On any given day in Oakland’s buzzing Hive courtyard, a space known for its creative energy and local culture, you’ll find people lifting, laughing, and pushing through personal boundaries at Nu Fitness. Steps from Drake’s Dealership and surrounded by the pulse of the city, this community-based fitness hub is not your typical gym—and that’s by design.
Founded and led by Nick Baltazar, Nu Fitness has carved out a unique place in the East Bay’s wellness scene by doing what so few fitness centers manage to do: putting people before programs. This people-first approach has earned Nu Fitness a loyal following, a thriving fitness family, and most recently, the title of Winner in the 2025 Best of Oakland Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Personal Trainers. This is the second year in a row!
“It’s never just about the hour in the gym,” says Baltazar. “It’s about what we’re helping people build outside of it—confidence, strength, resilience, and long-term health.”
A Vision That Evolved Into a Movement
Nu Fitness began with a simple yet powerful idea: that fitness should be personalized, sustainable, and joyful. From day one, Baltazar—who holds a degree in Human Physiology and brings over a decade of experience in strength training, rehabilitation, and lifestyle coaching—wanted to disrupt the traditional gym model.
Instead of selling cookie-cutter gym memberships or access to rows of treadmills, Nu Fitness builds training programs around each person’s unique needs. Every plan is grounded in solid science and tailored to fit your goals, body, and lifestyle. You might be preparing for a first 10K, recovering from an injury, working to reduce stress, or aiming to feel stronger and more energized—the Nu Fitness team is ready to meet you right where you are.
This results-driven, holistic approach to fitness has led to not only impressive physical transformations but also remarkable personal growth among clients. Many speak of the program not just in terms of muscle gains or weight loss, but in how it helped them overcome fear, build consistency, or reclaim their confidence.
“You Don’t Just Have a Trainer for an Hour—You Have One, Period.”
At the core of Nu Fitness’s success is its one-on-one coaching model, which extends far beyond in-session training. Every client is supported by a team of dedicated wellness professionals who monitor progress, adjust plans, and offer support for everything from nutrition and recovery to mental resilience.
“We treat every client like an athlete,” says Baltazar. “That means giving them the resources, accountability, and support they need to succeed—not just for a few weeks, but for life.”
This full-spectrum support model is designed to promote longevity, not just aesthetics. At Nu Fitness, the focus is on functional strength, sustainable movement patterns, and injury prevention. You won’t find fads or cookie-cutter workout plans here—just solid, evidence-based programming tailored for real people with real lives.
A Tight-Knit Team with a Passion for People
Part of what makes Nu Fitness so effective—and so beloved—is the team behind the brand. Each coach is a certified specialist with a deep understanding of the human body and a shared passion for holistic wellness. But more importantly, they’re great listeners, motivators, and community builders.
“We build relationships first,” says one of Nu Fitness’s long-standing trainers. “Understanding someone’s mindset, their obstacles, their lifestyle—that’s how we help them succeed. It’s not just about sets and reps. It’s about trust.”
This deep personal connection, combined with an atmosphere of mutual support, is what keeps clients coming back—and what keeps them progressing long after the initial motivation might wane.
A Community That Celebrates Every Win
At Nu Fitness, the celebration doesn’t start and stop with awards—though the Best of Oakland 2025 honor is certainly a proud moment.
Instead, it’s the everyday wins that get the loudest cheers: a client hitting their first pull-up. A formerly injured knee completing a hike. A new mom feeling strong again. A retiree discovering that strength is ageless.
“This is a place where progress is measured in milestones, not mirrors,” says longtime client Marcus. “And where everyone—from the coaches to the community—wants to see you win.”
This culture of encouragement and accountability makes Nu Fitness one of the most inclusive and welcoming spaces in the Bay Area fitness scene. It’s not just about the fittest or the fastest—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and becoming your best self, one session at a time.
Innovation Meets Impact
Nu Fitness continues to stay on the cutting edge of fitness innovation while staying grounded in the needs of the Oakland community. Every client receives digital access to their own fully customized program—built from scratch and planned out day by day for as much activity as they’re ready to take on outside of sessions. If a client enjoys yoga, hiking, walking, or group fitness classes, the team factors those into the plan, strategically building a routine that supports the bigger picture of their health and goals. The result is a flexible, well-rounded approach that fits seamlessly into real life.
Baltazar and his team also collaborate with local health professionals, including physical therapists, massage therapists, and mental health providers, ensuring that their clients receive comprehensive care when needed.
Additionally, Nu Fitness is increasingly involved in community outreach, offering movement workshops and wellness education aimed at breaking down barriers to access and helping underserved communities in Oakland discover the power of strength and movement.
Looking Forward: The Future of Fitness Is Personal
Winning the 2025 Best of Oakland award isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a reflection of years of work, passion, and purpose. For Baltazar and the Nu Fitness team, it’s a moment to celebrate—but also a sign that they’re on the right path.
“We’re grateful to the Oakland community for trusting us,” Baltazar says. “But this is just the beginning. We’re committed to growing smarter, staying innovative, and continuing to serve our clients with everything we’ve got.”
As Nu Fitness enters its next chapter, it remains steadfast in its mission: to create a space where fitness isn’t intimidating, performance isn’t judged by appearance, and success is measured in joy, strength, and community.
Because at Nu Fitness, you don’t just train for a moment—you train for life.
Contact Information
Nu Fitness
2345 Broadway, Floor 1
Oakland, California 94612
Phone: (510) 485-9989
Website: https://www.nu.fitness
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nufitnessoakland/
