I've been on and off in boxing and Muay Thai over the years, but I've been consistent thanks to…read morefinding a home at Urban Boxing. The space is well laid out and kept clean; staff is friendly and gets to know you; and every coach knows exactly what they're doing. Boxing coaches like Jordan structure a class so you learn technique, get a good workout, and condition your body. And jiu-jitsu classes led by Ron or Mike challenge you to learn every time you visit. (They even got this girl rolling around for the sport!) This isn't a gym where you just slug your fists into a bag and get a summer body: You're going to learn real skills here to work your body and brain, and give you self defense techniques. If you've thought about trying boxing, kickboxing, or jiu-jitsu, give Urban Boxing a try - I think your first class is free, too.

I visited Urban boxing navy yard for the second time and took an all levels course. As a beginner,…read moreI appreciated their "no rush" approach to helping me wrap my hands and get situated. Front dark staff was great at giving us a run down of what to expect in the class prior to it starting. And where all the amenities are. The shower room Was nice and spacious (although being your own towel) and I appreciated that they had tampons in the women's bathroom. The class was a nice combo of cardio, core/strength, and skills. I appreciated the constant movement around. The studio to different areas, including the occasional lap around the entire facility. Class didn't feel too big and we had enough space to do our partner work and hit the bags without hitting each other. The instructor did some individual work but it was limited to 30 seconds or less give. There were 15-20 people in the class. He was available when I had questions about what the combo we were practicing was (if I didn't get it the first two times) and made several corrections to my form along the way. All levels class was good for beginners and definitely a moderate to high intensity workout (depending on how hard you go).

10/10 place!! Loved it so much and will definitely be back. The coach/instructor kept the energy…read morehigh. Loved the atmosphere was perfect. Parking is a little right but overall it's worth the trip.

BOOMBOX has it all--great music, fun instructors and a really friendly community. I've been to 2…read moreclasses now and can easily say that this will be my workout of choice if I need a cardio and strength training workout in DC. I highly, highly recommend taking Reggie's classes. They're well balanced and not too fast. Here's a little more information about my experience at the studio. Transportation: They're not very far from the metro in Navy Yard and also there is parking within the neighborhood with 2 hours of free parking if you're driving and don't mind a little walk. Ambiance: If the music in the lobby doesn't get you hype, the music inside of the studio will. I love that they have garage doors that open out to the street. It makes you just want to stop in if you're walking past. They have lockers that are easy to work and have a lock on them. A sweet touch is that they have song lyrics from artists like Biggie inside of the lockers. Class Experience: Love that they have red lighting inside. It allows you to zone out and focus on your workout. It was easy to see the instructor since they're on a stage at the front of the room and they also have their programming projecting on the wall so that you can follow. The class includes hitting the bag, some strength training/cardio/core, then some more boxing and stretching at the end. They offer classes on Classpass but honestly you might as well just sign up for a membership because you're going to be hooked (pun intended)

During the summer I loved the Aqua Burn classes at sunset in the rooftop pool! Joel teaches such a…read morefun class with reggae music. Shiloh teaches the best cardio kickbox class! So challenging to awesome music! She also does a challenging sunset rooftop step aerobics. I wish they also had aqua zumba! The fitness studio is so hot, you immediately feel the difference in temperatures when you walk in and feel like you're hit with a sauna. Speaking of which the sauna is super popular, they really need to build out a bigger one as its too small.

Such a lovely gym! Great amenities and perks. The best part is the rooftop pool, which is perfect…read morefor this summer weather. Now, as far as staff some members can be very dismissive and passive when it comes to the members who pay and their guest. There's an older lady in the front who works directly with guest who is very difficult to get a long with at times. This can be very off putting when you're trying to get a good workout in or just enjoy good vibes at the pool. I would recommend some sort of training on how to sharpen up some of the workers customer service skills to brighten up the experience. Overall 6/10.

I came to N-Flux to find a hobby and ended up finding a passion and a home away from home. Yes,…read moreit's a gym, and the new facility in the bottom level of 1722 I Street will blow your mind with all the new equipment and toys (no more stripper poles, just tons of mats, gloves, pads and other goodies). But more importantly, this place is a community. N-Flux has the best instructors and classes you will find anywhere in DC if you're interested in taking Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and all sorts of other martial arts and combat sports. Chris and Colleen are the best instructors I've ever seen. They don't just want you to get skills, they teach concepts, conditioning, and character. Part of the training is how to be a good classmate, and experienced students help newer students and welcome new people. As a result, you're not just coming for a workout, you walk away welcomed and encouraged to be the best you can be -in everything. The classes are challenging in the best way, even their Yoga classes (and I hated yoga before I took N-Flux yoga with the amazing Scott and Maicie!). Chris and Colleen are tough and push you to be your best. Since starting, I've lost 25 pounds, gained 25 new friends, and according to my work colleagues, "am the happiest I've ever been." This place is way more than a gym and you won't know what you're missing until you come try it for yourself.

If you are into Krav Maga, then this is the place for you. It is a small studio on the top floor of…read morea small building that is only accessible by way of a small elevator. But once inside it does not feel small at all. As a matter of fact you forget everything other than the class as even the beginner classes are intense. You come here to learn to fight and defend yourself. It's intense, it hard, and sometimes it hurts. But if you want to sweat, get a hell of a workout and kick some ass, then this is the place to be.

I have been a member at the Capitol Hill club for several years now. The facility is huge. There…read moreis plenty of equipment. Even during peak hours, you can find machines to use. The manager of the club, Ryan, is very responsive to questions and concerns. The staff is cordial and friendly. There is also a large outdoor parking area. And tennis courts right across the street. Since it went under new ownership from when it was Sports and Health, the club has upgraded equipment, painted walls, sanded floors, and added amenities. I highly recommend it as a club.

Adjusting to 3 stars after the GM's (Ryan) call to make things right…read more Onelife Fitness doesn't honor free passes. I'm incredibly unhappy with my Onelife Fitness experience. I tried getting in with my free pass and wasn't let in. I called in twice to confirm that I can come in with the pass and both times the people answering the call said I can come in without having the tour. This was a frustrating experience and I share this to keep others from going through the same experience. I will not be signing up with Onelife.

As you may know, there are not a lot of gym choices in SW DC. ROBFA (Regional Office Building…read moreFitness Association) is a gym located in the basement of the GSA building at the corner of 7th & D Streets ... that nobody seems to know about. And unlike many other gyms within government buildings, ROBFA allows government contractors as well as government employees to join. What a concept. Pros: * While the HHS gym, for example, is for HHS government employees only, ROBFA accepts *ANY* government employee or contractor, regardless of agency. You don't have to be GSA. Pretty cool. * Did I mention government contractors could also join? * $30 / month. * Your checking account can be auto-debited (using a voided check). * Small locker rentals are $35 / year, large $70 / year. Those are not misprints ... per year. * Lots of small lockers (maybe a hundred). * Locker room is open whenever the building is open (which might be 24/7, not exactly sure), which works well for bikers or runners who just need a locker and shower facility at any time (I know a couple of people who use ROBFA for exactly this purpose). * Lots of offered classes, like Power Step, Body Sculpt, Zumba, Spin, Abs, Cardio, Yoga, Circuit, Conditioning, etc. * Personal training is available. * MUCH neater than Gold's. Cons: * Only accepts checks or money orders - no credit cards, paypay, nor anything people of the 21st century might use. * Very few large lockers (maybe twenty). * A year long wait list for large lockers. * Lockers are pretty darned old. * No price reduction for auto-debit, or paying 6 or 12 months ahead. * Gym hours are funky, geared for govies - not open Friday afternoons nor weekends. It's a 4 1/2 day of the week gym. For this Gold's might be the better deal. * Not going to lie, not a lot of hot water in the showers. Other: * Day lockers are available for those who don't want to rent a locker, BYOLock. * Neither the locker room nor gym is luxurious, in case you thought it might be for 30 clams a month. * Definitely geared more for morning - and in particular lunch - crowds. All the classes are between 11am and 1pm. Again, govies. * Veeery quiet after 5pm. But still open til 7pm. 4 days a week, at least. * Has the standard array of fitness tools. About 2-4 of any kind of treadmill, recumbent, elliptical, etc. About 20 spin bikes. Weight benches, free weights, weight poles, fitness pads for stretching or yoga, vanity mirrors, those big plastic balls, etc. Your standard gym stuff. * Filled with govies, so if you're self-conscious about your body image, it's fairly un-intimidating. For the record, I've mostly only been there in the late afternoons, so I can't speak to how busy it gets at other times. Visit and see for yourself. ROBFA won't win any awards for flair, avant-garde design, chic motif, nor cutting-edge equipment, but it does have all the basics. It's a gym, not a fitness boutique. And for SW DC ... that's pretty good. NOTE: Yelp seems to have the gym location one block too far north on their map, FYI.

The best community I've been to in the U.S., in general. Very professional, supportive, and all the…read moreinstructors want you to succeed.

So I was purely looking for Krav Maga classes in the DMV area and they are hard to find. This one…read morewas the closest so once I saw it I hopped on the website to get some more information. My only complaint is they did take forever to get back to me, but hopefully that was one off due to a system issue they apologized for. I never looked at the reviews prior to booking my first class and I'm glad I didn't because I am shocked at them. So I had to write one myself because I very much disagree with them. First off Thomas, one of the sales reps who got into contact me was informative, professional, and easy to chat with. Then I got to the studio and had my class with Jeremiah. He was obviously very skilled but very inviting, high energy, and overall great instructor. I am a former crossfitter, current military, and still do a lot of strength training and this class had me dripping in sweat, but I also felt I learned a lot, and there was an obvious strength aspect as well. If you are new on your fitness/self defense journey this is for you and if you are curious to cross train and supplement your regime, this is also for you. I am trying to pick out a style and gym this past week and I went two three different gyms. I can say for fighting style classes in the DMV area their prices are competitive with the other gyms. They were actually a little below some I saw.

Living in DC leaves a young professional feeling...well, lacking. No matter where you come from or…read morehow bad your kung-fu is, moving here will be a humbling experience. And there's nothing you can do about it. You will soon find yourself surrounded by up-and-coming staffers, interns, and so many college students you can't stand it. 25-year-olds with everything still in the right place and no idea that it won't always stay there... When, you cross into that following decade and those "things" begin to slip, you will find yourself in need of a gym. And a trainer. Don't try to fight it. Get the trainer. Trust me, these people are professionals. Let them do their job. You'll feel better, happier, and more fulfilled when you leave. The Health & Wellness Center at HHS may not be the most well-appointed gym I've ever been to, but it's absolutely my favorite. I train two mornings a week with a trainer and venture there myself the other three. There are essentially four different workout areas - free weights, resistance machines, cardio, and a gym for the classes and basketball/volleyball sessions. The classes they offer range from kickboxing to balltastic to zumba. I haven't taken any of the classes, but I have played volleyball with the trainers and they take no prisoners. Given what I've experienced in both my training sessions and the open gym times, if you're interested in losing/toning/tightening, you won't find a better location with more caring people than at HHS.

Mike and Meipo Sensei are very dedicated to their students and everyone interested in getting…read morestarted on this wonderful Martial art. They take the time to demonstrate concepts and are very patient regardless of rank and experience. If you are a complete beginner do give them a call and try a few classes, you won't regret it.

This dojo is a community. The people who practice aikido here appreciate, and genuinely care for…read moreone another. In that atmosphere, learning the art of aikido becomes a joy.