Best kept secret in Chico. I really don't want to post this because I would love to keep it a secret, but the core is the best gym experience I've ever had and I want others to experience it. Don't wait, don't hum and haw, at least go try it out. Personal trainer-like experience Group-training accountability Focus on fundamentals first With the ability to grow, widen or specialize Versatile training styles from cardio and strength from body weight through bands, machines and free weights I really can't say enough. Steve and Zane and the rest of the trainers get to know you, your goals, how you work and figure out what to apply to make you successful and grow to your potential and beyond. And you know what, you miss a few days, no pressure, reset and get back at it. Need something extra, just ask. I also love the community they build around them with all the members, it's like "Cheers" but for a gym. Motivation, accountability, networking, connection to the broader community, sense of belonging....it's an unexpected benefit. Young and old, men and women, everyone's included and contributes. And for those looking for a pool, or tvs for endless cardio, I suggest you at least go try it. I think you'll find if anything it's complementary or where you'll migrate to. I initially missed my audio books and TV and Peloton but realized how much I was missing out on actually getting results. read more

This is my second time attending the Core. I had tried it out 18 years ago. I've been going now for a year and a half. There's definitely a difference between times. I am absolutely loving the programming! They combine strength, cardio and mobility work. I love the variety of exercises so I never get bored. My body feels great and is improving all the time. I love how they're focused on the overall person. They care about injury prevention and accommodating your individual needs. It's truly been an enjoyable fitness experience. They have multiple different workouts to choose from so you can find the right challenge for your body. The coaches are friendly and engaged. I'm really enjoying the format of the workout. There is no official class start time. Your workout begins when you arrive. This has been critical to my success. I've always struggled with being there at the exact same time. In other gyms, I'd show up late and miss the warm up or the strength and get less of a workout. Here I get my full workout whenever I arrive. I also enjoy the community of this gym. Everyone who works out here is very welcoming and friendly. There are definitely those who show up at consistent times. And if you show up at the same time as someone else you get to workout together. The great thing about the natural staggering of people working out is you never seem to have to wait for equipment. Bonus, if you're a pickball player, sports athlete or have strength goals, they will program specific workouts to help you reach your goals. I highly recommend this place. Give it a couple weeks and you'll really see the difference. read more

Love these guys! They have been a big help in motivating me. They make specialized and balanced workout regimens and if you are injured or need some kind of modification, they will personalize it. Steve is amazing and he watches and does the workouts with you even. This is not a gym for the typical gym rat. There are families that go here, older people, younger people, The Core caters to all body and lifestyle types. It is very comfortable, which I struggle with at gyms usually. The daily workouts here all cater to a different region of muscles, and all add up to a perfectly balanced body workout by the end of the week. I have met many friends here. These guys have helped me reach may goals. Thank you, Steve and Zayne! read more

Having just marked my fifth year at The Core, I'm overdue to tell the world about it. Before committing to The Core, I tried just about every gym in Chico- yep, probably yours. While I have great things to say about many of them, the feeling of family, support and overall physical strength and health just cannot be matched anywhere else in town. No one is too old, too young, too small, too (fill in the blank) to find a safe and friendly home at The Core. Come in and let us prove it to you! read more

This is the best gym in Chico. I've been going here for 8 years now and I've been able to consistently keep in good shape. The workouts aren't boring and the variety of equipment available makes for new challenges daily. You have to be willing to put in the work at this gym though. You shouldn't come here and hope to have your hand held and someone tell you everything you want to hear. This is a gym that will give you back what you decide to put in. The owner (Steve) did a great job all last year of putting in his time and money to make the gym safe during COVID-19. He purchased ventilation and sanitizing equipment to keep everyone feeling safe. It was nice to not have to miss any time working out during the pandemic. read more

You walk in and it feels different from all the other gyms. Friendly faces from members and a warm welcome from one of the many trainers there to help out. No matter your current fitness level or future fitness goals, they can get you what you need to make it happen. read more

Great insight with very carefully picked workouts. Helped me out tremendousl.

I was from out of town and researched a number of fitness centers within walking distance from my hotel. Always looking to support local businesses, I settled on the Core after checking out their website (which turns out is a bit misleading). The Core suggests a welcome environment- the first line describing their gym reads "Egos are unwelcome here". HA! After showing up by myself (we know going to a new workout solo can be a bit unnerving) I was [un]welcomed by Steven, who I assume is the owner, and who gives off very negative energy (and exudes quite an Ego). He didn't know anything about me, and before I could get a word in, he proceeded to first knock me on my physical appearance -what I was wearing- and then talk AT me, while his very small entourage laughed behind him. A solid display of so many things that are wrong with the "workout" mentality these days. It was bullying! Such a shame. He tried to get me to stay after saying he was just "joking" and stating "maybe you just can't take a joke" (again, he knows NOTHING about me), but there is no way I could support an establishment run by such a rude, thoughtless individual. I couldn't get out of there fast enough! I strongly discourage you from subjecting yourself to an experience at The Core. From what I saw, there are plenty of local alternatives in your area that are probably more welcoming and would undoubtably be less judgmental. As for Steven, I'm sorry you feel the need to act the way you did- maybe you were just having a bad day? Good luck! read more

I don't just hand out fives....This place and Steve the owner have earned it. To get a five star means you are different and has something creative that works. This place is for people who want to work hard and see change. You will not be impressed if you are looking for showers and swimming pools but if you want a gym filled with sweat and sarcasm among friends...come try the core family out, will see if we want you around ;) read more

Yes, it's true...The Core will challenge and reward you in ways that no other workout can. You don't have to be in shape to start at The Core, but after doing the workouts for a while, you will be. I'm close to 50, have been at The Core for about a year and am now in better condition (strength and cardio) than I've been in a long time. Also, as we progress through the workouts together, a sense of camaraderie builds among us "students" which helps us do our best and actually gets us looking forward to the next workout! Come on down for a free startup week...check it out! read more

Most thoughtful and thorough workouts I have done. Steven and Zane are great leaders, being compassionate when needed and hard-ass when warranted. They will help you attain your goals and make you stronger. They hold me accountable and make me want to work harder. Love the friends I have made there and look forward to working hard alongside other like-minded people. read more

Wow so I just called to get some prices and the guy I talked to was a complete ass. He was incredibly rude to me and basically told me he didn't want me there and didn't want me advertising for him. Unbelievable. Would never even think of going to this place. read more

Imagine never have to wonder what workout you're doing today. At the Core, you simply show up, look at the board, and quickly start your warm-up before the owner, Steve Williams, gets on you for slacking. Long faces usually greet the main menu of the day, as the workouts can be tremendously demanding for the uninitiated, but everyone leaves with a smile on their face and a serious sense of accomplishment. But that doesn't mean the The Core is just for hardcore fitness buffs and athletes. The Core is host to teenagers on up through people in at least their 60s, everyone's workout is modified or tailored to their abilities, and a trainer - usually the owner - is always watching you. There is no place to hide at The Core, and for that matter, there's no place to shower either; this place is for working out. Period. I'll admit that I worked at home with a private trainer for a year before discover The Core, but ANYONE can transition into their program. The clients at The Core go from super fit to super fat, and it doesn't matter, because we're all going to the same place, and - surprise of surprises - people actually accomplish their goals here. The Core is located in a business park off of Skyway (southern Chico if you will) and is in a 5000-6000 warehouse. The walls aren't painted, there is no fancy equipment, but what they do have, EVERYONE uses: Sandbags, kettle bells, barbells, rowing machines, dumbbells, and this large row of what appear to be industrial shelving cleverly converted into pull-up bars of all heights and diameters. If you've never done a real pull up, you will - eventually - at this gym While The Core may not look like the gym of your dreams, your dreams of fitness will finally come true at The Core. Hmmm, that was a little cheesy, but I like it; it stays! ;-) read more

Great workouts, and fast. Some of the most complete workouts I've ever done. If you go day after day he actually sets up the workouts so that you work out your soreness from the day before, of course only to replace it with different sore muscles. I used to go just about everyday, and when I did I was in the best shape of my life. Your workout time will shorten dramatically but you will see much better results. It's all circuit training but better circuits then you're running now. I always did circuit training workouts, or super sets, but this is another level and all put in perfect order. I wish I could go everyday... Which brings me to the only down side are the hours. MWF 530-6, T/Th 9-6 read more

Make sure to keep an eye on your credit card charges. I cancelled my membership months ago and am still getting charged each month. I've reached out to the owner but never get a response. I had to call my bank to block them so I wouldn't get another charge. read more

There are a few different types of gyms in Chico. Some tailor to the frat bros and sorority crowd with their treadmills outfitted with iphone docks and yoga classes. Others are more energizing like crossfit where you run in for an hour, scream, do exercises in quick succession and pull your groin doing an upside down pushup. The Core is based upon fundamental exercise physiology and taught by a certified kinesiologist. Each daily exercise regiment focuses on a muscle group and builds throughout the week to give you a complete workout. Focus in on proper form and technique, not racing the clock. Unlike most gyms, if you don't put in the work, he will respectfully request you continue your workout journey elsewhere. Everyone at the core is there to do their best, and Steve and crew are there to help you reach those goals. I highly recommend this gym if you are committed to getting in shape and need a friendly boost from their staff to keep you motivated. You won't regret it. read more

This place is so great. No nonsense, get in, get a great workout, and get on with the day. I've seen great results from just a few weeks. Five stars! read more

This gym is the best!! Quality workouts everyday. Would recommend this gym to anyone

All workouts are done in an hour and they will kick your ass. It never gets easy but it gets easier once you start going everyday... then you have to pull a ton of weights behind you in a bucket and you think you're going to die. In those moments you look around and there are people of all ages and sizes doing it. No matter how much you think it sucks there is a whole gym of people doing the same thing around you and it makes it a lot easier to accomplish. The best part of the gym is the people there. It doesn't matter how much you can lift, no one is there yelling at you to keep on going ... well maybe the owner Steve once in a while but sometimes you need it, everyone is just encouraging and we are all there to push ourselves and get in better shape. I would highly recommend this gym if you want to get in great all around shape, it's not just about building muscle but also having great cardio to. If you're injured Steve will give you a special workout to work around the injury. read more

The Core - Gyms Near Me - Chico, California

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The core is the best place to workout if you have goals you want to achieve. 5 stars with out a doubt

Best gym in town with toughest most balanced workouts. This place attracts a great group of people and is something for everyone regardless of where you are in your fitness journey. Best vibe, best workouts, best people, great great place. read more

I've been working out for almost 20 years and I have never found a better, more complete workout! I love this place and Steve does a great job of keeping everyone on point, engaged and motivated! It kicks my butt everyday...but the results keep me coming back! read more