People We Meet: Coach B, San Francisco’s mobile gym rat
In the early morning fog of San Francisco, a bright orange truck stands out among the usual traffic at 20th and Church streets. This vehicle is more than just a truck. It is a mobile gym operated by Greg Bianchi, a trainer who has spent years moving away from the confines of traditional fitness centers. Since 2020, his business, The City is Our Gym, has brought equipment and coaching to parks and public spaces across the Bay Area.
Bianchi started his career in fitness after working as a track athlete and studying sports science. He spent nearly two decades coaching teams at City College of San Francisco before the program ended. His transition to a mobile model began with a garage space in Orange Alley, but he eventually wanted more freedom. He built the gymmobile with a friend to allow for movement and flexibility. Today, he travels from Dolores Park to Ocean Beach and beyond to meet his clients.
The truck features modified scaffolding that supports pull-up bars and other exercise gear. This setup allows Bianchi to host group sessions, corporate classes, and individual training. He views fitness as a tool rather than a central life focus, stating that his goal is to help people stay capable enough to pursue their own interests, whether that means running a race or climbing a mountain.
His schedule keeps him on the road constantly, covering territory from the North Bay down to Palo Alto. Despite the unpredictable weather in San Francisco, he remains consistent, showing up even during heavy rain. He has no plans to return to an indoor gym setting. Instead, he continues to improve his current setup, recently adding a mobile barbecue attachment to the truck to further enhance the social nature of his work.
For Bianchi, the work is about solving problems for people and managing injuries with attention to detail. He does not aim to push clients past their limits, preferring a balanced approach that focuses on longevity and enjoyment. By bringing the gym to the community, he has created a model that prioritizes human connection and the unique landscape of the city.