Sunset Gym

Pros:
— fair prices
— many squat racks
— chill atmosphere
— friendly staff
Cons:
— cramped space
Neutral:
— they provide towel service, but I personally wouldn’t wipe my face with it; you can always bring your own towel
— yoga mats are ripping and old, but you can always bring your own too
Overall, I would recommend this gym to anyone looking for a low-​key neighborhood gym that has all the basic equipment you need and plenty of squat racks. It’s nothing fancy; they don’t have showers or tea service or fancy cardio equipment with built in tvs or anything like that. It has what you need to get your workout done and out. The only con is that there is limited space and it’s a bit awkward maneuvering around people or waiting for them to finish their set, but this is purely a spatial issue that’s difficult to address in a neighborhood gym in San Francisco
My only suggestion would be to add an interval timer or wall clock somewhere visible in the gym

Great gym with a really friendly staff. Has lots of cardio and weight gear, along with some open space upstairs for stretching, calisthenics, and such. No classes, but if group fitness isn’t your thing then it won’t matter. Great place, great price, ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would recommend to anyone.

Great price, has everything you need! No need to be part of a fancy gym when the neighborhood has this gem!

Such a wonderful gym. The workers are very helpful. I love the new elliptical and the extra space that was added to the gym.

Staff is super friendly and dropping in for 1 day was completely hassle free. Trained here around 12 PM. Did not have to wait for any equipment. Sunset gym also has SIX squat racks, some platforms, and benches. Perfect for anyone serious about their training. Definitely will come back.

This place is clean and well-​organized. The team here is incomparable. I love them! They’re friendly, helpful, respectful, and knowledgeable. It’s a nice little community they’ve built here. If you’re looking for a new gym or you’ve been thinking specifically about this one, try it. The prices are unmatched and the equipment is great.

I agree with other users. This is a great little gym, especially if you want a cheap place to drop-​in. But that’s just it, it’s small so space can get pretty tight. The space is utilized well with a variety of workout equipment.
In a way, it’s kind of cute to think of a gym struggling to make the best of a small living space, because of the insanely high rent, just like the rest of us. Maybe it even invokes a little Rocky Balboa inspiration? The staff is very friendly and helpful. This down-​to-​earth gym is everything I need without the fuss or frills.

I’m glad that I found this place. I’m an occasional gym user and while not the cheapest option, I appreciate the clean machines and non-​pushy staff. On the top floor, they recently added new elliptical machines and floor mats.
The staff is super friendly and knows their regular members. The pre-​paid membership is also flexible, so I could suspend it when I travel for work.

Background:
I mainly used the free weights (squat rack, bench press, deadlift platform, and dumbbells) so I don’t know anything about their cardio equipment or most of their machines except their lat pulldown machine.
Most of the time, I worked out after classes, around 2pm, and I very rarely had to wait for any equipment. However, it’s packed after 4pm. The couple times I did work out in the morning at 9 on Saturdays were empty too, but I have to keep in mind the small sample size, so that data doesn’t count for much.
Before I worked out here, I went to the Stonestown YMCA, which is awful for people who want to use free weights. Here at the Sunset Gym, they have bumper plates for deadlifting and Olympic lifting, three squat racks, and two bench racks. All their plates are circular too, which is a huge plus. The hexagonal and octagonal ones they use in commercial gyms make deadlifting a huge hassle.
The staff here are also extremely welcoming and kind. Because it’s a small gym, it has that friendly neighborhood community feel. If you need something, they will give their all to satisfy your requests (if the requests are reasonable of course).
I have yet to encounter a negative experience with the other members here too. I’ve had my fair share of experiences at 24 Hour Fitness, Bally’s and the YMCA, and I can’t say the same about them. Namely, I’ve run into quite a lot of unracked weights, sweat and other mysterious liquids all over the floor, rude and sarcastic desk workers, and naked old men lounging around in the locker room over at those gyms.
Again, I don’t have any experience with their cardio equipment, so don’t let my lack of knowledge of it dissuade you in any way. If you’re looking for a fantastic gym with an awesome community and staff, Sunset Gym is the way to go.

I’m tempted to give this place less than 5 stars because of its one major flaw – the size. It’s a relatively small gym, and M-​F during «rush hour» (roughly 530−7ish in the evening) it can get crowded.
And also – on hot days – because it’s small (and sometimes crowded) it can get *really* hot. But hey, this is the Sunset, so hot days aren’t all *that* common.
Those negatives aside, this is an excellent neighborhood gym which other gyms could learn a lot from. The other members are friendly, and range from some teens to senior citizens, with everyone in between.
In terms of workout types, you’ll find people who never venture beyond the treadmills to people practicing their powerlifting, to people doing crossfit-​style workouts on their own (myself included).
You’ll also find some guys doing the usual biceps curl type workouts while watching themselves in the mirror, little old ladies working with their trainer, and middle-​aged (or beyond) members admirably and slowly-​but-​surely getting into better shape.
You might even spot the guy who reads the newspaper while doing his workouts (not between sets, but *during*.don’t be that guy! And please don’t be the person shouting into their phone while they work out, either… that’s just rude!
The owner, Ramy, is honest and really *wants* you to enjoy your membership there. He’s very open to suggestions and feedback, and regularly buys new equipment, from bar collars to plates to new machines, to keep his gym members happy and engaged.
For example, last year or so he expanded the top floor, taking over a space that was vacated when the previous tenant left, and installed a high-​quality heavy bag and speed bag set-​up.
He also bought a new barbell rack/​bench press rack – a Rogue model, which wasn’t cheap – to accommodate the growing number of members, both men and women, interested in barbell squats, deadlifts, Oly lifts, etc!!!) And, since it’s a small space, he’s not afraid of getting rid of the less-​popular machines to make way for more popular items. If there’s something you think might be a good addition, let him know.
The owner’s also a good guy in general – he keeps a bin full of second hand clothes out front so anyone passing by who is down on their luck and in need of something new (er) can take it as they need. Very thoughtful, who wouldn’t want to support someone like that?
Prices are reasonable… it’s not as cheap as the franchised globo-​gyms but he’d go out of business if he were. I think the average monthly fee is $ 39 or so. Consider that you’re supporting a locally-​owned, family run business that gives back to the community and not a megachain.
The gym got a new paint job a few years back and while I like the idea of a gym facelift, the yellow color had the unfortunate consequence of looking a bit Nausea Green under the fluorescent lighting… hopefully the next time around they’ll choose a color scheme that doesn’t clash with the lighting. You get used to it pretty quickly though.
Related: if you’re looking for a coach/​trainer, you’ll find many capable trainers to choose from (all working there independently). They each have their own unique styles and strengths so talk to them to find one that’s a good match.
If you live or work in or near the Inner Sunset and are looking for a friendly gym that has the basics and more, it’s worth becoming a member.

This is a simplistic, not fanzy, neighborhood gym which has all the equipment necessary to get a good workout.
The staff is really nice, and the price is cheap compared to other gyms around.

I enjoy this gym, it’s not a super chain, so I feel good about giving my money to the little guy. It’s in my neighborhood, it’s never overflowing with people. I like the upstairs area with a bunch of elliptical machines, so it feels a little private and I can zone out while I exercise.
My only issue is that the downstairs weights area is constantly swarmed with dude bros who like to bro out and hog everything and stand around being bros, so I don’t feel comfortable lifting weights there and only really use the gym to use the ellipticals upstairs :(

I’ve been at this gym since 2012 and what brought me in to the gym was the staff and location. The staff is very friendly and will get to know you by your name. One thing I want to mention is that yes… it is a small gym but you have everything that you need. This gym does not have the latest equipment but in reality, you just need to get up and do it. They have everything that you need from cages, TRX to equipment you have never seen. Free towels, heavy bag upstairs and on a sunny day… leave your possessions at the lockers and run outside at Golden Gate Park. You wont regret being in a gym that will treat you like family.

Staying nearby at the Family House (in town from SoCal). Glad I found this gym!
What an efficient use of space this place exhibits. Everything you need to get the type of workout you’re looking for. I’m typically a CrossFit junkie but I knew I wasn’t going to be doing full blown WODs here at Sunset (although it’s possible).
They do offer all the tools I needed to keep up on my Oly lifts as well as plenty of cardio, rowers, etc. Pretty much the only thing missing is a rope to climb :)
Anyways, free towel service is a nice touch. Friendly staff and guests are nice. I asked a few strangers to spot me on some stuff and they were eager to help.
I can’t imagine a better gym for the size and price. If I lived in this neighborhood I would definitely sign up.
Thanks Sunset!
Joe Remillet

One of those cases where I just don’t know how to assign stars and have to go for how I feel about the place. This gym gives me a real 5 star happiness when I work out there, so 5 stars it is!
Look, it’s not Equinox or The Four Seasons fancy schmancy. It actually looks a little rough around the edges. It is, however, actually really clean. It wins for so many other reasons:
–They’re not out to cheat you out of your money. No enrolment fees, no mandatory contract. You can join for a year and get a great rate… but I joined for a week while visiting SF and did so for $ 25. All I needed was photo ID. No ridiculously inflated guest rates or promising your soul/​first born for a spin on the elliptical
–The owner, Ramy, is LOVELY. He’s always there, always says hi and seems to know everybody.
–Actually, everyone is the place seems to be friendly. When I first came, Remy described it as «family-​friendly», but it’s actually more of a friendly family. People say hello to each other and a guy today even helped me to take the plates off my barbell. Not in a «you poor weak woman» way, but like that’s how people are there. They look out for each other.
–It’s motivating. Ramy has been full of encouragement when he sees me lifting and one of the trainers in there gave me tips on my squats. I’m not always receptive to criticism, but he did it nicely and knew what he was talking about so I took it. Free tweaking? Yes please.
–Equipment: they have pretty much everything and you get to use it. I’ve been in a big box gym in Toronto and they like to reserve stuff for trainers only. Here you get to play with the TRX, kettlebells, squat racks etc etc to your heart’s content.
Random info:
–Free towel service
–Cardio upstairs and downstairs with shared TVs on the wall hooked up to Direct TV. No sound but subtitles big enough for me to read without glasses
–So so many magazines to read while you do the hamster on the cardio machines
–Good music at times. I looked like a complete moron bopping away to myself between sets this morning
–Chalk in a bucket. Woohoo! These things delight me after the big box gym experience
–Clothing donations at the door. Who does that?!? This place.
So I couldn’t really give less than 5 stars. I mean, would I prefer individual TVs playing whatever I felt like watching at that particular moment on the elliptical? Sure. But when it comes down to it, I’ll choose the gym that motivates and inspires me where I can become a fitter, stronger happier person over the one with the free Q-​tips any day.

I’ve been coming here for 4 months now. I joined because it’s my neighbourhood gym and it’s only a few blocks from my house. That said, this place is so great that I’d be happy to travel from further afield to come here. It’s affordable, has just the right variety of equipment to ensure a well rounded fitness régime, and I’ve only seen it ‘busy’ once. By busy, I mean that I’ve endured all of a three minute wait for equipment, but even then it wasn’t unpleasantly crowded.
What makes Sunset Gym a pleasure to be at is the crowd it draws (friendly smiles without feeling preyed on, which sometimes is a problem as a woman in a gym) and the management and staff. When I walk in from the street I’m greeted with a big smile, and a hearty «good morning!». They do an amazing job of keeping everything in clean working order, and you can tell their primary concern is making sure we — the clientele — are getting what we need from our workouts. Put bluntly, they’re in it for the right reasons. This is reflected in the fees… I pay $ 33.33 for a student membership, and regular membership is $ 39.99 I believe. This is a truly affordable gym. Nobody is priced out of fitness here.
In short, if you’re local then support this loveable gym.

Very inexpensive, not a huge crowd (I go around 8:30 in the morning), and the owner Rammy is a super nice dude who obviously values his members and takes pride in his gym.
Here’s the coolest thing though. I’ve been part of a lot of gyms and most gyms have a «flavor» — you have to look a certain way to fit in. At Sunset Gym, you can be anyone you want and totally belong. There are old people, there are muscleheads who are chalking up and deadlifting 10 plates, and there is everyone in between.
Conclusion: this is an inexpensive, well-​run gym that makes everyone in the community feel included. Perfect.
C

I enjoy coming here (Even im lazy to wake up in the morning and push myself to go to work out ;)
The employees are very nice and friendly.

Wow. Sunset Gym is beyond amazing. I joined the gym because of the good reviews, escape from upcoming freezing winter weather, and the friendly neighborhood vibe everyone has talked about on Unilocal.But tonight has shown me just why this is the best gym ever.
After workin’ the legs on a couple of the machines, I went to get my cellphone (with house keys) and running armband from the top row of cubbies. I swore to god I put it in cubby #3, but for some reason it wasn’t there (AH! But heads up, there’s a happy ending to this). I started panicking, and William (he’s usually manning the front desk or offering friendly pointers to weights-​challenged people like me, without making me feel bad about it!) saw something was wrong. I explained everything to him, and the whole time he was super calm but concerned and willing to do everything to help me find it. Al (the trainer who so kindly introduced himself to me and welcomed me the first time I saw him) was also very calm, concerned, and willing to help me find my «missing» phone.
They looked everywhere for it, searching high and low, getting a flashlight, checking behind garbage bins, calling my phone 5 times, offering me the gym computer to track my phone on the internet, even trying to move the whole cubby console from the wall. Three other people working out also stopped to lend a sympathetic ear to my babbling, and offered well-​wishes for a found phone. PHEW. I was spewing panicked «oh no. it has my GMAIL and FACEBOOK on it!” – the whole time thinking this must be a mistake. This is the place where everybody knows your name – the Cheers of gyms!
After almost giving up and running home to track my «missing» phone, William checked the cubbies one last time and BAM! There it was! Hiding behind someone else’s purse. I probably screamed «OH MY GOD, THANK YOU SO MUCH!» as I hugged him.
I feel like such a jerk for making everyone worried about my stupid phone – because really, this is the best neighborhood gym ever. The people who work here and workout here are incredibly friendly, helpful, down-​to-​earth, and just awesome (and no one judges me because I thought «1» on the cable weight machine meant «Level 1»). If you are looking for a gym, please support the good people at Sunset Gym! You won’t regret it :)

Sunset Gym is a great neighborhood gym! Not fancy by any means, but has all the equipment you need to get a quality workout.
Pros:
— Staff is really nice and attentive
— Not that crowded. There’s the typical rush after work (5−7pm) but doesn’t get crazy like at a globo gym. Also, I rarely have to wait for a bench or squat rack.
— Lots of free weights
— Separate cardio and stretching rooms upstairs
— Equipment — weight belts, rings, boxes for box jumps, chains, etc.
— Free towels!
Cons:
–One bathroom and one changing room (there’s rarely a wait though)
— No room to jump rope without getting in people’s way
— Cardio machines can fill up fast during rush hours
Final thoughts: Remember in Rocky III when Apollo takes Rocky back to his old school gym? I get that feel at Sunset Gym. All iron and grit. Get in, lift weights or do your cardio, and get out.