OPEX KURA | Personal Training & Lifestyle Coaching

San Mateo, 708 S Railroad Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401 | ★ 4.9 (27 Review)

📞 +1 650-759-3754

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Gym Nutritionist Personal trainer

About the Club

Your Fitness, Your Way

Our personalized fitness studio goes beyond exercise—it’s about building a strong, healthy lifestyle. With a holistic approach that integrates strength, mobility, nutrition, and lifestyle habits, we design programs tailored to your goals and schedule.

From teenagers building healthy habits to new moms regaining strength, golfers improving their game, and adults in their 70s staying active, our inclusive community welcomes all. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all gym, it’s a space where fitness meets you where you are, helping you move better, feel better, and live better.

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 OPEX KURA | Personal Training & Lifestyle Coaching
 OPEX KURA | Personal Training & Lifestyle Coaching
 OPEX KURA | Personal Training & Lifestyle Coaching
 OPEX KURA | Personal Training & Lifestyle Coaching

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Reviews

Susanne Prokscha

★ 5

I've been working out at OPEX Kura with Melissa as my coach since early June of this year and really love the format: personal trainer, floor coaches, working sessions, monthly check-ins. But I was most pleased to find a reasonably diverse group of gym goers: good number of female clients and some variety of ages and sizes. I (65F, overweight, very self conscious) thought I would hate weight/strength training and the whole going-to-the-gym thing, but I don't. I've come to enjoy my sessions and how I feel physically after a workout. I can already see huge progress in what I can do in and out of the gym. I give Melissa a lot of credit for that and am expecting to continue for the long term.

Source: Google

Kristin Wagshul

★ 5

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this gym! I have been going to Opex Kura for the last four years and Melissa has coached me through pregnancies and my postpartum journeys. I can honestly say at 40, I feel better than I did in my 20s. I almost began to cry this week, when finding that my body fat is the lowest it has ever been and that I gained four pounds of muscle, in just the last two months. I never though this would be possible, after three children. The biggest highlight for me is the sustainability. I never feel drained or become injured and look forward to each gym session. As a gym goer most of my adult life and trying it all (group fitness, other personal trainers), I can say I have become stronger, fitter and much more in tuned with my body and what it needs, through the guidance of Melissa and Opex Kura. I think it is a testament of how many long term members they have and it is such a welcoming gym and community. I encourage anyone looking for sustainable change in themselves to join. You certainly will not regret it!

Source: Google

Grace Y

★ 5

As a senior woman in my early 70s, I was intimidated by the thought of going to gym since I had back injuries in the past.

Recommend by my son, I started strength training at OPEX KURA a year ago. Mellisa, the owner and head coach at OPEX, carefully designed a personalized program with her extensive knowledge and experience to support me functionally – core balance, resistance, mobility and strength. She guided me patiently and carefully in using proper form and weight to avoid injuries. She is very personable and truly cares.

In a few weeks, I started gaining muscles and having fun work out at the gym. Now I can handle more challenging house chores at home with confidence. The only regret is that I should have started 10 years ago at OPEX!

Source: Google

Natasha Walia

★ 5

Having completed over 300 workouts with Opex Kura, I can confidently say working with Melissa and her team has transformed my fitness journey. Since joining in late 2021 during my college break, Opex has been my constant anchor. Even after moving back to NYC, I maintain my training through their app and monthly check-ins with Melissa, who adapts my workouts to fit my busy schedule. The results speak for themselves - not only have I achieved significant healthy weight loss, but I've gained substantial energy and strength that enhances my daily life. I'm so grateful to have found a program and coach that can support me no matter where I am!

Source: Google

Cheng Lin

★ 5

Training at OpexKura is such an empowering experience. I met Melissa in 2022. Since then, OpexKura has been an important piece in my life that keeps generating positive impact. A lot has happened in the past two years: I had a few minor injuries from climbing, traveled a ton, became pregnant, delivered a baby, learned to be a new mom, and am now learning to be a working mom. Having my own training program tailored to meet my shifting personal goals during this special period is simply precious. Thanks to Melissa’s customized approach, my training hardly paused at any of the stages mentioned above. I felt safe and supported training with OpexKura both prenatal and postpartum. In addition to the individualized approach, I also appreciate the wonderful community Melissa builds. Seeing my fellow members at the gym makes me reimagine fitness at various stages of life for me and my family.

Source: Google

Maritere Colón Domínguez

★ 5

I have been training at Opex San Juan for almost a year and a half. During a recent work/vacation trip to San Francisco, I s for in the atea anound Opex Kura. Melissa promptly answered all my questions and welcomed me to visit her gym. All the equipment and machines are in excellent conditions and neatly organized. Furthermore, the floor coaches, Melissa and Josh, were astounding…those kind of trainers that not only advise you on the adequate position for your exercises, but further explain why, when and where you should move, push, extend, and feel the pressure. Definitely, having other Opex gyms focused on individualized training (not a crossfit box) while traveling is another benefit for joining this community. Thanks Melissa and Josh!!!

Source: Google

Xiao He

★ 5

Best decision I made in 2022! I came to Opex Kura because I was so embarrassed to see my "tech neck" in photos. Melissa and Jillian have been super supportive and helpful. They tailored a training program specific for my concern with focus on upper body + lower body + core, and also gave me very good nutrition/lifestyle advice. After only a few months, I can see my posture has become so much better! I couldn't thank opex kura enough and would highly recommend it to anyone with posture concern!

Source: Google

Hanyang Li

★ 5

Source: Google

Marci Yamaguchi Hughes

★ 1

Overpriced at $400+ a month with a 1 year minimum commitment up front. Opex Kura was rosy for my husband at first - he needed a commitment to get him to the gym 3x a week. While he did build up strength & muscle, we never saw real results weight loss wise. I chalk it up to not a huge amount of cardio in the fitness plan. After 10 months, we started contemplating renewal. Add to that that the owner's boyfriend's (and a main trainer) not warm, combative approach did not make for a very inviting atmosphere in this very intimately sized gym. One could say the same for the owner. There are two great trainers that my husband really appreciated. But it was not enough to renew the incredibly expensive and inflexible fee. We are not alone, there are at least five others that we know that feel the same way and have discontinued.

Source: Google

jillfallis

★ 5

I wish I would've known about this gym when I was younger. It is a great model for exercise and health. I love the personalized approach. My coach designs a plan for my specific needs. Everyone at the gym is working on different things. Trainers are very knowledgeable about correct positions. All the trainers are A+ trainers, Jillian, Josh, Melissa, and Arttu. They have helped many members in my family with drastically different needs. I have a daughter that is a D1 college athlete. My son is a working adult in a different state and is distance training. My kids not only are getting coaching on their strength, they also get coaching on sleep, healthy eating habits, and so much more. It is a happy place to be. I feel incredibly lucky to be there. I have experienced many, many gyms, YMCA, Yoga Health Center, Prime Time, Equinox, Crunch, Bar Method, Orange Theory, and College of San Mateo. Opex Kura has made me the healthiest because the trainers have me doing specific movements to help me get stronger, and they teach me to do the movements correctly. It is an individualized approach in a small group setting. I LOVE MY GYM.

Source: Google

Dan Wagner

★ 5

Great destination for visitors and drop-ins! Melissa made it a snap for an out-of-towner like me to register online with her prompt email responses and Michele's on-site coaching was incredibly helpful. The space was clean and well-organized too. If you have your own programming and don't need the class structure of a CrossFit-style hour, Kura is a perfect destination!

Source: Google

Josh LaBelle

★ 5

I have worked with Melissa as a Peer through OPEX. She is awesome to work with and truly cares about her clients! I would totally recommend anyone in the area to check out KURA if you want a fitness program customized to you!

Source: Google

Allen Ou

★ 5

Source: Google

Eme Brooks

★ 5

Fantastic.

I'm picky. I'm not a joiner, I'm not a loner. I want place to work out that pushes me to excel, and understands what life priorities are. Kura fits the bill. Not only are the coaches knowledgeable, smart, and driven, they understand why we need to be fit, how to stay that way, and how to keep living strong and well. Kurt gets it. Knocks it out of the park in fact.

Great vibe, great community.

Source: Google

Matthew Hodges

★ 5

Found this gem on a recent 48hr trip to San Francisco. Awsome coaches and a great box to train at. I'll be visiting again. Thank you

Source: Google

Kim Kwok

★ 5

Ever since starting at Kura, I have learned so much. This was a place that I would never have imaged myself training in because I never thought that I would have the abilities to, but Melissa and Michele are amazing motivators, and they make the environment so fun and welcoming that you would never want to leave. This place is a great training gym that is worth investing in because I really love how they focus a lot on proper technique and mechanics, they don't only want to teach you how to be strong but they also want to teach you how to strengthen your body without hurting yourself. The individual approach that they provide has taught me a lot about my body (my strengths and weaknesses), and ever since I have started I have been very happy with my progress. If you are interesting in finding a gym that does not only care about your goals, but as well as your well being then this is definitely the gym to be at. They are people who show great dedication to their profession and genuinely love what they do. Thank you Melissa and Michele, you guys are the best of the best.

Source: Google

michael boice

★ 5

Kura is awesome! This place is perfect! Great coaches, wonderful workouts, and an awesome community. I am so happy that I gave this gym a shot it has been everything I could have wanted. I would highly recommend coming in to give this place a try, you will not be disappointed!

Source: Google

Phil Sinnott

★ 5

Love this place... One of the least threatening places on the planet. Be open an honest wth yourself first.

Source: Google

Manasa Reddy

★ 5

Melissa is awesome. If your first time to CrossFit like me, I highly recommend this place. They make sure you know the basic so you don't hurt yourself.

Source: Google

Beth von Emster

★ 5

Coach Melissa is extraordinary. I started there 18 months ago hoping to get in better cardio shape. I've had some injuries over the years and had pretty low expectations for how much I could move the needle. I've been continually surprised by how much more fit I feel and look, without killing myself. Melissa is so in tune with physiology that she could be a very talented physical therapist. She knows exactly how to improve each individual's fitness without causing injury. Workouts are fun, not misery-inducing. All the other workout regulars are really nice and supportive- no judgments. Lots of different sizes, shapes and ages there. Everyone is made welcome and challenged- from the hardest-working committed Crossfit athletes to teens to middle aged to seniors.

Source: Google

Stephan Kyle

★ 5

Melissa is awesome! I started working out at Kura just over 1 year ago when my personal trainer at Equinox moved out of state. I'm glad I did. Melissa is a very knowledgeable trainer and ensures that each member of our small class is using the proper technique for each of the strength and conditioning exercises. She is also really good at knowing each person's limitations (i.e., prior injuries, etc.) and is able to modify exercises to maximize the benefits of the workout without risking re-injury. Also, I have found that I really like the people that go to Kura. Everyone is encouraging and supportive of each other regardless of physical ability. They even have community workouts once a month where I bring my wife and kids for a family workout! I highly recommend Kura.

Source: Google

Erica Kwei McMullen

★ 5

Awesome, empowering, motivating, and tough - Melissa is all of these! As a CrossFit newbie, I was intimidated by its reputation as a high-testosterone cult of ripped-up 20-somethings (OK, maybe just in my mind). Kura is welcoming to all, and Melissa is able to tailor the workouts to each individual's level. She pushes when you need it, but never EVER lets you sacrifice form for more weight or reps. Her particular genius is knowing exactly how much to push you so that you are sore but ready to go again by the next workout. I had 3 concerns coming in: 1) was I fit enough for CrossFit?; 2) could I commit to Kura with a heavy travel schedule and young kids?; and 3) would I get injured? Safe to say, none of these is a concern anymore. No, I can't make it to every class, but Melissa will create workouts for the equipment and time you have available, even if you are in a hotel room. She is manic about form and safety, and takes a holistic approach to long-term health, strength, and fitness - emphasizing not only what you do in the gym, but also what you do outside class. After every class, I stand a little taller, feel a little stronger, and make better choices - who doesn't want that?!

Source: Google

Progressive Motion Physiotherapy

★ 5

Crossfit Kura....hmm....How do I start? I was a skeptic of Crossfit due to my background in physical therapy, the people that I was influenced with during graduate school, and the various stereotypes that were associated with it. However, I was trying to make a huge effort in being open minded when it came to finding a gym that I could relate with. Then last July, I realized that I may have found my match. Not only a gym that I could work out in and be challenged, but a gym where it was easy to feel like you belonged.

I was lucky enough to meet Melissa and Michelle. Thank goodness I did! They have been able to push me to limits that I've never really done before in my life. I have always been involved with sports, but do not think i've trained to this capacity. I have made amazing strength gains since 1 year ago and have them to thank for the increases I have seen. They both make sure that your foundational movements are appropriate with each progression and if they're not...well, they are great at modifying. Yes, Crossfit Kura is for anyone and everyone that wants to live a healthier, more fit life.

The icing on the cake? Well, the community is awesome. Everyone checks their ego at the door and just comes in and helps everyone achieve a better version of themselves. This is not by accident. I am a true believer in that a community, it is a reflection of the owner and staff employed by the company. And this everyone, holds true.

Don't regret not checking Kura out. Live better now as life is too beautiful to waste any time =)

Source: Google

Sri Gowd

★ 5

I am a recent recruit and love this gym! Michelle and Melissa are excellent coaches - they will motivate and challenge you every step of the way.

Kura is a refreshing change from a few other CrossFit gyms I have tried in the past.. they preach quality over quantity. At Kura, you will NEVER find people stacking on a ton of weights and attempting to lift with poor form. Sure, the instructors will challenge you to your limits... but only if your form is right! I have injuries from the past and welcome this aspect of Kura's philosophy.

Also, there's always enough space to workout.. thanks to small sized groups. And because they ask you to try and stick to a schedule, we all know each other in our groups.. and that makes workout a lot more fun!

Source: Google

Ashwin Nellore

★ 5

Crossfit Kura is everything that it promises to be and more!

Melissa and Michele play a vital role by working with every individual and tailoring the programs and exercises based on their fitness requirements. I personally suffer from multiple injuries in the past which made me avoid a gym for more than 2 years. I've been working out here for more than a month now and I'm only getting stronger with no pain from the previous injuries.

They've taken the time to understand and continuously innovate based on their previous experiences in the fitness realm. This is not your run of the mill box.

It may not be the biggest gym but who said that's a deal breaker. The coaches and your fellow athletes are a constant inspiration. Even the music is well curated! I'll admit to singing under my breath to many tunes. Yes, it's that fun.

Don't presume that it's all fun. The workouts are challenging and the soreness is well worth it. I'm already seeing changes in less than a month and hope to continue improving on my fitness goals.

There's no other place that I'd rather work out but here!

Source: Google

Jaron Vesely

★ 5

Moving from NYC, one of my first priorities was to find a Crossfit gym I could call home. I researched, Yelp'd, and trial'd boxes all around the Bay Area, but none of them felt quite right. Sure, they all had the familiar equipment and the familiar WODs, but I just didn't get the same sense of community and quality of coaching that I'd grown accustomed to. And then I stumbled upon Crossfit Kura, and I'm happy to say I've found my home.

Thanks to Melissa and Michelle...
I have never felt stronger -- I'm making gains in lifts that I didn't even know were possible.

I have never felt safer -- corrections (both small and large) to my form have reduced my workout injuries to zero.

I have never felt more at home -- there are no bad eggs at Kura. I've been greeted by warmth and kindness in every class. My wins have been celebrated, and my challenges have been cheered on. It's a mantra that's top-down at Kura, and I'm so happy to be a part of the family.

Source: Google

Jigar Asar

★ 5

AWESOME COACHES, TONS OF MOTIVATION & RESULTS!!!!

I have been to a couple of CrossFits in the bay area, but only realized that all Crossfit are not born equal after coming here. I have been with Crossfit Kura for less than a year and have seen tremendous results. I have lost a total of 16lbs reducing my body fat from 24% to 18% and I feel STRONGER. Coach Melissa takes the time and energy to make sure you understand the purpose of each movement, so you have the right form while doing the workouts. Kura culture emphasizes group drive, so everyone in my class motivates each other for our personal best instead of competing with each other. Coach Melissa has helped me identify my weakness and we are working towards improving them every day. Along with the workouts, Coach Melissa has helped with "Eating right" making sure the body is being refueled with the right amount of nutrition.

If you are serious about making a change in your health and fitness, I highly recommend Crossfit Kura.

Source: Google