★ 5

Best gym in the city! Not cheap, but for good reason. Great trainers, great people, great workouts. Have tried 10+ gyms over the years and finally found one I love.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a child of the 80s, I am used to doing cardio workouts. But now that I am in my 50s I have realized the importance of weight training. I am so thankful I found Alex and Strong Friends. Alex is a very thoughtful trainer. He personalizes each training session and makes adjustments based on experience levels, injuries, etc. Alex is a wealth of knowledge and despite training with him for a year and a half, i swear he has made each session slightly different and never boring. He is also very detail oriented, and will make great adjustments to my form. He holds me to high standards, but is not intimidating. With Alex’s help, I am confident that I will continue to get stronger and will age gracefully.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been coming here for a few Months and Alex is terrific. I’m a 50-year-old guy who absolutely hated exercise but realized I needed to get in shape as I got older. Alex works me hard and focuses on strength and conditioning. I feel and look better just coming twice a week and I have way more energy. I highly recommend Alex and this gym. You don’t have to be an athlete to take advantage of this kind of strength training and Alex makes it really enjoyable.

Source: Google

★ 5

Strong Friends Gym is fantastic! The programming is smart, goal-focused, and delivers real results. I recently took the endurance class with Mario and was very impressed—it was well-structured and challenging in the best way. I’ve also taken classes with Alex, who is extremely knowledgeable and makes every workout both fun and effective.

The community here is friendly, supportive, and makes training something I truly look forward to. I only wish my schedule allowed me to come more often. Highly recommend!
I would give 10 stars if I could!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been working with Alex as a personal trainer with a specific focus on back health and overall muscle strength and in just six months of work it's been an absolute transformation. Alex was able to figure out exactly where I was at and then step by step getting me to levels I didn't think I could get to e.g. going from not knowing how to deadlift to deadlifting my own weight in 6 months. This includes a lot of work on mobility and flexibility that gets weaved into each workout, giving me incredibly balanced outcomes with no injuries.

Even for group classes, Alex and team ensure that groups never get above a size of six which means everyone gets the right attention to style and form vs. other gyms where groups are 30+ and you can barely hear what the instructor is saying let alone get any personalized coaching.

Highly highly recommend these guys for strength and weight training and just overall health and fun!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Strong Friends Gym has elevated the personal training bar for me. Sometimes “eggrolls” mean Alex is putting us through the kind of ab workout that makes you rethink all your life choices… other times, it literally means he’s hooking up the entire gym with the best actual egg rolls you’ll ever eat. Both are worth showing up for.

I’ve been a consistent personal training person over the years, tried places like Diakadi and Perform for Life, but nothing compares to Alex’s mix of focus, knowledge, and vibe. The difference is that here you feel genuinely supported and the atmosphere is all about growth without the ego. We've even jumped into a few of the group classes, and they’ve also left us stoked every time.

If you want a gym that blends expertise, high quality programming, freshest equipment, and the occasional edible egg roll with your “eggroll” ab burners, Strong Friends Gym is the spot!

Source: Google

★ 5

I….actually like going to the gym. (Not words I’ve ever said in my life!) Alex is so knowledgeable and encouraging, and the space and community he and Julia have created is approachable and welcoming. In two years of personal training with Alex, I’ve gained confidence in the gym, lost over 80lbs while maintaining muscle mass, and hit so many fitness goals. Amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Strong Friends is a great gym with really nice people (in the classes and as instructors). I like that they have so many female instructors who are very knowledgeable and supportive. The equipment is all solid and the overall experience is very chill and low-pressure. I had prior experience with private trainers for weightlifting, and do their group classes, which are equally effective. Highly recommend trying it out!

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the best, if not the best, gym I've ever been to after 12+ years of weight training and conditioning. I've been coming here for over a year and don't plan to stop as long as I live in SF. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and personable. The members are all welcoming and a joy to be around. I wish more gyms could be like Strong Friends!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I learned about strong friends through a mutual friend when I was looking for a new place to work out. I’ve been active most of my life and wanted to get back into lifting. The programming, community and training is intentional, supportive and translates to real results. I’m always learning from each trainer to improve my form as well. I definitely recommend others to check out this gym and trainers!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've had an amazing experience at this gym and plan to keep coming regularly. I trained in a small group with Coach Bri and learned so much throughout the process. I felt supported and challenged, and I could really see improvements in my form, balance, and strength. The environment is welcoming and friendly, and I highly recommend working with any of the trainers - Bri, Julia, and Alex.

Source: Google

★ 5

Strong friends is such a welcoming gym. The coaches are patient and adapt the workout for different ability levels. I was in a small personal training group and we had so much fun but also learned so much about form and mobility but most importantly we were all stronger by the end. Julia is very responsive and our Coach Bri was encouraging, pushed us when needed and was open to suggestions for moves we wanted to learn. We’ll definitely go back in the fall.

Source: Google

★ 5

Had no idea how to move my body or use any equipment so I'm very happy I found Julia! She is calm, patient, and has no problem challenging me and making things just hard enough that I improve every week I see her. The gym is cute and everyone is friendly. I've only done personal training but the classes look and sound really fun. Would recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I just finished my first HYROX race, and there’s no way I could have done it without StrongFriends and Alex.

When I started training, I was pretty new and had no idea how to pace myself, what to focus on, or how to prep for the demands of a HYROX race. Alex didn’t just throw random workouts at me. We built my running engine and worked on movements I used to avoid (hello wall balls and sleds).

What made the biggest difference was how personalized everything felt! Can’t wait to do another hyrox !

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym! Julia and Alex are the owners and they are the most down to earth trainers I’ve met.

Source: Google

★ 5

Comfy, cozy, attentive staff for whatever level or goals you have. Be part of an evolving gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Julia is an awesome trainer and gym owner. She's body neutral, super thoughtful in her approach, and genuinely cares about helping people feel strong in a way that actually works for them. She's one of those people who's easy to trust and great to be around. If you're looking for someone who knows their stuff and leads with kindness, Julia’s your gal.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been going to Strong Friends consistently for just under four months. A personal trainer friend of mine recommended it, and I’m so glad she did! After just a few group classes, I found myself going four days a week and actually looking forward to working out.

Alex, Julia, and Bri are so good at what they do. They make weightlifting feel approachable and are also just genuine and fun people. I don’t need to plan around a specific trainer or class time because no matter when I go, I know I’ll get clear direction on technique, feel safe, be challenged, and have fun. They’ve also built a really special community. Getting to know the other people in class is a big part of what makes me feel motivated to keep going back.

And the programming! I’ve gotten stronger in the movements I enjoy (like deadlifts and back squats) and more open-minded about the stuff I used to avoid (like cardio). The way classes are structured, you can go almost every day and still have the energy to come back the next. Even on weeks when I can only make it once or twice, I still leave feeling like I got a balanced workout. The fact that there are class times in the mornings, evenings, and most afternoons also makes it easy to stay consistent.

I can’t say enough good things! Strong friends is the best!

Source: Google

★ 5

Been going since the week after it opened. Alex has helped me achieve my lean muscle mass goals without having to cut any weight! His nutrition plans as well as workout routines have made what I thought impossible was a reality.
You'll have to put in the work, but he makes it seem far more of a fun time than a grueling activity. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Having not worked out in nearly a decade, I was hesitant to step foot in a gym again. I knew I wanted to get fit, build muscle, and live a more active lifestyle—but I had no idea where to begin. After researching several gyms in the area, I decided to give Strong Friends Gym a try. From my very first consultation with Alex, I could tell their program was exactly what I was looking for.

What I didn’t expect was just how much I would enjoy it.

Alex, Julia, and Bri are truly the best coaches I could have asked for. Every class is thoughtfully structured to help you get stronger, both mentally and physically. They pushed me to lift more than I ever imagined I could and supported me every step of the way.

What really sets Strong Friends apart is the community. The camaraderie and encouragement from both coaches and classmates created a positive, motivating environment that I genuinely looked forward to being a part of. The friendships and confidence I gained were just as valuable as the physical strength I built.

I’ve never felt more capable or empowered in my life—and I owe that to the incredible team and community at Strong Friends Gym. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Source: Google

★ 5

Strong Friends gym is amazing! I've been training with Julia for 3+ years and have gotten to know Alex and Bri over the last year – everyone is truly phenomenal. I always feel accomplished and safe, learn so much, and now I’m feeling quite strong too 🏋🏻‍♂️.

I've done both the individual training and small group sessions. I've really enjoyed the community in the groups sessions but they're also small enough that I feel like I get individual attention and corrections.

I've never had a gym I'm so excited about. If you're a lovely person and want to become stronger, come to Strong Friends!

Source: Google

★ 5

I LOVE this gym. I come here twice a week for private training sessions with Julia, and the community she and Alex have built here is great. Everyone is kind, empathetic and super knowledgeable. I love that they offer a range of options from 1:1 training to small smartly-programmed classes so everyone can find something that works for them. Since my main experience has been training with Julia, here's a bit about her:

Her method is calm, intelligent, informed, and methodical. She curates the program to your specific needs and goals – she meets you where you're at and takes you where you want to go. She isn't too rah-rah or aggressive (trainer traits I find highly un-motivating), rather she's supportive and honestly motivational. She's incredibly smart and takes her work seriously, but we always have fun during our sessions. I've worked with her for a little over a year and a half, and the difference in my body is incredible. I've become super strong, I have less pain in places that used to bother me before, and my confidence is sky-high. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants to make real and lasting change in their body and mindset.

Source: Google

★ 5

Alex at Strong Friends is the best! I’ve been training with him for almost 3 years and leave every session feeling stronger and more confident. Alex creates amazing workouts that feel fresh while continuing to target key muscle groups. He pays close attention to form, modifies moves for injuries, and tracks our progress to ensure we’re reaching our personal max—always cheering us on and encouraging us to be our best. The gym itself is clean, spacious, and well equipped; all of the trainers are great. Check out Strong Friends for a challenging workout with great people, and make new friends at the same time!

Source: Google

★ 5

Alex is an amazing trainer! After following him around multiple other gyms in SF, it's so cool that he now has his own. He absolutely transformed my fitness journey — he really tailors his sessions to each individual and makes the whole thing feel so approachable. Before you know it you'll be benching 70 lbs :) He's also really good at providing modifications and specific stretches and exercises to help with injuries — I do a lot of dance that can be hard on the joints and his recommendations always help. I look at my time with Alex as a way to build strength and learn how to prevent injury in all the other ways I work out ... bonus that it has made a visible difference too (never dreamed I'd ever be getting arm compliments). Yay Alex! P.S. don't sleep on his restaurant recommendations.

Source: Google

★ 5

Alex and Julia are the best! On top of a great workout program structure they have created a great community. I’ve gained muscle and a newfound love for going to the gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym, awesome coaches, good vibes all around. I’ve been attending group classes at Strong Friends for about 4 months now and I enjoy every session. I love that the classes are small—you get to train with familiar faces and everyone receives coaching. I’m getting stronger *and* learning more about strength training and my own body. Highly recommend giving Strong Friends a try! It’s a very friendly and welcoming place!

Source: Google

★ 5

Julia and Bri are amazing coaches. Classes are wonderfully small so you really get 1-1 coaching. Bri is super attentive and has really helped me learn proper form and begin to lift heavier. I honestly did not think I would be a weightlifting girlie, but here I am setting fitness goals and back squatting. 💪

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been seeing Julia for about a year now. I started with her in her garage prior to her opening the gym. I typically hate a gym environment so I was skeptical. But this gym is really great and very different from your typical gym. It's small but has everything you need, and there's usually only a handful of people there at a time, if that. And when you're there, it feels like you're with family (actually better than family). Everyone is so friendly, and her partner Alex is also great.

I do love training with Julia. She's really great and knows what she's doing. I love that the workouts are tailored to my abilities. I feel challenged every workout and she modifies things if I need it. There's no yelling at this gym. I also love that we have goals to work on every week - like doing pull ups (I'm so close!). And Julia also helps with workouts outside the gym. She's a good listener as well and very entertaining when we work out. I highly recommend Julia or Alex (from what I observe - he's also excellent).

Source: Google

★ 5

Strong Friends Gym is an excellent place to begin your fitness and strength training journey! I am new to regularly working out and have had an exceptional experience thus far with Alex, Julia, and Briana. The intentionality behind their small class sizes, scaled workout structure, and growth/learning mindset allow you to ease into strength training and meet your goals at a steady pace. Can’t recommend this gym enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

Alex & Julia have changed the weight training and personal fitness game with their well structured and approachable small group fitness classes. I have personally struggled with the mental block of working out for all of my life and because of Strong Friends, I have finally broken out of it. My husband and I go as often as we can, usually 3-4 days a week since April 2024, and I cannot get enough. The gym is uniquely designed and organized, the people that attend are friendly and supportive, and the trainers are knowledgeable and motivating. The structure of the classes have been very well thought out, with 2-3 main focuses. Starting with the main lift, transitioning to accessory work, and finishing with conditioning and some lighter cardio. Even with the main lift being the focus, it always feels like a well balanced workout. This is really a gym for people who want to build muscle, age well, and meet some cool people along the way. Cheers to Alex & Julia, your hard work has truly made an impact and I am super happy to be apart of Strong Friends!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Exceptional Personal Trainer! 💪🏽
Training with Alex has been a game-changer for me! From day one, Alex’s enthusiasm and expertise have been such an invaluable part of my training. He tailors every workout to my specific goals and needs, ensuring I stay motivated and challenged. His positive attitude and encouragement make every session challenging yet enjoyable, and I’ve seen incredible progress in my strength and fitness levels. Alex’s knowledge of fitness and nutrition is top-notch, and he always goes the extra mile to provide valuable tips and support. If you’re looking for a dedicated and inspiring personal trainer, Alex is the one to go to. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend going to StrongFriends! I took a semi-private group training class with Alex and it was absolutely amazing. Alex taught me a lot of new exercises that a focused on mobility and strength. He spent a lot of time making sure we have good form with emphasis on certain muscle groups. He is one of the most knowledgeable trainers in San Francisco and explains concepts very well. Additionally, Julia is also an excellent trainer. She is such an inspiration for all women to get stronger. She gives great advice on nutrition which has transformed my body. Overall they are a dynamic duo and I am so excited that they finally opened in my neighborhood!

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the best new gyms that’s opened up for both classes and personal training. Alex is the best around. I’ve been going to him for personal training for two years. He’s taken me from a struggling recovery after two shoulder surgeries to the best shape I’ve been in. He adapts his teaching to people at all levels and really helps you learn the proper technique. Lifting weights can be intimidating but Alex makes it simple. He’s a great person to learn from and always brings the best energy and positivity!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Julia and Alex are amazing! Could not recommend this gym more! Excellent classes for all levels — they make everything very approachable and clear, and it is so nice to have classes capped at a smaller number of individuals. Despite being new to strength training, I have never felt overwhelmed or nervous in class, and their coaching is so welcoming and reassuring!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym run by great people! I’ve been taking classes and doing personal training with Alex for two years and have gotten stronger than I ever expected. The atmosphere here is friendly and community oriented, but you’ll still be pushed to your limit. Definitely check it out!

Source: Google

★ 5

StrongFriends is a spacious, light-filled, and community-focused gym! Alex and Julia are fantastic coaches and they both have a ton of experience training clients 1:1 and leading effective group classes.

I personally have been training with Alex for two years and have reached many of my fitness goals, in addition to goals I never thought I'd be able to achieve. He makes working out challenging but fun, and he is skilled at tailoring his programming so that I am making progress every week. He spends a lot of time making sure I have the best form possible and to this day, I have not had a single injury despite lifting the heaviest I ever have.

In addition to being a knowledgable trainer, Alex is also very funny and he cares about the relationships that he builds with his clients.

I highly recommend StrongFriends if you want to work with motivated and talented coaches while having the best time getting in shape.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m so excited for this gym to open! I’ve been training with Alex for over a year in both group and private sessions. Alex has helped and motivated me to surpass fitness goals that I never thought I would achieve. Pull ups, deadlifts, cleans are all things I learned how to do this year at the age of 47! What made those achievements more fun was the support of others. Alex shares a passion for coaching as well as creating a community. Can’t wait to workout with my friends again and to also meet new people through the gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym in the Bay Area!

From the moment you enter, the vibrant energy and unwavering dedication, set the tone for an incredible gym experience. I have been working with both Alex and Julia for over a year now and have been able to shatter every new fitness goal I set, with their guidance and coaching. Beyond mere trainers, they have become mentors and friends, celebrating victories and supporting me through every setback I faced. Together, they cultivate a sense of community that makes Strong Friends more than just a place to work out!

Source: Google