What can I say about UP Bethesda? I honestly feel like I got my wings back---wish I'd made the…read moredecision sooner! So I'm an 48-year-old IT professional and when I first walked into Ultimate Performance Bethesda in late October 2025, I was sitting at about 216 lbs 6 ft tall and roughly 29% body fat--pretty standard unkempt dad bod. Post Covid life had just crept up on me the last 5 years or so and hated what I saw in the mirror . Fast forward five months to later and I'm now @ 178 lbs and sub 18% body fat (It's Late March 2026 now). Honestly, it's been an amazing transformation and I didn't think I'd get such results so quickly. What really stands out about UP is their approach. The training is very focused on hypertrophy, but more importantly, they are big on form and technique. Every rep matters, and they make sure you're doing things the right way. On top of that, their nutrition guidance is super dialed in. They keep it very precise with calorie tracking, which makes a huge difference because that's where most of the results come from. All of the trainers there are experienced and know what they're doing, but I especially want to call out my trainer Mo (Mohammed Ahmed). He's been awesome--great motivator, very knowledgeable, and he knows exactly how to push you without overdoing it. I'm honestly so encouraged by the progress that I'm sticking with it through the summer to try and get to my best shape ever. Yes, it's not cheap--but if you actually follow the program (diet, steps, training), you will get results. Think of all the wasteful "training sessions" you've done at your local gym. It's all basically a waste. You simply won't get these kind of results---no way. The UP method guarantees results----how far you take it though is entirely dependent on you ! Even committing to 3 months here will put you in a much better place than where you started. Highly recommend!!!

Incredible Experience with Mo (Ahmed Mohammed) at Ultimate Performance…read more As a physician and someone who contributes regularly on media regarding health and wellness, I've had the opportunity to explore countless fitness programs and approaches. But nothing--and I mean nothing--compares to the experience I've had training with Ahmed Mohammed, better known as "Mo," at Ultimate Performance. When I first started with Mo, I was looking to regain strength and lose weight in a sustainable, science-backed way. What I found was not just a trainer, but a partner in my health journey. Mo's understanding of the human body, his clinical-level attention to form, and his obsessive focus on injury prevention are exactly what set him apart. As a doctor, that attention to biomechanics and safety isn't just appreciated--it's essential. With Mo, I've not only shed pounds I thought I'd never lose, but I've gained a level of strength, confidence, and mobility I hadn't felt in years. He's methodical, incredibly observant, and knows exactly when to push and when to scale--something that requires real expertise. He tracks every rep, every improvement, and every variable, so the results are never left to chance. Beyond his technical skill, Mo brings genuine positivity and relentless focus. You feel like your goals become his goals. And that kind of accountability and encouragement makes the difference between a temporary fix and a life-changing transformation. For anyone who values precision, safety, and performance--and especially for those of us who've spent time talking about what "health" really means--Mo is the gold standard. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Let me say that I've never had a trainer like Eric before. I'm a board-certified Sports Medicine…read morephysician & I would like to think I know a thing or two about muscles & bones. Eric has a way of pushing me to where I need to go, all the while maintaining a very positive & pleasant outlook on things. I'm leaner, stronger, & my wife & family are all pleased with my progress. I highly recommend Eric Toussaint to any and all who wish to improve their physical fitness & health!

So initially I came in because I heard that Eric won best of Bethesda, but I was still nervous. One…read moreof my big pet peeves is a personal trainer yelling in your face to give you 10 more, especially if they cannot tell that a weight is too heavy for you or you are physically incapable to do the task at hand. While he does push you to keep going, he can also tell when you need the break. He will also talk about other distracting things so your mind is not in the painful push-ups you are doing. It really makes a difference to have a personable trainer instead of someone screaming in your face to give you the extra 10. All in all, AWESOME workout by Eric. This is more than a compliment as I am big runner and I can definitely work out for hours without issues. But Eric gave me a run for my money. There were so many different routines that I felt challenged but never bored. We pulled ropes, we did lunges, we did ab workouts and weight training. He really will customize a workout for you. For me, he made sure to work my entire body finished with abs & stretching. He also told me about the isagenix detox that can help me lose 7-10 lbs in 11 days as he is a believer that no weight training is completed without a diet. I am really excited to try it out and go back for my next session.

Bethesda OneLife has everything: Treadmills, steppers, other aerobic equipment, free weights,…read moreweight machines, tennis and racquetball courts, basketball, personal training, classes. And very important in Bethesda, covered "free" parking. Desk staff, trainers and general manager are friendly and helpful. Almost forgot: Sauna, steam, whirlpool, swimming pool. Complaints: The stream room takes too long to repair; the whirlpool can look dirty, especially after a busy weekend. Sometimes they run out of towels.

I'd rather not go to the gym at all.. so unsanitary...I've had pleasant experiences with OneLife…read moreotherwise.

I am in my 50s and I do not work out. I had an introductory session and trusted the trainers knew…read morewhat they were doing and they do not! One size does not fit all and they think that is the case. One of the exercises was to jump up and grab a bar Above my head and if possible, which it absolutely was not, do a pull-up. I jumped up grabbed the bar and I hung there and that was perfectly fine, or so I thought. I am not the expert nor do I have the educational background that they do and they should have never let me do that because as a direct result, I have a torn rotator cuff, which is excruciatingly painful and is preventing me from doing anything. So be careful don't assume or trust that these trainers take your experience level into consideration they don't ask questions they plug and play. ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

I joined in September of 2023 after a very hard year with long COVID that affected my lungs and…read moremade it hard to exercise. At 48, I was a bit nervous and intimidated by the idea of cross fit. Diana was amazing and really took her time to help me with my form and confidence before I stared joining classes. All the instructors helped me scale the workouts and increase my resistance and strength. In less than a year I feel amazing--stronger and able to go out for runs! And as a bonus I lost 20 pounds. Thank you Cross Fit Bethesda!! Would highly recommend this gym.

I first want to say that this review does not reflect on the many excellent trainers who rent this…read morespace and are responsive and talented. It only reflects on the owner and manager of this gym and their lack of clear policies and terrible communication. The facility is poorly maintained. A huge hole in the women's bathroom wall has been there for a year. There are no rules about wiping mats or machines after use, and I have repeatedly seen trainers and clients pick up mats they just sweated on and put them back on "the pile." Finally, there are often so many people jammed in that it is an obstacle course of weights, balls, and benches to work around. Second, when I started there using a Groupon, there was no "orientation" or contract discussion. I had to ultimately ask my trainer if I was supposed to be paying him directly or paying the gym. (He suggested I pay him). The engagement was completely unclear and nobody from management EVER spoke to me. In fact, the owner did not address me (not a "hello") in the ~8 months I worked out there. Which brings me to my final issue - there was a big disconnect/miscommunication about "whose client I am" that led to them telling me that my trainer of choice could not train me. Despite the fact that I had no contract with the company, they accused the trainer of trying to poach me from them. Fine. You have unclear policies. But after receiving this news from the owner, I tried to reach him four times via email and text to try to work something out. I never once received a response. So I tried his sidekick - the so-called manager. Same result. No response. As an aside, I do know that the owner is consistently absent and either terribly late or a no-show for his own clients. There is clearly something not right there. Sorry to flame this place, but it really is a mess.

I started going to Fitology since it opened in 2013. I frequented the Trader Joe's and saw the…read moresign for personal training. I contacted them, and the rest is history. I've been training with Nick, the owner, since then. I must admit, I have "guns" like no other! Well...for a petite asian girl...lol! I'm super lazy when it comes to working out. I don't have a gym membership because I'll never go! I NEED someone to watch over me and tell me what to do. Otherwise, I'll do 5 sit ups and pat myself on the back. Growing up, I was that girl that always got picked last for kickball - I was scrawny and often referred to as skin and bones. I'm on one of those DC softball leagues, and usually when I'm up to bat, the whole infield and outfield move in. Little do they know I have arms of "pseudo" steel!" I haven't hit a grand slam yet, but that's my goal! I can even climb walls and break into my own place apparently (true story). Nowadays, when I reach for that glass of wine...and when I'm just about to take a sip, I sometimes get a comment on my biceps, and I have Fitology and Nick to thank for that!

Errick is great on every level. He is very focused on his client and what works for them. He…read moremakes it an enjoyable, not easy, session every time. I can't recommend him enough. I have been working with him over 2 years.

I trained with Errick for 2.5 months, meeting 2-3x/week, and the experience exceeded all…read moreexpectations. First, yes, I saw clear results in my strength and cardio: I increased my running endurance by a mile and beat my best time, leveled up in my upper body strength enough that visibly improved my posture and defined my biceps, and I had a smaller waist that meant I could wear ALL my pants again lol. More than that, Errick's supportive coaching improved my positive self-talk, resilience, and motivation in ways that have helped me in my personal and professional life. I never used to say to myself "you can do this" out loud until now and it's allowed me to work through more ambitious goals. If you're looking for a perfect balance of cheerleader and challenger, an uncanny ability to spot incorrect form (my squats have gotten so much better), unconditional enthusiasm, and a music mix catered to your tastes, Errick is your guy. I so enjoyed working with him that I plan to restart sessions soon!

Kim is an awesome trainer. I have worked with her to increase my strength and endurance, and lower…read moremy body fat percentage. She is very creative and knowledgeable. Workouts are never boring or repetitive. She also counsels me on my overall health - eating better, nutrition, drinking less wine etc. She is really encouraging and supportive. I have worked with many different trainers over the years and Kim is by far the best. Since working with Kim, I am now happy about my body for the first time in many years!

I have been working out with Kim from Taylor Made for about a year. She helps with nutrition as…read morewell. She is the most professional trainer I have ever had. My body feels healthier now!!! Most of my aches and pains have gone away!! Thank you Taylor Made Professional Training and Kim!!

We absolutely love Orangetheory, and Dana and Christine are a huge reason why. Dana always knows…read moreexactly what music will get me moving -- when I really need to push, she'll put on hip-hop beats or even an Eminem track just to get the energy going. Those little touches make the workouts so motivating and fun. Christine is amazing when it comes to form and technique. She's always watching and giving guidance, helping us choose bigger weights when we're ready, and encouraging us to reach our goals. Both of them are incredibly supportive and genuinely care about helping you get the most out of every class. Every session with Dana and Christine is challenging, energizing, and enjoyable. We feel so lucky to have coaches like this, and it really helps getting over any "beginners nervous" They make Orangetheory such a rewarding experience, and we look forward to every class. Unfortunately, our experience with coach Marco was extremely disappointing. This was only our second class, and we clearly told him we were new and didn't know what we were doing. When I asked for help twice, he simply said, "read the paper," and walked away. Meanwhile, he stood nearby chatting casually with another member instead of assisting us.It was frustrating, uncomfortable, and honestly insulting. If this had been our first class, we likely wouldn't have joined, meaning we would have missed out on the amazing coaching from Dana and Christine that we now love.

I did the risk free trial and loved every second of it! I really enjoy the class structure and the…read moreheart rate monitors help push yourself out of your comfort zone. I can't wait to come back!

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.

Well worth the money! Especially if you take advantage of the classes. They have everything you…read morecould need in a gym. The staff is friendly and the manager, Erika, is phenomenal. The spa is excellent and you get a discount during your birthday month. Class instructors are fantastic and each provides a unique style.

Equinox Bethesda is the best luxury gym in the area, so many activities to choose between a huge…read morecalendar of classes, 2 floors one just for cardio and other one for strength. A complete locker room space with all you might need as showers with body wash, shampoo, conditioner and facial cleanser, a full operating steam room, so many other thing that make my money works.