Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else.
Fortunately, San Jose is home to many opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout. Use this guide as a resource for all-things fitness in the great 408.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
Enjoy fitness in a fun setting at YBX Fitness.
Photo via @ybxfitness
For those looking for flexibility + variety
LaBarre Studios, 1445 The Alameda
Voted a 2022 Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, this studio offers not just barre and yoga, but also HIIT and mindfulness + nutrition workshops. For those on a crunched time schedule, LaBarre also offers express 30 to 45-minute versions of its classes.
Almaden Yoga, 5353 Almaden Expy., Ste. E15
Along with restorative, Yin, Hatha, and gentle yoga classes, this studio also has Zumba, Bollywood, and weight training sessions. Get your groove on + try unlimited classes for a month for $60.
YogaSource, 16185 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos
From their gentle classes like Yin + chair yoga, to their hot classes with pilates + a “Glute Bakery,” YogaSource is a destination for full body training. It also offers cycling classes, retreats, teacher training, and varying workshops.
Focus Fitness Club, 868 Blossom Hill Rd.
This 15,000-sqft facility in south San Jose features strength training + cardio machines, free weights, and even a recovery zone for when you’re ready to cool down. Stop by the smoothie bar to help with those gains.
CorePower Yoga, multiple locations
The South Bay boasts six CorePower studios which offer all-skill level classes in Vinyasa flow, bodyweight sculpting, CorePower strength training, meditation, and more. Pro tip: Experiment with a free week of unlimited classes.
Almaden Valley Athletic Club, 5400 Camden Ave.
From pickleball + tennis courts, to aquatic centers and kids camps, you and your family will have plenty of flexibility when it comes to your workout. Even if you’re not working out, the pool, snack bar, and cafe are great places to hang out.
Planet Fitness, multiple locations
Get ready for hot girl summer with workout classes designed by Megan Thee Stallion. Plus, that PF Black Card membership gets you into any of this chain’s 2,500+ locations across the country.
The CorePower instructors are ready to take you through the basics of yoga.
Photo via @corepower.dtsj
For those who enjoy working out alongside others
YBX Fitness, 452 S. First St.
Get ready for a literal workout party. This gym puts you in a nightclub atmosphere (think: flashing lights, loud music, and ambiance smoke) to get your body moving through its boxing, HIIT, yoga, and weightlifting classes. Sign up for two initial free classes.
Anytime Fitness, multiple locations
This massive chain has chapters all over the country, but you can access a wealth of local classes, gyms, and beginner friendly equipment locally, too. If you’re also an Apple enthusiast, the gym has partnered with the tech giant to offer many classes on-the-go, as well.
City Sports Club, multiple locations
With group classes ranging from zumba, kickboxing, cardio + pilates, you can find other like-minded fitsionistas at any of its four gym spots in San Jose. Didn’t find what you were looking for at one? The three-day guest pass will allow you to try out any of their gyms to see what works out best for you.
24 Hour Fitness, multiple locations
All eight locations feature a variety of classes and amenities, including a unique spin on high intensity training this gym calls “HIIT24.” There are also kickboxing, martial arts, and “bodycombat” courses so you can find the right hook for your fitness journey.
ClubSport, 800 Embedded Way
From small group training to large group fitness classes, you can find your workout buddy and get your flex on. This gym also offers swim lessons, and youth training programs for young athletes ages 7+.
VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa, 1167 N. Capitol Ave.
While you commit to getting fit, this community-minded center features multiple rooms, studios, programs, and play areas for your littles — including summer camp + party spaces. Check out the sports programs and private event rentals for more ways to group up.
Elite Pro Fitness, 2023 Monterey Hwy.
Don’t let the intense name fool you — this space is community-focused, with group, individual, and online coaching for all skill levels. Set your own pace, find a buddy, and you could find yourself up on this gym’s Wall of Fame.
Brickhouse Fitness, 1886 W. San Carlos St.
For over a decade, this family-run fitness center has been a South Bay mainstay. Grab a friend and check out a free trial of the gym’s “Build + Burn” HIIT class — taking the traditional light weights and fast paced circuits and flipping it to include barbells and strength training.
Barry’s Bootcamp, 3060 Olsen Dr., Ste. 120
Get your sweat on in the signature “Red Room,” or hustle for the muscle through the app. Barry’s often hosts charity, corporate, and private events and classes.
For those who want one-on-one training
Willow Glen Workout Garage, 1346 Milton Way
Owner Matt Rando is quick to remind patrons that a personal fitness journey is just that — personal. Working out with one of this gym’s personal trainers includes customized workouts catered to your unique goals.
Silicon Valley Athletics, 725 San Aleso Ave., Ste. 2, Sunnyvale
From strength training, to cardio, to weight loss, to competition training, this gym’s team of trainers bring their first-hand knowledge and experience to every session. If you’re a service member, teacher, fire, or police officer, this gym has discounts on private + semi-private courses.
Hyper Strength and Conditioning, 404 N. 13th St.
Being a very important adult with many important responsibilities can make the thought of squeezing in workout time exceptionally daunting. Not so with this community gym — the “Level Up Lifting” program is designed to help you power up.
3FIT, 3685 Enochs St., Santa Clara
Sustainability is the name of the game at 3FIT. You’ll work two days a week, one-on-one with a pro trainer to set goals and learn exercises so you can work out on your own.
Westca, 30 N. Third St.
Located right in the heart of Downtown, trainers at this gym focus on eliminating the obstacles that keep you from reaching your fitness goals. From nutritional newbies to brick-house bodybuilders, you and your trainer will use the gym’s Everfit App to help chart your own course.
Learn some moves, and make new friends at The Get Down.
Photo via @getdowndancestudios
For those who want to dance it out
Revel Room Studios, 1825 Houret Ct., Milpitas
Channel your inner Cirque de Soleil at this studio that trains you to be versatile in lyra, silks, straps, and pole choreography. Unsure about starting? Begin with its flexibility class starting at $25, to better prepare you for its other classes starting at $35.
Forma Gym, 5434 Thornwood Dr.
Sweat it out through GROOV3, or make it fabulous through Ballroom. In any of this gym’s many dance classes, you’ll push your rhythmic skills to the limit, whatever Forma your movement takes.
Crunch Fitness, multiple locations
This chain’s South Bay locations specialize in the easy-to-learn, hard-to-master stylings of Zumba. Tap your toes to the hypnotic beat in an inclusive space.
Magnetic Pole Fit, 2264 Quimby Rd.
From beginner pole moves to advanced flexibility, floorwork, and movement, this east side dance studio’s programs cater to dancers of all skill levels. This studio features party packages, so you + your friends can pop champagne and try something new.
Ly’s Pole Studio, 2092 Concourse Dr., Ste. 87
Learn the fundamentals of aerial silks, lyra, acrobatics, and a variety of pole techniques. Want to work on your mobility? Stretch your functional movement through this gym’s flexibility courses.
The Get Down, 198 Jackson St.
Pop, lock, and get funky through this dance studio’s family-friendly + inclusive programs. From youth showcases to flash mobs, you may have even seen the incredible exhibitions at local festivals and events.
Breathe Together Yoga offers in-studio and online classes.
Photo via @breathetogetheryoga
For those who want to punch up their fitness routine
UFC FIT San Jose Oakridge, 5540 Winfield Ave., Ste. 1000
Before you step into the ring, you need to make sure you’re prepared. UFC FIT offers classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for multiple levels — from youth to expert — as well as kickboxing, boxing, and HIIT. With or without a gi, you’ll rule the ring.
Warcat Strength, 299 Basset St.
Lift your spirits — as well as barbells — at this high-energy, 25,000-sqft training facility focused on powerlifting and bodybuilding. Warcat hosts its own competitions, and helps challengers compete at local, state, and national powerlifting championships.
Hella Strength, 824 Malone Rd.
This community-minded strength training facility focuses on both physical and mental training to achieve fitness goals. The minority and disabled veteran-owned space offers one-on-one coaching for competitive powerlifting, “hella” strength training, and muscle gain.
49ers Fit, 1600 Saratoga Ave., Ste. 46
Get super bowl ready at this 36,500-sqft training facility, with 100 ft of football turf, cardio, yoga, cycling, and group fitness studios. You’ll find Purdy good kids classes, one-on-one training, and cryo, hydro + compression recovery stations.
American Barbell Clubs, multiple locations
Work hard, play harder at this strength training space — which focuses on no-frills strength + cardiovascular training. From powerlifting to conditioning, the workout is the experience.
Barbell Athletic Fitness Center, 803 S. White Rd.
With indoor and outdoor workout areas, group classes, and personal training, this east side gym aims to help you feel 1% better every day. This gym’s classes aim to put the fun in fitness, with “Booty Building” courses for your glutes.
Dark Horse Gym, 96 N. Almaden Blvd.
Are you ready for the perfect storm? Owned by retired UFC veteran David Velasquez, Dark Horse offers weekday MMA, boxing, kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and strength training courses.
Improve your strength + flexibility at a Loopkicks training session.
Video via @loopkickstricking
For those eager to try to something new
Loopkicks Tricking, 2790 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
Try “tricking” — an extreme sport that combines martial arts, gymnastics, and breakdancing. Learn how to kick, flip, and twist to improve your strength + awareness. It offers a free introduction class, as well as several packages to continue your tricking journey.
Sessions Gym, 2147 S. 10th St.
As San Jose’s first parkour + freerunning gym, expect lessons from certified instructors on how to run, jump, and climb through obstacle courses. It also offers flipping + breakdancing courses. Consider trying it out with its one-hour, $30 intro course.
The Cakery by Marfit, 5371 Camden Ave.
Specializing in small group fitness + entertaining, community-focused training, The Cakery cooks up positive, affirming courses. Whether you’re prenatal, postpartum, or looking to join a gym with immaculate vibes, the oven is on.
Method3 Fitness, multiple locations
Catering primarily to individuals over the age of 40, Method3 aims to improve mobility, wellness, and strength training. Instead of drastic changes, the trainers at this gym focus on an individual’s incremental improvements.
The Studio, 396 S. First St.
From roping up, to boulder, to a variety of climbing challenges, this 11,000-sqft space will have you channeling your inner mountain goat. The space also offers kids programs, parties, and a wealth of Vinyasa Yoga classes.
Gear up
Don’t forget to set your movement adventure up for success with tried-and-true gym favorites.
Owala FreeSip water bottle | Stay hydrated at the gym with a beloved stainless steel bottle — you can get it as large as 40 oz. for max hydration.
Baleaf women’s fleece-lined leggings | Make facing workouts on chilly mornings easier with fleece-lined leggings — plus, choose how many pockets you want on them.
Silicone ear tips for AirPods | Earbuds will slip out at the gym no more thanks to simple silicone ear tips that keep AirPods in place.
Aesthetic Built scuba oversized half-zip hoodie | A roomy, soft sweatshirt with thumbholes and a kangaroo pocket.
Aesthetic Built perfect muscle scallop tee | This men’s tee was made to accentuate biceps, chest, and shoulders.
HOKA Women’s Clifton 9 Sneaker | Set your cardio workouts up for success with a sneaker designed to increase foot comfort and absorb the shock of high-impact exercise.
Heathyoga non-slip body alignment yoga mat | Beginners and advanced yoga students alike will love the alignment lines on this mat to take your form to the next level.
CRZ Butterluxe high-waisted leggings | These buttery-soft leggings feature gentle compression and are considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers.
Bala Bangles | Ready to up the ante of any workout? Use Bala Bangles on wrists or ankles for added resistance.
What is your biggest gym pet peeve?
- Loud grunting/noises
- Not wiping down equipment
- Not re-stacking weights
- Talking loudly on the phone
