j+k fitness studio — Local services in San Francisco

had the pleasure of training with both Griffin and Joe a few weeks ago - and I'm grateful to have had two different but equally butt-kicking experiences!

My first thoughts of the studio: modern, clean, and tastefully decorated (especially the outdoor wall of plants in the middle of the studio). Definitely appreciated coming into a calm space where I felt comfortable working out in (especially coming in from the hustle and bustle of 16th Street Mission). Plus I liked working with equipment I usually don't see in HIIT classes or gyms (AirBikes, ropes, sled pushes, etc).

I trained with Griffin first, and I appreciated that he welcomed me in at the front of the studio, especially since I didn't know my way around at first. What I liked the most about my session with Griffin was the way he communicated his innate knowledge about the human body/anatomy in relation to the kind of work we did that day (hips/legs). From beginning (good ol' foam rolling - which to this day I don't know why I don't do more often) to middle (assisted stretches and warm up movements incorporating yoga poses like frog pose) to end (more high intensity stuff) - I felt like I was being guided through a well thought out session that increased in intensity linearly and just made sense (as an aside, I liked the "appearance" of said yoga pose...well, because I have a yoga background!). Plus I liked that he was both personable and efficient facilitating our session. I was surprisingly sore the next few days, since the session itself wasn't as explicitly "high intensity" as some of the more cardio-intensive HIIT classes I'm accustomed to (and am usually huffing & puffing in) - but I was happily sore, since I felt like the work was more isolated and targeted muscles I usually neglect.

I trained with Joe a few days later (yes, while my lower body was still sore..) - and "luckily" my session with Joe was more upper body oriented (though my legs weren't totally on vacation - hello glute bridges with bands and sled pushes..). What I appreciated the most about my session with Joe is the knowledge I'll bring with me in future workouts: heavier weights doesn't always mean stronger/better, and movements in exercise are composite aka not just limited to arms but also work the abs, etc (just to borrow an example). Perhaps common knowledge to others, but I enjoyed experimenting with both light and heavy weights/less and more reps in a variety of (hard) movements (including ones I'd never done before) to work both strength and endurance...everywhere! Joe challenged me to think about how I might be able to see exercise as more than "ok, today I'll only do arms, tomorrow I'll do leg day, etc."

If you're looking for a personable, intelligently designed exercise program with people who know their stuff (and want to be enlightened too)...go to j+k. Plus you'll get to see the cool plant...

I have been training at J&K Studio for over an year now. The location is very convenient and easily accessible (in the same block as 16th street Bart/Muni stops). All the staff are really nice and have one common goal i.e., to make their client progress and reach their goal. Initially it feels like a very small place but trust me you won't feel the need for more as you start your workout. My goal was to gain overall core strength and gain lean muscle. Though I haven't gained much of lean muscle (partly because of my vegetarian diet), I am very impressed with how I have progressed in my core strength and overall fitness.

I have been working out mostly with Joe and sometimes with Andrew. Joe: The kind of energy, enthusiasm and interest that he shows in helping me achieve my goal is just simply encouraging. One very good quality of his I like the most is that he makes me do a specific exercise only after he has tried it himself and knows that it works. He is quick in assessing one's strengths and area of improvements and comesup with routines that takes me to a new improved self. He plans a wholesome routine which includes stretching, core, cardio, strength, power, endurance, etc.,. He explains the working and benefits of each exercise. He doesn't quit and won't let me either. Stresses on the form which helps me perform better without any injuries. Oh, I was dead scared about dead-lifts. Can you believe I can lift upto 200 lbs now? Amazing right? That was possible under the able training of Joe. Now, everytime I dead-lift, i break my previous record...haha. I couldn't have been more confident and happier! So much to write but I am sure this will suffice.

Andrew: I have worked out with Andrew a few times. His methods will test your endurance and overall core strength. Andrew's workout routines which he plans for me are wholesome. Always encouraging, pushing me to do my next best set, teaching me new stretches to recover from any tightness, very attentive etc.,. When I am working out with Andrew, he is completely dedicated and very attentive towards me which I really appreciate.

Bottomline, I would definitely recommend this place for anyone who want's to progress from wherever they are...

I have been working out with Jae for almost two years, and have been training with Griffin over the past few months as well. I’m 46 and in good shape, but I have had fairly chronic back pain off and on from an old injury that has required four back surgeries over the years, including a final spinal fusion at L4-L5 several years ago. My lower back and hips were still always tight, I would have consistent flare-ups of lower back pain, and I was seeing a chiropractor on a semi-regular basis.

I went to Jae’s studio with the goal of being able to work out consistently, build some muscle, and get better abs, all while taking care of my back. Jae focused on getting me set up with a great series of warmup/stretching/core exercises that I eventually started doing on my own at home before our sessions (and on off days). During our sessions he focuses on compound movement exercises that include a lot of join mobility/flexibility and accessory muscle groups to improve deep core strength and help prevent any back issues. He always keeps things interesting and different at our sessions with new exercises and stretches thrown in each time.

I will occasionally still tweak my lower back a bit by doing something I shouldn’t (moving something awkward and heavy, overdoing it on a run trying to sweat out a bit of a hangover), and Jae can pinpoint what’s going on and switch up our session in real time to focus on exercises that both stretch and work the muscles that need it, as well as spend a few minutes at the beginning or end of our session focusing on purely stretching if I need it.

Between the at-home warmup/stretching exercises he’s given me, plus my regular sessions at the studio, I completely stopped needing to see my chiropractor after a few months, and my back has been great.

I would HIGHLY recommend Jae’s studio to anyone, back problems or not. Jae and his other trainers work very closely together with clients, and whether I’m training with Jae or Griffin they know my full history, as well as what the other has focused on with me in prior sessions, and tailor things appropriately. And I have abs at 46 while still drinking a little too much wine from...