19 Best San Diego Gyms

The Art of Eight’s expert-level instructors coach all ages and skill levels in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA. Founded in 2011 by Muay Thai World Champion Melchor Menoroff, the gym is located off of 163rd and Balboa. Ao8 boasts a full sized boxing ring and weight room, and their world-champion instruction includes learning the training philosophies of discipline and respect.

Balanced Fitness & Health serves downtown San Diego in developing whole body and mind wellness. Personal training and group exercise classes are available, as well as corporate wellness plans. Memberships come with a free nutrition consultation, access an indoor rock climbing wall, and numerous free activities.

Body by Dave consists of a certified team of personal trainers and massage therapists. They provide a free fitness consultation and specialize in remote training. Members have access to online training programs to assist in achieving their fitness goals outside of the gym, and fitness packages are available for in-home, office, or personal gyms. Daily, weekly, and monthly body assessments help track progress made toward individual fitness goals.

City Boxing was established in downtown San Diego in 2001 and offers over 40 co-ed classes per week in boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Their mixed martial arts trainers are both former and current world class professional fighters. Kids classes are available, and the gym offers a 30-day risk-free trial.

CrossFit Counter Culture is an Encinitas, California-based gym serving the San Diego metro area and providing CrossFit classes with flexible dynamics to serve clients who want communal instruction as well as those who desire individualized 1 on 1 training. Classes are available for clients aiming to increase mobility, build strength, or prepare for competition. This location is a 5,000 foot large facility offering complimentary childcare services. Showers and locker room accommodations are also available along with an in-house physical therapist.

Deadweight Strength was founded to provide a powerlifting and strongman gym to dedicated weightlifters. Each member of their coaching staff has years of competitive experience. Their equipment is competition-grade, and all lifting racks are custom-made. Small group coaching (no more than four lifters) is available in addition to basic membership packages.

Grinder Gym sets itself apart from other San Diego gyms by offering a 21 Day Fat Blast with a money back guarantee. Additionally, the gym provides flexible class times and 50-60 classes per week. Their goal is to help members meet their lifelong health and fitness goals.

Since 2013, Hardcore Fitness has provided bodybuilding boot camps and training to provide the greatest fitness results in the least amount of time. Supplement regimens and diet plans enhance Hardcore Fitness's resistance training and cardiovascular workouts. Hardcore’s certified trainers have placed in the top five in national bodybuilding competitions, and can assist new and seasoned bodybuilders with contest prep. Training is available for adults and children.

Iron ORR Fitness tailors personalized workout routines to any fitness goal. Located in the La Jolla area, Iron ORR cites a 100% success rate on their 6-month fitness package. Their Agua Bella gym features a Mondo floor, used widely in Olympic and NFL weight rooms, and top of the line cardio and resistance equipment. Iron Orr holds their trainers and facility up to the “Iron Orr Gold Standard,” and all personal trainers are NASM certified.

Located near UTC and University City since 2013, Knuckle Down Athletics offers one month of free training. The KDA coaching staff are all CrossFit L-1 certified. Home to their specially designed KDA CrossFit program, Knuckle Down Athletics also offers barbell, yoga, and ELDOA courses and training. Personal training is available for those who want to take their training to the next level.

KOR Strength and Conditioning specializes in Kettlebell workouts and strength conditioning. KOR’s certified trainers are gold medalists at the state and national level, who provide individual coaching in sports performance, weight loss, pain management, and strength building. They host events, competitions, and workshops to enhance regular workout routines. Additionally, KOR partners with Eat Smart Restart and Power Supply to offer nutrition plans and deliver meals right to members’ doors.

La Jolla Sports Club has the equipment to fit any workout and provides a variety of classes including spinning, Barre & Pilates, yoga, Zumba, and dance. In addition to personal and group training, they provide spa services and physical therapy. Child care is also available at La Jolla Sports Club, which is open 362 days out of the year.

The Last Real Gym describes itself as a gym for “fitness-minded people” whose workout is a “major part” of their day. Their trainers receive certification through UrbanBody Gym for personal and team training. They set achievable and fun exercise and nutrition goals and pride themselves on getting members excited for their next workout. A variety of membership options is available.

Performance360 is a San Diego-based strength and conditioning cross-training gym with locations in San Diego in Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla. This gym, which has been in business almost a decade, focuses on strength training through a combination of barbell training, kettlebells, athletic plyometrics, conditioning, and Olympic lifting, in combination with the use of each client's own body weight. The staff includes yoga instructors, triathlete champions, Olympic weightlifters, former professional athletes, and strength competitors.

Point Loma Sports Club is an all-purpose fitness center located in Liberty Station. First-class equipment and staff meet personal, group, and corporate fitness needs. PLSC features the PurMotion Crossfit Inspired System and more for cross-training. Also, PLSC offers all-inclusive yoga classes, an in-house massage therapist and chiropractor, and self-defense training. The 23,000 square foot gym includes 6,000 square feet of functional training rooms.

Stern’s Gym was founded in 1946 and remains a distinguished bodybuilding gym in North Park. The has hosted big names such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bill Pearl and delivers an old school approach to achieving weight loss and bodybuilding goals for clients of all fitness levels. One-on-one training focuses on weight training, flexibility, and cardio. Their training has helped members place in both muscle and physique competitions.

Founded in 1999, The Boxing Club offers a unique one-on-one fitness program based on fight arts. Their fight and fitness experts customize fitness programs to every age and fitness level. The Boxing Club offers Pilates and yoga classes in addition to boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts training. Classes are regularly updated to maintain a varied and exciting workout schedule.

TruSelf Sporting Club serves the Allied Gardens, Del Cerro and San Carlos neighborhoods. Their fitness professionals are nationally recognized and provide both personal and group training. Corporate wellness packages and massage therapy are also available. Memberships are month to month with no contract. TruSelf won the 2015 Best New Gym in San Diego award.

Vertical Hold has welcomed climbers of all ages and experiences since 1994. The gym boasts more than 24,000 square feet of climbing wall, and lists bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing as the top activities. Trainers offer free belay lessons and can even connect solo climbers to a climbing partner. Kids can participate in weekly summer camps or join the year-round youth climbing team.