First off, the Sweat Shop is an excellent location to stay in shape with outstanding trainers, Sam…read moreand Dan, in an environment where the pace is yours and the participants minimal. My wife and I love it as when we go during the day, there is never a wait for equipment which definitely keeps you relaxed. When it comes to massages, Sam is the best by far that we have ever encountered. He is exceptionally strong, extremely knowledgeable and keeps you focused with his very easy-going mannerism. We highly recommend Sam and the Sweat Shop to keep your body fit while maintaining good habits both mentally and physically.

I've been going to this gym for the past 10 years and man let me tell you. This is one of the most…read morecomfortable gyms to work out in, Nobody judges or bothers you here. I would 100% recommend

A few months after becoming a member, I tried spinning classes, which were fun and challenging. I…read moresoon noticed the seats, set parallel to the floor, didn't fit my anatomy. I was sliding forward uncomfortably. I brought a wrench, raised the front of (just)one seat a notch, and then it didn't feel as if I were struggling to stay on. I chose the narrowest, least padded style, similar to a racing bike saddle. The owner told me I was the only one who preferred that kind. There used to be a 'needs fixing' sheet for members to list equipment problems. Some had written complaints that the bike seats were 'tipped.' So, the staff flattened all the seats. I went to Lee, the manager, and asked politely if I could have one seat (just one seat!) adjusted to my comfort. I was met with an expression of surprise and mild annoyance. Denied. The classes were never full so nobody would've been forced to use a 'tipped' seat. But even if all the bikes in the spinning studio had been taken, there were four more in other parts of the gym, which I never saw in use simultaneously. One seat on any of those could've been adjusted without forcing anyone to use a 'tipped' seat. And of course, the seat posts are interchangeable. So, on it went: I'd adjust a single saddle, a staff member would flatten it, and the charade would begin anew. I politely raised the issue with Ruby, the owner; she said she'd put a note on a saddle to not flatten it. A week later she reneged, implying Lee wouldn't allow it. The reasoning: If one was changed, then all could be changed and Lee wasn't willing to deal with that. Denied again. BUT, he accommodated all those who complained about 'tipped' seats. That's not fair. He could've easily worked with me and gotten to 'yes.' The seats are adjustable for a reason. The entire business is BASED on human anatomy, including its--ahem--variations. I was 'nudged' by the former manager shortly after starting my membership. Under my original 4-star rating on this page, she added a note asking me what it would take to add a fifth star. Consistent, prolonged and respectful treatment as a valued member, I would've told her. But, my reasonable requests were repeatedly ignored. A couple of the staff(K and K) seemed to view me as demanding, difficult, and treated me with veiled hostility. And then there's this: The two managers, Lee & Jen, plus Lee's wife, wrote 5-star reviews on this page. These are conflict of interest violations per Google usage rules. Owner Ruby added praise and thanks below these 'reviews.' P.S. The managers' illegitimate reviews and owner-added comments have been deleted. October 2023.

I like the fact that it's open 24/7, the gym is small, but definitely gives a good reputation to…read moreget on and do your workouts. I was only there for the 90 day trial and I'm a night owl, so coming here closer to midnight was quiet and at times, I'll have the gym to myself! It's a great gym. However, one thing I did notice is when I go take a shower after a work out and some bugs enter the bathroom flying around. At first, I was so hysterical because I thought a wasp came in, but no, idk what it is, but it's definitely not a wasp or mosquito. Other than that, great gym.

Spirit Club is a wonderful organization to help people with disabilities get fitness into their…read morelife in a fun, safe and easy way! Village Community Services clients enjoy it and the staff are getting involved too. Such a great tool for us! Janna and Jared have been great with us. They are always happy to help and are wonderful communicators. So happy to have Spirt Club to keep everyone moving.

Spirit Club is the most amazing program that we have ever come across for my special needs…read moredaughter. Not only does it provide a great activity but the social aspect of joining a group each week of friends is the best. The instructor Erroll is the best, patient, fun and warm. Thank you Spirit Club for making our lives complete.

I've had my share of trainers but I have to say... working with Alpha Her I've gain the confidence,…read morediscipline, knowledge of being healthy and staying healthy. In the past I've maintain my weight but often get discouraged repeating my old unhealthy habits. My journey has been rough but thanks to April support through my journey it has been very rewarding. Thank you!

Been training with Greg at the adult BJJ class for a week now, and it's been the best training…read moreexperience for me so far. Warmups aren't too difficult but they get your joints ready for drilling and sparring. The techniques are taught in a clear, step-by-step manner that has both street safety and sport effectiveness in mind. There isn't any aggressiveness but everyone trains respectfully and there are plenty of purple belts who have helped me really hone in on details. Everything is handled in a way that pushes you to strive for detail-oriented jiu-jitsu while respecting your training partner.

I have been going to Bartman MMA since November 2011, and have loved every minute of it. If…read moreanything as I've grown, I've craved the teachings even more, now going 3 classes per week. I started out at his other location in Bethesda, joined the "Women's Kick Ass" class and Brazilian JiuJitsu classes here in Glenmont too. It's amazing, Greg and Tori (Women's class co-teacher) are amazing at what they do. They have been doing it a long time and you can tell. Not only by their technique, but their true passion for the sport. Anytime Relson Gracie is comin to town, they're there, for support, to give accolades, to LEARN. Aside from being great people, they are great teachers too. They communicate clearly, are happy to show moves in slow motion, from different angles, and hear your questions at any time; I am often guilty of saying "so...I was watching TV, and saw this move on Criminal Minds..." They teach students of all kinds-shapes-and sizes. They have a kids class too, so you know what that means... if they can keep the attention span of little children and teach them how to protect themselves....they're super coaches! What you really learn is how what they teach you depends on using your body to your advantage. It doesn't matter if you're big or small, strong or "room for improvement," it's a matter of physics... like working your body angles, pivot points, and leverage.... like calculated chess moves. I've learned self defense for the street, and proper grappling moves as well. The other bonus I've taken away is the mental aspect learned through all this. JiuJitsu is a calm of mind activity. Yes, you may rolling around on the ground, defending yourself, breaking a sweat (which is also a good cardio workout), but you're also trying to keep your mind at neutral. You don't want to waste all your strength in a battle for bronze (especially if you're my size, you'd often lose that fight). You don't want to tense up either. You stay calm, you keep in mind you are worth fighting for and there is always a way out of this. You "turn on your spidey senses" to feel where your partner/attacker is grabbing you, and use your skills to maneuver around their grasp. Seriously--mind included--it's a full body workout. 3rd to last fun fact/tip: Greg and Tori hold seminars for private groups too (good for team-building activities, safety lessons, birthdays, maybe even bachelorette parties.... the moves I've learned, have definitely gotten me out of some tickle wars with my husband). 2nd to last tip of awesomeness: If you prepay for a class, or combination of classes, in bundles you get a discount! Be sure to ask when registering (because after this adoring review, how could you not sign up :-) am I right). Okay, the real last tip/fun fact: Students are also welcome to open mat Thursday nights for more practice!!