★ 5

Such a great gym! High energy, great supportive community, and very knowledgeable coaches. Always look forward to class!

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is a gem. The training is intentional, personal, and highly efficient—and the social, community-focused environment makes every session something to look forward to.

I rarely give up control of my training plan, but as my capacity has changed, I gave it another shot—and I’m so glad I did. Elliott designs incredibly thoughtful and purposeful programs that are tailored to each member’s goals, strengths, and areas of improvement. The plans are clear, goal-oriented, and if you’re consistent, you’ll see progress in just a few sessions.

Elliott and Mike are not only highly knowledgeable trainers but also excellent coaches. They’re skilled at adapting movements for any injuries or limitations, ensuring everyone gets the most out of the program—safely and effectively.

What really sets this place apart is the customer service and the genuine, people-first culture. It doesn’t feel like a typical gym membership—it feels like working out with friends and family. 10/10 worth it!

Source: Google

★ 5

This was a a great class, the instructors were knowledgeable and demonstrated all the exercises and the class ran smoothly and timely. I would recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Yea!! DAF made me love strength training.

Source: Google

★ 5

While the focus of hitting the gym was to build muscle and strength, Coach Elliott, his wife Lauren, and the DAF gym have gone FAR beyond this to build my confidence, and build an environment that makes me and so many others eager to return, to keep working harder, pushing ourselves, and learning something new about fitness and health everyday.
I feel the strongest I've ever felt and learned the gym doesn't have to be so serious! DAF has generated an awesome community of Tahoe's coolest people. I love when working out doesn't have to feel like a chore!
Highlyyy recommend joining the DAF family, and getting yourself a DAF bod!

Source: Google

★ 5

DAF is by far the best gym I have ever been a part of and the programming has been the only non-sport specific work out system I have ever been able to stick with long term. I have been training with DAF since they opened and with Coach E before that while rehabbing a broken ankle. He, and all the coaches he has brought into DAF, are super knowledgeable, very approachable, and are know how to keep things fun and interesting. They are always willing to tailor a work out to your specific needs, and can adapt to help you reach your goals. DAF truly is a great community full of supportive and fun people!

Source: Google

★ 5

Edit: Ive been attending DAF for 2+ years now and it's only got better! Never has a gym held my attention for this long. They've brought in new, great coaches, keep it fun, engaging, and I always feel like I got a good workout and learned something. There is also a fantastic community given the small group style format, and very inclusive to all skills and abilities. Keep it up!

Always a great time at DAF! Coach E keeps it fun, inclusive and educational. I've enjoyed training with and learning from Elliot. My wife was initially intimidated to join but felt very welcomed and comfortable with the group classes too. Keep up the great work!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love coming here! It feels like a second family. I used to get bored at gyms and look for other options, but I've been a member for a year now and still love it. The owners are great, and it has a small-town vibe with trainers who bring experience from larger facilities outside of Tahoe.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym in Tahoe! Vibes are very high! It always feels like you are welcome and involved. I continue to learn a ton from Coach Elliott and Mike. I recommend desolation to anyone!

Source: Google

★ 5

After over a year of being a member of DAF, my previous review still holds true! If you are looking for group workout classes with a very experienced and knowledgeable trainer… DAF is where you need to be! I appreciate that the classes are programmed in such a way as to be able to easily see your progress in getting stronger. And I appreciate that Elliott is very knowledgeable in modifying movements if you are dealing with any injuries so you can continue to workout safely. The other trainers that Elliott has brought in (Whitney, Mike, and on occasion as a substitute Ricardo) are also top notch. Really, I could go on and on about how much I like working out at DAF!

Source: Google

★ 5

DAF has been an integral part of my morning routine. The clean facility, the community feel, and most importantly the skilled coaching have truly made me find my love for exercise again!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training at DAF for a little over a year now, and can confidently say that thanks to Coach Elliott I am the strongest I’ve ever been. I have done strength training on and off throughout my life, but could never stay consistent until joining DAF. Elliott is so good at programming in a way that breeds consistency and longevity. He adapts the workout to meet everyone’s needs and fitness levels while still pushing you to improve and train at the top of your ability. Each class is the perfect amount of challenge where you work hard and can tell you are getting stronger/fitter, but you are not so sore that you can’t function the next day. Since training at DAF I have completed my first half marathon and triathlon, and done so completely injury free thanks to the strength and habits I built at DAF! I am so grateful to everyone at DAF including all the coaches and the whole community of members. I know that every time I walk in those doors I’m going to get a great workout and also have fun! I could not recommend this place more!

Source: Google

★ 5

DAF is the best! Elliott creates a fun community vibe while providing thoughtful workouts that get results! The focus is on safely buliding strength through traditional lifts and functional movement. I show up half asleep in the morning and leave amped up and ready for the day! 10/10 recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing training suburb vibes

Source: Google

★ 5

Love DAF! Experienced and knowledgeable coaches, great workout, and convenient location.

Source: Google

★ 5

DAF is the best! Coach Elliot programs great workouts that are challenging and fun. It is a wonderful supportive community. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

DAF is an amazing place for the Tahoe community! It’s the best group fitness class that also empowers me to feel like I get a kickass individual workout customized just for me. Coach Elliott always brings good vibes and is incredibly knowledgable.

It’s also not an intimating gym AT ALL- everyone is welcoming so if you are curious I highly suggest giving it a try!

Source: Google

★ 5

There's no one in town that can compete with the quality of training, coaching and programming. Elliott's professionalism and knowledge make the workouts fun. I highly recommend DAF to anyone who wants to improve their fitness and overall health. Athlete or not, this is the place to train and learn.

Source: Google

★ 5

I haven’t trained here yet, but I worked with Coach Elliott for some time. The amount of knowledge and passion he has for fitness and his clients I would highly encourage anyone around the Tahoe area to check out him and his team at Desolation Fitness! Man, I miss working out with him!

Source: Google

★ 5

I cannot recommend DAF enough!! Personally I love the energy that the classes have its always a good time and I always leave in a great mood. Coach Elliott is very encouraging, knowledgeable, and informative. He curates a program that is tough and pushes you, but he also tweaks it should you need it to be more or less challenging. I am 9 months postpartum and a bigger woman, and the class is so inclusive and supportive. I couldn't imagine training anywhere else. The gym its self is clean, organized and has everything you might want to try!! I absolutely LOVE my DAF family and look forward to each class. Best gym in South Lake hands down!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Training with Elliot has been super. He is well educated, supportive, creates a fun environment to train in, and also gets you to push yourself. He helped me recover from a major injury all the way from the beginning baby steps to full training. The vibe of the gym always makes me feel better and more motivated than when I walked in. Definitely recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Cleanest gym in town!!

Source: Google