YuBalance

Yubalance is a wonderful boutique fitness studio that offers incredible personal training sessions that incorporate a holistic (and practical) approach to exercise, life and diet. I travel a lot and Rory was able to continue training ‘on the road’ through his hotel workouts that kept me active and feeling better than ever even when I was not able to get into the studio. The group classes are equally excellent– challenging, but purposely kept small in numbers so that each person gets individual attention. The class playlists are excellent too! Overall, I’d say Yubalance is the most personable and welcoming fitness studio experience I’ve encountered to date!

I started working out with Rory at Yubalance back in February 2015. It had been 10 years since I had a regular work out routine. A year and some odd months later, I have shed about 5% body fat. I’m lifting more than 2x the amount of weight that I started at last year, and most importantly, I’ve grown to appreciate fitness and what exercise offers me.
I’ve belonged to Club One, Crunch, 24 Hour, ClassPass, and FitMob, all with little results and no long term success. I believe Yubalance (and its owners Rory and Shala) offer the best in fitness in San Francisco. Their fitness principles are built on the idea that in order for us to be healthy, we need to develop consistent habits and not burn ourselves out on fitness fads.
There’s several options from cardio-​heavy circuit training to yoga. Weight lifting always intimidated me, but Rory’s approach to it makes it accessible to beginners and experts alike — one year into it, his classes are still kicking my butt. The small classes size makes Yubalance a tight-​knit community. We grab dinner and go to each other’s birthdays on the weekends. They even throw in a free guest pass every month so you can bring your friends to meet your workout buds.
Rory and Shala really care about each one of their members and invest in their success. Joining Yubalance was my best decision in 2015. I will miss them greatly as I move out of state for grad school, but will definitely return every time I’m back in SF.

I started going to Yubalance last year after finding them through fitmob — after my first class here, I knew I’d found my perfect workout studio. Rory is a wonderful trainer and the classes are small which allows each attendee to receive attention and get the corrections necessary to get the best workout to fit their needs. Rory is also always willing to offer modifications for those who need it (i.e. me) and neither he or other people in the class ever make anyone feel bad about themselves for having to modify — all the classes are about doing your best and making yourself stronger. It is never about comparing yourself to others in the room.
The thing I really love about Yubalance is how it seems like my own little place. Rory and Shala are always friendly — they know my name (and pretty much everyone else’s names, too!), they take suggestions for future classes and they know, remember, and hold you to your own goals. There was one point where I was lacking a bit in the motivation to workout after doing well for so long — Rory noticed and reached out to keep me motivated. Not in a nagging way but in a way that made me know he really wants to help me achieve the goals I set for myself and help me hold myself accountable.
I really couldn’t imagine dragging my lazy butt to workout several times a week at any other studio or gym.

When I first moved to the Bay, this was one of the first places I checked out, not only for dance, but also for yoga.
Monday night’s Music Video dance class was a weekly routine when I lived in Bernal Heights (RIP), and the teacher was amazing at getting the class energized and moving to everything from Missy Elliot to Lady Gaga. Lace up your reeboks and grab your girlfriends for this class.
The candle light yoga was not as memorable, but I only did one class, so it’s hard to say. Either way, all classes are pretty affordable (especially if you purchase them in packages!) and such a good location if you live in the mission. Just a hop and a skip away from 24^th Street BART station.

I am leaving SF and one thing on my to-​do list is to write a review for these guys. Where do I start? They are amazing, super friendly and so customer-​oriented people. I had a few classes with Rory and it was very helpful, gave me great tips and ideas on what to focus on. And each time I saw him in the neighbourhood, it was always super friendly, asking questions about me, my job, etc. A great professional and a great person!
And I have to mention Lynn, the Yoga teacher. Never was a fan of Yoga before going to her classes, but she totally changed my perspective on it, and I have made some real progresses and I love it. Her class are usually 10 people max, so she can look at everyone and give you advice/​tips. And she will never hesitate to spend 10 more minutes with you after the class if you have questions.
If you are looking for a place to get fit and more flexible, this is the place!

I had to update my review from a few months ago to again express my gratitude that a studio like YuBalance exists in our neighborhood. Since March, Rory has created three additional classes (BodySculpt, AthelticYu and YuSweat — all awesome in their own way) and is constantly looking for feedback on schedules, improved workouts, etc. and has been super responsive. Personally I’ve seen a ton of real results (went from size ³³⁄₃₂ waist to 31/​30, my bodyfat % has decreased) but mostly I feel stronger, more confident and have more energy than I did when I started coming here earlier this year.

I’ve been going to classes at YuBalance for the last couple of months, and it has been a fantastic experience. It can be a little daunting to go into a new workout setting, but Rory makes the classes really welcoming for people of all different capabilities and levels of fitness. I love that at any given class I’ll be next to (mostly) women of all different body shapes and sizes, and we’re all exercising with the aim of growing stronger and fitter, not just slimmer.
The class sizes are great – usually topping out at around 10 people, and more often between 5 and 8 – and allow for lots of individual attention, focus, and modification. And they are efficient! This is one of the BEST things about YuBalance. As much as I love a good yoga class, it’s hard to get out of one in under 90 minutes. With classes at YuBalance, you get a great workout in 50 minutes, and the timing of the classes work with almost any schedule.
I love having this studio in my neighborhood!

Yubalance has a great energy, and positive feel as soon as you walk in. The classes are challenging yet achieveable making you feel strong, happy and glad you came! I have loved making yubalance a part of my morning routine. Rory, the lead trainer and co owner is the perfect balance of pushing you to go the distance in class, and helpful in modifying classes to fit your personal needs.
Because of yubalance I feel stronger mentally and physically. So glad to find such a great place so close to my home!

YuBalance is a gem. A gem that is turning me into an athletic, strong, slim BABE.
Classes: Classes are tiny (usually between 4 and 10 people) which is great for individualized attention. Rory, co-​owner and lead trainer, provides modifications to make moves easier/​harder depending of skill level. I sweat like a maniac and always leave the studio high on endorphins and feeling like I got a challenging yet rewarding workout. The classes starting with a «Yu» are HIIT style (ish) workouts that tone and burn and leave you feeling like a total badass for completing them. A huge bonus for injury/​soreness prevention is the foam rolling that if often incorporated at the end of most classes.
Leadership: Like fellow reviewers have noted, Rory was born for this. He remembers your name immediately and personally encourages everyone (by name!) throughout class. He cares about his clients and about the studio and constantly asks for feedback regarding class scheduling, etc. The owners are also very in tune with the neighborhood, demographics, culture, and habits of their clients.
Studio: Clean, unassuming, simple. Plus, it’s cute without being pretentious. They provide filtered water and towels – trust me, you’ll need them both. Parking is very easy for 7am classes.
Just try it (right now there’s a new member deal – $ 39 for 3 classes), you won’t regret it!

It’s all been said before, but I’ll say it again — this is a gem of a studio in the Mission and I’m so glad it opened and that I found it. Classes are challenging, but conducted in a friendly, low-​key manner that makes me almost look forward to waking up early for those 7AM classes. Now that’s saying something! I really enjoy the classes Rory teaches (ball method, body sculpt, yusweat, yufit), and they have other classes that have a bit of something for everyone (barre, cardiopop, yoga).
Small class sizes and clean, cute interior mean that you can get individualized attention and modifications if you have restrictions/​injuries. I also love that Rory is an advocate of the foam roller — it’s something I look forward to at the end of an intense YuFit class, and my posture, back/​neck tension and overall body feels better once I’ve done it.
Membership at any non-​24 hour gym is going to be expensive, but this one is worth it because you’ll actually go, enjoy it and be healthier and happier.

Fantastic place to work out on 24^th street with awesome classes and instructors. Rory teaches Yufit, YuSweat, Circuit and Ball Method — all of which I enjoy. He offers corrections and encouragement which are greatly appreciated! The music selection is motivating too! Yoga on Tuesday and Thursday is taught by Lynn and its a solid class. Its a ‘calmer’ work-​out to stretch out your sore muscles from the circuit and cardio classes. Thanks for the great classes and a work-​out space close to home!

So happy to have Yubalance part of the neighborhood. Here’s just a couple of external indicators that have told me that I love it.
1. I’ve taken more than 5 friends to classes there. Just, a ‘Hey, you know what we should do this Saturday morning… go to Yubalance.“
2. I’ve been traveling recently and realized I missed Yubalance. Embarrassing, but true.
3. I point it out when I walk by it during strolls in the neighborhood with friends. How is a fitness studio a landmark?!
Anyway, there’s a lot that’s already been said so I’ll just summarize, it’s a lovely studio, and Rory and the team are exceptional at what they do. Thanks for all you do!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this studio. Did I say LOVE?! Since I’ve been going to Yubalance, I have gotten SO much stronger, healthier and capable of doing things I never thought I could accomplish. And big news, after… I don’t know, my whole life… I can actually do a push up now!!!
I was REALLLLLLLY reluctant to go to a class taught by a man (Rory) because I have been to boot camps & Cross fit and absolutely hate the military style, yelling at you and tearing you down. But, Rory has a way of teaching/​leading the class that is encouraging, motivating and still kicks your ass (but is a non-​shaming way!)
There are not many people who are in the right profession, but Rory, is an excellent coach & trainer. And I mean it, EXCELLENT.
Here are a few addtl’ pro’s about Yubalance:
1. The class sizes tend to be smaller so you still get the «personal training experience.»
2. The studio is SUPER clean.
3. The studio is very hip but not pretentious… come as you are!
4. Regardless of your fitness level, Rory is really great about giving modifications to exercises. There is no shame or embarrassment in working up to a certain exercise or movement. Thank you for that!!!
5. Safety first — Another thing I appreciate about this studio the focus on slower/​correct movements over faster/​harder/​stronger movements. I don’t worry that I will pull something or injure myself in class — which is very important to me.
It is a privilege to be able to attend classes at Yu-​fit. Thank you.

So this is a hard review to write because I’M SELFISH and I don’t really want the studio to be too popular. But the owner and the instructors are so nice I know I have to. I love the classes, I sweat like a beast so I know it’s a kickass workout. Emma is fantastic, I know she is the type of instructor you would follow from studio to studio. I love the sweat, fit and barre none classes. I’ve also done beyonce and video vixen too which are hard for me as a non-​dancer but equally fun.

Yubalance is an amazing fitness studio. I’ve been working out at Yubalance for a little over 3 months now and I’ve seen a positive change in my body. I feel so much stronger !
Rory is an awesome trainer. His Yufit class is by far the best circuit class I’ve ever take (also I really like the Bernal Run Bootcamp).
the place is very clean and all the staff is super friendly.
there is something about this place that makes you want to come back.
I would recommend Yubalance without hesitation !

Yubalance opened in my neighborhood recently and, being a fitness class junkie, I had high hopes for a one-​stop shop. I’ve been attending classes over the past three months and Yubalance has truly exceeded my expectations. Owners Rory and Shala are awesome — friendly, genuine, and dedicated to making Yubalance a community-​focused experience. The space is immaculately clean and has all the equipment needed for a wide range of workouts. Instructors and class offerings are currently shifting monthly, so there’s always variety to choose from and options at all times of day. No matter which class I sign up for, I always leave feeling a million times better than when I walked in. Plus, they sell cute, affordable fitness clothes — what more could a girl ask for?!

Clean and perfectly located in the heart of the mission. As a native San Franciscan and in having lived in the mission all my life, it’s a pleasure to see this business thrive. Big fan of the staff which keeps me motivated. Luckily I’ve been able to try different classes out and it’s been a great session with each instructor. This place gives me a lot, so I give it a lot. I’ve been hitting it hard for about a month and could totally see the transformation. I’m ready to take my shirt off, and I’m always ready for the next session. And it just gets better from here on in. Thank you

This gym is airy, open, clean, and has awesome classes. My favorite is the Beyoncé class. You learn how to do choreographed dance moves while burning calories, having fun, and feeling so good in your body. This is one amazing dance workout class! The teachers are down to earth but very fun and engaging. I love this place.

«Yeah? One more time with music?!»
Hannah is really awesome and an inspiring hip hop teacher! Full of energy and encouragement, it’s really fun taking her classes and pretending to know what we’re doing ;)
Just kidding, I’m impressed with how well everyone nails the choreography by the end of the session no matter what level they started at.
As for the studio, Yubalance is super clean and inviting! Really a great place!

For the last 10 years, I’ve been searching for a dance teacher who keeps the class fast-​paced enough to feel fun while breaking down and repeating the moves enough for me to understand them. Every class I’ve tried (varieties of belly dance, African dance, modern, hip-​hop, etc.) had me either feeling bored or like a bull in a china shop within the first 20 minutes. Then I discovered YuBalance’s Beyonce with Bianca class. Immediately afterwards, I signed up for Bianca’s 3 other classes that week: Latin Fusion, Salsa, and Music Video Monday.
Bianca brings such an infectious vibrant and joyful energy to her classes that I’m having too much fun to worry about doing every move perfectly. In all her classes, she maintains that perfect pace where you’re learning fun choreography while moving too quickly to feel self-​conscious. While other teachers often fall into the habit of repeating choreography at the intervals and pace they’ve practiced it, Bianca truly watches her students and adjusts her teaching accordingly while maintaining the fun and fast energy of the class. As someone who’s taught group classes, I know this is one of the most challenging parts of teaching and Bianca does it flawlessly.
She’s also an incredible dancer. If I were to rate every dancer I’ve ever seen, Bianca is second only to Beyonce herself. Watching her during the Beyonce class literally feels like Beyonce is 8 feet away from you. This helps make Bianca’s classes truly «for all levels» — while beginners like me can enjoy a solid hour of cardio where we learn some cool moves, advanced dancers can learn from her more subtle movements that bring a dance-​goddess level finesse to the choreography.
After having taken all 4 of her classes, they’re all my favorite! In the Beyonce class you learn the most fun choreography sections from Beyonce’s music videos. Latin Fusion is the best Latin dance class you’ll ever take, while the Salsa class teaches you how to dance with a partner (no partner needed though — feel free to come solo!). Music Video Monday has a stronger hip-​hop feel than the Beyonce class, with lots of classic 1980s moves. I’m going to continue taking all of them, because they’re all that awesome!