If you are considering signing for trial classes and are perusing this page for reviews - good for you for doing your due diligence. No matter what shape you are in, who you will be entrusting your body to is very important. I can say with full confidence that every single one of the what? three bad reviews? Of Sweatbox  should be cast aside because they are irrelevant since none of them talk about the actual sweat method and what it does to your body. Firstly, if you are worried if fat shaming/ageism exists here. The answer is a firm NO. I am older, I am overweight , and I was  welcomed with open arms, made a part of the family immediately, and that has not changed since the first class. I went to one OrangeTheory location a year or so back and was full on fat-and-age shamed and that made my self esteem spiral down into dark abyss for a very long time. Because words hurt, because I am already so vulnerable and frightened to cross the threshold of the gym, I need support, not otherwise. SweatBox is all welcoming, all inclusive type of place. Yes, they are located inside an exact copy of the Globo Gym from Dodgeball, (I got jokes) but just walk to the back of the first floor, to the Sweatbox counter, as far as I understand, gym and them are two separate entities. I purchased a 7-day, $34.00 unlimited trial pass online, came 30 minutes early for the instruction session (important to come early, instructors won't say no to you if you show up 5 minutes prior to class, but ultimately you are shorthanding yourself on the instruction part - don't you want to know as much as you can about bike set up, and components of training? And remember that instructors have other student s  to take care of prior to class) I began my training on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 and I made sure to come every day, dragging my self in sometimes, even if my body screamed to go get nachos instead. The instructors I've experienced during the trial week were: Alexx G Shawn M Kevin D Ashley D I loved all the instructors, Alexx is all tough love, just as described in his bio, but I love his light show and music choices. Kevin has an amazing aura and energy and makes you feel included. Then comes Ashley, wow. I don't know if she somehow hypnotizes the class, but you get in the zone, stop thinking of outside world, and all you focus on is her voice, her example poses, and her corrections, nothing else. At the end of the class, when you finally come to, you realize that you worked out for a full hour and  never looked at the clock once! Shawn is a rare soul. I have my collection of special, big hearted people, the list is short, but Shawn is on it. First of all the energy during his classes is through the roof, he is so charismatic, you WANT to do good to show him your appreciation. But my experience with him is also more personal. When I felt embarrassed, questioned myself, felt weak, cried like a baby after second class, Shawn in the gentlest of ways supported me, was there for me, helped me get past those hurdles and I cannot be more thankful. He always has words of encouragement, listens with attention, he is present. What an amazing human being. To sum up - 15 lbs. down (results will vary of course) and I signed up for an unlimited monthly. They got me good. read more

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I signed up for a free intro class with my girlfriend who normally does these things. For my first spinning experience, I liked how hard spinning pushes you. Combined with the music and the trainer giving you encouragement, spinning can be a really good cardio workout. It almost feels competitive with all the numbers and colors on the TV screens too. However, I don't understand the hype with $20-40 spin classes when I can do the same workout at the gym and push myself just as hard. I suppose it's worth it if you need that extra push, but I can't really afford $20-40 per class when i can get a membership at the gym for $30 a month. This was more of a hybrid spin/core class that utilizes TRX trainers, so there's that. And they do provide you with a heart rate monitor strap that gauges how hard you're working and calculate what intensity you should be at based on your endurance. The class itself was a 1:1 that introduced everyone to how a real class would go. We learned the basic movements on the TRX trainers and then were taught how to use the bikes. But it felt really rushed. The trainer was speaking so fast, I couldn't even really understand half of what he was saying. All in all, i got a good workout in though and I enjoyed the cold scented towel at the end. read more

After one class, I am addicted!! Today, I attended the Triple A (Arms, Abs, and A**) class with Brad. From the moment, I walked in I felt welcomed especially with Brad taking me into the studio early to get me acclimated with the equipment. Brad was an amazing instructor as well, checking on me every few rounds to make sure I was okay and if I needed modifications for anything. I loved his energy throughout the class too. I typically never ask about the membership plans after a class but today I did. I have one more class on my intro offer but I am highly considering getting a membership. I've done other HILT style classes at the other gyms but this one is the best. read more

After completing my two week "trial version" for the price of one regular class, I realize that I am addicted!! I really feel like I'm at my best physically and mentally after these two weeks. I love the awesome endorphins I get long after I have completed each 55 minute class! The classes are HIIT and include cycling, strength-training, and lots of other great exercises that have kept me moving and grooving throughout each set with fist-pumping music! The instructors are really motivational and ensure that everyone is making the most of their workout! I love everything about SweatBox - I just wish it was a bit less expensive! read more

I love me a good Sweatbox class. I stared by taking the Sweatbox 101 class on a Sunday with some girlfriends. Little did we know, that we would be addicted to this lil cult.. LOL! I've been going 3 to 4 days a week since September, and have been in love ever since. Alexx and Isiah are the best at what they do. They are all about that tough love when you take there class. I can't wait to get back in there. Due to injury, cant work out for about 5 weeks. I miss this place. But, Ill be back and ready to sweat it out! read more

I have been really impressed with Sweatbox so far - I had been putting off trying it because it looked so intense and, frankly, intimidating. It definitely puts you through your paces and is one of the most difficult workouts I have encountered, but the instructors are wonderful. I've really appreciated that they always ask about injuries before class starts and make it a point to offer alternatives/modifications for some of the more advanced moves, without even being asked. I've burned between 850-1100 calories per session so far - definitely worth doing! read more

Sweatbox is for sure my favorite workout in DC. Love the unlimited 2 weeks, it's just too expensive to be on the regular. I so wish Sweatbox was on classpass, but the studio is small and they really dont need the classpass crew, i get it! The studio and the other students can be intimidating. But i actually like this better than Elevate or those Orangetheory type places if you're terrible at all of this like i am. With the Sweatbox "stations", you are basically on your own little island and no one really pays attention to you! I've found after my 6ish classes that the experience definitely depends on the instructor. I LOVED Brad's class, but had other instructors who i felt were rude and impatient with my novice status. (I'm half joking, i work out 5-6 days/week, I'm not totally useless!) Another point of critique would be for the instructors to demo the exercises on BOTH sides of the room, especially if they know there are new people in the class. The class moves quickly and if you arent up to speed with one of the circuits, you can miss it totally. read more

Having just moved from NYC, I was in desperate need of something to fill my Barry's Bootcamp void to keep this summer body momentum going. SweatBox delivered. I've tried so many boutique studios in my day, consider myself to be in pretty good shape, and am very judgmental when it comes to trainers and classes, but I went into my first class with an open mind and was not disappointed. Easily the best workout in DC for people at any fitness level and with any fitness interest. Discreetly situated at the back of the U Street VIDA, going to SweatBox already feels like a privilege reserved for the most elite celeb trainers, but the vibe is the exact opposite. Yes, there's some pretension involved (but this is DC and that's everyone's middle name....), but the staff is welcoming and helpful, and the trainers I've taken are really into the entire experience from start to finish. When they say "combat boredom", they mean it. No two classes will ever be the same and there are always options to work harder with each exercise. The fact that you can track your performance via the MyZone monitor and can see how hard everyone else in class is working just serves as more motivation. I have the knees of an 80 year old, so the relatively low impact (spin bikes vs treadmills) is heaven-sent. I love that the bikes show the color (related to your effort) for the world see. Put that shit on blast! You can't hide and it's awesome. TRX straps will wreck you, no matter how much you lift. Honestly, the first class is free so there really isn't a single reason not to give this studio a try. It truly is an incredible workout, you won't be bored, you can track your progress, and you will SWEAT. read more

Sweatbox has undergone a change in management recently and it's unfortunately a change for the worse. The classes are far more similar to CrossFit now, which means they just don't work as well anymore for a broad spectrum of body types. I also didn't appreciate that they changed the late cancel policy and started charging late fees *before* announcing the change. They also charge for late fees days after the alleged occurrence, but don't provide data so you can challenge it if you didn't cancel. This comes after doing away with multiple perks that came with their monthly packages and raising prices. It is with great regret that I have broken up with Sweatbox--but really, the Sweatbox I loved no longer exists. read more

Great place to workout. I travel a lot and found SweatBox to be very easy to catch on to while still having an intense work out. I will definitely be back whenever I'm in town. They are very professional and at the same time energetic, fun and motivating. read more

SweatBox - U Street - Cycling Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This was my first time trying a "boutique" fitness class (well I tried CorePower Yoga, but I think that's a different category), so I did not know what to expect. I am a member of the JCC and have done some classes there that I enjoyed, but I knew this would be different. I work out a lot, but all the reviews I had heard or read said how hard theses classes are, so I was a bit nervous. SweatBox is located inside of the Vida. I asked the gentleman at the front desk and he directed me to the back of the gym where SweatBox is located. There are lockers where you can store your personal belongings, but I do not think you have access to the actual locker rooms to shower or change. The room holds about 25 people, but there were only 6 people in my class, all of varying age, sex, and physique. When you register for a class, you pick your exact location, but since there were so few of us, we all picked new stations near each other. Our instructor was Isiah and he was fantastic. He helped set up everyone on their bikes and patiently explained how to use the bike and the training straps. During the workout, he would walk around and provide feedback on everyone's form. I felt like everyone got plenty of attention and motivation, but am curious if that changes when you have a full class. I have tried one spin class before and absolutely hated it. The bike was old and uncomfortable. The instructor would shout out instructions like, one quarter twist more difficult, but I had no idea how hard I was actually working or what setting to put it on, which was frustrating. SweatBox is the exact opposite experience. On your bike, you enter a FTW number that is based on your fitness level. You can sign up for a class where you go through a test to determine the number, but I hadn't done it yet, so Isiah helped me pick a number. At first, it was too low, so I had to adjust it up a few times. Each person in the class will have a different number, so the workout is customized to your individual fitness level. When you are on the bike, your screen (which is visible to the entire class), lights up with a color indicating how much effort you are putting in. The instructor tells you what color you need to be at and the room changes to that color, so it is really easy to follow along and harder to slack off. Also, if you purchase a MyZone heart-rate monitor, then your heart rate is displayed on tvs around the studio, again making it harder to slack off (which is a good thing). Our workout was setup into three rounds alternating between strength sessions (push ups, curls, lunges, etc.) and cardio (the bike). All of the segments were short enough where you weren't getting bored and the class went by really quickly. As far as difficulty, it was hard, but not as hard as I had expected from the other reviews (I was definitely sore the next day). Part of it was that it was my first class, so I started off lighter on the weights than I could have and my FTW number was a little lower than it probably should have been. These are easily correctable and I imagine future classes will be harder. I definitely plan on going back and bought an introductory package for $100 that includes the heart-rate monitor, testing for your FTW number, and two classes. read more

SweatBox classes are by far THE BEST workouts I have ever done in a group-like setting. Everything from the energy in the room, the music blasting, to the high-intensity workouts -- it is always a great experience. As someone that was always comfortable with going to the gym to weight-train on my own, SweatBox has changed my workout routine for the better. These classes constantly challenge me and I always leave feeling accomplished (AND SORE). I love that these classes feel so personal and individualized, but at the same time I enjoy being in a group-setting. When you walk into the SweatBox classroom, you are surrounded by "boxes". Each"box" contains an XT trainer, a cycle, and set of weights. The class instructor tells you what to do ranging from sprinting on the bike, weight training exercises, or even floor work such as jump squats, planks, or ball slams... (and so much more, every class is always a surprise). Yeah.. I COULD try to do these workouts on my own, but honestly being in the SweatBox class makes me push myself beyond my limits. It is such an efficient workout that is only one hour. I guess you can say these classes are "expensive" ranging from $24-$34 per class depending on the package, but you pay for what you get. read more

SweatBox is the newest addition to the DC group workout scene. I signed up for my free first class to experience this workout for myself! THE WORKOUT SweatBox uses a mix of strength (suspension training, dumbbells, and body weight) and cardio (spin) in high interval bursts that challenge you for the entire 50 minutes. Their unique take on group fitness is the spin bike. Each bike is calibrated to your fitness level (either an estimate at the beginning of class or you can sign up for an actual test that gives a more accurate number). The bike then lights up different colors depending on how hard you are working. LOCATION Sweatbox is located inside VIDA gym. Walk past the front desk toward the back. The studio and lockers are to your right. Water is to your left from wall taps. PROS + I liked that everyone had their own station. You hop off your bike and directly next to you are sets of weights and your own suspension trainer. This cuts down on transition time and maximizes sweat time. + The workout was definitely challenging. I was sweating a lot and my dumb bells got slippery. + The studio is really nice. All the equipment is brand new and you can tell they spent a lot to make it feel modern. CONS + I wasn't sold on the spin bikes. I like the idea of using data to calibrate a workout based on individual needs, but I didn't like that everyone could see your color the whole class. Maybe there should be an option to opt out? + I found the bike had some sort of delay in changing color so it was hard for me to keep pedaling at the same color. I would speed up to over correct, then slow down and under correct... then change the resistance. I guess it probably takes a few classes to get used to. read more

To me this is the BEST workout class in DC and I would highly recommend this place. I started with low impact workout like barre and yoga, then work my way up to HIIT/strength training. The class is divided between repetitive floor exercises and the bike (which is better then a treadmill). All of the instructors are very hands on and encouraging! They will push you but you have to know when to stop pushing yourself too hard. I have to credit SweatBox for taking my fitness to a whole new level that I never expected. I try to go twice a week, but would not recommend going on consecutive days, because your body will be sore! Just like the name, you will sweat A LOT and they pass along mint scented wet towel after class. Even though it is similar to OrangeTheory, Elevate and Blast, SweatBox is still the BEST! read more

The most productive and effective workout I've had in a long time. The amount of effort and time the instructors put into planning their classes is so clear. What I loved about Sweatbox is that you have your own area for the entire class. You don't have to move around or race to grab weights or find your own space. You have your box with everything in it-weights, TRX, bike, medicine ball, mat and mirror. It maximizes the amount of time you put into your work out and you can always clearly see the instructor if you have any questions. I also love that I never had to bump into people and wait in line for weights. Compared to OrangeTheory, Barry's Bootcamp, Elevate, Mint's Power Playground, and F45 - I think Sweatbox completely nailed down the formula for an intense yet engaging workout that maximizes both cardio and floor exercises. The two week trial is addicting, and I definitely want to join. I was plateauing at my old gym and felt bored and unchallenged by the work out classes. I'm fairly in shape and I was noticing results by the third class. My first class was with Alexx who was so patient and attentive. He takes your commitment to fitness seriously and I really appreciated that. Isiah is super upbeat, and he really helped me with my form during classes and did a fantastic job in explaining the work out so I never felt lost. Stephen had great energy and fantastic music (love Kelly Clarkson too). The price tag of monthly unlimited classes initially made me nervous ($279) but this is a workout where you will see results and you will be valued as a member during the workout. The instructors are committed to you and this workout makes you push yourself. And I think that's worth investing in. read more

If you're looking for a fun, hard, high intensity workout with good music then Sweatbox is for you. I have been doing Sweatbox for a little over 3 months and have loved every class I've been to. The instructors push you and the classes are never the same, which I find to be AWESOME. The use of MYZONES and lighting in the studio really add to the energy in the class. I like FULL THROTTLE the most. It's high energy from start to finish. I highly recommend Stephen's class. He is by far the most inspiring instructor out of all of them. I wish Stephen could teach more classes. I bought the unlimited package all three months and it's so worth it if you go at least 3-5 days a week. I go 6 days a week so it evens out to be less than $10 a class. DO UNLIMITED! read more

I used to love Sweatbox. Every Sunday morning I spent 75 minutes sweating with Isiah. I live in Virginia and already have an Orangetheory membership -- so driving there and paying additional money meant it was really worth it. My fitness improved significantly just based on the one class a week with other occasional lunchtime classes thrown in. I bought promotional specials because I loved it so much. Then one Sunday Isiah announced he wasn't teaching Sundays anymore. The classes were replaced with 75 minutes of Cher and other terrible music with a workout that was not nearly as well planned. I gave it a try and it was torture. I've tried a couple other instructors on other days and times but have not found one anywhere close to as motivating and kick butt as Isiah. I now found out he has left Sweatbox and it's not a temporary pullback as hoped. Really disappointing. Had I known one of the starters of Sweatbox might leave I would not have bought the last 20 class package I'm in no way motivated to use. One of my best friends and I worked out together on Sundays and both of us hated the new class -- so unfortunately they lost 2 customers with this change. read more

David seemed nice. People tell me he had a mic, but i think it was an i.v. directly to his brain of whatever Bane was taking in that Batman movie. The bathroom is inconvenient when you need to throw up. 2 stars cuz i only hallucinated getting kicked in the balls. read more

I went their with an open mind as I have been looking for a "boutique" gym class for some while now. What is clear is that of all I have tried, OrangeTheory, Solid Core etc etc. Sweatbox is by far the worst. The pictures on yelp show trainers helping you. During my session I found that was not the case. If the trainer does not help you and just shouts the whole time, what's the point in going? Furthermore, the Spinning was the worst. While spinning, the instructor will tell you which color you should be in. That is harder than it sounds for two very important reasons. 1. The instructor does not tell you whether you should cycle faster/slower or increase/decrease resistance in order to change the color. What ends up happening is that you over correct. I did not give a one star review as I did like the lay out and how all the equipment was right next to you. However, that does not make up for the fact that this "class" is not a class at all as the instructor does not explain anything and one the main parts, the spinning, is not a good workout as instead of focusing on the workout, you have to focus on the color. read more

Whew, can you say overpriced? I'm a Vida member, so I can work out upstairs at no extra charge. It's hard to justify the very high price, though I did enjoy the five or six SweatBox classes I took--and got a good workout in. And to be honest, I'm *much* less likely to spend the money on a place that hires ZERO female instructors. What's with that? You recently hired some new SweatBosses, and none of them are women; the two who used to teach don't anymore. Only men are somehow good enough to teach this class? Nah, that's just ridiculous--or possibly sexist. Adriana's class was much better than some of the others I'd taken. Please, please hire some women to teach at SweatBox. read more

Having recently moved out here, I tried CorePower Yoga and have been going to Barry's Boot camp but was looking for something more intense. My stress levels have gone way down, and I love that the first class was free... I'll be back read more

SweatBox is as advertised- you will have a full body workout unlike any other. I had a great time! High energy and encouragement from the instructors. The front desk staff is also wonderful and very helpful. For newer folks, I'd recommend talking to the instructor first to get an idea of what you need to know for class and to learn how they use their bike. Shawn was especially good at this. He did a demo for me on the bike in the lobby and came up to me during class to make sure I was doing ok. The class is meant to push you, but always keep from in mind and slow down if needed. I found after the first class that I may not have been as aware as I should and then adjusted moving forward. I would absolutely take another class, especially with Shawn. read more

I will start this off by saying that I used to work at Vida and am still a Vida member. I am also a physical therapist (who does share opinions on workout classes with patients) and take a lot of classes -both at Vida and at other boutique style studios. I was very curious as to how sweatbox would measure up to both my normal workout classes at Vida as well as other studios. In all honesty...it was terrible. I signed up for a 9am class on a Sunday. Was told to get there 10 minutes early, so I got there at 8:48. I checked in and tried to use the locker, which took a few minutes because it wasn't working, so was ready to get into the studio at 8:51. The desk guy seemed worried that the orientation had already started and delayed bringing me in for a second, but finally did. As we walked in, the ENTIRE studio, instructor included, stopped what they were doing and stared at me. The instructor, Alexx, didn't acknowledge me and looked at the guy who brought me in and said, 'What bike is she?' He didn't answer, so I did. He said that bike was too far away since the class was on the smaller side(I had heard the classes were poorly attended...now I know why). He then proceeded to say I could 'just take station 1.' He then turned around and walked away...not ensuring I knew how to set up a spin bike or anything else essential to getting things underway. Good thing it wasn't my first time using a spin bike. He then very quickly went through a set up of the other aspects of the bike and class started. The spin bike has a monitor that changes colors depending on how hard you are working, however it was never made clear how you had to change the intensity - through speed or through resistance - so it was a guessing game the whole time. The exercises off the bike were simple and in my opinion done for too short of an interval (30 seconds each), so you barely got into each one. Alexx seemed to just be yelling at us the whole time - and not a motivational type of yelling - and only gave attention to the people he knew. I thought the purpose of specialty studios was that you get more attention and motivation from the instructors? That certainly wasn't the case. All in all: workout was not hard, vibe was terrible, and the instructor was rude. Yet they want to charge more than most other studios? Not worth it. read more

The best thing you can do before taking a single Sweatbox session is take the orientation class! I really loved the orientation because it gave me a good overview of what Sweatbox is about. I received a fitness number that fit me specifically and was measured by age, weight, and how many hours I workout in a week. As the instructor mentioned, the bikes help push riders to resistance limits using information you share that is personalized to your ability. On top of our fitness level, I learned how to use all the equipment and then took a mini class that tested the number I received. This mini class helped me, personally, figure out if my fitness level was accurate and enabled me to push to my maximum capability. The second time I attended I felt so comfortable getting on the bike because I already knew my fitness level/numbers that needed to be entered. My instructor was thorough, she adjusted my form which I appreciated, and also shared encouraging words which helped me push past the hurt I was feeling. I liked that I didn't have to move throughout the room to transition, staying in one spot made things very simple and not chaotic. The music sped up when we were on the bike and slowed down when we were doing slower movements. The ladies at the front desk were knowledgeable, helpful, and not salesy at all. They felt more like friends than someone trying to make a sale, I appreciated this! The lobby area was clean and the TV screen featuring clients HR monitors was inspiring to watch as I waited to get into the next class. Again, I would start with the orientation, which if you're trying to save a buck, purchase the new client package (it includes the orientation, 2 single sessions, and a heart rate monitor all for $99. Or you can take the orientation for $10, completely up to you.) I felt welcome and learned a lot about equipment unfamiliar to me. I encourage you to try more than one class and beyond that, more than one instructor. I will be back! read more

This review is not only about sweatboxdc, but, also about the BEST instructor in the DC area - Shawn Morris. I was introduced to Shawn one day when I accidentally went to his cycling class. He was subbing and when I got there I was like, "oh it's someone else teaching, whatever I'll still take the class," First off, let me just say, I FELL IN LOVE! This man has this perfect energy for this job. (I'm all about vibes) His presences lights up the room. Even on an early Sunday morning, he will make you want to jump out of bed. He's friendly, motivating, energetic, and JUST NICE. Do you know how hard it is to find nice people these days? Sadly, it's very hard. The best way I can describe him is that he has this perfect ability to be himself, while still catering to all different walks of life. DC is such a diverse area and his classes from sweatbox to cycle are just open doors to all walks of life. I will follow him wherever he goes. He is one of the best instructors which I've had a pleasure to work with. Please keep him!!! His classes are the highlights of a lot of our days and weeks. We appreciate you Shawn! XOXO read more