CRUfit

The instructors are topnotch and professional — serious about what they are doing without being pedantic. Great sound system, lighting and fan system. Very friendly staff who give great customer service.

I’ve been taking Mark Sutro’s mid-​day rowing class for over a year now, and I love it! The class gives me a great overall workout, blending cardio and strength training. Mark is an excellent instructor; very encouraging. The people in the class are very nice and the staff is excellent, too. CRUfit offers exemplary customer service and great workouts.

I’ve been going to this place for over year and I love it. Marc (one of the owners and trainers) remembered my name day one and I’ve been a loyal morning rower ever since. I’ve never rowed in my life and all of the trainers pay careful attention to you and make sure you feel welcomed. They give perfect challenges and keep you honest but aren’t snobby trainers that expect everyone to be as fit as they are. The boot camp and trx classes are hard but I’ve never not been able to complete a class. Love this place!

During the process of competing for a spot on the first crew for the US Men’s National Dragon Boat Team in 2014/​2015, I had to quickly acquire proficiency on the Concept2 rowing (erg) machine. Minimum qualifications for being invited to the US National Team training camps in Florida were (among many other challenges) rowing more than 1,000 meters in 4 minutes or less as well as a «power test» of rowing more than 150 meters in 30 seconds or less. Daunting and intimidating for a novice rower such as I (I’m a reasonably strong paddler but an embarrassingly inexperienced rower). One of my DragonMax (local Berkeley racing team) dragon boat crew mates suggested CRUfit; specifically Mark Sutro, to get a crash course in erg rowing. I was saved! I explained my goal to Mark and the compressed time frame in which I had to submit proctored erg test results (and meeting the criteria mentioned above) to the US Men’s National Team coach within 2 months or be cut from the training camp invitation. Within two months I not only met, but surpassed, the benchmarks. In fact, I posted the second highest power test results for the entire group competing for a crew spot. This is not boasting on my part: I could not have done this without Mark’s (and his colleague’s) expert and enthusiastic training and support.
Confession: I really, really don’t like the Concept2 rowing machine; a device of torture worthy of the Inquisition. But I love the results. I cut body weight by 10 pounds (another requirement for making the National Team) and vastly improved my overall aerobic fitness and strength.
CRUfit must be incredible ’cause I’m still going even after making the US National Team (we medaled in all racing events in the World Championships this past August in Welland, Canada; even garnering a silver in the 2,000 meter race. Those dang Canadians won gold).
And I intend to continue with CRUfit.
Go there and get in the best shape of your life.

This gym is incredible. The spin classes are the best I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been to quite a few. Class is different from one day to the next, which is great since you don’t do the same thing and get bored. Best of all, this is done in a targeted manner to ensure that you’re continually making gains. Mountain biking is one of my favorite sports on the planet, and in only two months of attending the spin classes at CRUfit I’ve gone from slogging my way uphill on my mountain bike to absolutely crushing climbs. My riding friends have all been commenting on it, and it feels good to be climbing like a champ and not dying on some climbs like I used to. It’s even paying off massively at high altitude when I ride in Tahoe. The whole staff here is awesome, friendly, and highly competent. I can’t recommend this place enough!!!

I recently went to a spin class when I was out of town on vacation, and the contrast between that class and what I usually get at CRUfit reminded me why I like CRUfit cycling so much!
* High quality bikes with 2 seat and 2 handlebar adjustments for positioning, and fine control of resistance
* Excellent climate control in the room! (I assumed everywhere has this until I was at the other place!)
* A class that is built around a rational, planned workout rather than just a bunch of miscellaneous moves and changes
* A workout based on actual cycling rather than dancing and moves that have nothing to do with cycling performance
* Performance monitoring! CRUfit’s bikes have consistent, reliable power meters, so you can track your work from session to session and set goals within a class. It really makes a difference to be able to compare your watts from workout to workout, and even within a class to help you stay on a target. Very motivating.
* Progressive training over weeks — this is key. It’s what motivated me to work out while on vacation, which is really the most important part! At CRUfit, we often train in cycles over weeks that prepare us to improve, not just to work hard over and over again. If I miss a class, I feel like I’ve missed a step on a path to a goal. This makes it less likely that I’ll skip a class just because I don’t feel like going — I’m an athlete! I’m in training! I’ve got a goal! I get this feeling, even though I’m just competing against myself, and really setting my own goals. Everyone gets to personalize their targets and trainings with the performance monitors that can be calibrated to your personal power capabilities. That way, everyone can work to improve and feel like an athlete, no matter where you start. The instructors encourage and value everyone’s work, not just the super strong folks.
Thanks, Mark Sutro and Mia Honore, for creating this workout and this environment! It’s a big positive part of my life, and will be for a while.

Awesome gym! I love the trainers, and the fact that it is a one stop shop. You are able to get an all around workout using variable exercise modalities. I really enjoy my time working out at this gym. It is very clean, professional and the best equipment in town.
I have visited many gyms over the years, and this my all time favorite gym, thus far.

I recently moved to the area and SO HAPPY to have found CRUfit. I need diversity in my workouts and teachers who can challenge you in creative ways. The CRUfit team is pretty awesome– everyone is so friendly, really helpful and you can see they are dedicated to their craft and overall health and fitness. I’m a former long distance runner, have trained with many personal coaches and I know the difference between a good experience and a great one. CRUfit is a great one.

CRUfit is AWESOME! I have been going for the past few months very regularly — I take the spin classes with Mia — her classes are structured in a way that you leave knowing you not only got a great workout but you are building strength and stamina. The spin studio is fantastic, top of the line bikes and software — there are large screens that show you how hard you are working and where you are in comparison to the rest of the class (I’m a bit competitive so that is great, helps me push even harder). The training is highly customized to your level — regardless if it’s your first spin class or you 100^th you get a workout tailored to your ability level. Your stats from the class are e-​mailed to you after so you can keep track of your progress.
Mark Sutro teaches the rowing class I take — he is a great trainer, and the group of regulars that attend help make the class even more fun. I’m a has-​been college rower and this was my first dive back into an erg workout since then — dare I say I have enjoyed it!!!
The classes are great, the facility is clean, well kept and top of the line — but the people there make it great — from Jen at the front desk who knows everyone’s name to the class instructors — it is a great place to workout. Another plus is they offer childcare and they are right across from the Montclair Egg Shop — sweat through a class on Sat morning then reward yourself with a delish breakfast to kick off your weekend! :) Can’t say enough good stuff about CRUfit!

I LOVE crufit. My favorite class is TRX. I love the welcoming atmosphere and the great classes that guarantee a good workout.

Crufit TRX has been amazing! I’ve been doing it for a few months now and it’s given me a way to get an intense workout with muscle building and cardio, without aggravating any of my injuries (back and shoulder). Mia is motivating, attentive, and effective all at the same time — thank you!

I had an injury 6 years ago which left me with a lot of weakness. My wife convinced me to try a rowing class then a cycling class at crufit. Well since then I have been completely hooked. With the cycling especially they train using power as a barometer. It feels great to watch your power go up week by week. I feel so much more strong and fit in three months here than in a year working out by myself. I cant say enough good things about this place. I wish they had a highe rating than only 5 stars!

All you need and want in a friendly fun environment.
This place is great. The trainers are friendly, the culture is supportive, and the people are terrific. I am getting excellent full body conditioning with the spinning as well as the TRX and circuit training classes. The classes motivate me and push me hard while still going at a pace that is right for me.
can’t go wrong! Come train with us.

I have been going to Crufit for about a month, and I really love it! The instructors are all experienced and knowledgeable, the customer service is excellent, and the equipment is all top notch. It costs more than my previous gyms, but I feel that I am getting a better return on my investment– I go more frequently, and I get a lot of feedback on my form, workout, etc. It is so much better than going to a gym and trying to stay on your own workout plan.
I have convinced my partner to start going regularly, and also another friend in the neighborhood. I will keep recommending this place to whomever will listen.
One last thing– since politicians have jumped on the small business bandwagon over the past ¹⁰⁄₂₀ years, I am always conscious of the small and especially LOCAL business that I support. This is a small, local business that I intend to support for years to come. I love Oakland, and this gym is yet another reason to love Oakland.

Fantastic resource to have 2 minutes from my house. Very knowledgable instructors every one of them, really focused workouts, immaculate facilities and no attitude from staff or customer… the real deal.
Really starting to get into my groove at CruFit. Have to say that everyone ive taken a class with is a top-​notch tru professional. These folks know their stuff and they know how to talk to people. On top of that the facility is top notch, really dialed in for the activities being done. Ive even been impressed with the tunes picked by Mark and Mia so far and im picky when it comes to music.
The spin studio in particular is well setup with theater style levels so you can see and hear wherever you sit.
Im leaving one star off because I know they are only going to get better.
Go check it out!

Holy cow, how was CRUfit in my backyard and I didn’t know it. Great facility, all of the staff were very nice and friendly. I took the TRX intro class and it kicked my you know what (my legs felt like wet noodles). I never felt like the trainer was impatient just helpful. I spoke with a woman who was returning after taking the rowing class and she highly recommended that class as well. I also love that you can sign up for the classes on line so you have a guaranteed spot and they have a really good web presence. Try it, right now they are offering the first class you sign up for free, or don’t and then I can have this club all to myself!
I will back for rowing and spinning and more TRX if I ever recover.

I love CRUfit. The location is so close to my house and gives me an excuse to spend some time in cute lil Montclair. The facility is so clean, the staff is super friendly and helpful, the equipment is state of the art (especially in the spin room) and brand new!
I highly recommend taking Diana’s TRX class. It’s a great way to have fun, listen to some good music, and get your a*s kicked at the same time. She is a fantastic trainer! (Check out her spin class too).
Happy to have you in the neighborhood CRUfit!

My wife and I started training with Mark at ClubOne in downtown Oakland. once we heard that he and Mia were starting their own spin/​row center in Montclair we cancelled our ClubOne membership.
Here’s what makes CRUFit special – my wife and I go for fitness and quite honestly, she goes to get fit but also to look good for a woman her age (50+). The classes are for all levels of fitness – beginners to the already fit.
Great facility; lots of class times. Don’t miss ClubOne at all.

It is difficult to describe how extraordinary the training is at Crufit. Mark Sutro (one of the owners) is above and beyond any trainer I have ever had. He has a wealth of knowledge about fitness, which he has acquired through years of experience, including collegiate rowing at UC Berkeley and has running a fitness training group for years. He warmly welcomes literally everyone, regardless of age, weight, prior experience, injuries, and then works with you in a moderate and progressive manner, improving your overall fitness and health.
If you are considering working out at Crufit, all I can say is, you have got to give it a try. I am certain you will see just how special it is!

I really like this club. I know that there are some people who like to walk into a gym, plan and modify their own workouts in detail, and stay motivated for years. That’s not me. And I also see people who seem to always be working out with a personal trainer at their side saying, «gimme five more!» While that might be cool, that gets very expensive.
CRUFit seems to be geared between those extremes, with group exercise programs in spinning, rowing, and TRX (perhaps more) taught by instructors who are truly fitness professionals, in a clean new facility with a neighborhood feel and easy parking. They seem to take a personal interest in developing programs for people to help them achieve specific goals, with one-​on-​one attention in a group setting. The club is new, but I expect it will be around for a long time.