Fit For Life Solutions

This is such a great gym. The trainers are very nice and friendly. They give us tough exercises. I joined the 6 week challenge in January 4 as a birthday gift for myself to help me finally get back into shape and introduce healthy living into my life. In week 1, I lost 3lbs (in my weighing scale it was 5) …and in week 2, I lost 2lbs. (in my weighing scale it was just 1lb but lost 1% of body fat). Total of 5lbs. I’ve always wanted to lose weight but doing it on my own is so difficult and impossible. I realized that joining the Fit for Life Family gave me the chance to finally achieve my goal to lose weight and stay healthy. I love it!

I’d love to give them a five star review, because their trainers are awesome and the program is really cool and convenient. The management on the other hand negates all of that. Management never followed up on my intro six week course, their website still offers a full membership to an athletic club that closed a year ago, the email for their contact info on the website appears to not be regularly checked and apparently expecting timely responses to email requesting cost quotes for a full membership makes you undesirable as a customer. It’s an interesting marketing strategy, «we don’t want you or your money.» I can’t stress enough how great the actual trainers are, but good luck dealing with the management.

I took a few of the morning boot camp classes here a few months ago, found this place via Living Social deal. Initial email communication to sign up was luke warm. Not much introduction or attention during the first class I attended. The workouts are pretty good and challenging, but the instructors were just okay. One was dancing around during the hour, not paying attention to boot campers, clocking the interval times. Another seemed really junior and inexperienced. Didn’t really seem concerned about members’ quality of training or engagement. I went a few more times and then just let the month expire without renewing. Definitely feels like the business model is to churn a lot of people in via these deal sites but not necessarily wanting to retain members.

This is a great gym! Everyone here is nice and supportive! The trainers are all great and I like how they all have different training styles which make for the classes to be different every time. I saw that there was a groupon for this gym and decided to try it out! Within 2 – 3 months, I’ve seen more results than I did when I was taking classes at Crunch for a year!

The Foster City location has gone down hill. I joined Fit for Life in 2013 and found the workouts to be challenging and the schedule in the number of classes offered in the morning and evening to be so helpful. Things started going down hill last year in 2014 when Fit for Life started offering Groupons every month and they continue to do so. This was a means to grow the business which is great, but it’s become a problem now. The classes are overly crowded and the Groupon folks with casual interest who go for more of a social experience take away from the experience for those of us that are serious about our workout. It’s so crowded you can barely move or have enough space to do dumping jacks without risking hitting someone. Even with two trainers leading the classes, although more often than not it’s just one, it’s not enough to give people the attention they deserve. The trainers should be able to pay attention to people, watch their form, make corrections and provide motivation. You’re on your own in class which is irresponsible. Sadly, the trainers (I go in the evenings) have gotten complacent and don’t do much more other than stand in one spot and track the time of the intervals.
The Foster City facility moved to a larger location earlier this year which hasn’t improved things as you’d think. The owner has failed to put in a gym floor. The floor is wood and not conducive for a gym format and limits what exercises can be done in class so workouts have become repetitive. And I’m truly surprised someone hasn’t slipped and hurt themselves doing exercises on the slick wood floor. The equipment also hasn’t been replaced since I joined in 2013. There aren’t enough of anything (dumbbells, kettle bells, steps, mats, smash balls, etc.) Equipment that is worn or cracked is kept together by duck tape.
What once was a good boot camp format has gone down hill. The growth experienced last year due to the Groupons has been at the expense of the members. I cancelled my membership earlier this year and there was no interest in getting feedback on why the membership was being cancelled. Bottom line, poor management is collecting the money and delivering a sub par service.

I am updating my review mainly because they moved this class to a much larger facility, and it’s better. This actually happened some months ago, but it’s taken me a while to write. The classes are very good, and I do always feel challenged. I like all of the trainers, though they each have their own style. The only negatives are that some times the classses just get too big. I really think they should limit them to the first «20» or whatever that number is. If you’re late and the class is full, you should have to wait until the next class. The classes rarely start on time. I am SO tired of the trainers waiting for late-​comers. Start the class on time!!! By the time they have gone through the stations, it’s at least 10 and 15 minutes past the hour. So frustrating. Don’t reward the late people by waiting for them!

Great concept! love their bootcamp and trainers. I’ve been attending for just over 3 months, and pretty much go every day– they have so many times available for busy people, so no excuses! i’m a mom of two small kids and its hard to get out to work out… They change up their routines all the time so it never gets stale. Lost almost 15 pounds in 3 months, found this to be the most effective workout program for weight loss combined with clean eating. I am a ‘class’ person and tend to not utilize my gym membership properly, unless there are classes i can take. The trainers are always so dedicated and helpful, and really care about seeng us all succeed. They are passionate and kind– try out one of their weight loss challenges if you are doubtful. My only feedback would be the facility is kind of bare bones (no showers, water fountain, and storage cubby are open and insecure).

I have a love/​hate relationship with fit for life… I LOVE the workouts with Bo Kelly! He is one of the best trainers I have had the pleasure of working with! He always does an excellent job of switching up the workouts and manages to always make it challening!
I HATE how it seems as though Roy Schumaker only seems to care about money! I have been a FFL member for 2.5 years now and finally an 8:15am class time slot was created. However, because not as many ppl were going to this time slot it was taken away. According to Roy it was taken away because you need at least 12 people to be present to have a fun workout. However Beau Byron already told us the 8:15 class was cancelled because it costs Roy more money to pay a trainer to come in and hold a class at that time slot. Hmmmm stories aren’t adding up! Not about the money right Roy?! Do you think 24 hour fitness makes money staying open ²⁴⁄₇? No… but they do it because of the few faithful customers they have that appreciate being able to work out at 4am!
Many members have decided to cancel their memberships and just do private training with Bo Kelly anyway. He’s the best trainer at FFL. Other classes run by other trainers are mundane and boring unfortunately. Let’s see how Roy feels about losing clients now that the 8:15 class is gone… then it will be about the money.

Great staff. Very friendly and they genuinely care about your well being. They work with you to be the best you can be. A lot of classes throughout the day so there really isn’t an excuse to not attending a class! If you’re skeptical, at least try the Groupon!

Probably one of the more challenging boot camps I’ve attended. In spite being able to attend only the Monday and Wednesday classes every week, results have been great! Only reason I couldn’t give them a 5 star rating is they could clean the gym better. Besides that, I would recommend this boot camp to anyone who is looking for real results.

Thank you, Roy, for adding the 8:15 am FC class and moving to a larger facility! You heard us!

I think this is one of there main places.
There’s tons of times for this location and a good amount of people.
I“ve connected with people from the past here which was kinda cool meeting people I used to know from back in the day.
There’s lots of cool personalities here an you really feel the workout.
The burn is a nice one, yo.
Parking is always good an the classes get pretty full.
One of the instructors is really cool and reminds me of Andre 3000.
He seems like a really wise guy an I think he does Martial arts too.
They have a great couch here too pass out on after your big workout session.
This place definitely has you do a lot of running an leg stuff in general.
I like the group run around the building, its fun.

This is an update for my review I wrote about 6 months ago. Several members had complained to Roy regarding the lack of intensity during Keith’s workouts, and for a short while, Beau Byron started teaching the 9:15am classes again. Unfortunately, this did not last long and Keith is back to teaching the classes again! Not to be mean, Keith is a great guy, but his classes are a snooze fest! Bo Kelly is still the best trainer at fit for life (and it’s obvious cuz he’s the only fit trainer there) but he only teaches there twice a week.
While the foster city location did move to a bigger, cleaner (for the time being) location, there is not enough equipment! I find myself having to rush to each station to get the set of dumb bells I want first. There’s only 2 sets of 10 pound dumb bells for a class with 25 people? like really? Plus, the boot camp only runs mon-​thurs with members having to pay and extra $ 5 – 10 for friday and saturday «drop in» classes. Most boot camps I know of run through saturday and maybe even sunday.
My last gripe about this boot camp is Roy’s (the owner) lack of professionalism. Supposedly, some members have complained about certain things with the drop in fri and sat classes. Instead of addressing those issues privately with each member or trying to improve the classes, Roy posts on facebook announcing that these drop in classes will be cancelled! Here’s a portion of what Roy posted «I know almost ALL of you appreciate it and love when the trainers put on extra classes BUT there have been some people who, let me just be honest, don’t appreciate the classes and have complained about them, so unfortunately the drop in classes starting 1÷5÷15 will ONLY be Friday mornings.» Like really Roy!!! So you choose to punish the members that actually appreciate these classes and are faithful customers?! BRAVO!

We bought their boot camp special on Groupon. First day, no one was there 5 minutes before the 4 pm class and same with today, 3:58pm and we’re all waiting outside. Not too bad of a workout, definitely felt it but also could have done this at home and not had to wait around for the instructors. Pretty unprofessional in my opinion. Also, the music was slow and a bit unmotivating and they didn’t have any water provided for the classes.
Once the Groupon runs out, I do not plan on returning.
The 2 stars are for the workout and the kind personalities of the instructors.

Horrible with scamming us in recurring charges. Multiple phone calls and voice messages requesting a cancellation went unanswered. When we emailed mentioning a fraud claim, the response was prompt. They say that the only way to get a refund (for multiple months) is to prove that we sent an email. This, for days of calling AND leaving messages and no one getting back.
0 stars for honesty.

If you are looking for a workout that is fun, and still kicks your butt this is it! Bo K. and Keith are amazing trainers. They are motivating but also super conscience of form and alternate excersises for people with specific injuries and diffent skill levels.
They will also help you develop food plans and healthier versions of what you already eat. I have found this particulary helpful.

We’ve only been going for one week, but this is a great facility. Trainers are encouraging, not scary. Given the 60-​minute sessions, you definitely feel the burn long after the class is over. Location is great for those on the Peninsula.
Classes rotate between a focus on arms, legs, core…
There are convenient classes super early in the morning. The only thing is, they don’t have weekend classes. And no classes after 5:30pm on Fridays. So for most people, it’s more of a Monday-​Thursday thing.

I joined FFL in August 2013 and haven’t turned back since…
The reason I love FFL are:
–Schedule. I like having a flexible schedule — some weeks I want to work out on Tuesdays at 4pm and sometimes Thursdays at 7pm. Or Fridays at 5pm. Or Mondays. I love that I don’t have to ‘commit’ to a certain time, but I can just show up when is convenient for my schedule (or if I sneak out of work early, or am stuck working late!)
–Cardio. I sweat. Every class. Some classes are harder than others, and some are more cardio focused. But I know if I show up I’m going to get a good 45 – 60 minute work out. Much more than if I went to gym by myself (anyone see this BuzzFeed video?
)
–Trainers. Beau B was the trainer I originally met and I love his energy. He’s got a loud booming voice, so you can hear him from anywhere in the room. But this isn’t a military style angry-​scream-​in-​your-​face-​boot-​camp, its encouraging! I’ve been hitting the 7pm class lately which is taught by either Keith or Beau Kelly (who does Fridays) and I like them too! It’s nice to feel like they «know» you and will miss you or give you a hard time if you skip too many classes in a row!
–People. Its SUCH a diverse group of people there. From marathon runners, to huge sumo wrestler-​looking-​guys, to tiny teenagers/​high school athletes, to stay at home moms, and cubicle slaves like me. I’ve definite felt both fitter and fatter than other people in the class. Its a great no judgement zone. Some people have even signed up for weekend trail runs or obstacle courses!
–No Competition. Everyone is doing the same exercises, but some people are zipping through them quickly, some are struggling with 5 lbs weights, some do proper push-​ups on their toes instead of knees, and some adding their own burpee’s. More power to them, but no pressure if you’re just doing the «standard’ workout. At least youre in class and not at home on the couch!

Not a fan of Roy Schuhmacher. Bought a month of bootcamp and access to a gym but they decided to move locations and offered me a refund. They made me jump through hoops to get the refund. Horrible experience. If he runs his business the way he treats his customers, I’d stay away.
Copy of my email to Roy:
«What you did to me was unprofessional and inconsiderate. I came to you with a situation about how your change of business affected my voucher making it impossible to honor. I was willing to work something out but you said you would give me a refund which I was fine with. When I didn’t receive anything after a week, I inquired about the status of the refund. You told me that it was in the mail but since I didn’t receive it I could come down to pick up the refund. I made multiple trips to pick it up but all I got was one excuse after the other. You confirmed the refund would be there yet you later blamed me for not going to Amazon to deal with the problem. As the owner of the company, you should have told me in the first place to contact Amazon and not give me the runaround. Why would you even offer me a refund in the first place if I had to deal with Amazon? If you couldn’t afford to refund me you should have said so instead of wasting my time. It was pathetic that you actually had to resort to asking your own employee to spot you the money when they didn’t even have any. People like you shouldn’t be in business. Quit with the excuses and have some integrity.»
Sincerely,
Dissatisfied Customer

It is long over due that I write a review, but I’ll go way back to the beginning of my fitness journey starting January 2011. I’ve always thought I was pretty fit and one day I noticed my clothes fitting a little snug. Ok. They were really tight. I knew it was time get back into shape like my marathon running days when I would eat whatever crap I wanted and run 5 – 10 miles and would be a skinny Minnie. BUT I hated running. I dreaded it. It was like a chore. I didn’t want to run. I can’t even do a mile on the treadmill without getting bored. I can run outside for longer distances, but it wasn’t the same. So I joined a gym.
It was hard trying to do things on my own without classes or someone standing over me telling me what to do. I was a little lost. I did as much as I could, but I was lazy and was not pushing myself to what I could do. I tried to take classes that fit my schedule.
I did pilates, yoga, spin class after spin class, after 6 months I felt like I was stagnant and my progress plateaued. Although I worked out 5 days a week, hiking Mission Peak was still tough. So I canceled my gym membership and started all the different boot camps that Groupon or any web deal in my area had to offer. Tried Crossfit and several other boot camp fitness classes before I finally stumbled upon Fit For Life in October 2012.
The trainers here are different. Not chit chatting with every cute girl that walks in the door. They truly care about their clients. Whatever your shape or size, they will modify to your abilities. They’re not afraid to correct your form (or add more weights) as they walk from station to station checking on each member. The people that come here are nice and will talk to anyone that is new and try to welcome them on board. A few of these people have become friends of mine, including the trainers. Very few fitness camps have this friendly vibe and I am so grateful for that!
Classes are Mondays through Thursdays. If there is no web deal, try the Friday drop in classes. Friday’s are more intense, but you will get the best work out for your buck!
End result! I haven’t lost as much weight as I wanted, but I’ve toned up a lot. I LOVE to eat, so that is probably why I don’t see the results on the scale, but in how I feel. My clothes are fitting better! I also know muscle weighs more than fat, so I’ll take muscle over fat any day. That’s my journey and I am happy that I found a program that works with my schedule and abilities. Thanks for making working out fun again!