I had never felt addicted to a workout before I started going to Elevate.
I first tried Elevate as a ClassPass member, and after a few sessions, I decided it was time to quit ClassPass and go all-in as an Elevate member. That was in December, and I haven't looked back.
Each class is half cardio-based (usually on the treadmill/water rowers) and half strength-based (usually on the floor with kettlebells/TRX/free weights/etc.). That said, neither part of the class is exclusively strength or cardio - you will do burpees, switch lunges, mountain climbers, and water rowing in the "strength" section, and various kettlebell and free weights exercises as part of your so-called "break" during cardio. The instructors are by your side the entire time - explaining and demonstrating each section of the workout and coaching you/correcting you throughout.
Each class is totally different from the last - which I love, and which keeps me coming back several times a week. Before Elevate, I had a tendency to focus on one particular type of workout for a month or two before getting bored and switching to another. I had done a lot of spinning, Megaformer-based workouts, barre, boot camp-style workouts, etc. The lack of variety in these workouts always left me burned out and bored (not to mention the high price point of many of these studios made it easy to justify leaving).
The difficulty of Elevate classes really depends on the day, but 9 times out of 10 I feel as though I am pushed to my absolute limit, and leave the class sweaty and completely exhausted, but feeling accomplished and satisfied. That said, I think the classes are very customizable to your personal fitness level. You can lift lighter weights, run at a slower pace, and still get an intense workout that is right for you. You don't leave class feeling discouraged that you can't keep up with the rest of the class, but rather excited to come back and motivated to do a little better next time.
And the instructors are amazing! Jamel is my favorite - he has a fun, relaxed, but motivational (and somewhat sadistic :)) teaching style. I can always count on him to call me out when I'm not trying as hard as I should be or not lifting as much as he knows I can handle. He's also a stickler for form, which I very much appreciate - no one wants to hurt themselves while working out!
It's because of Jamel and the other fantastic instructors that I've seen noticeable changes in my fitness level since I started going to Elevate 4-5x/week. My arms and legs have developed noticeable tone and definition, and I can lift more than I ever could before (on rare but exciting occasions, more than some of the men!). My cardiac endurance and running/rowing speed has also noticeably improved.
My one constructive criticism would be that I wish Elevate had more of a community feeling to it. The staff have attempted to organize social events, but the majority have taken place after intense, large-scale workouts (who wants to try to make friends while they are drenched in sweat and B.O.?) and have required members to BYOB. I would suggest Elevate organize bonding events for members separate from the workouts themselves.
All in all, Elevate is the best gym I've been to in DC - a reasonably priced, full-body strength and cardio workout that leaves you with a truly addictive endorphin rush. Your first workout at Elevate is free - so it can't hurt to give it a shot to see if it is right for you. read more