The Core

I was from out of town and researched a number of fitness centers within walking distance from my hotel. Always looking to support local businesses, I settled on the Core after checking out their website (which turns out is a bit misleading). The Core suggests a welcome environment– the first line describing their gym reads «Egos are unwelcome here». HA!
After showing up by myself (we know going to a new workout solo can be a bit unnerving) I was [un]welcomed by Steven, who I assume is the owner, and who gives off very negative energy (and exudes quite an Ego). He didn’t know anything about me, and before I could get a word in, he proceeded to first knock me on my physical appearance –what I was wearing– and then talk AT me, while his very small entourage laughed behind him. A solid display of so many things that are wrong with the «workout» mentality these days. It was bullying! Such a shame.
He tried to get me to stay after saying he was just «joking» and stating «maybe you just can’t take a joke» (again, he knows NOTHING about me), but there is no way I could support an establishment run by such a rude, thoughtless individual. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough!
I strongly discourage you from subjecting yourself to an experience at The Core. From what I saw, there are plenty of local alternatives in your area that are probably more welcoming and would undoubtably be less judgmental. As for Steven, I’m sorry you feel the need to act the way you did– maybe you were just having a bad day?
Good luck!

There are a few different types of gyms in Chico. Some tailor to the frat bros and sorority crowd with their treadmills outfitted with iphone docks and yoga classes. Others are more energizing like crossfit where you run in for an hour, scream, do exercises in quick succession and pull your groin doing an upside down pushup.
The Core is based upon fundamental exercise physiology and taught by a certified kinesiologist. Each daily exercise regiment focuses on a muscle group and builds throughout the week to give you a complete workout. Focus in on proper form and technique, not racing the clock. Unlike most gyms, if you don’t put in the work, he will respectfully request you continue your workout journey elsewhere. Everyone at the core is there to do their best, and Steve and crew are there to help you reach those goals.
I highly recommend this gym if you are committed to getting in shape and need a friendly boost from their staff to keep you motivated. You won’t regret it.

Wow so I just called to get some prices and the guy I talked to was a complete ass. He was incredibly rude to me and basically told me he didn’t want me there and didn’t want me advertising for him. Unbelievable. Would never even think of going to this place.

All workouts are done in an hour and they will kick your ass. It never gets easy but it gets easier once you start going everyday… then you have to pull a ton of weights behind you in a bucket and you think you’re going to die. In those moments you look around and there are people of all ages and sizes doing it. No matter how much you think it sucks there is a whole gym of people doing the same thing around you and it makes it a lot easier to accomplish. The best part of the gym is the people there. It doesn’t matter how much you can lift, no one is there yelling at you to keep on going … well maybe the owner Steve once in a while but sometimes you need it, everyone is just encouraging and we are all there to push ourselves and get in better shape. I would highly recommend this gym if you want to get in great all around shape, it’s not just about building muscle but also having great cardio to. If you’re injured Steve will give you a special workout to work around the injury.

Yes, it’s true… The Core will challenge and reward you in ways that no other workout can. You don’t have to be in shape to start at The Core, but after doing the workouts for a while, you will be. I’m close to 50, have been at The Core for about a year and am now in better condition (strength and cardio) than I’ve been in a long time. Also, as we progress through the workouts together, a sense of camaraderie builds among us «students» which helps us do our best and actually gets us looking forward to the next workout!
Come on down for a free startup week… check it out!

I don’t just hand out fives… This place and Steve the owner have earned it. To get a five star means you are different and has something creative that works.
This place is for people who want to work hard and see change. You will not be impressed if you are looking for showers and swimming pools but if you want a gym filled with sweat and sarcasm among friends… come try the core family out, will see if we want you around ;)

Great workouts, and fast. Some of the most complete workouts I’ve ever done. If you go day after day he actually sets up the workouts so that you work out your soreness from the day before, of course only to replace it with different sore muscles. I used to go just about everyday, and when I did I was in the best shape of my life. Your workout time will shorten dramatically but you will see much better results. It’s all circuit training but better circuits then you’re running now. I always did circuit training workouts, or super sets, but this is another level and all put in perfect order.

I wish I could go everyday… Which brings me to the only down side are the hours. MWF 530 – 6, T/​Th 9 – 6

Imagine never have to wonder what workout you’re doing today. At the Core, you simply show up, look at the board, and quickly start your warm-​up before the owner, Steve Williams, gets on you for slacking. Long faces usually greet the main menu of the day, as the workouts can be tremendously demanding for the uninitiated, but everyone leaves with a smile on their face and a serious sense of accomplishment. But that doesn’t mean the The Core is just for hardcore fitness buffs and athletes. The Core is host to teenagers on up through people in at least their 60s, everyone’s workout is modified or tailored to their abilities, and a trainer — usually the owner — is always watching you. There is no place to hide at The Core, and for that matter, there’s no place to shower either; this place is for working out. Period. I’ll admit that I worked at home with a private trainer for a year before discover The Core, but ANYONE can transition into their program. The clients at The Core go from super fit to super fat, and it doesn’t matter, because we’re all going to the same place, and — surprise of surprises — people actually accomplish their goals here.
The Core is located in a business park off of Skyway (southern Chico if you will) and is in a 5000 – 6000 warehouse. The walls aren’t painted, there is no fancy equipment, but what they do have, EVERYONE uses: Sandbags, kettle bells, barbells, rowing machines, dumbbells, and this large row of what appear to be industrial shelving cleverly converted into pull-​up bars of all heights and diameters. If you’ve never done a real pull up, you will — eventually — at this gym
While The Core may not look like the gym of your dreams, your dreams of fitness will finally come true at The Core. Hmmm, that was a little cheesy, but I like it; it stays! ;-)