RockSalt Is Opening Its First SF Studio in Potrero

There’s no lack of exercise choices when you’re hanging around FiDi, SoMa, or the Marina, but the selection grows somewhat sparse in Potrero. Next week, RockSalt Pilates is bringing a much-needed fitness boost to the area with a brand new San Francisco location.

So what makes this spot different from other Pilates studios? Think of it as Pilates-plus. RockSalt founder Adrian Ramirez immersed himself in Pilates while recovering from an injury. "Pilates turned my life around, taking away all back pain, while safely toning, lengthening and sculpting my body," he said. "Through my own personal transformation, I became a firm believer that strategically pairing Pilates and high intensity cardio is the answer to maintaining a fit and pain-free lifestyle." That philosophy is central to RockSalt, which has a rep for taking classic Pilates to the next level by weaving in intense cardio, resistance training, light weights, and upbeat music.

The newest studio, at 1010 16th Street (at Missouri Street), will be the company's third location, following successful outposts on the peninsula in San Mateo and Redwood City. Classes start on Monday, February 4, but the schedule is live for booking right now. While you’re at the studio, be sure to check out RockSalt’s new gear from their Lululemon collab.

How RockSalt's Adrian Ramirez Keeps His Rockin' Bod

Pilates instructor. Studio owner. Lululemon ambassador. Yelp superstar. RockSalt's Adrian Ramirez wears a lot of hats. 

After leaving a corporate job at Disney, Ramirez discovered Pilates while recovering from an injury. "Pilates turned my life around, taking away all back pain, while safely toning, lengthening and sculpting my body," he explains. "Through my own personal transformation, I became a firm believer that strategically pairing Pilates and high intensity cardio is the answer to maintaining a fit and pain-free lifestyle."

The program Adrian created for his RockSalt studios is not the slow-mo four-count Pilates you've come to know in your reformer classes—fans refer to Adrian's high-energy sessions as the SoulCycle of Pilates. Cardio junkies, reformer snobs, new moms, and skeptical boyfriends are all equally obsessed with RockSalt. 

Between running two studios on the peninsula and running after his kiddo, it's hard to imagine Adrian with enough time to complement his RockSalt workouts. So how does he do it? Read on, and find out.

Rockyt: How do you prepare for the classes you teach? 

Adrian: I create a playlist of music that will not only inspire the class but also motivate me. Music is definitely a mood and energy enhancer, and my playlists—along with the class—are what I feed off of.

Rockyt: How do you cross train?  

Adrian: When not taking a RockSalt class,  I run and create my own interval training exercises.  I’m a big fan of HIIT training, which is what RockSalt incorporates into its classes. 

Rockyt: What are your favorite studios for cross-training?  

Adrian: I’m a strong supporter of local businesses and enjoy yoga at Nandi, Spinning at Revelry, and other gyms in the area.  My busy schedule doesn’t allow me much free time, so I usually stay local.  

Rockyt: Are you training toward a particular fitness goal right now? 

Adrian: I train for overall health and life!  But I am going to Greece this summer, so that is definitely a motivator! 

Rockyt: What's your weekly training regimen?  

Adrian: Three high intensity Pilates classes at RockSalt, one to two yoga classes, and Spinning/running sprinkled throughout.   

Rockyt: Do you take rest days? 

Adrian: Absolutely.  My rest days are usually on Saturdays and/or Sundays.  This time is dedicated to my partner and son. 

To see what the RockSalt fuss is all about, try one of Adrian's classes in San Carlos or San Mateo. Single classes are usually $37, but your first class is only $20. Book online at RockSaltFitness.com.