VyAyr Fitness

Vy Ayr is a magical way to start the day ! I attend the 5:30 am class and arrive at Chrissie Field bundled up in a ski jacket and layers. It’s cold but after a few warm up
Exercises, the layers come off ! Although quite dark at that early hour, it’s beautiful seeing the stars and the moon while cruise ships arrive into the SF port. I feel empowered as most everyone is still sleeping! Coach Kristi is always warm and engaging, we discuss tv shows, bands politics and have a lot of laughs. My body looks great and my soul is nourished!

Love Kristi! She’s a fantastic personal trainer and boot camp is super fun! She’s really good at tailoring her workouts for your needs — even managed to get a good workout with all three of my very little kids running around.

I first met Kristi Dowler about a decade ago at bootcamp. I was at a low point in my fitness after being very athletic and very motivated for most of my life up until then. An injury, a job with long hours and it had spiraled down fast. One session of bootcamp and things had literally turned around just.like.that. Workouts are varied (so never boring), fabulous (every level of fitness can be accommodated for every exercise presented so intense as you need them to be to progress), in a beautiful setting (Crissy Field) and doled out with great encouragement (courtesy of Kristi). She is supportive of each woman like she’s an athlete, whether they’re fit or not and motivates you in a positive way.
Fast forward to a couple years ago…3 kids in 2 years and very little time of my own… what to do? I couldn’t make it to bootcamp… enter Kristi — as a personal trainer! You get the same amazing bootcamp but with a workout tailored to you, and at the location of your choosing (she came to my house and we used my lawn, the sidewalk, the steps, you name it). Kristi can make a workout ANYWHERE and she can make it intense. And in Kristi’s PT you get the same encouragement and support whatever your fitness goals. She treats you like the athlete that every woman has in there somewhere, whether you ARE an athlete or not.
I know that no matter what my ups and downs are with fitness, Kristi will be there to pick up wherever I am and get me back on the road to fitness… whatever that may mean to me at different stages of my life!

Kristi’s all women boot camp is the best thing women can do for themselves. I did the bootcamp several years ago, but had to stop due to horrible back problems for almost 3 years. I started again last Fall, and realized that one of my favorite things about VyAyr Fitness (in addition to it being only women!) is that Kristi will push you as hard as you want to be pushed, but all of her exercises can be modified to deal with injury or soreness or even just laziness one day. Kristi really supports your overall health, and the group of women are fun, funny and supportive as well. What better way to start the day than by watching the sun rise from Crissy Field. Ladies, give yourself this gift — you won’t regret it!

This is long overdue.
I’ve been working out with Kristi for at least 8, almost 9 years. She has kept me in great shape. Her classes are fun, they change every day, and she always gives you room to push yourself harder.
I’m getting married in 3 months and I don’t need to go on a crazy diet or stress out over fitting into my dress, I’m already tone, trim and feel great!
Kristi has a passion for fitness and she knows how to make it fun.
If you’re looking for a results, look no further.

Its back to boot camp in January for me. I’ve been going for several years and can’t say enough great things about Krisiti and her coaching. Being outdoors and having my workout done by 6 30 Am is the best feeling. When I first started I thought, if I can only get through one week and then next and then the next. Well 4 years later I’m still here and can’t imagine not getting my early morning Chrissy field work out in. The routines change constantly and just when I think I’ve mastered one new exercise, Kristi has something new up her sleeve to keep my muscles challenged.

I’ve been going to VyAyr’s boot camp since October 2008 and I must say it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done. I don’t consider myself a hardcore athlete by any stretch of the imagination but there is something completely invigorating about being able to watch the sunrise with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background at «my outdoor gym.» In fact, I cancelled my traditional gym membership just a few months after working with VyAyr.
I’ll admit that getting up early in the morning is sometimes hard (I’m not really a morning person) but it’s ALWAYS totally worth it. There is a great sense of friendship and connectedness with the other women. I’m genuinely happy to see them and share a chat or a funny story while we’re working out. Kristi (owner of VyAyr) designs very innovative workouts — challenging, never boring and flexible to accomodate all fitness levels. She genuinely cares about all her clients which translates to a personal attention (email reminders to make up missed days, availability for 1:1 questions after class, etc.) that is more attune to a session with a personal trainer.
I really can’t say enough good things about Kristi and VyAyr because for the last three and a half years, I’ve maintained a consistent and challenging fitness routine, lost a few pounds, have gotten significantly stronger and have had fun while doing it. Definitely give VyAyr a try — it’s totally worth it!

I attended my first Vyayr boot camp session in June 2008 because I wasn’t using my gym membership and knew I needed to kick start my fitness. And almost 4 years later I think I’ve only missed one or two sessions! I love Vyayr. I love getting my work out done so early in the day, I love working out outside in such a beautiful setting, and I love the the friendships I’ve made with the instructors and the other campers. I thought the early mornings would be hard for me but I always feel so good when I go to camp that I find it easy to get out of bed and go. I don’t even mind the weather — layers and some gloves are helpful and as soon as we’ve done the warm up I find that I’m already shedding clothes. I really cannot recommend Vyayr enough! If you are looking for a change in your work out routine come join us!

I’m not very good at writing these, but everything I have to say is positive! I’m almost through my first month with Vyayr and I plan to come back in upcoming months. The workouts are great, instructors are amazing, and it’s the best way to start your day!

At the beginning of 2010, I got pretty sick and fell way, way, WAY out of shape. You know how when you get a cold and can’t work out and then suddenly it’s been two weeks since you last ran and happy hour sounds way better than the gym? (Well, way better than normal. When doesn’t happy hour sound better than the gym?) That was me, times ten. I was super tired, had lots of joint pain, and could maybe run a slow mile. One. I also have one of those awesome desk-​bound jobs and work a lot.
When I was ready to get back into shape, I turned to Kristi for help. I’d known her since before Vyayr and knew she had the right experience (i.e. no shady certification) and style for me. I’ve been working with Kristi one on one for several months now and couldn’t be more excited about reclaiming my body. My workouts are constantly changing and HARD. Kristi is fanatical about form and I never worry about getting hurt. I get homework (which, yes, I need). I get encouragement. I’m up to three miles, 2x/​week (that’s really good for me). And best of all, I can beat my husband in arm-​wrestling now!

I am not an athlete. I am not a gym rat. For me, a good week was a spin class and a nice long walk with the dog if it was sunny enough. But with a wedding fast approaching, I knew I needed to do something to kick myself in gear. But the idea of a boot camp was terrifying. Running! Push ups! Jumping jacks! All outside in freezing San Francisco before the sun comes up. This did not sound like my cup of tea.
Fast forward five weeks, and I am a total convert. The VyAyr crew is amazing– they’re super motivating, they keep it fun, they keep you entertained, and it’s the perfect mix of challenging but achievable. I get to watch the sun rise at Crissy Field, and I am energized the whole day from my work outs. It’s seriously an amazing workout that you will not hate.
Oh, and as for results? I’ve dropped a dress size in five weeks. Wedding dress here I come!

Ladies, you may think you’re not a morning person… but the way you feel after bootcamp will make you determined to be a morning person!
I found VyAyr through Unilocal and I’m so glad I did because it’s changed how I view fitness. I work out of the city and get home late and have always struggled with getting to the gym in the evening.
Now by 7am I’m done !! I go to work feeling great and satisfied that I’ve done something for myself and I get to spend the evening doing what I want instead of beating myself up about working out.
I go to South Beach bootcamp which is just off 4^th street, across the canal from Berry Street. It’s a lovely park that I didn’t even know existed and the ladies that go are alot of fun.
I get to see the sun come up and the weather is always just right for a work out.
I’ve been going now for almost a year (maybe more, I forget) and it’s now part of my lifestyle. I miss it when we have a camp break.
I encourage you all to give it a try. South Beach camp is at 6am and it’s at your pace. You can go as hard as you want to. Kristi and her trainers are attentive to your form but understand if it’s just not your morning!
I LOVE Vyayr!
I also do personal training with Kristi and I enjoy every minute.

I started VyAyr Bootcamp last fall after reading all of the phenomenal reviews here on Unilocal.Like others, I hate working out. I detest getting up early. I’ve bounced around from gym to gym. But I was never really happy until I found Vy Ayr. There really is no more gorgeous setting than sunrise at Crissy Field, the Golden Gate Bridge and the SF skyline to work out at (your indoor gym will never feel the same!). Kristi is an amazing coach, full of energy and humor and entertaining stories which actually helps you take your mind off of the painful (but oh so worth it) ab and glute exercises you might be doing. No matter your skill or fitness level, you can go at your own pace, while still getting a great work out.
I stopped going for a couple of months (my travel and work schedule was too grueling) and it showed in my physique and my morning attitude! There’s a great comradery among the boot campers, and it is so wonderful to see the same people every morning out for their walks, taking their dogs for a run, and just enjoying SF life. And you always leave invigorated and ready to face the day ahead. Highly, highly, highly recommended.

I’m REALLY lazy. I’m also a bit vain… and vanity wins out over laziness time to time — especially when faced with an impending summer in los angeles and… dun dun dun… bathing suit season, as I am now. So… I signed up for the 3 sessions per week for one month package with VyAyr in their Crissy Field location to put a little umph into my bikini body.
First — the instructor. Kristi is amazing. Not only is she herself incredibly athletic and active — she’s really personable. She’s the type of person that remembers you and what’s going on in your life. Very friendly and warm. Most importantly, keeps the class going — her energy is really contagious and she’s great at keeping us on our toes and motivating us. She’s more of an exercise facilitator than a bootcamp leader — there’s no screaming or yelling here.
Second — the exercise class itself. I love how each day is different — the core exercises are the same, squats, lunges, crunches, light cardio, but Kristi repackages them in ways that challenge you each time and keep it interesting. Of course I have my faves and the ones I shudder to think about (mountain climbers… ick), but overall great workout.
Third — results. Honestly, I haven’t lost much weight in terms of pounds, but I definitely look toned and feel stronger.
Fourth — location. Sure, it’s pretty foggy some days… but on those glorious sunny days… there’s no feeling like smelling that fresh air and seeing the gg bridge over the bay early in the morning.
And… all this is from a camper who missed a class time to time. I’m lazy… I already admitted this… but hey… Kristi motivated me enough to BIKE 2 miles to get to Crissy Field and then exercise for an hour and then bike BACK another 2 miles for most of the days.

I have been going to the 6 a.m. South Beach boot camp regularly since November, and I love it. I will admit, it’s hard to get out of bed at 5:30, but if there was ever a great motivator, it’s Sarah. She is encouraging and pushes you without intimidating you.
The workouts are always different, so after 5 months I have not gotten bored. I’ve lost 10 lbs, and I actually quit my gym — this is a much better workout than I was doing on my own on a treadmill. I am hooked.

Ladies, don’t let the term «bootcamp» deter you from trying this type of workout. I am in the southbeach group and was directed to it from fellow Unilocalers. VyAyr (although admittedly I continue to struggle with spelling it) consists of an amazing group of devoted, funny, and knowledgeable instructors. The routines are by no means «routine,» so you can always expect a whole body workout, which keeps you guessing. Yet, you can go at your own pace to ensure you do as much as you are presently fit for.
VyAyr puts the ASS (all shapes and sizes) in class. So if you are hesitant because you lack athletic skills or have fallen so far off the wagon the dust has settled since you last saw it round the corner of your hips, this is the class that can help you buy a ticket to the health train. Besides, who rides in wagons anyways– I mean if our ancestors could have chosen to take a train or a car instead of covered wagon to cross the states…
Also, a note on something VyAyr does which I find so great– they take an initial body assesment prior to each camp. This short, private, office-​type meeting with your instructor puts your current size and your goals into quanitifable measures. They take weight (yeah yeah, ugh), measurements (bust, waist, hips thighs, legs, arms, calves), and calipers (body fat percentage) and create and excel sheet for you. This small detail is actually what has personally motivated me to start eating healthier and limit alcohol intake, because for me, seeing positive results is incentive to assume a more comprehensive lifestyle change.
The one hour classes in Soutbeach are at 6am and 7am, and at Crissy field at 5:30 and 6:30am. Free classes if you need a test drive, but consider just committing to it. The price for the whole four week camps are 200 for 3 days a week, 260 for 4 days a week and 300 for 5 days a week. Cheaper than dinner for two at Epic Roasthouse. Crap, now I’m hungry.

I joined this class so when I go home, I don’t have to listen to BS from my mom about how heavy I look. Adolescent? Mom issues? Superficial?
Yes, yes and yes.
What I didn’t expect was to LOVE it. Sarah is the coach in the morning at South Beach/​Mission Park. In the last 2 weeks, I have felt fitter, I run faster even on my own and I love the post workout soreness. Call me a glutton for punishment but I am truly hooked. I love the camaraderie which is there in the 6 am morning class. I have become a true addict to this place. to the point where I blew off plans in the night because I had to get up in the morning for boot camp.
Thank you Sarah for making this the best part of my day!

My Review is for both the VyAyr Fitness Boot camp for Women AND their personal training.
I am now in my 1^st week of my 2^nd Boot Camp. I am part of the South Beach Group. I found this through fellow Unilocalers — THANK YOU. I was so nervous my first time going. And when I got there, I found the training to be a big challenge but FUN and VERY REWARDING! The fellow boot campers, Kristi and Sarah are so helpful and very motivating along with being very funny. We always laugh a lot which to me is a big plus and a great way to start your day.
Since I have started, I have already lost 5 pounds and the best part of it, I have a ton more energy. I am now hooked on this type of workout. Hmmm, maybe I should cancel my gym membership?
I have also started doing personal one-​on-​one training with Sarah, which I will continue to do along with the boot camp. Sarah is very patient with me and is teaching me a lot.
I strongly recommend this to any gal who wants to get back in shape, get more energy and make new friends.

It’s my second week in this program and I’m finally not walking around like I just got back from an eight hour horse ride.. .VyAyr kicks my ass in the best way! I do the «before the sun comes up» session and though I grumble as I get out of bed to get there, I never regret it as I leave another successful workout only an hour later.
VyAyr picks competent trainers that run targeted and varied workouts for all levels. I’ve also been going to the new Mission Bay location in South Beach (good for all those Po’ Hill folks like me) and I’ve been working with trainer Sarah who is awesome (I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting the famed Kristi who obviously get’s a lot of love in these Unilocal reviews).
I can’t say much for results since it’s only been two weeks, but I FEEL better which is the most important thing. If I keep it up, I’m sure I could transform into a supermodel version of my lovely lady lump body eventually.. .
It was Unilocal reviews that got me to sign up for this program — you should do the same. Get on with your buff bootcamp self.. .

When I signed up for VyAyr on the recommendation of a good friend, I was, well, not the picture of physical fitness. At least I had quit smoking and lost some weight. But running? Weights? Squats? Not so much. In fact, not at all.
Today was my last class for the first four week session and I am sad that we have a week off. Because I love it that much. I get out of my very warm bed at 5:15, walk the dog (the lucky bastard gets to go back to bed!), take my husband to his gym, and get my still half asleep ass to the 6:30 class in the Marina. And it is amazing. Some time during the class, the sun comes up. I may be huffing away and doing #300 in a set of 450 lunges or squats, but I get to look at the Golden Gate Bridge and pretty boats. And all the other women are really cool.
Best of all? After a month, not only am I stronger, my body fat percentage totally dropped and, as my husband put it — I have ass muscles.
Thanks Kristi! Thanks Courtney!

Yeah like Kristi needs another glowing review… but here’s mine:
I found this boot camp on Unilocal (THANKS UnilocalERS!) and I was definitely against it… but after reading the reviews, I thought I’d give it a shot. Waking up early is not my thing, working out is not my thing, but I go and I do it and I’m done for the day. I don’t even go regularly — I have skipped a few sessions — and I lost a size already in six weeks. Seriously.
I like to say Kristi motivates with shame and humiliation but really it’s sarcasm and humor. She never shames, even today when my body fat composition was twice what it should be, I did not feel like she was secretly judging me from inside her mini triathlete body. Rather, I felt motivated to sign up for my third session.
DAMN YOU KRISTI!

So I hate working out. I’ve always hated it. It’s unpleasant and not fun. Then I started VyAyr bootcamp with Kristi. She’s sarcastic, funny and keeps me motivated. I only do the 3 day a week session and then combine it with my own workouts the rest of the week. I lost 8 lbs in 3 ½ weeks and counting.
I have to admit that I was not too keen on the idea of paying someone to get me to workout. I already pay to go to the gym, that should have been enough. Sometimes you need to pay a little extra to get someone to «firmly» encourage you to get up off your arse and work it. I’m very glad to have been introduced to VyAyr bootcamp and will be doing another session. You should try it. Drop in is free the first two times.

A miracle happened about two weeks ago. I started waking up before the sun.
Pretty much nothing ever before could have forced me to wake up this early in the godforsaken morning. Nothing. My entire life I’ve had this incredible ability to sleep until midafternoon. I didn’t believe all the reviews that said it was possible. I was pretty sure I would flake halfway though the program.
So here’s the freaky thing: I actually like getting up and exercising early in the morning. I’m thinking of upping the number of days I go. Not sure how much weight has been dropped yet (I made my husband hide the scale until the first month is over), but I have a lot more energy after just two weeks and I feel better.
If you’re on the fence, just do it. Seriously — if I can wake up and jump rope, jog short distances and do THAT many lunges, you can too.

South Beach Booty Camp rocks. I feel stronger, my booty feels tighter, and I love working out with Courtney and the hardcore group of women that show up for the 6am workout at Mission Creek Park. There are women of all sizes and fitness levels. If you did team sports in school and miss the comaraderie and commiserating of a team work out… then this is the work out group for you.
(Those of us who have trouble working out because we are easily bored like it too.)