Let’s Get Physical: San Francisco Gyms to Work Up a Sweat

Put simply, SoulCycle is a step above your average spin class. These 45-minute cardio parties are set in a dark room with high-energy music and motivational instructors. Riders are encouraged to pedal to the beat of songs and utilize choreography to work the core and arms. Everyone is guaranteed to leave class drenched in sweat, and you may even walk out feeling enlightened and inspired. The New York-based company opened its Marina studio in 2013, and has since expanded to four Bay Area locations, with a fifth coming to the Castro this summer.
Various locations throughout the city

With classes that range across the board, Wheel House is your one-stop shop for fitness in San Francisco’s Financial District. The 5,700-square-foot studio is dedicated to serving up yoga, TRX and indoor cycling workouts that vary in length and difficulty. With integrated technology throughout the space, Wheel House stands out with a customizable experience. After your workout is finished, you can enjoy the studio’s spa-like locker rooms with spacious showers and Malin + Goetz beauty products.
Wheel House, 1 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA, +1 415 666 2288

Described as ‘the best workout in the world,’ the Barry’s experience certainly not for the faint-hearted. With intervals of strength-building floor exercises and intense cardio on the treadmill, these sweat sessions test your endurance and help you burn up to 1,000 calories in only 60 minutes. No day at Barry’s is ever the same, as trainers and workout segments vary throughout the week. Barry’s Bootcamp is located in SoMA, and its second SF location will open in the Marina later this year.
Barry’s Bootcamp, 236 King Street, San Francisco, CA, +1 415 546 3996

With a mission to create 400,000,000 yogis by the year 2020, Yoga Flow SF has locations in both Cow Hollow and Ingleside. For those who find Bikram yoga too intense, the heated vinyasa flow offered at Yoga Flow SF is definitely a suitable alternative. Instead of a sweltering 105 degrees, these studios are heated to right around 80, or you have the option of practicing in standard room temperature. Classes range from slow-paced beginner to vigorous power yoga, so you’ll be able to channel your inner yogi at any level.
Various locations throughout the city

BodyRok
Situated on the famous Lombard Street in the Marina, BodyRok is renowned as one of the most challenging workouts in San Francisco. Their total-body routines utilize BodyRok’s signature Megaformer, which allows you to perform pilates-like movements at near-aerobic speed. Every 40-minute class maintains an intimate feel, as the studio only holds 12 machines, and BodyRok also offers cardiovascular cycling to complement their strength-training sessions.
BodyRok, 2128 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA, +1 415 890 2765