When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio
Why The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio, located in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, stands out as a welcoming and inclusive gym primarily serving individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. This wife-owned studio prides itself on being the only openly LGBTQ gym in the area, fostering a safe and motivating environment where everyone can pursue their fitness goals. The studio offers a comprehensive fitness program that integrates strength training, metabolic conditioning, nutrition counseling, and mobility work, promising significant improvements such as fat loss, lean muscle building, better range of motion, and pain reduction. More than just a gym, The Experience emphasizes a holistic approach to health that also incorporates mental and emotional well-being, helping clients connect mind, body, and soul.
Highlights of the studio include diverse training styles tailored to a broad demographic spanning from adolescents to seniors, with expertise in sport-specific training, cross-training, obstacle course racing, Olympic weightlifting, weight loss, and athletic performance. Its mobility and recovery services are especially notable, featuring advanced therapy techniques such as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), cupping, trigger point therapy, kinesiology taping, and corrective exercises designed to alleviate pain and improve flexibility. Clients can access personalized coaching through one-on-one sessions or a user-friendly app offering virtual training programs, ensuring continued support regardless of location. The experience of the dedicated coaching team is a key strength, motivating and inspiring clients in a COVID-19 conscious environment that prioritizes health and safety. Overall, The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio is an exceptional destination for those seeking a supportive community and expert guidance on their fitness journey.
Here's what people think of The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio
As of recent, The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio holds a 5-star rating based on 37 reviews.
User reviews overwhelmingly praise The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio, reflected in its perfect 5.0 rating based on 37 reviews. Clients consistently highlight the gym’s welcoming atmosphere, especially appreciating its commitment to inclusivity and its role as a supportive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Reviewers commend the knowledgeable and motivating coaching staff who provide tailored programs that produce real, lasting results in both fitness and mobility applications. Many users mention the effectiveness of the therapy services like IASTM and cupping, noting improvements in pain relief and mobility after sessions. The availability of both in-studio and virtual training options is also met with enthusiasm, offering convenience without sacrificing personalized attention.
Positive reviews focus on the high level of professionalism and care demonstrated by the staff, with frequent mentions of the studio's clean, safe environment and the interpersonal warmth of the team. Members appreciate the holistic approach that combines strength, conditioning, nutrition, and recovery, making it easier to maintain a balanced and sustainable health routine. The flexible scheduling and COVID-19 safety measures add to the comfort and trust customers feel.
Negative feedback is minimal and mostly pertains to scheduling availability given the personalized nature of some specialized services, such as mobility sessions. A few users have noted that some advanced therapy options require appointments and may have varying fees based on individual needs, which could affect accessibility for some clients.
In conclusion, The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio is highly regarded by its community for excellence in fitness coaching, therapy, and an inclusive environment. The few minor criticisms are overshadowed by widespread satisfaction and strong client loyalty, marking it as a top destination for inclusive and comprehensive fitness and wellness in San Diego.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sia
I have been coming here for a couple months now and this is the most special community fitness space I have ever been in. Before this, I had never been to a gym that is truly welcoming to different body types, gender expressions, ages, orientations, fitness levels, and physical abilities. Even on days when I don't feel like working out, I find myself showing up to class because I look forward to seeing the people who coach and train here. The coaches are skillful, personable, kind, and encouraging. Luckily for me, they also don't mind if you complain a bit during a workout:) The people who come here to workout are just as kind and encouraging. There is also usually a friendly dog in the space which I find so helpful as a comforting distraction. I honestly feel so lucky to be able to come here every week. I would recommend this gym to anyone but especially those who have felt unsure in a fitness space before - it is different here in the best ways.
Taryn Serman
This gym is amazing. The owners (Ry and Angeli) are not only knowledgeable, fun, & motivational trainers, but they’ve also built an incredible community by offering such a safe, supportive, and colorful space where everyone is welcome. In the past, I’ve felt intimidated and insecure at the gym, but that all changed when I joined The Experience, where I always feel comfortable and confident :) all of the trainers are fantastic & I always leave the gym smiling!
Allie Moss
This place is such a gem. The coaches are fantastic and they're great at working with people of all fitness levels. It's also a wonderfully affirming space and the sense of community is super clear. Working out at The Experience will make you WANT to go to the gym.
Shawn Stone
Good vibes and excellent coaching have kept me going to the Experience for a couple of years now. Now I'm so buff I ripped the door handle off my truck! That's what I call a result!
Johanna Chung
This gym is my home base of health support! Katie Kurtz is my fantastic trainer with skills, experience and a caring attitude. Imagine me, this 79 yr. old straight lady gym novice feeling accepted with warmth and good humor in this LGBTQ-run gym. It's like a neighborhood bar "where everyone knows your name"--but without the liquor. Instead, a special dog talks/whines her enthusiastic welcome on days that I really need it and she appreciates my attention in return. Love it!
How to reach The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio
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Why The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family at The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio means more than just a workout—it’s an opportunity to connect, support one another, and share a truly inclusive fitness experience in a welcoming environment. This studio, located in Hillcrest, San Diego, stands out as the only openly LGBTQ, wife-owned gym in the area, fostering a sense of belonging and community that’s hard to find in many fitness spaces. Whether your group is made up of seasoned athletes or newcomers to fitness, this space embraces every individual’s unique journey without judgment or pressure. Their ethos of kindness, compassion, and patience creates a stress-free atmosphere where everyone can thrive together. Rallying here is not just about physical health but emotional support, encouragement, and shared victories in a safe, uplifting space that prioritizes your well-being and inclusivity. With a perfect blend of expert coaching and a friendly vibe, it’s an ideal setting for friends to motivate each other and enjoy meaningful, health-focused quality time.
What activities does The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio offer for group meetups?
The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio provides a comprehensive range of fitness and therapy services designed to suit diverse needs, making it excellent for group meetups of different fitness levels and interests. Their programs combine strength training, metabolic conditioning, nutrition coaching, and mobility work to deliver balanced, effective workouts. Groups can participate in personalized, one-on-one coaching sessions or join self-guided virtual classes through their convenient app, allowing for flexibility depending on everyone’s schedules. Specialty training options include sport-specific conditioning, cross-training, obstacle course race prep, Olympic weightlifting, and programs focused on weight loss or athletic performance enhancement. Beyond traditional fitness, the studio offers therapy services such as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), cupping, trigger point therapy, and kinesiology taping—perfect for friends wanting recovery and wellness together after a workout. This diversity ensures every participant finds something engaging while accommodating different goals, from fat loss to strength building and improving mobility.
Why is The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio a perfect venue for groups?
This studio’s inclusive and supportive environment makes it ideal for groups seeking a fitness space that goes beyond the conventional gym experience. Unlike many gyms that can feel intimidating or judgmental—especially for people dealing with body dysmorphia or performance anxiety—The Experience intentionally removes barriers to self-acceptance. For instance, they have minimized mirrors on the gym floor to reduce self-consciousness, creating a more relaxed atmosphere where individuals focus on their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others. Group members won’t find leaderboard comparisons or overt competition; instead, they’re encouraged to track personal improvement privately, fostering intrinsic motivation and positive group dynamics. The coaches are excellent motivators and genuinely invested in guiding members through their unique fitness journeys, ensuring everyone in the group feels valued and empowered. Additionally, the studio’s commitment to a COVID-conscious environment adds safety reassurance, allowing your group to focus on fun and fitness with peace of mind.
How does The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio promote inclusivity and belonging?
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the studio’s ethos, reflected in its leadership and community culture. As an openly LGBTQ-owned business, it leads with authenticity and kindness, consciously creating a gym space where everyone feels safe and respected. The founders took proactive steps to address discrimination and exclusion, such as promptly revoking memberships of those who behaved disrespectfully, ensuring the studio remains a haven for all members. Members commonly share experiences of previous gyms where they felt alienated or uncomfortable due to body image struggles or gender identity challenges; here, these concerns are met with understanding, not judgment. The staff’s patient, compassionate approach and policies prioritizing member comfort—such as allowing gender-affirming locker room usage—help establish trust and belonging. For group meetups, this means your friends can relax and be themselves without fear or stigma, enhancing the shared experience with warmth and genuine community.
What makes the coaching and training at this studio stand out?
The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio’s coaching team is a major draw, providing expert guidance tailored to each individual’s goals and abilities. Their trainers come with extensive knowledge spanning multiple disciplines—strength training, mobility, metabolic conditioning, and sports-specific performance—making workouts well-rounded and effective. They motivate groups by offering personalized modifications and encouraging members to listen to their bodies, emphasizing long-term results over short-term competition or overexertion. The training methods integrate nutrition advice and recovery techniques like cupping and soft tissue therapy, which help maintain balance and prevent injury. For groups, this means you can challenge yourselves while knowing you’re supported by professionals invested in your health and success. The studio’s app further enhances this experience by providing easy access to training plans and tracking, so groups can stay connected, motivated, and accountable even outside of the gym.
What amenities and features enhance group gatherings at the studio?
The studio’s thoughtful design and amenities reflect its mission to foster a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Spacious workout areas allow groups to train comfortably without feeling crowded, and the layout minimizes gym intimidation by removing most mirrors, reducing self-consciousness. The facility maintains a clean, COVID-aware environment with flexible hours suitable for early birds and evening exercisers alike, conveniently accommodating varied group schedules. In addition to fitness space, the studio offers therapy rooms for recovery services, where group members can unwind together post-workout. Their use of technology, including The Experience App for training and journaling, allows group members to share progress and encourage each other remotely. This blend of physical and digital resources makes planning and enjoying group fitness sessions easier and more enjoyable.
Why should friends or families choose this studio over others?
Unlike commercial gyms where membership can feel impersonal and competitive, The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio provides a boutique, community-focused alternative where every person counts. The studio’s consistent 5.0 rating out of 37 reviews attests to the high quality of services and outstanding member satisfaction. By creating a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment, it invites diverse groups to work out without fear of exclusion or body image stress. The multi-disciplinary approach combining fitness, nutrition, and recovery in one package means groups can customize their meetups to make them both fun and productive. Whether your goal is to gain strength, improve mobility, or simply enjoy time together in a health-positive atmosphere, this studio’s welcoming values, expert staff, and supportive community make it an excellent choice for friend or family gatherings centered on wellness.