Bay Functional Fitness

Annamarie Murphy is an outstanding trainer. I have been training with her for ten years… with a bit of a hiatus here and there. If you want quality sound training, look no further. She has the knowledge to get you to your goal. I always go back to her when I need to whip my running into shape. She explains why we do what we do so that you not only get the training at that moment in time, but you get the foundation and understanding as well. LOOK NO FURTHER… you won’t be sorry.

Annamarie is an exceptional trainer. I have been working with her for close to ten years — i only had the intention of having a couple of sessions, but because she has taught me so much, and i continue to get more fit working out with her, I have continued my fitness sessions with Annamarie. The first couple of years we focused more on weight loss and I was able to lose 20lbs and keep off the weight by actually doing less intense workouts than i was previously doing. Then i had my first baby and she helped me stay fit both pre and post pregnancy. I was actually more fit after I had my first baby thanks to her! Then I proceeded to have two more babies, and because of my training sessions with Annamarie, I feel healthy, strong and fit. Just try out a couple of sessions — you will be amazed at what she can do!

Anna Murphy is, by far, the best personal trainer at Bay Functional Fitness. She is diligent, caring, and gives you a great workout that leaves you wanting more. Contact her at
to set up an appointment.

THANK YOU BFF! Thank you mostly to Mel Hilario! Wow! I met Mel at another gym (where I belong with my family.) but I had to follow her to BFF. She has helped me transform my post-​baby-​flabby-​dabby-​muffintoppy-​shake-​it-​like-​jello-​arms type of body into one that I would have never thought I could have… She has really been a major catalyst for me to change and be positive and JUST DO IT! Thank you Mel! I love BFF: such a great group of trainers. I have taken the boot camp class with Alisha too – and that is also just excellent. Sometimes I feel like I work out with Mike when he is there – but maybe we are just chatting and I am thinking I am working out…
In any case – thanks. I drive an extra 15 minutes to go to BFF, and have been-​for about a year now-​just because it really works – and MEL and the team are just Great! Long overdue review…

I worked with Brianna throughout my pregnancy up to my 37^th week! I only stopped because I was advised by my OB to not go into labor. I lost all my pregnancy weight and then some 3 weeks after I delivered. Brianna is an awesome trainer AND an excellent barre instructor (she teaches that too!). Her knowledge of training me during my pregnancy helped me out so much and kept my energy level up. She is very patient, professional and energetic-​what more can you ask for!

It’s nice that a local business is well-​rated here. But they must be resting on that acclaim.
I’m interested in expanding my workouts to gain strength in areas long-​ignored. I haven’t had the drive and thought that signing up with a local, convenient, well-​regarded spot would be a good start. I called them on a Monday… left a message. No response in the next few days, so I called again on Thursday, was careful saying my phone number (twice) in case that was a problem and waited for a call back.
That was 5 – 6 weeks ago! I gave the lowest number of stars possible because they gave me the least attention possible — none!

My company contracts with BFF to provide group fitness classes. These classes are some of the best I’ve ever taken.
Hard. Full of variety. Never gets old. Kicks my ass.
Brianna in particular is full of energy and enthusiasm. I am easily injured and am proud to be doing very well in her classes. That means she’s looking out for us, and is very careful that we are doing the right thing.
I also really appreciate the detail in terms of picking out good music :) It is easy to overlook something like this, but it really contributes to the overall vibe.

Can’t really say much more about these guys. Went to Mark to correct my scoliosis (asymmetric quads were not good for the running) and I saw a lot of progress in just a few months. Also he helped get me in shape for my wedding and I’m super pleased two weeks out! I am definitely not the type that gets inspired by people yelling at me and that’s not how they motivate — which definitely worked for me.

This place is so great I’m actually coming out of my Unilocal retirement to rave. In June of 2009 I met the four owners of Bay Functional Fitness — Katie Ross, Lisa Vonnegut, Mark Lynn, & Michael Smartt — to begin a training regimen and I’m not going to lie, the idea of personal training scared the holy crap out of me — I really wasn’t sure I could handle this. I hadn’t been any version of athletic since swimming in high school, which meant I had a LOT of work ahead of me!
But they held my hand and eased me into a new life with strengthening exercises, cardio, stretching and a slew of fitness/​wellness wisdom.
Way back in 2009, the words «get into plank» made me curse. Now, they’re just part of the routine. Running a few minutes on the treadmill used to make my skin crawl. But now? Not a prob. And hopping on the bosu for some balance work? Well, I’ll be honest, that thing still brings me to the verge of tears, but it’s getting better and really, the Fab Four are SO great that the bosu isn’t SO bad. And that’s why I love ‘em. Mike, Mark, Lisa and Katie are all truly knowledgeable, professional, and way too much fun to work out with which makes it super easy to keep coming back. I was never a big fan of exercise but these four have converted and hooked me. Nothing like being on the healthier end of the addiction spectrum for a change (especially if it means a little less guilt when you fall off the chocolate wagon)!
The combination of personal training and the BFF classes (Rockridge Boot Camp and Cardio Booty) over the past 18 months has helped me to lose more than 35 lbs, a bunch of inches and 3 dress sizes; increased my strength and flexibility; gain a heap of self confidence/​become more comfortable with my body; and actually crave exercise (yep, I said «crave»). I consider myself RIDICULOUSLY lucky to have worked with all four. They have seriously changed my life in ways I never imagined possible. Seriously. Thanks, BFF!

This review is for Melanie Hilario, a trainer at Bay Functional Fitness. I’ve actually never been to BFF, but worked out with Melanie as my trainer for about 4 months last year at All in One Fitness in Albany. Melanie is a fabulous trainer, lots of fun, knowledgeable and finds the balance between pushing and encouraging. I always enjoyed my workouts and saw great results– gaining strength, flexibility and learning new things about how my body works!

I cannot say how motivating Katie Ross is. She is one of the Partners of BFF and I see her 1 – 2 times per week. She has a solid understanding, and made a quick assessment, of where my physical problems lie and always mixes things up for a session that is always fresh. She has also given me solid nutritional advice and has a real interest in my program. I am not a big fan of exercise however Katie keeps me motivated and coming back for more. Plus my husband has noticed improvement to my «backside». Thanks Katie!

Last week my friend invited me to Bay Functional Fitness to take part in a group class called Cardio Booty Camp. At first, I thought it was gonna be super wack, but it was actually a great workout. It was a super fun class, I had a good time and will be coming back. The instructor took the time to learn our names and broke down the dances slowly for the «rythmically challenged». The instructor, Rae, was so full of energy, that her energy made you want to keep on doing it; even though you were dead tired.

About 6 weeks ago I decided to couple my personal training sessions with the Bay Functional Fitness Boot Camp sessions that are held each Wednesday and Saturday. Classes of 5 – 8 women meet Wednesday evenings at 6:45 for an hour and Saturday mornings at 9:45 for an hour and a half. The boot comps are rigorous cardio and strength training. They are fast pace and hard hitting and you sweat your ass off and can’t breathe most of the time. Katie and Lisa are the teachers and they challenge you and make you cuss uncontrollably during each class.
I think that the BFF boot camps are relatively economical at $ 18 for Wednesday night drop ins, $ 22.50 for Saturday drop ins, or $ 90 for 6 weeks of Wednesdays, $ 108 for 6 weeks of Saturdays.
After all the Christmas cookies, turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie you’ve been eating, do yourself a favor and check out the Bay Functional Fitness boot camps to get that ass back back in your pants in early 2010.

Lisa is my go-​to person when I need a massage! As a personal trainer and body-​worker myself, I am always asked by my clients who takes care of me when I break. I always answer: «Lisa!!» and send them to BFF.
Everyone at BFF is professional, caring, and they produce great results. Get off the couch and give them a call!
–Liz Gillem, Licensed Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

A few months ago, I was feeling lousy and stressed out and had gone months without serious exercise. After meeting Lisa Vonnegut (based on her Unilocal reviews), I decided that the expense of a personal trainer was worth it and it was probably a better investment that therapy. I have not regretted that decision. I feel great, and I’ve started running at least twice a week, too. I also attend the Bay Functional Fitness boot camp, although I wish the Saturday class were a little earlier in the morning. Its a fun workout, never the same twice, and amazing how much you can get done in the small space they have. Lisa is just great: very smart, a great motivator, and we really knows how to connect with her clients.

I had fallen off the exercise wagon and needed a boost. I have been working with trainers Mike Smartt and LIsa Vonnegut of Bay Functional Fitness for the last year and a half and have seen great results: more energy, lost weight, greater confidence in my physical abilties and, most importantly, actually looking forward to getting execise! Mike and Lisa know how to work with you from where you are now and enhance what your best at without allowing you to avoid what your not so good at. They both have a keen sense of the human body and are great at helping avoid and deal with injuries. The location on College is very nice too and includes a massage facility and a weekly yoga class.

I first met Lisa Vonnegut when I was looking for a good massage therapist and later began working out with her. I had some trepidation about working with a personal trainer, but it was a very good decision; Lisa has been an inspiration to me. With her instruction and encouragement I’ve gone from a very sedentary existence to a more active lifestyle. She’s approachable and motivating– beyond simply coordinating workouts she managed to get me to rethink my relationship with my body and with exercise. I’ve continued to see her for massage as well– she’s an extraordinary massage therapist.
My interactions with all the Bay Functional trainers have been excellent. Their philosophy about fitness works for real people and they’re able to meet you at any level and help you reach your goals. I’ve appreciated the inclusive, welcoming atmosphere and supportive staff.

I have both worked with and refered clients to Lisa Vonnegit, and I highly respect and recommend her as both a personal trainer and massage therapist. She now works out of Bay Functional Fitness in Oakland. I am a chiropractor of a wellness center in Albany CA and only wish she was closer to us, so that I could refer more clients to her!
Lisa is funny, caring and competant, and she has my highest professional respect! You will not regret the investment by making the comittment to work with her. She will most certainly whip you into shape!
Dr. Stefan Cohen, owner Innate Chiropractic & Wellness Studio

I came in on a recommendation from a friend that has been seeing Lisa V for training and massage. I needed a massage so bad! When I came in I sensed a calm energy immediately. I was greeted by Lisa and taken back to the massage room. I loved the way it was decorated…
Lisa gave me the best massage I have ever had. The attention to detail and her intuitive sense on pressure and what part of my body needed extra care was so refreshing (I have had some bad massages in the past) She truly made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I really enjoyed the music as well. I was so happy at the end of my massage that I re-​booked for the next month. I highly recommend a massage with Lisa. She is so sweet and wonderful at what she does.
I am going to also book some training sessions with her. So excited!
Thank God I found her!!!

If you hate meat market approch to fitness, do not like preening trainers and fee hungry owners of gyms, this is your place. Personalized training by, yes, knowledgable, experienced and fit trainers. No steroids here, a great combination of humor and sweat, sounds stinky but in an enviroment that really promotes your wellness. No need to push through the pain to more pain, better to work your way up from de-​conditioned to conditioned, no judging, really nice environment that makes you feel like a private session is really private. Love it. Added plus is great massage therapy available and trainers do know how to stretch…