I moved to Raleigh for a new job and my trainer recommended Capital Strength along with two other facilities in the area. After talking with Matt and one other facility (the third never responded to my inquiries) I decided to work at Capital Strength. Matt was the most responsive and easy to talk to regarding my goals. He also performs the preliminary review of your physical capabilities to gauge whether you are accurate in your perceptions. Nice touch! Hilary was my trainer. She took the time to communicate with my previous trainer so she would know where I was at, what exercises I had been doing and to gain what other information she could get to develop a plan for me. She did that on her own time. Very nice. From the beginning, I was impressed with Hilary's ability to not only come up with a new routine every time (we worked three times a week) but to adapt on the fly if one area of my body was not responding well. I never felt that we were repeating workouts, every time felt fresh and new. While some of the equipment is a bit old and squeaky, Hilary was consistently able to provide me with a challenging workout. After I shared some insights into exercises I had done previously, she was able to incorporate those exercises into our routines to really mix things up. The gym is private so you don't get the normal feel of a "health club" with the accompanying gym rats. Everybody is there to work and get out. It was always easy to come in a bit early and stretch in preparation for our workout and stretch after. Even on Sundays. There weren't many of these but it was nice that Hilary was so accommodating to make it work. They gym has two changing rooms, one with a shower. There are a few lockers to put your stuff into and a couple of offices to take measurements in private. Easy to find and there is plenty of parking space. It was easy to setup a payment plan and Matt or Hilary would let me know when it was time to pay. Very simple. I found that I was able to make progress in my goals, work up a sweat like I should, stretch out before and after to minimize injury and work with a creative and personable trainer. What more could anyone want in a gym? read more

I have been a member of the United States Department of Defense for the last 15 years. For the last 5 years, as I have gotten older and assume more sedentary assignments, I have incorporated personal trainers into my fitness regimen to broaden and increase my understanding of strength and mobility training. My goal is to train SMARTER and harder, while understanding the aging process on my muscular development as I approach my late 30's and 40's. I had a month of vacation between assignments and I chose Capital Strength as the gym to continue my training. I have been training in the normal gym environments, and this became my comfort zone. Going to Capital Strength was a step outside of the box for me. However, I thought it was essential because it would challenge me and provide me with opportunity to further learn about key components of training as stretching and mobility exercises. The knowledge base that Matt has surpasses those trainers whom I have worked with previously. His emphasis on form and technique has brought certain exercises into a new light for me. My experience at Capital Strength has helped me shaped my future fitness plan and goals when I arrive my next assignment abroad. I would recommend Capital Strength to males between the ages of 30-40 that were athletic in college and due to life situations have noticed a declined in strength, cardiovascular endurance, mobility and energy. Capital Strength provides the effective environment to regain strength, cardiovascular endurance, mobility and energy. The second group that I would recommend would be to all traditional gym members that want to experience a different fitness environment that would challenge them to achieve their goals. read more

I kept hearing about the benefits of strength training but didn't know how and where to begin. For the past 10 years I've worked out on my own and in tons of different fitness classes - always feeling like I was missing something. Capitol Strength taught me what I was missing. It taught me proper technique, correct form specific to compound weight lifting and how to progress and improve on a program getting stronger each workout. I trained with Matt who coached me step-by-step through the mechanics - like how to time my breathing, correctly pace my reps and other skills that I couldn't learn from reading a book or watching videos. I didn't want to get hurt; I need someone to evaluate real-time what I was doing and show me how to improve. That kind of expertise is not found in 'fitness facilities' filled with tons of machines and cardio equipment. Getting into great shape may not be rocket science, but it is a science and a skill set combined. And if you want to be good at anything - pro or novice - you'll likely need a GREAT coach to lead and push you to that next level. That's where CS is unique - they keep the member numbers small so that trainers have time to help each client. I don't think I've ever been there when the student to trainer ratio was more than 4 to 1. This is the differentiator. Does that mean the training and/or memberships will cost more? Yes. But let's be honest, you always get what you pay for. So if you're looking to invest in real training that will teach you life-long skills to stay fit and healthy...progressing past your plateaus...this is the place. read more

I've had a great experience at Capital Strength & Conditioning. Frankly, I can't recommend them enough, especially if you're looking for a gym experience that's tailored to getting you results. I had a consultation with Pete which went really well, he was thorough and clearly very knowledgeable in assessing my baseline and I was looking for personal training - I hadn't been in a gym with any consistency in a year and I really wanted to get someone knowledgeable to help me reset and structure the workouts. Pete paired me with Khris since my goals were oriented around improving overall fitness and athleticism, and Khris is absolutely fantastic. He's really helped push me in the workouts, explains everything clearly, and makes sure that I'm getting a solid workout every time. And I feel a lot better. Khris is great and if you have the good fortune to workout with him, you're going to get results and you're going to feel great along the way. Well, you're also going to sweat and work hard, but that's part of the deal! I also travel a lot for work and that's never been an issue; in fact, one time there was a snafu around scheduling and times since I travel and Matt, the owner, made sure I was taken care of. I can't recommend the people here enough, they're all great, supportive, knowledgeable, and they're a good time to be around. read more

I have been a member of this gym for the past five months, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Prior to joining, I had no experience with strength training. Special mention to Coach Emerson and Coach Cesar, who have been instrumental in helping me progress on my fitness journey. Emerson's attention to form and technique has helped me build confidence in strength training. He takes the time to create personalized workouts tailored to my needs, while also pushing me just the right amount to get results. Cesar's motivational approach is one of a kind. He goes above and beyond to accommodate my schedule and tailors each session to my goals. His focus on teaching proper form and safety has given me a solid foundation in weightlifting. A huge shoutout to Coach Cooper! He has been invaluable in helping me stay on track with my goals, ensuring that I consistently make progress and remain motivated always providing the right balance of encouragement and accountability. The gym itself is well-equipped, clean, and offers a welcoming environment for individuals at any fitness level. The trainers here are dedicated to your success and work with you to create a plan that fits your needs. I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking to improve their fitness with the guidance of a dedicated and knowledgeable team. read more

After being a member of numerous gyms over the last several years, I was beginning to believe that I'd never find one that I enjoyed consistently attending that would also help me achieve my fitness goals. I'm so happy that I found Capital Strength & Conditioning. I've only been a member for a month and I'm already seeing results -- results that took me several months to achieve in the past by going at it alone in a traditional gym setting! But, Capital Strength isn't just a "gym," it's like having a personal trainer every time you workout! The classes are challenging, fun, diverse (you certainly won't be getting bored), and small so that you get personal attention every time. The trainers are knowledgeable, compassionate, and do an exceptional job of making you feel comfortable and confident. They go the extra mile to make sure you are safe and getting the most out of every workout. This means a lot to me considering I always felt intimidated, alone, and self-conscious at other gyms. These feelings led to discouragement, which made it hard to consistently attend. But, not at Capital Strength! After finishing the day's training, I can't wait until my next training session. The energy and sense of accomplishment I feel every time I finish training at Capital Strength is priceless to me. Thank you, Capital Strength! read more

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. I absolutely loved training at Capital Strength. I went there about 10 months ago wanting to get stronger and more fit physically and mentally and I found incredible coaches and friends. I had a chance to work with several of the trainers shoutouts to Kevin and Joe in particular, but each of them is so passionate about helping their clients reach their goals. My coaches have really changed me life and how I think about fitness. It's really become a passion for me now above anything and that's completely due to the amazing training and guidance I received at Capital Strength. I'd give it 100 stars if I could absolutely the best place to train. Not only did I find great results physically but I learned how to train well and hard in a way that I can carry with me along my fitness journey. I'm moving to another state but I really wish I could've brought Capital with me it was truly amazing. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. read more

I've been working with Matt, Alex, and Randy over the course of the last 10 months and had a blast each training session. Each week I have looked forward to coming in for my personal training. They provide a exercise plan for a full hour of training that focuses on the goals I want to reach. I was worried that they would push me past my limits and expect more out of me than I was capable of doing, but after the first couple months I began to trust that whatever they think I can do, I think I can do. There is a strong emphasis on stretching and mobility and with their instruction I have stayed healthy and driven to keep improving. If you want results, I highly recommend Capital Strength. For a comparable price at other training facilities you won't find the same level of expertise, environment, or equipment. My family and coworkers have all noticed my improvements, and I have since had my dad join me in going to exercise. Now I regularly hear how much better he's feeling in his day to day life. read more

This is a great facility with great trainers that really get you into better condition! It has taken my body to new levels of fitness. Lately I have felt like I had reached a plateau in my workouts. I have had training sessions with both Joe and Danny and have enjoyed their teaching, training, and attention to proper body mechanics. I have been an avid runner and cyclist, but recently felt like I wasn't seeing any change or improvement in how I looked. With adding weights, and Joe and Danny's specific training routines, I am now feeling like I finally see a whole body difference. I highly recommend this gym. Can't find another facility like it that gives personal attention -focusing on making you the best you can be! Joe and Danny have both been so encouraging and make it easy to understand what they want from me with each exercise. I plan to continue and make this gym and its fantastic trainers part of my life plan for healthy living. read more

Finally, a gym that completely resonates with me and my personal fitness goals! Capital Strength & Conditioning is a model for what all gyms should strive to be. From the moment I walked through the doors, I immediately sensed that this was not your ordinary workout environment. While I have felt intimidated by other gyms in the past, Capital Strength made me feel extremely welcome. Not only did Matt provide a comprehensive overview of the variety of classes they have to offer but he also took the time to give me a complimentary one-on-one training session to acquaint me with the equipment. I am very impressed with Matt and his team's knowledge and I'm already beginning to see improvements in my strength and overall fitness just a few weeks into classes. I highly recommend Capital Strength to anyone that is determined to achieve their personal training goals. read more

Capital Strength & Conditioning is easily the best gym environment I've had the pleasure of being a part of. I'm fairly new to CS&C and their techniques, but every time I walk in for a work out, I hit a new PR having never thought I had the potential for such things. Matt and his gang of highly educated guys and gals make working out fun, efficient, effective, and so rewarding. The small class sizes allow the instructors to give you excellent feed back on form and provide a safe environment to push you to your highest potential (in a slow and controlled manner, of course). I highly recommend Capital Strength & Conditioning for anyone who is looking for a place to challenge themselves and see growth. If you're looking for a place that promotes a positive, healthy lifestyle, it's definitely for you. It's definitely for me, so I hope it's for you, too. read more

A good friend of mine introduced me to Matt McLaughlin at Capital Strength & Conditioning back in October of 2012. One of the great things that Matt offers is a free initial trial session. This allows you to see first hand his training technique and the facility in which he operates. After this session, I immediately began training with him. I worked with Matt for roughly five months and definitely saw an improvement in my strength, and my overall fitness and physique. One thing I appreciated about Matt is his ability to craft and customize each session that worked towards my own personal fitness goals. I would recommend Matt to anyone that is looking for a personal trainer who continuously strives to exceed his client's expectations, appreciates undeniable focus when training, and tailors one's workout to one's specific needs. read more

I love working out at Capital Strength! Finding the right gym is often difficult for women, and a strength and conditioning gym can be very intimidating. This one has the most knowledgeable and professional staff - I always feel safe there and the coaches give each client as much attention as they need to get the best workout possible! The facility is small, but it has all the equipment you could ever need for a good workout (and you never have to wait in line to use anything!) They also limit class sizes to make sure coaches are able to give personal attention to each client. I had specific areas I wanted to target and I've had such great results doing personal training sessions with Coach Dylan! He also teaches Strength Training and Metabolic Conditioning classes, which I'd definitely recommend! read more

After working with my 13 year old son for 2 months and him barely seeing any results, I stumbled across Capital Strength and Conditioning. My son and I met with Matt and after speaking with us and hanging out with my son for an hour he said he knew the perfect trainer for my son. He placed us with Kristian; and Matt was right, Kristian is awesome with my son and so amazingly knowledgeable about health and fitness. My son's training was personally tailored to what his goals were and Kristian made sure the training would give the results my son was looking for without damaging his still growing body. My son had back and posture issues and after 3 months with Kristian, my son's posture has improved and no longer has any back issues. I would highly recommend Capital Strenght and Conditioning. read more

Since discovering Capital Strength and Conditioning about three weeks ago, I have been motivated to reach the best shape of my life. As soon as I walked in I noticed that it wasn't the tradition weightlifting gym that I was used to. From kettlebells, to chains, bands, and even water filled pvc pipes to work on balance, this gym has everything you'd ever need to reach your fitness goals. I am really enjoying the variety that I am getting in my workouts now and am seeing great results! The staff is very motivational and full of knowledge on weightlifting and nutrition. I'd definitely recommend Capital Strength and Conditioning to anyone looking to achieve a healthy lifestyle and peak physical shape. read more

I joined Capital Strength and Conditioning about two months ago and I've been extremely pleased with my experience so far. I joined because I needed some extra motivation to help me get back in shape. This is the first time I've had a personal trainer and my experience has been fantastic. Matt and his team have a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise in physical fitness and have helped me put together a plan to get back in shape. The great thing about the classes is that they adapt to any skill level, so any one can join and quickly see the results. I highly recommend Capital Strength and Conditioning and encourage anyone who is looking to get in shape to try it out. Tommy S read more

My husband (age 64) and I (age 63) have never been gym regulars, but as we've gotten older, we knew we needed to start. The data is clear: seniors don't do well without strength training. Although we were apprehensive, we decided to jump in feet first. For the past few weeks, we've been training at Capital Strength and Conditioning, and the experience has been outstanding. The gym is welcoming, fully equipped, and even physical therapy is available. Tommy B does a fabulous job planning our twice‑weekly sessions, tailoring each workout to our individual needs. The workouts change every week, which keeps things interesting, and Tommy's constant encouragement helps keep us motivated. read more

Since moving to Raleigh, I was looking for a gym with a more authentic feel than a corporate chain gym. I tried Crossfit, but it wasn't for me. I wanted to focus on strength training and whilst staying injury-free. Capital S&C fit the bill just right. I am coached by Carey and Eric, and my form and strength have been improving and increasing every week! They are very knowledgeable and encouraging, and most importantly take the time and care to listen and understand my specific needs and frustrations. I am learning so much from them, and from a new approach to training. Can't wait to see my progress over the next few months. read more

Strength training has been my focus for the past couple of years. I have been going to Capital Strength for 8 months, and have been able to achieve my goals through personal training sessions as well as group classes - SPX! With personal training sessions, I am able to focus on my form and work towards my individual goals. The SPX classes build upon that training and motivate me further in a group setting. Each class, each session is challenging, and leaves me with a great sense of accomplishment. Matt and his team are by far the most encouraging and provide some of the best one-on-one coaching. read more