I was looking for a local gym that was close by home and came across Terra Nova Fitness. I was 2 months post partum and wanted to get back into working out as well as building my endurance back up. I met with Chris for a consultation and he explained to me how his program worked. I told Chris what my goals were and he listened. I signed up for both group classes and semi private training sessions. I attended an average of 3-5 classes per week when my schedule permitted it. The group classes do fill up quickly so you'd have to really plan ahead and sign up for it with their online scheduling. I lost a total of 5lbs within 6 months of Chris' Program and built back my endurance. I feel stronger and more energized because of his workouts. I weigh less than I did pre pregnancy! Thank you Chris, Matt, and noelle for all your guidance! I would definitely recommend this gym to reach your goals! read more

Terra Nova Fitness - Before and after 6 months - Trainers Near Me - Pacifica, California

Terra Nova Fitness is fantastic! The program is making a difference for me and I feel really good about working with the trainers. I have some physical challenges because of an old workplace injury as well as a couple of pre-existing conditions, and the staff is really great with helping me find modifications so that I can keep getting stronger in a safe way. Having the accountability call is key. Thank you! read more

From the individualized workouts to the semi-private coaching, I have very much appreciated the support of the coaches at Terra Nova. I have stayed engaged because of how the workouts are structured, that I can schedule my sessions in an easy-to-use app and I have my progress charted in an app. Terra Nove is well worth the cost! read more

I joined TNF at a point in my life when I needed motivation and direction to get back on my fitness track. Like so many of us, I had gained the Quarantine 15 - PLUS had become used to a sedentary lifestyle working from home. I needed to shed weight but more importantly, I needed to move and feel strong again. My consultation with owner Chris Shah immediately set my mind at ease. He made me feel confident in knowing he had both the expertise and experience to get me moving on the right path. Tailor made personal training sessions combined with motivating class sessions comprise my workouts which are challenging and fun. We use a variety of techniques; incorporating free weights, kettle bells, ropes, resistance bands, TRX, stability & medicine balls, Bosu, ladders & cardio equipment. TNF provided me with everything I needed to improve my lifestyle and change my life. I'm 25 pounds lighter, stronger than I've been in years and PROUD of myself for making the decision to join. read more

Terra Nova Fitness - Trainers Near Me - Pacifica, California

Terra Nova Fitness has changed my life. When I started there I was slow, weak and dependent on a cane to walk. My balance was very poor and I had a history of falling. Now I walk without a cane, my balance is improved and I haven't fallen for months. Every month my exercise program is set to help me gain strength. The coach, Matt, makes sure that I am doing the exercises correctly and Erick calls to check on my needs and to make sure I am getting enough protein. I appreciate the videos and phone calls of encouragement from Chris. I look forward to my days at the gym and I highly recommend Terra Nova Fitness to anyone who wants to tone up. You won't be sorry. read more

Gym is very close to my home, I really liked it it was small and not intimidating. When I went to learn more about the gym, the owner who is extremely rude and unprofessional made me change my mind. He told me to "come back when I had eyes and ears". I did not have my eye glasses with me and the music was so loud while he discussed the terms of the contract , he did not have the courtesy to invite me into his office. I Would never give him my business especially to someone like this, to bad for him He lost the business. read more

Having tried various size and type of gym in the past, I am so glad I found Terra Nova Fitness (Chris and his team). The gym may be small, but the quality of workout, attention to detail from the coaches are way more than any other major gym out there. Chris and his team spends a lot of time to listen to what each member wants from their experience, and really provided a personalized workout experience for everyone. They change the workout as needed to how your body is feeling, which really help me to stick through the routine for little bit over 2 years. At the beginning of shelter in place, Terra Nova Fitness was quick to adjust and help me stay sane during the transition time. Having a regular workout routine to fall back on during shelter in place, it really help me maintain a good balance for my body and soul. If you are looking to have a good gym with great coach that will help achieve your fitness goal, Terra Nova is the place to go! read more

Challenging workouts in a supportive environment! I am not a gym person, nor a 5 AM boot camp person, so when I saw the ad for women in their 40s and 50s looking to live healthier and be more active, I called TNF. After the stress and disruption of the lockdowns, I had lost my regular routine and didn't know how to get started again. I came in for a consultation with Chris and talked about where I used to be, where I am now, and where I wanted to be in my health and fitness. Based on his recommendations, I started to come in three times a week. I liked the workouts right away. Every workout is different, so it's never boring. Every exercise is demonstrated and modifications are offered, so everyone at every level can benefit. I like that we are guided through workout routines as a class, and the class sizes are small so you are getting personal attention. Matt was my Coach most days, and he's the best! I feel stronger now. I lost the lockdown weight, and I am back to running. I could not have gotten here on my own. I am grateful I found TNF when I did, and would recommend them to anyone. read more

Terra nova fitness has been such a great help to my fitness journey. I feel stronger every time I go in. Matt is always there to help me make sure I am doing the workouts correctly and Erick with his calls to remind me on my fitness goals. I would recommend this to everyone. read more

I hadn't been at a gym for years but wasn't able to motivate myself to workout at home. I signed up with Terra Nova Fitness after seeing their Facebook ad. Although it suggested they were looking for women in their forties, they have been great working with this woman in her sixties. They make it easy to workout with preplanned exercises. They have lots of different equipment and mix it up to hit all the muscle groups. Chris and his son Matt are great to work with, encouraging and fun to talk to. Personal training at its best. I just need to walk in, go to my workout corner and follow the exercise plan. Nothing could be simpler. I was initially attracted because of their COVID precautions but will stay because of the great experience. I have a number of health issues but they have worked with modifying exercises so I can do them safely and I am feeling so much better working out regularly! I highly recommend Terra Nova Fitness read more

If you like being in a crowded sweaty gym with lots of machines and tvs everywhere, this place is not for you. If you like looking like you're exercising but are never sure what you are doing with the dumbbells, this place is not for you. However, if you seriously want to improve your physical fitness, whether you're an athlete, weekend warrior or just starting out and you want exercises that are based on your own personal abilities and weaknesses, this is the place for you. If you want functional exercises that help you in real life, this is the place for you. Chris Shah's training plans are geared around your own goals. He is extremely conscientious about any limitations you may have and if you happen to be working with a physical therapist, he will keep in touch with him/her so everyone is on the same page. If you are trying to lose weight, Chris will help keep you on the right path. I have been working with Chris for two years now. Before I trained with him, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about becoming a faster, stronger runner. Turns out, I had lots to learn. Since then, I can honestly say that I am in the best shape of my life. I am almost 43 years old but I feel and look physically better than I did in my 20s. There really is no gym around like Terra Nova Fitness. You can go to other gyms and hope you are getting the results you want or you can come here and KNOW that you are! read more

I've known Chris since he opened Terra Nova Fitness. As a chiropractor who sees a large variety of injuries and acquired problems, my job is to help them repair and rehabilitate any number of issues. I have referred many of my patients specifically to TNF because I know that Chris will test every new client's functional abilities. He is an expert at these assessments. He can then design appropriate workout plans to focus on any functional loss, such as weakness, stiffness, poor posture and poor dietary choices. When these people return to my office, it's clear that they have improved, often in many other ways. At this point they realize the importance and benefit of exercise, stretching, goal-setting, etc. We are both thrilled when they get excited about reaching goals and maintaining basic health-attaining disciplines. He is so positive and excited and has a real hunger for learning and applying the newest ideas to his workouts. His staff is amazing and are all well educated regarding technique, form and safety. If you are a nervous "newbie" or a seasoned "gym rat", Chris has something to challenge you with. I've been to the gym many times and I love the camaraderie that his clients have with themselves and with Chris and his staff. Regain and maintain your health now. As it is said: "Health is Wealth". Ken Thomas DC read more

I felt the need to update my review because of how amazing Terra Nova Fitness has been throughout this pandemic. Even through the toughest of times, TNF is earns a full 5 stars. Terra Nova Fitness has been a positive constant in my life throughout the ever-fluctuating state of the pandemic. Without skipping a beat, Chris has consistently pivoted his business model to ensure we (his members) get our workouts, always in compliance with the various public health orders. Whether it be via Zoom, outside or in my designated socially-distanced area inside the gym, Chris made sure I always had a way to get in my 6:00 am workout EVERY morning (something that became just as much about mental health as my physical health during these times). I always feel safe and comfortable working out at TNF because of the safety measures Chris put in place. The only infectious thing there is Chris's positive can-do attitude. I originally joined TNF to lose weight for my wedding. I was never a gym person but I figured I needed to do something before the "big day" and going on an elliptical for a half hour a couple times a week just wasn't cutting it. Gathering up the motivation to show up the first day was the only thing I did alone. The coaches and even the other members helped push me the rest of the way. I'm now physically and mentally stronger because of the dedicated trainers at TNF. As Chris likes to say, it's all about "systems." Making TNF a part of my system was the best decision I ever made. read more

I joined looking to increase my endurance and strength and that's exactly what I have achieved! Matt and Chris are great coaches! Would definitely recommend Terra Nova Fitness! read more

My postpartum physical therapist recommended Terra Nova Fitness because I was constantly getting injured while exercising. I needed to find a place that would prioritize form and would be very detail oriented. Their attention to form is great in addition to the vibe and energy of the gym. It was refreshing to see a gym that focuses on lifestyle, habits, and sustainable exercises. I had to stop because the schedule didn't work at the time but hoping to join again at some point. read more

Such a great gym that keeps you motivated and holds you accountable to hit your fitness goals. Chris & Matt are both really skilled trainers and the program is enjoyable with the right level of stretch to get you results. Over the past six months I have enjoyed working out with everyone in the personal training and group classes to improve my strength and lose weight. So much better than going to one of the larger gyms because you get quality training at a fraction of the price. read more

I have been going to Terra Nova Fitness for about 10 months and love the results I am getting. I look better, feel strong and have more energy. Chris and Jessica are great coaches who encourage and work with you. They consult with you on your goals, what you hope to get out of your workouts, learn about any injuries you may have and they use this information to tailor a workout for you. I highly recommend this gym, it's fantastic. If you are not an active person and looking for a place to get some great coaching and guidance, come to this gym! read more

If you're looking for a gym on the Bay Area coastside this is a great choice. Very small with just a handful of people at the same time. Individualized attention, great price. I want to be cautious about COVID so limited numbers are important to me, as well as the option to wear a mask. read more

TNF is amazing! They care about how you feel. I've been going for a few months now, not only do I feel stronger I feel like I have more energy. The best part is seeing results. I look forward to going to class! That hour flies by. read more

I came to Chris to rehab a knee problem. About 10 min into his assessment, Chris figured out what it took kaiser over 2 years to figure out. Turns out I had a muscle imbalance in the hip that had been throwing off my knee resulting in pain. I always cross reference the exercises Chris has me do with my Physical Therapist at kaiser and he even agrees with Chris and advised me that they are very beneficial for my issue. This guy seriously does it all. He trains athletes of all ages, from young MMA fighters to individuals well into their 60's. If your looking to rehab an injury, tone your body, lose weight... Whatever it may be, Chris is the man for you! Chris isn't only an amazing personal trainer, but he's a intuitive and funny man with a great personality. You will learn a lot from him. Chris really knows his stuff. I am truly impressed with his knowledge and work ethics. This is a man who loves what he does and it shows. He's well worth it. I don't even see the need of a gym membership if you are going to him at least three times a week. So glad I found him! read more

I live in San Francisco but drive to Pacifica for the great training I'm getting at Terra Nova. I'm in my 40s, over-weight, losing flexibility, and prone to laziness. After an assessment, I got my schedule: Wed. and Fri. 6AM. I have NEVER, and I mean NEVER in my life, gotten up early to work out. For some reason, I believe in the system Chris and Amilee have put together for me. The exercises change each week and they'll add circuits or reps and back it up with face to face encouragement. Although I was added to a small group of other women, everyone is watched for form and technique throughout the hour. We are all at different levels, but I don't feel like an interloper or like I'm never going to catch up. This really isn't like going to a gym, it's going to a personal training session. Highly recommended! read more

You'll reach your fitness goals with Terra Nova Fitness. I injured my shoulder but needed to train for Tough Mudder. I tried several gyms and trainers and nobody knew how work with/around my injury. Those trainers basically limited me to lower body exercises, which wouldn't prepare me for any race. Chris customized my program for this event. After only 4 months of training (1 hour 3x/week), I no longer had shoulder pain and I was physically and mentally prepared for any race. I completed Tough Mudder never feeling winded and or sore. Most obstacles were pretty easy for me and I've continued to do other obstacle course races. You'll receive quality training at Terra Nova Fitness. Both Chris and Ami are knowledgeable trainers who continue to research and stay current with everything fitness related. They're friendly, fun, and they take a genuine interest in their clients' health and fitness. They always make sure your body mechanics are correct and more importantly that you're not injuring yourself. I definitely recommend both trainers as well as their Boot Camp. The facility itself is fully equipped and you'll have an opportunity to play with battling ropes, TRX, weight vests, sand bags, sleds, etc. Both Chris and Ami are creative so you won't be bored with your program. It's always challenging and you'll see and feel the results. Downside: Location is tucked away in Pacifica, but I noticed only dedicated people will make the drive. The one bathroom could be cleaner, but it has a shower. I don't know if anyone uses the shower though. read more

I began working with Chris a couple of years ago, when I began running and realized I needed an actual trainer to gain any ground. Just running a gazillion miles would not help me get stronger or faster. Thanks to his ability to keep me focused and his problem-focused strenght training, I have met and exceeced my personal goals. read more

Love this gym so much. With the help of the amazing trainers I was able to fully rehab my acl injury and become stronger and fitter than I ever was before. I highly recommend terra nova fitness because they are encouraging, knowledgeable, and fun. If you choose to go to this gym you won't regret it! read more

Terra Nova Fitness - Trainers Near Me - Pacifica, California

I love workouts at TNF, and before I never enjoyed working out. All of the coaches there are awesome and make it easier for me to keep going back. I feel like they really care about how you are doing and your progress. Never have I left one of the workouts or bootcamps unhappy. They make sure the workouts during the semi-privates are individualized and work with what you can physically do, and even during the bootcamps they give you options if some of the moves are too easy or too hard. My favorite part though, is the fact that I look forward to going in again. It makes it a more enjoyable experience for myself and I'm sure the coaches! read more

I have been going to TNT for four months now. Truly best decision I made for my health. I have lost inches, weight, and gained energy. The trainers are all amazing and dedicated to your success. Maggie is vibrant, fun, and always working that core! Nic is always in my head when i am out doing errands I hear him, shoulders back, engage the core as I lift and carry things. Joseph loves music just as much as exercising, I enjoy the meditation we do at the end of bootcamps. Chris always smiling, always checking in, makes me accountable. Team TNT rocks! Thank you all for all you do. read more

I can't say enough good things about TNF! I've gained strength and flexibility that I didn't have before. I needed PT and a cane for a while last year and between PT and TNF I returned to pain free and independently mobile. The comprehensive and individualized program has been my anchor for staying fit and well especially during this past year. Chris is extremely knowledgeable -5 start coach- and proactively pivoted and continues to adapt his business model to continue during pandemic precautions. I continue my semi-private sessions virtually with props he lent out at the beginning of the shutdowns. I tried cutting back to once/week but returned to twice/week and feel great! I'm happy to support this local independent business when so many big box and independents are failing. read more

I started with Chris Shah and Amilee Hodge about 6 months ago after finishing up PT following some extensive hip surgery (repair, not replace.) I was looking for someone that would work on strength training but recognize that as a 50+ mom of two boys, my goals were to stay strong and healthy, not to be super-buff or compete. Chris and Ami really understood my goals, focused on what was important for me, worked out a program that changes as I need it to change and brought me along from recovered to revitalized. I've never been in better shape. My 2 hours a week with them is the cornerstone of my training and with stretching daily plus another 30 minutes on the bike a few times a week, I'm maintaining really well. The best proof was my hip surgeon beaming at me for all my hard work last week at my one year surgery check -- if he only knew how fun TNF made it, he wouldn't have given me half the credit! read more

I have been going to Terra Nova fitness for over a year and I love the workouts, the people and the training team. The 6:00 am boot camp is fun, energizing and I feel stronger and with more energy. The instructors help everyone with form so that we get the most from our workouts. I recently started a semi private lesson and love the one on one training I'm getting. These guys care, are great at what they do and are a lot of fun. And I feel and look stronger and healthier! read more

I love going to Terra Nova Fitness! I have been going to this gym for several months now. I never thought I was a morning person until I started Chris' fantastic boot camp series. He is super motivating, friendly & always prepared to engage each student in the pursuit of their desired physique and goals. The boot camp class is an awesome & supportive community of local women. Every work out is different & the music is super fun! I always leave class in a good mood and feeling stronger than before. Chris also offers one-on-one training & semi-private training as several men also work out here. Chris & his talented team of trainers are serious facilitators for helping you make positive changes in your life - both physically & mentally. Thank you TNF!!! read more

TNF makes me smile; let me tell you why... When my son was almost two in 2013, we were playing at Linda Mar Beach and I could barely keep up with him. I was out of breath and completely out of shape. Thankfully, Jessica S. organized with Chris Shah at TNF a trial boot camp membership for Moms in the Pacifica Moms Club just about that same time. I was intimated to go because I felt weak and self-conscious about my weight and ability. I, also, wasn't getting much sleep those days and didn't think I could wake up in time for a 6 am boot camp. I took a chance, decided not to think about all my worries and found a place that made me felt comfortable, supported and pushed just enough to continue to get stronger. My initial goal was to get strong enough to keep up with my son, enjoy running and playing with him and feel healthy. Check, reached that goal! Then, I realized I was still heavier than I'd like to be but didn't know how to change what I was doing outside my gym time. Timing again was perfect for me. Chris at TNF offered trial coaching sessions over the phone that included writing exercises, guidelines for what to eat and more in February 2015. This truly helped me make those changes that seemed hard at first but now are second nature to me. My goal was to lose 20 lbs by my birthday, June 2015. I thought it was an impossible goal but Chris encouraged me to set it. Check, reached that goal and passed it! It's time for me to set a few more goals. Thanks to Chris and Ami at TNF, I know I can achieve those new goals. And, that's why I love to smile through the squats, sled pushing, core workouts and more. I know every bit counts towards reaching my goals. read more

Chris is one of the absolute best in the business! I am a professional fighter fighting at the highest level in Bellator on Spike Tv. I have been with Chris since the beginning of my combat sport career and he has played a huge role in my success ! I have witnessed Chris provide results for all levels from weight loss and health, to muscle gain and performance! I would recommend terra nova fitness to anyone looking to improve their life and their health ! read more

TNF is the way to go if you are ready to make a change but do not know where to start. Before finding TNF I had tried several gym's and studios but struggled with over crowding and loss of motivation. Chris and his team ensure that each workout counts and you truly leave class knowing that you had a solid workout. I highly recommend giving TNF a try. read more

I began seeing Chris over a year ago as part of Ground Up Fitness. Since then Chris has struck out on his own, but at the same location. I left the following review for Chris last October and still feel the same way. What does that say for consistency? "I found Ground Up Fitness by accident. I was driving down the street and saw their sign on the side of the building. I had previously seen another local trainer and was looking to get back into a routine. What a lucky find. I've been seeing Chris Shah for personal training for about 6 months and so far I'm very impressed. Chris is a fitness geek. He is constantly reading books, meeting with his mentors and trying to find ways to improve. This comes across when he is working with you. Chris keeps notes and creates individual workout plans for each session. Often times he is working with more than one person at a time, but each person's workout is designed just for him or her. Chris focuses on doing things the right way and preventing injuries. He is able to work around and even rehabilitate preexisting injuries. I have a shoulder injury that acts up every now and then that has made a significant improvement. I think most importantly, Chris makes it fun. Don't get me wrong, he will make you work hard, but you won't hate working out." read more

Training with Chris and Ami has been the most customized and efficient workout plan I've ever followed in over 15 years of training for various sports and events. Their promise of 'creating fitness built around you' is exactly that. Every moment in the gym under their supervision you will be coached to focus on form and appropriately adjusted (with respect to reps, weight, or range of movement) to toe a perfect balance of intensity and restraint to keep your training on an upward slope of progression. I love the fact that Chris and Ami strike a perfect balance of not hovering over every rep you do but also are quietly watching your every move (they don't miss a beat!). Having been a Division I college athlete in my past, I'm prone to overdoing it when I'm left to my own devices. At Terra Nova, Chris and Ami will treat with you respect as an athlete and push you as far as you want to go, but also they provide the common sense and expertise to pull back the reins and help you focus on long term athletic excellence without letting you burn out. I initially came to Chris after having my second baby and in terrible athletic shape. Instead of being intimidated by some of the professional athletes and incredibly fit clientele, I was immediately welcomed and treated with equal respect by the trainers and athletes alike. There is an indescribable camaraderie in Chris's gym that I've never seen anywhere else. Literally in one room during the same 1 hour workout there will be moms, grandparents, and pro fighters working out together-all doing their own plan but all kicking butt at the same time. In a short span of four months, the program he built for me helped me progress from barely doing a basic sit-up to literally feeling the strongest I have since college sports. I spent between 2-3 hours per week with Chris and Ami doing the semi-private workouts (and some short workouts in between at home) and the results were staggering. It's not magic; it's just that Chris will write a program for you that is so specific and well-balanced that you simply come away from a workout having done exactly what your body needed-- nothing more, nothing less. Basically if you live in Pacifica and you bother to work out 3-4 times per week--you'll be doing yourself and your training a disservice if you don't go talk to Chris and see if the program would work into your schedule and training plan. Terra Nova is a total gem hiding at the back of Linda Mar Valley and it's some of the best training available anywhere to literally ANYONE. Go see Chris and Ami!! read more

Terra Nova Fitness and CoachChris Shah have totally changed the game for me. Early morning high energy boot camps and private sessions have put me back in the right direction. It's not just the workouts but Coach Chris takes the time to make it very personal for me. Nutrition talks, accountability help, and motivational cues are really what I needed. I feel like Terra Nova fitness is my safe place. It is where I can go to better myself in all aspects of my personal wellness. A wide range of ages, sizes, and fitness levels make it a very comfortable and welcoming environment and I am happy to be part of the family. Thank you TNF!! read more

I started working out with Chris at Terra Nova about a year ago. His workouts are great and he really tailored them to my lifestyle (surfing, hiking, etc...) In January I moved to Mexico and didn't want to stop doing his workouts! So, I had him write a list of the necessary equipment and I brought it with me. Now he writes me personalized workouts each month and includes video tutorials on the exercises as well. The only thing missing from my routine is his early morning enthusiasm. This place is really for everyone. If you're just trying to get in shape, then he can help with that. I personally came in in decent shape already but he really took it to the next level. Keeping in mind some nagging injuries that I had, he really was able to push me further than I would have done on my own in a gym. I can't say enough about this guy. read more

I have been at Terra Nova Fitness since Spring 2013. I wanted to begin my 4th decade in a manner that would increase my odds of a longer life. Over the past 2 years, I have: 1. gotten stronger 2. lost inches/weight/lowered my BMI 3. put exercise into my schedule as a non-negotiable 4. brought my A1C numbers down from 5.6 to 4.9 (in past 12 months) 5. recovered from a laparoscopic surgery efficiently. (One friend in the medical profession told me she could tell I had been working out based on how I looked 2 weeks following the surgery.) 6. increased my burpees from '5 modified on a step' to '4 sets of 10 on the ground'. 7. have become strong enough/toned enough to wear sleeveless shirts 8. have endurance unheard of in the past 12 years (before my kids came along) A few weeks ago, I had a mental break thru. Chris reads the best of the best (motivational) authors. He shares his findings with us at the gym each week and challenges us to apply the "best practices" to our lives. I am so proud of myself for internalizing the (messages) Chris shares and beginning a reversal of a lifetime of looking at challenges as dead ends or detours. Now I can look at challenges as things to embrace. read more

I started with TNF Nov 2016. I'm 78 and finally started feeling my age and decided to enroll in TNF at the recommendation of my chiropractor, Dr. Thomas, in Pacifica. I have lost several pounds if baby fat and feel great. I like the fact that there is someone always there to put me through the different exercises. They vary with each session so I don't get bored. Chris and the other instructors are very patient and encouraging during each session. No one kicks sand on me at the beach anymore. I recommend TNF wholeheartedly. read more

This is a smaller more personal type of fitness training, which if you commit to - will improve your performance in your chosen sport - or improve your health outlook if you have no chosen sport. Chris is knowledgeable about anatomy, sports injury, functional and strength training for people at all levels of fitness. Pro and amateur athletes employ his advice and training as do many "regular" folks at a wide range of ages and abilities who are just looking to improve their lives. He keeps up to date on the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field of expertise. I train with Ami at TNF, a woman who also takes fitness education seriously and is in lock step with Chris's training methods. read more