming, professional, and motivating. What really sets RHAX apart is the quality of its staff. Every trainer is highly professional and follows the same holistic philosophy focused on overall health, strength, longevity, and injury prevention. There's a genuine culture of caring, and you can tell the entire team is invested in helping members succeed safely and sustainably. I've been working with Richard, and the results have been life-changing. He has been incredibly patient and thoughtful in helping me work through chronic back and knee issues. Rather than simply working around those limitations, he helped me build strength in those areas and significantly reduce, if not completely eliminate, the pain I had been experiencing. Today, I'm stronger than I've ever been, and I credit much of that progress to his expertise and guidance. Another huge advantage of RHAX is the on-site physical therapy services and the integrated approach to health and fitness that you don't find at most gyms.

I've been working with Nate Hagen for about 6 months now and honestly couldn't be happier with the…read moreexperience. 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.

Justine is an exceptional personal trainer. My husband and I have been training with her for the…read morepast two years, and we have both made considerable strength gains. Justine's evidence-based approach, coupled with her ability to highly personalize our workouts to fit our specific needs has been a game changer. We also appreciate how Justine helps us stay on track with our workouts while we are traveling so we don't lose momentum. If you are looking for a trainer who is creative, knowledgeable, patient, and very easy to communicate with, Justine would be hard to beat.

When you're younger you think back pain is an old person problem. Then you hit your 30s...and…read moreapparently you're an old person! I ended up with intense low back pain in my early 30s that the doctors seemed stumped about. They offered physical therapy, I tried a chiropractor, acupuncture, even went back to my doctor and tried steroid pills, steroid shots and ended up at a back specialist. He told me that I could periodically get steroid shots, but probably I'd always have the pain. I couldn't believe that was my only option, so I searched for something else and thank god I found Justine! Working with her not only provided immediate relief from the first session but for the first time since my injury I started noticing improvements in my overall fitness. She innately understands what works and doesn't for your specific injury, even if doctors could barely grasp it! She knows when to push you, when to let you catch your breath, and when to focus on mobility, an aspect of fitness I didn't even know to prioritize. Over time I went from being in pain 24/7 to only occasionally pushing myself too hard and having pain. I KNOW Justine is a huge part of this. She recently started seeing clients again and I was SO excited and happy to get to keep working with her! If you need someone to push you, someone who understands your body, your injuries, how to incorporate mobility, flexibility and strength, and really will listen to your goals and concerns, Justine is the one for you! If you've ever been stopped by an injury, Justine can help get you unstuck and keep you moving and active.

Pilates Story has transformed my understanding of fitness in ways I never expected. From the moment…read moreI stepped into their West Portal studio, I felt welcomed and at ease--no small feat for someone new to Pilates, let alone a guy! The owner, Hye-Yeon, has cultivated a warm and supportive environment that keeps her clients feeling engaged and cared for.. Hye-Yeon brings a level of knowledge and skill that will challenge you in the best way possible, all while respecting each person's unique limits. I also appreciate that the studio never skimps on cleanliness or equipment quality--everything is always in pristine condition. Beyond just offering a stellar workout, the sense of community at Pilates Story really stands out. It's more than a place to exercise; it's a space to connect with others and be inspired by the positive energy all around. If you're on the fence about trying Pilates, especially if you're a guy who's unsure of what to expect, don't hesitate--this studio is an ideal spot to gain strength, flexibility, and confidence. Stepping into Pilates Story was one of the smartest choices I've made for my health, and I couldn't recommend it more highly.

I can't say enough great things about this Pilates studio! I have tried many studios in San…read moreFrancisco and this is definitively the best! I've been coming to Pilates Story for years now and it's honestly one of the best decisions I've made for my fitness. Hye-Yeon, the owner, has done an incredible job creating a welcoming space in West Portal. As a guy, I wasn't sure what to expect from Pilates at first, but she and her team made me feel completely comfortable from day one. The instructors are knowledgeable, encouraging, and know how to challenge you while still respecting your limits. What I really appreciate is how Hye-Yeon is building a sense of community here. It's not just about getting a great workout (which you definitely will), but also about connecting with people and feeling like you're part of something bigger. The studio is clean, modern, and has all the equipment you need for a solid session. Whether you're new to Pilates or have some experience, this is the place to be. If you're a guy thinking about trying Pilates, I highly recommend giving this studio a shot. It's an awesome way to build strength, improve flexibility, and stay balanced--plus, you'll feel right at home with the friendly atmosphere Hye-Yeon has created in the neighborhood!

I highly recommend Functional Practice! As a healthcare worker, I'm on my feet for most of the day,…read moreso dealing with ongoing sciatica was really affecting both my work and everyday life. I had tried different approaches before, but I was still experiencing pain and discomfort. Since working with Functional Practice, I've noticed a huge improvement and, most importantly, I no longer have sciatica pain. I feel stronger, move better, and can get through long days on my feet without the discomfort I had gotten used to. I really appreciate their personalized approach and the time they take to understand the underlying issues rather than simply treating the symptoms. The exercises and guidance have made a noticeable difference, and I'm very happy with the results. Definitely worth checking out if you're dealing with chronic pain or mobility issues!

I came to Justine in constant back pain, "exited" from Kaiser's physical therapy and desperate for…read morehelp. She instantly seemed to know what my body needed to do better-in that moment, but also for sustained relief. She focuses on pain relief while also building strength and mobility that will make tomorrow better too. I have been lucky enough to work with her on and off since before COVID. She is able to adapt to how I show up each session, she intuitively figures out what my body is looking for. I went from being so frustrated with my situation to feeling empowered to make moves to feel better. She gives you things you can do on your own but if you can, working with her in person is the absolute best.

I've been wanting to join a workout course for a long time because I hate going to a gym to lift…read moreweights on machinery. A free class appeared on social media for Pure Barre and this place is great on all fronts: - Very clean - Respectful members - Excellent instruction - Attentive service - The isometric movements hits every part of the body and I feel nicely sore and warm all over afterwards!

I have heard of Pure Barre for many years but had not made time to try it out until this year! I…read moredidn't know what to expect my first class and was quite lost but truly I was my biggest critic. I've taken classes with Chinwe and Millie and they're both amazing instructors that will help you get the proper form throughout the classes. I primarily take the Classic which is a pretty consistent class that focuses on legs, core and upper body! The transitions between each work out can be fast, but it's nice once you attend class 4-5 times, you get the hang of what to expect. I know there are other types of classes to take (Empower incorporates wrist weights which I'd love to try eventually). I signed up for Pure Barre hoping to improve my core but I've gained so much more! My mind muscle connection has improved as we go through the workouts of the class. I'm quite impressed that the workout having that ability.

Another 5-star review for Jessica…read more I have been working with Jessica over many months and have made steady progress in pain reduction through core strengthening and mobility exercises. She is an exceptionally observant instructor who takes the time to understand the unique muscular dynamics of each client.

I was a huge huge yoga enthusiast. I was super active with yoga and running, until I got a knee…read moreinjury that stopped me from running and yoga. I had to end up going to physical therapy for my knee. My therapist suggested trying Pilates. She said Pilates is an excellent way to help build my strength back up and would be perfect for my particular injury. So I listened to her and decided to find a Pilates instructor close to me with great reviews. I happened upon True Pilates. From the reviews in Yelp that I read about Jessica, they all stated that: - she is very cognizant and attentive to injuries - all clients felt she was integral in their rehab journey - extremely knowledgable about the body / muscular & skeletal structure - super friendly - professional - PATIENT I have found Jessica to be all these things and more. She is truly passionate about what she does and that passion carries through to taking continuous education with Pilates, Yoga, anything she can to help better understand the workings of the body and mind in order to help her clients. I have been working with Jessica for almost a year now and I simply adore her. I can honestly say, Pilates is the one workout that I have never been bored doing. Every time I come in for our weekly session, she has something new, unique and different planned that is just for me. Or, she will ask if there is something that I want to work on, and she gives me an incredible workout. She does this with all of her clients. The next client that comes in after me, gets a completely different workout. This is keen attention to client needs. She also checks in with me before every session to see how I am feeling, so she meets her clients where they are. She knows when to pull back on the reins and when to challenge you. When I first came to Jessica, I was a mess. I was so used to yoga, we had to completely retrain my muscle memory, while working on my injury. She has been the MOST patient instructor, so concerned with my injury and always checking in with me on how I am doing. Jessica, has taken her experience from past injuries as a dancer, and has used her knowledge from her own journey of healing through Pilates and physical therapy, to really understand what her clients need. I can say, after working with Jessica, my knee, hamstring and vmo, are much stronger and I continue to get stronger and my confidence is back. I am slowly working up to trying to run and move a bit more now and that is due to Jessica and I am grateful for this progress. I just wish I could clone her for more time!