Fitness & Gyms in San Mateo, CA

“First, a bit of background. Over the past few years, due to the pandemic, I've been holed up at home eating and drinking excessively without exercising, and my weight has skyrocketed. My belly has also puffed up, and since I mostly write code while sitting, I start to have neck & back pain.

Under my girlfriend’s coercion and persuasion, I started looking for personal trainers near the Peninsula. I found that most options were either large gyms offering training courses or personal trainers at regular gyms. However, regular gyms are too crowded for me, and the equipment is unhygienic, so they weren’t an option.

One day, I stumbled upon Wayne’s social media account account and saw that he shared a lot of useful information, including dietary advice. His fitness philosophy resonated with me, and he owns his own studio, which has a good environment and complete equipment. Since it's by appointment only, there are very few people, which fits my needs. This studio is located in downtown San Mateo, and there’s a small parking lot right behind the gym, making it very convenient.

With a try-it-out mindset, I took classes for two months, and the results were remarkably significant. I train every Wednesday and Friday at 8 a.m., with each session lasting an hour. I highly recommend my coach, Mark. He’s a very approachable guy who excels at encouragement-based teaching [doge]. He creates tailored plans for me; I have mobility issues with my left arm and neck, and he focuses on these areas during our sessions, providing me with suggestions for exercises to do at home. Since I’m reluctant to go to a gym, he also teaches me exercises that I can do with just body weight and simple dumbbells or kettlebells. Throughout the course, Mark has been very professional and meticulous, carefully demonstrating each move and correcting my form. He always asks if I have any questions, patiently explaining the muscles targeted by each exercise and its purpose and significance. Overall, after two months, my body fat has significantly decreased, my strength has greatly improved, and my upper body flexibility has also improved quite a bit. I've also learned many specialized exercises that are suitable for me. I highly recommend giving it a try!”

“Amazing crossfit gym... Thoughtful workouts -- with tailored warmups. Teachers are friendly and encouraging. Community is supportive and not overly competitive.”

“F45 San Mateo offers the best workout programs. As a member for over 5 years I've been consistently impressed with all the workouts they offer and the trainers they employ. If you're considering joining, I highly recommend coming for a complimentary class.”

“I have been taking classes from Kelly (HIIT, Boot Camp, Kick Boxing, Spin...etc) for years. I am the type that needs the class to be fun, filled with good music, and throw in a few laughs. Her classes check all the boxes, and the group/community there is a huge bonus. She is great at encouraging you to push yourselves, but the classes allow you the flexibility to dial up or down the intensity based on your comfort level or how you feel that day ;). I highly recommend giving this place a try. I find fitness is important for the health of your mind and body. I leave my classes here feeling like I have achieved both.”

“Clean and very well equipped facility with highly knowledgable personal trainers for all levels of experience and who really aim to help you reach your fitness goals.”

“Great gym - great trainers and tons of space & equipment. Never have to wait for a machine, this is a breath of fresh air after some of the other places I've tried out”

“As a student, this is the best place you can learn Taekwondo in the entire Bay Area. The instructors are amazing and the club is one where you have to really earn your rank.”

“I was gifted a pack of sessions from a client of mine. It’s safe to say, I am hooked after only three classes. I love the combination of rowing, strength training and cardio. Thoroughly enjoying every aspect of the process. Coaches are great and desk staff has been really helpful.”

“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!!!”

“I just joined today and was greeted by Jovi. I just wanted to look around the gym to see what sort of equipment they had. Jovi was knowledgeable and very helpful understanding the different memberships. I'm excited to work out there and will give an update at a later time.”

“This is basically an ode to Megan Pham, who has been my trainer for about 8 months now. I joined SMAC because I was in a lot of pain due to horrible posture coupled with my scoliosis. I had no experience in gyms past cardio machines and honestly didn't know how to exercise outside of team sports. Megan has transformed my body. My back hurts less, I stand straighter, and I'm nicely toned to boot. Most importantly, I have a much better relationship to exercise due to her encouragement, knowledge, and pure passion for what she does. Megan is so good at her job that I encouraged my mom to start training with her too. We are very different in age, body type, and fitness goals, but my mom loves her too. When it comes to the facilities, I'm a gym novice so I can't compare too much. However, the facilities are clean and I rarely have to wait long for a machine. Only one guest has ever spoken to me. He was hitting on me in a way I didn't like, but when I told Megan about it later she told me that if anyone does anything like that and I tell a staff member, they'll kick the creep out. Every other guest has been kind and courteous, and if I need help lifting/moving something, someone always helps immediately. Almost every guest wipes down machines and equipments after use. The staff has been nothing but nice to me. Someone always welcomes me when I come in and wishes me well as I walk out. I would agree with other reviewers who state that the gym attracts an older, more refined, not as athletic crowd. I don't mind. I feel safe and no one bothers me. It's clean and quiet and I don't feel judged if I'm lifting light weights. If you're a powerlifter, SMAC probably doesn't have the vibe you're looking for, but for a casual or novice gym-goer, SMAC is perfect.”

“This is not your ordinary 24/7 Snap facility. It is clean. The equipment is well cares for. The owner invest in their clients needs. The training available is the best, most knowledgeable and result focused. The members are all considerate and mature. I love training here even though I have a Snap 5 minutes from my house I drive because it is worth it.”

“I have been working out at this gym for 4 years and i love it. Its very clean, people and staff are nice and respectful. I work out between 9 am to 12 pm area and its not overly crowded. I always have a good time here and it has a good community of regulars. I do pay 67 dollars a month now, but you get what you pay for. There is always a man fixing and maintaining machines, and there is another always re-racking weights, wiping, spraying down machines and windows at all times.”

“Phenomenal classes and love the rooftop pool! The cell service is a bit spotty in the basement where the equipment is, which is my only gripe. There’s street parking or a parking lot in the back where your parking can be validated.”

“I've gone to a few other 24 hour fitness gyms in the area and the one in San Mateo is definitely my favorite. I go everyday after work and it's the only one that's really open 24 hours and that makes it the best to work in with my schedule. It's very open and always at a very comfortable temperature.”