I'm currently on my 5th week of a 6 week boot-camp (cycle #12-Shout-out to my fellow Dirty Dozen!)…read moreand first week of yoga (cycle #3) and I must confess, I absolutely love everything about Nova Strength and Conditioning! The box is tucked away at the very end of an industrial park in Springfield, right off Braddock road, there is ample parking on both sides of the building, and it comes equipped with everything you would expect of a Crossfit box, plus they have all sorts of fun Strongman stuff. In addition to Crossfit and Strongman, they also offer Olympic Lifting classes, Yoga, personal training, and complete the spectrum with additional nutrition classes. The owners, Erin and Sarah, really make an effort to get to know each new person and push you to perform each movement to the best of your ability. I love their programming, their desire to see you succeed and their ability to foster such a warm and welcoming environment to everyone-regardless of fitness level. I also love the emphasis on team building with blog entries, Facebook groups and weekly emails letting you know what's coming up. Trust me, if you are thinking to trying NOVA S&C you really should! Chances are, you will not regret it... I know I don't.

Background: 4 years, 15 to 20 hours a week in a CrossFit box…read more I did a session with the Olympic weightlifting crew while visiting Washington D.C. First and foremost, I loved the atmosphere; it feels of CrossFit at its roots. There's a large open matted area. With only a single garage door to the outside world, the air is warm and vibrant. Speed ropes, mobility equipment, lifting platforms, rings, etc. are all as expected. I greatly enjoyed the coaches and supportive athletes. Tom was focused, constantly providing constructive and tactful feedback to his team. Even when people weren't lifting, they wouldn't just wander off on their phones. Rather, when it wasn't your turn to lift, it was your turn to motivate. I wasn't there long enough to get a sense of how competitive this box is. At the very least, there's plenty of open gym time.

I am so happy here. I've been coming to Foundation for about 3 months for training once a week, and…read moreI feel that my form in weightlifting has improved tremendously. I train primarily with Patrick (who is the co-owner), and I've also trained with Angelo a few times. Both are amazing to work with and so positive and upbeat (even when they are making you lift hundreds of pounds!). They push you hard and encourage you to build confidence to try things you didn't think you could do. Patrick has a remarkable gift with remembering names, and he is constantly circling the gym checking in with people about their goals and how they are doing in their lives, both in and outside of the gym. You can tell he knows personally and cares about every single member, and he makes an effort to recognize and celebrate every single person there. It's a small fitness community, so everyone also knows each other and supports each other. People are always cheering for each other if someone across the room hits a PR or does something amazing or new. Patrick also makes a point of welcoming new members by introducing them to people and checking in to make sure they feel welcome. Being at Foundation is the highlight of my week, and in the few months I've been there, I've already hit new milestones and PRs I didn't think I was capable of. I really love it here!

FOUNDATION FITNESS!!! I LOVE this place. I played sports growing up but was never someone who…read moreworked out on my own. Steven has helped me understand exercise techniques that I never could've figured out by myself. He knows exactly what I need to do to see improvement and isn't afraid to challenge me. All the trainers are awesome. Amber and McKenzie are so knowledgeable and helpful. Even though they aren't my trainers, they're very engaging, fun to be around, supportive, and are a part of my fitness journey. Steven has a great attitude and impeccable customer service. I'm glad I chose Foundation Fitness because I don't think I'd be as committed to working out if I didn't start here. A welcoming, challenging (but not in a scary way), fun, focused, and collaborative environment have been key to my success so far. Whether you're an exercise newbie or serious bodybuilder these capable trainers will help you achieve your goals and set new ones. Bonus: all the clients I've met are really cool too. Lastly, an honorable mention to Angelo (now at a different location): he's a great trainer, kind person, and very knowledgeable. COME TRY FOUNDATION FITNESS!!!

So far best gym chain in the DMV right now without having to go to the extreme side of the scale…read moreand pay for what may as well be a private "club". Onelife gyms expanded to purchase a lot of locations of other region gyms and in doing so their styles differ a bit between gym - which may be jarring for some. But you don't have to notice if you get the cheaper membership with fewer gym choices. Classes are good and offer varied options, but you may have to hunt for which gym works for your time schedule as getting to one on time is a chore with our traffic. Including all the basics you may need and more, like child care optional extras for the families that need it. At this pace this is set to be a good gym for you for the next ten years easily.

I've been coming to this OneLife Fitness location for quite some time and have always had a good…read moreexperience... until today. I came in for my regular workout around 8:00 PM and started a warm-up on a machine in the personal training area. I understand that this area is prioritized for personal training between 6 AM and 7:30 PM, but at that time (8pm)there wasn't anyone using this specific machine. I even asked another member nearby, who confirmed he was not using it. A trainer with tag name under Michael L approached me in a very aggressive and confrontational manner. I had my headphones on and barely heard him yelling out, but before I could even respond, he walked up and pretty much forcefully pulled the machine cord and told me to leave this machine because he claimed to be using it for his trainee. What made the situation worse was that even the trainees he was working with appeared uncomfortable, and another member who witnessed the interaction told me not to mind him and kindly offered me his machine instead. This was a very disappointing experience and not the level of professionalism I expect from someone representing this gym. I hope management addresses this, as it reflects poorly on an otherwise good facility.

I've been going to Lifetime Fitness for over 13 years, and Zach is by far the best Aquatics Manager…read moreI've seen. He takes the time to talk with everyone and really gets to know the members. His staff is well-trained, friendly, and professional, and the pool and sauna are always spotless -- which is a major factor for me. Zach is also great with kids and makes swim lessons fun and engaging. I especially appreciate the small basketball hoop he added to the pool area -- such a thoughtful touch that members of all ages enjoy. You can tell he truly cares about creating a great experience for everyone. Keep up the excellent work, Zach! Lifetime is lucky to have you.

My husband, one year old and I moved from Cali and being new here we decided to try the gym out. We…read morehave now been here for fourish months I cannot express how much we LOVE this gym. Not only is the staff incredibly welcoming but the love and support they have for our daughter is amazing. This gym has become a home away from home with the amazing childcare, staff, top tier shakes and even swim lessons. We're so grateful to the staff for making us feel so welcomed. Patiently waiting for toddler Lifetime Merch !!

I've been a member of Gold's Gym for a while now, and the experience is consistently top-tier, but…read moreDevon and Ana take it to another level. From the moment you walk in, they're welcoming, professional, and clearly care about the members and the culture of the gym. They're both knowledgeable, positive, and go out of their way to make sure everything runs smoothly. You can tell they take real pride in what they do, and that kind of energy makes a huge difference in the overall gym experience. Employees like Devin and Anna are the reason people stay loyal to a gym long-term. Gold's Gym is lucky to have them on the team. Outstanding service, every time.

I completed two lifts and left…read more... Honestly, I wished I would have read these reviews before I paid to join because this gym was absolutely terrible. There were no wipes to wipe down the equipment. The floor was exposed and just looked bad. There is only one olympic lift platform. The layout was little confusing but I think that is somewhat subjective. Honestly this gym was raggedy and disgusting looking. I can't speak on the staff because I wasn't there long enough to get an impression. I was so disgusted I immediately signed up for a different gym that is alittle farther from my house. I just couldn't do this gym.

I went to this Planet Fitness, because it was close to Hidden Pond Park & Nature Center. We were…read moregoing to hike the trails there, and I wanted to do the total body enhancement session at Planet Fitness before the hike. It is a small place, yet the place was clean with a larger black card members' lounge area than what I am accustomed to in past visits to other Planet Fitnesses - with large black couches and widescreen TV in a large sitting area I was able to stop in and leave fast without delays. If I ever go to Hidden Pond Park alone, I will definitely stay longer & do a workout here before hiking the trails.

Very disappointed in several of the staff. Some of them don't even look up when a customer enters…read more(much less initiate a friendly greeting when a customer enters). It feels like these staff couldn't care less or be bothered, despite the fact that we pay their salaries. Frankly, I'm tired of offering a cheery greeting when they can't even look up from their stupid cell phone. PJ is a rare exception; she is AWESOME and very responsive if there is an equipment issue!! Give her a big raise!! Tonight I witnessed a PF manager (30-ish female, nose ring and lip ring) working out with her boyfriend, caressing, hugging, and kissing him. Yuck! Highly inappropriate and unprofessional -- if a regular customer had been doing this, I'm hoping management would step up and tell them to get a room. Is this really okay with upper management? Please talk to your staff. I'm quite sure they can do better.

Great gym Squash courts and foot ball courts…read more Has everything including pools etc Staff is always friendly Nice hang out spot Highly recommended

I had a very disappointing experience with the Spring Flagship at The St. James Sports Complex. The…read morecustomer service is honestly some of the worst I've dealt with at a facility like this. One of their representatives, Daisy, was especially rude and disrespectful when I tried to ask simple questions. Instead of helping, she seemed annoyed and dismissive the entire time. On top of that, their website is extremely unhelpful and rarely has up-to-date information. It makes it frustrating to try to find accurate details about schedules, amenities, or programs. The condition of the facility itself is also very disappointing for a place that promotes itself as a premium sports complex. The pool house is constantly messy and poorly maintained, and the gyms are in some of the worst condition I've seen at a facility like this. Equipment and areas often look neglected, which really makes you question how well the place is being managed. Overall, between the poor customer service, lack of reliable information on their website, and the condition of the facilities, I wouldn't recommend the Spring Flagship location. There are much better-run gyms and sports facilities in the area.

After my 3 months training with Lucas I am convinced that PW is the most effective and efficient…read moremuscle training there is. I was able to built considerably more strength than with any other approach. 20 minutes is all it takes, no hours long huffing and puffing! I am grateful to Lucas and Tracy for teaching me the discipline of slow motion weight lifting. I am determined to apply it to future workouts on my own. Not sure though, how much success I'll have without the trainers input and motivation.

I went for my free lesson and signed up for more. I am impressed with the facility (except the…read morestairs). It was clean and the trainer Tracey T. Knows her stuff and how to teach it. The introductory session starts with questions about goals and medical issues that could be a concern during sessions. Tracey made sure my posture and the way I sat on the machines was good and after asked about the weight that was used, if enough or too much t too little. She noted everything on the tablet so if she is not my trainer next time any other one will know where I am. I was given my Fitness on the Go papopckage to workout at home. I was a bit sore that night and the next day but it was a very good sore.

Gym is well kept. Plenty of machines for pretty much any work out. They also offer workout…read moresessions, and a lot of people seem to attend!Super nice staff, clean bathrooms, nothing much to complain about! It does get busy even during late in the evening.

A nice, cozy gym in Fairfax. They have another one in Springfield, but this one is a little bigger…read more It has machines, free weights, and a area to stretch. There is a open bench/locker area to place your belongings in. It is pretty and organized. Glad I found this gym and it is close by.

During the height of the pandemic in April 2020, I unfortunately reached the highest weight of my…read morelifetime. This rather dubious milestone resulted from constant bombardment of "doom and gloom" media coverage about COVID, being sequestered in my house 24X7, and quite honestly. stress related eating. All in all, a dangerous combination of societal and lifestyle factors which negatively impacted my health. When I finally decided to take action, I first began with a few miles a week of walking, some old dumbbells I had around the house, and of course, drastic modifications to my diet. These positive changes did result in loss of pounds, but I reached a plateau and realized I likely needed professional assistance for this next phase of my fitness journey. Enter Connection Wellness Center. TBH, I had often wondered what this business was as I passed by it after leaving the nearby K-Market. Several of my relatives had been going to Connection Wellness and suggested I visit to discuss my fitness goals. I guess "technically," you would refer to this place as a gym, but I like how owner, Rachel Martin, has positioned this facility as a wellness center. Conveniently located in a strip mall off of John Marr drive and near Rt. 236 and Columbia Pike, Connection Wellness is a large, clean, and bright lit gym with well maintained equipment. My first exposure was a group fitness class, which has folks of diverse age ranges and fitness levels in attendance. I enjoyed Rachel's energy and approach, so I decided to sign up for one-on-one personal training sessions and was paired up with Julita. My main areas of focus were core and stability training, along with flexibility and injury prevention. In 2022, I was coming off a shoulder injury where due to improper technique and overtraining, i strained my rotator cuff, and Julita designed a custom program using TRX bands to allow for return of range of motion and eventually safely strengthening the shoulder. I really appreciated that she listened to feedback that if a particular exercise was painful, she could alter the movement to still achieve the fitness goal without risking injury. Friends and/or acquaintances i haven't seen in a few years are usually amazed at my overall fitness level, and I will usually tell them Connection has been instrumental in helping me reach those goals. Rachel and her team go out of their way to create a safe and welcoming environment for their customers. They have several trainers with different areas of concentration. I've seen dudes working out who are deadlifting a few 45 lb plates strapped to a barbell, along with busy working moms who are running into their training session after a hectic day of MS TEAMS meetings. I've been asked by people I refer to Connection Wellness, whether they will see immediate results after 1-2 of sessions. To which my response is the old "...your mileage will vary" adage, since exercise is only one part of the fitness equation. If one is also making positive changes such as getting more positive sleep, drinking more water for proper hydration, cutting back on processed foods, etc - then "perhaps" there will be noticeable results in a shorter period of time. BTW - as is my usual disclaimer, I'm not a medical professional, so nothing I write should be construed as medical advice and people should consult with their doctor before starting any exercise program. As of this review, Connection offers a free first evaluation session. Check their website for pricing, hours, and any other current information.