r/AskSF • u/DimAcetylation • 3d ago

Gym recommendations (yes, at the most cliche time of year possible)

I'm thinking of joining a new gym. So I'd be one of those annoying new year's people lol. Even a pricey gym could actually save money, and definitely save time, compared to my current workout habits spread across multiple small studios. My interests are lifting weights, group classes (especially yoga), and cardio, in that order.

I'm most drawn to Equinox for a couple of reasons: their group classes seem good, their locations are convenient for me, and I like the idea of a national chain where I could visit other locations when traveling. I'm not married to the idea though and am open to other gym recommendations if there's a downtown location, ideally near Montogomery or Powell BART.

If you're currently an Equinox member, or you go somewhere else and love it, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Specifically I'm curious about:

  • Sports Club: worth the extra cost? I'm going to visit here to look around anyway. I'd probably mostly go here, Pine St, and Van Mission.
  • If you're a woman who enjoys lifting, how's the vibe where you go? Do you find the equipment suitable and do you run into a lot of bro-ey behavior?
  • If you take (especially hot) yoga classes at your gym, do they scratch that itch for you or do you still also go to a yoga studio?
8 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

3

u/KaleWithBenefits 3d ago

If you’re open to CrossFit-style strength and conditioning group workout, try Flagship FiDi. CrossFit gyms in SF tend to be quite inclusive to all genders. These guys are good on that aspect. https://www.trainflagship.com/

1

u/DimAcetylation 2d ago

Thanks! I haven't tried crossfit but it looks like a fun workout.

3

u/Pfohlol 2d ago

FitnessSF

2

u/hicam92 3d ago

Hi! I go to Equinox and I really like it. I have all access (i.e., I don’t have access to sport clubs and/or destination). I usually go to Beale and Van Mission. I also go to Pine St whenever I want to go to the pool / a swimming class.

I’m a woman and I weight lift twice per week and I always find the equipment that I want. I haven’t run into any annoying behavior. Everyone has been very respectful, and into their own thing.

I’m not very into yoga but I occasionally take some yoga classes. There are a few yoga instructors that I really like and some that I don’t really click with.

I do really like having access to clubs when traveling. Most of the cities I travel to in the US have gyms so that’s working out very well for me.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

1

u/DimAcetylation 2d ago

Good to know! I've heard Van Mission is the most crowded location, has that been your experience? Any problems getting into classes?

2

u/hicam92 2d ago

I haven’t had any issues with getting into classes at all. I’m pretty good about booking in advance, particularly the classes that I know are popular. But my experience is that a few classes get fully booked in SF (vs. NYC where more classes get fully booked).

Van Mission does get more crowded than other locations, particularly at certain hours. I think 5pm - 7pm is probably their busiest time of the day during weekdays. But even when it’s most crowded I feel like I can do my routine without much inconvenience. Sometimes I do wait for a couple of machines while I do something else, but it’s never been a lot of time

1

u/nullkomodo 1d ago

Find a Muay Thai gym - you get fit and you learn a skill. Way more intellectually interesting than lifting metal up and down repeatedly until you get tired.