Sonoma Fit Novato — Attraction in Novato

As a registered nurse, the first thing I want do after a long shift is to get a workout in. Training has been essential to my physical and mental health. So, it was important for me to find a gym that I considered my home-away-from-home.

I have been both a platinum and gold member at Sonoma Fit Novato and have been going 4-5 times a week. Initially, I signed up to be a platinum member. Eventually I realized I was not participating in the classes at all and I found I wasn't using the 24/7 access as much as I thought. So, I "downgraded" my membership to Gold. At the time of writing this review, I have checked in 170 times so I can assure you my review carries a sense of accuracy.

The front desk staff is always friendly and welcoming - many even remember my name which I love (considering I am not the most social person).

As far as my review goes, it should be noted I only use the free weights and strength training equipment (not the classes).

Because the business is relatively new, all the equipment is in excellent condition. That being said, whenever there was an issue with equipment functioning properly, it was fixed very quickly. Personally, the longest I have seen a piece of equipment down for was about 24 hours.

There was also one occasion when I was a platinum member and the 24/7 access capability went down. I was waiting at the front door at 430AM for it to be fixed which I will admit was annoying. However, Sonoma Fit Novato fixed the issue promptly. That issue only happened once in the time I was a platinum member.

There are several power racks and two deadlift platforms with plenty of straight barbells and one trap bar. Also, there's two flat benches and at least 12 different adjustable and fixed benches/seats to use for free weights - it seems they are always adding more. In addition, there are a ton of custom dumbbells from 5lbs to 120lbs with more than adequate knurling on them. There are fixed weight, E-Z curl barbells ranging from probably 20lbs-110lbs (in 10lb increments). Multiple TVs are placed throughout the workout area (if that's your thing). One smith machine. At least a two dozen pieces of both Hoist and Atlantis (great quality) plate loaded and selectorized strength training machines. A large 8-stack multi-station with lat pull downs, seated rows, and various cable attachments. There is also an additional functional trainer (dual cable machine). I love the variety - I have tried them all out at least once.

They have reusable hand towels for wiping down machines and spray bottles with cleaning solution at each machine. I have noticed very good adherence from other members regarding cleaning their equipment when finished. I have personally never used the showers. But as a former fitness studio manager myself, I can vouch that the bathrooms are cleaned well and always stocked with the proper supplies.

For cardio, there are probably 5-6 treadmills, about 4 stair masters and 6-8 ellipticals. There are a couple of spin bikes in the general fitness area (they have spin classes with more bikes, too). Each piece of cardio equipment (aside from the spin bikes and stair masters) comes equipped with a built in TV.

Yes, the membership rate is certainly higher than other gyms in the area. However, I feel confident in saying that no other gym in Marin County has the same quantity or quality of equipment that Sonoma Fit Novato has. Also, just the general weight/strength training area alone is a massive space. Even during the busiest of hours it doesn't feel crowded as it could be at other gyms. With all of these factors in consideration, I find no issue with the current membership rate.

I can't comment on the classes, but if you are looking for a clean, friendly gym to frequent for general strength training, powerlifting, bodybuilding or cardio workouts, then I would highly recommend Sonoma Fit Novato. They are a great local business that I love supporting. If I ever move out of the area, I will surely...

Terrible customer service! If you wish to cancel your membership, they will direct you to a third-party vendor with an Arizona address and a call center in India (no joke). I am paid through the month but they require an additional month of payment before they will terminate your contract. Basically, extorting more money for a service, I wish to no longer receive. I originally wanted to cancel because morning class offerings continue to shrink, no staff are ever on site in the mornings. Facilities lack proper cleaning materials to wipe down equipment or clean up sweat. The urinal in the men's room has been out of order for a year or more. I could go on....I just wanted to cancel my membership and walk away but now I am wasting my time and energy battling over paying more for a service that I want to terminate. I cannot emphasize enough, DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS...

Sonoma fit Novato is an amazing gym. Let me tell you why. They have something for everybody. If you’re new to the gym environment there are many classes that are gauged for beginners but as you progress in your fitness journey the intensity of the classes they offer increase. A few of the classes they offer are Room X(HIT Class), sprint 8, TRX, Zumba, Bootcamp, Yoga and many others. Now let’s talk about the gym floor. The equipment is 100% top end. I use it all. There is a turf field that allows you to do sled pushes and pulls. An additional plus are the three Olympic lifting stations that most other gyms do not have. My advice is to go check it out. Oh yea…it also has 24/hr access by way of an app from your phone that unlocks the door...