FITNESS SF - Fillmore — Local services in San Francisco

UPDATE: I am changing my review to four stars. Although the manager did not get back to me until I posted a 1 star review on both Google and Yelp, they have explained the situation and remediations/training for the employee who was dealing with me. Thanks!

-- Unfortunately, I had a very bad experience with one of the employees who was working there. When I first signed up for this establishment, it was very great. I was able to talk with one of the managers over there who agreed to let me leave my longboard in one of the offices since there's no space. I made sure to clear this up before signing a contract with them because this was critical as I used my longboard for travel.

What ended up happening is for several months, around four months, I calmly followed this procedure putting my longboard in the manager's office. Then all that changed when a new hire was made. Her name is Selena, and she is not fit for any customer facing roles. What happened next was an extreme sequence of disrespect.

I was in a rush and needed to use the gym just to shower. I went in like any other day, yet I had the extreme misfortune of having Selena as my greeter. As I got to scan in, she says, "Where are you putting that?". And I say, in the manager's office. She then tell me to wait so she can confirm within the fitness group chat to see if I'm allowed to do this. Now confirming itself really isn't that big of a problem. Maybe she wants to be very cautious that no one is breaching the office, or this was an odd request. Fair enough. Me and the manager who I signed with (Kevin Williams) had a handshake deal that I would be allowed to store my longboard in the manager's office which I've been doing for several months. I honestly do wish that she'd just let me put it in as usual, but that's okay. I took this as a favor from Kevin and an effort to make my experience better, which is why I loved this gym.

After this happened I told her I was in a big rush and she told me to wait by these couches. I asked her if there was an estimated time of when she can let me know and she said "no." I felt like I was a cattle who was forced to stay in some area and not allowed to know when I would be able to enter the gym or when i would be able to leave even though i am paying member. She then got on the phone and after waiting about five minutes (keep in mind I'm in a crazy rush) I go and ask her and she just puts a finger up and does not let me talk.

These are just actions I can describe on a review. If you viewed her face, demeanor, I thought I was talking to my worst enemy, someone who seemed like they hated me.

Have you ever faced a business where you really need something, and you are facing bureaucrat who seems like they hate their job, hates you, and has no interest in solving their problem? Yes, these are the types of experiences I imagine to have at the DMV, but not FitnessSF. What an embarrassment!

Given I could sense Selena had zero interest in solving my problem, and that I was being held like a cattle in the waiting area, my next goal was to find an adult who could help me instead. I am a business owner myself, and this is no way to treat customers.

Luckily, FitnessSF has some ability to hire some decent people, because I talked with one of the trainers and the managers. Guess what?

She solved the whole problem with three steps Listened to what I needed ("I need to go in and take a shower, where can I keep my board") Proposed a speedy solution ("Got you. Why don't you keep it in lost and found for now - we can help verify where to keep it later)." Went on my way This whole interaction was about 15 seconds, while the one with the nincompoop took 10 minutes of "I'm on the phone, don't talk to me", "wait over here", and "I said I'm busy".

It's sad how one bad apple can ruin the experience of...

Management is completely rude and money-thirsty. I called to re-activate my account that was canceled over two years ago. I was told over the phone that booking a lane for lap swimming was easier and that between 1pm and 3pm swimming for an hour was not going to be an issue, he even said “I guarantee” since I have some issues with my back I was advised by my doctor to swim. I explained over the phone that I was not interested neither able to do anything but lap pool.

But when I actually showed up to swim, after they charged my card with first and last month (I wasn’t even told that they were going to charge me for last month which is a higher fee than first month for some unknown reason) the reality was completely different. They don’t offer online or phone reservations for the pool. You must show up and and is just for half hour. The pool is indoor and not windows are open so I’m not sure they are in compliance with covid-19 protocols.

I immediately felt off, I did 20 minutes of swimming and I left. I went to Crunch Yerba Buena two days latter and they have outdoor pool with the ability to reserve a lane over the phone 24 hours ahead or same day for ONE hour. Membership is cheaper, you can change in the bathroom and they provide swimming robes so you don’t walk around in your swimming suit, etc. I called Fitness SF to cancel since they really are not offering what I was told. Their general manager Mr. Kevin Williams took the call after a long wait and told me from the start of the call that they don’t refund memberships after five days. I got upset since I did not sign any contract, they did not email me the terms and conditions (the fine print) and it was 8 days that have passed and only one visit after my card was charged.

I emailed the VP Mr. Don Dickerson, condemning such predatory practices and rude treatment and the response was a personal attack. I have never been treated so poorly in my life. I’m taking the time to write this in the hopes that others don’t have to go through this. Like other reviews here warned they are going to rip you off and treat you badly if you dare to...

The Fitness SF, Fillmore branch is my favorite gym in the city. The reason why is partly because of the gym features but mostly because of the people and the sense of community there.

The gym itself is modern, clean, and has all the equipment I need, including a pool, sauna and hot tub! There are many weekly classes available, and the gym's hours are reasonable. The trainers, however, are top-notch! They are always friendly, welcoming, and helpful. I've worked with Juancho, Rodrigo, and others there. They are all great!

Juancho teaches and trains TRX classes and one-on-one training sessions. His focus is core and full-body movement. After a couple classes with him, I am toned in a way that I cannot get to on my own -- he really pushes me to the next, well, next few levels. It's hard work but totally pays off. He's really good at catering a session to your needs and level. He also listens very well to me which I appreciate.

Rodrigo is much more focused on strength, and specific and particular areas of your body that needs a boost. I've worked with him on a couple one-on-one training sessions and thought he was a great trainer. Like Juancho, he also pushed me to new limits. He has a very encouraging attitude which I find helpful and he's given me good tips that have been very useful.

Both of these guys are so positive and upbeat, it's great to work with them. I would like to work with them more. I would recommend them to anyone looking to strengthen and tone. I'd also recommend just about any trainer at the Fitness SF, Fillmore branch. It's a good place train and a...