To say that joining Ultimate Performance about 18 months ago was one of the key moments in my life would not be an understatement. For over the last decade - I have been yo-yo'ing with different strength trainers and diets in an attempt to regain the same level of fitness that I had in my 20s. Unfortunately - over that time I have seen my weight increase by over 80 lbs. Since joining UP - I have seen the weight drop in a slow, steady and most importantly sustainability manner. UP is able to accomplish this because they have a system that combines strength training, cardio, nutrition and sleep. All of this is wrapped around an application that you use to track a variety of metrics (sleep, diet, steps, etc). This information is reviewed daily (if not more often) by your trainer - they make sure that you are on the correct path. If someone had told me when I started all of this - that in a year I would be running, doing metric century bike rides, and would almost be under 200 lbs - I would have laughed at them. If you want to change your life - come give UP a chance. You will be blown away by how supportive everyone is, how fast the results come, how sustainable this is, and how much better you will feel. read more

I recommend UP in general and Zach in particular. UP is different than other gyms to which I've belonged. You come in at specific times to work with your trainer doing specific lifts; the focus is on lifting rather than cardio. I wasn't sure about the approach as my primary goal was fat loss, but it has both been successful and gives a great return on investment of time. The gym itself is better equipped than any facility I have seen, and the UP app is been helpful in tracking nutrition and workouts. But I think their trainers are the key. I started working with Zach last summer, and have been very happy with the results. I've lost over 30 pounds and have never been stronger. He is a great resource regarding technique in lifting and motivation during sessions, but also makes them enjoyable. Zach developed and adapted workouts and nutrition throughout, modifying to help me continue making progress, and helped me understand nutrition (which I thought I did before, but didn't). The program at UP worked better for me than anything else ever has, which I find remarkable as I am in my 50's with a busy life including job, family, and travel. read more

The team is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. My trainer, Herus has exercised patience as I have not worked out in many years. As a 56 year old man with preexisting conditions, I sought out to be healthier and more active. I am still in my transition period but I've definitely seen improvement in my goal to lose weight, sleep better, have more energy and reduce the potential for my pre diabetes to become diabetes. My cholesterol levels have dropped significantly and I owe it to the team at Ultimate Performance. I am definitely signing up for additional training sessions with Herus! read more

Of the 133 reviews I've left including this one, only 9 have been 5 star, so I don't hand these out lightly. I've been going here since November and it's now June. I've lost over 30 pounds (most but not all of which was recently added during the long dark winter), and I am lean with significant muscle gains. I've learned a lot about nutrition and how to use free weights and machines and I enjoy the comraderie of the team at my location. BTW, I'm not going to attend any gym, or even organization, that comes across like some kind of cult - so, for example, no cross-fit for me. This place isn't like that at all. The trainers are supporting but not cloying or overly aggressive about training, and I have not had their brand of supplements pushed at me, not once, which is great. You should understand what this place is, it's not a typical gym: You sign up for a package of workout days, and then you may use the gym only when you're working out with your trainer. I believe there's one or two exceptions around the few cardio-based machines in the gym but don't quote me on that. When your package runs out, you can purchase more, but you don't sign some never-ending contract as in some gyms. So for example I go three times a week, and each and every time is a workout with my trainer, Jordan, or someone else if she can't make it. All the trainers I've had seem to really know what they're talking about. I prefer to learn from educated, science-based trainers which is what I get here. Jordan also listens to my goals and can adjust the program she has designed for me, to fit them. Another thing that's great about educated trainers with access to a gym with a lot of gear is, if we're targeting one set of muscles and I have pain of any kind, my trainer can pivot to another exercise that works the same muscles but in a way that doesn't cause pain. For example I have recurring tendonitis in my elbow: If it's not bothering me, great. But if it starts to hurt during one set of exercises, Jordan can switch me to another type of exercise that still targets the muscles we're focusing on. Super. I was also initially hesitant to use their app, and in fact I still don't record my macros and diet information on it, even though I was told they follow the EU privacy laws which are much more protective than US laws. However, my trainer does use the app, which means I can see the workouts I have done and the weights and reps involved, which is great. They also like to take photos of you so you can see your progress: I'm not a fan of photos of myself, but honestly I enjoy looking at them now, months later, when I can see the progress. I am also now doing some lifting at home, using the adjustable barbells I already owned. Yeah this place delivers what it promises and in my experience the trainers are excellent. I intend to continue to work out there for some time. Cons: It's not cheap, and they don't list prices on-line so that's frustrating for potential new members. Sometimes there aren't paper towels in the men's room, or the music doesn't work right, and months after it happened there's still a crack in the wall which someone put there when they didn't stop in time pulling the sled. I'd say these are really minor issues. I actually find the depression in the wall from the zealous sled-puller pretty amusing. read more

I have learned so much since joining UP. Evelyn has been key to helping me get closer to my fitness goals and teaching me the fundamentals of strength training, nutrition, and building healthy habits. Evelyn's expertise and deep knowledge have been crucial to bettering my understanding of fitness and the value of strength training. During the workouts, she takes time to explain proper form and the purpose of the movement in shaping the muscle, which has been a motivating factor in completing each set. The workouts are challenging, pushing my physical and mental limitations, and giving me a sense of accomplishment. Evelyn has been an incredible support and has my full trust. She constantly helps me to push past my mental barriers and motivates me to keep going. Nutrition has always been a pain point and hindrance in my fitness journey. Before joining UP, I never cooked for myself and refused to step into the kitchen, but am now learning the basics of cooking and meal prepping. Evelyn has taught me so much about nutrition and the importance of fueling yourself properly. While I am on a steep learning curve, Evelyn has been patient, supportive, and understanding. She has never made me feel bad about setbacks and has walked me through how to make better choices moving forward. I have found other gyms to be rather intimidating and overwhelming but have not felt that towards UP. Ali (General Manager), Evelyn, and team have been welcoming, encouraging, and supportive, which has made a world of difference. It makes me excited to start my day in the gym and put my best foot forward. I could go on but the results speak for themselves! I am losing body fat, increasing lean muscle mass, and shaping my physique. This is the strongest and healthiest I have ever felt and could not be more grateful to Evelyn and UP. read more

Nobody is more surprised than me at how thoroughly this gym has become an essential part of my life. Before this experience, I had never set foot inside a gym and didn't even know the difference between a barbell and a dumbbell. I have always just done cardio. Ladies, until you try weight training, you don't realize how insufficient that is! The gym encourages clients to focus on specific nutrition targets, 10k+ steps, water intake, sleep and weight training. Every element plays a role in your progress, and accountability is important. My trainer does continuing ed and is better than Google on how nutrition, training and the choices you make for the rest of your day all come together (I needed some convincing, and he succeeded...), plus he's always thinking about tweaks that might work better for where I am, every time I have session. He's also changed my mindset so I've learned how to focus on consistency rather than absolute perfection. And on my not-so-good days, he finds the positive in what I have managed to eke out -- and on my good days, he celebrates those with me and then always extracts just a liiiiiittle bit more out of me! But what I really love is that I'm pretty sure he's like that with all clients, not just me. From what I have observed, going there 3x per week and also working with a different trainer (who's also terrific and conveniently has the same name as my regular trainer!) for several sessions when my regular trainer was on holiday, you can't go wrong with any of the trainers there. They're consummate professionals. If you commit, you'll be among like-minded clients across a wide age range, levels of experience and goals. We cheer each other's achievements, both big and small, so there's a supportive vibe in the gym. Plus, you will be stronger, feel better than you probably ever have, look better, be 120% more agreeable to the rest of the people in your orbit and also just have a lot fun! If you're not sure whether strength training is for you, meet with the manager Alastair and hear what he has to say after he hears what you want to achieve and what your concerns are. He is the heartbeat of that gym and is a trainer himself so he has a keen sense for pairing clients with trainers who are a great fit. If you know you want strength training but don't know where to start or how to go about doing it, just sign up! read more

During the Pandemic, I'd gained a lot of weight and had become very sedentary. I was struggling to make progress towards my fitness goals. So I decided to try Ultimate Performance, and it has been a game changer for me. Initially, I was skeptical about the progress I could make because it has always been very challenging for me to lose weight. And yet here I am three months in and have lost 23 pounds and gained a lot of strength. This kind of transformation is stunning. I have a ways to go, but I am very motivated because this process works. My trainer at UP is Terrell Green who customized an eating and workout plan. He is instrumental in my transformation by keeping track of my progress, holding me accountable, and pushing me beyond what I often think I am capable of doing. He is very knowledgable and has personalized our sessions to adapt to where I am in the process. The whole atmosphere at UP is friendly, supportive, and welcoming. You will not feel like just a number here because everything is so personalized to you. Up has a very specific structure that if you follow, you will see outstanding results. read more

Nk is a very professional and thorough trainer. He closely follows up and provides guidance.

Highly recommend UP. Great program and great trainers. Ask for Niko as your trainer, he's fantastic, very supportive and goal-oriented.

I lost 54 pounds and look great! thanks to the support, guidance, and encouragement of my trainer, Ayan Nigam, at Ultimate Performance- Dupont Circle DC. This gym is high quality and not cheap, but you get what you pay for - highly professional, qualified trainers who will help you transform your body and develop habits that will transform your life. I've built a lot of muscle, too, through the highly efficient and targeted workouts planned by Ayan. Friends and colleagues tell me I look ten years younger. I haven't felt this good in years! read more

I was recommended UP by a friend in Los Angeles in late August and so far, so good! I started seeing results within my first week and I am down over 10+ lbs within my first 4 weeks. My trainer, Ryan Cox has been amazing in setting goals and encouraging me throughout my transformation. The gym and locker rooms are super clean, and the gym is big enough to really feel the impact of a 1:1 training session. I also really enjoy the in-house UP supplements, I am currently taking vanilla protein, chocotrients, and creatine together in a morning shake. The UP app is super easy to log all your meals, steps, water, etc., and see the progression of your bi-weekly measurements and progress pictures. I am roughly a year away from my wedding and I can confidently say that UP Dupont will be the reason I hit my wedding fitness goals! read more

Re: Taylor Myers I have trained my body continually for over 15 years. I started in a weightlifting class in high school. Due to a military upbringing and a career in geopolitics, maintaining a routine has always been a challenge. I also live with a severe case of scoliosis, which has acutely defined how efficiently and effectively I've been able to train and build my body. -- I have hired and trained upwards of 20 trainers throughout my adulthood, and most of them have left me disappointed, discouraged, and doubtful of the process. Taylor changed for me. I have never worked with a finer professional in the health and fitness industry. He is patient, diligent, knowledgeable, fun, and adaptable. I appreciated his commitment to sharing new knowledge with me and crafting (and modifying when necessary) my routine, keeping my scoliosis in mind. Taylor also took the time to share constructive feedback on my lifestyle, diet, routine, form, and goals -sans pleasantries and platitudes- which contributed tremendously to my success and growth. -- I have never been in better shape in my life. The UP brand is all the stronger and whole because of Taylor and trainers like him. I fully endorse Taylor Myers. He will get you legitimate results. read more

I have followed UP online for years and when I learned they were coming to DC, I decided to give it a try. I am in my mid-50's and have been exercising off and on most of my adult life, never achieving my goals and jumping in and out of training or classes, etc. I was strong and lean but I wanted to add more lean muscle without increasing my body fat. I came to see Ori at UP. The program was serious and science based. And their trainers are the best because they recruit the best, pay them well, and hold themselves and each other accountable for results. I decided to sign up for 12 weeks to give it a try. While I thought I was lean enough to gain, the first phase involved reducing my body fat further. It was not easy on the nutrition side or the training but it was achievable because the amount of interaction between you and your trainer is constant. And you are accountable to yourself and your trainer. In fact, I keep coming back to that word - accountability. It is infused into every part of the culture of UP. At big box membership gyms, trainers are part-time gym floor roamers that are expected to hustle for business on the gym floor. If they are lucky they sign up enough clients to get in the door and eek out a living while also teaching multiple classes. The demands on their time and the varied level of experience and qualifications they have, give no time to plan your training, focus on your nutrition, much less consult with more senior trainers or mentors on your progress. At UP, which is exclusively a personal training gym, the trainers are able to focus on your progress and transformation.The level of attention is like nothing I have ever experienced. You eat at a regular restaurant? They will look at the menu and give you suggestions on what to order or modify. Traveling for business? They will look at your hotel gym facility and create a training program while you are away. This isn't a burden for them because they are compensated for you reaching your agreed upon goals. Again, it is all about accountability. And for this to work for the client, it needs to work for the trainer. This works for everyone! The trainers they recruit are people that want to actually do this for a career as fitness professionals. They take their work seriously and see themselves becoming the best at what they do. For them, it isn't a side hustle. The gym is a gleaming masterpiece of the highest quality equipment and cleanliness and weights. The rigorous pandemic-era protocols are designed to minimize, if not eliminate risk. Temperature checks for everyone as they enter, sanitizing all equipment (by your trainer) before and after EACH use, masks worn at all times. It is never crowded because it is only for personal training. And while most personal training gyms in DC are small studios that can get crowded with three or four clients and trainers, this place is huge and never feels crowded. I started at the beginning of February and I have never been more fit or defined in my life! While some people do this for 12 weeks or 18 or a limited period of time, this is a lifelong decision for me. I train four days a week with UP and do cardio (run or Peloton) a couple of times a week. I am drinking a lot less than I used to and I don't miss it. My body fat went down from 18% to 12% during the first 12 weeks and it has stayed consistent as I gain lean muscle weight. My trainer Evin (and Steve, the original head trainer before he returned to UK) are incredible and Ori, the manager has created a space and a culture that is positive and affirming regardless of where you are on your fitness journey. It is not a muscle-head gym of bro's and clients are there at whatever level of fitness. It is not easy but not intimidating in any way. Some people are there to lose a lot of weight and some are leaner. Everyone is there to get healthier and make progress. There is simply nothing like it anywhere in the country - except DC and LA and hopefully soon in other cities. It is not inexpensive but you get what you pay for and I can think of a dozen worse ways to spend my money than on my health and fitness. read more

No matter what age you are (I'm 65!) or what shape you're in, you will feel welcome at UP, and you will have the best gym experience of your life. My personal trainer, Jon Cardenas, is world class. He's laser-focused on my workout, making sure that I'm doing each exercise in the safest, most effective way possible. He creates meal plans tailored to my nutritional needs, and he provides guidance on what to order when I'm eating out. Best of all, Jon is tuned in to what motivates me. At UP, you will not get a "cookie-cutter" gym experience. This is a gym that is focused on you, the individual. The results you get will astound you. read more

Best personal investment I've ever made I started training with Ultimate Performance in late January and it's been the best decision I've ever made. I'm a perfectionist by nature, I know a good amount about nutrition and fitness but wanted to refine my methods by learning and training with the best. I started training with Evin Samuel and have been stunned by how effective and efficient he and the UP team are. I have lost a significant amount of fat and am still building muscle each week as I continue working with the team. The COVID-19 crisis has not shaken their commitment to their clients, as they have gone above and beyond to provide for us and show us exactly what we need to do to stay on track from our homes. Evin's coaching has taken a lot of the guesswork out of my previous personal routines and knowledge and taught me everything I need to know step-by-step. Evin and Ori have been a wealth of knowledge and a power team in pushing me beyond my limits. As of today I am still training with Evin and am considering staying on with them for an extended period of time. If there was one thing I could say to someone considering joining it's this: You are never too young or too old to start training (Btw this is not a sponsored post, I just really love UP) read more

This place isn't like other gyms. It's all about results. Their advertisements don't lie. The sole focus is helping you achieve your goals.

Like many during the pandemic, I steadily gained weight with less activity and more infrequent workouts, and I realized that I was on an unsustainable path with my diet, both eating too much and drinking in excess. After hitting my record weight, I found Ultimate Performance online and decided it was time for a different approach to my exercise and health. During my first consultation with UP I was paired with Malik where he asked me about my fitness goals and background. Malik has been instrumental throughout my transformational journey and is committed to my success. He is incredibly knowledgeable and detailed about lifting and nutrition, and our communication extends beyond the time limits of our hourly sessions. I have often asked him questions outside of the gym, from picking the best items on restaurant menus to how to create a customized workout plan while using a hotel gym, and each time Malik has been immediately responsive and enormously helpful. There is a reason that there is no better gym or weight loss program on the market. It is not only because of the high level of customer service and personalization--rather it is the results. They speak for themselves. Over the last 15 weeks I have lost a whopping 45 pounds, I have more energy, I don't snore anymore, and I no longer suffer from hypertension. I have been so happy with my results so far that I have decided to continue to train with Malik beyond my initial 12 week package. While the sticker price may seem expensive to some, it is undoubtedly worth it. What better investment can one make than in one's health? I am excited to continue this life-changing journey with the help of Malik and UP! read more

When I found Ultimate Performance, I was looking for a personal trainer who could help me meet both my fitness and nutrition goals. From the first meeting with the general manager, Ali, I felt hopeful that this would be a possibility. I felt like my goals were heard and genuinely considered and my initial anxieties were assuaged. I've been working with my trainer, Vedall, since the end of May and it has been such a wonderful experience. I feel challenged at each workout and also have a lot of fun! Everybody there is friendly and welcoming and pushes you to meet your own goals. I have consistently felt through my training with Vedall that my goals were the priority, and he reorients me to those when I feel I'm experiencing a setback or worry about my progress. Working out at UP has given me all that I've wanted it to, which includes more muscle tone/strength, weight loss, increased confidence in the gym and what my body can handle, a new relationship with nutrition (including so much additional knowledge about fueling your body correctly), and more sustainable habits and routines. I'm about to end my package and will definitely be signing up to continue! read more

the majority of their transformation pictures are overly photoshopped, or from clients that used steroids in order to achieve the transformation, or from clients that they just put through unhealthy massive cuts in which they lose weight drastically (including large amounts of bone mass, muscle mass and water weight). They might trick beginners and uneducated individuals, but not other competent fitness professionals that understand how this works. They are promoting body transformations that are not only unhealthy and unrealistic to achieve in such short time frames, but are also product of deception (example: steroids, photoshop, lies). read more

I have been going to UP DC for about 4 months. They have been top-notch on all fronts: excellent training on nutrition, daily habits, and workouts. One magazine called them the Goldman Sachs of gyms. I couldn't agree more. They teach you about nutrition and hold you accountable for food intake and workouts. I've learned about how different types of food affect my body, and have a much better appreciation for how a proper diet is crucial for my training. And the trainer I have (Evin) is amazing during our workouts to push me beyond my comfort zone but not so much that I want to give up or get discouraged. They were committed to their clients throughout quarantine, so much so that I continued to lose weight and gain muscle strength throughout. I highly recommend them. I am in my mid-40s and have a full-time, stressful job. With UP DC's help, I've lost twenty pounds and inches off my waistline. I've also developed muscles and tone. I look better than I ever have, but more importantly I feel better than ever. Ana read more

I joined UP in mid-January right after they opened - prior to this, I had been trying group fitness classes around DC and Arlington and while I was in shape, I didn't have the shape and lean definition that I wanted. My time at UP has been incredible - in 8 weeks, I've dropped 5% body fat and have gained a wealth of knowledge and healthy habits that will stick with me even past my time with them. The trainers are so committed to helping you achieve your goals that I found myself talking to my trainer about lifestyle and nutrition and exercise every single day, getting constant feedback and advice about best practices. I can't recommend the experience enough - it's definitely not easy, but the results you get are worth all the effort and money. I can't wait to see my end results! read more

Ok so I do not like working out, usually. I was athletic as a kid/in HS but forced myself to go to workout classes as a young adult. After not going to the gym or doing much of anything throughout the pandemic, I decided I needed to go to a personal trainer. Having a PT worked for me in HS and so I figured it would be the best way to get back into shape since classes (and people in them) annoy me sometimes. Cue UP and my trainer Ann. My first thoughts were, oh god is this like a workout cult? What have I done? But after the first week I realized how much I liked going into the gym and after a month I realized how much I liked seeing all my stats/progress represented within their App. I was never one to count calories or anything but it's really opened my eyes to see how different foods or drinks affect my weight loss. Hell it's even shown me how much water I wasn't drinking before. Also, everyone in the gym is super friendly and helps push you without being annoying or in your face yelling. Hey, if that works for you, I'm sure they'll do that though. For me though, Ann has been a great motivator and is very personable and friendly when not pushing you to hit a new PR. I am seeing great results and could not recommend this place more, especially for people who might be intimidated by places like this. It's definitely worth every cent too as you can ask you trainer things through the app any time of day. Highly highly recommend!! read more

I've trained with Alex at U.P. DC for 12 weeks. In that time, I've lost nearly 20 lbs, 10 % body fat, and am in a great mental place. You go there to WORK and you will earn every success. Alex is more than a phenomenal trainer; she's an educator and a full support system all in one. You'll learn about your limits and how to fly by them. Go. read more

A great fitness resource unlike any you have joined before. All 1-to-1 coaching from workouts to diet. It is not cheap and it is not at all easy (no Friday pizza parties here!). YOU have to do the work but if you make the commitment you will see results. I'm down over 20 pounds since starting and as 46 year old guy am seeing muscles in my physique I had assumed were long gone. read more