Bay Strength

Fantastic experience: I mean, the 5-star reviews say it all. Bay Strength is a special place, and strength training here is always one of the highlights of my day. I started with the Learn to Lift class, and Bay Strength has this magic that actually made me look forward to going to the gym. It really speaks to how the coaching team has cultivated a truly inclusive environment, as well as an overall positive and vibrant atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been coming to Bay Strength for almost a year and a half now and this has been the best decision I’ve made for so many reasons! I was a new runner back in 2022 training for my first marathon, and soon felt that my knees and ankles were giving away due to the hills. I decided to try weight training to build strength and prevent injuries. Weight lifting sounded intimidating in my head but it became a very interesting exercise after taking Katherine’s learn to lift class. She is not only welcoming and supportive, but also demystified how lifting works by visualizing the mechanism of the body - which is exactly my learning type. The inclusive environment at Bay Strength and the community here really helped me get out of the shelter-in-place lows. The coaches are very knowledgeable and supportive. It’s easy for people to start going to a gym, but it’s hard to keep going back consistently. I’m glad Bay Strength exists to make continuing lifting a very easy activity to keep going!

Fantastic experience: This is not a big chain gym with a bunch of machines. You work with a coach and follow a guided program to gradually build strength, just doing a few different exercises each workout. You will notice results in just a few sessions. Shout-out to Alexis, Katherine, Jeremy, and Haley, this is a great way to build fitness!

Fantastic experience: I've been coming here for about 10 months or so, and I just wish I had started sooner. The coaches ensure you lift correctly, and they program your workouts to match your goals and pace. They are always friendly and professional, and they've cultivated a welcoming, loose vibe that makes me look forward to my sessions. Thanks Gwen, Jeremey and the whole staff!

Fantastic experience: It’ll change yer life. Hang with lovely people at all skill levels, get professional coaching catered to your specific goals, and get strong. Bonus karaoke here n there.

Fantastic experience: Really grateful I ended up at Bay Strength!! Super comfortable space to be in as a queer/gender queer person. It's a supportive environment with dedicated yet empathetic coaches. Safety is also a high priority - they make sure folks are lifting correctly so as not to get injured. The doors and windows have been open all year, so it feels like a place with good airflow, given Covid concerns.

Fantastic experience: Bad broey gym vibes begone! This place is your answer for guided strength training that isn't cross fit or wallet busting 1 on 1 training. I've gotten way stronger while making friends in this trans/queer/femme welcoming environment.

Fantastic experience: Best gym experience, I look forward to it at the end of my workday. The atmosphere is always welcoming and coaches are more than happy to answer any questions. Having a reserved space during training sessions is a game changer. Powerlifting has contributed meaningful improvements to my quality of living.

Fantastic experience: Bay Strength is the best! Super welcoming. I joined with zero background barbell training, and I felt at home and supported every step of the way. Coaches really listen to each individual. I enjoy my time there and feel confident my body is getting stronger and more resilient each week.

Fantastic experience: Bay Strength is the best! It’s all about strength, pure iron. No pointless ellipticals or complicated fancy machines. It’s not a meathead place though. I have seen 80 year old grandmothers lifting next to a guy doing a 605 lb deadlift and they both feel at home at Bay Strength. The coaches are super welcoming and absolutely know their stuff. It really is a community where you can’t help but make friends. After workout Korean BBQ is a staple of the Wednesday night crew. I’ve been coming here for 2.5 years and plan to be here for 25 more. Whether you are a dedicated power lifter going for a 335 bench or a casual gym goer just looking to get a little bit swole, this is a spot you can call home.

Fantastic experience: I just started coming to Bay Strength at the end of March/beginning of April! While it’s not my first experience weightlifting per se it’s my first experience weightlifting consistently (2x/week). I have found all the staff and patrons to be supportive, encouraging, and warm to eachother. While I technically only have one coach (Hi Gwyn ily!), all the regulars who come to class/have reserve gym at the same time as me all help track and encourage my progress. Definitely agree with other reviews on the lack of fatphobic diet and/or bro culture while still offering the option for nutritional counseling separately. It is such a welcome relief and it’s helpful that what metrics the gym is focused on are ones around strength, independence/confidence, and technical skill. In a nutshell I would describe it as a place that is totally regular and totally extraordinary at the same time.

Fantastic experience: I recently joined Bay Strength after finishing my physical therapy for an ACL reconstruction. While my rehab had gone well, I still needed a plan to build strength. The instructors are exceptional. Everyone I've worked with has been incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and friendly. I love that I'm learning a entirely new way of moving my body and building global strength in a warm and welcoming community. I couldn't be more impressed with my experience.

Fantastic experience: Bay Strength is a supportive and open gym that’s been a great place for me to learn how to lift. I appreciate the community and the dedicated rack space!

Fantastic experience: I have been lifting at Bay Strength little over a year, and one of my favorite things about the gym is how the coaches ask what your goals are and update and adjust the individualized workout plans according to what you would like to focus on. The coaches and lifters at the gym are very friendly and supportive of each other. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn how to lift!

Fantastic experience: Aging is inevitable, weakness is not! I highly recommend weight training as a way to stay healthy at any age. And Bay Strength is a great place to learn how to do it. I belonged to another gym for years doing random machines and never seemed to improve. I decided to try free weights and got a trainer but that gym had only one squat rack and was a bit intimidating. During COVID we started a home gym but I decided I needed a coach so I tried the Learn to Lift program and joined a class at Bay Strength. I have learned a huge amount and improved significantly! The gym is very inclusive and friendly. The coaches are all well trained and work at trying to give feedback in a way that helps. They are also very good at adapting the workouts if you have an injury or other limitation. Although you sign up for a "class" the program is individual to your needs and you get one on one feedback from the coach. It is also a fun community as you get to know the others in your class and they have fun activities such as a mock powerlifting competition and a karaoke party. Check it out!

Fantastic experience: I love this gym. It is welcoming to queer folks, women, and people of any size and shape. The atmosphere is fun and the coaches are knowledgeable. It's accessible to beginners and experienced lifters of any age and ability. No pretense, no bro-y-ness (if that's a word), and plenty of space for folks to be themselves and meet their goals. I've been going for about 9 months and feel stronger and also much more comfortable around lifting equipment.

Fantastic experience: True to its name Bay Strength focuses on strength training, so lots of weights and squat racks but no treadmills. Extremely friendly coaches who focus on making sure you're training safely, and the overall vibe is relaxed and friendly. Great place to train.

Fantastic experience: I've had recurring back pain for over a decade that would regularly have me on the floor in pain, and wearing a back brace to do simple household chores. I'd always wanted to try weight lifting to see if strengthening my back would help, but I was nervous that I'd somehow hurt it more. Just a few weeks ago, a year after joining Bay Strength, I found my back brace lying at the back of my closet, and realized I haven't had to reach for it in a year. I now have these two impenetrable rods of muscle in my back that were never there before, and I haven't had that severe back pain since. Bay Strength is a godsend, particularly for someone who's never lifted before — the friendly trainers teach you the lifts and correct form, they provide your workout regimen (with your input), and they're always there to support you if you are feeling trepidatious, feeling a tinge of pain, or have questions about anything. As an incredible bonus, the space is very welcoming, very queer, and they just attract a great community of people. Thank you Bay Streeength ✨✨

Fantastic experience: We come to this place… for magic. We come to Bay Strength to laugh, to cry, to lift, to care. Because we need that, all of us, that indescribable feeling we get when the bar begin to load. And we go somewhere we've never been before; not just working out, but somehow reborn. Together.

Fantastic experience: Bay Strength is a clean, friendly, supportive gym! I was new to weight lifting and the "Learn to Lift" course plus coaching were incredibly helpful to making me feel safe and comfortable with the exercises and equipment. The community of lifters and coaches is amazing and I'm so happy to have found Bay Strength!

Fantastic experience: When I first moved to the area a few years ago, I was tentatively excited when I saw that there was a promising-looking weightlifting gym so close to my new place. A couple hundred visits later (but who's counting?) I am happy to report that Bay Strength is by far the most supportive and inclusive environment I could imagine for anyone looking to lift for the first time, or just trying to escape the weird vibes & preening egos that so often suffuse big commercial gyms. All of the coaches are friendly and expert at tailoring their guidance to your goals and experience level. Notably too, all of the gym's co-owners are also coaches, and the pride they take in what they've built is evident, as is the care they take to maintain the gym's low-key, welcoming culture. They are also just very real; there's no pressured upselling or complicated membership tiers -- they truly just want to work with you individually or in small groups to help you get stronger. You can lift heavy things at other places, sure, but your chances of both enjoying it and sticking with it are way higher at Bay Strength than anywhere else I can think of.

Fantastic experience: I love this place so much! As someone who has always been intimidated by weight rooms at most gyms, I immediately felt at ease and welcome at Bay Strength. The coaches teach you and correct your form in a positive way that is so encouraging, you never feel self conscious. They'll help you with alternative exercises or modifications if you ever need it. It's also so nice to not have to plan out your workouts, since the coaches lay everything out for you. They make it easy so that you can just go in and have fun while working at your own pace. The absolute best part of this gym is the people. I've made so many friends and we're always laughing and chatting and being silly. We cheer each other on, celebrate PRs, and crack jokes between sets. It's a true community, and I always feel so uplifted every time I'm here. Joining Bay Strength was the best decision I've made in a really long time, and I'm so grateful to be a part of this beautiful place.

Fantastic experience: I have been lifting at BayStrength for six years. Before that I hadn’t been in a gym since I was 18. The coaches are knowledgeable and create a custom workout to meet the needs of each individual lifter. I have learned so much about my muscle groups through their advice. Working with a coach makes it so much easier to train safely, effectively and consistently. They have created a supportive atmosphere that has had a positive effect on all of us. We may be at different levels but we all share the desire to increase our strength. I am 70 years old and a proud senior weightlifter!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Bay Strength for a year and a half and it’s my favorite gym of all time. So welcoming, kind, and goofy ! The coaches are very supportive and knowledgeable, and the gym has very inclusive policies and clear list of a lifters rights and responsibilities (see picture). The people taking classes here are all ages, identities, shapes, and sizes. The learn to lift class also makes it way less intimidating to get started. If you can’t tell, I really cannot recommend this place enough! ❤️

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to this gym for 3 years, and can’t recommend it enough. I started while rehabbing a chronic back injury, which made even emptying the dishwasher a struggle for me — now I can lift 1.5 times my body weight, and carry my injured soccer teammates to their cars. Being strong is really useful, y’all! I’ve worked long term with both Kelly and Katherine (thank you you’re the best!!), but all the coaches at this gym are amazing so just do whatever works with your schedule. They’ll meet you wherever you are in your strength journey and help you set and surpass your goals.

Fantastic experience: I know this seems sappy but this place has honestly changed my life. I’ve never been into gyms or regular fitness. I’m a big boy and not at all about that cross fit, no-pain no-gain, toxic masculinity motivation. This place is all about dedicated, gradual self improvement, however an individual person might define it. The trainers are all really supportive and fun to work with. I’ve gained strength and increased my own personal fitness by a huge degree and a big part was finding the right place to fit my vibe. I highly, highly recommend this place.

Fantastic experience: I've been lifting here for a couple years now, and it's great. I came back after some time off from injury and the coaches helped craft an on ramp back to getting strong again. It's a great, inclusive place to spend some time lifting heavy.

Fantastic experience: I've been a member at Bay Strength for a little over a year, and I would recommend it to anyone. Having access to your own rack, weights, and personalized programming is 10x better than walking around big box gyms aimlessly, waiting for equipment. This small gym feels like a community and I love the emphasis on food/body positivity.

Fantastic experience: I consider my twice a week membership at Bay Strength one of my best life decisions. I’m in my early 50’s and joined Bay Strength about two years ago to help me maintain muscle mass and fight my family history of osteoporosis. Not only have I been able to GAIN muscle and lift things I never thought possible but I’m now a member of a wonderfully supportive lifting community. Bay Strength not only has EXCELLENT coaches who tailor exercises to your needs and abilities but also community peers who are supportive, fun, and respectful. I have gained so much in strength and confidence, and I now consider Bay Strength my “third place” and regularly proselytize to others about the benefits of membership. Bay Strength for the win!!!

Fantastic experience: I have been with Bay Strength for under a year, and it has been my haven in the chaos of everyday life! I came in after having several injuries in the past, and the program and coaches have helped me lift safely and get back on my fitness journey. The coaches go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels supported and valued in the community, and I've felt a sense of community from the coaches and members alike. It truly has been something I have not been able to find in any other gym.

Fantastic experience: I came here as a new lifter with a background in endurance sports. I always knew that I needed to lift in order to advance in my other sports but I felt intimidated by going to a gym and just lift. I didn’t know anything about lifting technique, workout programming, or even how to setup the equipment. But then I found Bay Strength, I scheduled my learn to lift sessions and I was hooked. But the learning doesn’t stop there, on every regular session my coach was next to me making sure I understood the exercise, I did the proper technique and that I didn’t injure myself. They also take care of the programming and of keeping the gym bro vibes out of this place. It’s a special place where I feel welcomed and supported. It’s been a bit over a year since I joined and I’ve won first place in a couple of races, turns out lifting works very well . They have coached me through good times and injury times always keeping my wellbeing first. Huge shoutout to all the team at bay strength but specially to my coach, Kelly. She goes the extra mile to keep my multi sport needs in mind and has taught me a ton! From posture changes to mindset ones she has provided a fundamental part in my fitness journey and I’m very grateful for that. Join us folks! Get stronger!

Fantastic experience: I've been a Bay Strength member for about a year, coming in 3x/ week to build strength and stamina and keep myself as mobile as possible as I get older. I was seeking a gym that was inclusive, welcoming, and free of diet culture B.S. I have absolutely found that in Bay Strength. I am able to work out at an incredibly well-equipped gym, with a great community, and fantastic coaches. No one's out here telling me I can't be a fat person working out if I don't want to lose weight. I'm free to focus on my goals, without having to dodge someone trying to convince me to join a weight loss challenge or buy some diet supplements. We need more spaces like this where people can focus on being stronger, and I'm glad Bay Strength is among those leading the way.

Fantastic experience: Best gym I’ve ever been to! Great coaches, great people. It’s a very relaxed environment and has good equipment.

Fantastic experience: Hands down best gym experience I could imagine. I went from total novice to deadlifting and squatting over 300lb thanks to the programming, encouragement, and community at Bay Strength. It's amazing to find such a wonderfully positive space to get strong. I can show up as myself whether I'm exhausted or overexcited. I don't ever need to worry about uncomfortable "burn off the calories" language. And I can do all that while showing up as a queer woman in an warm & diverse community.

Fantastic experience: The absolute best place for brand new lifters - after the Learn to Lift class and a few months of group training with Eli I felt so confident in my lifts! A great investment, and all of the trainers are such lovely and knowledgeable people. They teach you how to be self sufficient, but there is always a trainer around in case you have quick questions on form/safety.

Fantastic experience: Literally feel less self-conscious at the gym than I do at home. Super inclusive and respectful. Wonderful community and staff.

Fantastic experience: Best gym and extremely supportive (: I’m now addicted to weightlifting due to Bay Strength and look forward to my upcoming works outs!

Fantastic experience: I had a Barbell Training session with Jeremy Tully at Bay Strength and I have to say: Jeremy is awesome. He was was thorough, knowledgeable and patient. He gave me specific advice tailored to my body's dimensions and made invaluable corrections to my form. I truly appreciate Jeremy's guidance and now consider him a mentor in my weightlifting journey.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym! Great trainers and a very welcoming environment.

Fantastic experience: Increased my deadlift by 200lbs in 1 1/12 years! I love this gym; everyone is nice, equipment is good and available, and the coaches are great. I have been coming to Bay Strength for about 1 1/2 years working with Giacomo Pizzo. I’ve come a long way since when I first started. When I started, I had very limiting lower back pain. I’d recently received a less than ideal medical diagnosis about the injury. I worried I was fated to follow the path of invasive surgery and opioids to manage the pain like I’d seen happen to people close to me. After some physical therapy and further research, I felt the next step to my recovery should be making strength training center stage. I’d never done much powerlifting before. Katherine Bickford did my Learn to Lift sessions and reassured me I was doing the right thing, even though my lower back didn’t feel great in the beginning. She helped me find my entry points to training, which was at a very low weight- luckily Bay Strength makes any entry point accessible as they have plenty of 15lb bars. When I started in May 2021, deadlifting 35 lbs caused aches for a couple days; same with squatting 35 lbs. This past week, I was able to deadlift 235 lbs and squat 200 with no pain. Throughout the process, Giacomo Pizzo wrote my programming and patiently showed me how to do everything. He is so kind, good natured, knowledgeable, and plays great music :). When I had a couple set backs, he reassured me and helped me dial down the weight to keep going. Consistency and discipline with methodically tracking and increasing or decreasing the weight week to week paid off (also paying attention to protein intake and supplementing with creatine). I can’t thank Giacomo, Katherine, and Bay Strength enough - getting my health back is priceless. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and excited to keep going.

Fantastic experience: Want to feel good in your body? How about carry your groceries from the car in one trip? Or just feel the sleeves of your shirt tighten around your growing arms? Or maybe you’re just needing slight adjustments in your technique. Lifting can be intimidating (for many reasons), but Katherine and the Bay Strength team make it really accessible! Feeling like you can show up comfortably in your body and give it the exercise it needs matters. Training in an inclusive space matters, and Baystrength and its coaches intentionally curate a comfortable environment for you to be fully there so that you can get the most out of your training. In designing a training program for you, Katherine and the Team invite you to contribute, whether you know exactly what you need or have no idea what an RPE or safety is. If you join one of the morning classes (especially the 6am class), Katherine makes it extra enjoyable, lighthearted, and totally worth waking up before the sun rises! In fact, she and the 6am classmates even make it worth crossing the Bay Bridge from San Francisco! I trained with Katherine for about 13 months, and then moved much further from the gym. While I’m unable to attend in person anymore, Katherine offers programming and support to help me continue with my goals. You deserve to feel good in your body (and to carry your clothes or laundry in one trip), and Katherine and Baystrength might just be what you need to support you on your way.

Fantastic experience: All the coaches are extremely knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: Great staff. Super friendly and scientific in their approach.

Fantastic experience: Excellent instruction

Fantastic experience: All the coaches are extremely knowledgeable, inclusive, and fun. A truly welcoming community for strength training. My strength had significantly improved since I began training here last year, and in the funnest way possible!

Fantastic experience: Super great space, very welcoming and not intimidating They've gone above and beyond with Covid safety

Fantastic experience: Just joined and did the Learn to Lift package. Worked with Kelly and had a wonderful experience! Even then people that were there for the morning 6am class are very pleasant. I was intimidated because I'm a novice so I thought I'd be out of my depth, but everyone is so supportive and happy to see you! Also making really nice conversation with you as well! I can't wait to start taking classes!

Fantastic experience: I lift here. Small, individual attention, monthly classes and great coaches!

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym! Very beginner friendly. You can come for a learn to lift lesson to figure out if this is something you like. After that you can enroll in group classes of 5-6 people and you get your own program and coaching. You’ll absolutely get results if you come here.

Fantastic experience: Jeremy took great care to make learning to lift accessible for me—a middle-aged, first-timer. His positivity and extreme knowledgeability were so helpful. The gym was full of people who were simply there to try their best, and the atmosphere was supportive and genial, yet focused. I truly look forward to going back.

Fantastic experience: Bay Strength is an inclusive space that is run by excellent coaches. When I first expressed interest in joining I received a response within a day and got paired with a coach to start my first two one-on-one sessions. The classes are small in size, the space is open, and the other members are encouraging and accepting. I am so pleased with my experience here.

Fantastic experience: I signed up to learn the lifts: squats, press, bench and the deadlift. Gwyn taught me more than the lifts, I also learned about programing, equipment and nutrition in my two sessions. Gwyn is very professional and a great coach.

Fantastic experience: Bay Strength is a friendly, inclusive, and positive atmosphere. I had a great time taking the "Learn to Lift" training session with Gwyn. It was a big task, but they helped me undo all of the bad habits I'd learned on Youtube. I'll be back next week for another session!

Fantastic experience: I had to sessions with Gwyn in the 'Learn to Lift' program. It was extremely productive! Gwyn was very quick to identify strengths and weaknesses in my technique and helped me fit everything to my personal needs. Would absolutely recommend anyone who is serious about getting stronger!

Fantastic experience: Bay Strength is one of the two places in Bay Area that are trained into coaching the "Starting Strength" method. They are very good at that and with the huge added plus that this comes with none of the machismo that seems to be common judging from the books and forums. Would not repeat here, search for yourself. My assigned coach was Gwen who was wonderful. We had two sessions during which she walked me through theory, nutrition, workouts design (progressions, what to do) and then lots of hands on advice about form for back squat, press/bench press, and deadlift. In particular I thought I was a lost cause with respect to back squats due to my lack of flexibility but surprisingly she guided me through some stretching routines that allowed me to get in the right position. While doing the sessions I noticed that the overall environment (other coaches and people there) was friendly and supportive. These are great coaches helping normal people getting strong. I recommend them wholeheartedly!

Fantastic experience: Learn to Lift program with Jeremy is highly recommended. Technique, nutrition, and training schedule are all covered in detail.

Fantastic experience: I went to Jeremy for two Learn to Lift sessions and had a great experience all around. He's super patient and knowledgable, and takes a lot of time to explain all the basic lifts and answer questions. He also has a really keen eye for adjusting your form and really takes your personal needs and goals into account. Plus, he's just a super nice guy to spend a few hours learning from. And you might get to meet his cute dog!