Salt

Having gone to the barre fight class 6-​ish times I’d say my main issues are: (1) they really overbook the classes, they get really full and there isn’t enough space to really move around without worrying that you’ll hit someone or they’ll run into you. (2) The routines get pretty mundane, it’s almost the same every time. (3) Same goes for the music, it’s almost the same every time.
Pro: Melissa is a great instructor!

I finally checked out their 7 X 7 class and I definitely prefer it over the Barre Fight class. It is literally 7 exercises that you repeat for 30 seconds each with a 15 second break in between and then you do the entire sequence SEVEN fricking times. The special 7 for the day were squat jacks alternating with jumping jacks, high plank with a release on each hand and push up, high knees, arm lift with sand bag, alternating lunges with sand bag, squat press with sand bag, and the dreaded burpees. It was super annoying and hard to motivate myself since I knew that every exercise I was doing, I would have to do six more times. But, at the end of the workout, I did feel literally like I was about to collapse. So, yes it is annoying to do it seven times, but yes, I will reluctantly admit that I got a great workout. At first I thought the 15 second pause was weird… but then by the time you reach the literal limit of your body, you will be living for the 15 second pauses in between.
However, I still do not think that this is a good place for a beginner. There was literally no correction on movements being done and I saw several people that did not have the correct form. The teacher in me really wanted to let them know because it really is not safe to do such intense exercises without the proper form. I really think they need to stress to their instructors the importance of correcting individuals because otherwise you could just do the entire 7 X 7 sequence in the comfort of your home.
Even better was the glorious shower that I took after which I had literally been thinking about and looking forward to the entire time… because their shower is beautiful and has way nicer body products than my own bathroom. They use MALIN & GOETZ products… so refreshing with all natural products safe for sensitive skin! Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, lotion, towels – they’ve got it all for your dream shower. They even have Q-​tips, cotton pads, and feminine products.
TLDR: Like I said in my previous review, this is definitely not my favorite workout place but the studio is gorgeous and conveniently located, the bathroom/​showers make me feel pampered, and I do sweat and get somewhat of a good workout (especially with 7 X 7). It’s not a good place for newbies.

Love this place! Staff is welcoming and you’re guaranteed to get an excellent workout. The 7×7 class is my fav and one of the most dynamic strength workouts. I’ve only taken it with Melissa, the owner, because I love her training style so much. Melissa and her playlists will motivate you despite the fact that your quads are burning and your legs and lungs just might give up.
I’m always challenged by the unique, combo moves that often combine strength, cardio and stretching. The circuits are repeated throughout (7 rounds of 7 moves) the class which allows you to improve form and intensity as you power through the routine. I’m more defined and stronger since taking a bunch of 7×7 classes. Each class is different so your body won’t plateau. Woot!

So studio is clean and really pretty. I really wanted to love this place since it’s close by to where I live however it didn’t meet my expectations. I’ve done both workouts and while I did sweat and it did feel like a workout, I felt like it was a workout I could have done at home with a dvd.
The flow of the workout was off with too many water breaks and stopping in between that were unnecessary while the instructors find the right music. The music needs a lot of work. There’s a lot of repeat songs which was annoying. I almost walked out of class because it was so off.
They could also do a before job on correcting form. Upside is that it’s on class pass and I live next door. They are still new so I’m hoping it will get better.

I’m really pleased to have discovered such a great studio so close to where I live. The workouts are engaging and exhausting, and I love the subtle soreness that stays with me from attending these classes regularly! The instructors at SALT have been very good with helping me find modifications to any exercises that may exacerbate my various injuries. I really like the focus on pushing your limits while listening to your own body. The classes are fantastic, but the sense of community that the core team at SALT has created really sets it apart. It feels like I am dropping in on friends (who will subsequently kick my ass in the studio) every time I come to a class. Exhaustion is much more welcome in a friendly environment! Thanks so much to Melissa and her lovely team!

I really like this place. Apparently it’s been open roughly 2 months, and I think the location is perfect. We don’t need another BBQ /​pizza /​hipster dive bar on Divis, we need more workout classes!
As the photos show, the studio is super sleek, clean, and has a beachy, laid back vibe. I tried the barre flight class and I liked that they mix in mat Pilates, kickboxing, and traditional barre exercises so you get a full body workout and never get bored.
Instructor was super engaged and upbeat without being robotic, and I like she actually did all of the exercises with us. (Never quite trust those instructors who just stand there and preach ;)
I heard they are adding more classes soon and I plan to check them all out.

Ok… so last year (2014) I let myself go. I got completely out of sync with life and gained nearly 30lbs in 12 months. The extra weight was more than just that, it affected me emotionally as well as physically. I swore I would get back in shape… and I did. From January 2015 up till the summer I dropped the extra 30 and even gained some great muscle mass. But I never felt GREAT. I had plateaued. I got bored. Despite losing the extra baggage, I was still sluggish. I started to slip again into an unhealthy routine. Even though I was still working out… I was NOT healthy.
Now, for the last 2 months I have been an active member at SALT. Taking both the 7×7 and Barre Fight classes. I can honestly say these classes have 100% changed my perception of what it means to be «in shape». I have developed better range of motion, better core strength, agility, energy… and I look pretty good too. I’ve she’d another 5 lbs and I’m working out muscle groups I didn’t know existed.
The 7×7 class is a mix of heart pulsing high impact cardio and stabilizing, slow control weight training. The utilization of weighted sand bags help throw your major and minor muscle groups for a bit of a loop. You might be thinking; HOLY SHIT THIS IS HARD. Well it should be, but there is ALWAYS a regression built in, so no need to cry. Unless you are doing burpees, then please, cry.
The Barre Fight class is the bane of my existence (in the most amazing way). As a 30 year old man I have never before spent any time doing isometric glute work or pliés on a ballet barre. You know that scene in EVERY football movie where the offensive linemen are taking ballet? IT’S CUZ IT’S HARD. It is also amazing. I’m gaining mobility, feeling light on my feet. Also, my ass looks great. But this class balances barre work by sandwiching it between intense kickboxing routines. You’ll sweat.
Sidebar…
I have never before in my 30 years taken part in a group workout setting, so naturally I was nervous. These are not beginner classes and some of the movements and positioning can be both intimidating and difficult. But Melissa and her staff are there to help you. They are professionals and no question or concern is brushed aside. They work in regressions for each exercise and help make the individual comfortable with their movements. Pushing yourself is encouraged but the instructors always make you feel comfortable when it’s time to take a step back (LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!)
PS — each class ends with core strengthening. ABSolutely intense shit.
So…
to wrap things up… SALT may not be for everyone and that is OK! But, if you are looking for a gym that will push your limits both mentally and physically, help you get over that plateau, and leave you feeling energized and accomplished. Well then, Salt is the cure.
Cheers
NJB

The workouts here… ARE. NOT. EASY.
Great instructors. Really clean and well designed facility. And most importantly the people that work out there come to the gym to get in shape, not to flex in front of mirrors.
Highest recommendation possible. Support this gym people.

Oh my! What a workout! Did the 7×7 for the first time yesterday and will be back tomorrow morning to do it again! Melissa is an awesome instructor and makes you feel comfortable no matter your level. Salt is indeed the cure!

I really wanted to like this place and the unique workouts offered here but there were just too many ‘dislikes’ to justify the price tag. The space looks really nice but the large pillar in the center of the class’s studio is not ideal. However, my biggest issue with Salt (I took both Barre Fight and the 7×7 classes) stems from the inexperience of the instructors. Despite the very small class sizes, the instructors seemed to be totally uninterested in the students and seemed as if they were working out for themselves. While leading the class, the instructors faced away from the students (the same direction as the students) even when doing floor exercises, which made seeing what they were actually doing very difficult. Lastly, the music played during the classes is way too loud and makes it almost impossible to hear what the instructor is saying. To compensate, the instructor yells countdown times at you the entire time. Bottom line, their presentation during the classes needs some work but the place has great potential following some tweaking.

I’ve heard about this place from a GF and was super excited to check it out. Since it is right down the street from me, I walked in to get more information and saw they were offering the first class free (had a display sign on the front desk mentioning this) to new members… super exciting and very intrigued. I told my roommate about the deal and after research, she was very much on board. Within the week, we signed up for the ¹⁰⁄₂₇; 6:15PM class and had a great workout. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and my roommate and I were definitely interested in signing up as the schedule and location is very convenient. After the workout, we both went to the reception desk to sign up for a memberships and I causally asked about the sign that I saw for the ‘first class free’ and the receptionist was clueless to what I mentioned, so she told me to speak to the instructor. I mentioned this to the instructor and she flat out laughed (very rude) and replied «no» in a fairly condescending manner. Needless to say, my roommate and I left the establishment sans membership.
Being a new establishment, I would have hoped for better customer service. Even if we didn’t get the deal that I saw earlier, if the instructor had handled the situation differently it would have made us feel better of the situation at hand and they wouldn’t have lost business.
Point blank, customer service was highly disappointing.

I love that a new fitness studio opened up in the neighborhood!
First off, the studio is beautiful — high ceilings, soft lighting, clean and modern. Kudos to whoever decorated this place. Amenities are nice too — towels and cups for water, plus 2 bathrooms with 1 shower if you want to get ready here before work with nice products (shampoo, lotion, etc).
The class offerings during the week are great — early morning to evening classes. It makes it easy to squeeze in a workout before or after work. There are 3 classes on Saturday and Sunday — hopefully they’ll add some Sunday afternoon/​evening classes to the schedule.
I’ve taken Barre Fight, which is a combo of barre and cardio kickboxing. Sweat factor is ⁵⁄₆ out of 10.
I’ve also taken 7×7 (my personal favorite), which is 7 30 second exercises repeated 7 times with some ab work at the end. Sweat factor is ⁷⁄₈ out of 10.

What an incredible studio! Classes offer a challenging but super fun full body workout — I was amazed at how quickly the hour went by. I’ve tried the barre fight and 7×7 classes — they will kick your butt, but you will leave feeling energized and excited to take on the rest of the day. The instructors are all so motivational and friendly. They encourage you to push yourself, but I never felt bullied or at risk of injuring myself. I’m so glad I decided to try out this unique place, and I will definitely be a regular!

So glad Salt is in the neighborhood now! Love this place. The studio is absolutely beautiful and stocked with great amenities (full showers, towels, dry shampoo, etc).
The Barre Fight class is the perfect blend of core strengthening and high-​intensity cardio. They mix things up at a perfect pace so you never get bored.
The 7×7 class is NO JOKE. This will absolutely kick your butt and get your heart rate wayyyyy up.
So glad Salt has been added to my workout routine!

I’ve now taken 2 Barre Fight classes at Salt — one with Amanda and one with Katie, and I loved them both! I don’t watch the clock at all because of the mix of barre and kick boxing. You can’t get bored. The switch up is nice, and the classes are challenging. I’m always sore a few days later and sweat a lot! Plus, the studio is super cute, and they play great music. Very happy NOPA finally has a great workout studio besides Yoga (also great), and not another new pizza place. I will continue to go here!

Really great addition to the neighborhood (aside from yoga, there aren’t many workout studio options in the panhandle/​lower haight).
The «barre fight class» is no joke! It’s a blend of mat Pilates work, barre, kickboxing and HIIT circuits. You’ll leave sore and drenched in sweat.

I have taken a couple of classes at Salt since they first opened and they are amazing. I left feeling energetic and new! The owner and instructor Melissa is an extremely educated woman on fitness and health. She modified the class for me to make sure my special needs, due to a slight injury were met.
Ive been telling all my friends about this beautiful new studio space. It’s just what this neighborhood needs! With super affordable classes, a fun light atmosphere and friendly, educated staff! 5 stars for SALT.