ProAction Athletics

Sarah is the best. She gives you the push you want and need. She makes working out fun. The people who go to class are all nice which makes
It a great environment. Go try it out, you will love it!

Sarah keeps it real… works you hard… and pushes your limits… and also has that empathizing and tender skill to help bring you up when you are feeling down and out. Sarah is a life-changer…she’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me… I’m learning more than taking care of myself physically… I find I am growing empowerment spiritually and emotionally. My doctor recommended I get into physical fitness… ProAction Athletics with Sarah’s leadership is an Amazing enterprise! So honored to have run into this phenomenal teacher!

I did my first workout at ProAction Athletics today and am super sore but so glad I did it. I got my buns up at 5am for the coed boot camp taught by Sarah. For some reason I just want to do the things she tells me to do. The workout was varied and creative and challenging. The class members fed off of her encouragements and there was no negativity to be felt anywhere… Just people up early wanting to sweat.
Thanks so much!

Totally in love with this place. Sarah rocks and Shon is equally awesome! I’ve moved from the area but was able to get in some classes this week. It’s WORTH the commute!

In the last year I have tried 6 different gyms trying to find the right fit for me. Context I am a plus sized queer femme latina, most gyms make me cringe. I tried ProAction because Lindsey used to train at my other gym and I love her style! She’s motivating and pushes you because she knows you and your needs. So yay Lindsey!
That said, ProAction was not for me– mainly because the female environment was not the kind of place where women cheered each other on, it was clicky and felt awkwardly like junior high. It was frustrating to hear the women constantly talking about how fat they were (because they were now a size 4 instead of a 2) or their cellulite. Coming from a gym culture where people cheered for each other and body shaming (regardless of your size) was not the norm and the fact that an emphasis was placed on your strength not your size, this gym culture was odd and disconcerting to me– so I left. i gave it a good 3 months try, which is longer than I gave other places, because I liked the trainers but overall the other clients were just not my cup of tea

I love me a bootcamp. I love the variety and that you can set your own challenge by the effort you put in on a daily basis. You get a full body workout and some cardio in an efficient hour. I have reviewed another bootcamp and still have good things to say, it is just the class schedule no longer meets my needs, so I tried someplace new (to me). I love that ProAction Athletics has multiple class times in the morning. If I have to be at work earlier than normal, I can take the 5am class versus the 6am. If I am too tired, there are multiple evening classes to chose from as well. Every day is different — if you don’t like one day, no worries, it will be different tomorrow (although I have yet to dislike a day — I may not love 100% of the exercises, but I always feel accomplished (tired) after I am done). I love that there is always a dynamic warm up. No time is wasted in class and you leave sweaty! Sarah is awesome. There is nothing I hate more than an overly enthusiastic bootcamp instructor, shouting or cheering in my face at 6am — Sarah is chill. She is friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. She watches the room to make sure everyone is using proper form and will correct you or provide a cue to correct you. If you have an injury you are recovering from she is accommodating to low impact versions, other modifications or a different exercise to keep you going. The bootcamp sessions are 4 weeks in length with a $ 20 week in between. I made it through my first 4 week session and already feel stronger, am less winded and combined with watching my food intake — 8 pounds lighter. The other women who attend are friendly, but it is not a competitive environment. If you are looking for a great workout with hardly any downtime — look no further.

I started at ProAction Athletics because I had met Sarah at my work. Although I had been athletic in my youth, at 47, it had been awhile since I had done anything other than some hiking. I know how exercise beats back depression and crappy self-​esteem, but I just couldn“t get motivated. I went to one of her introductory weeks, and the first day completely kicked my butt, but I had this strange feeling of, «but I did it!!!». I kept going back, and over the next year and a half, got in the best shape I had ever been in. It was hard and empowering. It was slow going, and she really helped me make adjustments to accomodate some arthritis. Sarah meets you where you are. There is no shame at any level of fitness, just encouragement to challenge yourself. I am now 52 and feel fantastic. I really credit Sarah for helping me to have a fit and happy middle age!

This class is the bomb! Sarah is great– she kicks your ass without you knowing it. Your jeans will fit better; but, more importantly you will feel and look great!

This is the first boot camp I’ve ever participated in. I was lucky enough to find a Livingsocial deal with ProAction Athletics at the end of July, and had been meaning to try a boot camp for quite some time, so this provided me a perfect opportunity to give it a go.
So far, I’ve only taken the Beginning Bootcamp Class with Shon. I’ve spent the last few years being fairly inactive, and I walked in thinking that it was going to be a light cardio workout. Let me just say, during the first class, I felt like I needed an INTRO to Beginning Bootcamp. It was SO HARD — but in a good way. By the end of the hour long class, my entire body was burning, and my workout clothes were drenched in sweat.
Shon is an Excellent instructor — She’s incredibly friendly, upbeat and encouraging. The thing I like about this class, is that it’s a fairly small group of women, so the instructor has time to walk around the room, and correct your positioning to make sure you’re getting the most out of the class (also, to make sure that you don’t do something to hurt yourself). Shon pushes her students and encourages them to work through the pain.
My LivingSocial deal is just about done with, but I will definitely be returning as a regular.

After a 2 year hiatus, I’m back and ProAction is as awesome as ever. I did the $ 20 week this past week (after being a couch potato after a couple injuries) and let me tell you… I already feel stronger and have more energy then I thought I would.
Sarah is awesome and it was really cool that she even recognized me, although I never took a class with her (she was always teaching the class before mine when I was here last.) I second all the raves about her.
Today, I took Lindsey’s strength and conditioning class and it was fantastic. Boot camp style but much more focused on weights and strength. I plan to be back for her Sunday class for sure! It’s a great complement to the boot camps.

This place is rad. I have been working out for 15 years and I’m always looking for new awesome things to do and I love to be pushed to my limit. This place has hardcore, creative, intelligent workouts and a really great vibe. Everyone is super supportive and it feels like a team effort. This place is as good as it gets.

Great bootcamp classes!
I enjoy coming to 5am bootcamp classes 3 – 4 times a week. Sarah is great and every class is tough but so much fun. Time flies by and before I know it, I burned so many calories in one hour.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to do 5am :-) there are classes at different times.
Highly recommend this place.

Hey there! I’ve tried some of the best/​hardest bootcamps in the East Bay — Pacific Ring Sports, Namaste Fit Club & Personal Training, The Inner Athlete, Relic Tree — and this one is the best. I hate to tell you that because then you’ll fill up my 5am class even more than it is already — but it’s the truth. I had different reasons for leaving them that aren’t worth going into but my frequent complaint was too full classes or they had horrible class times — 4:30pm in the afternoon? Closed on Sundays? Really? WTF, are you trying to run a business that is convenient for you or your customers?
Sarah teaches most the classes I attend, Shon is great too and there’s one on the weekends that is lovely as well. Sarah’s energy and willingness to cheer me on by name makes a big difference to me. Class starts on time, is super challenging — and I go pretty hard if I do say so myself :) and it flows well. This is an important skill that not every bootcamp instructor has — the exercises need to work well together and make sense. Though Sarah sometimes has so many different activities my head spins as I’m trying to maintain: P Good side of that is that if you hate one thing you’re on to the next one in a minute — and you don’t get bored. She doesn’t do long rests in between sets which I appreciate because I tend to bounce off the walls once I get there and I’m ready to go.
I don’t socialize much while I’m there — frankly because I’m typically trying to keep breathing or not throw up — but the energy is great and no one yells at you to get out of «their» spot (happened to me at Namaste Fitness).
It’s mostly women and men who are 10 to 15 years younger than me, so the intensity level is good for me — the few ones my age and older are bringing it hard, so I have no excuses there either. I’m 44 this year, about 8 pounds over where I want to be and have 2 fucked up knees, Sarah knows I go hard and keeps me focused but gives me every consideration for my knees. I need that because if a trainer pushes me to do stuff I shouldn’t, I will try my best to — and suffer the rest of the week.
Also, word to the other bootcamps out there — these classes are AFFORDABLE, the options on the schedule are GREAT — 5am classes on week days and classes on Saturday and SUNDAY! You all should take notes, Sarah’s doing it right, watch and learn.

I’m a former Div 1 athlete and a personal trainer who’s coming back from having twins. and I absolutely adore Sarah! I’ve had SO many coaches, trainers, fitness instructors in my life and Sarah is on the top of top. She’s so comfortable being a bootcamp instructor, you won’t hear any annoying or odd comments, just encouraging and up lifting boosts. And as others have said, she knows her stuff, she’s motivating, and frankly she was meant to run bootcamps. If I didn’t have to drive 25 min and have to scramble for a sitter I’d be there all the time!

I’ve been coming here for 2.5 years and it’s about time I wrote a review! The women working out here aren’t competitive with each other. Instead, everyone looks to each other as motivation to work harder. I love the fact that it’s all women, when I first joined, I didn’t think it would make a difference but it instantly made me feel more comfortable to work out. I tried going to another bootcamp but it didn’t compare to the encouragement, welcoming environment at ProAction. Because of Sarah and the other great instructors, I’ve essentially become addicted to working out. I MISS bootcamp, Sarah and the other ladies when I haven’t gone in a few days. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s easy to make new friends at this place.
With each new 4 week session, I find a goal to work on. When I’m having a harder time staying focused, that goal keeps me fired up. Even if I’m super tired, it’s hard to not give it your all at bootcamp. I may have been thinner in high school but I’ve never been as FIT as I am now. And in combination with Weight Watchers, I’ve become more toned. During this past winter break, I found that while I still get a good workout at the exercise classes at the gym, they don’t exhaust me compared to the muscle building and cardio workout you get at ProAction. I’ve come to like running out of breath. Is that weird? :p
It’s a good size studio and there’s TRX included on Friday evenings. Friday mornings are cardio days which set you up nicely for the weekend.
Sarah is the best. She really invests herself into your well being and makes sure that you do everything with safety and effort.

I started coming to this bootcamp a little over a month and a half ago, lured by a great livingsocial deal. I have exercised on/​off all my life and have usually hated it, but have done it because it was good for me and I was always glad I did it afterward.
I had never done a bootcamp and didn’t know what to expect. In addition, I have knee issues and was afraid that I wouldn’t last long.
However, ProAction has been great. It is indoor (I don’t need strangers watch me nearly pass out!) and Sarah is great — warm, fun, supportive, encouraging, funny… you name it! She paid attention to my limitations and was great about suggesting low impact versions of the moves, and adjusting my form.
I love that it is an all women’s place and feel totally comfortable with the other women. There is no vanity, these women are in all shapes/​sizes and are here to sweat and work hard (and are friendly and supportive, as well).
I like the variety of exercises (Sarah always changes it up) and while I still don’t love getting up early and going, I am always glad to be there and really happy when I am done! It is a REAL workout, nothing frou-​frou about it — you will huff and puff and sweat.
So, I have been consistently coming twice a week now and just bought a new 10 punch card package, which is still a good deal at $ 12.50/class (better than the $ 25/​class I was paying when I did pilates, and I am getting a better workout!).
Some people come every day, but my knees wouldn’t like that, and I like to walk during the other days, so this is perfect for me. However, if you want to come 5x/​week, you can do that, too (at a reasonable price).
I highly recommend ProAction and Sarah!

LOVE this bootcamp. I have not exercised regularly in years and now solidly in middle-​age really needed to get healthier. I have been going for 4 weeks, and yes, I’m not leading the pack but I am loving it.
After researching bootcamps I chose ProAction for several reasons;
1. affordable and flexible packages/​plans and classes;
2. all weights, jump ropes et all are provided. You just bring your water bottle;
3. combo of inside training with good music and outside running/​exercise;
4. small classes — lots of personal attention to ensure you are doing things properly and not going to hurt yourself;
5. fun people;
6. supportive encouragement for all levels.
7. All women
Sarah is very knowledgable and changes it up daily. No two days are ever the same.
HIGHLY recommend and no, I am not a gym rat. If this gym/​exercise adverse person can do it, YOU can too.

After going here for almost a full year, I have to say this is probably one of the best work out experiences I have ever had. Let me explain…
Going to a gym in general can be intimidating (especially by yourself) but then add that you are going to classes here, and you can’t hide on a treadmill by yourself with your headphones on, and that the work out promises to be challenging — you could find a lot of reasons to not go to begin with, or at least continue going, but if you have ever tried this place, I promise you, you will continue to go and LOVE IT!
Sarah, the owner and main bootcamp trainer is awesome! Full of energy, friendly, funny, absolutely tough, but always in an encouraging and upbeat way, while also maintaining attention to everyone’s form and technique. That leadership continues throughout the entire place. I have never had one bad instructor at this place, all of the women are awesome, (Shon, Heather, Lauren, Siriji, and Katie) and although sometimes the workouts vary, they each deliver a kick butt workout with support, training, positivity and encouragement. I kid you not, anyone, at any athletic level can truly enjoy the workouts here, and not only get their butt kicked, but have fun while its happening.
From bootcamp, to TRX, to Kettlebell, I have tried all of the classes here, and I promise you — you will have a challenging workout that is also fun. A year later, I am still here, stronger, faster, leaner, with more friends (that I made here) and happier than I was before. TRY IT!

I’m approaching my 1 year anniversary of classes at ProAction Athletics — and Sarah and Heather have been awesome, super supportive and encouraging. I have really been able to get back in the groove in establishing a regular fitness regimen with the classes — plus going to the gym after for additional hour of cardio, working in dumbbell and body weight workouts at home and getting back into my swimming.
My agility has improved so much from these classes that I think I overestimate myself and have tripped myself up a few times, but everything I have learned from class allows me to continue working out around any injuries I have given myself from being a klutz. I’ve been enjoying hiking and backpacking more than ever this summer — a 25 mile hike in 96 degree weather is now «no big deal» for me and I even hiked up Half Dome with a sprained ankle (if only to answer the question «What else could happen if it is ok with weight bearing?» — answer: resprain it!).
The proof is in the pudding — I may be working out more than the average bootcamp attendee does — apart from bootcamp, I also go do cardio at the gym, plus dumbbell workouts, ZWOW/bodyrock.tv style workouts, swimming, hiking and tons of walking — but the proof is in the pudding. Having regular bootcamp workouts helps keep me on track. Sarah is knowledgeable and informative — I always feel like I’m missing out when I am not attending class!

I just joined here after trying out the $ 15 trial week. I already feel the need to rave about it! I have been searching the area for a motivating place to workout with nice people. After cycling through several gyms, I knew immediately after my first class at ProAction, I found it!
Everyone is so nice and encouraging! So far I have only taken classes with Sarah and Heather but they are both fantastic! I like that they are both always smiling and clearly love their job. It’s very motivating. I also love that it is only women and that everyone works at their own level/​pace. You don’t have to feel bad if you can’t do something or need a break. There are always options for substituting if you have injuries or can’t do a movement. Believe it or not, the hour flies by! Also, there are plenty of class times to fit any busy schedule. I like that I can schedule my classes online. It helps me plan my week and feel more committed to going.
I’m so glad I finally decided to give it a try. You should too! Your first session is free, so you have nothing to lose!