Zach was an amazing trainer. My workout was effective and efficient. I was sweating after the first 5 minutes. The routine was Packed with multi functional movements. I'm motivated to stay focused and fit. read more

Ambitious Athletics is a total gem in the DC fitness scene. Having lived in DC for 18 years and frequenting many fitness studios, I've finally found my home. Carmen (owner/coach) focuses on quality over quantity, and it shows. Carmen and Kam (coach) put so much thoughtfulness into each workout and the overall program. Not to mention, they pay attention to everyone in the gym and their form, weight choice, etc. The coaches are always watching and will always offer insight to make you stronger. People have been coming to this place for over a decade, and I can see why. As a recent new member, I was welcomed into the community right away and already feel a part of the Ambitious family. It's a testament to what this place is - special! Ambitious Athletics is top notch, not only in the programming and the coaches, but also the gym as whole - the atmosphere, the equipment, the recovery room. It is the highlight of my day and I look forward to going every morning (and I am not a morning person!). Anyone looking for a killer workout regimen and an awesome community - this is THE place. read more

Can't say enough good things about Ambitious Athletics. Coach Zach's programming, instruction, and encouragement have made all the difference. Coach Carmen really understands nutrition and how to set up athletes for success (and how to run a terrific gym, with a strong sense of community and support). I'm a believer in this great local business. If you're thinking about getting serious about fitness and nutrition (or PT/rehab), this is the place. read more

Really enjoying the recovery room at Ambitious Athletics. Been popping in for a cold plunge in the morning and it has decreased my inflammation, increased my energy, and improved my sleep. The room is always pristine, and they make it efficient to pop in quickly. You can also book a longer time and really unwind with the sauna and hot tub as well! read more

I love Ambitious Athletics! The coaches are great, encouraging and very knowledgeable. The programming kept me consistent in a way I had never been before, and the members are really welcoming and supportive of each other. All my fitness metrics improved, so I highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun and effective gym! read more

I was in D.C. for the summer and found Ambitious Athletics and was so impressed and satisfied. I am a college athlete so I was looking for a gym that had a trainer to hold me accountable and guide me in the right way, push me, and have fun. AA was nothing less of those things, Carmen was so amazing and made me a better athlete and more importantly a better person. If I ever end up in D.C. again, I will be back. read more

If you want to get stronger and prove that you can show up for yourself, with the support of an inclusive community and knowledgeable coaches, this is the place for you. Sure, you could join a chain gym instead, but you'll get less out of it. For one, they won't care about you (yes, I'm talking about you, Gold's Gym). Two, you won't feel instantly included and supported by a group of people who want you to succeed. Three, Ambitious provides structure. You don't have to worry about what your next workout should look like, if your form is right, or all the other BS that causes unnecessary gym anxiety. Ambitious has an app with the workouts planned for you, and Carmen or Kam will keep an eye on your form. You will learn and grow at Ambitious. Here's the proof: I've been a member since October 2021. When I first started, I could hip thrust about 125 lbs. Less than 1.5 years later, I was able to hip thrust 255 lbs. In the past year, I have added the nutrition program which has helped me change my body composition and allowed me to eat more calories daily than I ever have. I now understand that eating more and eating properly supports my lifting goals and overall health. As someone with a restrictive diet background, this has been a freeing experience for me. As for the community, we get together outside of the gym often and we support and care about each other's lives. Lastly, the facility is dope. Period. You won't find equipment in better condition or a gym that is kept cleaner than Ambitious. read more

I love Ambitious Athletics. I love the gym, the training program, but most of all I love the people - the trainers and everyone who works out there. The gym's motto is "move, look, and feel like an athlete at every age." Whatever your starting point, you'll be welcome at Ambitious Athletics by Carmen and Kam, and the rest of the community. The only prerequisite is a desire to be better. If you're willing to do that, you'll get all the encouragement and technical coaching support you will need to get better. One quality that separates a great gym from a good gym is a commitment to creating a sustainable fitness routine. Carmen and Kam have designed a workout program varies deliberately over the course of the year balancing strength gains with definition, cardio, agility, flexibility, and rest (yes, rest). You'll be inspired by your fellow gym mates and over time, you'll see progress and come to believe in your potential to continue to get better. And you'll meet wonderful people from all walks of life, each at a different place in their journey, but each committed to helping each other -- including you -- live life to the fullest. read more

If you're in DC and working out anywhere besides Ambitious Athletics, what are you even doing!?! At Ambitious, you are essentially getting personal training level attention without the associated price tag. The owner of the gym is coaching the class every morning and your workouts are programmed for you to actually build strength. You can put your brain on the shelf and still meet your fitness goals. Classes are capped and small so you get to know everyone and there's people of every fitness level, age, etc. Stop wasting your time and come try out a class! read more

I was hesitant to join Ambitious Athletics at first, but after my first week, I was hooked. It's been over a year since I joined, and I can truthfully say that I feel completely different. I'm stronger, I have more energy throughout the day, and I feel athletic again (after taking a year and a half off due to the pandemic). Its not one of those big gym chains where the interactions are impersonal, none of the staff are helping if they're not your personal trainer, you don't know what half of the machines do and there are people using them anyway, and it's incredibly hard to set goals because you're on your own. Ambitious Athletics on the other hand is a small business run by very knowledgable and passionate people who genuinely care about their clients. They'll meet you at your current abilities, get to know you as a person, help you set goals, push you, and root for you. Throughout the year, there are multiple training phases, each with different goals and programs. Each day of the week brings a different workout, and you'll be using an app to track your progress. You can choose to do the workouts on your own during open gym hours, or you can sign up for one of the group sessions. Before each workout, you'll always go over each exercise with one of the trainers. While it isn't personal training, a trainer is always in the gym watching your workout, and making sure that you're doing everything correctly. The group sessions have played a huge role in my progress - the community is friendly, welcoming, and incredibly encouraging. There's no shaming or over the top competitiveness - people are simply trying to improve and reach their individual goals. Some members have been training with Carmen (the owner) since before Ambitious Athletics was even a thing. You'll find loyal members that have been attending the same daily group workout for years - that alone speaks to the quality of this place. So try it. I bet you'll be hooked too. read more

You can stop scrolling through Yelp, trying to find a gym that you can feel comfortable walking into on your first day, because THIS IS THE ONE! Don't worry about being the only person there with no experience. I am 34 and I literally have zero gym/weightlifting/training experience. I too have walked in and out of other gyms due to intimidation and not knowing what to do. You should at least do the orientation class. You will sit down and talk about your goals and your story, learn how the gym works, and do some stretches to show your mobility and/or limitations. Hopefully I will see you in classes, and we will be newbies together! (Click on the website, and at the top you will see "Click here to reserve your orientation spot" - that's what I did) read more

What separates this gym from others is that you have a tailored program every six weeks. You train in groups without the stress or judgement like in a CrossFit program. You also receive individual assistance and review from the talented trainers at much less than the cost of hiring a personal trainer. It's all about coaching you to help you reach your personal goals. read more

Ambitious Athletics is the best gym in DC! Carmen and Kam are amazing--knowledgeable, supportive, and truly invested in your progress. It's more than just a gym; it's a welcoming, motivating community. Highly recommend! read more

Love everything about Ambitious Athletics. The coaches are amazing, the facility is great, and all of the people around are the best!

I love the community & the well-thought-out programming at Ambitious Athletics. Carmen & Kam provide a supportive environment and help to keep you motivated to crush any fitness goals you have. Highly recommend! read more

Recently started at AA and I've already learned so much working with Coach Carmen. Super knowledgeable and approachable. Loving getting stronger and making progress towards my strength goals! read more

I am updating my review to specifically speak to how Ambitious Athletics has changed their practices was during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, I want to highlight their thoughtful consideration and well-reasoned rules and cleanliness protocols to make going to the gym as safe and comfortable for members as possible. Working out with Ambitious Athletics via Zoom every evening, as part of the Ambitious online programming, has been the only normal part of my day for the past 9 months. The coaches, Carmen and Kam, have made a seamless transition to online group workouts, using whatever equipment and materials members can get their hands on at home, even if it is only body weight and some soup cans. Having a supportive group of other members to check in with each weekday has been a godsend for my mental health during these trying times. I would highly recommend the online programming for anyone looking for some genuine human connection, and who may be wary of working out at a gym at this time. While I am personally outside of the DC-area, taking advantage of the online programming, I know from other members that the in-person programming is also a great option. The protocols being followed were put in place with member safety and health at the forefront. Only a limited number of members can participate per workout, with social distancing rules being followed, masks required, and sanitation occurring at each member station following each workout session. The workouts are also curated to focus on activities that will limit cardio-heavy activities to allow for comfortable breathing the entire workout with the mask in place. I would highly recommend reaching out to the folks at Ambitious Athletics! read more

Ambitious Athletics - Trainers Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've been a member of Ambitious over the years since 2015. Seven years. The longest I had been able to keep track of a fitness program was 7 months. That is how amazing Carmen, Kam and Ambitious is. The workouts are strong, but engaging and always changing so you have a comforting routine without getting bored. Carmen takes the time to learn about his clients lives and creates programs that work not only what will get you results, but what will work with your work and life schedule. I've also done nutrition coaching over the years, which has completely changed the way I view my relationship with food. On top of all that, the people at Ambitious are incredible, and have definitely become people I count as close friends, while also keeping myself accountable as we achieve our goals together. Seriously if you're reading this, reach out and go to an orientation. You won't regret it! read more

Ambitious Athletics is the best gym I've ever belonged to. Seven years after leaving D.C., and I still scroll through their Instagram looking longingly at the new space and the equipment! Best gym I've ever belonged to with results that speak for themselves. There aren't many places I'd get up for, before dawn, on winter mornings, and get on the redline to Woodley Park (when they were there) and for a workout no less! I miss Carmen, his humor, the workouts, and the Ambitious crew. If you're in the D.C. area (consider yourself lucky to be near this gym) and you need a place to build a lifetime of healthy habits, get yourself to Ambitious! read more

Ambitious athletics exceeded all of my expectations from the day I joined over a year ago. Carmen and Kam and so incredibly welcoming and supportive, open to questions, comments, conversation any day of the week. The intro meeting that Carmen offers is extremely helpful in getting familiar with the gym and equipment they offer, while being prepped for what to expect in your first class and getting a chance to discuss any other personal goals or concerns. This really removes any of those first class jitters at a new gym and gives your trainers a chance to get to know you, your goals, your strengths and weaknesses, and how they can help you be the best version of yourself in and out of the gym. The small group training classes offer the perfect mix of personal attention you would get from personal training but support and motivation from working out with other people who are all trying to improve themselves. The facility itself is full of top notch equipment and has everything you need. As a former D1 collegiate lacrosse player, their programming very much models that type of training, cycling through different seasons and phases throughout the year and utilizing a combination of strength training fundamental compound movements with more cardio focused workouts. After being away from this atmosphere for a few years post-grad, coming back to this team training environment has been extremely motivating - I was lost trying group workout classes, online programs, Instagram workouts, and struggling to stay consistent. I have done this type of training before, but have made so many improvements and gained noticeable strength after doing it at Ambitious. There isn't a day that I feel like they have programmed a bad or ineffective workout, and each workout fits into the overall goals of each phase and season. The recovery room access to a cold plunge and infrared sauna are awesome recovery tools and are super convenient to use pre or post workout. Carmen's nutrition coaching is super personalized, he will work with you to create a healthy plan to help you reach whatever your goals are. He checks in frequently and genuinely cares about how you are feeling throughout the process both mentally and physically. The cherry on top is the other members and overall vibe at this gym. Ambitious is probably the only gym I've ever encountered that attracts such a diverse group of people - different ages, backgrounds, athletic experiences - yet brings them together to create an environment where everyone can thrive. They have members who have been there for 10+ years, and that just speaks to the community Carmen has built. It doesn't matter if you can lift 10 pounds or 200, everybody supports and pushes each other to give 100% of what you have available to give that day. If you can bring that and a good attitude, I'd highly recommend Ambitious to anybody - from athletes who workout everyday to those who haven't worked out in months or years. Ambitious has had an enormous positive impact on my life and general routine, and my hour there is often times the highlight of my day. If you're looking for a gym please give Ambitious Athletics a try! read more

The trainers get to know you personally and the structure of the workouts means results. You can show up and you are with friends! Well worth the value! read more

Ambitious Athletics isn't just a gym; it's a vibrant community that truly enriches the fitness experience. The workouts are intense yet safe, perfectly balanced to push you while ensuring your confidence. The diligent tracking system here helps you see real gains, and the supportive, uplifting atmosphere makes every session worthwhile. If you're looking for more than just equipment, but a place that fosters both physical and community strength, Ambitious Athletics is the place. Kam and Carmen are also the best trainers I have ever worked with! I'll miss this gym dearly! read more

I joined Ambitious in Jan 2022 and it's the best investment i've made so far this year! I don't generally write reviews but this gym deserves one. It is an underrated gym since you actually get a lot more than a group workout. I've been through a lot of gyms with instruction throughout the city but this one tops them all. I personally felt like getting a 1:1 personal training from Carmen and Kam in each workout and i was able to progress at my own pace. Every workout set/movement builds on top of another and i liked the personal feedback that i get around proper movement/mechanics for each exercise. My lifting form gets constantly corrected and exercises are adjusted to account for my limitations. Since starting in January, i have been progressively getting stronger and had a noticeable change in flexibility and energy levels (on top of seeing the changes in the mirror). I diligently track my progress each week on the app and i've come to appreciate the incremental strength increases i've gained since i started. The gym is right by the metro which is extremely convenient and it's in a block that has about 3 parking garages nearby. The gym is extremely clean and with great equipment. It also has a recovery room and it's own basement entrace. Overall, this is a premiere DC gym and one i would recommend for individuals looking to get fit and strong in a safe and welcoming way. read more

My husband and I joined Ambitious Athletics in 2020 during the pandemic and it was the best decision we ever made. Carmen and Kam are more than just owners/coaches they truly care about every single member more than any gym I've ever belonged to in the past. They will do whatever it takes to encourage you to succeed in your personal goals and are such a positive light. They had to continue to adapt to the ever-changing COVID pandemic rules and we always felt extremely safe there. They recently moved locations to a beautiful new gym and we could not be happier for them. We had to end our membership because we moved but I hope they expand to multiple locations one day so we can re-join or we'll just have to move back to DC. I cannot recommend them enough!! read more

I joined Ambitious Athletics to prepare myself for my college soccer season in the off-season. Not only did I see the results through improvement in my strength and mobility, but I also gained so many great relationships. The culture at Ambitious Athletics is unlike any other I have experienced, it truly does feel like a family! read more

Ambitious Athletics has been an amazing place to improve my health, fitness, and knowledge. Carmen and Kam do a great job of giving instruction as well as the reasoning behind the movements. There's a balance with the class sizes that allows me to get the personal critiques and tips I need to improve. From the day I stepped into AA the staff and members really made me feel like a part of their family and created a great workout experience. Amongst many fitness studios and classes I've tried Ambitious Athletics definitely stands out. read more

Ambitious Athletics to me is this: Good people getting better together. I didn't find Ambitious; I feel like Ambitious found me. When I first visited Ambitious (7 years ago!), I was just getting back to exercising after years of inactivity. I was basically planning to settle into my old routine of the same boring mix of cardio on elliptical machines and circuit training on machines. It never produced much in the way of results, but it was better than nothing. And I didn't know any better. On my first visit to Ambitious, I looked around at all the gear, a little intimidated. I had never trained like that - never done a squat, deadlift, or pull-up, never swung a kettle bell, never pushed a sled. More than once, I had met with trainers who beat me up and left me for dead. I never went back to them. I told Carmen, "I'm not ready for what you do here." He said, "You're ready. We'll work with you to your own ability. Trust me." I said "If you break me, I'm never coming back." He said, "Trust me." I couldn't be happier that I did. It's no exaggeration to say that it's changed my life profoundly for the better. I've made a lot of gains on the strength and fitness front, and have done many things that I never thought I ever could or would. But I feel like I have so much more to do there, so many ways I want to improve. And I've met a community of people who will be my friends for life. If you're thinking about joining Ambitious, please give it a shot. To use Carmen's words to me at our first meeting: Trust. Trust the system to produce results for you if you commit and put in the hard work. Trust your coaches and classmates to know how to bring out the best in you, and to always have your best interests at heart. Most of all, trust yourself and know that whatever you think you're capable of at any given time, you're always capable of more. read more

I have been working out at Ambitious since 2016, and it is truly my happy place. Carmen and Kam pour their heart and soul into the programming and atmosphere, which is apparent the second you walk through the gym doors. The workouts are challenging, but with the support of Carmen, Kam, and the rest of the gym members, you always have a great time completing them. Carmen and Kam are happy to offer modifications as well. I recently had a baby and during my pregnancy, they provided modifications to the workouts that were safe for me (and baby) based on the trimester and my own fitness level. They helped me have the healthiest pregnancy I could, and I reaped the benefits during the first few months of my postpartum recovery. Carmen and Kam will encourage you to be the best version of yourself that you can be, and they'll be in your corner for the entire journey. If you're thinking about joining- please do, you won't regret it! read more

Ambitious Athletics provides a fun atmosphere to train and has knowledgable coaches who really make this place special. Carmen and Kam are so welcoming and take time to really get to know their members. The community they have created is unmatched and is what keeps me coming back. This gym is always a highlight to my day and I highly recommend. read more

Ambitious Athletics is the best gym I've ever visited/joined! Carm and his team take a genuine interest in their clients, have built a beautiful facility and have created a warm environment for people of all abilities. It is a boutique gym experience with state of the art equipment and a wonderful community! Plus, it's also always a kick ass workout!! read more

Both Carmen and Emilie are super friendly and nice. That doesn't mean Carmen won't push you! (As much as I love yoga, my loyalty still lies with my first instructor who made me appreciate particularly interactive yogi who inspire you to share their ambition.) His blog posts are rather useful nuggets of information. He really helped me break through my pre-holiday weight plateau. I think it's great that he offers a nutrition program to change your body from the ground up. At risk of sounding like an infomercial, my taste of Ambitious Athletics gave me a way to shape what I learned there to fit an on-the-go, outside-the-gym lifestyle. I feel better and look better-- what more can you ask for? I wish my schedule were more compatible with his program so I can up the intensity, but my multiple jobs and on-call work system are getting a little out of hand. read more

Carmen does a great job creating a comfortable, supportive environment, where everyone at any level is welcome, and he makes it a team atmosphere. He explains exercises really well to make sure you're doing them correctly. The gym is small and hard to get to since the building is locked, which is the reason for the 3 stars, but Carmen creates great workouts with the equipment he has. Update: the gym is usually closed on the weekend so the building being locked will not be a problem! read more

I joined Ambitious Athletics about 6 months ago and could not possibly be happier with the gym. I look forward to starting my day there every morning. Carmen and Kam have created a welcoming fitness community combined with programming that works and a brand new, state-of-the-art facility. Plus, they're just great humans. I would give this place 10 stars if I could. Try it out - you won't regret it! read more

Life is about investments. Investments are key because they are integral to individual growth for yourself and your own personal standing. Carmen's gym, Ambitious Athletics, is an investment. Like trusting investment bankers with your money, trust Carmen with giving you a plan to become stronger and more fit. His holistic approach and his principles to strength and conditioning guide you as a client to become a stronger and more confident individual. In the end, Carmen fosters a healthy and welcoming environment. I have good friends, but I gained many more by joining Ambitious Athletics. Give it a try. It's a good investment. read more

Ambitious Athletics is truly a diamond in the fitness world rough. I joined 4 years ago looking for a program to continue my strength and conditioning training, but found a program that is absolutely out of this world. The intention behind all of the curated workouts shows Carmen's expertise in the field and the comradery amongst the trainers and members is what truly fuels my desire to be better everyday. I highly recommend you check out Ambitious Athletics! COVID Update: Carmen and Kam have seamlessly pivoted the gym's operations in response to COVID. They provide remote workouts that people can complete on their own or join the Zoom classes in the morning or evening. Their in-person protocol includes mask-wearing, private squat racks and weights to avoid cross-contamination, and sanitizing materials at every single squat rack. Whether I'm doing a workout online or in-person, I feel I am getting the full training experience while feeling safe. You won't find another gym putting in the effort to see their members successful and safe like you do here! read more

I have been a member of Ambitious for 16 months and other than marrying my husband, my membership has been the best decision of my life. This is not just a gym but a home and family of athletes looking to improve their lives. I am a former collegiate athlete and at now at 34, I am in better shape with a 3x/week membership here than I was playing soccer 6 days a week in college. Since joining I have lost the fat I wanted to lose and gained muscle, friends, a community, and two incredible confidants in coaches Carmen and Gina. Both coaches are enthusiastic and welcoming to new members and have strong and meaningful relationships with seasoned members. They each spend time outside work hours bettering themselves and thinking of ways to improve the program so that you not only reach your fitness and nutrition goals but become a better person. The program is a thoughtful and tailored strength and conditioning program with 6 week cycles and a rebuilding week in between each unique cycle (MWF strength T/TH conditioning). Carmen and Gina hold you accountable and help you to track your progression so that you can watch your movement and strength improve. You can be at ANY stage of fitness and the program, coaches, and members will help you achieve your goals. read more

It has now been over two years since I started at Ambitious - and it's been the best fitness experience I've ever had. I am one of those people who hates going to the gym by myself. I need the motivation of being around others, the guidance of knowing what exercises to do and how to do them (properly), and the need for a schedule and a plan to keep me on track. Ambitious does all of that for me, thanks to Carmen's excellent training skills and fantastic coaching. I started out unable to even do some of the major lifts that I now complete regularly - I owe all of that to Carmen, and Kam, and the whole team. I also love that the coaches can make on-the-fly modifications for you if you can't do an exercise due to strength or injury. For someone who travels a lot, I love that members have access to all the workouts (and instructional videos) through the TeamBuildr app, so that I can do the workouts on the road (and the app is a great way to track progress). If you are ready to get in better shape, check out Ambitious. I don't think you will regret it! read more

I've never been very loyal to a particular gym or fitness studio. I usually buy groupons or intro deals and keep myself entertained by going from class to class just to get a workout in. I've tried almost every exercise fad in the DC area: spinning, barre, spinning with barre, yoga, hot yoga, yoga with weights, pilates, solidcore, etc. However, despite working out 4 times a week and running on my own, I hadn't seen real changes in my body, levels of strength or energy in a long time. Enter Ambitious Athletics. I bought a Gilt City deal for a one month pass, thinking it would be a good way to get out of a slump and get excited about working out again. What I found was very different. I've been working out with Carmen and Lori for almost two months and I'm consistently impressed by the workouts, their dedication, and the community they've built. Every day is a different challenge. What I love the most about it is that you get the best of both worlds: the personalized attention of a trainer with the energy of a group class. What has impressed me the most is that three times a week I get out of bed at 6 in the morning and trek from Ballston to Foggy Bottom -- on the metro! Let me tell you, I would not do that if it wasn't worth it! In the short time I've been with them, I've felt changes in my strength and even my attitude. I'm going to stop before this turns into an infomercial, but bottom line is they're awesome and you should give them a try! read more

I have been here 2.5 years now. My transformation has been quite a process from when I came in at 205 lbs. and overweight (the coach there will take you through a body scan and show your body metrics). Over the course of the first year, I simultaneously got stronger (we test 2-3 times per year) and I lost weight to 185 lb. In year #2, we modified my nutrition so that I added weight back on with muscle and I am at 200 lbs. with completely different body metrics (half the body fat, added much more muscle mass). I am steady at my bodyweight, getting stronger but mostly improving on my overall health such as range of motion and energy which is what this gym is about first and foremost. read more

I started working out about a month ago with Carmen/Ambitious Athletics & also recently started the nutrition portion offered. I've worked out with trainers & at gyms before and have found it to be kind of a waste. It was too easy to underperform or distract them with idle chit chat. Carmen's class is tough & so is he. He's going to call you out when you're not giving it your 100%. I get up at 5 am (I hate mornings typically not leaving my house until 10 am when it's safe for me to speak to others) & look forward to it. I may feel like crawling to my car at the end of class but its worth it and I know it's working. The other day I was standing in the bathroom & the Hubs came in. He looked down at my ass, gave it a pat & said "you know I think it already looks firmer".... Yup thank you Carmen. read more