Stern’s Gym

This the oldest gym (still open) in the country. The people who work out at the gym are friendly but they’re there to work out, not to check each other out. Its no frills but has everything you need. Jumper is the main person who runs the gym and he has a funny personality. I once asked him how they kept track of our membership status when we sign in. He said «I alphabetize ‘em. startin’ with A, goin’ all the way to Z!»
You will feel like you’re at an old school gym with old school & old hip hop playing. I secretly love the music. We met out trainer, Keith, there and he has been great.
Personally I love the gym, its not fancy at all and it’s not a pick up joint but solid people who take working out seriously. It’s cheap membership. Just don’t forget to bring a towel. There are about 50 signs that say «ALL MEMBERS MUST HAVE A TOWEL» and you agree that you have a towel at sign in. I tried to sneak in without a towel once and Jumper caught me and loaned me a towel, but they also sell new ones for $ 3.
One bizarre thing about the gym… they have lots of old posters of 80s work out models. Every few months all of the same posters move around the gym.

I had high hopes. I was so stoked to join this
Gym. Literally walk to the gym and the gym no longer be a long commute for me. The price is cheap ($ 150 for 6 months) and even thought his gym is 50 years old, small and old school it had everything I needed to train. A squat rack, bench, a little area to deadlift and Dumbbells to do my accessory work. There’s even some cardio machines, cool I’m set.
I’m a competitive powerlifter and in my fitness journey I’ve started at globo gyms like 24 hour and out grew places like that as I’ve become a more seasoned and serious lifter. I’ve gone more basic and appreciate and respect more classic and raw gyms that are geared towards strength training and body building.
Yeah, sterns is probably not gonna be for everyone. No frills, basic and it’s pretty small but it’s functional for what you need. I just want to come in, train and leave.
If you want to deadlift, this isn’t the place. This is the reason for a lower rating and this review.
This gym is on a second story above a dry cleaning shop. There’s a noticeable older crowd that are in attendance here, 92.5 and soul play in the background (definately better than having to listen to nickel back or creed as you squat) and lastly this place has history (as you can see from the pictures on the walls).
Jumper, the employee that works here is probably the main person you’ll interact with other than Mr. Brown the owner. He’s a character but cares a lot about this gym and his job and I understand that and respect it and the rules. (i mean no disrespect with this review to the gym or people, this is only my experience)
When we were given a tour of the the gym, I inquired about where to deadlift and was told to double up on mats and to be careful when putting the barbell down too hard or slamming the weight. It causes the light fixtures down stairs to rattle and too much vibration in the gym. «This isn’t a cross fit gym»
Okay, i understand that. I’m not one to let the bar go and drop from my hands at the top of a pull or be overly aggressive. I’ll remember that.
Day one here. (I came alone without my bf) I forgot my towel, it’s mandatory to have one every time you’re here. Jumper was nice enough to give me one. I’m squatting, I notice the men in here are observing me because I’m a girl lifting heavy and properly (im use to it no problem)
Jumper seems to be hovering around me, I can see him out the corner of my eye as I squat. He comes over periodically to check on me, interrupt and make conversation or comments.
Day two, it’s deadlift day. Dun, dun, dunnnnnnnn.
Jumpers not here I’m kinda relieved.
I double up on the mats like I was told to.
I got my little area set up and I’m ready to go.
I start on my first set, I’m in the zone, he gets there, sees me and frantically rushes over to me and I see him mid lift and wonder «what’s going on now» I take off my headphones and stop and he realizes I do have two mats down like I’m suppose to gives me the thumbs up and goes back to the desk.
My sets get heavier. I’m controlling the weight and putting them down as quietly and carefully as I can trying to respect the rules. I move on to accessory work and mid set, jumper interrupts and decides to show me proper deadlift form, gives me some advice on how to put the weights down and then suggests that when I deadlift I place the barbell down over these two large wooden planks and do block pulls. I’m frustrated at this point. I’m pressed on time, My set is interrupted again and what he’s telling me is a little too much.
Example:” this isn’t a cross fit gym” «you don’t have to load the bar with so much weight every time if you can’t handle it» «you were dropping the bar and causing too much vibration in the gym» «you don’t have to release the bar from your hands»
I’m taken back. I thought I was quiet and did a good job and not making too much noise or putting the barbell down to hard. I told him I wasn’t going to deadlift like what he recommended. I apologized and said that next time I’ll do a better job and fix my error and I sincerely meant it. He wasn’t listening and didn’t like that too much. The guy next to me chuckled as he noticed my frustration and said «yeah, that’s jumper» So, this seems like the territory that comes with working out here.
I returned the next day with my bf, and either these people saw my post on ig about what happened with my deadlift video (because I tagged the gym) or because my bf is here with me the atmosphere was different. He deadlifted, I squatted, jumper stayed away and there were no issues.
Deadlifting was my only issue I found here. It’s not gonna work out because of that. What am I gonna do when I take 405 for a ride one day and I have to constantly worry about putting the bar down super gentle. Its like walking on egg shells. And I had a hunch this was going to happen. I’m a little bummed but sadly this environment just wasn’t for me.

If someone is very serious about not only getting into top physical shape and taking it further then Stern’s Gym is the place. Despite the gym’s laid back antiquity, it’s functional and fitness needs can easily be met from beginner to pros who work alongside one another. A gym that looks «State of the Art» does not always mean the results are the same. It’s that antiquity with decades of combined knowledge and experience from personal trainers who were bodybuilding pros, not someone with a college degree and some NESTA certificate. The pictures on the walls are what it’s about. The place is very clean and well cared for by Jumper.

I was in search for a local gym in the North Park/​Normal Heights area to fulfill my lifting needs. The only reason I go to the gym is to use a squat rack and the showers. For the most part, everything else that I train with is outdoors, thanks to wonderful San Diego!
I was looking for something simple and low key. Good price. No pretentiousness. And of course, the squat rack!
Stern’s is that and so much more! I’ve been going here for almost a year and I love it! They have a great introductory rate for six months for $ 150. It’s a great place to train with a solid community of local lifters and exercise junkies. This place is the oldest gym in San Diego! They have pictures of Arnold, Lou Ferrigno, and other famous body builders all over the walls. It gives the place a real down to Earth, let’s sweat and grunt, and have a great training session feel!
It’s not a posh club like a lot of places around San Diego. It’s real old school. Which is what I love about it. You have to know that going in to it as well. If you want something modern and clean around the edges, this is not the place! But, if what you do want is an awesome, low key, old school, kind of gym where you can just go and lift hard and heavy, the way I like, then Stern’s is the place to be in the North Park area.

The line between between «legend» and a «washed up has been» can be a fine line…
As you walk up the dingy stairs — photos of weight lifting legends line the walls. The place is no frills, chill, everything a true 24-​Hour hating gym rat could want… right?
Wrong. The place is a DUMP. When I worked out there, a third of the gyms lights were off. All the equipment is old and janky. There is ZERO room in the place. The only two squat racks have about 2 feet of walking distance behind them before there’s another machine. The plates are old rusted iron. The «locker room» is a 4 foot plywood wall that partions off a section of the one-​room gym. The one and only «shower» is literally an RV type shower closet.
Worst of all: the place has the audacity to charge over $ 20/​mo for membership. A place like this should at least get on the Gold’s Gym business model and charge super cheap dues.
To add insult to injury my «Free Workout» coupon I printed off their website was not honored so I got a $ 9 one day pass, but they forced me to also buy a $ 3 towel because «all members must have towels, it’s the law…»
I don’t care if this is San Diego’s oldest gym. I don’t care is Arnold ejaculated in the shower here… this place is run down, nasty, and an awful place to lift at — ESPECIALLY if you are a serious lifter.
Rant off.

This gym is living history and should be considered an official San Diego landmark/​treasure.
The owner, Shannon, a former Mr. Michigan, is very friendly, knowledgable, and helpful.
The gym is clean and very affordable. I see some reviews make mention of the equipment. If you don’t have a previous history of working out in bodybuilding gyms, this will be a great change of scenery for you. Lots of steel and not so much of those modern machines that make everything dummyproof. Learning how to lift weights isn’t hard but it does take patience.
Thanks, Shannon!

Bodybuilder Mecca! It’s a gym that deserves respect and is run by former mr. Detroit. If your looking for a place to learn so bodybuilding history or just meet some cool people this is the place to go. Day passes are pretty cheap too about 8 $.

Great old school gym. No A/​C, so it can be crazy hot in the summer. Never crowded.

I’ve been going to Stern’s Gym for a few years now and I can’t recommend it enough. Although it’s important to know that this gym is best suited for people who lift as their main form of exercise. There’s no yoga or pilates classes. There are cardio machines, but it’s a small part of the gym. What this gym has and what it does best are lots and lots of weights and machines. Two squat racks and lots of 45’s make this a great spot for power lifters, and the dumbells go from 5lbs to over 100.
For a lot of people that may sound intimidating, but the staff and the members are the most welcoming, non-​judgmental, informative, and encouraging gym goers you’ll find anywhere. No one is coming to Stern’s to try and impress anyone or look for a date. Instead people go there to lift, hangout, and have a good time.
Membership rates make Stern’s very affordable, and signing up you won’t ever be tricked by hidden fees or weird catches.
If you live near North Park and you just bought Starting Strength, or you’ve been lifting for years, you should definitely check out Stern’s Gym.

Best old school gym in San Diego. Owned and operated by Shannon Brown. Seasoned veteran bodybuilder, power lifter, etc. Great coach and knows his stuff.

I give this gym 5 stars because it is owned and operated by a former body builder thats been here forever. It is all the lifting essentials along with functional cardio equipment, showers, locker room and sauna. I specifically come here to do and get what I paid for. If you are looking for anything more other than lifting, endurance and cardio training go to a fitness club and get all the perks. This gym has so much history behind it in the heart of North Park. The way they let you pay month to month or all up front is super affordable with no credit bs. I’m writing this review in the sauna now, and just like the gym it may be small but its all I need. The essentials!

This is a Journeymen’s Gym, designed for Lifters-​Bodybuilders, Powerlifters, Strength Athletes, Physique Competitors. The operative word here is function, if you want pretty, you’ll need to go to a «fitness club». This is a good gym for the budget crowd, straight-​up pricing, no contracts, no auto-​debits to a credit card or checking account. Mr Brown is AWESOME; the perfect example of a small business owner who is passionate about what he does because he’s done it.

best gym in san diego. everything you need, nothing you dont

I have been going to Stern’s Gym off and on for many years. I love the old school atmosphere, and equipment, and music. Shannon, the owner is the nicest guy and loves motivating the members and is happy to give you technique tips. And «Jumper «at the front desk is awesome and takes great pride in his job. Sterns is not a «fluffy gym», NOT a meat market and you don’t have to worry about looking «cute». The very best thing about Stern’s though is the characters that «work out» there.
BUT…
The personal trainers are pathetic. I do not want a guy training me who’s legs are twigs and he obviously never trains his legs. Gross. Also, I expect my trainer to have good posture. The bald guy who is a «trainer» there is a poor representation of a great gym. I just do not get that.

This place is one of a kind. Being from Chicago, it has a very midwestern feel in the sense that you’re greeted with sincerity and genuineness. As you walk up the 28 stairs, it’s like stepping into a time machine and going back to the golden era of weight lifting in the 1970’s…Kind of reminiscent of a gym you’d see Arnold training at in Pumping Iron. The cardio equipment is modern, and the machines are older, probably 20 or 30 years, but they are maintained and fully functional… For people who like brand new equipment my response is this, «You can’t reinvent the wheel.» and, «It’s not always the machines fault, it’s the operator.»
As others have mentioned, it is a very colorful gym with interesting photos in one of a kind locations, and there is no shortage of characters in this place… MC Hammer pants are apparently still in style;-)
If you’re trying to workout in a meat market, this place is not for you. However, if your primary goal with exercise is to work out in an environment that you’re comfortable with, receive top notch customer service, and most importantly GET RESULTS (Great personal trainers btw), then do not hesitate to try this place out!

This place isn’t for everyone, but If you are truly interested in working out, gaining some old school knowledge & learning the history of bodybuilding, this is the place for you. It is a old school gym, you’re there to train your body, not look pretty! No one here cares what you wear or if your not wearing the latest gym gear. It is small but honestly i’ve never waited around for a machine or bench like at the other big name places.
The owner Shannon Brown is a former professional bodybuilder and one of the nicest people i’ve met, he is always coming by to talk and workout with you, and share his knowledge with you. The staff is incredibly friendly and the trainers are there to help you achieve your goals. Stern’s is like a small town gym where everyone knows everyone, i laugh every time i go in, there are some real characters here! Some people have been there over 40yrs & still members. There are people there that are huge bodybuilders but they make you feel really welcomed, i’m small & i’ve never felt intimidated or anything!
I go with my gf, she loves this place, so girls if you just want to go workout and not worry about having to dress up and be judged, give this place a shot.
The machines and weights are old but get the job done. I kinda like the old machines and weights and knowing i could be using the same equipment Arnold Schwarzenegger or Lou Ferrigno possibly used.
Only downside to me is the hours on weekends, they do close at 5 on Saturday and i believe 4 on Sunday, but they do open very early! Overall i love this place and this will be my gym as long as im living in San Diego.

I have been going to this gym for over 10 years. The owner and employees are knowledgeable and walk you through the machines. They take a personal interest in the people that use their gym, if you come in with a goal in mind, they are going to help you reach it… like I said, this is an EXCELLENT place to work out!

I walked in to this place when I was searching for a gym in the area. The gentleman behind the counter gave me a tour of the place and I was a little less than impressed. I understand that there’s a history to the place, but gym history doesn’t factor into my fitness decisions.
The gym has enough equipment to facilitate a moderate sized building, but it’s packed into a small space. This may have just been my impression, but it didn’t seem that cleanliness wasn’t a top priority here. It looked like the benches and other equipment had a sort of grease/​sweat sheen to them that was less than appealing. The machines seemed to be as antiquated as the gym itself. The gym seems to cater more to the serious weightlifter rather than the average person looking for an after work fitness session. While I’m sure you can get all the exercise and weight lifting you could want here, there are cheaper and cleaner options just up the road.

I’ve joined this gym on 2 – 3 separate occasions over the years, but then let the membership lapse. The reason is simply that the equipment is ANCIENT!
The other reviewers are right in saying that it is an authentic, old fashioned gym that you just don’t see anymore. It definitely does have charm and character. But if you heard those words to describe a house or a car, wouldn’t you run in the other direction?
Worth a visit, as are most other museums in San Diego.

As the 1^st reviewer mentions, Stern’s is bare necessities. However it could very well be the least expensive gym in San Diego since there are no initiation fees. I’ve been a member for one year now and I still remember my 1^st day there when one of the trainers was convincing me to join and told me the history of the place… used to be you had to bench 300 lbs. to be a member and how Arnold himself had worked out here before.
I am always telling my friends about my ghetto gym in North Park that is full of funny stories and characters. People are always boogeying on down to some excellent tunes of yesteryear and talking smack for fun. I’ve even seen someone working out in a bullet proof vest.
One time «Virtual Insanity» by Jamiroquai looped on and on for 45 minutes straight because the guy manning the desk fell asleep slouching in his chair and watching Spanish dating shows on the TV.
And really, that’s why I go here. It’s got what I need to work out and it provides some excellent entertainment in the form of unintentional comedy. Unless a much better gym brings down their prices to a more reasonable level I won’t be leaving my little ghetto gym in North Park.