PB Fitness is bringing something new to the local workout scene: group exercise in a social environment offering unparalleled 360-degree coastal views.
Owned and run by Katie Cardoza and Justin Verdugo, who worked previously in Pacific Beach at Warehouse Athletic Club and Shock Fitness, the business duo have teamed up to break out on their own.
They have set up shop in the totally renovated building at 4965 Cass St., the former home of no-frills Cass Gym for many years. 
Recently opened, PB Fitness, by contrast, has all the bells and whistles, including four separate levels of workout space, plus state-of-the art equipment and locker rooms.
More than the aesthetics have changed in the new building, as PB Fitness has an entirely new business model and approach.
“If you want an open gym where you come in and work out individually — that’s not our business model,” said Cardoza. “What we do is group training, both intense and lower key, in a social environment. Our focus is group and personal training.”
PB Fitness operates on a membership model. Cardoza said right now they’re offering a $100 per month membership that entitles members to unlimited monthly group classes and instruction with professional personalized trainers. “You pay more but you get better results than you would if you were paying $20 to $40 a month at a gym where you never show up, or come in only once in a while,” she said.
Cardoza said 50-minute classes are set up for maximum utility and convenience, accommodating people with their increasingly busy personal schedules. Plus, she added, the group environment facilitates a shared social experience, which not only helps bring people into the gym, but helps keep them there by making the facility a meeting hub.
And it doesn’t hurt that the brand new gym is on four different levels offering sweeping views of the surroundings and nearby ocean.
The new gym is bringing in equipment and programs in phases. The first phase being group exercise, to be followed with more fitness-oriented alternatives to be offered, like yoga.
Thus far, PB Fitness has been well received.
“Neighborhood people are excited,” said Cardoza. “They’ve been waiting for the gym: watching for it. They’re thrilled to see the gym is operating again with more and even better equipment.”
Cardoza offers a lower-intensity class geared for seniors, while noting everyone is welcome — and served — at PB fitness.
“I have people from 18 to 83 in my classes,” she said.  PB Fitness
4965 Cass St. 
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
707-318-2324, pbfitnesssd.com