Innovative Strength & Conditioning — Local services in Sacramento

This review took many months for me to decide to post. I like the trainers & never want to hurt someone's livelihood, but I believe in accountability. Many people wouldn't want the judgment from writing a poor review of charasmatic, well-liked guys but I don't want them to continue to take advantage of people so this is straight up.

First, I gave them 2 stars for Toraino & Austin being really good trainers & likeable people. Other than that, this place is very poorly run. The workouts were great & if you are a young attorney like most of their clients & money isn't a concern, it'll probably be great for you.

Here's my story...I met Austin at a community meeting where he was doing some PR for the gym. I asked him if they had any fitness/agility classes for kids. He said they did & I should bring my son in to talk. He talked us into an introductory month for $70 or $80. They didn't end up having any classes for kids so I cancelled my membership, rather than jump to their usual rate somewhere above $150 just for me.

A few weeks later they asked if I wanted to do a team challenge. It sounded like fun & it was $160 for 6 weeks with a chance to win $600. It was fun but it was an absolute unorganized mess. Rules were not predefined so we had no idea how we were being scored for the competition. The guys kept making up rules throughout the contest, contradicting themselves & each other. It was chaotic. They might as well have drawn the winning team out of a hat.

During this contest Austin told me they would be starting up a kids class on Mondays and Wednesdays for $100/month. I signed my son up & he loved it. I decided to continue after the contest for $160 for both my son & I (Austin looked at it as my son getting to work out for free). Then two weeks after we started this arrangement, a few hours before class, Austin texted me that he was cancelling the kids class effective immediately. I texted him back that I wanted to cancel our membership because the main reason I was doing it was for my son & I'd never pay over $100 for myself. He said I needed to email the gym to cancel & said they had some 2 week policy for it to take effect (ironic how they can cancel classes with hours notice but clients have to provide 2 weeks). In my email I suggested they do the right thing & refund me at least half my $160.

I never heard anything back from my email so I texted Austin a week or so later to make sure it was received. He said it was & that my membership was frozen until I decide to come back. With the lack of organization, commitment, & integrity I've seen from this place, I don't think I'll...

I wish I could emphasize just how incredible this gym truly is. I’ve been a member at other strength and conditioning and CrossFit gyms, and while I loved them, this place is special. The community here is beautiful. You won’t find a more supportive and welcoming group of people who genuinely care about and cheer each other on in fitness and in life. You will always leave a little more joyful than when you walked in. Going to class has been such a highlight of my day and a protected part of my routine. I know for some, strength training can be intimidating, but I promise, this space is really for EVERYONE. Experienced athlete? Yep. Novice? Yep. Younger? Yep. Older? Yep. Injured? In good health? Yep and yep. The programming is so intentional and everything is tailored and scaled to each person’s goals. The coaches really get to know you, and for someone like me who loves fitness, but is coming in with a lot of limitations and injuries, I can’t tell you how meaningful it is to have coaches who know how to push me AND keep my body safe. Coach T truly cares about lifelong fitness and creates programming designed to build lasting strength. He is incredibly skilled at what he does, and I’ve never worked with a coach more knowledgeable or experienced in my fitness journey. Coach Dom, the afternoon strength coach, is such an incredibly knowledgable lifting coach and is always attentive to each member. He’s always moving around, checking in, and helping members with form in a way that feels supportive, not intimidating. On top of that, he’s simply a wonderful person to be around—thoughtful, approachable, and welcoming. Coach Tracy, the afternoon conditioning coach is one of the most upbeat, positive, joy-filled people you will meet. She will simultaneously kick your butt and make you laugh while doing it. It’s impossible not to feel part of the fitness family while taking one of her classes.

Overall, if you’re looking for a place to start or continue your fitness journey that will welcome you exactly where you are, this...

I feel so lucky to have found this gym and Coach T years ago. I have never gone to a gym/group training that gave me noticeable results time after time - and STILL does 10+ years later! I’ve stuck with this place for so so many reason… The coaches know what they are doing and are so helpful and make the environment so welcoming and comfortable. One of the coolest things about this place is the knowledge and thoughtfulness they put into the workout programs. It’s not just a place where they’re putting a “hard workout” on the board to make a class sweat and you’re done. Each day - each month - each section of the workout - is designed with progress in mind and is intentional. They explain to you why you’re doing it and what is the goal. And then you see the results in the mirror and in your abilities. This is the fastest I have been able to run and the most I have been able to lift ever while looking the way I want. It’s so cool to see these results and start to get excited about hitting your next PR! And the gym celebrates this for each individual - like they really care and you feel like you and your progress truly matters for them. They also prioritize taking care of your body through stretching, mobility, etc which is unique and so needed. I can go on and on about how amazing this place is but go check it out yourself and see your body and strength change! It might look intimidating at first but trust me, after you attend your first class and meet the people, you will feel at ease. This is the first time I actually look forward to going to a workout class knowing it’s gonna kick my butt because I know I will improve in some way after. And of course, the people! The folks here are so friendly and supportive. I have made some great friends at this place. Check it out...