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Koi Fitness
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Trainers, Gyms [Edit]
Golden Gate ParkSan Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 317-6565
- New customers only.
- Promotion lasts for 1 year from date of purchase. After that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid, less any value you may have received. Not valid with other certificates or offers. Only 1 certificate(s) can be purchased for own use. Up to 3 can be purchased as gifts for others. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.
Deals Left 25
- Reg. Price $355
- Discount 30%
- Savings $105
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 6 am - 7 am
Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 7 am - 8 am
Mon, Wed 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sat 9 am - 10 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
M. G. said: "I have been training with George for over 10 months and I can recommend him very highly. The work outs are tailored to my goals and do not get boring ; as I am not one of those persons who likes working out, this is important. He is…" read more »
32 reviews for Koi Fitness
32 reviews in English
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Review from Vanessa C.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2011
I signed up for Koi a year ago. My intention was to do one session, become acquainted with the exercises, get use to getting up at the crack of dawn and do it on my own after that......
Well clearly that didn't happen. I never expected to find what I did in Koi. It gave me everything that I wanted in terms of the workouts. Motivation, knowledgeable instruction, challenge and support. I thought I was in decent shape when I started, but have come to find that I can get so much better. Koi allows you to push yourself where you want and to ease off where you need. The thing that I did not expect to find was such an amazing support system. Not only are the trainers awesome, but the people who I workout next to everyday have become some of my closest friends. I am not a morning person, and I actually look forward to getting up at 5:30 and running around in the dark. Everyday of the week has a different focus. Mondays are running days, Tuesdays are sprint days, Thursdays are hills and Fridays are strength. There is no room to get bored or for your body to become accustomed to the same thing because it is constantly changing. It's been a year and I still go home sore from the workouts. I waffled over the price in the beginning, and now it seems like a no brainer. Best thing I have ever spent my money on. -
Review from Queenie C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/7/2011
Three years later - still a happy camper and my ass is still rockin'! So funny that I'm writing an update today because I just checked my stats and the date of my first Koi assessment ever was 4/7/2008. Serendipity!
Hmm, now let's take a look... In my time of being a Koi fish, my cardio capacity has improved from very poor to excellent, flexibility has gone from superior to, well, superior (What can I say? I'm just very bendy), body fat has decreased about 7%, lost around 30 pounds, and went from size 12 to 4. Horrah! ::throws confetti:: These are results that have surpassed all of the expectations that I had when I first started this program. More importantly, Koi has helped me adopt a mindset and lifestyle for healthy living that will stay with me.
The fact is that your community is vital to your success when making any type of lifestyle change. Koi Fitness provides a super friendly and supportive environment with a group of knowledgeable trainers who can help you meet your goals and fellow campers who will encourage you through. I have made some good friends, gained a great level of self-confidence and peace with my body, and accomplished things that I never would've even imagined myself doing three years ago! Yeah, I know that I'm starting to sound like an infomercial but, honestly, if you put in the effort, Koi WILL deliver to you results. Word!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/18/2008
I've tried to write a review about 10 times now but each time I got lured away from my keyboard...… Read more »
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Review from Shree R.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2011
These guys rock!! I meant to try the boot camp thing just once b/c I had always been curious and it was a gag in my household. Now, here I am, 3 sessions in! I've never been a morning person, but now I actually look forward to getting up early and getting a workout in b/c they make it fun. And the views...the views...simply amazing. Sunrise overlooking the Tea Gardens? Yes! Me thinks so!
All the trainers are SooO nice, accommodating, and funny too! Don't let those folks fool you into thinking you're gonna be dealing with some military style drill sergeant routine. There's no yelling that goes on here; just encouragement and motivation. Also, they have different levels based off your fitness level and you can adjust as you go along. Your teammates don't laugh at you either when you can't drop and do 50. This is actually one of the most non-intimidating environments I've worked out in (other than my living room)...wayyy more so than a gym. ;) One note I will add is that they're not joking on their website when they talk about how cardio based the program is. You do mainly running with a bit of strength worked in.
Lastly, I have to give them a shout out just based off their business practices. I appreciate the flexibility and understanding they demonstrate. They get that everyone has busy lives and that things come up. They will work with you to develop a workout sched that fits your needs and are very timely in their responses. -
Review from Rj G.
Los Angeles, CA
5/26/2011
I trained with Koi in 2005-2006 before becoming a certified (NSCA) trainer myself. What I can attest to is that Stevan and their staff know what they are doing and know how to do it responsibly. Their programs are well designed and implemented.
Myself, I went from being 205lbs when I started down to a trim 168lbs. I stuck with them for over a year and the results were unquestionable. Their programs are fun and challenging. Not only that, they motivate you to continue training and that is what has allowed me to keep the weight off and become a trainer myself.
Once I become a trainer I realized how special Koi's programs are. Always specific and tailored to the client, Koi gets results with minimal injury. I only left Koi as I moved to Los Angeles and I miss them. Working out in Golden Gate Park is special, especially at 6:00am! Not to worry for you late risers, they also train in the evenings.
I've worked for many gyms (boot camps, sport specific programs, corporate gyms) and can say Koi Fitness is really special. They care about you, get results, and are the best program I've been associated with in my 5 years now as a client and a trainer. -
Review from David G.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2011
I can't believe that I never wrote this review?! I have been doing the Koi Fitness bootcamp program in Golden Gate Park for 6 years (almost) continuously. Back in 2005, I ran out of excuses not to exercise when my wife discovered Koi. We both took the plunge and within 6 weeks saw real, visible results and we were hooked. The program reintroduced me to my once athletic self and truly transformed my life.
I'll tell you that getting up at 5:30am most mornings to go run around in the park in the dark can be tough, but it is well worth it. -
Review from Michelle N.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2011
Oh Koi Fitness, how I miss you. I wish I could transport myself back to SF from 6-7AM just for you. I moved to Miami exactly one week ago for grad school, but was with Koi since May 2009 year round. The trainers are phenomenal. They all know what they're doing. They're nice, personable, and always ask if there are any injuries they should know about (then they modify the exercises for you). You get your ass kicked everyday but in a good way :)
The people you meet through Koi are amazing. They're fun to work out with, and they push you to work harder since you're in a group environment. I have met some of my really good friends through Koi.
Also, Koi hosts 1-2 social events every month. They're always super fun, and you get to see what everyone looks like not in workout gear! -
Review from Beth J.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2011
I did one session of Koi fitness prior to my wedding last year. I temporarily modified my work schedule since I work early in the morning and had a conflict, but the six week session was definitely worth it! I gave them a try first with the one week free trial.
I have always been a very self motivated runner, but have trouble adding strength training, stretching, etc. to my workout consistently. Koi fitness does an amazing job of working out the entire body, and I saw results right away. My abs, arms, and shoulders were more toned than I have ever experienced in my life.
Each morning is designed with a different focus, and they always change things up and keep each workout dynamic and interesting. I love being outdoors and in a beautiful city like this, who would want to be stuck inside a gym?
The trainers and support staff are all super nice and it's not just a workout group. These people actually like each other! The Saturday workout was always followed by a group breakfast on the patio at Angelina's in the Richmond and they also plan frequent social events.
I highly recommend if you can fit it into your schedule. It's not easy work, but if you put in the time you will DEFINITELY see results! -
Review from Josephine H.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2010
Six weeks later, I am 4 lbs lighter with a smaller waist.
It's fun, it's dirty, it's freaking early, and it's worth the money -- although not cheap. It's more expensive than a gym membership, but you'll get more results. I've done it all - spinning, training with a trainer, yogabootyballet, kickboxing, running and hot yoga but I personally feel that this is definitely worth the money and really, really, really fun.
The team of trainers are spectacular and the workouts are varied. Each day has a focus -- energy, endurance, strength and um...pain? You're categorized into groups according to your capabilities, so don't worry about not being able to keep up. If I can do it, anyone can.
It's a no-nonsense plan, but it's not magic. YOU have to get up at 6AM and workout, YOU have to make your food log and report it, YOU have to make the effort. The trainers are kind and do not yell, but they manage to motivate and encourage. A lot has to be said about the team you work out with as well, because the comraderie is fantastic.
If only I could get the benefits of Koi Fitness baked into a delicious carrot cake.....yum..... -
Review from Amit S.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2009
DATE: September 2005
WEIGHT: 205 lbs
1.5 MILE RUN TIME: Run?! GASP! WHEEZ! 16 mins
SITUPS (in 60 seconds): 45
GROUP: Beginner
DATE: June 2006
WEIGHT: 185 lbs
1.5 MILE RUN TIME: 13 mins
SITUPS (in 60 seconds): 60
GROUP: Intermediate
DATE: August 2007
WEIGHT: 172 lbs
1.5 MILE RUN TIME: 10:33 mins
SITUPS (in 60 seconds): 98
GROUP: Advanced
DATE: September 2008
WEIGHT: 169 lbs
1.5 MILE RUN TIME: 9:35 mins
SITUPS (in 60 seconds): 95 (OK! I got "distracted" by cute guy)
GROUP: Advanced
For my 100th review, I decided to write about a group that has been close to my heart and they were the original "bootcamp" conceptualizers - Koi Fitness. I first showed up at 6AM that September Monday in 2005, in Sketcher shoes (ugh!), shorts that were wrong for running, a t-shirt that was soo tight (it looked hot then!) and the most nervous attitude to my health.
Today, I'm running my 3rd marathon, I'm as flexible as a contortionist, I'm a long distance trail runner, an avid biker, an avid swimmer, hardcore yoga fanatic, big hiker, I don't hesitate from describing myself as an outdoors kind of guy, into kayaking and anything physical. Don't get me wrong... I still love a juicy burger, garlic fries, beer, wine, pecan pie, turkey and pop tarts! It's all about balance.
I have the trainers as well as all my compadres I have trained with over the years to thank, for where I am, both physically and mentally. Not only did I learn to eat healthy, boost my self confidence, agility, endurance, overall well being and that sense of belonging to a group of fun, diverse and friendly people, I also found I could push myself to new heights... and that translated into my personal and work life as well. The natural high you get after a Koi workout cannot be found anywhere else.
The trainers are experts and know what they are talking about. They know how to modulate your workout depending on your fitness level. They know how and when to push you... even if you don't want to. They know all about nutrition, stretching and are always looking to find ways to challenge you. They also know when to have a good laugh and pull a good joke!
The people you work out with will become good friends (hard to say that when you see them at 6AM on a cold and wet winter morning but it happens!) who will push you, encourage you, challenge you but also laugh with you, pat you on your back, have a beer with you and compete with you on those special days!
And NOTHING beats working out in the Golden Gate Park location at 6AM when no one is awake and the city sleeps.
My best memory of Koi - a winter morning in 2007 when it was 37F outside. We ran all the way to Ocean Beach dodging ice on the road, the bitter cold, snot almost freezing, sniffling because of the cold. We got to the beach and I kept grumbling in my head as to why I was here in a mask, gloves and wrapped like a sausage in running tights, and I turned around and there, over Twin Peaks I saw the sun rise... and there was silence... that's why!
Thanks Stevan (YeYa!), Amie (YaYe!), Vaj, Ray, Alyssa, Claire, Galen (WoHoo!), Shaun, Shannon (Yay!) and Heather! I'll be seeing you all soon in Session 4.
Yup! Give up your gym membership, coz Koi is worth every penny... and then some!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from J H.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2009
July 13th, 2009. Chicago O'Hare airport. My flight leaves at 6:45 sharp, and it's 6:37 now. I've cleared security and am now sprinting down concourse H. There are 18 gates, and I'm going to gate 17. I'm carrying 4 days worth of clothes, my old heavy laptop, and a large digital camera. It's not looking good, or feeling good either. I'm wheezing. Getting dizzy. My legs start to wobble and I brush against a guy, then knock over a trash can. I see the gate it sight, but can't run anymore. My body feels cold. There's a funny iron taste in my mouth. When I finally get there, my face is blue.
The good people at American Airlines rewarded me for my effort by pulling a standby off the plane and giving the seat back to me, but it was time to face a troubling fact - I was out of shape, and needed to do something about it. I'd considered getting a personal trainer for a while, but they never seemed to be worth the money. "Do 10 of these, do 15 of these, blah blah blah". Thanks, but I can do that on my own. "You know, your diet should be 20 fats, 60 carbs, and 20 proteins". Thanks genius, but I took 9th grade health class too.
Considering my options and poking around Yelp, I stumbled across Koi in September and saw they had a 6-week session starting. Payment isn't due until the start of the second week, so I had nothing to lose by giving it a shot. We had a fitness assessment in late September, then started class the following week. I'm not a "morning person", but decided to go for the 7 AM class. Hearing that 6:30 alarm wasn't fun and my attendance the first couple weeks wasn't the best, but let me tell you, this is one of the best things I've done my whole life.
The impact of Koi didn't really hit me until I looked at my before and after fitness results. Most of my results were pretty modest. Dropped 4 lbs, went from 25 to 40 pushups, and dropped my 1.5 mile time by 45 seconds. But the real shocker was seeing my body fat drop from 22% to 17%. I had no frigging idea it was that high (my last one taken back in 2005 was 14%). Along with, I lost almost two inches off my waist and gained that in my shoulders. In other words, I'd dropped fat and added muscle. There is no way I could have done that on my own.
There were a couple criticisms. Namely, I wish they had an 8 AM class, since that would have been ideal. Also, while all of the instructors are friendly, some are a little chatty and get more focused on your social life than actually doing the right number of reps. But I'm not gonna be "that guy". At roughly $14 per each one hour session, this is probably the best deal in fitness you'll ever get. Insider tip - the Saturday sessions at Baker Beach are complete hell, with lots of push-ups in the sand and running up hills. But they are the most aggressive sessions and ones you'll get the most out of.
My first year in San Francisco wasn't easy. I moved, was homeless, got robbed, lost a job, watched half my money disappear, then went through a break-up. But I credit Koi with helping me get my body back to where it should be, and that's been paying huge dividends in other areas. I feel like "me" again, and while I have no desire to cut a flight that close again, it's nice to know I won't drop dead of a heart attack if I do.Listed in: Lookin Good
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Review from Marlene E.
New York, NY
10/18/2006 1 photo
Koi Fitness is the latest outdoor program available in the Bay Area.
Stevan Krstic, one of the founders of BootcampSF along with eight topnotch personal trainers have left and started Koi Fitness Systems. It's the same fantastic outdoor "boot camp" style workout as before but if you ask me -- it's better!
This program combines running, exercise drills and lots of calisthenics (sit-ups, push-ups, squats, lunges leg lifts, crunches).
Ouch!
But what's so amazing is that it's fun! I truly feel great afterwards. I know how cliche this is going to sound -- but Koi Fitness has changed my life. Thanks to them I am now stronger, faster, much more vigorous and the bonus -- my new skinny jeans fit! What more can a girl ask for?
Classes meet for one hour 4 times a week. Check out their website for current schedule. While these workouts are designed to challenge even the most fit among us, don't be intimidated. People of every fitness level can benefit. Whatever your motivations or goals are, the trainers will work with you.
On my own, I would have never had the discipline to do this. The knowledge and professionalism of my trainers along with the encouragement of others in my group is what makes this such an amazing fitness program.
P.S. There is something so magical about running up and down the steps at Strawberry Hill while watching the moon set and the sun rise. -
Review from William h.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2008 2 Check-ins Here
I am on my 3rd session and wow, I really look great. No more wandering around town feeling self conscious, pathetic, unattractive, bloated or sloth-some. The neediness has also disappeared. This fitness regime has done wonders for my self respect too. I now approach women with confidence, dignity and a vast, overwhelming feeling of pride and overbearing self-confidence. Ok, my attitude needs a small adjustment, however no more feelings of inferiority. Running up and down a sand ladder will do that for you. Want results, try this program.
The trainers are highly professional, experienced and experts. Stevan appears to give the trainers leeway in designing the routines. The trainers at my 1730 class seem to rotate. You never get the same routine.
I would say for what they charge this camp is a great deal. Not cheap but like I said the trainers are pros. Routines are set, equipment provided. When you arrive just give them your car keys and hit it. Only one hour long so your in and out.
I took classes like this in SoCal and the trainers there spent more time looking in the mirror than at your technique. Emphasis is core, flexibility and cardio. If you want a social club there is that element, but expect to work. -
Review from Kali H.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2009
Koi fitness is awesome!
In the past few years I've gotten a little older, a little more lazy, a little out of shape, and packed on a few more lbs. So I decided to join Koi for a fun and different workout, aka sans gym. I've been going now about 3-4 times a week for 3 months and I feel so great about my progress! I'm faster, lighter, and more energetic than ever!
To start at the beginning: my first day at Koi was hard. I didn't realize how out of shape I had become and it was hard getting my body to want to exercise. The first week I was so sore and had doubts I could actually do it. But someone told me that it will only get easier if you keep going. So then with week 2, and week 3, and so on I started feeling more conditioned to running, and push ups, and situps. It was becoming fun to work out and I started enjoying the company of the other koi members.
As an added bonus, since Koi is an outdoor fitness group, I was learning my way around GG park. I've now done situps at the Conservatory, pushups at stow lake, lunges at spreckles lake, resistance bands at the de Young, dips at the Aids Memorial, and ran almost the whole length of JFK Dr.
Its been a long time that I've felt capable of doing all of these things, and the feeling is so great! I also appreciate that the Koi trainers help motivate you and help you with your exercise posture. I train in the evening 6pm group with Heather and just love it. I really wouldn't trade this Koi fitness class for any other fitness group or gym. There is just really something fun and special about Koi and its members!! -
Review from Kim M.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2011
I will be forever grateful to Stevan and the folks at Koi Fitness for helping to get me back into shape after the horrific weight gain, surgical b.s. (c-section), etc. of becoming a parent!! I was really weak and soft (and embarrassed) when I first came to them, but they did not laugh at my 17-minute 2 mile run time or anything. They just put me to work! I stuck with them for about a year or so until it didn't work anymore with my schedule, but now I can once again consider myself to be "fit" (and my 2 mile run is down to 11 minutes -- not amazing, but pretty good for me!). The Saturday morning Baker Beach workout was my favorite, and my least favorite was Monday - running day - ugh. (p.s. that's the only real downside of these bootcamps -- if you HATE running, then it's not going to work for you.) Also, working out in GG Park is pretty awesome -- way better than the gym!
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Review from Rashmi N.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2007
The tide turned this year. And though it took a while coming (the actual turn happened closer to mid-year than the start of the year) it arrived!
I've never been a morning person. Though I've gone through spurts of gym ratiness I wouldn't say I've ever been very excited about "working out". Koi Fitness changed both of these things! Amazing.
After finding their flyer near work I called and signed up (taking a large leap of faith per the two statements above). I was not to be disappointed.
The six week session started out with an assessment Jr. High style (running, fat pincers, push-ups, the works.) The following six weeks were filled with running, squatting, crunching, pulling, sweating and much much more. (I should mention here that I don't run... because my next statement is going to blow you away...)
I loved it!
Yes, I loved it so much that I signed up for another six weeks! Koi has gotten me up and out in what is probably the most beautiful place in SF (OK, that's arguable... but it's damn nice anyways) at what is probably the most beautiful time of day (early).
The fifteen dropped pounds are almost just a bonus compared to the experience. I know it sounds cheesy and late, late night TV commercially but I'm going to say it anyways - Koi has given me the energy, confidence and motivation to do more of the things I want to do.
Everyone on staff is amazing, knowledgeable and supportive and the people you meet are fun and motivated. I did my research on the Boot Camps in and around SF and chose Koi. Definitely the right decision.Listed in: What's up Doc?
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Review from johanna l.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2009
2 Marathons in 2 months! I would not have been able to do it without Koi. They turned a broken down former runner with knee issues to one that has PR'd in her last 3 races with no knee problems in sight!
I like the diversity of the exercises and that there are different groups for different levels of fitness. I think Koi is a perfect compliment to anyone who runs races or is thinking about it.
I thought I was just going to do a single session to get a kickstart on my marathon training but ended up sticking with it. Thanks Koi! -
Review from Goodbye K.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2009
Stevan (the bald guy) is the BEST trainer ever. He's experienced, sincere, knowledgeable (about getting fit and about nutrition) and he has the best personality out there.
He's assemble a great team of trainers who are all really good and fun. It's a great workout. If you want to get or stay fit, this is the way to do it effectively and, just as importantly, safely. -
Review from Faye A.
2/10/2008
I have to admit - I worked with a different group, but all but one trainer from the other group are now all with Koi, so I write this review for Koi...
I did 30 consecutive weeks (five sessions), and was in better shape than I'd ever been in my life -- I was an avid runner prior to giving boot camp a go -- just wanted to change up my workout. Inside of 18 weeks, I was able to take 5 minutes off my 10k time -- not an easy feat...
I've worked with four of the trainers that are with Koi - all are professional, dedicated, knowledgeable and I think most are ACSM certified. Put your trust in them -- they'll help get you to whatever goals you set for yourself, injury-free.
I wasn't in it for weight loss, but I have to comment on this because the transformation was amazing -- I knew one guy who, after three sessions, had lost at least 30 pounds...in his first assessment, he wasn't even able to walk a mile - by the third session, he was keeping up with the group through every exercise.
After just two sessions with them, I was outpaddling all the women I surf with, and was even keeping up with H, who surfs a few times a week (nice delts)...Last season, thanks to these guys, I got a bit of moxie and bought a rather scandalous bikini that I was proud to sport on the beach (thanks Stevan!).
If you want to take your fitness to a whole new level, give it a try...you'll hate yourself at first (what?? I'm getting up at 6 am to run loops around Strawberry??), but at the end of six weeks, you'll thank yourself. -
Review from Miss M.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2010
Highly recommend KF. Something happens when you hit 35; things slow down, maybe you or a loved one has a brush with mortality, and then you really "get" that you have only one body. I'm writing for the pleasantly plump ladies and fellas who are contemplating their New Year's Resolutions.
Try Koi. Yes, it is ridiculously early in the morning (but seriously, how well has that "I'll hit the gym after work" thing worked out for you?). Yes, it can be pricey (figure in a personal trainer at the gym, and it's a wash; personally, I know I've spent a lot of money on gyms that I never visited--- to me, Koi is a bargain). Try the freebie intro week. Participants are split up by ability, so relax; you will not be forced to keep up with the gazelles and triathletes (but helloooo, they do look mighty pretty while running by). The trainers are smart, considerate professionals who keep an eye on you, correct your form, suggest modifications... they want to keep you healthy. No one gets picked on; there is no "bootcamp bark." You won't repeat a workout in a given week, and you won't feel like a hamster on a wheel. You're outside in GGP: mosquitoes, owls, rain, starry skies (invest $20 in a headlamp) and sunrises. There is a measured efficiency to the workouts: you get your cardio, resistance training, and stretching done in an hour, and then you can go home, shower, and hit your day job. Think sore, not pain. You'll be reminded you have abs because you'll feel them long after you've finished your crunches.
I know some participants really dig the "before and after" measurements/ assessments (and I see that a lot of folks cite them in their Yelp reviews). Personally, I begged off on the assessments; they're just a reminder of everything I hated about gym class as a kid. Calipers? Body fat %? Timed push-ups? Umm, yeah, no. But I can say that weight-wise, if you watch your intake, the weight does come pouring off. I had been trudging along on Weight Watchers, losing about 0.5lbs/week (totally healthy, but painfully slow), and Koi has completely amped my weight loss; I'm averaging 1.5lbs lost/week now (still a healthy rate, but certainly more fun to hop on the scale; down 24lbs since September). I used to get winded walking up and down the sand dunes at Ft. Funston with my dog, and now I don't give them a second thought. I don't hesitate to run to catch MUNI. I can easily lift the big water bottle for the office cooler. My "tummy tuck" jeans are now two sizes too big. So yes, you can see results even if you don't do the assessments; you just have to do the workouts. Finally, the other KF participants are all cool grown-ups (20something to 50something); it's the camaraderie that gets me out of bed in the morning. After having shopped around and tried different gyms and fitness programs, I am so happy that I discovered Koi; the experience has been fun and worth every penny. -
Review from Richard A.
San Francisco, CA
5/28/2007 1 photo
Rapidly approaching old age forced me to find a venue to work the kinks out. Blood pressure was out of control. Weight was steadily climbing, and the creaks and pops of aging were getting louder everyday. Enter Koi.
Mostly about cardio, with strength training worked in, if your goal to feel better, lose weight, tone up or just find a group of people to work out with, Koi rules. -
Review from Aaron N.
San Francisco, CA
4/28/2007
I started working with Koi about a year ago. As someone who NEVER was an exercise/sports/athletic person, I was surprised how much the program motivated me to not just stick with it but to excel. I went from the "C" group to the "A" group in just a few months, but even in the first weeks of the program I felt a remarkable difference.
The trainers are awesome, as others have pointed out. They are good at knowing what you can do and pushing you right up to the limit of that. Having a peer group around you, sweating and grunting along side of you, somehow makes it easier if not fun. Certainly not like being in the gym.
On top of that, I've run down paths in GG park I never knew were there, and every morning that I go (Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri) I get to spend an hour outside watching the sun come up.
If you've tried the gym or can't even seem to get up the motivation to do even that, I strongly suggest you give Koi a shot. It's been a year, and I enjoy it so much I just signed on for the year plan. If you'd asked me 13 months ago if I would do such a thing, I would have said you were crazy. -
Review from Sarah B.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2007
I've been working out with Koi for about 6 months now and I love it. Just this morning we were pushing a truck around a parking lot to work out our lower body (seriously!). What I love about Koi is the variety of workouts and not knowing what to expect from day to day. There is no such thing as getting into a workout rut when you're with Koi.
The trainers are also fabulous - knowledgeable, motivating, nice, but tough enough to push you when you need it. There's also a nutritionist on staff (who's also a trainer) who's a great resource if you want to change your diet as well. One guy dropped over 30 pounds working with her.
I love Koi - it's addicting! -
Review from Ai M.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2008
Bootcamp -the 1st word that came to mind was "dread". A couple days into my 1st 6-week session, I was back asking for more. Call me a masochist....well, maybe not (don't want to give the trainers any ideas).
It truly is a great experience. The trainers are very knowledgeable and make great recommendations when i have issues with certain exercises. I was advised to see a podiatrist (found out that I needed orthotics - have been able to walk longer distances than i ever did in years). It was just fantastic!
The trainers are tough but they make exercising fun. While they will "strongly encourage" you to push yourself harder, their priority is always safety first. They also have an optional yoga class to help lengthen sore muscles. Overall an experience that is definitely worth the effort.
Currently on my 2nd 6-week session and have already signed up for my 3rd. Who knows, in the future I might try running my first marathon. -
Review from margot c.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2009
Koi Fitness will change your life! Yes, you will achieve all of your fitness goals! The trainers will work you hard enough for you to see major improvements in your overall fitness levels, and will always pay attention to your form. In the 3 years that I have worked out with Koi, I have yet to have an injury, which is a huge testament for any fitness program. Plus, the trainers and fellow "campers" are sassy, supportive, and nothing beats being outside in the park or at Baker Beach! Koi fitness might even convince you that you are a super hero-and have you act in strange ways like running after muggers and beating them up (true story). Bottom line- it doesn't get better than this for a fun, adventurous and strenuous workout!
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Review from Beth R.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2007
I started with Koi Fitness last summer, but had serious reservations about the whole thing. (At the time, the program was called Bootcamp SF, but later the owners split up and all the trainers went to Koi Fitness.) The name 'bootcamp' conjures up images of army sargeants barking at you - ugh. There was running involved, and anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely hate(d) running. At the urging of a friend, I agreed to sign up for one session only.
To my surprise, the program was really fun. There was no yelling or mean-spiritedness. Instead, there was a lot of encouragement and pushing me to do more than I would ever do on my own. The combination of cardio and resistance training, the variations of training emphasis on different days (endurance, agility, etc.), the concern and care of the trainers, and the backdrop of lovely Golden Gate Park and Fort Point make for a fantastic program that gives amazing results.
The trainers are all wonderful. They give lots of personal attention and make sure you're getting the most out of your workout for your goals and fitness level. They have somewhat different areas of knowledge and focus, and that variety is really beneficial to members. (By the way, all the members have been friendly and encouraging too.)
I've lost weight, but more importantly, I've firmed up substantially and lost more inches than I ever thought possible. In addition to fitness, I've received great nutrition advice to help me clean up my eating habits. Overall, I'm in much better shape than I have been in years and years - if I ever was this fit before. In short, this program works.
So more than six months later, I'm still attending sessions, and really enjoying it. I'm no natural athlete (unless you call sitting on the couch and reading a book a sport), but if I have to do exercise (and we all do), this is the best and funnest program to attend. It's the only one that has ever worked for me.
P.S. Though Golden Gate Park is truly lovely, the Fort Point sessions have the most spectacular views. You can't help but be in a good mood after working out in such a beautiful setting. -
Review from Janel A.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2008
Koi Fitness is, hands-down, the best workout that I've ever had. I've tried a bunch of different programs, including BootCampSF and Bay Area BootCamp, but Koi Fitness is the only program that has gotten me the results that I want. Koi Fitness has a nutritionist on staff that has helped me to tailor my nutrition plan to fit my goals and lifestyle. And the pounds are coming off! They have different group levels, so you don't have to be in shape to get started, but if you are, then I guess you get to jump into the advanced or intermediate groups. After only a few weeks, I started to see a difference in my muscles getting more toned and my pants getting looser.
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Review from erin c.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2007
I love these guys! I signed up for my 6-week session thinking that's all I'm going to do, you ain't getting me out exercising at 6 am longer than that. Well, I just started my second session , it's that much fun and I am really seeing the results. I can't wait to fit into that dream bikini for my Mexico vacation over New Year's -- thanks Koi!
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Review from Lee B.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2007
Koi Fitness rocks! All the trainers are really cool, patient, and are totally there to help you and make it fun. It's suprisingly fun to wake up early and take in the beauty of Golden Gate Park. Lots of time in the city you take that for granted.
The best part of it all is the program really works. In the first six weeks I lost 15 lbs and more energy. My overall health has improved and I have so much energy.
If you've every considered doing any kind of fitness work, but are turned off by gyms then this is the program for you. The group dynamic makes it fun and you can't beat the payoff. -
Review from Elizabeth M.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2007
This is a great workout! I've never been a group activity person, and this is not only fun, it's super effective. The trainers are professional, knowledgeable, and (though they'd never admit it) nice and fun. The locations are also fantastic and remind you every time why we live in this amazing city. Get out there......
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Review from Joe K.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2007
I have been doing the program for over a year now and I cannot imagine my day without it. Stevan and his team of trainers are constantly challenging and motivating each individual to achieve their personal fitness goals. My wife was intimidated to join me in the mornings, and now she motivates me. It has given us both more energy and new goals on nutrition, which have changed a lot of our old eating and drinking habits. We have both lost weight and inches and met some great new friends. It is an amazing program.
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Review from Suzy d.
San Francisco, CA
6/24/2010
When I joined Koi last July, I could not complete the warm up lap without stopping to walk. I was a totally sedentary, former smoker, and proud bon vivant. But Stevan and his team of pros whipped me into shape, and 10 weeks into training, the pounds began to melt off me. Now, one year later, my body fat has decreased by one-third, I've gone down 4 pants sizes, and I've never felt better. Oh, and I finished my first race (Bay to Breakers) in the top 10% of women. What? Thanks, Koi!
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Review from Rob I.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2007
I just finished one of Koi's 6 week programs and I could not be more happy with the entire experience. The trainers are practically an all-star team of health and fitness experts and each trainer has a slightly different expertise and focus. They are also cool people and great motivators who actually enjoy working out with. The other members of the class have been friendly. All in all, my biggest suprise was not only that I got in shape (lost 7% weight - 11 pounds, 3 inches from my waist, improved my flexibility by 3 inches, and am running distance in 20% less time) but that I actually enjoyed myself along the way. I have signed up for another 6 weeks because I liked the classes (and the outcome) so much.
