Grinder Gym

Signed up for the free class on a whim because I am looking at gyms around my area to go to.
Received a text from the awesome owner, Dave, who inquired how he could be of service. In this day and age, not only is it convenient to use texting for your business, but it added a nice personal touch– I was talking to someone who helped me figure out when to come to a class, rather than doing it through an automated system.
I opted to go to the 6pm class yesterday after work. I told Dave I probably wouldn’t be able to last the whole hour (I’m just getting back into the swing of working out), and he sent over some words of encouragement, and let me know that he would take care of the towel, water, and mat for the day, and that I could just focus on getting there.
WHAT OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE, MY GODS. Hadn’t even been there yet and I was prepared to give a 5 star review.
So, 5:45pm rolls around and I’m in bed debating on napping and eating ice cream or going to the class. BECAUSE I had interacted with Dave already, I felt compelled to go because he was «expecting» me to be there. Had I not had a conversation with him and just looked at the class schedule online by myself, I would have bailed. But because there was a level of accountability, I went. And I am so glad I did, because the class was ROCKIN and exactly what I needed.
Dave’s stellar service was the reason I actually showed up, and the gym atmosphere and facility are why I will be returning. The class was conducted with the slider walls open (yay, fresh air!) and there was loud music and a sense of community. This gym is clearly more of a family-​style environment where folks know each other’s names, and the teachers and participants are encouraging. There was no judgment passed, and they are very supportive. No assholes here.
The only thing lacking is that there are no showers, but I live up the road so it doesn’t matter to me. It is also pretty expensive.
Do yourself a favor and give this place a shot!

If you want results, this is the place. I’ve trained at a lot of gyms during my powerlifting career and I’ll say this — you may find bigger, shinier, fancier places out there, but you will not find the knowledge, expertise and experience elsewhere, period. You won’t find that clubhouse feel elsewhere in San Diego, period. Dave DePew is one of the most respected trainers in southern California for a reason. When I walked into this gym on day one, it was Dave who greeted me, Dave who signed me up, and it’s Dave who chats with me each and every time I go in about what I’m doing, where I’m headed with my goals, and how to achieve them faster. I’ve been coaching athletes for a long time and ran a competitive powerlifting team. I am a Level 2 CrossFit trainer, certified in powerlifting, strongman and olympic weightlifting by various organizations including USA Weightlifting and USPA. Dave takes me to school on my knowledge regularly. If you enter this gym with a goal and an open mind, you’ll get all the help you need and most likely walk away with your goals and others checked off your list, and more goals to keep working on.
Grinder’s staff is great as well — these guys are handpicked by the man himself, so they meet and exceed Dave’s high standards. The energy in the group classes is through the roof. As I said, I’ve been in a lot of gyms — CF gyms especially, and have not seen camaraderie like Grinder has anywhere else.
Whether you’re into group fitness, weight loss, arm wrestling, bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongman, or just a good place to go put some work in, you won’t find better than Grinder.

Dave is a rockstar! All the classes are fun and new. Constantly changing, keeps it intresting. Love all the trainers. Only a couple weeks, and already great results!

Grinder Gym’s 21 day fat blast changed my life! Take it from someone who hates to work out, this is the best gym ever! Everyone is telling me how great I look. I lost 3 inches in less than 21 days! If you’re looking to change your body and boost your confidence, this is your spot!

Grinder Gym changed my life in so many ways, it’s here where I built self confidence and truly began to understand why it’s so important to challenge yourself.
I’ve never been the athletic type and I’ve always struggled with my diet, which unfortunately aren’t the best of combinations.
I owe it all to owner, Dave and Trainers (special shout out to Stephen) for building me up, guiding me and I’m extremely thankful for learning so much!
My results have been great and it feels amazing to feel stronger, faster and to constantly be getting compliments from my loved ones.
This experience has really helped me in every aspect of my life!
I would recommend this gym to anyone! If you love working out, hate working out or just find yourself scratching your head at the gym because you don’t know what to do!
The members are also extremely supportive, so if you don’t have a partner or don’t wanna do it alone, it’s fine because you make so many friends from the gym. We’re a team here!
You’ll find yourself looking forward to coming to the gym and being surrounded by this uplifting, positive energy that Grinder gym has to offer.
Get your Grind on!

Dave and Stephen are more than just the owner and trainer they’re friends to everyone that comes across them. I have felt like part of the family ever since the first day I joined them. They have helped me out a lot loosing more than 40 pounds and still going. I wouldn’t trade them for no other Gym they’re the best and I couldn’t ask for anyone better

Grinder gym has literally changed my lifestyle. The staff is awesome, the atmosphere is very friendly and I feel like I am part of something amazing watching the transformations take place. Stephen Thomas is my trainer and he and Dave are awesome and make working hard fun, even at 5am! I have never felt so strong and look forward to my workouts eveyday. Also want to give a big shout out to all the fellow Grinders for making it such an awesome place to workout. and the results I have seen over the past 4 months are incredible!

This gym has given me the BEST experience I have ever had with getting fit. Not only are the instructors great, the gym offers full nutrition support and challenges to keep you motivated. There’s also a great energy about the gym. The members are non-​judgmental and truly supportive of one another. I’ve lost over 8 inches in only 5 weeks. I’ve learned about proper eating and truly feel only way to a healthy life.

Dave and his crew have transformed my body. I am in my mid 30’s and I am in best shape of my life. The 21 Day Fat Blast not only has a great workout regimen, but also has a meal plan that works. I have learned a lot about nutrition and portion sizes. Before, meal planning was very daunting to me and seemed like something I could not, but it is literally laid out for you. The workouts are amazing. They are always mixing it up so that you won’t get bored and stay challenged. The only down side is that I have to buy new clothes. Oh darn ;-)

Fan of Dave DePew workout, his philosophy and energy! If you REALLY like working out and want to see fast results, please try this guy and his classes.
He is a great person too! Hard worker!

The talented staff at the Grinder Gym just recently helped me to lose 30 pounds over a 3 month training period using the Maxi Climber and I reduced my body fat percentage by 10%…all the while, I gained lean muscle mass! The results were amazing! If you’re a Foodie and love to Unilocal but you’re finding that the good eating is catching up with you, like it did for me, give Grinder Gym’s 21 day fat blast a try! You will not regret it!

If I could give more stars I would. This Gym is AMAZING!!! The Trainers And Dave are so incredibly caring, kind, and WANT us to succeed!!! I have never felt BETTER about myself image and mentally. Great Great Great… I’m a member for LIFE!!!

I hate to write negative reviews, but I feel I have to after my experience this morning. I am a member of class pass which allows me to try a lot of new gyms in San Diego so my friend & I thought we would give Grinder a shot. I’m not going to go into a long drawn out review, but the reason I am writing one at all is because of the horrific form every single person in the class had! I have been weight lifting/​working out for 20 years & have never seen anything like this. The worst part is that the trainer Stephen did not correct them at all! We were doing squats and everyone was doing them wrong. It was painful to watch. There was a guy on his toes with his heels off the ground doing a squat! These people trust the trainer to help them prevent injuries, but this was NOT being done. That’s all. I won’t be coming back here EVER.

Dave is a great gent who cares about his clients.
I enjoy the customer service and personal feel he gives when you go in.
I appreciate the Fresh and Fit pick up location being there as I also pick up my meals from this location.

You will never work out harder IN YOUR LIFE. This is the gym of all gyms. The staff is so incredibly supportive of your journey… whatever it may be. Right now im on a program to lose some weight and lean out. I have never felt like my goals were attainable until i came here and I was shown how acheivable it really was. A monitored diet and bi weekly measurements keeps the motivation and accountability alive. Oh… hello…are those abs! YES THEY ARE!!!

I am very disappointment in my experience with Grinder Gym. I was charged for services not received. The overall exercise program is good. The business side is not. My recommendation: keep your eyes open and watch your money.

I hardly know Dave. In the course of 2 weeks has cursed at me, yelled at me for using cursive and told me I had no right to move his scale. He is looking for someone to feel as bad he does. It’s a shame. I have never been so embarrassed. Being chewed out in mixed company, literally getting in my face for moving the scale 6 inches. I’m disgusted. I have heard stories about him, know a couple people who know him. I should have listened

Grinder Gym is amazing and Dave DePew is incredible. The boot camp style classes are my favorite because they provide you with a sense of community and since everyone is at different fitness levels, it motivates and encourages everyone to keep pushing past their comfort zone and truly challenge yourself. When you first start, you’ll probably be sore for two weeks, but totally worth it. After the first two times, you notice the incredible euphoria from classes and after two weeks, you’ll notice results. I recommend following a healthy meal plan, I went from 23% body fat to 15% body fat in just two months. Highly recommended!

I’ve tried several different gyms and boot camps in CA. Dave and his team at Grinders make getting into shape fun and you see quick results! Every day is different and I must say, this is the best shape I’ve been in since breaking my ankle back in 2013. I know my other half appreciates it as well;) Forget about the corporate, name brand gyms and try a week with Dave and his guys. You’ll thank me!

Grinder Gym got me in tip top shape for multiple events. For someone who has played sports her whole life I can honestly say Dave and his team got me into the best shape of my life. I didn’t see a difference on the scale, but lost inches and toned all around! Thinking of going back to get ready for summer.