Aside from hiking or bicycling the steep slopes traversing Dogpatch, Potrero Hill, and South-of-Market, there’s a plethora of more structured ways in the area to get fit. Residents and visitors to Southside neighborhoods can choose from upwards of 50 gyms, studios, and structured outdoor play to pump iron, dance, stretch, or spin.
Fitness SF SoMa, at 1001 Brannan Street, spans an entire city block, and features high ceilings, an open floor plan and natural light. Opened in 1997, the gymnasium spans more than 26,000 square feet, housing in excess of a hundred pieces of cardio equipment, free weights, and exercise machines. The more than 50 fitness classes offered weekly include Zumba, Spin, and yoga. Lately, Yelpers have been raving about Gina’s Total Body Challenge class – a mix of total body resistance training using a variety of equipment combined with mild to intense cardio – saying it’s motivates them to get to the gym.
Monthly membership fees range from $69.95 to $89.95, depending on the initial enrollment payment. Members have access to all six Fitness SF gyms, group classes, free parking at three locations, towel service, and EO body products. A daily drop-in rate of $25 is offered; with a member, it’s $20.
At SF Iron, on 545 Folsom Street, barbells are the exercise tool of choice. Patrons train with an experienced coach, who designs a custom program to match with fitness goals. The gym’s motto is “strength for everyone.” According to one Yelper, “The crowd at SF Iron is diverse. You will find all ages, genders, shapes, and sizes there and everyone is supportive of one another. Anyone interested in becoming the strongest version of themselves will feel right at home.”
Clients start with an introductory package that consists of three, one-hour sessions for $225. Fees then vary depending on how often a person trains, and if they engage in private, semi-private, or small group sessions. A drop-in rate of $20 is available on Saturdays, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and weekdays, typically from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fitness for the Heart, at 49 Townsend, offers a holistic program that includes exercise, therapeutic massage, diet, and lifestyle coaching. In a single 50 minute session clients are counseled on nutrition – meals, cooking advice – lifestyle – tips to achieve work/life balance – a tailored exercise program – which is videotaped for reference – and integrated sports massage therapy to address specific muscles used in the session. Workouts offered include Pilates, foam rolling and flexibility, weightlifting, boot camp exercises, cardio drills, core conditioning, martial arts, breathing practices, smiling, and stress reduction. Pricing ranges from $25 to $200, depending on whether the session is with a group or one-on-one. Payment must be made in advance; an assessment questionnaire is emailed prior to the first session.
World Gym, located at 290 De Haro Street, has been around for more than a quarter century, and recently completed a renovation. The gym features rows and rows of cardio equipment, Olympic platforms, and a new group fitness area. Amenities include a cafe/smoothie bar, chiropractic care, and tanning. One Yelper said, “World is rarely that crowded, even at peak hours. This gym is somehow underappreciated. I love it that no matter when I want to work out, it’s never uncomfortably crowded and I never wait.”
World Gym offers two month-to-month packages: a $199.95 enrollment fee and $59.95 per month; and $99.95 to enroll, $69.95 monthly. Annual memberships cost $749. The drop-in rate is $20.
DIAKADI Body, on 290 Division Street, has been consistently ranked by the San Francisco Chronicle and SFGate as one of the City’s best gyms, with superlative trainers. The gym provides physical therapist-level insights with a personal trainer orientation, according to its website. In addition to personal training, the facility offers yoga, Pilates, physical therapy, and bodywork. One Yelper said, “My workouts are now the highlights of my days, where I not only strengthen my body but also my mind. For the first time I have muscle definition and feel super confident in a bikini!!”
A six-month access pass is $162, paid in advance and nonrefundable. A yearly access pass is $300, also paid upfront and nonrefundable. The drop-in rate is $15; a monthly recurring access pass is $29.
Barry’s Bootcamp, located on 236 King Street, delivers hour-long workouts that include 25 to 30 minutes of interval cardiovascular treadmill routines and 25 to 30 minutes of strength training, using free weights, resistance bands, medicine balls, and other equipment. Instructors, muscle groups, and workout segments vary throughout the week. “Barry’s is perfectly challenging, has current and upbeat music – reminds me of a club sometimes – has enthusiastic trainers, high-tech lockers, and even has its own smoothie bar for after you work out. Towels, hair ties, and ear plugs are provided,” one reviewer said.
The Silver monthly membership goes for $450, and allows for attendance at up to 40 classes during a 30-day period. The Silver weekly membership, at $175, gives access to eight classes during a seven-day period. Drop-ins pay $27 for their first visit; otherwise it’s $32 per class.
Other gyms in Dogpatch and Potrero Hill include 3rd Street Boxing Gym, Centered Body Pilates, Giggling Lotus Yoga, and Heart of Akido SF.
