I've taken exactly one class at this gym and I've already signed on for an unlimited membership for a year. It's THAT good, and it's unlike any other gym I've ever been to. I'll write an updated review in a few months when I learn more about the gym (and when I start truly seeing results), but for now here's what I've got.
There are three types of classes: momentum, anaerobic, and durability (it spells MAD-get it?!). I think I have the basic gist of them down: Momentum is based upon athleticism and builds up on intensity as you go. Anaerobic is focused on speed and power and is an all-out effort. Durability is where you really slow movements down and focus on form. Classes are capped at 20 people so that the trainers can make individualized form corrections and make sure you are lifting safely. This is much different than a certain gym named for a certain color/fruit and counts calories that packs you in and lets you row and lift with horrible form while the trainer just walks on by... you won't experience that here. I promise. The early morning classes do fill up early, so you need to stalk the signups if you plan on taking those classes.
The class starts at the whiteboard, where your trainer will go over the day's stations with you. You'll then rotate to all of the stations, where they will demonstrate the proper form at each one. There are several weight classes to choose from (at my first class there were 4 - it may be 4 every time, or it may change). You get to go around and test the weights to see what weight you'd like to rotate at. I really appreciated this, since I didn't know how heavy the weights would be (spoiler alert: they're heavy). Then you do a dynamic warm-up, and then it's time to split into groups and go!
If you haven't already learned from the other reviews, the trainers are pretty awesome. Corbin, the owner, is especially responsive over social media if you ever have any questions. He also greeted me before class and ran through how the facility works. Emily was great during class and gave succinct instructions while keeping us motivated. When she saw any of us moving incorrectly, she would immediately stop and make the correction.This is huge for me - as someone with hypermobility issues, I know I am working out a gym that is keeping me SAFE. She even stayed after class with me for 15 minutes or so just to chat, and passed along the message to Corbin that I wanted to sign up for a membership.
DON'T be like me and get intimidated by their Instagram. I know everyone on there is super in shape and fit and is absolutely beautiful, but those people also had to start somewhere. Everyone here is super friendly, willing to help, and you'll get the run-down of how things work the first time you step foot in the door. I came in feeling nervous, and left with that post-workout endorphin high.
If you drive to the gym make sure to leave some extra time in your schedule to find parking. It's in the heart of Clarendon (a great location), but can get crowded especially at rush hour. The metro is also a block away if that is an option for you.
One other great thing about this facility seems to be their great sense of community. They have socials and do periodic Whole30 challenges - they truly care about the whole person, not just the $$ they're bringing in. (And about the $. Yeah, it might be steep, and it might be more than other boutique gyms in the area. But you're paying for small group personal training, and it's an investment in your health. It's also much cheaper than copays to your doc or pharmacist when you need quarterly cholesterol or A1c checks or monthly refills on your statins or diabetes meds.)
Alright, now I've written a novel. I guess I'll stop there. See you at MAD! read more