We have trained with John on & off for 6(?) yrs. Started when my son was 10 yrs old . He now needs to improve his speed and body mechanics so we are again asking him for assistance. Our initial training was to improve speed & agility. He is motivating, positive, knowledgeable and honest. As a former pro-football player he knows hard work. They have certified trainers on site with a gym located within the complex. Private & group lessons. I noticed a group of women doing a bootcamp class and a group of youth boys doing agility training. It's a great place. Has plenty of parking too. My son is a baseball player but the youth group seemed to be basketball players. read more

See all

Feels like family here! So much positive energy and I found it all because of Coach J Walk's @johnwalkerpro IG page!!! So thankful as a newer California and OC resident that I feel supported and encouraged without any intimidation!!! Definitely the feel of a more "hardcore" or "old school" gym simply for the good variety of equipment and benches, as well as some powerlifting equipment. However, a large part of that "feel" is because it is simply black and white with no crazy distracting colors if you're anything like me and come into the gym often of an evening after a long day when it can be tough enough to focus! The performance/class side is bomb too, with plenty of indoor space for classes of all types for all fitness levels and ages! There is a filtered water dispenser so just bring your water bottle and fill 'er up! There's a great varity of pre and post workout shakes, drinks, barss, and snacks so you won't be leaving hungry because you forgot your food unless you just choose to go without! Two thumbs up! Love the place and the people! Coach J Walk is my fav!!! read more

Team MTV8 - Feels like family here! So much positive energy and I found it all because of @johnwalkerpro IG page!!! Great session and environment! - Circuit Training Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This place is great.Kristen means business and she's fun too. Every day routine is different and I've been there a month and haven't had any repetitions. She makes you relentlessly push yourself every day as we progress. Kristen also gives specific attention to everyone on their strengths and weakness. Had couple of classes with Dany, she's good too. Kendall in reception is sweet and fun working out with her too. l love the energy here and so continuing here. read more

I love the Motiv8Burn workouts at Motiv8performace. Each session is different and packed with challenging workouts that will get your heart rate up and your sweat on. Each workout I burn on average 550 calories. At 43, I never feel as if I'm trying to compete or keep up with the younger clients. I'm able to go at my own pace and modify any of the workouts if needed and I don't feel any pressure when I do. The trainers, Kristin and Jose (and on special days, John) will push you and encourage you to give it your all. All three really care and will take the time to help you. And I can't forget to mention the encouraging women and men I workout with. They make me want to show up each week and get moving. read more

Team MTV8 - How I feel after an intense workout. - Circuit Training Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

See all

Still as good as it gets! Trainers constantly push you to new levels each time and never fail to come up with challenging but somehow fun workouts. They have added boxing classes! Coach Johnny G knows his stuff! read more

Team MTV8 - Boxing with Coach Johnny Griffith - Circuit Training Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This hidden gem of a gym is every powerlifter's dream. To start, the facility has literally every single toy you can imagine. And this extends to far more than what you would expect your typical commercial gym to have, including safety bars, bands, chains on top of an already well-stocked barbell and iron plate collection. In essence, Motiv8 is probably the best equipped gym in South Orange County for any powerlifters training needs. In addition to the epic collection of training tools, the staff is more than friendly to everyone who walks in their doors. So far, all of the staff has made an effort to learn my name and ingratiate me into their community. There is also no second guessing regarding how one deadlifts in the gym; as in, you can drop weights (within reason of course...). So what the staff has to offer is a welcoming community that encourages hard training just as long as the equipment is cared for. Overall, Motiv8 is a solid gym for any powerlifter, bodybuilder or other variation of strength athlete. The reasons are simply due to the fact that the community welcomes hard training and members of all fitness levels and has every training tool you can imagine to incorporate into your training program. 10/10 gym, much wow read more

Motiva8 is by far the best gym I have ever been apart of. The staff immediately makes you feel like you are apart of the family they have formed there. Everyone is very helpful and always there to help you and encourge you to work harder. It doesnt have that 24 hour or LA Fitness vibe where you are all alone in figuring out a workout for yourself. They have the best "burn" classes that are always upbeat and different every time. I'm so happy that I followed a friend here and have made so much progress is such a short amount of time. Thank you guys for everything. Because of you, I am more confident and excited about my weight loss journey. 100% recommend!! read more

After college, I hoped to find workouts that matched the high intensity level I had grown accustom to on the track field. When I found the Team MTV8 gym, I was elated. The workouts are challenging, yet fun and I have grown as an athlete because of it. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a quality workout! read more

If your looking for motivation and a place where you can find trainers that truly care about their clients this is the best place in Orange County. John Walker and Kristin are experts on helping anyone reach their goal. Whether you're an athlete looking to reach the next level or an average person trying to get back on track this will be exactly what you've been looking for. The atmosphere alone gets you motivated. I would recommend this gym to anyone. Thanks for everything you do Motiv8 because of you I've gone from 205lbs to 183lbs in the last couple months and feel amazing. read more

Love this place! Not only do they have the best trainers in the OC, but they have state-of-the-art equipment to help you reach your goals! Just in case you run low on your Motiv8Performance Products, there is a Nutrition Zone store conveniently located near the facility. read more

6/15/19 - I turn 45 years young today. I'm in the best shape of my life thanks to Team MTV8! read more

See all

Really love it! First, I just want to have a place to do regular workout but the coach in here teach me a lot about how to work out perfectly. They are so professional and generous to teach you how to workout how to eat and how to have a healthy life. Just like a family! Love u Motiv8! read more

I'm over 50 and have gone to many fitness centers looking for the right trainers to keep my fitness level on spot as I age. This has been the best I have found in every way. The trainers, the classes, the motivation is stellar!! Drop in and give them a try! Kristen and Coach JWalk are the best you'll ever find! Their classes are always motivating,challenging and fun! They have the perfect combination of strength, cardiovascular and athletic training. I couldn't ask for better people and trainers to guide me to my ultimate fitness goals for life!! I know I'll get there with them at the helm! Just show up and trust the process! @kristennicole_fit @mrmotivationman read more

Team MTV8 - Circuit Training Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Close to work, I walk out and I'm already there. Always bumping kick ass music. It has all weightlifting equipment. Always a good workout.

Motiv8 is the best gym I have been to so far. I highly recommend it. The coaches are the best and everyone motivated each other. Coach kristen rocks!!!! :) and the new workouts are killers! read more

The motiv8 performance center is a top notch facility with master trainers. John Walker and Kristin Nicole are five-star coaches, and if motivation is what you need they serve it up daily! Killer workouts, focused on increasing athletic performance, and conditioning! Great equipment, unique and challenging workouts, and a positive environment to boot! Absolutely the best in fitness in Southern California!!!! A+ all the way! read more

Team MTV8 - Circuit Training Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I've been training at the facility for the past few months. The staff is top tier. If you are looking for a serious and exciting training center then this is the place. I've been training with Kristin Nicole for a few months now. She is extremely knowledgable and patient. I've been training most for over 15 years. I suffer from constant shoulder and back issues. She has helped me drastically with fixing my biomechanics. My mobility has increase dramatically with her. With her guidance, she will help you become the best version of yourself. read more

I've had my fair share of subpar trainers, waisted my money and got zero results with repetitive workouts that did nothing for the results I wanted to accomplish. Johnny Griffith is AMAZING!!!!!!!! He is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and humble. I have only had a few sessions with him but each and every time he pushes me, when I want to give up he knows exactly what to say to give me a boost to follow through. I love that the workouts are always different and the sessions are never boring. He challenges me and every time our sessions are over I feel so good! Johnny definitely makes fitness fun, I wish I would of met him sooner. I'm a mom of two and I thought I'de never get my pre-baby body back well I was wrong! With consistency, dedication and Johnny that all is going to change. Thank you Johnny!! read more

The Motiv8 team has been a tremendous part of me getting back into shape. It's such a positive group and both beginners and advanced athletes can excel in this environment. If you're a former athlete who lost the drive to workout since your days in high school or college, this is the place to be! read more

This gym is amazing. The coaches are "motiv8-ing! The updated hours work out much better for me since my work days fluctuate. I encourage everyone to check them out. Saturdays are a lot of fun too for the kids. read more

Team MTV8 - Circuit Training Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I have been trying out new gyms for the last 6 months searching for someone who could help me with my individual goals. Then I found Kristen at Motiv8 performance center. She listens, cares and personalized her training and recommendations for me! I have been with Kristen for two months now and it has been AMAZING!! I highly recommend Kristen and her team to everyone who wants to feel and see results. I am a busy mother, grandmother and business owner who is always strapped for time. She is WORTH the 20 minute drive I make each day to attend her training sessions. Come check out Kristen! She will change your life. read more

Team MTV8 - Circuit Training Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Coach J Walk and crew have a very, very good thing going here. The positive vibe is infectious and shows in the performance of the athletes they train. It doesnt matter if you're a little soccer tyke or professional athlete; a desk jockey or homemaker, you are made to feel welcome and appreciated. We are very lucky to have found Motiv8 Performance Center. read more

If you are looking for group training classes or athletic coaching, motiv8 is a phenomenal place to go. If you are looking for a gym to train in on your own, find a better gym, it's not worth the premium price you will pay. This place has really declined in quality from what Kratos used to be. They have changed the gym hours at least 3 times in the last couple of months, their reasoning being because not enough people are coming in. News flash, if you don't market a business, you aren't going to be overwhelmed with an excess of customers. They sent an email two weeks ago with their club hours and have since changed them - without telling members or updating their hours on their yelp or Facebook page. The lack of communication is astounding. They also only have about 4 five-pound plates, and their limited cardio equipment is routinely out of order. read more

Burn Class with Coach Darius is amazing! You will get an incredible workout, meet amazing people, and be inspired to push yourself to the best you can be. Burn Class is more or less circuit training (but Darius will mix it up now and then) with a mix of cardio and strength building. He will push and encourage you but never make you feel intimidated to go beyond what you can handle. They take safety and health very seriously and will show how to do an exercise correctly as to not injure yourself. No matter where you're at in your health journey everyone at Motiv8 will take care of you! read more

This place is AWESOME! Coach J-Walk brings so much knowledge to the table. I've been working out my whole life, even competed in men's physique competitions and couldn't believe how much he taught me in our FIRST session together. From perfecting form for maximum leverage to his insanely effective utilization of bands to reduce joint pain to so much more, this guy is the best trainer I've ever had. His knowledge helps those just starting out to even the most advanced and seasoned athletes. If you're looking to step up your health and fitness, don't waste your time with anyone else. Go see J-Walk and team and they will absolutely get you on your goals faster and better! Thanks guys! read more

My son, a sixth grader, has been training here for 18 months and his performance has improved dramatically. He's trained at other facilities in LA and OC and nothing compares with the variety of workouts, commitment and passion found here. Coach J-Walk and his team address the obvious physicality of the athlete, but also the extremely important and often overlooked mental development of athletes, as well. read more

I currently have a standard gym-only membership here, no private trainer or classes. For the price, it's a steal. Other places I've asked/trained at don't let you work out on your own without a personal trainer due to insurance reasons, or the gym membership fee is much more than I'd be willing to pay. It goes without saying that it is slightly (yes, actually only slightly) more expensive than your standard commercial gym, but it's definitely worth it. There's also no "activation fee," that pesky $30-$90 added on top of your membership fee for someone to enter your info into a computer... Additionally, they never pressured me into a "free training evaluation" like at the commercial gyms, which are really just sales leads. If you're tired of the commercial gyms, as I was, but also don't want to be limited to training only with your trainer like at most private training gyms, this is the gym for you. ***** More detail: I'd been looking for an alternative to the insane crowding at the commercial gyms, and what I got here was much more than just less crowds (though usually I'm one of only a handful of people working out in the morning). 1. All the staff are trainers, and they are always friendly. The energy once you enter the building is always positive. This is a big plus when you're going in to have a great workout. 2. While the gym itself is not large, it is packed with high quality equipment from Rogue and Bilt. Bumper plates, kg plates, iron plates. Extra bars. Chains. Speed ropes, chalk, foam rollers, and a bunch more. Additionally, there's actually enough plates to go around, so you're not walking all over the weight room trying to track down weights. It's a lifter's dream. 3. Turf, usually open for use (unless clients are training there). There are plenty of accessory items to use on the turf as well. There's also one section that's adequate for short HIIT sprints. Previously, I had to do these along the wall of the basketball court in 24 Foothill Ranch. There are more pros but the above can already give you a good idea of what to expect out of this gym. It's first and foremost a training gym, not a "fitness center." There's 2 treadmills, 4 rowing machines, no shower, no basketball court, no sauna or pool. Those things don't matter to me, but they might for you. But for people looking for a real training center that doesn't break the bank, this is it. The only real con for me is that they open at 7 (sometimes 7:05, 7:10..) After getting used to coming in to 24 hour fitness at 5 or 6 am, it required a schedule adjustment to be able to come in at a later time. In fact, I hesitated for many months to get a membership here because I wasn't willing to come later than 6, but since the schedule did work out, I've been more than happy. No regrets whatsoever. read more

I love this place! The gym has a great feel and the training is awesome! Especially Kristin! She is so motivational and positive! Just a pleasure to be around. Even on days I really don't want to work hard, she encourages me and always gets more out of me than I even thought I had! She even provides meal plans and suggestions for ways to cook healthy at home for me and my family! This gym has a great vibe and so do the people in it! read more

Motiv8 is an AWESOME gym to go to if you're looking for a weightroom with plenty of equipment. They have 4 power racks, a few benches, adjustable squat stand, a deadlifting platform, and a plethora of other weightlifting equipment. Novice lifters all the way to straight up beasts are welcome with very friendly members and staff. They also do athletic/aerobics classes, but can't comment on that since I stick to the gym. Highly recommend this place for anyone! read more

This is not your average every other gym or boot camp kind of classes/training or place. I have taken a class with all the trainers (Kristin, John, Johnny and Darius) and I cannot say one is better than the other or I like ones classes more than the other, they all push you and make you feel comfortable. The classes typically range from as low as 5 people to the most I've been in is 12 but DO NOT think for one second because the class has 12 people you're not being watched... you are, trust me lol!! You'll hear a voice yell your name to push yourself or even a coach over your shoulder helping you to correct your form. Working out is never easy and most do not find it fun(I never did) but this place makes it fun but still not easy lol, the coaches become friends you laugh with and enjoy working out with. LASTLY let me not forget to mention the other major plus of this place... the ladies I work out with are amazing, they push you as well and are a fun fit bunch of dolls, with them the 50 minutes fly by and it's never a dull or quiet moment. On top of all this I have truly seen results within myself that my gym membership just wasn't cutting. So in a nut shell... if you like weird people watching you, boring music and the basic workouts then stick to your regular gym. BUT if you want the best people, fun times, good music, different workouts and oh yeah results give a week a try here and you'll love it!!! read more

The Motiv8 master coaches are incredible. They will push you to burn those extra calories you wouldn't burn on your own. They are extremely knowledgable and will teach you new fun movements to incorporate into you exercise regiment. I did some personal sessions with Coach Jose, definitely worth the commitment. The facility has a vibe that will motiv8 the hell out of you. Highly recommend this. read more

It's a very positive environment all around. All of the coaches are amazing. My son has been training with John for about 9 months. John is the master motivator. He is all about positive mindset and he helps bring out best in you. He treats young athletes with respect and pushes them to their limit. Your sons or daughters will become better athletes for sure! read more

I can't emphasize how great this gym is! The staff is unbelievable, they are friendly and helpful. The gym is in great condition, brand new remodel. This is the place to get motivated! I personally have been to multiple gyms and had multiple memberships, and nothing compares or come close to motiv8 performance center. I highly recommend this gym to any bodybuilding, physic competitor, or just the average joe like myself! read more

This review is for personal training with Kristin. I cannot say enough how awesome she is. I'm 35 years old and have started working out for the first time ever in my life. I was an athlete until about 20, and then I stopped. I've always been thin...but never fit. I'm the kind of person that will eat whatever I want because you only live once. I started working out because I wanted more energy during the day and better sleep at night. I've avoided the gym because I'm intimidated, or totally bored, so I decided to get a personal trainer - and it's Kristin. No one believes that I go to the gym at 6am before work, because it's just not who I am! Kristin sets up awesome workouts that cater to MY needs, and she mixes it up and keeps it fresh. She pushes you just enough to make you want to get to that next level, and continually grow and get stronger. She's so knowledgeable, motivating, and really invests time in her people. Again, I never thought I'd ever be working out 4 times a week at 6am...but here I am. Kristin is super great, and I'm so looking forward to the changes in my body! read more

Wow!! Motiv8!! The name says it all!! This place is hopping from athletes to stay at home moms. They make everyone feel welcome! The workouts are challenging and fun! You're sweating and laughing at the same time! Stop in on "SATURDAY MORNINGS at 9AM for BURN FITNESS". You will definitely want to come back....again...and again...and again. Kristen and her team of bandits Coach John Walker, Jonny and Darius are the best I've ever experienced. They are as good as it gets!! : ) read more

Great gym. It has all the equipment you could ever need. Staff is super friendly and helpful. I don't take the classes but they have many trainers and classes available to suit your fitness goals. Definitely worth checking out! read more

I had a recently joined the gym for a brief while as part of a sponsorship by my employer and learned that Motiv8 is certainly a different kind of gym. By normal standard, this is "the" place where you will definitely gain the motivating attention and result period. As a New Year resolution I am excitingly looking forwards to joining this gym again next year with more predictable work load. Fully recommended with two thumbs up to the staff! - Thuan read more

Very fun and energetic atmosphere! The classes are well thought out and incorporate strength, cardio, and HIIT movements. Classes are designed for all fitness levels, so whether you're new to fitness or experienced, you will get a great workout in. The classes are always changing, and keep you engaged, unlike other boot camp style workouts I've done before. They do proper warm-ups, and cooldowns as well (which most "class" gyms don't). Highly recommend if you are new to the area, or just looking to try something new! read more

Coach J and his team are awesome. I put both my little ones in his youth program to learn how to control their bodies especially since both are very tall for their age. My son LOVES going to work out with Coach J. His program opened my eyes to just how athletic my younger daughter is. She loves the the fun but challenging atmosphere. No pressure, just great athleticism underlying the fun games. read more

Team MTV8 - Coach Eric with the kids group. - Circuit Training Gyms Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Motiv8 is top notch. Coach John is amazing at what he does. He has been coaching my son for speed and agility for football and has been motivating, inspiring and challenging for him. We love coach J walk and the entire staff at motiv8!! read more