★ 5

We had an amazing time. I’ve climbed before but needed a little refresher belaying a youth. Marina helped out and assisted with my belay test. Super non-judgy and cool. I highly recommend. We found a new climber in the family!

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★ 1

Signed up and prepaid for an intro to climbing class. I'm an experienced active boulderer who has toproped in the distant past, but needes a refresher on belaying. Only evening lesson all week, only day I could make it.

I arrived late after experiencing bike trouble on the way. Was told they can't let in anyone 5 minutes after start time.

I explained that I had prior experience. My last time being taught to belay, it took about 10 minutes, and this class is over an hour. Utterly inflexible -- claimed it would disrupt the experience for everyone else to let me in, something I don't buy for an instant. And that the 5 minutes thing is a gym rule.

Asked about private lessons. None available.

I reviewed the website, checkout flow, and receipt afterwards. No record anywhere of this policy. If there had been fine print about this, I'd be quietly upset. Since they're isn't, I've been ripped off -- 1 star review. My money may have been refunded, but my time is gone forever.

To add insult to injury, I was not allowed to sit inside anywhere after as I processed what happened.

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★ 1

Ironworks gave up my spot in a class when I was two minutes late, saying that "it's in our contract to give up your spot if class starts and you aren't there ". Which means there's actually no grace period for classes. The choice to use "contract language" to justify an unrealistic and business-over-people rule reflects Touchstone's final evolution to Corporate Shill Entity. It really feels like this gym is just trying to squeeze more money out of folks by charging for a service and not providing.

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★ 5

I love this place for climbing and working out. There are some good yoga teachers as well. My favorite thing is the natural light—there’s so much of it compared to any other gym I’ve ever been to. Good people too!

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★ 2

sketchy part of berkeley staff were rude and trying to up-price me and my friends, i am a touchstone member and i specified if we can get a membership day pass since its 10 dollars cheaper and she still charged us for a 30 dollar day pass, horrible atmosphere, the setting is too easy, v8 felt like v6 and the back of the wall to finish a boulder is super slippery and made me fall, pacpipe is definitely the better gym in every way.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Friendly staff and great place to climb

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★ 5

First time visitor here, Megan was so kind and helpful! The whole process getting in was super easy. Fun wall with fun routes. Wish there was a designated kid area.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 1

Not a fan.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

another great touchstone gym. great setting and variety of climbs. definitely good for people into weightlifting although some of the equipment seems to be aging a bit. yoga room is nice but can be dark and musty especially when there are a lot of people there. and what the he11 is going on with the men's sauna?? why is it one-way glass...like you can see out but not in...all i'm saying is it seems like whoever designed it was looking to get up to some illicit behaviors which like to each their own but also they tape the light switch down so it is dark in there like o m g yall why is this place so scandalous ay ay steamworks is like not even that far away.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great old school and natural looking climbing gym with friendly staff. Fun lead climbs, clean restrooms, and plenty of gym equipment.

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★ 2

The people who work here are lovely, it's never too crowded, and the facilities are nice. Compared to everywhere else I've climbed, Touchstone gyms always feel a bit corporate and uninspired. The routes (both sport and bouldering) tend to be too straightforward to be fun. It's a fine place to train, but if you haven't frequented other gyms, I'd encourage you to spend some time at the smaller ones. Unfortunately Touchstone has created a monopoly so I expect a lot of people who love it here don't have much to compare it to.

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★ 5

Great facility with an ample amount of climbing, lifting, cardio.

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★ 5

Great spot for climbing and there's a decent sized gym. Be warned that parking is hard to find at peak times.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Love the route selection and classes they offer!

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★ 5

Ironworks is where I first started climbing about a year ago so I might be biased. But I’ve recently tried a couple other gyms and it makes me appreciate ironworks even more! FYI I just boulder so can’t speak to other aspects of the gym.

Pros: soft mats and walls are not too too high, meaning I can challenge myself more and take risks at my limit without too much fear of injury. Some of us have iffy backs - not trying to stress about hurting myself on a hard mat, I’m trying to have fun and challenge myself. Not tons and tons of bouldering routes, but I actually find that less overwhelming than having a million to choose from. Yes, it can be crowded, but that means you can learn from watching other climbers plus it actually forces you to rest between climbs!!! Which is a good thing. And, I find the variety of wall shapes very compelling.

Staff has always been friendly, music is good (subjective obviously), 10 dollar day pass for ppl on medi-cal makes it pretty affordable. Thanks y’all!

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★ 1

Touchstone loves to take all of your money. They're super greedy. Yay capitalism. The staff are amazing and genuinely lovely people tho

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★ 5

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★ 4

A lot of signs with a lot of words and nobody reads them.

Otherwise good gym.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 1

They won't let you use their bathroom for 10 seconds when you drop off your kid. Unbelievable!

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★ 5

Climb, Lift, Fitness Classes, Sauna, Spacious
and great location 👌🏼

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Rock climbing central

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★ 5

Very nice place to practice rock climbing, I only wish that they would put a count of how many people are present and what the capacity is! If not it’s cool.

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★ 5

I've been going to this gym nearly 14 years straight. I can't recommend it enough!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Better workout equipment than I've seen at most climbing gyms. I appreciated the leg press. And of course we had a great time climbing. The toprope belay test was fast.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Routes are pleasantly channeling, Staff is friendly, bathrooms are so clean!

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★ 5

Great facilities and kind people. Fun place to be.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

Cash only. Come early since longs get long and move slowly. Even better if you come with friends so you can divide and conquer between the token and the 4 food lines (meat, veg, beef noodles and coconut pancakes).

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★ 5

This place is the best! I love the gym. It has everything you need for regular gym workouts from weights, work out machines for isolation, treadmills and bikes. They offer spin classes, yoga, boxing, and many different classes applying to climbing. Into classes, intermediate classes focused on indoor, outdoor , bordering and getting into V5s. This gym also has the best workout stations for people training specifically for climbing with hang boards and weighed harnesses. With a great community and staff whats no to love !

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★ 5

My favorite climbing/workout spot! Great climbing routes (for both bouldering and lead climbing), excellent gym facilities with an incredible free weights section, a cute sauna, and friendly and helpful staff.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Been a long time member of Berkeley Ironworks. Not only do they have superb climbing facilities but the weight training is one of the best. It’s always very clean, staff very friendly and overall love this gym. I definitely recommend it as a gym option if you love climbing and want high quality weight training equipment.

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★ 5

This place was amazing! It was the first time I tried climbing and felt encouraged!

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★ 5

Love this gym. It’s got a great sauna too!

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★ 4

Monthly dues have gone up by 20%+ over the last year. My contention is that the service has gone down significantly over the same period.

1. Several of their long time route setters quit to work for Planet Granite because touchstone was unwilling to give them a raise.
2. The rate of replacement on routes is way down. Routes stay up now for 3+ months. They used to swap out a panel every 2 weeks to keep things fresh.
3. The routes are generally less creative than they were 3 years ago. (see #1).

Love the gym network but they are slipping. It shows.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Wonderful gym. Fun and challenging climbing routes. Clean bathrooms. Good ventilation. Helpful and friendly staff 💛💛💛 🥰

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

My son had a great time clinging here for a competition! It’s a well kept facility with kind staff.

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★ 4

I've always loved climbing here. It has changed quite a bit over the past few years but still lots of fun. Unfortunately their prices have somewhat skyrocketed, but I guess that's a sign of the times.

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★ 3

Somewhat old gym with alright routes

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 5

This is a great gym. Thanks for the quick fixes. Wish I could give 5 additional stars for the Dave Altman memorial in the back.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Just started coming here, I like it. Between Ironworks and Pacific Pipe, a Touchstone membership seems like a great deal ($90/mo). Love that the locker room has a sauna.

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★ 5

Berkeley ironworks is amazing there structure is actually like your climbing outdoors the coach's are nice and dedicated it's family and friend friendly clean and spacious I encourage all to check it out and get there own opinion.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

There are lots of routes for top rope, lead and bouldering. The layout is interesting and fun, and there's a nice busy buzz without it feeling overcrowded.

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★ 4

Really decent sized gym for how short the walls are. The workout space is everything you would need. I cannot attest to the rope climbing, but the bouldering is probably a 3/5. Too much inconsistent setting that focuses on one move wonders followed by easy climbing. I would have more fun in flow. But overall the gym and staff experience is very pretty solid!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Extensive space with climbing walls, full gym and yoga studio. Very clean shower and sauna. Easy parking.

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★ 5

By far my favourite Touchstone climbing gym in the Bay Area. The bouldering problems are complex and more technical than muscle heavy. It gets quite busy - both on the bouldering side and the sport climbing side during the evenings.
The atmosphere is very convivial and there’s a more traditional feel to the gym somehow.
There is a workout section as well with cardio machines and weights! Overall, really liked this gym.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Fun climbing gym, a little crowded and the walls are shorter than what I’m used to for bouldering but it gets the job done. I haven’t used the gym area but it looks great!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

great bouldering, gym, and yoga class

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★ 5

I love it! There is a wide variety of routes from easy to very hard. Everyone can find their level.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Ive been going here since I can remember and now as a high school students I love to go back and have fun climbing with my mum

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 4

I come here 3-5 times a week. It's a mid-size gym with friendly staff. Has most everything you'd need in a climbing gym. Coming from the Earth Treks family of gyms, I can't help but compare Touchstone gyms to those. Routes aren't reset as often and it'd be nice if the Touchstone gyms provided lead ropes and a system to trade belays, but lacking these services definitely isn't a deal breaker. I'd also say the routes lack creativity as there aren't too many "fun" routes, but overall the climbs are fairly decent. Recommend those interested in climbing to check this gym out

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★ 5

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★ 5

Awesome gym. Bouldering wall has a little of everything. Gym shines the most with the top rope. Has a full workout section with equipment which is awesome.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Awesome gym. No pretentious bull. Staff is amazing.

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★ 5

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★ 1

Terrible. I've been getting charged the FULL PRICE of my membership fee since March 2020. I don't even live in California anymore. I've requested cancellations through their website repeatedly to no avail. There is no phone number to contact anyone. No one responds to emails. Shame on you, Berkeley Ironworks, for your shoddy handling of this pandemic.

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★ 5

always a great place to climb and get fit. the pandemic guidelines are followed well while allowing people to be active and have a good time. plus the staff are as friendly and helpful as always 😊

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great climbing gym

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★ 5

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★ 5

big climbing gym. can get crowded with lots of University students.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 2

It's pretty meh and expensive. For the roped routes I climbed (5.9 through 511b), increasing difficulty just equated to crappier holds rather than any kind of interesting body movement or thought-provoking sequences. I left feeling like I had gotten some good exercise, but mostly bored and underwhelmed. Also the difficulty rating is totally wonky here, with "5.9" being a 5.6 jug ladder and "5.11a" being a 5.10b-c. I think this gym is geared toward more of a novice crowd. So if you've never climbed before, it could be cool and you could take yoga classes or whatever, but if you were just in Joshua Tree or Red Rock last weekend and want to stay pumped during the cold months, I think it's not worth the steep prices.

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★ 5

Berkeley Ironworks is a super fun climbing gym: great setting, good hold selection, often reset, and cool terrain. More then that, the people are super friendly and the atmosphere inside is relaxed and fun. Just an overall awesome place which I couldn’t recommend enough.

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★ 5

Friendly staff and clean facilities. Good balance of bouldering, top rope, and lead routes. Price isn’t cheap but is reasonable for the area and offerings. Sometimes gets crowded (there are seasonal, daily, and hourly patterns), but the weight training and cardio areas are rarely busy. Haven’t tried any of the classes, but my friends have been happy with the yoga and core sessions.

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★ 5

Been coming here since I moved to the area in 2014. Is about time to leave a review...
I really like this place, not only because of the classes, the climbing, or the fitness equipment, but also because of the community here, including the excellent and super friendly front desk staff and the other folks who work here (setters and maintenance folks) who have all become really dear to me.
There is towel service, there's a sauna, showers are clean, and the gym is kept up-to-date and improvements are made. The equipment in the weight room is great, and they have everything you need for your lifting desires. There is a large selection of classes and every month other events take place too.
I recommend BIW to everyone who is looking for getting/staying in shape and for a great community.

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★ 4

Convenient location, near the 80/880 freeway. I went a lot during the day time when I was still a student and that pretty much avoided all of the crazy congestions that people are talking about. It's fairly economical for students since there are some good discounts on membership. So if you are a student, you should definitely check it out.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Excellent routes, very friendly people. The routes are a bit stiffer than your normal gym, so leave your egos at home. This is a positive though. It can get a little crowded, and you have to wait your turn, but the setting totally makes up for it, as well as the friendly people. Highly recommended! -Matt

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★ 5

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★ 5

Very cool staffs!
And if you miss playing Dota at your gaming desk, you can play it here !

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Fantastic little place with lots of bouldering and climbing. Lovely atmosphere and staff. It is pricey for day passes and memberships, but it’s on par with other climbing gyms. Very friendly to kids and people of all gender identities.

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★ 5

Super salle d’escalade avec un espace musculation/cardio bien fourni. Merci Jessica !!

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★ 5

Nice climbing gym. Usually easy to find a partner after work. The flipside is its very crowded after work. But nice facilities.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Been a member for 2 decades. Walking in the door always makes me smile. Just love this place.

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★ 5

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★ 2

It's kind of funny how they hire someone to respond to online reviews but can't hire another person to administer lead belay tests. Took me over a month after moving here to take a lead belay test. First the gym was too busy after work, so we came back at 7 in the morning before work. Then there was only ONE employee (for a reasonably busy gym) so couldn't test then. Then it was too late at night. Finally we got to take one. Denied 4/5 times I tried to take a belay test. How is 9:30 pm "too late" at night to make a belay test when they close at 11 pm? One guy who works at the desk (the one from Berkeley) is nice. Another guy barked at me for being in the weight area with no shoes (though it was not well signed and it was an honest mistake on my part, he didn't have to yell at me). One of the girls rolls her eyes and sighs when we want to take a lead belay test.

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★ 4

Good gym with fun mix of routes, but it’s pricey and sometimes gets very crowded.

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★ 5

Really great gym, for climbing, bouldering and doind work out

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★ 5

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★ 5

It was a great to assist all clients thank you very much.

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★ 2

Not really a place for beginners. Training classes do not cover all safety rules so you learn at tests (e.g. can't practice before test, harness straps have to be a certain way, have to say all gear terms). Aside from inconvenience of having to take test each time, it leaves me uncomfortable that I don't know the rules. Suggest giving complete checklist to start. Not enough beginner routes under 5.10 rating (noticed a lot of 5.11 and 5.12 routes were not being used).

Feels a bit unsafe with all the people, unsupervised kids, and some of the ropes getting caught when you are trying to belay. Suggest more locations and better maintenance and supervision.

A few other problems: lack of parking and lockers, customer service could be better, and it's expensive.

Think I'll stick to running because it's free and easy.

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★ 5

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★ 4

Being new to the area I wanted to find a place where I could get a good work out with the bordemn of a conventional gym. Berk Ironworks is that place. You have the option of rock climbing, taking a class or working out. It's not cheap and it gets crowded. Advice is to go during off hours if possible. Super friendly staff and mixed clientele of all athletic abilities.

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★ 5

Great climbing gym

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★ 5

Surprise!? There's an iron works in Berkeley! And they do tours. Our gang Spent an hour there was absolutely flabbergasted with the amazing creations that have sprung forth from this Secret location. Numerous churches in San Francisco have statues and items from this beautiful facility

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★ 5

One of my favorite gyms in the country. Good top rope, bouldering, workout, and stretching areas. Not lacking in anything. Often reset. Clean holds. Sparsely overrun (with kids). What I love in a climbing gym.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great rock climbing gym. Challenging routs of all levels, Lead climbing, top roping, and bouldering. Exceptional staff and great place to meet other climbers and have fun.

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★ 1

One third the space is climbing. Of that third, half the bouldering area is right up against the toproping area (great!), there's zero room to sit leaving most people to crowd the wall (great!!), all the while little toddlers run around (great!!!!).

In short, avoid this place.

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★ 2

Ridiculously crowded nowadays. I don't climb so can't speak to that but if you are planning using the non-climbing part of the gym, good luck. The showers and sauna is well maintained.

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★ 3

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★ 5

Come during the off-hours or parking may be a problem. Equipment for Oly lifting and traditional strength training. Plenty of cardio machines from treadmills to ellipticals, rogue bikes and even an airrunner.

Climbing options are great- lots of lead, sport and bouldering options. They rotate often enough, and having a membership with touchstone gives you access to all the sister gyms as well.

Great place, price is a bit steep but still cheaper than some other places with similar offerings.

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★ 5

Great choice of climbing walls. Gym has all the equipment and weights you would need for a workout. Changing rooms are very clean. Sauna is a bonus. Showers are simple, remodel happening now though - should improve them a lot.

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★ 5

Great gym! Unlike most people, I didn't go there for climbing but to use the weight room to do my lifting workout. The staff was super friendly and helpful. I got a day pass ($20) and I was ready to train! The gym is overall pretty big and well equipped. I didn't use most of the equipment but there are many machines, treadmills, dumbbells etc. I did my workout in the free weights room, which is very well equipped. There's one standalone power rack (with safety pins and everything), and a big Rogue rig/rack with adjustable safety arms and J-cups. Great selection of bars, including a beautiful Rogue Cerakote Ohio Power Bar, Ohio Bar and Rogue Olympic Bars. A lot of metal plates and Rogue bumper places, starting at 5 lbs. I can recommend the gym to everyone!

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★ 5

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★ 1

The staff was absolutely rude and kept my ID hostage. I would not come back to this place and give them patronage. Stay away! If you are visiting from out of town, do not come here. The day pass is $25 for their 15 foot wall for lead Climbing.

This is what happened... I arrived an hour before closing time and wanted to take a tour with a staff or check out the gym to see if it's worth the $25 day pass (for the next day, when I would have more than 1 hour to climb). The staff refused a tour and instead asked for my driver's license so that I can see for myself. I checked out the lead climbing area, was pretty unimpressed, and left to go back to my car. I left the gym without my ID. When I realized it, I drove back and asked the front desk for my ID. The male staff, different from the female one who took my ID in the first place, held my ID in his hands and started the following line of questioning: "what time did you get here? where were you this whole time? I saw you disappear for awhile" I explained that I had left without my ID and now I'm here to pick it up. He still didn't budge and responded with "well, you people come in here and try to sneak a workout in." At this point I've assertively told him to hand back my ID and that I did not try to sneak a work out in. I left because I was very unimpressed by their facility and customer service. Note that this Caucasian male staff used the phrase "you people" when talking to a POC. This is not acceptable.

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★ 5

Amazing staff and routes

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★ 4

Lots of climbing, but can be very crowded at peak hours. Gym equipment is somewhat lacking, and yoga classes are filled way past capacity. The sauna is nice. If you only care about climbing, it’s great. Not a stellar gym otherwise. Despite my many comments they continue not to publicize their teacher discount- teachers get 10% off membership.

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★ 5

Excellent variety of climbing options. Everyone is really helpful with tips and showing you how to do a section if you have trouble.

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★ 5

Berkeley ironworks is an excellent gym. They have a good mix of boulders and rope climbing as well as an abundance of what you’d expect from a good gym (squat racks, bumper plates, cardio and weight equipment of most flavors).

The place is staffed with friendly people, and is clean and well run.

The only downside is that sometimes it can be a bit too popular. But I guess that’s my fault for joining...

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great place

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★ 5

Great routes, friendly staff, clean facilities

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great walls, awesome cardio, fantastic instructors.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Experience with this gym has been great. The staff are approachable and knowledgeable, and the culture amongst climbers is friendly. I appreciate that they mix up new routes every other months or so. Definitely my favorite gym in the bay area.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

Great climbing gym

Cons:
Gets super crowded
Holds can be seriously greasy due to volume of traffic
Humidity is high

Pros:
Full service: towels, showers, weights, and massive loads of climbing

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★ 4

Pulling plastic!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great all around gym. Nice balance of rope walls and bouldering problems to go along with standard gym equipment and group classes.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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