Does it seem like everyone’s talking about strength training these days? That’s because it’s the most popular type of fitness class in San Francisco right now, according to the fitness subscription service ClassPass.
But with so many strength training classes in the city, it can be hard to find the best one for you. So Hoodline teamed up with ClassPass to find the top classes — those that consistently draw bigger crowds, yet still have enough space to meet the demand. And because variety is the spice of any workout routine, we’re bringing you offerings from multiple venues around San Francisco and the Bay Area.
If you’re ready to give this workout a try, here’s the info to help you find the right session, in the right place, on your terms.
Protip: Joining ClassPass gives you access to these and thousands of other studios, gyms and wellness offerings where you live, where you work and where you travel.
Total Body Burn at Burn S.F.
1043 Valencia St., Mission and other locations
This 55-minute class is intended to work the entire body through springboard, free weight, cardio and mat exercises. As the studio describes it on ClassPass, Total Body Burn is “dynamic group fitness that merges Pilates, cardio and weights. Burn is designed to work every muscle in every way.”
With an average class size of nine — but accommodating up to 24 at peak times — Total Body Burn hits the sweet spot of a popular class that you can still actually get into.
If it’s your first time, take note: The studio requires you to arrive dressed and ready 15 minutes before the posted start time for a springboard orientation. If you’re late, you might lose your spot.
Total Body Burn is on offer eight times each weekday at Burn S.F.’s Mission location. Peak start times for the class include 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
You can learn more and register here. And check out the studio on Instagram (burnpilatessf), Twitter and Facebook.
CORE40 Ramped at CORE40
1390 Larkin St., Nob Hill and other locations
CORE40 Ramped combines the Pilates Megaformer M3 with Ramped technology to elevate your workout. On ClassPass, CORE40 describes Ramped as “a 40-minute, music-inspired, intense full-body workout that keeps your heart rate up while targeting your upper body, lower body and core.”
ClassPass data show the class averages nine students, but has seen as many as 28 at popular times.
What should you bring? The venue suggests a towel (CORE40 does not offer towel service, to cut down on water waste), a water bottle and comfortable clothes. The workout is done either with grip socks or barefoot; grip socks are available for purchase on-site.
If it’s your first time, CORE40 suggests arriving 10 minutes early to learn the machines. Otherwise, it's best to show up 5 minutes early.
CORE40 Ramped is offered up to 12 times every weekday at the Nob Hill location. Peak start times include 7:40 a.m., and 5:30 and 6:20 p.m.
To sign up, visit the ClassPass site, and check out the venue on Instagram (core40), Twitter and Facebook.
CrossFit at CrossFit Incredible
3585 Haven Ave, Menlo Park
CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements like pushing, pulling, squatting, lifting, running, executed at high intensity. And for those who can't get enough of these high-powered workouts, CrossFit Incredible is one of the Bay Area’s more popular offerings.
On ClassPass, the venue writes, “At CrossFit Incredible, you will not find rows of stationary bikes and weight machines. Instead you will find pull-up bars, kettlebells, barbells and wide-open space for squatting, running, jumping, climbing, lifting and throwing – moving your body the way it is meant to be moved.”
If you’re thinking of trying it out for the first time, arrive 15 minutes before the hourlong class starts. Wear comfortable activewear and well-supported athletic shoes. Bring a water bottle.
The class runs up to 11 times on weekdays, and the less-crowded timeslots tend to be 5-6 a.m. and 9-10 a.m., according to ClassPass data.
To book a spot, visit the ClassPass site. You can see more on Instagram (crossfitincredible) and Facebook.
Hoodline, a Nextdoor company, offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities and neighborhoods. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.
