Coit Tower Boot Camp

Awesome workout! Brandon always keeps boot camp fun by mixing up our workouts. I was a bit nervous about joining a «boot camp» class because I hadn’t worked out in a long time. Brandon is non-​judgmental, motivational and even gives lots of great lifestyle and nutritional advice. Over the course of several months, I saw myself make significant progress in my endurance, strength and flexibility. I definitely felt like I was getting an intense full-​body workout each session.

I just signed up for a Unilocal account for the primary purpose of writing this review. That’s how much I care about this!
I started working out with Brandon’s boot camp about 3 months ago, and I absolutely love it. I’m 30, and I haven’t been in good shape since college. As my metabolism has started falling precipitously (you know what I’m talking about) I was tired of constantly feeling like I needed to lose weight and get in shape and only eat salad with no dressing. After 3 months of boot camp, I feel like I am in the best shape that I have been in for a decade and it’s getting better all the time. I have more energy, and I finally believe the people who say that exercise gives you endorphins that put you in a good mood. My body just feels healthier, more toned, and sleeker. AND, the process has been thoroughly enjoyable.
The specs on the boot camp: It is 3 times per week, M/​W/​F, 6−7pm, usually at Coit Tower but sometimes on the top of Nob Hill. It is one of only a few evening boot camps I know of, and that was necessary for me because I absolutely hate working out in the mornings. Plus, since you’re done at 7pm you still have most of your evening! The trainer is Brandon, and he is super knowledgeable. He switches up the workouts a lot, so you never get bored. We always do some cardio (usually involving hills), some arms, some core, and some additional leg strengthening. If you have an injury, he will work with you. He is incessantly positive in that trainer-​y way, which sounds like it would be annoying but is actually kind of cool.
After reading the reviews for some other boot camps, I am even more pleased that I am in Brandon’s boot camp. Brandon is never going to yell at you, or say that some people in the group have to keep doing squats until another person is done running, etc. He does not foster that kind of negative competition within the group. He will not make you feel bad or singled out if you are out of shape. Instead, the group is super supportive. Everyone cheers everyone else on, and everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. The group is not catty, not competitive, and not image-​obsessed. It’s just a really friendly, motivating group of people. Brandon meets you where you’re at. He will tailor your workout to you. I feel like boot camp is a lot like having an awesome personal trainer, but cheaper and with a mini cheering section.
A note on money: I know you’re thinking that boot camp is too expensive for you, but maybe the following will sound familiar: I have spent about $ 40 per month for a gym membership for the last 3 years. I rarely ever used that membership. This boot camp is $ 200 per month. BUT I ACTUALLY GO. I once didn’t show up and Brandon actually emailed me to tell me to get my ass over there! How’s that for motivation? It is three times a week, which means you get a better price per workout than at most 2x per week boot camps, and you still have open evenings to spend with your friends or do whatever else you need to do. So yes, it’s more expensive than a regular gym, but prices are reasonable compared to other boot camps, it’s cheaper than having your own personal trainer (but you get much of the same benefits,) and the health outcomes are beyond compare, at least for me. I mean, think about it: how much money is your health worth? A hell of a lot!

Pros
* A great full body workout; outside of a boring gym
* A great trainer who will push you to your best but isn’t a sergeant type
* A workout that changes often
* Small class size; no more than 10
* Meets in the evening; 6:00 p.m.
* Great price in comparison to other boot camps
* Brandon, the trainer brings any equipment you may need
* Brandon is patient and very knowledgeable
Side note: In the beginning I couldn’t run more than five minutes. I even cried my first class… but if you stick with it you will see improvements, like I have.
Cons
There really aren’t any cons. The only difficult part is committing to improving myself and showing up consistently.

MY 100TH REVIEW!!!
SHORT STORY (Since I’m long winded):
Amazing boot camp!!! Geared toward beginners but customized for everyone in the group. Small class size and (very!) personalized instruction. Three days a week, M — W — F. Meet at the Filbert Steps on Sansome. This is an evening boot camp – rare and a great find! Meet at 6pm, up the stairs, workout at the base of Coit Tower, and back down by about 7:30pm. Brandon is a Master Trainer at the Bay Club. He calls it boot camp but he’s far from the military drill sergeant type. Fitness, form, and fun are his goals for everyone!
The number is his NYC cell. He’s working on a website too. When I hear it’s up and running, I’ll try to add it to the listing. Feel free to PM me if you’d like extra information though.
LONG STORY (And it’s worth it!):
Craigslist pointed me in the right direction again! I was searching through the «Groups» listings and found an ad for a beginner’s boot camp. «This program will focus on supporting those that are looking to get back into shape, as opposed to those that are already in shape,» the ad read. Um, yes please!!!
I’d actually been looking at the ads and reviews for other boot camps in the city but just wasn’t feeling right about them. Yes, they all say «go at your own pace,» or «just do what you can.» But really, I didn’t want to be the fat slowpoke in a sea of teeny, lululemon-​clad ladies.
The first session was free, to see if it was what we were looking for. There were about 5 newbies that first day. We met at the bottom of the Filbert Steps, on Sansome. Brandon, the trainer, met us on the corner there and made us all feel at home. Then it was up those torturous stairs. Up, up, up…
The first night, I stopped twice on the way up. I didn’t know if I would make it to the top, let alone ever come back! But we all got to the top, each at her own pace, and got into the work out. Yep, after climbing up, there’s another 45 – 60 minutes of instruction. Strength training utilizing the walls, railings, etc at the base of the tower. Brandon brings the yoga mats, medicine balls, and resistance bands. Plenty of cardio mixed in as well, progressing steadily.
As we keep going, each woman in the group is making progress. For now, we’ve only had women but it’s not at all closed to men! (Come on guys… you don’t even have to wake up early for it!) Brandon makes sure to show progressions of each exercise so that those who need to take it at a slower pace have somewhere to start, and those who need a challenge will certainly find it. He stresses the importance of form and watches everyone closely and individually to make personal adjustments.
I thought I would just stick with the boot camp for a month or so, get my own work out ramped up. Four months later, I’m so hooked. This is a group that makes sure I get out and go. At the gym, it’s easy not to go for weeks on end. No one cares. Brandon really cares though. And since I’m consistently there and putting in the work, I’m also getting the results! Getting toned, have more energy, and well into the double digit weight loss!
I’m actually starting to believe I can have the body I want by my wedding day in the Fall!