This really should be 2.5 stars - but half stars are not an option. The good: The staff are very friendly. Lots of smiles. Very helpful. The walls are tall - I believe the tallest inside walls in SD. The bad: I have never come across a gym that is this crowded. It is insane. I climb at the Mira Mesa gym, after work every rope is taken and there are easily 60+ people in the bouldering area. Around 8:45pm there are still 25 to 30 people in the bouldering area. They start clearing out around 9:15. You are a sardine! The routes are geared more towards competition and not outdoor climbing (new school vs. old school). Way, way too many new school routes. Not enough old school, mimic the outdoor routes. I'm guessing the setters don't have much outdoor experience. There are way too many bouldering routes where the end move is awkward feet, lunge, grab hold of the top of the wall. I'm like, come on man! add some variety to the end move. They do not have auto belays. I was told that once upon a time they did, but then someone fell off of one cus they didn't attach themself to the auto below. OK, if someone wants to free climb inside can't they just pick any old section of the wall. ADD SOME AUTO BELAYS. They do have a sign up sheet for people looking for belay partners. Most of the time (over 1/2 no one responds). And a few times, I was like - how the hell did you pass the belay test dude? And then there is the lead test . . . everyone fails at least once, if not multiple times. Sharma, ondra and Honnold could all walk in and take the lead test and the tester would play Oprah Winfrey - You fail! You Fail! All ya'll people fail! They have one style of lead belaying, and I disagree with the safety of some of their protocols - namely, I want to be able to see my climber. They force you to stand under the wall and not see your climbing partner. And you can't hear your partner either - go back to the crowds, it is wicked loud in there. So there is no way to communicate with your climbing partner. Once you reach the top you are supposed to use mental telepathy to tell your partner you would like to come down.

I've climbed for about 5 years now and my home gym was Solid Rock (for those who remember it) but it is now Vertical Hold. Solid rock was a very chill gym with awesome routes, cool staff, and friendly fellow climbers. It would get busier during after-work hours, but you still had plenty of breathing room. Going from here to mesa rim is a complete 180. Mesa rim is the complete opposite. It's very pretentious and uppity. The routes are great and still challenging, but the atmosphere and people ruin it for me. Some of the staff are nice, but some are very rude and condescending, it is pretty 50/50 who you interact with. The gym is PACKED. I mean PACKED. Unless you go early in the morning, the crowd is huge and you have to fight and wait for routes (both bouldering and top ropes). Beware they are very strict on just their top rope test. I got certified there about 4 years ago, but this was my boyfriend's first time and he failed due to the double brake hand (which they refused to show him without buying lessons AND wouldn't let me show him due to rules against instruction within the gym from non-employees). You can't retest the same day! So you're stuck bouldering..... Sucks because day passes are pretty steep. Mesa rim has more to it all-around gym wise (equipment, weights, locker rooms, etc.) but honestly it's just not worth the crowds, prices, and overall atmosphere.

I've been going to Mesa Rim for some time now and have been really enjoying my time there. The gym is always super clean and has tons of perks such as: * bouldering * top rope + lead * yoga * gym * free wifi * ping pong * foosball * recreation area * probably a few more I'm missing The routes are really well set and they have stuff for all skill levels (VB/0-V12+, 5.3-5.14+). I also spent some time at Vertical Hold and some comparisons I've seen are: * Mesa Rim seems to change the routes more frequently and consistently * Mesa Rim has full-floor mats compared to rocks with movable mats at Vertical Hold * Mesa Rim seems cleaner/more well maintained * Vertical Hold is definitely a lot less busy than Mesa Rim during peak hours (usually after work on weekdays) * Vertical Hold has more beginner friendly routes if you are just starting out * One factor might be where all the locations are for each gym

I purchased 10 punch pass from this gym. Due to COVID-19, the gym was closed. Since I will permanently leave U.S in three months, I asked if I can get refund for my pass. Btw, my pass still have 10 times remaining entrances. The gym said I cannot get the refund because I bought the pass before COVID-19. Whether or not I bought the pass before COVID-19, I cannot now use the pass anyway. Even though I explained my situation about leaving US, they just keep saying they cannot do refund of my pass. They didn’t mention the return policy when I purchased my pass. I also tried to find their return policy, but I couldn’t.

Best gym in San Diego, great trainers, great owner, great environment!

I found a Easter egg this year. It was under the pillow in the study lounge at Mesa Rim. It contained candy and a First Day Free pass. These small things are what Mesa Rim truly so amazing! Yoga, study, rock climbing, great people, and hidden Easter eggs. You guys "rock," truly. :)

Poor customer service. The people working here don't care.

We had a great experience so I had to share. Daddy/Daughter date night so I took my two young girls ( 7 and 10 ). None of us are very experienced. I've been to this gym but it's been a few years so I was rusty. The entire front desk staff was really helpful. They helped us get our waivers filled out and then did a very useful re-orientation with us on the harness knot and new bolle devices. They made sure we were all comfortable and doing our safety checks right and then turned us loose. We climbed for two hours and had a blast. Without the helpful staff at the front desk we would have been lost or discouraged. So good job Mesa Rim team! And we will be back. Both of my girls are stoked and ready to get a membership now. Thank you!

A lot of variety in things to do there (ping pong, slackline, bouldering, rock climbing, gym, yoga classes). Friendly help desk people. Lots of young people and friendly people in general!

Great place to climb, not as many "bros" as the other mesa rim location in mission valley (which I consider to be a pro). However, the mission valley location has better stemming options.

Great place to climb!

Tall walls and good setters. I would like to thank Mateo for being one of the best aspects of Mission Valley Mesa Rim. He is not only knowledgeable, but knows how to transfer that knowledge in a digestible way. Mesa is a great facility but Mateo has made it more of a community.

Great setting! Love this place. Its expensive, but worth it if you are serious about climbing, in my opinion.

I work at an east coast climbing gym and can attest to the awesome atmosphere of Mesa Rim. The staff is super helpful & friendly, and the routes are interesting & well-set.

All staff members are very kind. There are lead walls, top-roping sections and speed wall, also available bouldering. Good training place for all levels! Love this place! ; )

There's equipment that you will never find anywhere else. Everyone is motivating!

Top notch climbing facility! I've been going to Mesa Rim for years and they are the best indoor gym in San Diego! Nice and clean facilities, great route-setting, fair prices and there's yoga and regular gym equipment. Lots of events and activities on a monthly basis and great classes for learning.

Love climbing at Mesa Rim, good variety of routes, great crew, and awesome positive community.

Best gym in California!

I enjoy every visit to them. They have a great selection of climbing options. The kids also love it here. The staff is polite and friendly and the prices are really good.

Great staff. Great routes. Awesome Yogo. Killer classes. Dope gym (yup they got it). Chill atmosphere. Amazing staff who are climbing rockstars. All of them. At least compared to me. It's a family here; come hang!

They're doing a great job keeping everyone safe right now.

I cannot recommend Mesa Rim enough! The staff is the most friendly, accommodating, and interesting people. The community is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. The route setting is excellent and diverse. The facilities are spot on. Mesa Rim management actually cares as seen by the suggestion board regularly followed through on. I've only been a member at Mesa Rim in San Diego but it's the best gym I've been a member of from any other city. The price is well worth it, especially if you take advantage of the classes, courses, and additional facilities.

Mesa Rim Mira Mesa is so core it's ridiculous! Such an amazing gym with such good setting!! Friendly staff is so genuine and helpful. Love this place!

Been coming here consistently for a couple years. Awesome place, they always mix up the routes and they hire great people to work there. Best overall gym in San Diego

This place has changed my life and it all starts with the trainers. They welcome all skill levels and get to know you and your personal goals. They remember where you’re at on your journey and support/push you to whatever level you want to achieve. Special shout out to the trainers I train with the most (they are all amazing) Fred, Sara, Taurian and Laura. Another special shout out to the ones I don’t get to see as much, but have been just as inspiring, Courtney, Johnny, Lauren and Addy. If you are looking for an inclusive, non judging great workout, get your butt in here and check it out. 30 min with this crew can change your life like it has mine.

Amazing gym with great trainers! Super clean and a great place to work out!

Amazing location with even better staff! The trainer named Anna was very attentive and helpful. Great environment to workout and achieve your goals!

Lost 36lbs since coming here! Everyone's super nice and it's great for people self-concious about starting to work out. The community is fantastic! I come almost everyday after work and I just wish they were open on Sundays so I could come everyday of the week. I truly can't pick a favorite trainer among the roster of amazing people; Fred, Courtney, Johnny, Taurian, Sarah, Alex-- everyone is impeccable and welcoming. You will certainly meet your fitness goals coming here!

The trainers here are helpful and motivating! I like that the exercises change every day and that workouts can be done in 30 minutes. I enjoy it much more than a normal gym.

Excellent workout! Even better the flexible schedule. All trainers are fun and motivating, but Taurian was by far the best. He's experienced in all forms of martial arts and knows how/when to push you. I accredit my weight loss and overall enjoyment at 9Round to Taurian. Highly recommend this workout!!

This place is AMAZING!! I am so happy I joined. I was previously with a big box gym and went in everyday like a deer in headlights not knowing which machines to do when or how much and left feeling like I didn’t get the workout I should of. Plus they charge you to have any instructions from a trainer. I LOVE here at 9round how the trainers walk you through each round and what to do. They not only push you to finish but cheer you on as well! All the trainers I have met are WONDERFUL!! I leave every workout dripping in sweat, tired, with more confidence that I did it, I am getting to my goals and stronger with every round! Thank you 9Round!! 😊🥊 🐯

9 round will get you right! I absolutely love working out here. The trainers are motivating and push you to give your all. S/o to the Butcher, Lagertha, and Headband! I love that there's no class times so I can pop in whenever and get my workout. Eveyday its a different workout so its not boring and repetitive. Ive been coming for a few months and I already see results so my happy!

Love working out at 9Round. Only way to get a super sweat session in only 30 minutes. Routine always changes and the trainers are great. Special shout out to Johnny "Headband" for always pushing me to meet my goals.

This place is awesome. Great trainers. Great equipment. The trainers are very knowledgeable and help with everything from technique to pushing you to do your best. The work outs change daily in great ways. You leave feeling like you really got your money’s worth. Shout out to Torian and Sarah.

9round is a great workout! Love that there’s no class times, and the trainers are amazing! I’m a person who hates gyms in general, but decided to sign up over a year ago to try it out and I’m so glad I did. There’s people of all fitness levels, so no need to feel intimidated or like you won’t be challenged. Worth every penny!! Still enjoying my workouts, even in the scorching heat!

I've looked for a gym/exercise routine for a long time and hadn't really enjoyed working out until coming to 9Rounds. The exercises are always changing and rotated out so it doesn't get boring. The trainers have all been very helpful, encouraging and supportive so I haven't felt uncomfortable or insecure as I would typically in a different fitness class setting. My trainer today is JONNY/HEADBAND and he's been here for 6 years and still enjoying the different exercises!

Just join!! Love it my first time.. Great work out..thought I couldn't do it but I did!!🥊always invest in yourself.

Awesome trainers! The location is easy to find and right off the freeway. The trainers are motivating throughout the whole workout and very friendly. I love the easiness of just showing up and doing a quick hard workout for the day. I always leave like I worked out for two hours and it was a quick 30min!

When I joined 9 Round I wasn’t sure what to expect, but 4 years later and I couldn’t ask for a better gym. The workouts are tough, but they are fun as well. It’s a friendly and welcoming environment, with positive and motivating trainers to help you push yourself in the best way. Fred is one of the best trainers there, and has helped me so much during my time as a member at the gym. His positive attitude always helps grind out those last couple burpees! 9Round has helped me grow physically and mentally, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for a fun workout and a new challenge.

Best climbing gym in town comes down

Cool place, casual atmosphere, customer controlled music.

good climbing variety. friendly staff

Great place to learn to climb or perfect your climbing skills.

Great place for climbing, has belaying lesson for Beginner, co working space and free WiFi.

Great gym with amazing staff. Whether new or experienced with climbing you will find this place to be an amazing place to challenge yourself and meet some great people.

Great routes, great wall geometry, and great yoga classes. Will return

(Translated by Google) Sent (Original) Enviado

Good route options. Reset often.

Good vibes, nice staff, intense workout, and no wasting time!

9round is one of the many best decisions I've ever made. I'm proud to call 9round a second home. All the amazing trainers and all of the killer workouts are definitely worth 30 minutes of my day. I've accomplished goals that I've never thought would be possible & I thank 9round for that!

It's the best gym!!!

Amazing trainers and intense workout in just 30 minutes!

This is definitely the best gym I’ve been too. I’m honestly not a gym person but the staff here is super friendly always motivating me and helping me learn the work outs. This is definitely like having your own personal trainer. I’m so happy I joined!! . Everyone has been super helpful and nice, they always make me feel welcome! Love it!

Trainers are super nice and encouraging!

Love it

Always so personable!!! The cleanest gym I have ever been a member of. I have been a member for 3 years and I have always enjoyed punching it out and decompressing after work here!!!

Amazing love the trainers

The trainers make it such a delight to workout. The level of engagement and encouragement is there and it helps me to stay motivated and wanting to come back daily. Also, every day the workout changes, gives me the variety I need so I don't get bored and stop going.

It's a challenging but fun workout. Im not normally a big sweater, but these workouts leave me pretty soaked. The trainers are friendly and welcoming, but make you work. The other gym members are encouraging with one another. I really liked having no scheduled start time, but understand things need to be different for a bit. I also appreciated how quickly 9Round got on board with online workouts and dropping our membership fees during the stay at home situation.

I love all the trainers. They bleach everything down after you use it. The gym is probably as cleaner than a hospital. I felt very safe. You are at least 12' from anyone else and only 5 people at a time can work out. Did I say work out, I meant having fun, it is so much fun you don't even realize you are working out.

Love this place! Great work out! Ringing that bell 3 times baby always!!!!!

I've been a member for about 3 years now and this the best workout not only for my fitness but it's also just really fun. All the trainers are excellent with their knowledge as well as great motivators. If you haven't tried this workout I highly recommend it !

9round has changed my workouts forever! The amazing trainers push you to do your best and make it enjoyable! I have seen a significant improvement since I’ve joined. Beach bod here I come!

Great work out! For all body types and fitness levels. Depending on your goals, this gym offers a mental and physical workout, leaving you feeling great after only 30 minutes.

This gym is incredible! The trainers are A+ and the 30-minute workouts are quick and effective -- perfect for anyone with a busy schedule! Parking can be a pain sometimes given the location, but that's the only, very minor drawback. Overall, I 100 percent recommend this place for getting your sweat on!

I love coming to this gym, Brandon and all the trainers are amazing. I love doing mitt work with the trainers, great workout to relieve stress. There's no messing around at this gym, 30 minutes and you're done, no waiting around for classes either, you come in, hop into a round to get started. It annoys me when you go to a gym you see people on their phones taking up machines, not here, there is no time to be on your phone at 9Round :)

I've been going for a little over a month and I love it! The trainers are amazing, the workouts are super fun, and you get a great workout in ~30 minutes. I used to go to cardio boxing classes at 24 Hour Fitness, but 9Round gives me more flexibility and is a lot more fun. Each workout is intense and rewarding. Definitely recommend it!

The trainers at the Kearney Mesa location as so involved in your workout and encourage you to do your best. 9Round is such a great workout and it's only 30 minutes of your day!

I absolutely love 9 round. I joined about a year ago and I love how short and effective the work outs are! I get my work out in in 30 minutes and then I can head to work or drop my kids off at school after. All of the trainers give you a great workout and they are all very motivating! I have gotten stronger and built more endurance since joining. I love that I can show up at any time and start working out. Thanks 9 round for getting me a killer muscular body!

Love everything about this place. A great place to get a fun, effective, quick but challenging workout that gives you plenty of cardio but also works on your kickboxing form. The trainers are fun, energetic and skilled and periodically pull you out of the rounds to offer some one-on-one training. The best thing about 9-Round is their schedule. Their open hours are generous and best of all, there's no class times. The 30-minute, fun, effective, no-schedule format, translates into a NO EXCUSES workout!!!

They are encouraging and it feels like a family there. It is an amazing workout! The great part is, you WANT to keep coming back.

Best full body workout you can get in 30 minutes! Love the variety and trainers are just amazing! Butt kicking workout every time .

I was visiting from Seattle and went to check this place out. It was great! It has bouldering and top ropes for the variety as well a small area upstairs with workout equipment and ping pong. They also have showers and a sauna. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming as well. I will definitely be back!

I’m a ten-pass participant. Was introduced by a friend who climbs here and have also brought my daughter and her friend who now have memberships. Friendly, helpful staff. If you read the review below, they had a bad experience. I must say that I totally support the staff position on the test. My daughter didn’t pass the test the first time because she had a clip facing the wrong way. Having a higher standard makes sense. In an actual climb, you need to be absolutely sure you’re safe. An accident is just too high a price to pay for staff casually passing people. I want to know that those climbing nearby know what they’re doing too. Having been to other places and cringing at their practices makes the rules at Mesa so enlightened. Lots of facilities upstairs, including study space, gym. Downstairs there’s sauna, amply-spaced changing rooms and showers. The yoga room is amazing and I’m looking forward to trying it though I typically go to a master class with Colin Wolpert at CYoga. Restrooms are clean and bright, unlike some other climbing places in town who shall remain unnamed here (ahem!)

The place has dense walls for all skill levels, a gym and a today class. They have skilled instructors and they are very helpful.

A great place to climb ... 50+ feet walls!

Insanely good training gym. If you don't get fit for climbing here, remember, great men know when to accept defeat.

Wonderful place with lovely staff members! I visited from out of town, and the staff was extremely nice when getting me set up. They also have a sweet chimney route, you should try it.

Really nice route setting and a lot of variety. The old sections can feel very crowded in the evenings, i don't think the layout can handle the popularity of the gym. On the plus side the cramped layout allows for a bunch of routes and boulder problems so it is what it is. You can always wear headphones and no deodorant if you want to be left alone :). The new bouldering area is super nice and adds a lot of climbing opportunities.

I absolutely love this gym, the trainers are all wonderful and it is such a great workout!!

Love the drop in style. (no class times). Workout is always challenging - I’ve been seeing results quickly. It really works the core strength - never felt stronger in my life! I appreciate all the trainers, especially one on one focus and help. And they are so fun and remember everyone. The heart rate monitor and pulse points system make me push myself. I know I would slack off without seeing that immediate feedback on the screen while I’m working out.

The trainers are not only knowledgeable, but friendly, encouraging and so much fun! I always feel welcome and comfortable, even on my less energetic days. It’s more than a workout, its a fun way to get healthy and feel like you’re apart of a family.

Working EVERYTHING in 30 minutes. Amazing staff. You guys rock. ❤️

Great place to get your workout in, good membership prices and a big gym with a lot choices what to workout on your body.

1. It works. -9R workouts burn fat, transform your body, and builds real strength (mentally and physically). Results tell the truth. 2. It’s fast. -30 Minutes. You will be burning fat during, and long after a 9R session, but half an hour is all you need to get it done. Getting in amazing shape does not take up hours of my day, and I like that. 3. It’s really fun! -9R workouts change daily, so I’m forced to expand my thinking, and grow in my fitness levels. Every day I’ve had to do something that I have never done before in my life. It’s never boring, and the format keeps me excited about going in for a workout.

Each time I workout I am never disappointed. The excellent 9Round crew make for a positive experience. Together with the determined 9Round members, it is an awesome gym. Thank you!

It's a 30 minute workout...who doesn't have 30 minutes? Plus all of the trainers are amazing. I feel welcome and like I have a home away from home. Only I'm working out in this home! I couldn't ask for a better experience and for a better environment.

9Round Kearny Mesa has the best trainers! They all have positive energy and help push you through your workouts. Also no class times helps me to fit my workouts into my schedule.

Great staff. Mood is always energetic. Have fun while working. There's no better way to spend 30mins

An awesome gym with a variety of workout machines!!!!

Hands down the greatest gym I have ever joined! The staff the atmosphere and the clients make this gym more like a family! Best decision I ever made!!!!

No class times is awesome! Trainers are knowledgeable and extremely friendly! They will help you work through injuries or if you are looking to target specific areas! Make sure to communicate any issues or concerns before starting. Great for beginners! Update: Amazing people, members and trainers! Everyone there makes the workouts fun!

Love the variety of the workouts and the fact that the trainers are actively involved and offer up alternatives when we need it. Plus, no class schedule means I can go when it works for me.

Best.workout.ever! Trainers are amazing and super friendly.