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Personal trainer Fitness center Gym Physical fitness program Sports massage therapistAbout the Club
The Experience is the only openly LGBTQ+, wife-owned gym in Hillcrest, San Diego.
With a talented team, we host a one-stop shop for you and your fitness goals. We incorporate a fully comprehensive training program that combines metabolic conditioning, nutrition, and mobility, guaranteed to incinerate fat, improve range of motion, decrease pain, and live a healthier lifestyle overall.
Our space is intentionally small to create an inviting and non-intimidating safe space, with a rich community of LGBTQ individuals and fierce allies.
The Experience is fully dedicated to providing a safe space for you to train, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual preference, or athletic ability.
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Reviews
Christina D.M.
★ 5
This gym is wonderful. Angeli and Ry have created the most inclusive, friendly, no-ego space. I've been training here for a year. The classes and Angelis personal training have improved my posture, mood, and made me so much stronger. The trainers and fellow members are supportive and funny. The fitness programs are challenging but always made accessible. And I've made lasting friendships. Leave your reservations at the door, come check it out, just make sure you watch for deer!
Source: Google
Nina Bihani
★ 5
I cannot speak highly enough of this gym and my personal training coach, Angeli. The community atmosphere at the gym made coming to classes fun. I laughed all the time while I was there. Coaches are knowledgeable and approachable, always willing to help modify exercises based on individual needs or correct form. There is a strong safety-focused culture and significant emphasis on doing movements with correct form and at appropriate weight to prevent injury. Coach Angeli went above and beyond as a personal trainer. She worked with my various injuries while staying focused on my goals. She would provide my wife and I with different workouts when we were dealing with different injuries/medical needs. She also sent us training plans for how to prep for long hikes and for a 5k and we could text her questions anytime. She made working out fun and we looked forward to seeing her every week. She is also a wonderful teacher and explained movements in a way that was easy to understand. If you are a couple who is looking to get fit together, or an individual who wants to focus on healthy movement, this is the gym for you. It is a queer friendly, body positive, and highly encouraging environment that will make you feel ready to tackle new challenges. The price was definitely worth every penny and this gym is one of the things I will miss most about San Diego!
Source: Google
Taryn Serman
★ 5
This gym is amazing. The owners (Ry and Angeli) are not only knowledgeable, fun, & motivational trainers, but they’ve also built an incredible community by offering such a safe, supportive, and colorful space where everyone is welcome. In the past, I’ve felt intimidated and insecure at the gym, but that all changed when I joined The Experience, where I always feel comfortable and confident :) all of the trainers are fantastic & I always leave the gym smiling!
Source: Google
Shawn Stone
★ 5
Good vibes and excellent coaching have kept me going to the Experience for a couple of years now. Now I'm so buff I ripped the door handle off my truck! That's what I call a result!
Source: Google
Sia
★ 5
I have been coming here for a couple months now and this is the most special community fitness space I have ever been in. Before this, I had never been to a gym that is truly welcoming to different body types, gender expressions, ages, orientations, fitness levels, and physical abilities. Even on days when I don't feel like working out, I find myself showing up to class because I look forward to seeing the people who coach and train here. The coaches are skillful, personable, kind, and encouraging. Luckily for me, they also don't mind if you complain a bit during a workout:) The people who come here to workout are just as kind and encouraging. There is also usually a friendly dog in the space which I find so helpful as a comforting distraction. I honestly feel so lucky to be able to come here every week. I would recommend this gym to anyone but especially those who have felt unsure in a fitness space before - it is different here in the best ways.
Source: Google
Allie Moss
★ 5
This place is such a gem. The coaches are fantastic and they're great at working with people of all fitness levels. It's also a wonderfully affirming space and the sense of community is super clear. Working out at The Experience will make you WANT to go to the gym.
Source: Google
Kiana Kikuchi
★ 5
BEST GYM EVERRRRR
Source: Google
Johanna Chung
★ 5
This gym is my home base of health support! Katie Kurtz is my fantastic trainer with skills, experience and a caring attitude. Imagine me, this 79 yr. old straight lady gym novice feeling accepted with warmth and good humor in this LGBTQ-run gym. It's like a neighborhood bar "where everyone knows your name"--but without the liquor. Instead, a special dog talks/whines her enthusiastic welcome on days that I really need it and she appreciates my attention in return. Love it!
Source: Google
Eleanor Gold
★ 5
The coaches and community here are the best in Hillcrest, if not the whole city 💖💖
Source: Google
Evelyn DeMoss
★ 5
This gym goes beyond being a fitness space – it's a sanctuary that feels like a second home. The sense of family among members is heartwarming. For those in search of a superb workout environment with phenomenal coaches who customize sessions to your abilities and aspirations, this is the ultimate destination. Love you gym family!
Source: Google
Sam Becker
★ 5
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Frances Smith
★ 5
I have been working out for around 7 years now at over half a dozen gyms and I can safely say I have never been to a more supportive, friendly, positive environment than The Experience. On top of that the trainers are knowledgeable and always willing to help. They really work to build an inclusive welcoming environment for everyone regardless of your goals. Best gym ever!
Source: Google
Brianna Popp
★ 5
This is definitely the best gym I’ve ever been apart of. All of the members and trainers are so inviting and always friendly. Never once felt any sort of judgement which is what I’ve always struggled with in a gym setting, especially being bigger bodied. They even host game nights! Mario Party and D&D! Me, my wife and sister in law have been working with coach Ry for the most part and they always ask how you’re feeling prior to a workout so they can help with any mobility issues or pain you may be experiencing and adjust accordingly. Angeli always hosts such fun classes and is great at correcting your form and/or technique so that you don’t hurt yourself which is so helpful. It’s very clear that the owners and trainers care about you, your form and your progress. They’re all great people. It’s been such a wonderful experience ;) Thank you!
Source: Google
Clinton “Irie” Swafford
★ 4
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Tiffany Johnson
★ 5
Absolutely love The Experience!! Ry and Angeli (the owners) are the best! So are all of the coaches! Classes are amazing and really help build muscle! I highly recommend this gym! Absolutely love it!! Thanks for creating a fun/safe respectful environment!!
Source: Google
Spring Strahm
★ 5
Took a lump of dough and turned it into a beef cake. Three thumbs up.
Source: Google
David Friedman
★ 5
The Experience Fitness is a great gym for anyone looking for personal attention, whatever your current fitness level is. The workouts are challenging, with modifications as needed for any skill level. The small classes allow for personal attention, and the trainers will tailor the moves to fit within your abilities. We work hard, but it's also a fun and personal experience in a clean and well equipped space.
Source: Google
Robert Berry
★ 5
I’ve worked one-on-one with Coach Ry as my personal trainer and can attest to their incredible knowledge and enthusiasm for all things fitness. Coach Ry has also worked directly on my body, using modalities like cupping and massage and I’ve always left feeling better than when I arrived. I’ve also attended group classes with Coach Angeli and felt empowered by the fun vibe she created for our class.
The safe space they’ve created at The Experience is truly amazing and our community benefits from having such an inclusive establishment run by such welcoming people.
Source: Google
Lydia Hill
★ 5
Ry and Angelie are amazing, knowledgable and incredibly welcoming. My body has already felt so much better after just a few session and my mobility has increased as well. They are focused and dedicated to helping all people out to achieve their fitness and mobility goals. Check it out, you will not be disappointed!
Source: Google
Evi Ashenbrucker
★ 5
Ry and Angelie are awesome! Great energy and space. They work really hard to make sure everyone feels welcome and your needs are met, on top of being a serious place to go to get your fitness in line. Ry has been essential to keeping me moving using graston, mobility, and cupping, giving me relief and improved performance from pain/injuries I’ve dealt with for years and never thought would feel better. Definitely try them out!
Source: Google
Stephanie Britton
★ 5
Incredible environment and expertise!!! Ry has played a huge role in my recovery. Highly recommend for group training or personal training!
Source: Google
Phil Lisotta
★ 5
Love the family feel of this small gym! The workouts are varied, the coaches are always helpful and the results are quickly visible.
Source: Google
Katie Craig
★ 5
All the coaches at The Experience are so knowledgeable. I feel like I’m not only getting stronger, but also learning about all the different strength training techniques and how it impacts my own process. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to workout 1-on-1 or in a group setting in San Diego or online.
Source: Google
Mia Douglass
★ 5
As a hardcore gym addict, I didn’t understand the importance of mobility. I just figured my soreness, aches, and pains were normal. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I hurt my shoulder and couldn’t figure out what to do to rehab it. One of my friends had been seeing Coach Ry for one of her injuries, and spoke about how quickly she had achieved comfort and an increased range of motion. After that, I started seeing Coach Ry on a weekly basis. Her original assessment of me was spot on, and she took the time to explain her program and the expectations on my end. Now, I see her every week for treatments, which depends on her assessment of me and where I am most sore. My homework consists of daily stretches/foam rolling/lacrosse ball work, which she customize to the individual and modifies as your mobility/pain improve. She is so attentive, engaged, and actually cares about her clients. She checks in with me to see how my program is going, and if there is anything else she can do. I am consistently blown away by her dedication and investment. Both my husband and mom see her now, and we couldn’t be happier! Thanks, Coach Ry, for taking our fitness to another level!
Source: Google
Joy Naill
★ 5
The Experience Fitness is perfect for me!The virtual workouts enable me to workout regularly despite my busy schedule. The workouts are fun and challenging. I have made so much progress since I started working out with this gym. I've gained so much muscle, lost fat and inches. My strength and endurance have improved so much. If you are looking to cross train or just get in shape this gym is what you need! The coaches are knowledgeable and motivating. They are great at tailoring the workouts to suit your needs as you progress.
Source: Google
Karina Wong
★ 5
I am so grateful that I found this gym.
These amazing coaches transformed my life.
Coaches constantly push me to challenge myself.
My weight loss journey is also impacting other parts of my life.
I am happier and healthier and thank it all to The Experience.
Source: Google
Christy Driscoll
★ 5
Wonderful, supportive trainers and staff. Awesome people. Great at what they do!
Source: Google
Karen Wong
★ 5
Source: Google
Wesley McGinn
★ 5
Started with Coach Ry at the end of August and I've lost 30 pounds and 6% body fat since then. She has a serious desire and passion to really help people achieve their goals. Every session she really motivates me and we talk about more than just how I'm doing with the diet and exercises which makes it really a fun experience! I love how much knowledge she has and how she can relate it to my profession as an engineer. Can't wait to see where this journey with her goes!
Source: Google
Boskovich Household
★ 5
reached out to Cindi (Coach Ry) for Mobility sessions based on a recommendation from a friend. For 2 years I went through physical stress and emotional trauma which resulted with my muscles locking up and becoming stiff as a board, as well as continuous flare ups from a herniated disc. I've only had 3 sessions with her but I felt and saw the difference in my mobility immediately. Cindi has a lot of experience and certifications under her belt and she has had her own experiences with injuries which makes her both knowledgeable and compassionate. She truly cares about you as a person and I am excited to keep working with her as I continue to heal.
Source: Google
Courtney Ruthenberg
★ 5
The best trainer ever! She truly cares about you reaching your goals and helping you live a healthier lifestyle. My whole family trains with her (mother, brother, husband) and we all have seen such great results. If your looking for a trainer that not only knows her stuff but cares about you check her out!
Source: Google
Riannin Nottingham
★ 5
Call Coach Ry literally right now! You will never regret it, I can guarantee that. Cindi is so wonderful, knowledgeable, and makes working out fun in a way I didn't know was possible. Going to my session is literally the highlight of my week! In just a couple of months, she has helped straighten out my him immobility issues, tweaked my form, and tested me both physically and mentally with her workouts. I ADORE this woman, and if you are smart, you will give her the chance to change your life too!!
Source: Google
Counterlock Creates
★ 5
Coach Ry is the best!! Starting training with her in January to help fix a shoulder injury and get in shape, got addicted quick. I’ve since lost over 20lbs and 12% body fat, and my shoulder is getting better every day thanks to her mobility work. Highly recommend!
Source: Google
musemanify
★ 5
She is an an incredibly supportive and knowledgeable trainer. Originally i wanted to lose fat and build muscle, however once i reached those goals she put more focus into athleticism and even Olympic weightlifting which i really enjoy. She truly wants to see all her clients succeed and anyone looking to further their excercise goals should definitely consider her.
Source: Google
Suzanne st clair
★ 5
I began with coach Ry with limited motion due to a back injury. She helped with my recovery by extensive therapy then helped me with my balance and gait. Now we are into strengthening and doing awesome. She is so talented, and if she is not sure, she researches it until she help you.
I highly recommend her for both fitness training and restorative therapy.
Source: Google
Kellery Ward
★ 5
Fabulous trainer! Super experienced in mobility. She knows what to adjust or modify so you are able to achieve what you are working towards. Highly motivating in a positive environment. Can’t sing her praises high enough. Give her a try, she’ll get you where you want to go.
Source: Google
Matt Pallardy
★ 5
Coach is an amazing trainer and a better person! I work at the facility that she trains at and I have seen her transform clients bodies in all ways; from fat loss to fixing injuries. She truly cares about her clients as much as anyone I’ve ever seen and she always has a smile on her face (even if her clients are working too hard to smile back!) Work with her and I guarantee that you will achieve the results that you desire.
Source: Google
Tom Monzon
★ 5
I've been training with Coach Ry since December 2018. I was over weight with a frozen shoulder to boot. She started working with me to get some mobility back not just to my shoulder but to my overall flexibility and balance. I couldn't be more pleased with my results. I was so inactive prior to Coach Ry now I'm able to move my arm above my head without pain. That is huge!! Stamina and flexibility is up and by the way my my diabetes HbA1c went from 7.1% to 6.2%. For you diabetics that is a very big deal. I've also lost some weight and gained muscles. Look her up and setup a time to meet with her. I for one am glad that I did.
Source: Google