Taiso Group Fitness and Personal Training

I have been going to Taiso for almost four years now, and I cannot say enough positive things about this gym. Butch and Jennifer are encouraging and enthusiastic about the work they do--they're also both just really phenomenal people all around. It is a safe environment where you can come as you are, and you will quickly feel like you are a part of a big family. Many of the folks there have become my lifelong friends. Plus, the classes are amazing--you will definitely be challenged if you put the effort in, and it honestly feels like grown-up gym class (without the awkwardness). Cannot recommend Taiso enough.

I began training at Taiso Fitness for short term and long term goals.

My short term goal was extra conditioning to hike the Inca Trail in Peru. My fitness level surprised me: No muscle pain, no joint pain, and I kept up with people who run marathons (and sometimes surpassed them!)

I have continued with Taiso for my long term goal of maintaining fitness throughout the year and beyond. The small group class experience challenges me to grow while being sensitive to my individual needs.

Butch and Jennifer are great trainers with a lot of knowledge, experience, and great stories! The small class approach (no more than six participants per class) is hard to explain, but you develop strength, cardio, agility, and a lot more, in a way that is also a lot of fun!

Thank you!

I have been involved in athletics and contact sports my whole life (I'm 52). Life got away from me and I pretty much quit exercising and had been halfway going to a traditional gym when I felt like it.

Three years ago, I was in a car accident. I walked away, but with a brain injury.

My doctor suggested Taiso fitness to help with some of the lingering effects of the brain injury, specifically vertigo, balance, and marked weakness on one side of my body.

After 18 months, I am still challenged by some of the impacts of the brain injury, but I'm stronger physically than I have been in 10 years. I started group classes two days a week, and now do three days of group courses and one day of private training.

Prices are reasonable for one-on-one instruction and I know that Jennifer and Butch are as invested in the growth and physical- and mental health of all their clients.

If you're looking for a small group workout with friendly clients and friendlier coaches, this is absolutely the place for you.

Excellent self defense class! I’d highly recommend this gym for those seeking fitness and self defense skills for longevity.

Jennifer is flat out incredible. I could barely do household activities or basic self-care without injuries and panic attacks due to a medical issue, and 8 months later I'm in better shape than I've ever been, injury free and doing better every week. 250/10 stars. That's not a typo. She's a lifesaver!

Edit: Recently did a 4 hour self defense class with Jennifer and Butch that was informative, fun and challenging. I want to take more!!

Bonus edit! It's been about two? three? years since I started at Taiso and I'm still growing stronger and more able to move in more ways. Taiso is the best. Period.

I enjoy the personal attention and small group classes. Each class always has options for a variety of fitness levels so that one can mix and match your work out to how you are feeling that day and still get an all around great work out! The classes are varied and never boring!
Butch and Jennifer are professional, knowledgeable and both have sincere interest in each member’s health, physical welfare and getting the most of their experience at Taiso.

I highly recommend Taiso Fitness and Nutrition as an all around positive experience for your overall physical well being!

I love the personal attention to each person in the class. If there are 5 people in the class, there may be 5 different versions of an exercise to fit the fitness, injury or strength level of each person. I came to Taiso after sitting in graduate school for 5 years and writing a dissertation over another 2 years...to say I was out of shape and weak is putting it mildly. I have worked out for almost 2 years and have built strength, flexibility and confidence! I also have less back and joint pain. Butch and Jennifer are fun, knowledgeable, and accommodating on every level!

The staff at Taiso is personable, amazing, and dedicated to helping their clients. I hired Jennifer to help me with an old injury, she was super helpful and went way above and beyond. She is extremely knowledgeable and goes the extra mile for her clients. Taiso provides an environment in which you can feel safe and supported on your road to a healthier/stronger/more efficient you.

This is the only gym you will ever need. Whether you are recovering from an injury, want to take your performance to the next level or really need to start a fitness program from the bottom up. Butch and Jennifer are the dynamic duo behind this unique method of training. I haven't trained with Penny yet but I understand she is pretty wonderful as well. Taiso Fitness is designed for optimum attention from your trainer and for you to exceed your expectations. The only limitation is your imagination.

I love Taiso Fitness. They provide personalized training with the brain-body connection in mind, promoting much better coordination and balance, not only greater strength. They welcome people with a wide range of abilities, challenges and goals. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive. They work us hard, while keeping a positive perspective and an infectious sense of humor!

I have had a great experience with Taiso Fitness! I love their small group classes and their jujitsu classes. Taiso also holds workshops on topics like self-defense and nutrition. The owners, Jen and Butch, really care about their members and are focused on helping members reach their goals!

I have been to many gyms and fitness studios and I have never found somewhere as great as Taiso. I hate to even call this place a 'gym' because it is so much more. It is a community. Jenn and Butch helped me hit my fitness goals, while avoiding injury, and taught me how to use my body to become stronger, healthier, and faster. Most importantly, they listen to you- your goals, obstacles, challenges, etc. and find ways for you to become the best you. It is more than just a 'work out'- it is a lifestyle change- fitness, nutrition, ergonomics, positive thinking- just to name a few. I can not say enough good things about Taiso! Highly recommend!

I joined Taiso after a hip surgery and years of desk work left me discouraged and in pain. I was also kicked out of physical therapy as they could not account for the unexpected behavior of my post-surg hip and they said there was nothing else they could do for me. I committed to Taiso after learning about their body/brain holistic approach, and since joining (and doing the work) I can say, I barely recognize my own body anymore--in a good way. I have full mobility in my hip, am repairing years of imbalance, improving my flexibility, depth perception and strength, and am fitting into clothes I haven't worn in a decade. If you are serious about improving the way you move, they are the ones to work with.

Taiso is the best! They always make you feel very comfortable with whatever movement you're doing but they also challenge you to do your best. There are so many people working out there at different fitness levels and they always tailor your experience so you get the most out of the class. I highly recommend this gym as a place to get moving, no matter where you're starting out.

Taiso rocks! I searched for years for trainers that could work around my back issues while still getting my sweat on. Taiso delivers that and more. The small classes allow for a very personalized workout and they really go the extra mile to see that you meet your goals. Their holistic approach to fitness always has me leaving the gym feeling better than when I arrived. Jen & Butch (and Kioshi too) actually make working out fun, which makes it easy to stick with it. THANK YOU TAISO FITNESS!!

After a 4 year hiatus I am back to Taiso. Only gym where I actually show up and where I see actual results. I am sore today but energized by Butch and Jenn's TLC and attention to my more heavy set frame. Best. Gym. Ever. You will get results in a supportive environment!

A true sense of community and investment in your health. Butch and Jennifer create a friendly atmosphere with an emphasis on knowledge, individual wellbeing and progression. "How are you feeling?" is asked every time you walk in the door and your workout that day will be tailored to your answer. Whether you want to lose weight, become stronger and more functional or just plain feel better, you will not find a better gym.

Wow! So much I didn’t know! We did a moms and daughters self-defense class. I feel more prepared for a scary situation. I am so grateful for Butch and Jennifer. I could honestly not recommend enough. Better to be prepared.

This gym is not for you if you are looking for a 20/30/40 or x minute workout, one-and-done. This is for you if you see movement as a fundamental part of your life and you are looking for community and structure that will help you grow. This is a place where what you do in training makes you more capable with all the rest of your life - whether that is knowing your limits, understanding how your body responds under stress or specific fitness goals (for me that was doing a pull up and improving my skiing). Since coming in with those goals, my training here has helped me understand how even the day to day things I do can be part of my "training." For example, different sports and fitness instructors have told me for years that my knees weren't tracking over my feet and to fix it. Here, when I told them this, they said let's look at how you walk. They noticed one of my feet was pronated and they noticed different effects such as twisting in my hips, arms, and shoulders. I decided to add a foot warmup to my morning routine and asked for their recommendations. Lo and behold my knee tracking is improved in my sports even though my focus has been on my feet and walking better in my day to day. That's a really amazing feeling to have about your body - the feeling that everything you do is helping you be who you want to be and not keeping you from it. Their help with this integrated bodywork has been so instructive for me. Can't wait to see you there!

What a great gym! My wife and I are newer Tacoma residents and shopped around for the perfect gym and this is it. Small class sizes so you get plenty of hands on training. We are very please with our choice. Thank you Butch and Jen!