I initially heard about Bodymass from a flyer at DMV Iron Gym offering DEXA scans. I went to their website and saw they have two locations: Arlington, VA and DC. I immediately booked a DEXA at their DC location in November 2020 and I really appreciated how in depth Kris explained the DEXA. He suggested I book another one in 3 months. I booked one in February 2021 and it was really interesting to see how I was able to adjust the asymmetry and lose body fat while adding lean muscle. I can't wait to see the progress on my next DEXA in a couple months! I highly recommend Bodymass - they're extremely knowledgeable and very professional! read more

I was a member at Bodymass for 1.5 years prior to Covid. It was by far the best fitness experience I've had in 5+ years of living in DC. I tried many boutique fitness providers in DC, all a good workout, but none giving me the results I was looking for. Bodymass finally delivered. Bodymass is no-frills, straight-up strength training. If you want to improve your technique and strength in all aspects of lifting, this is the place for you. I've never been to a gym that was more focused on technique, form, and mobility, before strength. They set you up for success in order to build strength safely and sustainably. I have a newfound appreciation for mobility and form which I will carry with me regardless of my fitness routine. Prior to covid, the small group format of 10 or less members allowed for personal attention from coaches in every class. They provide iPads during class so you can track your progress week-to-week (which I loved!). The atmosphere was welcoming to all body types and strength and experience levels (serious lifters and novices alike). I was new to lifting, and the staff, especially the owner Kris and Virginia, made me feel exceptionally comfortable and at-home. I saw this time and time again with other new (and existing) members. Kris and Virginia's positivity and enthusiasm for the sport was completely infectious, encouraging you to try your best and hardest in their presence. During quarantine, their virtual at-home workouts kept me sane and active, and I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking for a virtual program. Due to covid, I could no longer afford their semi-private in-person training (which went up in price due to reduced class sizes, and are currently on pause except for private sessions, I believe), but I look forward to returning when standard classes commence. I can vouch for the quality of all their trainers, if anyone is looking for top-notch private training. I gained 20 pounds of muscle while working out at Bodymass, so the results speak for themselves. Virginia and Kris are phenomenal and you will not regret joining Bodymass! read more

Virginia and Kris lead a team of trainers who are generous with their wealth of knowledge and supportive of wherever you are when you walk in the door. Workouts are custom tailored based on your goals and abilities, while surrounding you with an encouraging and kind community. The trainers spend time observing and listening to you and have the ability to produce results in both world champion athletes as well as long-retired high school varsity players. They honor the courage it takes to walk in the door in the first place, offering a warm welcome - mostly provided by the canine support team - and removing any sense of intimidation. Movements learned in the gym are applied to life outside the gym so you don't just build muscles to look good at the beach but gain the strength and mobility you need to pick up your kids, carry your groceries, help a friend move a couch - with the added benefit that you also will look good at the beach. Each of the BodyMass trainers adds value to my workouts. From their own personal fitness stories and experience, they each offer a perspective that builds on the others - proper form, nutrition, mobility, the importance of rest and recovery. I live better and stronger in my body because of their coaching. No fads, gimmicks, or distractions, just knowledge, empowerment, and results. read more

I started working out at Bodymass five months ago and it has made a MAJOR impact on my life. Here are the reasons why I love Bodymass: THE RESULTS Forget everything else. This is what matters. All the stuff below is good but ultimately you want results. Bodymass will get you measurable results. You will get stronger, more flexible and more confident. After only five months of training I'm getting compliments from friends and family all the time...and it feels good. My clothes fit better, I walk straighter, and the back pain that I had for almost a year has disappeared. I still have a long way to go but it's been incredible so far. THE TRAINERS The trainers are amazing! They know what they're talking about - they are accomplished, certified and educated on all things strength, fitness and nutrition. Whether you have a question on form or supplements or physical therapy they will give you an educated and scientific answer. They emphasize proper technique over anything else, and will review and correct your form while you work out. They will accommodate your prior injuries and work with your level of fitness to get you to your goals. And they encourage you to push yourself harder. THE WORKOUTS (only talking about Build classes) The instructor-led classes are efficient and effective. No time is wasted looking for a bench or machine or weights. You get in, you work out, you get out. You will do in an hour here what it takes two hours in a "normal" gym. You don't have to think about what you're going to do next - everything is planned out for you. Mondays and Wednesdays is upper body; Tuesdays and Fridays is lower body. Classes last an hour - the first 30 minutes is on the turf (dumbbell exercises/body weight exercises/stretches); the next 30 minutes is in the weight room (barbell exercises/squats/deadlifts/bench press/etc). The workouts change every four weeks so they never get boring...in fact, they are FUN! I look forward to them. Plus, the music keeps you pumped throughout (I like Rock Fridays). THE MEMBERS Bodymass members come in a wide variety of sizes, ages and fitness levels. Everyone I have met so far has been cool and down to earth. We encourage and support one another. There's no shaming, no sizing up, no wasted chit chat, no bullshit. Everyone comes to work out and sweat. You partner up in the weight room so you have someone to spot you and work out with you. THE APP You can track your workouts in an app personalized for you. You can review your history and progression. The app uses your past performance and conveniently recommends weights for the next session. Signing up for classes is also really easy. THE COST You get a lot of bang for your buck. Check out the membership rates on the website and do the math. This is an investment in your health and future bad ass self. THE LOCATION Located at the corner of Georgia Ave and Gresham Place in Park View, it's easy to get to. It takes me 10 minute to drive down from Brightwood. And there is plenty of parking nearby. The gym is also a pickup location for Mighty Meals (another awesome thing), which is a huge plus for me. FLEX THE DOG! He's the official mascot. Seeing him will brighten up your morning...guaranteed! read more

Love Bodymass! It's clearly a gym that's focused on helping you get strong without gimmicks, overly competitive vibes or a lot of excess ego. All the trainers are knowledgeable & help you push yourself while maintaining safety and good form. I've taken classes with Woody, Craig, Virginia and Hannah and all were great. I started going during COVID, and it's the most COVID safe gym I've been to. I primarily do the semi privates which are max 5 ppl per class. Everyone has their own squat rack, which allows you to distance, and everyone's wearing masks at all times (though the front door is not too far away if you need to duck out for some fresh air). The small class sizes in the semi privates means you get to choose what to work on each day (there are 2 upper, lower and total body workouts available each week), which allows you to customize based on how many total days you want to come in each week. They have a screen up so you can easily follow along with your workout, even if everyone else is doing a different one. They also have an app that you can use to track your workouts and weights and choose what you're working on ahead of time. They program their workouts in phases so you get different areas of focus over time (for example, right now we're working on volume/high reps and I believe next up is lower rep/higher resistance for strength building). Semi privates really do feel like a good mix between class vibes and the personal attention you get in 1:1 personal training. The trainers are very engaged and available to offer adjustments, help you make modifications based on your body/injuries/etc, or just answer questions. The small group classes are slightly larger (8 ppl max I think), cheaper and have everyone doing the same workout, but you'll definitely get your butt kicked in those too (in a good way). Also special shout-out to Woody, whose classes I go to most. My first class I mentioned to Woody that I had an issue with my shoulders, and since then he's routinely checked in to see how my shoulder feels in different exercises and has given me cues to help build needed strength around the joint. Also, as a woman doing strength training you sometimes encounter men in the gym who underestimate your experience, knowledge or strength but Woody is the total opposite of that. It's very clear that he has a deep respect for strong women and offers the respect, encouragement and support to help you challenge yourself! Lastly, there are a couple bonuses to Bodymass. They're one of the only gyms I know that has a DEXA on site to give you the most accurate view of your body composition. DEXA scans have been the most helpful thing for me in tracking my progress in adding muscle mass/recomping, and it's great to get these on site (and for much cheaper than at other places). They also often have bundle sales that allow you to combine different services of theirs (small group classes, personal training, semi privates, DEXA and nutrition coaching). read more

I've been to lots of gyms around DC and elsewhere, and Bodymass is by far my favorite. I get gym anxiety (annoying, I know) and it's hard to find a place I'm comfortable working out that also has the equipment I want. Bodymass semi private training is great because it's affordable, has only 5 people, and provides an amazing workout led by excellent trainers. When I first started going, I just thought I could only sign up for Hannah's class, but then I did a class with Kelsey and she was just as great! This gym is everything I'd been looking for. read more

I have been a member for almost a month now and I can't say enough about this place except that it needed to be here about two years and two bodies ago . Great instructors. They really pay attention to your form and push you to work to your potential. I feel like I have coaches who are looking out for me in terms of performing to the best of my abilities. The location is great, there is always plenty of street parking and the gym is a nice size. I wish they had more weekend classes, but it's brand new so I imagine that this will come with time. I purchased an unlimited membership and have no regrets about it. I look forward to seeing my progress in the continuing future. read more

Parking Street availability. Thankfully I walked here so I didn't have to be concerned about this Staff There was one gentleman there who greeted and ran the session. He was very nice, professional. It was my first time there and he greeted me by name when I walked through the door! Very cool! Workout Great! It was small group circuit training (like 4 other ppl w me) so it was almost like I had my own personal trainer- he was able to assess all of our forms and provide correction. It was fab! It was a challenging workout, we were on the squat rack, deadlifting all that! ClassPass I learned of this place through class pass and I will def be returning! Overall Def recommend! read more

I love Bodymass! Being an ex Crossfitter of many years, a serious back injury led me to scout for a gym that had safe programming, but still involved compound lifts with barbells/free weights/bodyweight. Depending on how you prefer to work out, Bodymass has a variety of classes everyday at times that are very flexible with anyone's work schedule. They offer "Build" classes that focus on lifting, cardio "Burn" classes that are high intensity, and "Blast" classes that are a combination of both and then some! The coaches are all extremely knowledgeable and focused on each individual, which can be hard to do effectively in group fitness ! I am successfully rebuilding my strength back while improving mobility and preventing further injuries thanks to them :) read more

Bodymass is, hands down, the best gym community I've ever been a part of. I joined Class Pass in January 2020 to get myself to exercise more consistently (I've never really found gyms or classes that I loved in DC), but after going to my first Bodymass class in DC, I never ended up going elsewhere for a class (and sadly had to break my 10 week streak due to the shutdowns). While it's been hard to lose the ability to work out in person, the folks at Bodymass have worked tirelessly and creatively to make sure we all still feel connected, have access to a large range of workouts online that still feel personal, and feel motivated to keep up or create new routines. They had to build out much of this new infrastructure in real time and have handled the transition amazingly well. The instructors are honestly probably the biggest reason that I love Bodymass so much. I've taken classes with Kris, Virginia, and Sam they are all phenomenal coaches. They are supportive, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. They are always able to give modifications during the classes (including for at home work outs), and several times stayed late to show me additional ways to address stretches. The classes are varied from session to session, but also build on each other - making it easy to drop in or create a longer term plan. They've done a great job providing online options that account for different at-home setups - which I continue to do. If anyone struggles to work out from home and is looking for a great online option to follow consistently, I HIGHLY recommend joining their new mobile membership (and then joining the gym once we're allowed outside again!!). read more

Bodymass is by far the best gym in DC and has made me look forward to working out. The trainers are all great and supportive and give the best feedback. The classes are fun and go by quickly and have made me a stronger, healthier person. Can't recommend it enough! read more

If you've ever walked up and down Georgia Avenue near Howard U., you might have walked right past Bodymass and never known it was there. It doesn't look like much from the outside. But I'm here to testify, this place delivers results. I was a collegiate athlete in my younger years. Now, I'm almost 42 years old. I've tried A LOT of different gyms and workouts looking to re-live those "glory days." And with the help of Bodymass I'm stronger and feel better than ever. The consistency of the programming + knowledgeable trainers that actually care = equals me hitting PRs across virtually every lift. And the consistent group of guys and gals that surround me nearly every day keep me motivated to keep coming back for more. I've been a member since October 2018 and I look forward to being a member for years to come. Thanks, Kris and Virginia for taking a chance on a nondescript building just north of U Street. Bodymass gets 5 stars in my book. read more

Great gym for those looking to increase their strength. I come here through classpass (I get a free gym in both my office/home, so I can't justify spending $$ on a full membership.) The classes are small and you get a lot of attention from all the instructors. Nice variety of classes, and the warm up/intro moves always are connected to the heavier lifts. Looking forward to taking more classes here. read more

I love this gym! The owners, staff and classes here are fantastic. After years at another boutique gym not making the body composition changes I had wanted, I took my first BodyMass class last Sept. Since then, I've had so many positive changes and finally close to hitting my goals! This gym is a community gem! read more

Can't say enough good things about this gym. Their group training classes give you all the benefits of a personal training session, but less boring because you have a social aspect. I am not someone at all prone to strength, but this gym really and truly removes any reason to be intimidated about heavy weight lifting. It's the dream for a weak person who wants to be strong, or a strong person who wants to stay strong. And the community they've built is so warm and welcoming. Go once, go twice, jeep going. You won't regret it. And oh yeah - you'll start to see results immediately. read more

Virginia and the team at BodyMass are top notch. I have always been skeptical of strength training but have seen the value in it with the careful approach of BodyMass. Please support them, especially now during Coronavirus. They are offering virtual sessions and you can always buy a package for a later date. read more

Last week I hit a PR I have been chasing for a few years: a 70 lb bench press. 70 lb!!! I was bragging about it to everybody who would listen and their uncle, I was that thrilled. Fast forward another week and I hit another one: 2 slow-tempo reps at freaking-amazing 80 lb. 80 lb!!! Me!!! I have been strength training for about 12 years now, with the usual ebbs and flows of the grown-up life. Even though it has never been my #1 priority--I lift weights so that I can run and bike injury-free--I did put work in. But, alas, I had never made more progress than in the last 6 months, from the moment I joined BodyMass Gym in DC. BodyMass is what every gym should aspire to be like. The community is great--anyone and everyone can feel welcome here, regardless of their abilities and experience. I train with super strong guy and total newbies, and we are all supportive of each other. The coaches know everyone by name (I seriously don't know how they do it!). Their programming is smart, it helps you move better and get stronger. There are four Build classes per week: two upper body and two lower body. The first half of each workout is focused on mobility and activation (you know, the stuff you know you should be doing but you never have time for when you train on your own), the second half--on the big barbell lifts. Programs are designed in four-week blocks, so that you can progress over time and, yeah, hit that PR. Classes are small, usually 4 to 8 people, never more than 10, and the coaches are remarkable in paying attention to your form and technique. If you're considering switching gyms, joining a new gym, or looking to improve your relationship with fitness, BodyMass is the place for you. You will find me there hitting another PRs. read more

Bodymass is a fantastic gym! I started going in an effort to get more toned for my wedding. Not only was that goal accomplished, but the back pain I've experienced for years has gone away. In large part, this is because the class size is small, so you get one on one attention to ensure your form is correct. Additionally, classes start with stretches to activate the muscle groups that will be used during the workouts. The coaches are incredibly knowledgable and will provide alternative exercises if you have an injury/condition that keeps you from doing a planed one. They offer a variety of classes from strength building to high intensity workouts. The owners and coaches really care about their members and work with you to meet your personal goals. Additionally, it is a collaborative environment where members are supportive and encouraging of each other. And you get some input on the playlist! read more

First, Bodymass is the best gym I have ever been to, period. That says a lot coming from me as a TV host, sports anchor and reporter I have lived in six states and two countries and come from a very athletic family. What makes Bodymass stand out among the rest is the owners Virginia Kinkel and Kris Peterson. They are the most knowledgeable trainers I have ever worked with. Having covered professional athletes for 15 years and my brother is a former MLB pitcher, I have always had access to the best resources and I can tell you Virginia and Kris are the real deal. Not only are they experienced trainers, but they care about their clients success. This is not like other gyms I have gone to where the coaches are not monitoring proper form. They also make sure you activate the right muscles during active warm-ups and are very knowledgeable when it comes to injuries and prevention. The best part is the entire team at Bodymass are kind people and so are the members. The gym environment is very supportive, and not intimidating at all. I feel like it is family atmosphere every time I walk through the front doors. There is a reason Bodymass has top rating reviews. I am telling you, you won't find a better gym. read more