Powerhouse Gym

I joined powerhouse gym last year as a small step in improving my health and making changes to my lifestyle. Well with the help of the dedicated staff and their wealth of knowledge in the fitness and nutrition field I have came further than I thought possible.
As a gym, it becomes more of a community. The helpful staff treat you individually with the upmost respect answering any questions you may have whilst providing you with information on how to improve your workout to reach you own goals and offering a exemplary service.
Personal training, with Greg, who also runs the MARTIAL arts classes within the gym contributed largely to me reaching my goals. I truely recommend him. Greg provides you with the motivation that one needs to attend the gym but provides a workout that you enjoy, although still working hard enough to achieve the results… His outlook on health and life along with his positivity and support for reaching realistic goals promote self esteem and makes you look forward to your next session! Something I would not have ever imagined happening
Rob, the owner of the gym, a gentle giant of a man. Who goes the extra mile to ensure and carer for the customer. He can’t do enough to help one
I just hope more people become to realise the gym isn’t a chore and anything is possible!
15lbs down, and going strong…
Many thanks to Rob, Greg and all the staff!

Perfect gym, for me. It’s just about exactly how I’d put together a gym: all the stuff you need (great Sorinex racks and equipment) without the garbage (and meat heads). No labels, no judging, just able to do what you want to get it done.
It’s far from posh (locker rooms especially) but the perfect amount to be very funtional while keeping away the people who sign up for a gym because of the locker rooms. This is not Equinox.
If I had one complaint, it’s that I seem to often get there while the towels are in the dryer so I have to go back to get them. It might be worth getting g a few more towels, but they’re always friendly and helpful about it.

One of my all time favorite gyms. Has that classic old school feel. Gets busier after 5 but the mornings and afternoons are wonderful.

Honestly not sure why this place gets such bad reviews. Rob was super nice when I signed up, I’m having great training sessions with Taylor, and whenever I’ve gone, I’ve been able to use whatever equipment I need. It smells just fine even on hot days, and the locker room is perfectly clean. Sure it’s not as shiny as other gyms, but the equipment seems well maintained and safe, and the front desk staff already knows my name. No complaints.

Dirty, old equipment. Couldn’t get the personal training session my membership was supposed to include because they’d never return my calls. Now they want $ 150 to terminate the contract. My membership was a gift from a friend but it has turned into the worst present I’ve ever received. They’ve suggested I transfer my membership, but no way would I send a friend to this gym.

If I could put 0 stars or negative I would. I have been working out and working at gyms for over 20 years and never have I experienced a worse gym. I would never recommend this horrific place. Here are the many reasons…
1) This place is beyond disgusting and dirty. Filthy floors dust and mold build up everywhere.
2) My ipod was turned into the front desk by a nice member and they told me they had it for days, then all of a sudden it disappeared from the office. Sure
3) My backpack was stolen out of a locked locker and they took my wallet and threw my belongings in a shower stall.
4) One day I found a bag stuffed in a stall in the women’s bathroom stall so I turned it in trying to be a good person. They turned around and accused me of theft after everything that had been stolen from me. Ridiculous. The manager Rob and Blanca both were rude and nasty to me and they told me they were revoking my membership. I couldn’t believe they did that. In fact it seems to me an inside job as they seem shady. They also told my boyfriend he couldn’t come anymore for no reason yet the have been charging him for over 3 months.
5) Staff sucks
Don’t waste your time or energy or money. Horrible place.

This gym is really nice and genuine with equally as nice and genuine people. It has an old school downtown badass character and they also offer group exercise classes. It is an awesome place.

Thank you for always welcoming me in when I have the time !
Informative and nonjudgmental staff! Very helpful and always willing to lend advice.
I mostly come here at night time because it’s the only free time I have :(
Anyways, I always feel welcomed and ready to get into that cardio !
Perhaps I’ll consider a trainer one day to help me with weights because I have no clue what I should be doing when it comes to that: D!
This particular gym is not HUGE nor a tight space … It’s just about the right size ! For me at least
I have been coming here for about 2 years now and I’m glad I made decision to start because I was getting plumply and squishy LOL
I’m still not at my ideal look but because I have the motivation to come back here I’ll get there!
Only 85lbs down more and I’m set then onto toning!
Thanks for the positive atmosphere and motivation the staff and machines set up!

I wasn’t supposed to like this gym.
I came in thinking man I am gonna expect douchiness and I had a bunch of things to say negative. I actaully wanted to say some negative things.
I’ve got other people I know who are going to think bad about me but I believe in being honest on Unilocal and this place is actually really good.
The staff is great, jeez I came in wanting to find something to hate an grrr these people were too damn great.
I gotta say best staff at any gym so far.
I paused for a lil bit an thought wait did they just give me the best service ever aw man they did.
I hear complaints about how small it is, well believe me this place isn’t really small compared to others.
It may look small but they compact everything into actually making this place a place to easily compete with alot of other gyms and be stiff competition.
The prices here are actually pretty good and the classes here are amazing.
Theres classes for everyone. They even have martial arts classes, now why don’t most gyms have those. C’mon gyms wake up!
Most gyms you just get those spinning and zumba type classes .
This place has alot more.
I wanted to say the vending machines don’t work but boy they got me cuz I came in to check on them not long after and boom they were working arrgh.
This place is really good.
I found myself learning the equipment really quick.
The trainers seem really nice too.
My ex really hates this place but she’s never been in here.
Things she said had me believing her.
I had to find out for myself and I just confirmed how crazy she is because this place is really good.
I guess the only thing is parking is kinda tough, I didn’t find it much of an issue I just paid a dollar for parking in the lot cuz I usually just spend an hour in the day at the gym but if you come at night its free .
The location is actually really great. This place is directly in the heart of downtown redwood city with all kinds of cool things around.

I joined Powerhouse about a year ago — they are super convenient, very affordable and the staff is awesome! Unlike some gyms that just expect you to be a pro, they offer an orientation and one session with the trainer right up front.
Best of all, people go there to work out — not hook up — so I felt very comfortable from the start. Thanks Robert, Blanca and the folks at Powerhouse!

Joined this gym about 2 months ago. Have loved it with each visit. Its never TOO packed, all the staff is friendly, almost all the equipment is in working condition (there has been one machine out of order), everything is clean and in order. A great place to exercise with fantastic exercise oriented memorabilia and inspirational quotes, pictures, etc. all over! Absolutely recommended.

I have been going to this gym for the last 4 months. Before joining this gym, I went to equinox for a year, more like wasted $ 150 per month for a year. This place is way cheaper and is right at the Redwood City downtown 5 mins walk away from Caltrain station — reason i mention this is because it works out for me as i workout in the morning and shower and take the train to work.
The gym is very spacious, I have never waited for any equipment. It does get a little crowded in the evenings, but you never have to stay in line for anything.
I read a lot of reviews about the shower room being smelly — and I have never felt that and i shower every time i visit the gym. Maybe my standards are low, or it has improved — i wouldn’t know. It has towel service and ample locker space.
A good deal to say the least.

This is my personal story with Powerhouse. In it, you will discover what I think of the gym, its people, its machines, its customer service, and its trainers.
I joined this gym around April 2013. I had read some reviews, some good, some less good. I’d like to give everyone a reality check.
On July 1^st 2013, I decided I would be the man of steel for Halloween (crazy idea). With 40 lb. extra weight and a devoid athletic track record, all odds were against me.
I still went ahead and explained Rahsan «Beast Mode» my objective and budget constraints.
He set me up right away, taking everything into account and even going beyond my expectations in terms of price and trainer level.
I started working with Torre (whom I call the Torrinator), a very knowledgable, experienced, and relatable trainer. He told me what I could achieve in 4 months if I worked hard; modified my diet as we went; calibrated the cardio; fixed the form; taught the moves; helped me overcome my personal fears, like for example, jumping on a treadmill moving at 10 miles/​hr.
It wasn’t just one hour I would pay for. It was the marching orders for the day, and for everyday of the rest of my life.
I lost 40 lb. and gained some decent muscle mass. Within 1 month, I was able to do my first pull-​up, and within 4, I could do 50.
Remember what others will say about all gyms: Aww this machine is old, the weights need maintenance or whatnot. FALSE. Wear-​n-​tear happens everywhere, and in the year I’ve been at Powerhouse, I’ve seen some decent machine rotation. Everything else is up to me.
I went back for a second round of training in April of this year, this time with Jeff T.
Jeff is extremely powerful, and an amazing kind-​hearted motivator.
Because I didn’t need to lose much weight this time around, him and I have focused more on weights. My 6-​pack is on the way, my biceps are in their greatest shape, same for chest, legs, traps, shoulders.
Jeff will push you as hard as you can go, and rest assured that he is always here to make sure you don’t get hurt pushing yourself. I will miss Jeff.
At the front desk, you have some of the most genuine, friendly, amicable people you’ll ever meet. Carla, Robert, Justin, Blanca (to cite a few) will make you feel right at home.
Let me emphasize this, this gym feels homely. Powerhouse is so unlike bigger chains where everything is tiered like a US Cell Phone carrier market.
When you walk into Powerhouse you don’t feel like you’re in Best Buy. You feel like you’re visiting your cousins, uncles-​n-​aunts, good friends.
You’d be hardpressed to find anyone working there without a smile.
Rob, the boss, is a very kind-​hearted man, despite the heavy responsibilities that befall the boss of a gym. Can he bow to your every desire? No, it’s preposterous to think so; but if you ask nicely and respect him, his staff, and the rules he’ll go the extra mile and do his best to meet your needs.
My story ended last Friday, as I’ve now moved to Fremont. No need to say I will miss this gym.
A gym is much more than a place at Powerhouse, it’s an experience, it’s people, it’s machines, trainers, group sessions. For me, it’s a dream I reached for that became reality.
Thank you, Powerhouse.

I recently joined and adore this gym– price is reasonable too!
The guys who work there have been very helpful! (and I’m a Kinesiology Major!) Whenever I had a question about any equipment or exercise routine, my/​our questions were always addressed! (really appreciate this)
Look forward to attending some group exercises!

Beaware of Rob. Is it really offensive?
Sorry to say that. But he was nice in the beginning when i was signing
up for the gym. i live in Beverly hills and i came here for job training for three
mounts. I had a membership for 24 but its was far from my location and i didnt
have a car meanwhile so i found this place while i was walking down thru
Downtown Redwood city.
When i first come in I explained my situation and asked for a special and
Robert was the one who helped me out. He said ill give to you special he was nice he even waive the initial fee.
i was not able to go to place more than 6 times within 3 mounts because of busy my schedule.
My main issue is this people are not honest. Robert told me i am month to mount
and when i go to cancel he charged me arm and leg 150 dollar…
(Cencored by Unilocal) when i ask him why the h. u charging me that fee for/​he
said u signed here, u singed here i told person who sign me up was him and
he forgot like fish what he said.
Guys please if you have a car please go crunch or @$ fitness which is way
better and honest service.
If yoy dint have it, good luck with that. ur stuck with those guys.

I had never had a better personal trainer than Paul.
Unfortunately this place has a bad system when it comes to payments I like to make my payments cash instead of the credit cards, and every month they would be telling me that I was late and I always used to pay my bill on time never late even paid my personal trainer on time.
When i finished my year contract I stopped going I’m really sad because so far I haven’t been able to find a personal trainer like Paul!
Thanks to Paul my ex personal trainer and to Robert the manager because they were always helpful!
I would recommend for this place to get a better system and hire someone specifically for payments!

You get what you pay for… STAY AWAY!
I could write a novel about this place but instead, I’ll just try to give you enough info where you can decide if you should take a RISK joining this place.
Here are the facts:
1. It’s cheap. Really cheap. What does that get you? Your first treat is a locker room that has a smell so bad it will gag you. Can’t imagine what is growing in there.
2. They tout the fact one of their trainers is a «former pro athlete.» Let me tell you what THAT gets you… a trip to the ER. Seriously. Let’s pile on a MASSIVE amount of weight and have you do 50 walking lunges FOR A WARM UP. Yes, that’s right. Are you cringing yet? Yes, let’s take someone you have NEVER worked with before and have you jump right in. No questions, no assessment, just a ton of weight across the back and start lunging. Now I get the POWERHOUSE name. Please excuse me, I think I need to use the restroom… to puke and pass out… oh yeah and hit head. That earns you an express pass to Sequoia complete with MRI and CT Scan. How’s that CHEAP rate working for you? Hope you have good health insurance. REALLY good health insurance.
3. Was in a year contract. Moved out of state. Called to cancel membership. Needed it in writing, needed 30 day notice — blah, blah, blah. Letter sent. Surprise comes in the mail — late fees of $ 200+. WHAT?! Turns out, one of the auto payments didn’t go through. THEIR error, not mine. (See Roland C’s comment about billing issues, clearly I’m not the only one) No call, no email, no communication. Instead, they charge a $ 25 return fee plus late fees each month. So in order for them not to send me to collections, I have to pay. Talked with Robert, the owner. What a treat he is. This man has NO business sense at all and clearly does not care about customer service. Oh yeah, and when I told him about incident with trainer, he said and I quote, «that’s not my fault.» Here’s a clue Robert, you own the gym. You are responsible for your staff, especially if they are training others!
Stay away, stay far far away. Go to crunch, go to 24hour, go to CrossFit, go to Boxing Gym — hell do sit-​ups, push-​ups, squats and pull-​ups at home. Avoid this place like the plague.

Not a good place for people with a delicate sense of smell. The locker rooms and the upstairs in general smells like hairy camel buttocks that have been marinating in a warm cave. If you’re good at holding your breath you might not mind but one wiff and you’ll be scared to wash your hands much less take a shower here.
There’s definitely some good people here but I don’t think any of them actually work here. I’ve seen some good trainers and some people who really know what they’re doing here but the staff is not what you’d call friendly or helpful. They actually seem more interested in not helping. They do have a lot of equipment for serious lifters which I am not. It’s not the most modern but it’s definitely more than what you’d find in a state penitentiary.
The customer service and competency level is extremely questionable and they’ve never tried to take the time to accept responsibility for things like billing mistakes, answering questions, or being helpful in any meaningful way. The price is decent and the equipment selection is good but that’s about it.

Not the greatest looking gym, but the staff here is super friendly; Special shout out to Robert, Tory, and Paul. I enjoy Tory’s classes – he has so much variety.
This gym is sufficient for me, but if you’re looking for a «5 star gym,» this is probably not your cup of tea.

More like 31/​2stars.
Not the nicest gym I’ve been into, but it’s what you put into’t afterall!
Nice stone tiled shower in the men’s room.
BUT… upon entrting the men’s room ya haveta hold your breath.
It’s muggy and funky! Pungent musk hitsya in the nostrils.
The gymnasium in the back has a floor that appears to need replacing. You can feel all the lil pot holes and dents through the matting cover up.
Staff is friendly though. I still enjoy it.
Great Yoga classes and they offer a healthy staff of personal trainers you can hire to help whipya back into shape!
I’ve a fundamental understanding of microbiology and the human body so I don’t freak out about germs in a gym. It’s a given. They exist amongst us. Especially in an environment like this. They do offer Windex around stations to help ease your paranoia of microorganisms.
Bring lunch though! Cuz once you finish and exit, you’re greeted by the aromas of surrounding eateries.
I do recommend them.