Where Locals Work Out: Best [15] Gyms and Fitness Centers in Palo Alto, CA

Diego Trazzi Five stars for CorePower Yoga, but I’d like to provide some feedback. During Elise H today’s class: about thirty minutes after we started, someone knocked loudly on the fire exit door and was let in. The person let in crossed the studio with her shoes on, retrieved a mat from the front desk, and joined the class five minutes later. She didn’t even apologize! This was quite disruptive for everyone, including the teacher, who then forgot to complete the left side of the sequence we were practicing. I feel the teacher could have addressed the situation differently. A gentle reminder about class etiquette, like arriving on time and being mindful of others, would have been helpful—not just for the person coming in but for the rest of us as well. In my experience, seasoned teachers like Corinne or Spencer handle such moments with more grace and guidance, reinforcing the values we practice in yoga both on and off the mat.

Ammaar Adam Do not do business with these guys ever. As other reviewers have noted, they continued to charge my credit card 18 months after canceling. I had to put a merchant hold on my credit card to get it to stop! They have charged me over $2100. Every time I contact them I’m told the refund is “processing” but I’ve gotten nothing. I’ve since had to open a dispute with my credit card company. Not a way to run a business!

Mari Chikvaidze To the Wonderful Staff at YMCA, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the outstanding experience my family has had with your team. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were greeted with warm smiles and a genuine sense of inclusiveness that made us feel right at home. Your friendliness and dedication to creating a welcoming community are truly commendable. I also want to highlight the effectiveness of your swim lessons. My 5 and 9-year-old children have both made remarkable progress under the guidance of your exceptional swim instructors. Their willingness to go the extra mile, ensuring each child feels confident and supported in the water, has made a significant impact on their swimming skills and overall enjoyment of the lessons. Thank you for fostering such a positive and nurturing environment. Your commitment to excellence shines through in everything you do, and we are so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community. With appreciation,

Amy Hachigian LivelyX has surpassed all expectations I have ever had for group fitness classes, personal training, and community. I had tried numerous boutique studios in the Bay Area in hopes of finding a good workout, but it wasn’t until I found LivelyX where I finally found fantastic instructors, amazing ladies, and a truly great workout. I lost 15 pounds just by showing up and having fun four times a week (no diet changes) & once I got pregnant, Laura provided notifications that allowed me to continue working out until I gave birth (my water broke in the studio at the end of a 75min booty burn class!). I started working out again 6 weeks postpartum and continue loving it! The energy cannot be matched. If you’re looking to sweat, make friends, and have a good time, this is where it’s at (not to mention it’s conveniently next to a Whole Foods and Peet’s). Laura is a gem, you cannot find a better person & fitness instructor!

Ane Almeida Equinox is a good gym, with good equipment and everything in excellent condition. I take almost all of the dance classes, because it is something I love very much. My favorite teachers, Soo Kim and Izzy Cervantes, are without a doubt the best endorphins you can find at Equinox. However, yesterday we had a problem that has been with us for a few months and even since last summer. The sound equipment and air conditioning were malfunctioning again. I am incredulous that even paying over $300 per month, this problem has not been resolved. We have at least 30 people in each dance class. I believe that the amount you receive from all of us could pay for a new air conditioning system and adequate sound for the teachers to work and for us to have a decent class without getting sick from the heat. Today, as per the email I received, I arrived on time for the class, with a 5-minute delay because I needed to use the restroom. However, a staff member Desiree, prevented me from entering the class. I completely understand the gyms rules, which is why I did not insist on entering. I would like to suggest that, just as you were diligent in preventing me from entering the class, the same diligence be applied to resolving the issues with the air conditioning and sound system. With more than 30 clients in the room, and the air conditioning at this temperature, they will only change it when someone faints from the heat, thats all, so far nothing has changed, just a small fan in front of the sound system, what a lack of empathy for a gym that I pay $315 a month for, and a room that has 30 students, how long will this continue? I would like to thank you in advance for your attention and understanding in understanding my disappointment with Equinox.

Selin Yucebilgin OTF Palo Alto just got a new transfer, Coach Michael C.! I knew him from his previous studio, and he’s one of a kind. I’ve been an OTF member for over two years and have taken classes with many different coaches, but Coach Michael C. is by far the best. His energy and knowledge show in every workout, and his passion for what he does makes you want to push harder. I always leave his classes feeling stronger and more confident. PA members are so lucky to have a coach like him!

Pilar D Vickie is my new favorite ! Thank you for make the class accessible to me post spine surgery - that was an incredible well choreographed class! And your personality brought me so many smiles and laughs! Thank you again!

Greta We love this facility. My son and I swim apx 2-3 weekly. The pool is perfect for little ones because it is mostly waist high on them and heated. They also reduce the chlorine content by using salt. The gym is nice too as are the locker rooms. There is a family room, a boys locker room, girls locker room and then Men and Womens locker rooms (separate) include steam and dry sauna. Also children under the age of 13 are not permitted in the adult locker rooms. They have so many classes to choose from, massage, childcare, special events and a great playground. I also love their little cafe. Parking is secure and easy.

Genevieve Brassard Ive started working out at Functional Lifestyles in May 2025, going to their group workouts and checking in with coach Francisco Guiao. Im mostly a runner, I was looking to add strength training to my routine and didnt know where to start. I love this gym. Their group workouts are fun, motivating and theres a low client/coach ratio so the coaches really make sure your form is good and correct you. I also love that I dont have to plan my workouts / use the machines. Personal coaching sessions with Francisco have been very individualized to my needs and tailored to my goals. I now feel stronger and more confident. I would 100% recommend.

Jeanette G Love this Barry’s! The receptionists are always kind and smiling, and the gym is super clean. A huge shout out to instructor Peter B., who truly motivates his students!

Alice Klein A good clean fitness center with a lot of variety. Very good workout equipment and many classes.

William Xuan Great place for a gym