Burn

Getting back into the fitness game. I had tried Burn a couple of years ago pre-​baby. I loved it then. But I love it now even more. Every class is different. They care about your aches and pains and will accommodate the moves to work with you.
It is motivating. Invigorating.
Between the cardio, the weights, and the pilates, you come out feeling the burn, Bada-​bum!!!
It works for you if you are beginner or an expert. If burpees is your game or not!
Try it out!

After using a number of groupons and first timer introductory coupon deals etc — I’ve finally found my fitness home in the city! SFBurn has great consistency in terms of the workouts, music and the instructors. The studio is also clean, has a water station, fresh towels and friendly staff.

I love this workout and I wish I could go more often. Unfortunately it’s just a little out of the way for me (yes, 4 blocks from the Bart is «out of the way»). But it really is a great workout. I love the mix of cardio with strength and the Pilates springboard. By the end of it, both my arms and legs feel like they’re going to fall off.
Based on my availability, I tend to go on the same days so I’ve only taken Delilah’s class. Great instructor!
Studio itself is very clean and since the Springboard is part of it, everyone has their own specific space, which I really like.

Amazing class and a great mix of cardio and pilates. Even as a novice and absolute beginning, the experience was challenging and rewarding. The instructor was really helpful and explained each movement and combination.
Arrive early and and knowing the Pilates springboard helps to maximize time and optimize each and every moment.
It’s a full body work out and individuals are able to change and modify intensity levels as needed.
It’s fast paced and upbeat, Burn is truly an inspirational morning routine to adopt.

This is probably my favorite workout studio on my Class Pass rotation. It’s a mix of cardio, weight training, and strength training with a Pilates springboard. I really love that they have modifications for every move that make it either low impact or make it more difficult to give yourself a challenge. The springboard also naturally has the ability to make the motions more or less difficult based off how far away you are from the wall. Of all the other workouts I’ve down, I feel like I’ve seen the most results from this workout.
The springboard is pretty awesome and this was my first introduction to it. Although, I will say that there are a few moves that kind of scare me with the force that you can produce and how much it would hurt if say your hands slipped a bit. It took a little while to get used to it, but the instructors have all been generous with their time and attention to make newbies feel welcomed.
Instructors are all upbeat and the music is on point. I love also how you keep on switching activities so you’re never bored. Although, sometimes I think we actually switch too quickly and don’t get enough repetitions of certain motions. Definitely keeps me on my toes though.
My only qualm is that the space seems a little bit more rundown. Like, instead of actual dressing rooms, there are just curtains with a chair that act like a fake closet. Also, I wish that they had showers available.

Don’t get me wrong, everyone was super nice and attentive and the place was super accommodating. But I barely sweated during the whole duration of class. I expected to be sweating waterfalls. Almost wished that it was heated in the class to get more of a sweat! I think I sweated more walking around SF afterwards.
Tip: beware of that bathroom, you have to turn, jiggle, jangle the door a certain way to have it locked. Unless you like someone to walk in on you while you pee :)

Overall I like this place, BUT I have respiratory problems, and I wish that they would do two things:
1) They have an extremely intense smelly VOLUSPA candle that they sometimes put on (I imagine because it is a small space — this triggers my asthma/​allergies to react. I had to leave today because because of your increased respiration along with the candle, my lungs really react badly!
2) They leave the door open and there are smokers that sometimes sit outside that wafts in, this also is awful for people with respiratory problems. Not sure they can do anything about this, but it would be nice if they could talk to the individuals that might be loitering outside about this issue.
Overall, the place is a great 55 min workout. I have really enjoyed the instructors: Alia B. and Alexandria Smith. I appreciate the cleanliness of the small space, and the changing area/​lounge area is also very nice. I get that this is a small workout space, but, I am hopeful that they can address some of the ventilation issues.

Things to note:
–Cubbies available and a small waiting area if you get here before the previous class ends
— Parking is street and metered. Get here before 9am and parking is free on Valencia
— Water is available
— Towels are available
Went here this morning. It’s always rough having to get up at 530am to make a 615am class, but when it’s Burn, you wake up knowing that it’ll be worth it and you’ll get your ass kicked!
Jill was wonderful and lively. She was instructive and told you what to do before you switch to the next move. She worked every part of the body and worked us out for a little extra time as well. This says a lot because it means she really wants you to get every inch worked out and stretched before leaving.
Totally positive and sweet. Can’t wait to come back!

Joined ClassPass (awesome) and tried a few classes here (very awesome). It’s a great mix of cardio and toning. I love the intensity of the workout. It’s complex which means I can’t slack off and the instructors are great! You sweat. You really sweat.

Time to update and say that Burn is still super awesome. I’ve now been going for 3+ years, I’m back on the unlimited package and try to go at least 3 times a week. I feel super fit and happy and healthy.
My favorite thing about Burn is that it’s a super sustainable workout. There are modifications for every move, and the trainers will actively coach you and provide you with alternatives if you ask them. I also enjoy the biannual workout challenges to encourage me to get my rear in gear. :)
The trainers are uniformly excellent, my very favorites are Lisa (the founder), Omar, Jill, and Delilah, but there are many others who are very very good.
Burn likes to think of every class as «all levels,» with the idea that regardless of your fitness level — just got off the couch to super active — you can come and get in an excellent but not intimidating workout, which I think is awesome. It means you always have a challenge, as you get more fit, but that if you take a couple months off and need to start over, there’s something for you as well.

Tried a class this morning at 10am. Oscar substituted and he did a great job. I’ve taken Burn in all their locations and they’ve all been great. In particular I like how Oscar was willing to adjust or correct people in a nice way without feeling embarrassed or ridiculed (which I have felt at the Bar Method in the Marina). Liked the vibe of the people, less Lululemon than the average workout class with people who actually smiled while working out and not trying too hard to be perfect.

I feel like I need to update my review since there are so many new teachers as Burn grows and expands inside the city AND out! I’m so thrilled the Burn family is growing because I love this workout.
My favorite new teachers are Alia and Jessica. I’m an early morning gal and I need someone to be the right mix of energetic but motivating without being too much for 6AM or 7AM. You know, too bubbly or too in your face before I’ve had any coffee could possibly drive me to violence.
I also felt the need to update my review because I had to take a break from working out due to knee surgery and I wanted to let people know that if you’re recovering from an injury or need to take it slow, Burn is still a great workout and something you can do to keep yourself moving (ask your doctor first! mine had me stay off of it for a month.) There are tons of low impact options or modifications. You can ramp it up if you’re feeling it but you can also dial it down if you need to and you’ll still walk out sweaty. So while I’m slowly building up the muscles stabilizing my knee I’m glad that I can still workout because keeping your body moving, no matter how fast or slow, is a good thing for not only my recovery but for my sanity.

55 min of sweat and burn. Burn SF lives up to its name and is a great choice when you want a full body workout that burns calories and also strengthens the core. Great for girls who want to lose weight and build muscle, but guys would feel very out of place here.

as a business i think they are wonderful.
i purchased a 20 class package through living social in 2012 and hurt my back at work and wasnt able to go. they let me put it on hold for 2 years!
it is set to expire in a month and i know i wont be able to use it up by then so they extended the expiration date again! that is some serious customer service!
i HATE working out. these classes FLY by. when i look up at the clock half the class is already over.
the classes kick my ass and thats what i need.
i will definitely be purchasing another 20 classes!

I’ve been living in San Francisco for a little under a month and I am SO HAPPY I found Burn within a few weeks of moving to the city. I was a loyal member of a studio for 2+ years when I lived in Los Angeles and I was very worried that I was not going to find something that came close to comparison… after my first class I was relieved to know that Burn would in fact be able to fit the bill. And trust me, that’s no easy feat!
Not too big, not too small, Burn is just right! I love the décor and cleanliness of the studio, pace of the class, varying routines, and of course how great I feel after the workout! From the individual exercises to the ambiance of the lounge and energy of the instructors — Burn is exactly what I look for in a private studio workout.
I’m beyond thrilled I am now a permanent SF resident so that I can regularly be at Burn!

Burn is a great total-​body workout. I recently completed the first-​timer unlimited month special at the Valencia location, and I definitely noticed changes in my body after a month of going 4−5x per week — particularly in my arms and abs. That said, here are my thoughts:
Positives
— In under an hour, you get an ass-​kicking total body workout.
— The circuits are short, so the class goes by quickly and just when you think a particular muscle group can’t possibly take any more, you’re on to the next exercise.
Negatives
— The class is fast-​paced, and there is little to no form correction unless you call the instructor over and ask for it. There were several times when either myself or another student said something like «I feel like my knee is going to hyperextend» or «This really hurts my lower back» and it turns out you’re doing something totally wrong and the instructor didn’t bother saying anything until you spoke up about pain.
— I can only speak for the Valencia location, but the studio is definitely on the cliquey side. The front desk associates and several of the instructors make no effort to welcome new students, and I didn’t get the positive community vibe I’ve found at similar studios.
— Your class experience varies widely depending on the instructor. For example, some are awesome and super positive/​motivational while others have a more drill sergeant-​y attitude (not my thing), and some play weird grunge remixes while others play exclusively Beyonce.
That said, I would recommend giving Burn a try. Even though I don’t consider it my primary studio, it’s definitely still a part of my workout routine.

Good workout experience, but not the total body-​blaster I was expecting.
I’m a fairly serious runner and regular Crossfitter, so I wasn’t coming in cold. I’ve also tried my share of class-​based programs, including Barry’s, SoulCycle, WheelHouse, etc. I tried out Burn specifically because:
(1) I build muscle quickly and I’ve been concerned that all of my Crossfitting has led to some larger-​than-​desired arm and shoulder muscles
(2) my core is weaker than it should be and the Pilates angle was appealing
(3) my hamstrings and lower back are incredibly tight, and I hoped Burn would involve some exercises that encouraged mobility
I’d say Burn met my expectations in terms of the workout, and exceeded them in terms of facilities. I liked the location a lot, and found the instructor and other employees to be super welcoming.
I will say that post-​workout I feel pleasantly tired and like I discovered some new muscles — but not destroyed like I usually do after Crossfit. Maybe this is actually a good thing?

Burn, I want to give you 5 stars, I really do.
First the good stuff:
— The pricing is steep, but you’re getting a pretty good group size 15 max, compared to other gyms that might have 20 – 40 ppl.
— The space is always clean and comfortable and secure (good for all the personal belongings)
— The instructors care about getting you in shape.
— There’s generally streetside parking available in front of the studio (at least for AM classes)
— Bountiful towels and jelly beans.
The negatives:
— With 90% accuracy, I can guess what we’re going to do for every workout. Routine is nice, but it can get boring real quick!
— The post-​workout cleaning is suspect at best. Wipe down your mats with general purpose cleaner. That should do the trick, but what about the foot straps? Those guys are normally somewhat damp after the prior class. Do these things ever get cleaned? Also, the weights consistently seem to have dried sweat on them.
— Please please please talk more about proper form. For the amount of strain we’re putting on our backs for the different weight exercises, it’s crucial to know if we’re doing the exercise correctly. I know it’s not possible to coach 15 individuals, but please spend some more time talking about which muscle groups we should be feeling — and especially muscle groups we should not be feeling for particular exercises.
— Please don’t play the downtempo sensual version of «Baby Don’t Hurt Me». It makes me want to burst out laughing every single time.

Loving this place! I am in the middle of my $ 100 unlimited month, and I will be sad when it’s over!
These workouts are just plain HARD, lots of shaking, I mean, they call it ‘Burn’ for a reason. But I’ve really been enjoying the instruction, the music, the exercise, and the other folks in the class, who have different ability levels.
When we were doing high-​knees the other day, one person in the class fell in an awkward way on her foot, and I liked the way the staff handled it — — super seriously. This trainer showed up out of nowhere and whisked the girl away, got her off of her foot… she seemed fine and walked out fine but they advised her to take it easy the rest of the day. I was so glad they did not pressure her to get back into the class.
Sometimes really hard workouts can breed a mean and competitive environment, but not here! That’s why I like it so much. If you’re a beginner or new to this kind of group ass-​whupping workout, this is a really great place to try.

Dear Burn,
Where do I start?
I moved to SF a little over a year and a half ago. And while the hubs and I are embarking on yet another move (this time overseas) the number one thing I am going to miss about my time in San Francisco, is this little exercise studio.
I came to Burn for the first time in 2012. I was a bit of a weekend warrior, with no consistency in my exercise or eating régime. I’d pop in for a class here or there, and be reduced to an achey mess for the next five days. I remember thinking, holygod these classes are hard! Back then I could barely do one pushup, and burpees were the bane of my existence. I was pretty out of shape, and the way I felt mentally was an extension of that.
Fast forward a year. In October 2013 I made a commitment to myself that I’d get in shape. I took the plunge and did the $ 99/​one month special and never looked back. I’m now an unlimited subscriber, averaging 5 – 6 classes a week. I’ve rallied the support of my workout buddy Nora (who is there with me every morning at 7am, woot woot) and have become quite keen to my nutritional intake, favoring eating whole unprocessed foods over counting calories or points or any of that. I’m happy to report I’ve lost a total of 23 pounds since the start of my journey six months ago, thanks in no small part to my exercise classes at Burn. I can now bang out forty pushups from my toes, have built muscles in places I never had them, and can fit into a size 27 jeans. I actually have oblique lines on my tummy for the first time in my life, and burpees, I love burpees, well… kindof, haha.
My outlook on exercise and wellness is forever changed, and I can’t help but spread the gospel of Burn :)
Thank you SO SO SO SO much to the instructors that have made my personal transformation possible. Big ups to Emily, Aurora and Ryan. I am forever in your debt.
Love love love,
Brooke