Vai Fitness
About
Vai Fitness offers gym and Pilates studio disciplines with a focus on personalized, knowledgeable coaching. The gym features founder and fitness specialist Silvia Giamanco, a former professional triathlete with over 10,000 hours of experience, who leads a team of trainers including Melissa and Kevin. Members experience small class sizes that feel similar to personal training due to the attentive, hands on coaching and form correction provided during sessions. The environment is designed to be welcoming rather than intimidating, with staff who treat clients like family and accommodate various physical limitations while still encouraging progress. Members report that trainers spend time understanding individual needs, creating personalized plans, and clearly explaining each movement to ensure proper muscle activation and targeted workouts. This approach is particularly noted for women's strength training, where Silvia's background as a former bodybuilder helps her understand how to train specific muscle groups effectively and prevent compensation from stronger muscles. The supportive atmosphere extends beyond training to include guidance on diet changes and ongoing evaluation of progress, helping clients achieve measurable results such as improved body composition, strength, balance, and confidence. Clients appreciate the combination of professional expertise with genuine care, noting that trainers are both knowledgeable and kind, gentle, and dedicated to each individual's journey. Whether through reformer Pilates classes or strength training sessions, Vai Fitness provides a comprehensive fitness experience that fosters real improvements and a sense of safety and support.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the exceptional coaching, particularly highlighting founder Silvia Giamanco for her extensive experience, patience, and ability to correct form and target specific muscle groups effectively. They describe feeling seen and supported, with trainers who accommodate limitations like knee surgeries while still pushing for improvement, and who provide personalized plans and dietary guidance. Reviews emphasize a welcoming, non intimidating atmosphere where small classes offer hands on attention, staff treat clients like family, and results include increased strength, better body composition, and enhanced confidence. Specific instructors like Melissa and Kevin are also mentioned positively, with no concerns raised in the feedback.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
P. Yu
3 months ago
The gym Vai Fitness has a great team of trainers, all of them are great. My personal trainer is Sylvia who is exceptional professional with extensive experience in women’s strength training. As a former bodybuilder, she understands how women’s muscles work and how to train specific muscle groups effectively. She identified my weak muscles and prevented stronger ones from compensating, ensuring proper form and targeted activation. She also created a personalized plan for me to follow and clearly explained each movement. I’ve seen real improvements in strength, balance, and muscle engagement, and I feel confident and safe in every session.
Judy Testa
9 months ago
My husband and I have been clients of Silvia since 2024. For us, it has been life changing to work with an individual as knowledgeable and dedicated as she is. We both have muscular issues and need specific attention to work through them. She spends time getting to know your needs and then works directly on your issues. She knows when and how to ‘push’ you toward improvement. At the same time, she’s kind, gentle and genuinely caring about each of her many clients. For us, she’s the perfect trainer on many levels.
Valerie Root
a year ago
Silvia helped me change my entire body. At 43 I am the strongest and in the best shape of my life. I’ve been with her for over 4 years. I could barely get the right muscle to fire for a particular movements. She was patient and helped me get the perfect form. I’ve had knee surgeries and she always accommodates my limitations while continuing to push me. She supported my diet changes and helped me evaluate where to adjust. I went from 31% body fat to 21% within 1 year of dedicated eating and training. If you are going to be dedicated to yourself Silvia will be dedicated to your progress. I have never felt more seen and supported with any other trainer. She truly has a gift. No matter where you are on your way to your goals and no matter your limitations - the staff at Vai Fitness will take care of you like family.
Vi Tran
a year ago
I love coming here! The small classes feel similar to personal training because of the attention and coaching. I feel like I improve every session because Silvia takes the time to correct my form and explain what body parts I’m working out. She’s so hands on and she’s so kind. Some studios can feel really intimidating but not this one. I’ve brought some of my friends here and now they come quite often with me. Highly recommend coming here for Pilates. Melissa is also great. Looking forward to trying out Kevin as an instructor!
Katie Little
a year ago
I just took my first reformer class at Vai Fitness and I will definitely be returning! Silvia was very knowledgeable and an amazing instructor. She truly took her time correcting your form. I would definitely recommend taking her class. I’m looking forward to going back!
Contact
1460 Seventh Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Silvia Giamanco
Founder & Fitness Specialist
Professional Triathlete (former), 10,000+ hours experience
Journey began as a professional triathlete at 15. Over 20 years later, inspires clients to build strength, balance, and confidence through mindful movement.