If you are one of the many of us, trying to get back into shape after Covid, Truve Fit should be…read moreyour first stop. A key factor of whether you will stick with an exercise program is the having a frictionless environment. Truve has validated parking at the Hive so you do not have to be driving around in circles trying to figure out where you can park safely and get into the class on time. When you walk in through the front doors, the vibe is very chill so you do not feel anxious walking into class. Most importantly, the other people working in the gym are extremely supportive and will become your community quickly. Having all these things in place makes a fitness routine so much easier to establish. There are even free community classes if that's how you prefer to give this place a try. The instructors are excellent. Classes are capped at 10 for general fitness classes, and three for Pilates. As a result, their instructors can give you abundant corrections and attention so you avoid injuries and develop great form. If you are worried that you don't know how to use a Pilates Reformer, you can hire a private trainer for three classes to learn the ropes like I did. This is the premier gym in Oakland for rehabilitation from injuries. I am a 7 year cancer survivor who has had numerous surgeries. Each time, I've had to fight back to regain my health, strength and flexibility. My last surgery was major, set me back the farthest, and happened during the height of the pandemic; recovery felt close to impossible until I walked through these doors. Not only have I converted fat into muscle, lost weight, gotten so much stronger and gained so much range of motion over 5 months, but I can keep trying new things like TRX Bootcamp that turned out to be fun. Truve's got a wide range of things you can try to keep from being bored. Also, you can go buy fresh baked bread and pastries at Firebrand Artisan Bakery next store or empanadas at Javi's Empanadas caddy corner after you finish your workout. Truve's location is fabulous.

As a (very introverted) beginner, I was apprehensive about starting to workout in a gym. Alison has…read morecreated a really welcoming and supportive environment, with a friendly and attentive coaching style that keeps me motivated. I was insecure about exercising at home in between sessions due to lack of space, equipment, time and know-how, but she's gone above and beyond to make me realize how approachable and adaptable fitness can be, with the help of her app. She even kindly gifted my partner and I a set of resistance bands when we mentioned wanting to try to do more at home -no more excuses!

20 years in restaurants and kitchens has left my body pretty creaky and beat up. With the long…read morehours and confined work space, I was starting to get a sense of urgency around my physical health. I knew that the only way to keep working on my feet was to get stronger -- but I had no idea where to start. Being an extreme introvert with limited executive function, just showing up to a gym or public fitness classes on my own volition didn't feel like an option. Thankfully my partner and I were introduced to Alison. With Alison's guidance we've been getting stronger and more confident in our work and daily activities. Consistent weekly appointments help me stay on track with my goals and give me a sense of accountability that I just can't impose on myself. She makes sure we never do the same workout twice which keeps things interesting and never boring. I've never felt stronger or more comfortable in my body. My joints feel lighter and my back is straighter. Working with Alison has been game-changing!

Cannot recommend Alison enough. As someone who spends long days on my feet and does a lot of…read morerepetitive movements and heavy lifting as part of my work, I was always in pain. I feared I'd make things worse by trying to work out with no knowledge of how to approach exercising correctly. And, the motivation to go to a random, not-always-welcoming gym on my own simply wasn't there. Seeing all the great reviews of Alison and Truve, I approached Alison with my concerns, thinking she'd direct my partner and I to a group class or different trainer, but amazingly she agreed to work with us. We are so grateful for how she's made time to train us from scratch, and barely 4 months in, we already feel a huge improvement in our daily lives. Alison not only makes working out approachable, she manages to make it fun and practical.

It's been 8 weeks since I stated at Nu Fitness, but it's long enough to give Nick, his trainers and…read morethe facility a positive review. I spent a few days looking for a personal trainer close to work. After some searches on the Internet and Yelp reviews, I started reading reviews about Nu Fitness and Nick. After some positive reviews, I filled out the form and emailed him. I noted my fitness journey to this point in life and briefly explained what I wanted to accomplish going forward. I found myself in a terrible routine, work 12 hours, then heading to the local breweries for a few beers and dinner. Needless to say this didn't bode well for my wellbeing. Looking back over the years, I had gained control of health in my mid-30s, where I lost 40+ pound, gained strength and started running. Running led me to a period in my life that saw me conquer a few 50-mile races. An achievement I never thought I would attempt, hell I never thought I would run 5 miles. Life changed. Priorities changed and slowly I saw everything I had worked hard for slowly slip away. Now age 55, life wasn't getting any easier. I knew I was not very active. I also knew that my daily routine was not one for success. I decided I needed to help make a change in my life, but more importantly to make that change permanent. Previously I joined 24 Hour Fitness (never again) but found too many excuses NOT to go. Sound familiar? Searching Yelp for personal trainers, I ran down a local list in the Oakland/Alameda area. Reading profiles and reviews, checking website, I ran across a trainer, Nick Baltazar. It felt right. I emailed Nick with my story and filled out the form on the Nu Fitness website. It wasn't even a day and I had a response from Nick and we were talking about my fitness journey, where I had been and what I wanted to achieve. He was willing to work with my schedule to get three days of training. After a day of communication with Nick, he connected me with Wyatt. I met Wyatt at Nu Fitness, located at 2345 Broadway, parking in The Hive. Yes, they have easy parking and validation while you are at your session. This makes getting in and out quick and easy. I was highly impressed with the facility, the way Nick had spoke about it, I knew I would be. The work out areas were clean and profession, a small reception area, all Rogue power racks and weights, with room for everyone to work on their fitness goals. Wyatt Berreman, my personal trainer worked with me, after provided basic information from Nick on what I wanted to accomplish. He created a plan specifically for me, tracking my journey, weights and reps for each session. It's been just about 2 months, but its been reestablishing a workout routine. I have a sense of accomplishment, even through I don't see it in the mirror...yet. It will happen. Wyatt has been a wealth of knowledge and has helped create a plan for me to gain strength, balance and flexibility. But also work within my limitations due to previous surgeries on my knee and shoulder. I am very impressed with Nu Fitness, Nick, Wyatt and what they have to offer in the way of personal training. I would highly recommend giving Nick a chance to show you want they can do to help create a fitness plan for your to achieve your goals.

Nick is so great! Very focused on my goals and I've made a ton of progress -- I started having…read morenever done any weightlifting and now I'm deadlifting much more than my own weight and feeling stronger than I've ever felt. Nick has worked with me through a bunch of different injuries I got (outside the gym!) to help my recovery as well. I couldn't ask for a better partner to help me with my fitness and strength!

Love it here and I love all the coaches and community. Coach Lorraine is the most dedicated coach…read morein the world!

Tried a strength class Monday and a Cardio HIIT class Tuesday. Both were awesome!! I appreciated…read morethe staff and the fact that there were 2 coaches in both classes (not sure if that's typical). All 4 were great! Street parking, try to come a little earlier. PS I hate cardio, but they really made it bearable so I may come back just for the cardio HIIT classes!!

This is truly a Pilates Oasis!!!! I have been doing reformer Pilates on and off for 10 years and…read moredespite this being an intro class, I FEEL THE BURN AND IT FEELS SO GOOD! The vibes in this studio are immaculate and I'm very appreciate that Nati spent the time to explain everything because I brought my mom for an intro reformer class and she loved it! Parking is easy, it's on the street! You need a code to get into the area, but once you have the code it's easy. Really excited for this spot, I love the thought and care that went into the studio design as well as the quality of the equipment!

The Oasis is a new-ish pilates studio in Oakland. Opened in February…read more Plenty of street parking available and after you register, an email reminder is sent with instructions to find The Oasis. Studio is beautiful and aesthetic, yet functional. Loved the Reformer + Strength class that I tried. I've done both separately before, but it was refreshing to have them combined. For the strength training, you can customize by picking the dumbbells/kettlebells weight. Not intimidating at all, even for first timers! Nati is the best - she truly forms a community at the studio. Several regulars that are all friendly! :)

see my old reviews? back in 2012and 2014??? well since then there's been lots of life: kids and…read moreaging parents and working and and and... AND now I'm back, 10 years later. still flipping tires, still pushing sleds and lifting heavy. Vibe is as friendly as ever. Coaching continues to be excellent quality. Still no posturing or ego to be found. Just a great a$$ kicking workout no matter your age or fitness level.

I have been coming to this gym for years and it is my favorite part of the day, especially after a…read morestressful workday. With the coaches help, I've lost over 40 pounds of fat in the span of a year and gained muscle mass. Urban Fitness emphasizes using free weights, focusing on form and technique before lifting heavy. You'll find that while you're able to squat heavy on machines, poor posture and bad habits from not bracing your core does little in the real world. The style of training can be transferred to every day chores from carrying bags of groceries up the stairs in one trip, to lifting your fridge while remodeling your kitchen. I never realized how little I could lift on my own without machines involved. The workouts are class based and has a coach demonstrating each set and correcting form. As intimidating as a class workout sounds, the community and friendship bond you will find in class are unmatched. It's really easy to make friends, especially if you're someone working from home and need a change of pace, this is a good place to go. The people I've met here became my family. We go on snowboarding trips and run spartan races together. It's not CrossFit and all levels are welcomed. The highly trained staff can provide all different levels of workouts whether you're new, looking for a challenge, or injured. There's something for everyone.

I was just starting to get into Sweat classes before this pesky pandemic hit. Speaking of hit, my…read moregirlfriend and I have really come to love the HIIT classes sweat offers. We have now become regulars to their zoom offerings and while not the same as in person, having become familiar with Anya and Ashley, they are both very good about calling us out on adjustments to our form or slacking off. What I like most about these classes is that they always offer an option with some at home equipment if you have it (bands, weights, chairs, balls, etc) or alternative options if you don't have these things. I personally prefer full-body days but I also enjoy showing up to class not knowing what to expect. That element of surprise keeps you on your toes. This is probably more of a thing for classpass users as they don't say what the theme is for each class. Thanks Sweat for keeping me somewhat active during this crazy time.

Lots of classes offered in the day or evening, weekend, and weekdays. Small groups of 8max. Circuit…read moreexercise with bicycles, rowing, or ladder for you to choose from. Weights provided. Environment: lots of room to workout. High ceilings and open windows allow lots of fresh air to enter space.

I love this gym and the people that work there. Gary is the perfect blend of professional and…read morepersonable. I was able to see real results and gained a lot of strength. Do yourself a favor and check out this gym!

I was invited to God's Gym for leg day and immediately upon my arrival I meet Gary. Gary's whole…read moreenergy field was bright and uplifting and I knew that I was in great hands. Picture this- a gym where it feels like the 1980's in the best way. No pretense , no " lifestyle branding" just you, your gymmates , and Gary pumping iron. I felt like I was back in the gym with my dad when I was a kiddo. I loved being part of the camaraderie- everyone cheering you on to see you succeed and Gary counting your reps and motivating you to crush it. Although it was only a half hour session I began to question what I was actually accomplishing at my home gym. At God's gym people weren't scrolling their phones- they were present and they were putting in the work.

I spent the better part of 9 months with Cindy and only ended things because I moved and I couldn't…read moretake her with me! The hour with Cindy was always more than I expected. She pushed me beyond my perceived limits, gave tough love in the way I needed, made small adjustments that made significant changes to my form, and educated me on the fundamentals of strength training (I've met trainers that could not do this!). As someone who works in healthcare/medicine and has scientific understanding of the human body, this was extremely huge to me as I don't believe in doing things for the sake of doing them. I appreciated that the trainer-trainee relationship we have had also evolved into a friendship as it is rare to have that. The only regret I have is not starting training with her sooner than when I did :)

I have worked with Cindy over the past two years and can't say enough about how great she's been…read more When I first saw her, I was dealing with sciatic pain and looking to return to strength training after being away from it for a few years. I am now pain free and stronger than I've ever been. She is great at identifying and addressing your specific needs, teaching you how to lift safely, and helping you get the most out of every workout. If you want to see results, she'll deliver.

This is my review for Tucker at Powerform! I've been working with Tucker now for nearly 3 months…read more He came on recommendation from 2 of my friends and I've now referred another of my best friends to him as well, and so glad we're all getting trained by him. From day one, he's been engaged, incredibly enthusiastic and clearly loves what he does. I appreciate his energy and creative approaches to agility, flexibility and strength exercises. He's attuned to form and adjusts weight accordingly based on what he sees in you... and he's a fantastic communicator. I have definitely left each session feeling accomplished and having learned something new!

I started my time at Powerform after having my second daughter in April 2023. As someone who has…read moretypically engaged in Pilates, the idea of weightlifting was intriguing but intimidating. Max, the owner, was quick to respond to my online inquiry and was able to set me up with two trainers- Mikkie and John. He took time to chat with me about my goals. Shout out to Max for his excellent communication and thought processes for connecting you with particular trainers. John - within seconds, I immediately felt comfortable with John. He always lays out the groundwork for you so you know what to expect. His warmups always get me motivated for what's to come. I love that he is so encouraging and always keeps me on my counts during reps. John is extremely personable, and I truly enjoy our conversations. Mikkie- she has refined my squat game like no other and has pushed me to lift more than I ever expected to. She pushes me in the best way and always gives me opportunities to excel. I truly enjoy her style of training. As a mother of two young children, working out at Powerform has been transformative, to say the least. This has been my time out of the day for myself both mentally and physically. After many years of aimless workouts, I finally feel like I know how to spend my time to get the results I want. I feel stronger than ever, and that is thanks to the wonderful staff at Powerform. Highly recommend!