The Training Pit

Best gym I've ever been to. Seth and Vanessa helped me correct form on all my lifts through stretching and focused resistance training. During my time with them, I added 20 lbs of muscle and learned a lot about proper gym habits and dieting.

They are incredible teachers and wonderful people. If you're looking to get in great shape and improve your workouts, look no further than The Training Pit. You won't be disappointed.

I am so grateful to have found The Training Pit a year ago after moving from California. As a woman in my fifties, I had led a fitness based lifestyle as a gymnastics coach and acrobat. After struggling with midlife hormonal imbalances and bodily changes, I decided I wanted to dust off my dream of bodybuilding with the goal of someday competing. I cannot praise my coaches, Seth and Vanessa enough, for their expertise and guidance and for believing in me and helping me on this journey. What sets this wonderful coaching duo apart, is their incredible knowledge of bodybuilding, nutrition and their holistic approach, recognizing the unique individual needs of their clients. It has been exciting to see my health and my body transform with the specialized training they provide. Their coaching has empowered me to push my boundaries and reach for my goals. I highly recommend The Training Pit for any woman over 50, ready to start their health and fitness journey or uplevel their life.

Thanks to the training pit I don't think I will ever be able to do the military base gyms again. They've become the gold standard on which all future gyms will be weighed.

What began as a temporary gym that was close to my house turned into a 3 year stint that survived 3 different moves. Switching gyms was not an option as far as I was concerned and "is this place close to the Pit?" was a major consideration in each move. Unfortunately my latest move is a 2,300mi drive to the Pit so I was forced to find a new place... Although I still had to weigh the implications of that commute before I decided.

The physical gym itself is great and the vibe is great for anyone trying to improve themselves. You won't see any ridiculousness that you would at a big box gym. You'll see friendly, dedicated individuals who respect each other and the gym equipment itself.
What(who) really make the Training Pit a true gem are the owners and trainers Seth and Vanessa. They are first-class people and accomplished professionals in their training, coaching, and competing. As far as leaving the Training Pit, I was just as disconsolate to leave them as I was the gym itself. You may find another gym with the same or more equipment as the Pit, but you won't find another with these two stellar humans.

This place is a gem! Vanessa and Seth are consummate fitness experts and are highly attentive to detail. Their clients travel to see them from far and wide, rain or shine. I really like that I learn something new every time, yet also build on prior skills. Whether you’re an elite competitor or just trying to ditch the dad bod, they can help you achieve your goals! The gym itself is beautiful and has everything you need. Tacoma is lucky to have them!

This gym and these people are second to none! The facility is clean and secure. They have every piece of equipment you could ever ask for and the people are amazing. Seth and Vanessa are the most knowledgeable professionals and coaches. From workouts to posing to nutrition, I could not have asked for a better team. They are the best of the best. I will be with them forever. This place changed my life.

I’ve been seeing Vanessa and Seth for a few months now and am grateful to train with them! Some people may view personal training as expensive but it is truly an INVESTMENT. I’ve been able to see and feel results! Workouts are challenging but creative and fun. They are also super knowledgeable about form, technique and educate you. The gym is also never crowded and you are able to work out on your own freely without feeling crowded. I recommend!! <3

This place is like the cheers of gyms, where everybody knows your name. No matter where you are at on your fitness journey you are always family and welcome. The owners of this place are amazingly knowledgeable, and truly care about helping all clients achieve whatever fitness goals they may have. If you are a serious competitor this is the place for you, if you are just starting out on your journey this is the place for you, if you are breathing this is the place for you!

My husband got me personal training sessions here at the Pit and I love it! Best decision, ever!! Seth and Vanessa are so knowledgeable and genuinely nice. The overall atmosphere at the gym is amazing as well. They really focus on setting you up for success that you have no other choice but to succeed! I find myself looking forward to my work outs and feel great. 10/10 would recommend to all my friends.

Review about the Coaches:

Three years ago, I had a dream of competing in bodybuilding. I looked for bodybuilding coaches near my area and found a different gym with more reviews at that time. I chose to go to that gym, but after talking to the coaches there, I didn't really feel welcome. I felt like I wasn't taken seriously because I was a skinny guy. I ended up revoking my membership there and tried to do it by myself, but there was no improvement in my physique.

Last year, I ended up going to this place and talked to Vanessa the very first time I entered. She's one of the coaches, and you can tell how much passion she has for what she does by talking to her. Anyways, long story short, I just competed in my very first show last weekend! They walked me through every step of the way, taught me the importance of diet, supported me during the prep, and during the competition, they even cheered for me. They are the most inspirational couple in this sport. If you want to compete or just improve your physique, they are the people to talk to. They are very knowledgeable, approachable, and easy to talk to.

Review about the gym:

When I look for a new gym, I am concerned about three things: overcrowding, cleanliness, and equipment.

There are three businesses in this gym: Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and the gym itself. This is a good private gym. As long as you don't forget your key fob, the gym is open 24 hours. Parking is hard sometimes because a lot of people are taking classes, but there's a big empty parking lot across the street. I've been working out in this gym for maybe a little over a year, but I never encounter overcrowding in the gym. There will be a lot of people during 6:30 to 7:30 PM because of the fighting classes, but the gym will be available with no one using the equipment.

I'm not sure how often they have cleaners to clean the gym, but the gym is very clean. Most of the people who work out here are kind enough to clean the equipment after working out, so please don't be that guy who doesn't clean equipment after using it. That's a very douchey thing to do.

They also have most of the equipment you need and other equipment you probably won't see in other public gyms. If you see equipment you want to use but don't know how to, you can ask the coaches, and they will be happy to show you how to use it. Like I said, they are very approachable.

Coaches: 5/5
Gym cleanliness: 5/5
Gym availability: 5/5
Gym equipment: 5/5
Gym parking: 4/5

I’ve been body building for years and have been to a lot of gyms. The atmosphere of the Training Pit is amazing. First, walk in and everyone working out is fit and good looking. The owners, Seth and Vanessa, are top tier trainers and the results show. Second, you won’t get any dirty looks here, but also won’t be slowed down or bothered by less serious lifters. Everyone is respectful, nice, but getting after it. Finally, they just moved to a new location off 6th Ave and it is beautiful! Lots of space, extra equipment, and great lighting. I highly recommend this gym if you’re serious about lifting or want to start your fitness journey the right way.

Absolutely love this gym! It’s full of different kinds of machines and free weights. It’s always clean and people are nice and supportive. The convenience of having 24/7 access is the best thing for a busy schedule. The equipment is always taken care of, and is never out of order for more than a day. The owners are phenomenal athletes and trainers, find a personable approach to every client and it shows! I myself lost over 20 pounds and although i weight 120 most of my life never have i looked and felt as great as i do now!

Awesome facility with the best trainers. Seth and Vanessa, both IFBB pros, can dial in competitors looks with diet and training like no other. Watched them save my wife a couple weeks out and she placed! All after another coach had dropped her. I don’t compete but require diet, motivation and great form to prevent injury and they provide it all. In my best form ever at 52 and I love going to the gym. Very knowledgeable. No overtraining. No extremes. Very smart with great results.

Looking for a gym in the Tacoma area ~ The Training Pit is it! The facility is clean and filled with amazing equipment and friendly members. This warm and welcoming gym will inspire you to be your best and help set goals that are achievable. In addition to monthly membership, the owners Seth & Vanessa, both highly qualified and expereinced offer one on one training, bodybuilding, posing, nutrition, strength training, rehab and sports training. I have seen them do it all with inpressive results.
I couldn't live without my work out time at the Training Pit and am so appreciative to Seth & Vanessa for cultivating a gym that inspires all and is kindhearted, fun and freindly.

Wow where do I begin?! I have been going here for two years now. This gym has all the equipment and all the expertise you’ll ever need to get the healthiest body of your life! The gym is also very affordable and open 24/7. There are nutrition plans and personal training offered. Whether beginner or athlete this is the place to be!

I first started here when I moved to Tacoma in November. The Training Pit markets itself as a 24 hour private gym with a focus on bodybuilding and nutritional programming. I hired Seth (co-owner with his wife Vanessa) to train me and help correct some muscular imbalances I had due to structural bone issues in my right foot. Seth helped me resolve my imbalances through corrective exercises and stretching. I am now back to working out without fear of re injury thanks to these guys knowledge and expertise. Couldn’t be more grateful that I’m able to be apart of the best gym in Tacoma and surrounding areas!

10/10 recommend!! I was recommended to use Seth and Vanessa for my posing and prep due their stellar reputation in the area. I immediately was impressed by their depth of knowledge, not just in bodybuilding but in overall health. In the hours spent with them, I still feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface to know what they know. They are quick to get back with feedback after checkins and also when I have questions in general. If you need guidance in any area of health and fitness, this is the duo that you want to lean on! You won’t be disappointed, they will take you to that next level!

I'm so happy I found The Training Pit! Seth and Vanessa are both awesome and extremely knowledgeable trainers. They actually take time to get to know you and your fitness goals and structure your fitness plan based on that. I'm super excited to see how they can transform my physique! I HIGHLY recommend The Training Pit!

As a former athlete, I have been exposed to some great training programs. Now a washed up football player, I started searching for a gym that offered an elite level training program that I was once exposed too. The people at The Training Pit have a great background and vast knowledge of anatomy and training allowing them to structure a one-on-one program to help focus on areas effected by a sports injury or bad posture at work. Their ability to custom tailor workouts will guarantee the results you desire. Not only is the training amazing, but Seth and Vanessa who run the program are awesome to be around. They are supportive and encouraging both inside and outside of the gym. Very pleased with the sanity and variety of equipment. The Training Pit is the bets place to workout in Tacoma!

I’ve worked with Seth & Vanessa for about a year now on my nutrition and training. It has been absolutely amazing and they’ve taken my health to all new levels. After struggling with a thyroid disease for the last 12+ years, weigh gain and other dietary issues were impossible to get around. That is until they set my nutrition up to not only help me get more fit, but also adapt to the issues that my body naturally has with my autoimmune condition. Seth takes the time to educate me on certain things that I truly couldn’t learn anywhere else and his attention to detail when structuring my plans gives me comfortability to execute without burnout. I’m so grateful for the love and support they have given me and I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to get their nutrition & life on track.

Want to get the weight lost results that you have always desired? Well, look no further Seth and Vanessa, are the dynamic duo and co-owners of the Training Pit, and they got you covered. Both are master trainers and together they contain almost 30 years of knowledge and expertise as diet specialist & contest prep coaches. “Discipline over habit” is the Pits motto and it comes to no surprise as the gains everyone makes once they step foot into this energetic and contagious environment. There is just something special about the energy at this gym that keeps you coming back and wanting more!

Personally, after having my first child, I was struggling to get the hormonal mommy weight off. With nutritional guidance, excellent workouts personalized to my body, patience and consistency there is no doubt that I will reach any fitness goals that I put my mind to. Both Seth and Vanessa together are fire!!! Trust me when I say that you want them to be your coach too!