So it’s March 1 and perhaps you’re lamenting that your “get in shape” New Year’s resolution never took hold. But fear not! There are two new fitness options in the Richmond District that may lead you to a new workout that gets you fit, and keeps you engaged.
The Park Gym, 4801 Geary @ 12th Avenue
Owner David Park opened his first gym on Harrison Street several years ago. After hunting for a second location, he settled on the former mattress store space on the corner of 12th and Geary. What once housed pillowtops and memory foam is now packed with punching bags and functional workout equipment.
Park Gym‘s focus is on boxing, offering classes for beginners all the way up to advanced pugilists. Beginners start with learning the fundamentals of boxing, hitting the bag, and other cardio and boxing exercises. For advanced boxers, they offer sparring classes in an actual boxing ring tucked into the corner of the gym.
In addition to boxing classes, Park Gym also offers weightlifting, strength and cardio classes including a Battle Ropes class (“The Battle Ropes effectively work each arm independently, eliminating strength imbalances as they sculpt your muscle.”).
For the boxing classes, gloves are provided if you don’t have your own, and boxing wraps are mandatory and available for sale at the gym if you don’t already have come. Class prices are $35 for drop-in, and slightly less per class if you purchase packages. Unlimited 3, 6 and 12 month memberships are also available.
The Park Gym, 4801 Geary Blvd @ 12th Avenue
https://www.theparkgym.com/wp/schedule-geary/
Gracie Jiu-jitsu, 6300 California Street @ 25th Avenue
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu has arrived in the Richmond District! The newest academy from Charles Gracie, a Coral Belt in the art of Gracie Jiu-jitsu, opened earlier this year in the former Bikram Yoga spot at 25th Avenue and California.
Jiu-jitsu is originally thought to have been developed by Buddhist Monks. Concerned with self-defense, these monks created techniques based upon principles of balance and leverage, and a system of manipulating the body in a manner where one could avoid relying upon strength or weapons.
Gracie Jiu-jitsu is a system of one-on-one ground fighting, where the objective is to achieve a superior position for joint locks, chokes and strikes. Many take up Jiu-jitsu to learn self-defense, and stick with it for building confidence, losing weight and gaining discipline.
The Richmond District’s Gracie Jiu-jitsu Academy offers both traditional group classes, and also a large spectrum of skills via private lessons from certified instructors in a number of martial arts including standup skills and wrestling.
They also offer early morning conditioning classes for adults as a way to introduce enthusiasts to the school, and the art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
The owners of Gracie Jiu-jitsu are Mark and Alex d’Ercole, father and son, currently Brown Belts under Master Charles Gracie. Both are San Francisco natives and Richmond District residents since 1993.
Right now, they are offering a free, two-week pass for new customers. Visit their website for more information.
Gracie Jiu-jitsu, 6300 California Street @ 25th Avenue
https://www.graciesanfrancisco.com/
