-
February 2024 by Samson H.
I've lifted for a few years now, spread out over time. But coming to Coach Mark's gym I quickly realized I don't have a few years of lifting experience, I have the same year of lifting experience repeated for a few years. What happened? Poor form, injuries, overtraining, ego. In my first session with Mark I immediately learned that my form led to instability. Fixing that, I felt my squat secure and confident. This is the theme of Fullgrip. Low ego, form focused, and strategically shifting to heavier weights so its sustainable in the long term. While I lifted, I saw around me both beginner, novice, intermediate and heavy lifters. One person was squatting 500 for one, while another was repping less than a plate. I would recommend this gym highly if you are someone who resonates with the above. If you have commitment issues, and needs a more personal touch to kick your ass if you start getting off track, I would say a more 1-1 personal trainer is probably ideal. But if you have the right commitment to show up a few times a week on schedule, and are looking for someone to level you up past plateaus in a safe, long term effective way, I highly recommend FullGrip Barbell and coach Mark.
-
January 2024 by Christin Chong
Family friendly gym for those who want to compete in Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, or just staying fit. Members range from children to grandmothers, athletes to ordinary people (but coach will call you an athlete anyway ?)
-
September 2023 by Cameron W.
I loved my time at FullGrip. Coach Mark is tough but fair coach, and I learned a lot from him in my time as a member. I would still be attending if we were not moving out of state! This place is filled with good people who support each other every day on every lift. Some of the other members travel all the way from SF every day for this program, it's top of the line especially for those looking to compete. The only downside for me was making the class schedule work with my training/work schedule but that's because I'm not an early morning person and typically have other things going on after work. An 8am class would have been perfect for me but they are busy enough without having to cater to those of us with weirder schedules. I would recommend this gym to anyone who wants to learn proper form and learn how to program and track results. For the price you won't find a better gym.
-
February 2023 by Michael B.
Excellent instruction and coaching. Coming from years of CrossFit, the approach here is very focused on proper technique and personal progression.I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for quality instruction and RESULTS.
-
January 2022 by Patricia D.
A long overdue review that I've been so eager to write... If I could give more than 5 stars to the FGBB family, I would. Hands down, this phenomenal gym is beyond training for physique, fitness goals, and competitive lifting. This is a gym that truly cares not only about your strength training goals, but your overall health and wellness and belonging in a community that truly looks out for you. As a novice on and off gym goer for about 4 years, I felt lost for so long following programs from fitness influencers and going to commercial gyms, but not having the confidence to stick to them because I never received proper coaching or knew what I was doing. As someone who also went through so many bad eating habits, it was hard to find any drive to be consistent without knowing what my purpose was. It wasn't until 2020 that my weight reached an "obese" stage that I said enough was enough and ventured off to try something new. I noticed FullGrip was safely operating during the pandemic, and reached out to Coach Mark and Coach Cat. With their rapid response of getting back to me, I stepped foot into the gym, which what I didn't know would change my life. While my intentions were to lose weight to become a bodybuilder, the dedication that the coaches have given me during Powerlifting programs-- whether about nutrition to powerlifting to bodybuilding coaching-- stuck with me to eventually lose 65 pounds in about 1.5 years and make PRs I never fathomed would be possible. With the belief the coaches and community had in me, I am now training to become a competitive powerlifter-- an idea I never bothered to entertain had I never stepped foot into FullGrip. With the amount of care, coaching and positive energy I've received from Coach Mark and the FullGrip Barbell family, their strive to help you succeed is beyond top tier, and definitely sets their business apart from other gyms. You receive consistent proper technique coaching, form corrections, and different programs to keep you coming/trying new things. I also appreciate that this gym is a place for everyone-- whether you are aspiring to train for the academy or someone looking to transform your physique, the various classes offered (Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, and Tactical Strength/Conditioning) can be offered for beginners and advanced. There is no judgements, and so much encouragement to help one another succeed. The best part? I found my family and second home, and aspire to become an athletic coach in the next few years as well because of FGBB. This is the gym for you if you are looking to transform from the inside out, belong to a family, and help inspire one another.
-
June 2021 by Don D.
There are a lot of choices when it comes to getting fit, but my wife and I chose FullGrip. Why you ask? It's not the location, it's not the equipment, it's the OWNERS! Mark and Cat are two of the most caring people on this planet! They care about their business, by keeping it clean and safe and they also care about me! This isn't your typical meat head environment where the testosterone levels are so high that you don't want to even come close to the place. Mark told me stories about his old days when he was at those meat head gyms and that's not what he wanted for his business and students. He created a family environment with a program, that he tailors each day, that sets us up for success. Thank you Mark and Cat for welcoming me to your FullGrip family! You changed our lives!
-
June 2021 by David B.
Coach mark and coach cat are wonderful and professional. They strive too get you where you want with your goals.
-
June 2021 by Cheuk L.
By far the best training I have received in the Bay Area. Their price is also pretty much unbeatable for the quality in training and equipment. Unlike other trainers I've had at larger gyms, the coach here focuses a lot on maintaining proper form which I appreciate. New comers like myself receive plenty of advice and guidance. Highly recommend to check this place out.
-
August 2020 by Robert Roberson
I've have only had fabulous experiences here. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. I cannot use enough superlatives to describe the owners
-
January 2020 by Joe Haynes
Great place, good people!
-
October 2019 by Joe C.
This review is long overdue. I've been going to Fullgrip CrossFit for over a year now, and it's been the best gym I've ever been apart of. Mark and Cat are both very knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. Coach Mark takes his time with me and all the other members in the gym everyday, and the other members in the gym are all kind and great to be around. It's clear that mark and the other athletes are very invested in my success and fitness, and I view this place as more of a community than a gym. Before coming here, my technique was sloppy and my approach to strength training was haphazard. Very quickly, Coach Mark turned me into a lifter that's much more confident with the barbell. Now, I'm the strongest I've ever been, and the programming at the gym keeps me safe and sustainable so I can keep building on my strength. Fullgrip has transformed me into a much stronger and efficient athlete. Being a member of this gym is one of the best decisions I've ever made.
-
May 2019 by Jenny D.
Coach Mark and Coach Cat deserves Five stars and more. Any bootcamp/crossfit gym can get you into excellent cardio shape but it is difficult to find a gym that teaches you good technique and form. The results is amazing if you show up regularly to put in the work, believe in the process, listen to their coaching, and actually make the adjustments! You will definitely get stronger and learn how to lift weights properly, whether it is powerlifting or olympic lifting. For many women, including myself initially, lifting heavy weights can be intimidating and daunting as we never got the proper coaching and exposure. I joined this box and started cross-fitting to get in shape but I discovered that I really enjoy lifting weights and getting stronger. I will never go back to a 24 hr fitness, but if I do, I am now able to walk confidently into the weight room and know what I am doing. This place is more than just a place to work out. It is a big family. Like family, we genuinely care about and cheer each other on. It has become a place where I can unwind after work, hang out and chat with friends, and meet people from all walks of life. The support and camaraderie is indescribable. It may take more than a few sessions to feel comfortable and get your bearing, but it is totally worth it for the community and amazing coaching. Just come in and find out for yourself.
-
May 2019 by Micha M.
FullGrip is LEGIT. 5 Stars is not nearly enough to describe this place. I wish there were more. Coach Mark and Cat have developed a gym (not really a "box" so much anymore...i'll explain later) that has been a second home for me 3-5x a week. It's a sentiment a good number of us members at FG share especially the ones that have been with them 3+ years. (i joined officially back in June 2016 but have known them since 2015 with bootcamps they held) There have been members with them since "Day One" and that's back when they had SFGetFit literally out of their garage. I think this is an important aspect new members should keep in mind when they decide to join in. FullGrip will treat you like family. Period. That is if you let them and come in with the golden rule...and that's not just with the coaches but members too. It's that support and respect we give each other that makes this place special. BUT what you will also immediately notice (maybe not your first day necessarily lol) but you will see some veteran folks (people with FG over a year) "talk sh*t" to each other but we're all laughing our asses off at the end of the day. And you will DEFINITELY see Coach Mark's sense of humor show especially once he gets to know you better (some days on the first day you meet him hahah!). That's one of the big things I love about this place...we train together but we laugh together too. It's not difficult to develop friendships and the sense of camaraderie here. Legit community here!! With that being said...there is a key thing that separates Coach Mark and Cat from the others and that is their philosophy. The main thing expected of you when you step in through that door?...leave your ego out the door! This is not only better for the environment and vibe we thrive in FullGrip but it's much more healthier for you as an individual when you come in to train. Which leads me to another philosophy you will find at FG...you will come in learning that you aren't just here to "work out" and max out til you can barely breathe and feel fulfilled because you put in your day's work. You will come in to TRAIN. And that's day to day. It's going to feel awesome because you will want to return and realize the potential you have! GREAT DETAIL TO PROPER FORM. Another philosophy of Coach Mark & Cat. And this is possibly why I wouldn't refer to FGCF as a "box". Unfortunately, we know the negative opinions about crossfit is that the idea of proof of success and progress is quantity and intensity (increase reps and weight) and that takes precedence over quality and safety. I'd say over the years Coach Mark & Cat have realized the nature of crossfit in this regard doesn't necessarily represent their way of training and developing strength and fitness. And I will 100% agree with that. I used to identify myself as a "crossfitter" but that was only because I was doing crossfit workouts and thought that's all I needed. I personally developed a love for powerlifting and olympic lifting more than ever. It's not like crossfit has been completely abandoned because we do our "High Intensity" workouts every now and then but not on a regular basis anymore. Breaking down movements that range from Deadlift, Squats, Bench Press, Snatch, Cleans, Jerks, etc...It doesn't matter how long you've been experienced doing the movements....a real athlete realizes that there's always room for improvement and Coach Mark will guide you in seeing this in your training. Mark and Cat have your best interest at heart and if you value your body...keep your eyes and ears open when you hear feedback. Take notes. You'll see so much improvement but you have to do your part too by being open...the results will come...not just physically but mentally as w
-
May 2019 by Chris C.
I rarely write Yelp reviews but Fullgrip deserves this positive review and more. Here's the top 3 reasons why you should consider joining: 1. Individualized coaching even in group classes - Coach Mark and Coach Cat are professionals who can teach exactly how to improve your form. A lot of gyms give you general pointers, but the coaches here provide precise feedback that you can't get from other places. The class sizes are kept small, so you receive individual attention every time. There's even dedicated classes for people seeking adaptive fitness (e.g. elderly, disabled individuals, injury rehabilitation, etc.) Have you always wondered if you are executing a move the best way possible? Well quit wondering and find out here. 2. Proximity to SFO - this is the closest barbell / CrossFit gym, and open to drop in athletes of all levels from Icelandic professionals to absolute beginners. 3. True fitness community - we really do know each other's names and are supportive of each other's progress. There are also puppies for petting if you prefer animals to people. :)
-
February 2019 by Abby S.
Its a good place for beginners. The coaches are good in giving tips and encouraging everyone in proper body fitness.Thank you
