As a health care professional, I value the dedication had toward high standards to/for care where the attitude individualized, centered around health and well-being, and driven by a holistic approach strategically addressing all areas of concern and supported by evidence-based practice. I have observed just how a valued relationship is formed between client and Personal Trainer with/in True Fitness and Nutrition, partnering a team approach, collectively creating plans to care that are implemented, assessed, evaluated, and formidably continue as progression measured on a continuum. This idealism promotes quality of life and supports autonomy and independence fundamentally enhancing ability and level of confidence, satisfaction, and self-awareness, typical when there success in achieving (one's) goals and objectives, short and long-term. My personal reflection, a testimony to just how outlook and perception of self attributable to the reciprocation of supply/demand and correlation melded as one becomes their own necessary change; self sufficient in being the instrumental role required to be the solution versus the problem...one is either part of their solution or part of their problem. I believe fully that paths cross for reasons, mine crossed Jenn's and we began working together on the detrimental command for change in my life. We have 4 months now under our belt...and my body, mind, and spirit on a dynamic course, embracing infinite possibility. My life once again in a state of wonder, revered and child like, as I consider a different commitment, life long and geared toward longevity, the constant, an improved way of thinking that includes a schedule/routine incorporating fitness, nutrition, and balance. As mentioned, we all have baggage, different and similar "tags" held, but weighted just the same, often difficult to bear. Jenn, upon initial consultation, spent more than due time, engaging the best understanding, and applying a thoughtful approach, priceless when determining factors spent and the quantifiable cost. That said, it this continued "working" relationship that has now offered me the strength to meet all required expectations, and set my own standard even higher. Jenn empowers me...to empower me. I embellish this training, look forward to our sessions with increasing vigor as I am striving continuously (in everything I do) to be the best I can be, give it my all,...find strength within weakness, as Jenn has a lesson learned, that is where bravery hangs out,..at the bottom of your paused squat, the quiver of each muscle as you set and prepare for the concentric movement of your lift, and the awareness of breath as you reset and turn on each muscle responsible for that press and 1RM. I had idiosyncrasies where weight lifting not a sport easily managed by a woman, I was dead (lift) wrong. To its contradiction, It amazing to feel so powerful, to see the beauty of your body as it transforms into one that structurally able to maintain what asked (exercise, activities of daily living, sitting, decreasing risk/chance/opportunity for injury, stabilizing form). What I am building is not just a system to manage the impact of our burdens across the lifespan, but mindfulness. Thank you Jenn, and the rest of the trainers/coaches at TFN...you each make that difference! read more

I usually don't go out of my way to write reviews, but True FN definitely deserves all the praise. By nature, I am a detail-oriented person that will ask a hundred and one questions. On top of that, I don't come from the participation trophy generation and I am my own worst critic, which makes it impossible to stand the fake cheerleader-type trainers and their generic responses. I recently had the opportunity to work with Coach Kevin Nguyen, an elite level powerlifter who competed at prestigious powerlifting competitions throughout his athlete career. I've trained with national team strength and conditioning coaches and professional athletes, but finding a really great trainer or coach can be a very difficult task.  There are thousands of trainers out there with a variety of "certifications" at every big box gym, but what separates the elite is a combination of truly world class athletic ability, knowledge, experience, and passion.  Kevin has these qualities in spades.  His history as a caliber powerlifting athlete essentially guarantees that he is one that is deeply familiar with all aspects of strength, conditioning, and fitness.  He also has great experience in personal training with clientele ranging from competitive athletes, to people coming back from injuries and rehab, to people who just want to increase their own personal health and fitness. Kevin is extremely passionate about his craft, and that adds an incredible level of motivation to the training session - you know that you're getting 110% benefit out of every minute. I already had made some great progress in powerlifting, but his expertise took it to an entirely different level. Kevin was very perceptive to weaknesses and flaws in my lifting form and helped me target them all in just a few hours. Although he has many other responsibilities other than actually training, he is laser focused on delivering maximal results with you. The amount of improvement I saw in just one session with him was incredible. Other facility pros: 1. Plenty of parking 2. 24/7 facility 3. The most clean and organized gym in the DMV 4. Loaner equipment, such as lifting shoes and belts 5. Intimate, welcoming gym setting TL;DR - Whether you're an advanced lifter or a novice just wanting to work on general strength and fitness, this is the place to be. The facility has the full complement of all of the best and more effective equipment for powerlifting, weightlifting, and functional/sport specific training. The trainers dedicate their time and expertise to educate their clients. Their goal is not merely on getting new clients, but helping them to improve themselves on a physical and even spiritual level. Take the time to talk to these trainers and be apart of the community. Ask about a personal plan and learn. Don't be afraid to ask questions because they'll have overly qualified answers. Highly recommend their facility and services to everyone. read more

I've been working with Jenn since May 2017. I've done a handful of in-person sessions with her and am now on my fourth cycle of the Virtual Coaching. She is knowledgeable, reliable, and really makes you believe in yourself. When I started working with Jenn, I felt like my body was broken, but after just two weeks of working with her, I started feeling like myself and healthy again. Prior to working with Jenn, I barbell lifted for about a year before I got pregnant, then continued lifting until my third trimester. I had chronic back pain throughout the pregnancy and severe, debilitating sciatica during the third trimester. Even before my pregnancy, I dealt with sciatica off and on for about ten years. After I gave birth, I went began lifting and went at it alone for about eight months, but had to stop because of chronic back pain and severe sciatica. Every morning I woke up, my back was sore. I couldn't deadlift and had plateaued on my squats for a long time because my back couldn't handle lifting. I went to Jenn in a really poor, pessimistic mindframe because I thought that pregnancy had wrecked my body and that I'd have to just live with the pain for the rest of my life. After just two weeks of working with her, for the first time in over a year, I began waking up in the morning with no back pain! That really felt like a miracle to me. Jenn really knows how the body works, and thus can give you master coaching on form. She was able to help me pinpoint the reasons for my various aches and pains and then create a plan to address those issues. I feel like she knows my limits and thresholds better than I do! There were times when I was scared to try certain exercises, even at really low weight or volume, but she would gently and confidently encourage me, and I'd progress as a result. Conversely, there's been times when she could just outright tell that I wasn't ready for something, so she'd tell me not to do certain exercises or else warned me to be really careful with how my body felt and take it easy. If this had been some cookie cutter gym trainer, I would not have had the trust to make the progress that I've made. Jenn has tailored the coaching and experience to my needs. She is not giving generic advice or recommendations. She listens to my feedback and is extremely responsive to any videos or emails I send her. I am so grateful to be working with her. She's helped me get my health back so that I can feel like myself again and also be able to spend time with my toddler pain- and worry-free. read more

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Kevin in the few months I have been working with him as my powerlifting Coach via Online Programming. I stumbled upon Kevin watching him perform in high level powerlifting meets, and I reached out one day to see if he would answer a question (which he did). I decided to give it shot and see if he would take me on as a client and ever since then the rest has been history. The knowledge and dedication Kevin puts forth for his clients is amazing to see. Whether you are a student, working, etc. Kevin not only cares about your coach and client experience, but how things are going in your daily life as well. I like to say Kevin is more of a mentor than strictly just a coach. He has given endless amounts of advice not only as a lifter, but as well as with life and as a student. His responses to my training footage is always in a timely manner and always gives in detailed responses back whether it is to make adjustments or applaud his clients for making progress. He has fixed so many technical issues with my lifts in such a short time with the knowledge he has. The priority is not just lifting the most weight for him, it is ensuring we are moving PROPERLY, along side getting stronger. But my physical strength has not been the only thing that has improved my mental strength and capacity has also gotten much better since working with Kevin. Kevin is extremely knowledgeable and I cannot say enough good things about him as a coach and as a person. Although I cannot speak on the facility and the rest of the coaches at TrueFN. I do have the intention of making my way down to VA at one point and hopefully getting a training session in with him and hopefully meeting the other staff. Going under Kevin as one of his clients is one of the best decisions I have made and have no regrets. I absolutely recommend True Fitness & Nutrition! read more

I had the privilege to observe Kim Limon while she worked with my personal training client, Linda, using Proprioceptive-Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR) techniques to resolve core weakness and pain related to diastasis recti and repetitive use injuries. I know Kim as an instructor at the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI), and I was introduced to the P-DTR and NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT) methods Kim had studied when I attended her "Training Injured Clients" continuing education course. While Linda's core had become somewhat stronger during our training, she was still not able to sneeze or do rotary movements without pain. Linda also had chronic pain in her lower back, shoulder, and hamstrings. Modifying her program yielded no results, so I referred Linda to Kim in hopes that Linda would get relief and could continue training. I really can't describe exactly what Kim was doing or why, but during the sessions, Kim tested, adjusted, and corrected neuromuscular issues. She poked, massaged, stroked, snapped her fingers, used tuning rods, pushed, and pinged in such a way that she resembled the percussion section of a symphony orchestra! Her approach was methodical, deliberate, and most importantly, effective. Within a week, the diastasis recti began to close, and Linda's core function began to improve. Linda said no other medical professional had been as helpful or understanding in the ten years since she gave birth to her twins. The sessions also helped Linda release some tightly held emotions, which has enhanced her overall sense of well being. Kim clearly is a dedicated, well trained, and highly skilled professional. Her work is serious and technical, but her laid-back sense of humor puts you right at ease. I highly recommend that personal trainers refer out to Kim to help clients resolve chronic pain with noninvasive, effective techniques. read more

If you are looking for some fancy gym with a smoothie bar where you can scope out your latest hookup, stay far away from here. This is not the place for you! If you are looking for a place to get fit and need a professional trainer to help you, someone who is not only supremely qualified but cares about you personally and your fitness goals, all in an amazingly supportive and non-judgemental environment, then this may be the place for you. Justine is really one of the most amazing people on the planet, a life changer. She is a phenomenal trainer, but more than that, she is like a life coach - always positive and supportive. If a day has been mentally difficult, she'll adjust the workout so you come out still having accomplished something and feel good about yourself. That is one of the best parts of True Fitness and Nutrition - all of the staff is 100% supportive and 0% judgemental. It does not matter if you are a competitive lifter or some average person off the street looking to improve your health, they treat everyone the same, everyone is important. And this applies to the members as well. No one is judging you, giving you side eye, everyone is doing their own thing - or cheering you on. Ari also deserves a shout out. His approach to nutrition counseling is holistic and non-judgemental. He's not going to make you feel guilty for eating fast food, he's going to start working with you where you are. Like the training side, the nutrition side works from the premise of changing habits long term; there are no quick fixes. This is really just the most amazing place. If you are looking for personal attention to address your fitness and wellness needs, this is it. You simply can not find a more caring, supportive environment - and one that gets results. You should just stop looking and call them! read more

I have been working with Dylan for years in regards to exercise technique and theory. What has always stuck out to me is his passion for fitness. Our first impromptu session together occurred when he took an extra 45 minutes out of the end of his day to tune up my technique on a few exercises. His coaching is detailed and precise, and he will always give you his best effort. In the past seven months I've also had Dylan handle all of my programming with the primary goal being strength development. Since then, I have competed in two power meets where I set PR's on each of my 3rd attempts in both. From the first meet in December to the second in April I added over 100lb to my total, including a 50lb increase in my deadlift. I attribute these increases not only to technique improvements under his coaching, but also superior programming to the plans I had followed before. In my mind, Dylan's has 2 big strengths when it comes to programming for powerlifters. First, his extensive knowledge of exercises. Not only is he masterful at coaching the techniques of each movement, but he has a great understanding of how to apply those exercises based on specific needs of his lifters. Second, his ability to program the right volumes (training days, sets, reps) of training for each lifter. With this he ensures that the right amount of work is being done to make significant progress. If you are serious about improving as a lifter Dylan is the coach to hire. His passion, knowledge, and experience blend together into a product that will get you to your goals, and (like in my case) probably beyond. read more

Bottom line up front: Laura is the best. Sign up and ask for Laura. The entire staff at TFN are amazing and very friendly and true professional students of their craft. I work with Laura, and I love her! She kicks my butt in all the best ways and her enthusiasm, knowledge, and patience combine every time to bring me back for more. I'm a difficult client: years of laziness and self abuse have taken their toll and I don't always have the best attitude. After working with Laura for the past 2 years, I have never felt better and I just keep getting stronger and better looking (IMHO). She tailors my workouts to whatever I need that day, constantly challenging me and adapting to my changing goals and abilities. She always helps me feel great. I hate personal trainers but Laura is so much more than that label, she is a fitness professional and one of only a few real experts in her field. It shows in her attitude and knowledge and the depth and breadth of her experience is something you just have to experience to believe. Worth her weight in gold for sure. I could go on and on. Bottom line: Laura is the best. Sign up and ask for Laura. You won't be sorry. read more

Rating Woohoo! As good as it gets! When I first came to Max I didn't know where I was or where I was going. I DID know that what I was doing was not working and I was desperate for some guidance I could trust. After following online programs and my own research my deadlift had made negligible progress and then completely stalled out. I was spending hours in the gym and had little strength gains to show for it. Since working with Max these 6 months I have added 60lbs to my deadlift and I can now perform 3 BW pullups (BTW I am a gal). Not to mention the 40lbs I added to my squat because I don't think you could call what I was doing before a squat. I put in the work but Max was my ever vigilant guide. He gave me progressive cues I could grasp and build on. He was my handler for my first powerlifting meet. I cannot say enough about the care, attention, and candor Max, and the whole TFN crew, demonstrate. Walk in and your family. it has made a huge difference in my training experience. I am so glad I found him, them, and I am hopeful for the future. read more

When I started training with TFN and Max Berkheimer, I was clinically obese. Over the past 4 years, I've lost nearly 40 lbs and now constantly get comments about how in shape I am and look. I meet with Max face-to-face once a week (via video now during this pandemic) and he designs a workout regimen for me to follow on my own 3 other days of the week. He helps me measure progress and set new personal records. He's always available for questions and help, responding usually within minutes of my emails and texts. When necessary, he sends me videos of new exercises to make sure I understand proper techniques. He's responsive to inevitable aches and pains I experience from time to time and adjusts my training program accordingly. He understands my personal goals and what motivates me, tailoring his programs with these elements in mind. I look and feel so much better, thanks to Max and my nutritionist, Jenn Stofferahn, who has helped me build new nutritional and eating habits that have changed my life. read more

Elliott White is hands-down one of the best and most nuanced coaches of the barbell lifts anywhere. He's handled my coaching as a lifter for the past four years and helped me get back to competitive lifting stronger than ever after overcoming an old chronic back issue. Elliott is a "lifter's coach" in his expertise, his respect for hard work and his own serious time logged with a barbell. More than anything he is a gifted teacher, and is beyond passionate about getting people at all stages of life and fitness moving their best. While his skills at coaching for powerlifting are hard to match, Elliott is the rare coach who also understands the science of athletic strength and conditioning for a wide variety of sports including baseball, football, kettlebells and Olympic lifting. He's an encyclopedia of fitness skills because he's done it all, he's smart, and he loves this stuff. If you can spend any time along your life's fitness journey with Elliott White, do it. read more

I came to True Fitness and Nutrition to heal my body. I get to see the whole team working hard to help people achieve their personal goals, and it is so inspiring. All the workers are amazing, you can tell they choose only the best trainers and nutritionists, in order to help their clients be their best. My team has been so amazing. Ari has been really supportive, knowledgeable, and thoughtful in helping me approach my health and relationship with food in a mindful and long-lasting way. It's so helpful to have him in my corner when it comes to choosing to put my goals and health first. Jenn's energy, excitement, and encouragement make even the hardest of lifts, and loftiest of health goals feel attainable. With Jenn and Ari, I know I am in good, capable, and informed hands that will give me the tools to reach my goals and potential...they aren't just building strength and health, but building people. read more

I started working with Erik at TrueFN a few months ago, after many years of distance running and light dumbbell workouts. He's the first personal trainer I've ever had (outside of group fitness classes) and has exceeded all my expectations with his extensive knowledge, focus on proper technique, and attention to developing a program that allows me to consistently progress. After years (and years...) of using 10 lb. dumbbells, I moved to considerably heavier weights in just a few sessions. I am especially appreciative, given competing work and family demands, of the flexibility Erik extends to make sure I can consistently make it to my sessions. I've tried a lot of commercial gyms over the years and never found one I enjoyed going to. True FN is a totally different experience. I like its small size and environment, which is welcoming to novices (like me) and experienced lifters. read more

TFN helped me refine my technique and achieve my goals. The staff and members are also great to be around. Kevin Nguyen helped me through a technical session where he explained clearly and concisely what happens throughout the squat, bench and deadlift movements that I never thought to optimize on or had trouble activating my weaker muscle groups. Sarah Jones also was really nice as a new member of the staff at the time in showing me around the building (It's not a huge building by any means, but she was definitely welcoming and added to my experience). I highly recommend any new or experienced lifter to come check out TFN. I can't recommend Kevin enough for his technical sessions or his game day coaching for powerlifting. He picked the perfect attempts for me to have a perfect day. Definitely let me push my body to the limits while building my total. read more

I've been working with Jenn for several months; I started working with her 6 weeks postpartum. Despite being in "good shape" before and during my pregnancy, I knew that I wanted to become STRONGER after my baby. Working with Jenn is great. She's knowledgeable, personable, and a stickler without coming across condescending. For me, getting into lifting at a gym was daunting, and avoiding injury was crucial, and working Jenn/True FN addressed both those concerns. Their virtual coaching option has been amazing. I'm able to get to the gym on my own schedule, and also get the feedback and inputs from Jenn that keep my form improving, and make me feel confident in my lifting. Last but not least, this is about FUNCTION. Jenn understands the human anatomy, and how to build the strength to keep it protected and proficient. read more

It doesn't get much better than this. Top tier trainers, coaches, athletes, regulars, and equipment. Do you want to improve your general health? Train here. Do you want to deadlift over 600lbs? Train here. No gimmicks, no tricks up their sleeves, nothing. Just a strong emphasis on the basics and a ton of attention to detail. Oh, and 2 great dogs. Can't forget the pups. The head coach, Dylan, has completely reworked my technique and programming over the past 3 months, and I'm now repping my previous 1RM PRs for triples and back off sets after being caught in a plateau for over a year. Words cannot express how strongly I believe in TFN's coaching potential. I urge anyone interested in getting stronger to work with TFN in person and virtually. read more

I've trained with Dylan for just over two years and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. What I lack in discipline he makes up for in motivation, knowledge, and drive. He keeps me accountable and brings a level of *highly functional* knowledge to the table that has lacked severely in some of the more "corporate" gyms. He has found an excellent home at True Fitness & Nutrition. Their clean, well-maintained facilities provide just the right setting for the one-on-one interaction I need and want. There's nothing to distract me from my reason for being there; health and fitness. I'm thankful for the skill and experience provided by both Dylan and TrueFN, and hope you'll give them a chance to help improve your life too. read more

I have been training with Dylan since 5/14 after minorly injuring myself due to improper form. From the beginning, Dylan has provided me with excellent, clear cues to nail the technique. Over the last few months, I have seen my numbers sky rocket due to the correct basis Dylan has provided me with and am getting ready to start training for a powerlifting meet under his guidance. He thoroughly and promptly explains anything I may have questions about and is readily available over text message to review videos of my lifts or answer any questions about my (fantastic) programming. I would highly recommend going to True Fitness and Nutrition, whether you are a serious powerlifter or just looking to have a great workout in a wonderful environment. read more

True Fitness and Nutrition is the place to go if you are a dedicated lifter or new to it all. With the help of trainers there, such as Dylan and Elliot, I have noticed incredible results that I never would have dreamed of. The trainers at this facility are dedicated to their work, which shows in their passion and help towards others. I have been training under Dylan for about a year now in the sport of powerlifting. When I first started lifting, I did it to impress people, but with the help of Dylan, over the past year, I have learned to impress myself and grow in strength and mentality. If you are looking for trainers that know what they are doing and are passionate about their work, I highly recommend True Fitness and Nutrition! read more