Polo's Gym

Oakland, 2819 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94602 | ★ 4.8 (62 Review)

📞 +1 510-612-1441

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Fitness center

About the Club

We offer a safe and friendly alternative to crowded corporate gyms and intimidating cross fit boxes. We are a local, independently-owned training facility located in Oakland's thriving Dimond District. We specialize in providing equipment that maximizes your time and offers the most functional crossover to real world applications. Barbells and kettle bells are our implements of choice. Not sure how to squat or swing a kettle bell? No problem. We offer personal training, as well as small group classes, in addition to our standard open gym membership.

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 Polo's Gym
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Reviews

Charlie Hanousek

★ 5

My boyfriend introduced me to Polo’s gym this last spring. Training equipment has always been somewhat of an intimidation and learning curve for me. After only 2 visits to Polo’s gym, one of the personal trainers there, Rio, offered me a consultation. Since my consultation with Rio I’ve finally found some rhythm and a plan that works for me and my fitness goals. Now when I go in for my own sessions, Rio is always there to motivate and support me through my fitness journey. He helps me unlock the ‘magic’ of each machine when I have doubts and even reminds me which muscles, or parts of my body, to engage allowing me to experience a really productive session. Rio will even write up a training guide for me to follow for the day!
For me, finding confidence in the gym has always been the hardest part. Understanding how to use the machines and equipment can be daunting. At Polo’s, I truly feel supported by everyone there, respected in my performance, more knowledgeable of my body and of the equipment, confident and structured, and so strong!
A big shout out to Rio who’s drastically improving my health and thank you to everyone else at Polo’s! It’s really a gym made of some truly decent people.

Source: Google

Josh Nermon

★ 5

Fantastic gym! I was visiting from Austin and needed a professional gym to get my routine in and the entire staff was friendly, equipment was clean, and it was very affordable for a day pass. Polo (the owner) was extremely kind and welcoming. This gym has every piece of equipment you could need. I normally go to a climbing gym in Austin and Polo’s had everything short of a climbing wall (lol). I’ll definitely be back and I I lived here, I’d be a regular member.

Thanks Polo!

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Aunish

★ 5

Great gym

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Nancy K

★ 4

Polo is a very nice guy. I was traveling and needed a spot to workout. Nice staff, lots of equipment, good location and safe neighborhood.

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carolina reyes

★ 5

Well equiped and uncrowded gym! Very clean as well, I see staff clean often.
The owner is very helpful and welcoming. Highly recommend, especially if you want to support local, small businesses!

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Jack Pollock

★ 5

This place has everything you need and nothing you don't. Love this gym for weightlifting

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Victor Wei

★ 5

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Pat Brewer

★ 5

Good gym with all the essentials and a great community. Staff and trainers (I'm looking at you, Rio!) are top notch.

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Xiaoyi Jin

★ 5

Such a neighborhood gem! Polo’s gym is spacious, well-equipped, and everyone there is very friendly. I usually work out in the morning (8 or 9am) and it’s never too busy. My partner sometimes do afternoon hours workout and he said it still doesn’t feel crowded.

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Charles “Chad” Reid

★ 5

Really solid gym with a good community. The owner and his wife are really friendly and helpful. Lots of equipment and space for a variety of different types of workouts. Very clean. Lots of parking. Good location.

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Austin Walter

★ 5

Wonderful gym and great people! I'd still be a member if I hadn't had to change work locations.

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Jorge de la Orden

★ 5

Gimnasio muy agradable limpio y con buena maquinaria

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Jesús Salas

★ 5

Awesome neighborhood/ local gym. Have been getting personal training with Rio and it has been a blast. He will definitely push you! Place is clean and has all you need without being pretentious (aka no IG influencers). Would recommend!

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gary brown

★ 5

I have a nice workout at polo's gym. My trainer real is great. He works me hard. The environment is smooth and carefree and pleasant

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Evren Seven

★ 5

The only gym of its kind I know of in the bay area. Old school pro style gym. Great equipment. CLEAN. Never too busy. Cool people. Polo is awesome.

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Phillip Martin

★ 5

My main man Rio. Has breathed health and strength into the soul of my whole family. My mom, my wife, and my five year old. All have increased their physical strength a long with their mental fortitude. Rio is a gift from the Most high.

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Cydney White

★ 5

Oh my goodness! There's something different in a WONDERFUL way about Rio! 2 sessions and my mobility is improved - I'm loving this

Rio WootWoot!

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Yaffa 48

★ 5

Rio is a phenomenal personal trainer. Feels more like a gym partner than a coach, always very clear and attentive when instructing. Does alot of injury prevention work outs that help with stability. Highly recommend!

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Samir Mogannam (PalestinaPopUp)

★ 5

Rio is an amazing personal trainer here at polo’s that can help you achieve your fitness goals. Great energy and genuine care for my fitness progression.

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Sandhya Basnet

★ 5

Coach Alejandra is great!! Went to the group class with Coach Alejandra and Coach Rio. Amazing vibe, supper encouraging. 10 out of 10 will do again 😍

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Kavin Khatri

★ 5

Polo's Gym is great! There are so many weights and machines to choose from to accomplish your workout. Everyone at the gym is really friendly and supportive of you and your goals. It's a motivating place because the folks at the gym are there to actually work out. Shout out to Rio who introduced me to the gym and has given me some awesome tips and pointers!

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Sam Stone

★ 5

Great, affordable space with excellent selection of free weights and machines. Also have had a great experience working with Coach Rio who leads a weekly fitness class for members.

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Caroline Landau

★ 5

Working out at this gym is truly a highlight of my week. I work out with Rio and I couldn’t be happier. The space is wonderful, great equipment, energizing environment, and an inspiring people and community. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

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Derek

★ 5

Great gym. Here for a week over Thanksgiving and has everything you need for either getting your cardio in or lifting weights. Has a great amount of back machines in particular, and love the leg press that moves in an ellipse (easier on the knees vs a linear machine). Not crowded at all in the mornings.

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Micah Williams

★ 5

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beverly bibiano

★ 5

I’ve been working out here for about 2 years and all I can say is the staff here is amazing. The equipment is always clean and you won’t find a better environment anywhere else near the area.

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Kareem John

★ 5

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Droid Gallucci

★ 5

Pretty much the only reason I’m still in Oakland is because of this gym. For people that really just want to work out with no fluff.

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brains rigazzi

★ 5

I dropped in on a trip and was struggling to find a gym on short notice but I found Polos gym. It is awesome, it has everything you need to achieve your goals. Polo himself is a super cool and nice dude that made sure I was well accommodated for my day here.

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Janani Ramachandran

★ 5

I’m a huge fan of Polo’s Gym!

The space is very clean, well-equipped, and filled with considerate fellow gym-goers (but never too crowded- you’ll get the equipment you need!)

I trained with Polo who is patient and attentive to detail and form. The other trainers who are around have great energy and foster a collegial environment.

Highly recommend, support local!

Source: Google

Daniel Zamani

★ 5

Clean, spacious, and very well-stocked gym with a wide selection of equipment (they even have Persian "meel" or "Indian clubs" which look like big bowling pins and are used to train strength and mobility; like ancient kettlebells). They make good use of their space and you can always find a spot to lift safely. I mainly powerlift and appreciate the full cage, half cage with safeties, and deadlift platform. The benches also have safeties, which is lovely for trying for a personal record without a spotter.

Speaking of spotters, staff has always been friendly and helpful as well. They have actually spotted me before in the days before all of the benches had safety bars on them.

That also brings up another point. They are constantly striving to improve the gym, whether it's new equipment or more efficient arrangement of the space. It feels safe and efficient (door has a code). The other patrons are also considerate, wiping down equipment, making sure weights get put away, etc.

My only criticisms are that it can get a *bit* hot when it's hot out (though the fans do well to combat the heat generally), I wish the second treadmill didn't squeak as much as it does, and I wish they had a second elliptical, but other than those minor nitpicks, this is an excellent gym. While part of me wishes it would stay a hidden gym, I also know that they need more members to survive and thrive, so you should all buy memberships. Only show up a little bit though, haha.

Source: Google

Caitlin Charos

★ 5

Love Polo’s! Polo is so friendly and helpful! This place is no frills, which might not be everybody’s preference, but that’s what I like about it!

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Jose Vaca

★ 5

Polo’s has everything you need to meet your fitness goals. Whether it’s packing on muscle or losing weight, you are guaranteed to attain it here. If you want to escape the crowd, not have to worry about waiting on people / people using their phones on machines, and be surrounded by focused individuals, this is the place for you. Support local!

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Jeremy Bergeron

★ 5

Fantastic gym! One of the few gyms that I’ve come across that has all the equipment that I’d want for a variety of workouts, ranging from Olympic lifting and advanced plyometrics to cardio and weight machines. They keep it super clean and are constantly trying to make the place better. Highly recommend!

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Shimali P

★ 5

My happy place! Nothing fancy, but has everything I need for a great workout and it’s always clean. Polo is professional and always willing to show you how to use a machine if you have questions. Everyone is there to have a great workout and in their own zone.
I love it.

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Sanjay Garla

★ 5

First time here and so far so good. Has everything you need and it’s in the neighborhood

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shuli baram-guzman

★ 5

Very clean, music at comfortable volume. Great option of equipment.

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Alissa Maglaty

★ 5

Can't recommend Polo's Gym enough - great range of equipment and space, all of which is kept very well maintained. Everyone I've met there is really positive/friendly, and Polo goes above and beyond to make sure the gym is ready for everyone's fitness needs.

Source: Google

Wathiq Abumaali

★ 5

Best gym in the bay! I used to go to commercial gyms like 24 and City Sports because they were cheaper. I’ve been coming to Polo’s gym now for over 2 years and I haven’t looked back since. Staff is super friendly, gym is always clean, equipment is high quality and they have everything from barbells and dumbbells to kettlebells and cables. Can’t imagine myself going to any other gym again.

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HCM

★ 5

Great place to get down and do the work! Friendly and experienced staff. Lots of space for mobility workouts and the equipment is substantial.

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Leo Y Lagno

★ 5

Clean and was never crowded for me, even during peak hours. Simple but very effective space. Best selection of equipment, especially for the back--I moved out of state and am struggling to find the types of equipment to continue my back routine. Chris and Polo are always super kind and friendly, made me feel like I was their friend.

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Nico Goldberg

★ 5

I had the pleasure of using Polo’s Gym for 2 years, and it was one of the best gym experiences I’ve ever had. Polo cares deeply about maximizing the experience of his members, and he was always open to feedback or new ideas. The space itself is awesome and it was never crowded when I would go mid-morning. Easy parking outside too, and a decent taco truck usually sets up in the parking lot if you’re hungry right after. I cannot recommend highly enough!

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Nicholas James Errico

★ 5

Great gym. Never crowded and Chris in particular is such a good guy. I’d recommend anyone to come here!

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H Bryant

★ 5

Excellent open gym in Oakland's Dimond District. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts who enjoy a huge array of barbells, dumbbells, kbs, sleds, ropes and machines. Fantastic, kind and welcoming owners. Very reasonable monthly fee without pressure to work with personal trainers. Couldn't be happier!

Source: Google

Natalie A.

★ 5

I was a member of Polo’s (at the time, it was still known as OSF) from August-November 2020, and I can honestly say it was the best gym experience I’ve had in the Bay Area! It looks tough and hardcore on the outside, but it‘s SO warm and welcoming on the inside. It was awesome to see the same gymgoers every time I went, and the tight-knit community feel there is palpable. As a 21-year-old college senior at the time, I was worried I’d be viewed as an outcast and not taken seriously as a member, but my experience at Polo’s was anything but. Additionally, the facility itself is awesome—it’s small enough to where it doesn’t feel overwhelming, but it’s still big enough to fit all the gym equipment you’ll need for your workout. I no longer live in the Bay Area, but if I ever move back, I’m definitely restarting my membership at Polo’s!!

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Latasha

★ 5

Gym is always clean, enough space to do what you gotta do and not overcrowded. Owner very friendly.

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Andrew Alas

★ 5

Been coming here ever since I moved. Perfect place to train and be trained. The owners rock!

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Amy Fan

★ 5

Great local gym. People are respectful and serious about working out. Usually don't have to wait to use anything and lots of space to work out. Wish the hours were longer on the weekend.

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Tyler Dunham

★ 5

Great neighborhood gym. Super clean, always free equipment, friendly members, and terrific staff!

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Jo-Annie Seda

★ 5

Best gym in town!!! Great space, plenty of equipment, good equipment too, never crowded and super clean! Folks are really cool, and the owner Polo is an awesome guy, who's really attentive to the gym. No other gym around like this!!!

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Sal Gracian

★ 5

Polo’s gym has been THE gym I’ve called home since I was 18! I was fortunate enough to have walked into Polo’s gym as a chubby kid straight out of high school. I was never into the big comercial gyms like 24-hour or Planet fitness because of the crowds and lack of cleanliness, so Polo’s gym was a perfect fit. Polo has always been a great source of physical training knowledge. As an inexperienced kid, he would always offer great tips, advice and a spot here and there to help me push my limits to get stronger and in better shape. Now Polo has moved the gym to a bigger location to provide more space for equipment and a growing membership! Polo has consistently evolved his gym with the latest and greatest equipment, there’s a little bit of everything for what ever your gym needs are including: Free weights and racks, weight machines, cardio machines, punching bags and much more! My biggest compliment would be how meticulous Polo has been with the upkeep of cleanliness, especially with the whole COVID fiasco Polo has done an amazing job of providing disinfecting and cleaning supplies to help keep the gym safe and clean for everyone. Thanks to the gym environment and friendship Polo has developed I was able to lose over 100 pounds and found a love of physical activity and fitness. I feel fortunate to have made that decision of walking through the doors of Polo’s gym 10 years ago and hope for many more years of continuing my fitness journey here!!

Source: Google

Belsin Barkhosir

★ 5

Great equipment! Love the number of squat racks and they are meticulous about keeping the work out area clean.

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Amaney Masadeh

★ 5

The best gym I’ve been a member of!

There is always plenty of space here to workout. I can always find an empty squat rack at any time that I go. There’s plenty of other equipment and a variety of weights (plates and dumbbells) for everyone to use.

I appreciate that cleanliness is a priority here. Disinfectant and towels are available for the gym goers, and I always see staff cleaning up throughout the day.

The staff are also very friendly and pleasant to be around. I haven’t worked with any of the personal trainers, but they’re friendly and have heard good things!

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alex montes

★ 5

Hands down best gym in Oakland!

The gym itself is well sized and has all the equipment you need. Really great mix of squat racks, cable machines, dumbbells, barbells, cardio machines but also all kinds of functional/crossfit things like sleds, medicine balls, and kettlebells.

Never gets too crowded so you'll never have to wait for a machine + plenty of parking so you can get in and out.

The vibe is great, everyone is super friendly and the staff knows everyone. Persona trainers really know what they are doing and very respectful to everyone.

I've been a member at 24 hour fitness, YMCA, SF fitness, equinox, and just about every other gym in the east bay and this is by far the best gym.

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Jack Hickey

★ 5

I love this gym! All the equipment you could need and very friendly gym goers.

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Andrea Stenson Murphy

★ 5

Best gym in Oakland.

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Heidi MB

★ 1

This is long, but for good reason….

Know this, any guy that thinks he can ILLEGALLY stay open during the pandemic and ILLEGALLY not have his gym staffed for hours on end is Sketchy enough to make a fake name to get people in.

I held my membership twice. The first time it was illegal for him to stay open but he did throughout the entire pandemic, refusing to ask people to mask up. The second time I put it on hold was the same reason, as I simply thought he would have changed and it did not.

Imagine my surprise when I see a Groupon for the address and sign up, thinking it was a good way to see about going back. I used to be a member and figured that since my passcode was valid, I was good.

I went in, trained for 3 hours, spoke with his employee who said he did not know about any Groupon but welcomed me back. I thought I’d come across the owner but my third visit back, no employees working for at least an hour, again, and a trainer that I do not know came in and introduced himself. Very kind guy who said Polo, the owner, did not have my number and he called him.
Polo goes on a tirade saying that I am trespassing, a thief, a liability and a ton of really cruel and mean things. There was no calming him down nor way to have him listen. I offered to pay, as I thought I already had but NBD, I only spent $30 on the Groupon. He said "No. You are not allowed in my gym ever again". I tried for a few minutes to help him see I had no ill intentions but I thought the Groupon was a good way to ease back in without the contract.

He screamed "what name is on the door"??!! I tried to remind him that for Months Oakland Strength Factory was on the front despite being Polo’s and I did not know if he changed it/ sold it/ whatever.

He just kept screaming.

Don’t go anywhere near this place nor the owner, Polo Garcia as he is poor excuse for a business owner and a worse excuse as a person.

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J D

★ 5

Nice lil gym in a great spot! It's got enough stuff to get the job done! I was there watching him clean and work on making gym improvements. This place has a ton of potential!

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Nick Sampson

★ 3

Seems like a nice place. In town for work and needed a gym to drop in at and get a workout, but unfortunately does not offer day passes. Just wanted to post here to save anyone else the trouble of calling/going in to ask!

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Jason Swartz

★ 5

Clean, friendly staff, lots of squat racks - love it!

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Alex Kaula

★ 2

Dirty gym and old equipments , but was open on a holiday

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Connor Curley

★ 5

Great staff and plenty of squat racks!

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