
This gym has been a game changer in my life. I have been a member here since 2017, during which time I have been able to attend a few of the different classes they offer including yoga, stretching, and kickboxing (my favorite). This place also offers nutrition counseling, boot camp sessions and even salsa lessons! I have seen the results I've been wanting, thanks to the great staff here, who have been nothing but supportive and helpful, to me and all their members. Some gyms and fitness spots tend to judge, or belittle you when asking questions or for needing help or instructions on their equipment but the staff here have never made me feel that way. Did I mention its super affordable, (especially in this day and age), and have different membership plans that you can choose from.

Joaquin and his trainers take their time with you to make sure that you're getting exactly what you need out of your training sessions. Not flexible enough to do that activity? No problem, here's a modification that will help you work that muscle without breaking you in half. Feeling a bit of pain that you're not supposed to? Let's rest that area and focus on another part of your body.
Their laser focus on personalizing the experience makes me want to come back time and again. Even with the current COVID-19 outbreak and directives to stay home, Joaquin emailed me a personalized home workout routine with opportunities for him to give me feedback remotely! I highly recommend Elite Fitness Downtown.

I've been a client of this gym for years, and I have known the owner, Joaquin, when he was my personal trainer at a big-box gym. I've lost almost 70 pounds with exercise and mindfully eating healthy food. I'm a 65 year old who walks with a cane. Joaquin is focusing on getting my back, legs and arms strong again to give me to stamina to chase my two toddler grandkids. I now walk over 10K steps a day and work out with Joaquin, on FaceTime, in the comfort of my family room with minor exercise equipment, 2X a week, which will continute until I feel comfortable enough to return to his gym. With his gym now reopening, Joaquin is dedicated to requiring masks and cleaning throughly after each client if you want to come in. Small gyms are the way to go until we have a vaccine.

I was seeking a work out to help me gain flexibility and strength. I have had very painful and debilitating knee problems after an ACL injury. I found what I needed and more! I’m stronger these days! Since starting with Joaquin and Elite Fitness I am able to hike more, play with my kids and deal with better with stress and anxiety. As a therapist I know that having balance in life has to include exercise and movement! No gimmicks here! Core workout, good programs and Joaquin knowledge of the body is incredible! Also I don’t get bored! Check him out! You won’t regret it. I am now using a belt that helps guide me to know if I’m actually working out in my zone. It’s really motivating me! Schedule is flexible and virtual is ideal for my busy life!

I was looking for a personal trainer that would work with my physical limitations, I am a cancer survivor and while I am cancer free the treatment really kicked my butt. I am now unable to work and I'm considered disabled but I realized that indeed to learn how to exercise so I'm not confined to my house. Joaquin has worked with me since this past January and I have progressed in my ability to walk farther, my flexibility is so much better also.
Because of all the chemotherapy I endured (18 treatments) I have neuropathy in both my feet. Joaquin has helped me tremendously with helping me become more mobile. His knowledge of the intricate muscles and the exercises he has me perform is impressive. The gym might look small but believe me he has an endless amount of equipment that we use to achieve certain results.
I work out with Joaquin twice a week and I'm very happy with my progress.

I cannot express how much I love Elite Fitness Downtown. I joined way back in 2016 and I have been in love with it ever since. Joaquin and crew are some of the nicest and most supportive people I have ever met in the fitness industry. While I am often intimidated and even avoid fitness, Joaquin and his employees encouraged and helped me to overcome my fears and try things outside of my comfort zone, like yoga and heavy lifting. It is a pleasure to be there every time, and I hope this review is helpful to anyone thinking about starting a fitness journey.

I started training with Elite, October 2020. When I first walked in to this facility, I was a novice to the fitness world. I came in with a minor knee injury that had previously inhibited my ability to make advances in my athletic performance, but under the guidance of my trainer, I was able to greatly improve my overall strength and conditioning gaining muscle mass while reducing body fat.
Joaquin is not only professional, but very personable and good at making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. They have depth knowledge on training every muscle and proper form. I highly recommend this facility!

Elite Fitness downtown is easily the best personal training gym in Santa Ana. Not only do they offer fantastic training programs, but because they are a small gym, you get personal attention and it's like a family. I've been going to this gym for 6 years, and I would recommend it in a heartbeat.
COVID-19: They are offering virtual training. I highly encourage it! They will spend time working hard on personalized programs for you no matter your level of fitness.
I've gone to this gym for 3 years and not only do the workouts help me to de-stress after a long day but also leave me feeling motivated to keep working to meet my goals. I've recently started using Elite's line of protein supplements and have to say that my favorite is the salted caramel flavor. It tastes great and fills me up so I don't feel like I need to stop and eat fast food on my way home from work (most of the time!) I'll keep coming back though because of the people. Everyone there is super supportive and full of energy. Definitely a fun environment to be a part of.

I love Elite Fitness. You walk in and it instantly feels like family. Everyone is happy to see you, kind and helpful. The gym is incredibly clean and they have every piece of equipment needed to get my sweat on. All equipment is well maintained - I have never experienced anything ever broken. They truly care about their clients experience and their business and it shows every time I walk in the door. I highly recommend this gym.


Two and a half years ago after a car accident, a slip and fall, years of not stretching after exercising and sitting a lot at work, I began to suffer from intense low back pain that radiated from my low back to my upper back. I went to the Chiropractor and got ultrasound therapy and chiropractic manipulations. I felt relief in the moment, but the pain would come right back. I then went to my doctor and she referred me to physical therapy. I went to physical therapy, but it did not help me much. I went to a massage therapist, but I also did not get relief. After months and months of pain and sleepless nights, I went to a new chiropractor. He asked me to stop working out, recommend doing a few yoga stretches and chiropractic massages and manipulation. This provided me with some relief but when I would workout the pain would come back. About a month ago Joaquin, owner of Elite Fitness, invited me in to try Sports Rehab Therapy at his gym. I was doubtful at first since I had tried everything under the sun for my low back pain and nothing had worked. After the first session I felt great, but I still had pain. It was not until after the 3rd session that I felt no pain for the first time in two and half years. I was amazed and incredibly grateful. I sit a lot for work and had to constantly stand up or change positions to get through my busy day. I recently began working out again and I’m happy to say that I have minimal pain come back. The combination of stretches and deep tissue massages has worked miracles for my back. Joaquin has also shown me different rehab exercises to try at home to continue with my recovery, as well as being aware of my posture to minimize pain. I highly recommend Sports Rehab at Elite Fitness. If you sit a lot at work at work and suffer from chronic back pain this is the place to come. You will feel light and like a brand-new person for days. Furthermore, the gym is extremely clean, the trainers wear mask, and all surfaces are wiped down before and after use.

The place is small, so there isn't a football field of machine weights, swimming pools, basketball courts etc. if that's what you're looking for. There are a good number of free weights however, with several barbells w/ weights, dumbbell rack, cables, and a back of house dance studio w/ punching bags, pull up bars, and a sports massage studio. The weightlifting area also has a treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bicycle.
Overall, I'd recommend this gym to anyone who is interested in learning how to live a healthy lifestyle, or diversify their current workout plan to meet specific fitness goals.



I been coming to Elite for 2 years now and I been very happy here. Joaquin and his staff really work with you to achieve your fitness goals while educating you on fitness and workout out. Being part of Elite has helped me achieve my weight lost goals, prepared me for marathon running, and helped me built up more endurance as a martial artist.

I’ve started their online program for Elite Fitness on April. During the course it has been a huge help to get back on track in fitness and staying motivated and learning how to be patient. The online helped provide workout video if having trouble doing the workout! During the course I was able to loose 7lb in a month! I can tell the difference that this course has been very helpful and I felt more better and more energetic! The owner is always there to help if you have any questions about the course or about the workout. He is there to support us in anyways and keeps us motivated.

Great Location, Outstanding Coach with diversified programs in place.

This is where Elite Fitness comes in. I was reluctant to commit to a gym, but I had to do something. I got out of my comfort zone and started with Elite’s 30-minute Personal Training Sessions. The personal trainer interviewed me briefly to learn about my health and fitness goals. At the age of 57, I just want to be reasonably fit so that I can make it through a challenging work and school week. I started with a boxing workout focused on footwork and hitting the mitts. The trainer pushed me to finish the rounds, but not so hard that I fell over gasping for air. I also learned to throw a few new combinations. It was fun and just the routine that I needed to motivate me. I recently switched to Elite’s 60-minute Group Training Sessions where the trainer leads a small group with perfect variety of exercises. The group sessions gives me 30 more minutes of exercise time per trip to the gym. All the trainers that I have met are very easy to talk to, do a great job monitoring and guiding you through the exercise routines, and provide just the right amount of encouragement to nudge you through your reps. Given the size of the gym, it feels more like a club or martial arts studio with that “team vibe” knowing everyone there is rooting for you, while at the same time, pushing you to meet your personal goals.



Unfortunately during one of those hikes, I injured my knees a bit and used this as an excuse to stop my work out routine,
November of last year, I decided to give Elite a try. As I completed a tour with the owner Joaquin, I immediately noticed they really cared about their clients. They were engaged, personable and motivating. As I started my sessions I noticed Joaquin along with the trainers are amazing in making you feel comfortable and build your confidence by teaching you the why’s behind your work outs. That’s actually one of the reasons why I enjoy going!
Through the trainers guidance, I now understand the importance of using proper body mechanics to target specific muscles and completing each work out properly
I am more confident to the point where the gym no longer intimidates me. I’ve learned to have fun and challenge myself during my fitness journey.
Elite, your work outs are structured, fun, and most importantly (from a beginners point of view) educational!
I definitely recommend stopping by and meeting the Elite Team! It’s also a chance for you to visit downtown Santa Ana! It still has that historic beauty with an artistic feel to it.
Thanks Elite for giving me the confidence to get back into my fitness journey!

I especially liked the small class sizes where I was able to get 1-1 help as needed. Sean is hilarious and keeps things fun, but at the same time really pushes you. I knew absolutely nothing about lifting and the staff was amazing, teaching me proper form and helped me get the best of my workout. I found an interest in barbell training and am now lifting more weight than I thought possible on my own.
Major plus' for me were the convenient location, small class sizes, wide range of classes and services (massage after a workout, yes please!), and the knowledgeable instructors. I also liked the events and promos like 30 day challenges, keeps things interesting and the gym is generous with incentives. The friendly and supportive staff and members was the icing on the cake of the facility. Sad to move from the area, it's hard to find places like this.

I walked into the gym July 2014 coming from a place where every gym grossed me out since I was allergic to human sweat! But Elite Fitness was unlike any other gym I've tried, they were welcoming, positive and extremely supportive of my situation. I was recovering from thyroid cancer and my body was not responding to fad diets, I was overweight and didn't feel like myself. They put me on a wellness plan which incorporated nutrition, weight training, cardio, and positive conversation about my goals! Their entire approach was essential in keeping me on track. I've lost 5 dress sizes and feel amazing, I go to the gym 5 days a week, because I love it not because I feel guilty! Elite Fitness changed my life and gave me a new approach to living a cancer free life!