| Tue | 05:00 am -09:00 pm |
| Wed | 05:00 am -09:00 pm |
| Thu | 05:00 am -09:00 pm |
| Fri | 05:00 am -09:00 pm |
| Sat | 07:00 am -09:00 pm |
| Sun | 07:00 am -08:00 pm |
A few years ago, I moved to SF. I was pretty big into climbing before I moved and hoped that Mission Cliffs would satisfy my needs. Turns out it was a mob scene after work, which was when I tended to go. Ultimately, I never really ended up going very much. After a couple years of trying to find a good alternative (with some running here and there), I noticed that Ascend Body moved location to just around the corner from my house. I signed up for the Semi-Private trial week and was able to get into the gym 4 days that week. Mike was the original trainer and was real welcoming. Seems like he had a bit of a CrossFit background. Leslie (still there) was also an instructor in my first week. I still remember her session as one of the hardest during my time at Ascend. The Semi-Privates are a really great way to build all around fitness. They program all the routines over about a six (or so) week timeframe, so that it builds both within the week and across the whole six week period. For each session, there is an initial ~8min of stretching/warm up, then typically three or so routines, one usually focused on strength, one on cardio, and one around core. (Full disclosure, some of the strength routines also feel like cardio routines)
Essentially, if you get in, you will 100% guaranteed see results. For me, I started the class in Aug 2019 @ 198.5lbs //19.5% body fat. During the first 3-4 months my weight stayed about the same, but I could tell that my strength and endurance was improving. During that time I was going to classes around 3 days a week. Then, I decided I would start going to as many days as possible, which was mostly around 5 days a week. (Also, I couldn't have started the classes going every day, but after a few months, I was fit enough where that was possible.) I also started paying attention to my caloric intake and management of my macros. Once I started doing that, the combination of those actions, I immediately dropped about 10 lbs over two months. I ultimately leveled off around 190lbs but started gaining muscle too. I ultimately landed around 14% body fat. In terms of strength, I went from having done virtually no lifting to where for deadlifts I could pull into the mid-300lbs, squat in the low-300lbs, bench in the low-200lbs, powerclean near 200lbs, overhead press near 150lbs, etc. Essentially, I was nearing the Intermediate level in weightlifting standards on most every movement we did. Physically, I was also noticeably (to myself and others) more slender and more strong. I really enjoyed that every day and every week was a little bit different. It kept the sessions fun and unexpected and there was always something new to test yourself with.
Separate from these objective metrics, I had also entered the class having residual lower back pack from an earlier back injury. After a few months in Ascend, I realize that I had been overprotecting my back and adjusting my posture ever since the injury. With the increased strength in my back, I was not feeling back pain any longer. I also noticed that there are a lot of folks that participate in the Semi-Modified classes with minor injuries. The instructors would always find accommodations for whatever people were bringing with them.
One thing that surprised me was that I didn't know was that there was going to be as much emphasis on progressive strength training. I hadn't really done much in that arena since I was in high school (I'm now in my 30s). But because the classes were always small, the instructors were able to make sure that we were starting small and proceeding through the movements with the proper form before going heavier.
I would absolutely give Ascend my business again. Whatever your fitness objective is, Semi-Modified classes will get you part of the way, if not all the way there.
Huge thanks to all the instructors - Mike, Danielle, Justin, and Leslie. (There were a couple of new instructors that joined in ~June and they seemed super competent and helpful too). Shane, the owner, was also there a lot and was always real encouraging.
Walked in while visiting San Francisco and the coach signed us up for a free trial lesson for the next morning. The lesson was very well instructed, quite tough and good fun! Highly recommended, also hoping to come back for another workout when I am in town
I love Ascend! The trainers here are amazingly wonderful, positive and encouraging. I love the classes (even when fake/not fake groaning and complaining). Ascend has had such a positive impact in my life. They're really great at correcting your posture and body position so that you don't hurt yourself. It helps to know that you're doing the exercises correctly and getting the most effective results from it.
Love Ascend Body! It's such a nice change to walk into a gym and be greeted by your name and for the first time ever it doesn't feel like I'm forcing myself to work out.
I've been taking the boost classes for 6 months and I have become stronger and learned correct form.
Small group classes with lots of attention from the trainers, great energy and plenty of smiles.
I'm so glad I found this gym, it makes working out fun!!
Love Ascend Body! It's such a nice change to walk into a gym and be greeted by your name and for the first time ever it doesn't feel like I'm forcing myself to work out.
I've been taking the boost classes for 6 months and I have become stronger and learned correct form.
Small group classes with lots of attention from the trainers, great energy and plenty of smiles.
I'm so glad I found this gym, it makes working out fun!!
Love working out here at Ascend. It is a great combination of strength training, cardio and HIIT workouts. The trainers are all very motivating and the studio feels like a community. I definitely would recommend this to anyone who is trying to get motivated to workout and get stronger!
Love working out here at Ascend. It is a great combination of strength training, cardio and HIIT workouts. The trainers are all very motivating and the studio feels like a community. I definitely would recommend this to anyone who is trying to get motivated to workout and get stronger!
Check this place out for yourselves. I highly recommend it. The boost workouts are challenging and the trainers correct your movements when you need some help. This has been a great experience and they have helped me in many ways. Thanks Ascend Crew!
Check this place out for yourselves. I highly recommend it. The boost workouts are challenging and the trainers correct your movements when you need some help. This has been a great experience and they have helped me in many ways. Thanks Ascend Crew!
This place is amazingly clean at all hours of the day. I love that they are so crazy about cleanliness. One tip! If you get a shake, there's one that has blueberries and peanut butter.... don't drink it or you'll be a slave to it for the rest of your days. YUM!!!! Amazing parking
This place is amazingly clean at all hours of the day. I love that they are so crazy about cleanliness. One tip! If you get a shake, there's one that has blueberries and peanut butter.... don't drink it or you'll be a slave to it for the rest of your days. YUM!!!! Amazing parking
Best gym for a serious fitness guy or gal. Also the cleanest gym I've ever seen.
Been a member for about 6/7 years and have always found it to be very easy whether I'm in a heavy-lifting, yoga, or abs-cardio-only routine.
Equipment is always in top condition and the locker rooms are always spotless. The staff is there to help and there's nothing standing in the way of my workout.
Best gym for a serious fitness guy or gal. Also the cleanest gym I've ever seen.
Been a member for about 6/7 years and have always found it to be very easy whether I'm in a heavy-lifting, yoga, or abs-cardio-only routine.
Equipment is always in top condition and the locker rooms are always spotless. The staff is there to help and there's nothing standing in the way of my workout.
This is a truly thoughtful place--from the actual space to the workouts to the instructors and approach. Shane, Daniel and the other folks at Ascend look at health in a holistic way--body, mind and spirit--and truly understand body mechanics. Supportive, creative, individualized, fun, and authentic. You can get in shape and also be a part of a supportive community. And, there are "boost" classes offered morning, mid-day and evenings almost every day, so there are lots of options to fit it into your schedule!
This is a truly thoughtful place--from the actual space to the workouts to the instructors and approach. Shane, Daniel and the other folks at Ascend look at health in a holistic way--body, mind and spirit--and truly understand body mechanics. Supportive, creative, individualized, fun, and authentic. You can get in shape and also be a part of a supportive community. And, there are "boost" classes offered morning, mid-day and evenings almost every day, so there are lots of options to fit it into your schedule!
I've always been intimidated by weight training, but Ascend is the first place I've been to that makes working out fun and accessible. The trainers are kind and knowledgeable, and I've learned so much about mobility that is applicable to my daily life. The higher price of going here compared to a more standard gym is totally worth it due to the individualized attention, nutritional consults, encouraging environment, fantastic facilities, and small class sizes. I'm on the "breathe, sweat, smile" bandwagon!
Update: I've been going to Ascend for 4 months now, and I'm currently doing the "Love Your Body" month-long challenge! The recipes provided by Shane are so nourishing, and the support provided by Ascend and the rest of the group is incredible. I am so happy to be training with people who bring such joy to my workouts! Rodrigo, Daniel, and Eliza have been especially helpful and good-hearted throughout my training at Ascend. I'm excited to keep getting stronger!
I'm a huge fan of Ascend Body. Their trainers and programming is top notch. I've been doing their boost classes for more then a year and recently started training with their small group training program and can't say enough good things about it. I walk out of there feeling super strong. The community is great and love that they also offer special classes such as sound healing, healthy eating workshops, holiday bbq's and Friday night - happy hour workouts! Well Done Ascend Body - thank you!
I really loved my time at Ascend -- everyone there genuinely wants to help you become the happiest, healthiest, strongest version of you!
The Ascend personal trainers are knowledgeable, kind, enthusiastic, and all-round fantastic folks. I started with Shane's modified small group training sessions to correct my form, and eventually set up an after-work routine with Dan's small group training/butt-kicking sessions. There was always an emphasis on creative cross-training exercises to keeps things energetic and fun, and the hour-long sessions always whizzed right by (well... unless I was asked to hold the plank position!).
I liked everyone in the small group sessions of 1-4 people. I'd say the crowd is a mix of young professionals and middle-aged folks who're so buff that they became my new fitness goals. The small group training sessions were a great economical alternative to individualized personal training -- everyone got the right amount of attention and correction, and training with others actually provided some very friendly competition!
I could see the results in better form and strength within a few weeks. It also really helped that Dan would text me workout reminders, so there was no escape...! Everyone was incredibly flexible about accommodating last minute changes in my schedule. For that alone, it was well worth the monthly membership fee.
Even though I didn't make the full use of them, I also really appreciated the overall focus on wellness and the supplementary services that came with my membership, like the seasonally-relevant classes, parties, and diet consultations. On top of all that, Ascend is a local business and a non-traditional gym, set in a lovely little loft space with a sweeping view of the SF skyline. It's hard not to support a place like this -- it really feels like family, and I've been telling all my friends to try it out.
If I didn't have to relocate, I'd definitely be a lifelong fan and member. So be good to yourself, and go talk to Shane. :)
I love this place! By far the best trainers and environment I've found in SF. Super chill space with a really fun and diverse clientele. Love the Boost fitness classes- really fun and REALLY effective. I think I might be becoming addicted..... Every other gym or group fitness I've done, I always told myself "you can do anything for an hour...." At Ascend Body, it's more like "our time is up already??". Yeah- it's that fun.
I cannot say enough good things about Ascend. Since the first day I walked in I found a great community of people determined to see each other succeed in whatever their goals are. All the trainers are friendly, attentive and genuinely care about what they are doing. It has a great family vibe that made going to the gym not only fun, but also the part of my day that I most look forward to.
I cannot say enough good things about Ascend. Since the first day I walked in I found a great community of people determined to see each other succeed in whatever their goals are. All the trainers are friendly, attentive and genuinely care about what they are doing. It has a great family vibe that made going to the gym not only fun, but also the part of my day that I most look forward to.
I'm a huge fan of Ascend Body. Their trainers and programming is top notch. I've been doing their boost classes for more then a year and recently started training with their small group training program and can't say enough good things about it. I walk out of there feeling super strong. The community is great and love that they also offer special classes such as sound healing, healthy eating workshops, holiday bbq's and Friday night - happy hour workouts! Well Done Ascend Body - thank you!
I've always been intimidated by weight training, but Ascend is the first place I've been to that makes working out fun and accessible. The trainers are kind and knowledgeable, and I've learned so much about mobility that is applicable to my daily life. The higher price of going here compared to a more standard gym is totally worth it due to the individualized attention, nutritional consults, encouraging environment, fantastic facilities, and small class sizes. I'm on the "breathe, sweat, smile" bandwagon!
Update: I've been going to Ascend for 4 months now, and I'm currently doing the "Love Your Body" month-long challenge! The recipes provided by Shane are so nourishing, and the support provided by Ascend and the rest of the group is incredible. I am so happy to be training with people who bring such joy to my workouts! Rodrigo, Daniel, and Eliza have been especially helpful and good-hearted throughout my training at Ascend. I'm excited to keep getting stronger!
I really loved my time at Ascend -- everyone there genuinely wants to help you become the happiest, healthiest, strongest version of you!
The Ascend personal trainers are knowledgeable, kind, enthusiastic, and all-round fantastic folks. I started with Shane's modified small group training sessions to correct my form, and eventually set up an after-work routine with Dan's small group training/butt-kicking sessions. There was always an emphasis on creative cross-training exercises to keeps things energetic and fun, and the hour-long sessions always whizzed right by (well... unless I was asked to hold the plank position!).
I liked everyone in the small group sessions of 1-4 people. I'd say the crowd is a mix of young professionals and middle-aged folks who're so buff that they became my new fitness goals. The small group training sessions were a great economical alternative to individualized personal training -- everyone got the right amount of attention and correction, and training with others actually provided some very friendly competition!
I could see the results in better form and strength within a few weeks. It also really helped that Dan would text me workout reminders, so there was no escape...! Everyone was incredibly flexible about accommodating last minute changes in my schedule. For that alone, it was well worth the monthly membership fee.
Even though I didn't make the full use of them, I also really appreciated the overall focus on wellness and the supplementary services that came with my membership, like the seasonally-relevant classes, parties, and diet consultations. On top of all that, Ascend is a local business and a non-traditional gym, set in a lovely little loft space with a sweeping view of the SF skyline. It's hard not to support a place like this -- it really feels like family, and I've been telling all my friends to try it out.
If I didn't have to relocate, I'd definitely be a lifelong fan and member. So be good to yourself, and go talk to Shane. :)
