Gymnazo — Local services in San Luis Obispo

My first two "try before you buy" sessions last year were really fantastic. I knew Gymnazo was a high quality facility, but I didn't really have much of an idea of what to expect my first time (except the obvious bits: exercise in a group setting with a trainer). I was totally operating on my wife's descriptions of her experiences. Walking in the door that first time, I felt immediately welcomed by the staff, not only with their smiles, positivity, and enthusiasm, but also by the fact that they knew my name before I even had the chance to introduce myself. That, quite honestly, blew me away. And the first session? It was fantastic. To be honest though, I wasn't sure it's what I really wanted to do (over, or even as a supplement to my personal workout routine). But I decided I would definitely do the second session. My experience was exactly the same. After both sessions, I walked out feeling I had been given a great experience: a workout totally appropriate to my level of fitness (challenging but not overly so), the coaches consistently motivated, encouraged, and praised the work every participant was doing, and they never stopped paying attention to each person's posture, technique, and form. Both sessions ended up being something I had never experienced before, at any workout facility, anywhere. Gymnazo is truly a one-of-a-kind facility, operated by the most professional, well-informed, positive folks I've come across in the exercise industry. Yes, exercise professionals often present as positive and enthusiastic and passionate. And yes, they want to you to exercise well and reap the benefits. But the coaches and staff at Gymnazo are a totally different caliber of exercise professional. Their interest and passion for the health and well-being of clients, their obvious attention to everything (from the big picture to the little details), and their commitment to professional development through continuing education, makes them truly stand out. And then there's the way they create community. It's a truly special place.

For all those reasons, I decided to join. Sure, I love the fact that I can schedule a workout type and level that fits in with how I'm feeling on a given day, show up, be greeted by name, and be given clear and continued instruction, guidance, encouragement on each exercise. But what I really love is the fact that all that is accompanied by the qualities of the staff I noted earlier. They clearly want and know how to help me reach my fitness goals. You leave after each workout in so many ways better than when you walked in. I can tell that that will never change. Gymnazo is worth your...

Gymnazo has completely changed my idea of health, fitness, and well being. I have always been active and a self motivated person. I was a soccer player and a "cardio junkie". I had ZERO experience in strength training. It was easy for me to go for a run or play soccer. I tried Gymnazo in October 2008 and was hooked the first time I tried it. I am a very busy mom of 3 young daughters and my husband and I each own our own businesses. Our time is limited and we want to be intentional about the time we have and maximize our time. Gymnazo allows us to get an incredible, functional workout with knowledgable, passionate coaches in a perfect coaching session of 1 hour. I know when I walk through those doors I am using my time wisely and getting a workout that you really can't put a price on. I should also mention in the course of almost 5 years of Gymnazo I have had two ACL replacement surgeries and a meniscus repair. On the same knee. This was due to two injuries; July 2009 and then again in January 2012, both playing soccer. Honestly, had I not had the strength training and coaching from Michael Hughes I do not know where I would be today. The fact that I can run, exercise, hike, and surf without pain is amazing. Although I have given up soccer; I feel I get the "team sport" feeling with Gymnazo. Gymnazo's members are welcoming, kind, and encouraging. We always have fun, push ourselves, and keep coming back for more. I invite you to give Gymnazo a try. It might be just what you need to find joy...

Gymnazo is unlike any other gym I have been to. Despite it being in a large warehouse space, it is welcoming when you enter. Everything is set up for you and it's a nice change of pace to show up and have all the exercises sorted and just jump right into it. The small intimate class sizes are great- you feel like a little family struggling together- everyone knows everyone and more importantly their world's friendliest trainers take the time to know you by name the moment you join. They also ensure they take into account any injuries you have-- switching an exercise up in the blink of an eye to cater to your need. More outstanding is their movement philosophy that I think all trainers should instill- fascial release and muscle movement to, in a way, reprogram your muscles to avoid being dormant slabs and increasing your range of motion. Everyone is so darn nice and even on your first day- people know who you are. It's not the all-you-can do gym with swimming and racket ball courts, etc, but its smaller groups of directed exercises (that are never the same) and trainer feedback that can help educate you on the best ways to move and cross-train outside of the gym. Plus they have two free weeks at the beginning of January so you can try all the classes to see if it's for you. I would never have chosen to go to Gymnazo without that option, and I am jazzed I have found a non-traditional gym in SLO. It's been a really cool way to also see a wide cross-section of folk I would not have...