Lions Den Chico - Chico, California

kameron M.

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who will completely change the way you think about fitness, Jacob Kern at Lion’s Den is the one. I came into training at 289 lbs, thinking I knew what workouts were supposed to look like. Jacob took one look at my fitness level, threw all my expectations out the window, and rebuilt my approach from the ground up. Now, I’m at 209 lbs and still pushing forward.

Jacob doesn’t just focus on lifting weights or running drills—he tailors each session to challenge the way your body and mind work together. He understands that real progress isn’t just about reps and sets, but about breaking through mental barriers. His training is dynamic, focused, and designed to get results. He doesn’t let you settle, but he also doesn’t push in a way that feels overwhelming. Every session is about growth, adaptation, and proving to yourself that you can go further than you ever thought possible.

One thing that stuck with me during this journey is something I now live by: "The Comeback is Personal, it is an Apology to Myself." Jacob helped me understand that fitness is more than just numbers on a scale—it’s about reclaiming control, pushing limits, and making a promise to yourself that you won’t quit.

If you're on the fence about personal training, take my word for it—Jacob will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about working out. He’s the real deal.

Kameron Militano

Steven C.

Thank you for your hospitality Lion's Den!

My team and I were deployed to the Park Fire recently.
During our down time we encourage our Firefighters to keep up their fitness. This gym is located close to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, so we gave it shot.

Firstly, this is a real gym. There is a lot of room, significantly more choices in equipment than you'll normally find. The various rooms are set up intelligently, with good flow. Every piece of equipment used was in good repair. The staff was personable an helpful.

Secondly, the owner and staff did not allow us to pay for the day use, citing the contributions that the individuals staffing the incident were making. Thank you so much for your generosity, my team really appreciated it!

In closing, I would absolutely become a member if I lived in Chico. The quality of the Lion's Den as a fitness center, as well as the treatment we received makes this a top notch facility in my regard.

Thank you!

Jose P.

I enjoy my time here. The various selection of machines is nice and it's not too crowded. I also appreciate the face-lift the new owners gave it when they acquired the property. I've noticed a couple of interior improvements but wish there were more done on the second floor such as the lighting. Overall it's a pretty nice gym and I believe it's worth the money!

Aahko K.

I'm happy to have found Lion's Den and the community around it. The gym itself has had some pretty big and new changes in the year in which I have been a member and they have a wide selection of equipment which is regularly maintained and not insanely overcrowded like other gyms in town. As for the staff, they are all energetic and enthusiastic and willing to help you with anything regarding personal training, diet, personal recommendations and experiences and so on.

As for my experience with their training, I have had the pleasure of training with Jacob Kern for almost 2 months now and have learned a lot about myself and my diet since then. Prior to training with him I had hit a plateau where I was drained of energy and could not gain muscle or lose weight like I used to. Since training and working on my diet with him, my energy levels have gone up, I have gotten stronger, lost a little over 17 lbs, and have leaned out quite a bit. He's got a positive and supportive attitude while keeping you accountable and in line with your goals. Ultimately I gained not only the results I was looking for but also a friend. Appreciate you man!

Slater E.

I've been stuck at a plateau in my physique and weight so I decided to try something different by having one of the trainers named Jacob Kern customize a meal plan me. In just one month I have lost 8 pounds, my abs are a lot more defined, and I'm feeling more confident than ever. I highly recommend doing a meal plan with Jacob, it's worth every penny!

Alexander H. (.

The owner is very condescending, as you can see from all his replies to negative reviews. He will never take accountability for any customer dissatisfaction, he will only assume the customer has done something wrong on their end.

They do not like criticism.
They will not let you cancel your membership. They will not even discuss canceling your membership. They ask that you talk to their "guy who handles memberships." But whenever you call or come in, he's not in. He probably does not exist.

Freeway P.

I’ve been going to gym settings on and off since 2004 (in 2004-2015 I maintained shape) but due to injuries I hadn’t worked out again until recently. I travel A LOT for work and have been to A LOT of gyms (I’ve also lived in 20 diff cities). I called Lions Den as I was in Chico for work purposes, trying to find a gym (closest crunch was Sacramento) in the area wasn’t easy. When I came across Lions Den, I called and the front desk was so friendly and told me all of their amenities in the gym, so I was eager and excited to try it out. It has been a top 3 experience of Gyms I been to across OK, FL, CA, NE, NY, NV, UT, CO, TX and IL. I really wish there was a gym like Lions Den here in Florida close to home. I’ll be back in Chico tomorrow and I’m looking forward to working out in their gym again.

Gavin S.

I started working out at this facility when it was NS fit. I was skeptical at first with the transition of management but really impressed with the upgrades and the renovation. The equipment is great and the environment is awesome for going in and putting in the work. They have really done an incredible job. I enjoy working out here a lot. I love the equipment upgrades