As someone who dedicates their life to work and exploring new food spots, working out has never…read morebeen my forte. I am a notorious quiter. If I struggle at something athletic, I am usually the first person to determine my time would be better spent completing work tasks not done during the work day. Turning 30, I decided I needed a change and signed up for the Southern Maryland CrossFit "Fall Into Fitness" Special. The "Fall Into Fitness" Special included unlimited classes for six weeks totalling $125.00 per person. My husband agreed to do it with me as support for a new step we both knew was going to be a struggle for me. Walking into Southern Maryland CrossFit, I did not know what to think but I was immediately greeted by Coach Amy who wove humor into her customer service paperwork requirements to help ease the obvious anxiety I was feeling upon walking in. Once you leave the small office, the entire remainder of the space is dedicated to work out space and equipment. Classes are on a rolling basis so when one is ending, the next class is preparing to warm up while other members are on the perimeter doing independent lifting tasks (ie. bench press, squats, overhead press). Warm ups are similar each day allowing for members to have some similarity and focus on the other components of the work out for the day. Each day of the week is different at Southern Maryland CrossFit and each coach works to support every members at their individual level/area of need. As a noob, each coach works with me on my form and help me scale the work out to a reasonable level (even when I am feeling spunky and try to go too heavy too soon). The coaches suggest members use a notebook of some sort to track their individual working weights and PRs; but if maintaining a notebook isn't your style (or you frequently forget where you put things), Southern Maryland CrossFit posts photos of their daily board onto their Facebook page. Overall, Southern Maryland CrossFit is extremely active on their website and social media platforms posting the daily work out, daily work out results, and even weekly messages from the owners! After a few months at Southern Maryland CrossFit, I feel stronger but something more important happened: I started to feel like part of a community. Each member is friendly, social, supportive, and down to help/scale with anyone whether you're new or a seasoned CrossFit participant. Even during the Corona Virus (COVID19) Pandemic, the Southern Maryland CrossFit Coaches and members have online virtual workout plans, virtual workout challenges, video meet ups, and frequent social media engagement. If you're a CrossFit kind of person or even if you're someone like me just looking to make a change to bring some healthy-ish balance to your life, consider Southern Maryland CrossFit. You won't regret it!

This place is a scam. Won't let you even see the gym in person until you sign a contract. Took me…read moreseveral months just to get in the door. The place is not welcoming, the owner doesn't answer questions/phone, the hours are terrible. For me, crossfit gyms are supposed to be community-based. This is far from it. They won't allow for drop ins, supposedly because people are not respectful, but it really to lock you into the contract. On the only class was able to go, they give you all the rules. Drop the bar and that's 8 minutes of burpees for everyone but you. So much for community, pinning people against other. Drive 10 minutes more. Go somewhere else.

Amazing gym with amazing people. If you find yourself in Dahlgren you need to drop in. I can't…read moresay enough good things. Highly recommend!

I took one class and really had a great time! My schedule became hectic but I would recommend this…read moreplace. People are super encouraging and kind. It's a family feel and everyone pushes to be their best. Great atmosphere!

Great staff, clean gym, effective workouts! I love the energy! The trainers are very knowledgeable…read moreand will help correct your form.

Best workout, Best instructors I have EVER had! I…read moreappreciate the friendliness of staff, great equipment, and cleanliness of gym.

Great workouts, great coaching and fantastic teammates! Whether you're new to CrossFit or an…read moreexperienced exerciser, this is a great gym to train. Stop by and checkout the fantastic facility and it's super clean!

Outstanding local CrossFit affiliate that accommodated me while traveling on business to Quantico…read more Awesome butt-kicking WOD's, great coaching and a great group of outstanding athletes! If you live locally you must check it out. If you're traveling, email them and see if they can squeeze you in! Get some!

From the owner: Forging Elite Fitness for Everyday Peopleread more

SweatBox is located inside the Vida Fitness in Ballston. The first time I went, I nearly got lost…read moretrying to find the studio on the lower level of the gym, tucked in the back. It's worth finding! It's like a fun fitness party. The workouts are all a bit different and all incredible. I felt stronger and more energized after starting at SweatBox. The main SweatBox classes offer a combination of cycling, weights, and more in a high-intensity interval training format. It's a full body workout. Expect high energy, upbeat music, dim lights, and plenty of sweat. There is also a Stretch and Mobility class that is great for loosening up tight muscles. The instructors have a very positive attitude and inspire the students. This isn't one of those studios where you'll feel shamed or intimidated. Much of the credit goes to the Studio Manager, Gwen, who is also a fantastic instructor and lovely person. Gwen makes sure that everyone gets a great workout while having a great time in class. SweatBox is super lucky to have her! For me, it comes down to this: SweatBox motivates me to beat my own personal bests. I saw huge changes in my endurance and confidence after only a few classes. I would definitely recommend giving this studio a try.

Truly love SweatBox. Fantastic music! This is the best workout if you want real results. It's tough…read morebut doable, well-structured, and keeps you engaged the entire time. I always leave feeling accomplished and energized. Worth every minute.

Great gym and coaches! Very clean and has all the equipments you need for crossfit. Highly…read morerecommended!

Just joined the CrossFit box here. Amazing facility, top quality staff, and great location. There…read moreare a lot of class options and I look forward to working out here.

RARE Crossfit is the BEST! The coaching staff, the workouts, the community, the support! If you are…read moreconsidering a great community/ gym, I highly recommend you give them a call. Maybe you've been "trying" things on your own, downloading apps, paying for subscriptions and gym memberships you don't use, watching videos, food documentaries and reading stuff online "trying" to convince yourself that you're learning and making forward progress. Yet, you find yourself in the same place, year after year. I know because I did the same thing and my way wasn't working. I knew I needed accountability, instruction, support sprinkled with some friendly competition. The owners Adam, Lee and their coaches are absolutely amazing and provided all the support I needed for me to get out of my own way and start seeing the results. It doesn't matter how long it's been or what you're shape you're in, what matters is that you decide, and that you show up. I was able to lose 4% body fat, and gained 5 lbs of muscle with the 6 week challenge and continued on. Whenever I got busy or slipped back into my old ways, miss a week or whatever, someone from RARE always called me or texted with encouragement and got my butt back in. I could make any and every excuse not to go (work, kids, stuff, life, busy), RARE always reminded me my why and that I'm worth it. We make time for the things that are most important to us. There are a lot of good gyms out there. RARE Crossfit just does it better. With RARE, there is no more guesswork, they leave no room for you to fail. You will have to put in the work though. Having said all that, RARE CrossFit "IS" the premier workout COMMUNITY. We are all friends that support and root for each other's personal best. Thank you RARE Crossfit for being amazing!

I'm writing this review not only as someone who has worked out at RARE CrossFit, but also as…read moresomeone who has rented office space from the facility. Adam and Lee are excellent gym owners and human beings. I rented office space for my business (Prestige Chiropractic) for one year, and I can tell you that these people are COMMITTED to helping everyone become as fit as possible. I have personally seen Adam, Lee, and Dee putting in countless hours at their facility to help out every individual they possibly can. Whether it be their CrossFit members or their boot camp members, they bring their A-game to their clients to help them achieve fitness and lifestyle goals. They are extremely passionate and give so much to bring value to RARE CrossFit. 5 stars.

It's got everything you need, really. One of the reasons I dislike going to the gym is waiting to…read moreuse machines--but AMFAM has you covered. Cardio machines on the first floor: there are at least 5 of each, and rows of cardio machines next to three racquetball courts. Swimming Pool: Enough lanes for it to not be too crowded, with aquatic classes during the day, and a jacuzzi/hot tub and sauna that is often on the fritz but comes back to life every other couple of days for public use. Weights: there's a generous amount of machines on the second floor spaced out but it does get quite busy at peak times. Group Classes: there's a spin studio, personal training studio, group training studio, and a large group exercise room--most times there's only 5 people at a time in a class so it really is bag for your buck with one to one time with the instructor. AMFAM is not the cheapest, but it's definitely worth the price. Staff are approachable, friendly, and happy to help if you have questions.

Despite the clean gym with great equipment and nice pool, I gave it one star because it's unsafe…read more As a (now former) female member, I reported a male stalker to management. This creeper would follow me all over the gym my whole time there-- usually about 90 minutes. He was always a couple machines away, staring. The manager wouldn't even look at the camera for evidence or to identify the stalker. She showed no concern for my safety. Her suggestion: "Confront him. Approach him and say, 'Hey, I notice you're following me. Do I know you from somewhere? Could you please not do that?' " Incredulously, I had to explain to a fellow woman that this is a good way to end up on the 6:00 news. Stalkers are not normal people. I asked her to just check the cameras and have someone talk to him. She refused. So, their shiny gym is useless. Be careful, people. Don't send your daughters there alone.