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July 2023 by Kelsey S.
I started seeing Jay for sports massages after sustaining some gym injuries that left me with chronic pain. He is excellent at what he does and I like that his approach addressed the full body. He is also very friendly and makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Whether you're an active athlete or just dealing with tense muscles, you can benefit from having bodywork done by Jay!
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April 2023 by Jessica Limcolioc
I recently competed at SPS Rite of Passage this past weekend. The meet was run smoothly, the environment was energetic, and the staff was very welcoming and professional. This is a top-notch and clean weightlifting facility full of the best and well-maintained Eleiko equipment—platforms, barbells, plates. I’ll definitely come back here again. Thank you, SPS!
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March 2023 by Nicole L.
Excellent facility. Best equipment, top notch staff. Environment is welcoming for all fitness levels.
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March 2023 by Raymond Lau
Awesome gym for all things weightlifting related. I’ve been a member for a few years now ever since discovering their Olympic Weightlifting 101 class as a beginner, and I always have a great time when I’m here. This gym has the best equipment hands down (Eleiko all day everyday) - no expense has been spared and everything is always clean and well kept. Whether you are an Olympic style weightlifter, powerlifter, or Crossfitter, or a beginner to strength training, this place has something for you. Most importantly, the coaches all clearly have a wealth of real experience and deep knowledge - Brandon, Sean, Bianca, and Mike are all great people, passionate, and know what they are talking about. You can’t go wrong by training here. My muscles are too big now
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March 2023 by mvluen
Do you want to get stronger, faster, and more powerful? Train using premium equipment? Coached by experienced and certified staff? Learn the basics of fitness and movement? Interested in powerlifting? Interested in Olympic weightlifting? Push sleds? Row? Bike? Do all the things to get jacked and tan? SPS got your back.After a handful of drop in sessions, I became a full fledged member in 2019. As a competitive powerlifter, I had three competitions to focus on that year. First, The A7 Raw Challenge at the Arnold in Columbus, Ohio. Next, The World Classic Championship at the IPF in Helsingborg, Sweden. Finally, Raw Nationals at USAPL in Lombard, IL. I knew I needed to train many days and long hours throughout the year. SPS exceeded my expectations. They provided everything I needed to prepare and excel at my sport. I stood on the podium at every single meet that year. My very last meet, I finished in first place, standing at the top of the podium, winning my division at Raw Nationals and qualifying for the 2020 IPF World Classic Championship in Sun City, South Africa.Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, IPF cancelled the Championship. I was devastated. The gym also had to temporarily close following mandatory COVID restrictions. Missing the competition was a loss. But what I missed even more was SPS. I missed training. I missed walking in and people calling out your name. I missed the camaraderie. The witty banter. People cheering for each other. Friendly competition. The diverse music choices. The BBQs, potlucks, food truck, and parties. The days where you open the huge roll up door, let the sun in, get your work out AND your tan on. You don’t know what you had until it’s gone.Lucky the gym has since reopened and SPS is still the best place to be. And guess what? You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Go to SPS and find out. I’m living proof! After 6 Nationals, 3 Arnolds, 4 IPF World Championships, and countless local meets…I decided to retire from competitive powerlifting and learn Olympic Weightlifting. Guess what? SPS got you!I’ve been attending the Adult Weightlifting Class with Brandon Chien since the gym reopened. Coach Brandon has been instrumental in helping me transition from years of powerlifting (muscle memory! ) to Olympic weightlifting barbell basics. I was finally able to meet my first goal of snatching 46 kg (101 lbs) with good form and technique. I know that may not seem like much weight for some, but for me, it was an important milestone. Baby steps…it’s just the beginning. Next goal…snatch body weight!So if you’re curious, come give SPS a visit. Stop by and meet the people. Take a tour. Do a drop in. Come check out the upcoming Rite of Passage Weightlifting competition on March 25th; the only competition designed for first time lifters! You can see for yourself, SPS got your back!
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February 2023 by Kevin L.
I've been to hundreds of gyms and SPS is the first one I'd ever feel comfortable calling home. Mike, Sean, and Brandon have built a supportive, welcoming, goal oriented Olympic weightlifting facility. The community is the best - no egos, all friendly, and focuses on community engagement and growth. Give SPS a try - you'll fall in love.
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February 2023 by Alesha Williams
I brought my children to this gym to take the youth weight lifting class. Amazing coaches, amazing facility. As a parent I appreciate having a safe place for my children to learn. My daughter did her first ever Olympic weightlifting meet at the Rite of Passage when she was 13 years old. The biggest take away is giving daughter confidence that helps her outside of them gym. Thank you SPS coaches!
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February 2023 by Ricardo Bethancourt
Been here for a year and a half and everything great! Everybody is nice and lots of positive vibes. Gotten a lot stronger in just the first 2 months, now even stronger than I’ve ever been.
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February 2023 by Ava Leraris
Best gym in the East Bay. All the trainers are great and emphasize a personalized approach. Before working with my trainer Sean, I was a bit intimated by the weight room. With proper technique and more control of my body, lifting at the gym is now one of my favorite hobbies.
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February 2023 by Johnnie Baba
I like this gym, there is different types of equipment that you don't see in usual commercial gyms (24 hr, city sports, planet fitness) that I believe we need more of in other gyms. The employees there are welcoming, you can feel the passion for fitness by seeing how hard they workout, and their enthusiasm as they coach other members.
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February 2023 by Sandra Arechaederra
You cannot find a better gym with better people than SPS. Owner Mike Jenkins is not only a former weightlifter but an amazing student that focuses on care for his athletes, ethical and superior standards and is just simply put, good people. The gym is state of the art and meticulously cared for… but make sure to clean up after yourself or you will never live it down. Go to this gym and tell Mike that Sandra sent you.
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February 2023 by Marisol C.
We have been a part of the SPS family for over a year!! My son shown in the pictures (first one is from Jan 2023), second one is from over a year ago, has grown so so much confidence, motivation and strength(physically and mentally). His enthusiasm for SPS encouraged 5 of his friends to join the fun! We feel very lucky to have discovered this Oakland hidden gem, our whole family is benefiting from all it has to offer. Powerful space with amazing, engaging coaches that make you feel at home
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January 2023 by Lorena P.
The best weightlifting gym in Oakland for sure! I was a member of SPS for a few years before I moved states. During my time there I was able to improve my strength and technique but more importantly I was able to create some long lasting friendships with other members, coaches and especially the gym owner, Big Mike. I no longer live in CA, but every time I am in town I drop in to this gym and it feels like I never left. Join the gym. You won't regret it.
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December 2022 by Cammy M.
Sean and Brandon are great! Quite knowledgable and personable. Brandon asked me about my learning style and proceeded to incorporate that into the rest of our workout for my safety and understanding. Will come back!
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October 2022 by Sam
DON'T THINK - SIGN UP & SHOW UP!! Best free weight gym in the Bay AreaSPS offers the best Bay Area gym experience for olympic & powerlifting & mobility training, plus phenomenal coaching and an ego-free and welcoming environment fit for seasoned lifters and total newbies!And the space has every possible setup & accessory you could need for your free or bodyweight endeavors, without the crowds that you'd see at another gym like the Y.Big Mike - the owner and founder - is a wonderful human who makes everything run smoothly & has a wealth of lifting knowledge. Sean - MetCon class leader & lifting guru - is hilarious and will kick your butt with a smile on your face. Brandon - oly class leader & mobility guru - runs awesome twice-weekly oly sessions that work for folks who have never touched a barbell all the way up to competitive lifters. Every other coach I've interacted with has been similarly wise, generous with their time, and kind af.$250/mth is nothing for the incredible value I get out of my membership and sessions at SPS, and I hope the organization lives on forever!! None of the ego & attitude you'd see at places like Cal Strength, with all of the same resources.
