Namaste Fit Club & Personal Training

I confess, I've been guilty only of dropping by Namaste Fit Club whenever I'm a couple of pounds above my ideal weight. And once it works, I disappear until I indulge in one (or ten) desserts too many. Then I come back, eager to sweat away my sins.

Over the past couple of years, I've taken Boot Camp classes with Zach and Ben. Both of them have great energy, and I love that they demo moves at every class. For those of us with sporadic attendance, it's quite helpful! Boot Camp classes combines TRX exercises, weights, general strength training, cardio moves such as (but not limited to) burpees and mountain climbers, and running to a stop light, around the block, whatever Zach or Ben feel like telling you to run that day. Bottom line: each boot camp class is a different combination of moves meant to kick your behind (and every other part of you) into shape.

Now, why on earth would I not regularly go to a class this great? Unfortunately, the prices are sky-high, especially for a place in a slightly dodgy location. Drop-ins are $25, and 10-class packages are $175, or $17.50 a class. Or, I could go to similar places in the Mission near my home for a similar/lower price.

Luckily for my wallet, though, it only takes a few of these Boot Camp classes to do the trick. Namaste, your fault for offering such effective workouts!

I signed up for 24 Fit Body Boot Camp classes at the end of June because I was sick and tired of my gym routine and even more sick of my gym (24 Hour in Berkeley).

The first week I was HELLA sore like everyday but I learned to loved it. I'm currently on week 6 and I can already see results. My endurance is up, I look and feel stronger, and I'M HOOKED ON FIT BODY BOOT CAMP!!

Zach and Emily are amazing class leaders!! It always feels like I'm working out with friends (even though I admit I'm very quiet/shy). Leila's 7am class kicks my ass, but I always leave happy I came.

Loving the TRX classes, too!!

Several issues encountered

I ended up getting 12 or so personal training sessions from Kevin since the location was conveniently located to my home. Everything the first week went well and would have rated 5 stars then. However what Kevin failed to let me know is that he would be moving locations the following week to a site 20 minutes walking further off.

When I asked for a refund on my remaining classes as I knew I wouldn't be walking that far off email communications went silent. To this day he has yet to reply or offer a refund.

Yelp entry should probably say this site is closed or on a different street.

I guess I feel like a bit of a broken record among all the other five-star reviews, but I feel too good about this place (thanks, endorphins!) to pass it up.

I discovered Namaste through a Groupon deal and it kick-started my dormant workout routine. Ben Ivy's Ivy League class is challenging for ALL levels (seriously, you think you have it handled but you don't!) but still accessible for beginners. Plus, he makes great music choices, gives helpful instruction (you don't feel judged if you forget your place in the series, or if you have to ask for a refresher on a particular move). He'll change the workout just enough so you never feel bored, and the hour passes by way more quickly than any other bootcamp/training sesh I've been to. I incorporate his exercises into my regular gym time now, too. Wish I could afford to go here on a regular basis (lucky regulars!!).

I never imagined myself being able to do personal training. I figured I wasn't athletic enough or that I could not afford it. After a month of hitting the gym 5 days a week I hit a plateau. I wasn't losing any weight and I got frustrated.

Enter Kevin and Namaste Personal Training. Since it's located a couple blocks from my office, I e-mailed Kevin asking about his services and he invited me over to talk to him. He wasn't intimidating at all and he completely understood where I was coming from. I felt comfortable talking to him and he encouraged me to give it a try.

I signed up for the TRX sessions and went 3x a week for about 3 1/2 months. I toned up, lost some weight and started to feel great about myself. Kevin and his staff are always friendly and very helpful. They really take the time to get to know their clients and that makes me want to keep coming back.

I've moved on from the TRX classes and into the boot camp sessions. (if you didn't buy their Groupon, you missed out!!) Boy, oh boy! These boot camp sessions are no joke! Especially the cardio kickboxing class! But if you love a challenge, then you will love their boot camp.

Overall, I'm glad that I met Kevin and decided to join Namaste. It's such a great place for people of all ages and sizes. Whether you do a one-on-one session with Kevin, a TRX class with a few other people or a boot camp session with 16 people, you will always feel welcome at Namaste.

P.S. if you do decide to give Namaste a visit, tell 'em Josh sent you. (that probably won't get you anything but I've always wanted to say that!)

This is for the "private classes" that I bought via a group-on.

I'm mixed on this. I love the concept. I like the space there. I like the minimalist, no machine techniques. I love the small class format. However, I don't love the schedule, which only has (had?) one after-5 beginner class (at 7pm and that now seems to be off the schedule, too, so they obviously don't want the office drone demographic) and the two trainers who made the classes fun have left (Julie and Zach).

Tony, who seems to have been saddled with ALL the private classes at the moment, seems to know his stuff but he comes across as patronizing. God knows he has every right to be condescending- I know I'm grossly out of shape, which is why I go to a beginner class- but exercising is already hard, and I don't want that on top of it.

So I have about 14 classes left on my groupon and I am not sure if I'll even use them. We'll see after the holidays.

I wasn't getting the results I wanted at another gym in Emeryville. I heard good things about Namaste, but I just couldn't bring myself to pay for two gym memberships, since I'm locked into the first one until October 2012.

Then, I saw a deal online for the 21-day weight loss challenge. It included an unlimited amount of classes within the 21 days. I thought I would give it a shot. I went to a class almost every day and sometimes twice in one day because I was having so much fun. Don't get me wrong...it's A LOT of work, but if you follow the meal plan and go to as many classes as you can, you WILL see results.

Within the first week I could see changes in my body and I was more energized. In two weeks my friends and family were noticing that I looked different. In my fourth week I thought I would try on a pair of pants that I haven't worn in 3 years...not only did they fit, they are a little baggy!! I'm so happy!

I've decided to stick close to the menu plan as a way of life and continue on with Namaste as much as I can. This is the only program that I have liked so much that I go to both 6am and evening classes in one day. A BIG thanks to ALL of the instructors...they are outstanding!

I can't say enough good things about Namaste. I have become one of those weird people who love to work out, and I absolutely love boot camp. I get a great workout every time, I never get bored with it because there's plenty of variety in the activities, and I see results quickly. It's great for all fitness levels---all exercises can be modified to fit your comfort/ability level.

I have to say - even though I love the crazy, sweaty, butt-kicking workout, I think the trainers are what really make it awesome. Emily and Zach and Kevin are knowledgable, friendly, encouraging and always motivate you to do your best. On top of all the other positives, my endurance is at an all-time high, energy levels are soaring and I always look forward to my next visit to Namaste. Definitely check it out, you will be so glad you did!

Started going as a part of a 75% off boot camp deal on Groupon - and now I could never give it up!

When I started, I hadn't worked out in quite a while, now I go 3-4 times per week.

TRX mini blast classes are great and so much more challenging than they look.

Boot camps - Also great! Zach and Emily are very encouraging and knowledgeable trainers. The only classes I've been less than enthusiastic about are the ones lead by Laila, her training style is very aggressive and her music choice for the classes is more on the angry rock side. But if you need a more "Sergent" approach - she's your gal!

Namaste is an exceptional place to work out. The trainers I've worked with (Kevin, Zach and Emily) are top notch. They care more about helping me succeed than all of the complaining and whining that use as a ploy to avoid doing more reps.

I really enjoy the Fit Body Boot-camp. I've lost over 10 pounds as a result of working out with the Namaste Team. I highly recommend Namaste Personal Training for those who would like professional support and a group setting for shredding pounds and getting ripped.