Desolation Athletic Fitness - South Lake Tahoe, California

Andrew Schurr

DAF is by far the best gym I have ever been a part of and the programming has been the only non-sport specific work out system I have ever been able to stick with long term. I have been training with DAF since they opened and with Coach E before that while rehabbing a broken ankle. He, and all the coaches he has brought into DAF, are super knowledgeable, very approachable, and are know how to keep things fun and interesting. They are always willing to tailor a work out to your specific needs, and can adapt to help you reach your goals. DAF truly is a great community full of supportive and fun people!

Stephanie Breiling

While the focus of hitting the gym was to build muscle and strength, Coach Elliott, his wife Lauren, and the DAF gym have gone FAR beyond this to build my confidence, and build an environment that makes me and so many others eager to return, to keep working harder, pushing ourselves, and learning something new about fitness and health everyday.
I feel the strongest I've ever felt and learned the gym doesn't have to be so serious! DAF has generated an awesome community of Tahoe's coolest people. I love when working out doesn't have to feel like a chore!
Highlyyy recommend joining the DAF family, and getting yourself a DAF bod!

corri ray

I love coming here! It feels like a second family. I used to get bored at gyms and look for other options, but I've been a member for a year now and still love it. The owners are great, and it has a small-town vibe with trainers who bring experience from larger facilities outside of Tahoe.

Kirk Baines

Best gym in Tahoe! Vibes are very high! It always feels like you are welcome and involved. I continue to learn a ton from Coach Elliott and Mike. I recommend desolation to anyone!

Jessica Mitchell

After over a year of being a member of DAF, my previous review still holds true! If you are looking for group workout classes with a very experienced and knowledgeable trainer… DAF is where you need to be! I appreciate that the classes are programmed in such a way as to be able to easily see your progress in getting stronger. And I appreciate that Elliott is very knowledgeable in modifying movements if you are dealing with any injuries so you can continue to workout safely. The other trainers that Elliott has brought in (Whitney, Mike, and on occasion as a substitute Ricardo) are also top notch. Really, I could go on and on about how much I like working out at DAF!

Alex Robinson

Edit: Ive been attending DAF for 2+ years now and it's only got better! Never has a gym held my attention for this long. They've brought in new, great coaches, keep it fun, engaging, and I always feel like I got a good workout and learned something. There is also a fantastic community given the small group style format, and very inclusive to all skills and abilities. Keep it up!

Always a great time at DAF! Coach E keeps it fun, inclusive and educational. I've enjoyed training with and learning from Elliot. My wife was initially intimidated to join but felt very welcomed and comfortable with the group classes too. Keep up the great work!

Sarah Pendergrast

I have been training at DAF for a little over a year now, and can confidently say that thanks to Coach Elliott I am the strongest I’ve ever been. I have done strength training on and off throughout my life, but could never stay consistent until joining DAF. Elliott is so good at programming in a way that breeds consistency and longevity. He adapts the workout to meet everyone’s needs and fitness levels while still pushing you to improve and train at the top of your ability. Each class is the perfect amount of challenge where you work hard and can tell you are getting stronger/fitter, but you are not so sore that you can’t function the next day. Since training at DAF I have completed my first half marathon and triathlon, and done so completely injury free thanks to the strength and habits I built at DAF! I am so grateful to everyone at DAF including all the coaches and the whole community of members. I know that every time I walk in those doors I’m going to get a great workout and also have fun! I could not recommend this place more!

Rachel Fairley

I cannot recommend DAF enough!! Personally I love the energy that the classes have its always a good time and I always leave in a great mood. Coach Elliott is very encouraging, knowledgeable, and informative. He curates a program that is tough and pushes you, but he also tweaks it should you need it to be more or less challenging. I am 9 months postpartum and a bigger woman, and the class is so inclusive and supportive. I couldn't imagine training anywhere else. The gym its self is clean, organized and has everything you might want to try!! I absolutely LOVE my DAF family and look forward to each class. Best gym in South Lake hands down!!