I started at Bowerhouse about a year and a half ago and haven't looked back since. I've mostly done kickboxing with Terry, Rob, and Tony, they have all been wonderful teachers. Everyone who works there is very knowledgeable and kind, constantly working to help me (and everyone else) learn and develop as individuals and not just as a group. I've taken a multitude of different group fitness classes before and often feel that the teacher picks a few favorites and ignores everyone else. That is not at all what Bowerhouse is about, everyone gets at least a little time with the instructor every class and they all clearly care both about what they're teaching and helping you excel. When I initially signed up for a seven week class through Frederick Community College I was excited as I'd always wanted to try kickboxing, but I was also a little nervous as my overall impression of the sport was that it was largely male dominated. I wasn't sure if as a 20 year old woman I'd fit in or if my teacher would have much experience working with women. Terry and Tony ran that class and it was everything I could have hoped for. There are plenty of women at the gym so if you're reading this and nervous that you'll be the only girl in the class don't be! I've never been made to feel discouraged or that if I couldn't do everything right away I was failing, support, encouragement and detailed instruction are the hallmarks of all the classes I've taken here. Bowerhouse is a wonderful environment, whether it's your first class or your hundredth, they have built a real community that I am so glad to be a part of. Whatever your goal, be it to get into better shape, or become a trained fighter you couldnt pick a better place or group of people to do it with. I don't always get to go to classes as often as I want to due to schedule conflicts but when I do, everyone who teaches there and everyone who attends classes is always very welcoming. I can't imagine training anywhere else. read more

I feel compelled to share my experience with Bowerhouse MMA because I would hate for one unfortunate incident outside the gym to unfairly define a business that has meant so much to our family. My son has worked incredibly hard to build Bowerhouse MMA into the gym it is today, and I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the dedication, discipline, and genuine care that go into creating this environment. This is not simply a place where people come to work out. It is a place where people build confidence, discipline, respect, strength, and community. What makes me especially proud is the emphasis on teaching young people. As a parent, I would absolutely feel comfortable having my child train there. The coaches, one of whom is my grandson, care about their students, and the atmosphere is one of encouragement, accountability, and respect. I do know my son, I know how much work he has put into Bowerhouse MMA, and I know the kind of place he has worked so hard to create. It really been his life long dream. Businesses--especially small, locally owned businesses--are built over years of hard work and can be damaged very quickly by personal reviews, especially made by someone who has never been to the gym and that has nothing to do with what happens inside the gym. If you are considering Bowerhouse MMA for yourself or your children, I encourage you to visit, meet the coaches, see the gym, and make your own judgment based on your experience rather than one angry review from someone who has never been there. I couldn't be prouder of my son and of what he has built. Bowerhouse MMA is a wonderful part of the Frederick community, and I wholeheartedly recommend giving them the opportunity to show you what they are really about. read more

The Bottom Line Up Front: Bowerhouse MMA Academy gave me my gym fees back after helping me lose all the weight!! The Deets: My wife found Bowerhouse MMA Academy on Facebook. They were advertising a "Fitness Challenge", and I was excited to get behind her idea. Chris Bower, the owner, is a great guy, and explained how it all worked. You pay the fee, follow a few simple rules, and if you meet your goal, you get your money back! It turned out to be more of a win-win than I could have imagined! Bowerhouse MMA Academy is a special, family-friendly place, with members who span all ages and fitness abilities. There are classes for children and adults alike. While the kids are developing healthy habits, and respect for each other, and their teachers, the adults are literally getting younger, moving better, and feeling stronger with each visit. Whether engaging in a fitness class, boxing, or MMA, everyone leaves the gym better off than when they arrived. In six weeks my wife and I collectively lost nearly 50 pounds. Clothes we had to squeeze into before are now too big. We're sleeping better. We're more energetic, and more than anything... we're happy! And... we won the challenge! Chris has a very simple mantra. Loosely put that mantra is, "Show Up". That's it! If you show up, you'll see results. Are you tired of being tired? Have you had it with excess stress? Are you ready to start feeling younger? Then come to Bowerhouse MMA, throw on some boxing gloves, and let Chris and his staff show you a better way! read more

Bowerhouse gym and personal training is the way to go for fitness and results in Frederick. The gym is very welcoming and always super clean. The trainers are all down to earth people that have a ton of experience, knowledge, and the legit skill sets to help you learn and grow. I have been seeing Chris Bower for over a year and couldn't be happier with the personal training. Chris also does a great job of monitoring my progress and is always changing the routines periodicity. This is really important because I know I won't run into any "walls", which was a big issue for me before. On top of what we do in the gym, he's also given me guidelines for what to do when I'm not there e.g. Meals and cardio. Bowerhouse gets 5 stars because it's a very personal experience versus gyms with high turn over rates. There isn't any gimmicks or cultish vibes to this gym either, which is really appreciated. Bowerhouse gym is one of the most affordable in Frederick. Both my fiancé and I can afford it while saving for a wedding and a house, and that's a pretty big deal for us. It feels pretty good when people ask us "have you been losing weight and working out?" So our results have not gone unnoticed! I recommend Chris and Bowerhouse to anyone that wants to make serious changes. read more

The trainers are genuine, professional and driven to get you to your goals. They offer a ton of programs and classes in several styles for every she and fitness level. I went in for personal training with Chris and I've had an amazing experience. Originally I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to get out of training other than being more fit in general but Chris worked with me until we figured out the direction I wanted to go and he helped me set goals and achieve them! He's been flexible with my schedule and also given me nutrition advice along the way. Throughout my time there I've met other trainers, professional fighters and clients and everyone has been inviting and friendly. It's a wonderful family atmosphere. The facility is spacious and immaculately clean. They have everything you could want: free weights, machines, mats, ring and bags galore. I've never been one to look forward to going to the gym until now. Now it's the best part of my week. I only wish my schedule would allow me to go there more. read more

Bowerhouse is fantastic!! We signed our sons up for jiu jitsu a few years ago - their skills have grown tremendously not to mention they have met a great group of kids. Recently, I started taking the fitness classes (Boxing for Fitness and Bowerhouse Fit) that they offer and I am hooked! The classes have wonderful instructors who encourage you and push you to do your best. They also help me modify as I have some joint injuries to be cautious with. The classes are always a tad bit different which keeps me excited to come and find out what we will be doing for the day. The gym is incredibly clean and the staff and members are so welcoming and friendly. I highly recommend Bowerhouse!! read more

I have been taking boxing fitness classes for about a year now in gyms in both Bethesda and NYC. Bowerhouse has the best instructor to student ratio of any boxing gym I have been to. My boxing class had 2 instructors for less than 10 people. I got 1:1 help on my form and corrected a mistake on my hook that no instructor had ever noticed before. The class was fun and intense. I pushed myself a lot harder than I would if I was just doing cardio or weights on my own. The gym was very spacious and clean. A few people in my class had kids doing their own martial arts classes at the same time, so it's a great way for busy parents to fit in their own work-out. I highly recommend it! read more

This is the best gym I have ever been to, hands-down. It's 100 times better than a regular gym. I've been going for almost two months now and have taken just about every class, lost tons of weight and over 4.5 inches off my waist. The staff are great and the best part is they are excellent with children and my kids and I love going. We all have learned so much from wrestling to boxing. As a parent, having something the kids jump for is invaluable especially when it means the difference between getting a workout or staying home. Knowing I can bring the kids and there are activities and great instructors for everyone makes it a great place to go. We simply love it. read more

Training with Chris has changed my life for the better, or best ever. I have always been active, but packed on some weight that I couldn't shake after getting married. I have Plantar Fasciitis. Chris is extremely attentive and worked around my limitation to drive excellent results with my fitness and health. His passion for life and health is infectious, and he really drives you to make a lifestyle change that works best for YOU. He helps you navigate what food works for you, and those that don't. Every workout is different - You leave learning you don't fancy gym equipment to workout and get results. read more

I had some initial reservations about joining a mixed martial arts gym. Although its something I've always wanted to do, it did seem a bit intimidating. I didn't want to find myself pressured into something I may not have been comfortable with. To my surprise it was not like that at all. They encourage you to work at your own pace. Whether you are looking compete, become a professional fighter, or just increase your fitness, there are programs available for everyone. Family and fighter friendly. Oh, and did I mention that they have some of the best instructors on the east cost?! Highly recommended. read more

I am an ex-collegiate athlete who wishes to stay active any way I can. Bowerhouse is the place for just that! They have several different classes for all different fitness levels. I personally love the Boxing For Fitness Class. It's a high intensity boxing bags class that will definitely get you right! My 2 kids also really enjoy the kids BJJ Class which has really helped them with discipline, contact and body control. Bowerhouse provides a friendly family oriented environment! Great place to hang 2xs a week! read more

Great staff, clean facility with a wide variety of classes and personal training, Bowerhouse offers something for just about everyone. Started personal training sessions with Chris Bower about 10 months ago and have seen great results while reaching new goals. Working out at a gym or at home was dull and frustrating. After a workout with Chris I actually feel accomplished. From my own personal experience if anyone is looking to better themselves I can't recommend Chris and Bowerhouse Academy enough. read more

You can't describe how awesome and fun this place is. All of the instructors are top notch and they ensure that everyone is being accepted as part of the family. Whether you want to go to just lose weight,compete, or be able to defend yourself you will receive top quality training. It is highly recommended for everyone. It does not matter what kind of shape you're in, or the experience that you may or may not have. It will turn you into a more physically and mentally stronger individual. read more

I have been training here for about seven months now. Bowerhouse is a great place to train. The environment is very friendly and welcoming, from the staff and the other "students." All of the (BJJ) coaches are great, very helpful, and patient and positive! So far I have only tried BJJ, but I have watched the fitness classes, and the Judo, boxing and kickboxing classes, while waiting for my classes to start, and I see the same traits and attitudes from those coaches as well. read more

As a personal trainer myself, the group classes here are awesome. (It's sat and I'm happily sore from the Thursday night Circuit training class!) Well designed weight/circuit classes and the MMA/jujitsu, Judo, and boxing classes for adults AND kids can't be beat! My two sons love the boxing and Judo classes! Also- and this is a big deal- all of the instructors are not only experienced and knowledgeable, but they're NICE. Great family and beast mode gym. read more

This place is awesome! From the day I walked in I've felt welcomed. And every day since it's like hanging out with family. Top notch instructors in judo, jiujitsu, wrestling, submission grappling, aikido, yoga, mma, boxing, and Burmese kickboxing! All under one room! The facility is top notch and there is huge mat space. Go try a class and you'll be hooked. read more

I can not say enough in terms of positive praise for everyone involved with Bowerhouse MMA. I learned so much about myself whild training with the top notch folks there that I can confidently say I am who I am because of the lessons learned within those walls. Unquestionably this is the place to go if you are looking for professional martial arts training. read more

We have been coming to bowerhouse for about a year now. this place is awesome! Everyone treats you like family and they are especially great with the kids! All the teachers and coaches are wonderful and my kids have learned so much in both jiujitsu and boxing. We will continue coming for sure and recommend bowerhouse every chance we get! read more

Bowerhouse stands alone in the best BJJ studio around. The staff is exceptional and Chris, the owner has a standard of integrity and comradely that emminates through the entire group! My son has been a member for 8 months and it has transformed his life. If BJJ, boxing, MMA , fitness are your passion, this is a great place. read more