During the height of the pandemic in April 2020, I unfortunately reached the highest weight of my…read morelifetime. This rather dubious milestone resulted from constant bombardment of "doom and gloom" media coverage about COVID, being sequestered in my house 24X7, and quite honestly. stress related eating. All in all, a dangerous combination of societal and lifestyle factors which negatively impacted my health. When I finally decided to take action, I first began with a few miles a week of walking, some old dumbbells I had around the house, and of course, drastic modifications to my diet. These positive changes did result in loss of pounds, but I reached a plateau and realized I likely needed professional assistance for this next phase of my fitness journey. Enter Connection Wellness Center. TBH, I had often wondered what this business was as I passed by it after leaving the nearby K-Market. Several of my relatives had been going to Connection Wellness and suggested I visit to discuss my fitness goals. I guess "technically," you would refer to this place as a gym, but I like how owner, Rachel Martin, has positioned this facility as a wellness center. Conveniently located in a strip mall off of John Marr drive and near Rt. 236 and Columbia Pike, Connection Wellness is a large, clean, and bright lit gym with well maintained equipment. My first exposure was a group fitness class, which has folks of diverse age ranges and fitness levels in attendance. I enjoyed Rachel's energy and approach, so I decided to sign up for one-on-one personal training sessions and was paired up with Julita. My main areas of focus were core and stability training, along with flexibility and injury prevention. In 2022, I was coming off a shoulder injury where due to improper technique and overtraining, i strained my rotator cuff, and Julita designed a custom program using TRX bands to allow for return of range of motion and eventually safely strengthening the shoulder. I really appreciated that she listened to feedback that if a particular exercise was painful, she could alter the movement to still achieve the fitness goal without risking injury. Friends and/or acquaintances i haven't seen in a few years are usually amazed at my overall fitness level, and I will usually tell them Connection has been instrumental in helping me reach those goals. Rachel and her team go out of their way to create a safe and welcoming environment for their customers. They have several trainers with different areas of concentration. I've seen dudes working out who are deadlifting a few 45 lb plates strapped to a barbell, along with busy working moms who are running into their training session after a hectic day of MS TEAMS meetings. I've been asked by people I refer to Connection Wellness, whether they will see immediate results after 1-2 of sessions. To which my response is the old "...your mileage will vary" adage, since exercise is only one part of the fitness equation. If one is also making positive changes such as getting more positive sleep, drinking more water for proper hydration, cutting back on processed foods, etc - then "perhaps" there will be noticeable results in a shorter period of time. BTW - as is my usual disclaimer, I'm not a medical professional, so nothing I write should be construed as medical advice and people should consult with their doctor before starting any exercise program. As of this review, Connection offers a free first evaluation session. Check their website for pricing, hours, and any other current information.

I had a very disappointing experience at D1 training . I stopped by to inquire about their…read morechildren's workout programs for my three kids (ages 7-10). After speaking with the front desk and one of the trainers, they told me to come back in an hour for a trial session where all three kids could experience the program. I asked all the necessary questions--pricing, waivers, schedules, yet at no point did they mention a fee for the tryout class. When I returned for the session they had booked for us, I was suddenly told that I needed to pay $50 per child. This was never communicated to me when I first inquired. I was shocked by the lack of transparency and professionalism. I was genuinely interested in their programs and willing to purchase a package, but this experience completely changed my mind. We live just five minutes away, and this could have been a great opportunity for my children. Unfortunately, due to the disorganization and miscommunication from the staff, they lost a potential long-term customer. Businesses should prioritize honesty and clarity--especially when dealing with families looking for quality programs for their children. Would not recommend based on my experience.

So far so good. Last year I really committed myself to my fitness goals and overall healthier…read morelifestyle. I moved to Virginia and left my old gym in Maryland behind. My cousin actually rented out this place for her birthday and it was absolutely amazing. TJ was our trainer for the day and I had fun and burned around 600 calories within the hour (according to my Apple Watch). After that I decided to do the 5 days for $5. Tiffany was my trainer for the trial and once again I had good experiences. Excited to say that I will officially be joining the gym and looking forward to their small class sizes, new equipment and great location.

I trained at Crossfit Annandale for the summer, and I cannot say enough great things about my…read moreexperience there. I emailed every single xfit gym in the Annandale/Burke/Fairfax//Arlington area looking for a place to call home for the summer, and Crossfit Annandale was by far the most responsive, had the most reasonable rates, and seemed the friendliest in that initial email exchange. Once I got to the gym, the athletes were friendly, encouraging, and generally awesome. The coaching staff was incredibly knowledgeable, emphasizing good technique while also holding every athlete accountable for doing good work (read: leaving you gasping on the ground like a fish out of water when the wod was over). Sam, the owner, was at the gym basically every day, either coaching, or working out, or doing one thing or another to improve the facility (some days, I'd wager all three); he and his wife are so rad, and their attitude totally comes through in the way the gym is run. It feels like recess, it feels like home, it feels like it works! I had multiple PRs over the summer (bench press and double-unders, as well as strict pull-ups), and I'm certain that it's because I loved showing up to Crossfit Annandale everyday and just trying to kill every single workout. That's the kind of environment they've created at their gym, and I, along with every other athlete I saw there, left every single workout smiling. Go there. Work hard. Love fitness, and love Crossfit Annandale. They'll totally love you back.

I have been a member here for 2 years and would recommend this gym to anyone I the area. It is a…read moregreat Crossfit gym with capable coaches and a great atmosphere. Great for both experienced athletes and people new to Crossfit. There is a good selection of equipment and it is kept in good shape. The coaches are all encouraging and friendly as in addition to being well informed on working out. There is ample parking right in front of the gym. Facilities are similar to what I have seen in other Crossfit gyms in the area - just one bathroom. The gym is cleaned regularly.

This is a great little studio gym for people of all ages, from young aspiring athletes, to people…read morerehabbing an injury to older folks who are working to maintain their health and mobility. The trainers there can also give nutritional advice or help with a meal plan. Great place with knowledgeable, motivational, and friendly trainers.

From the owner: Personal Training |Return to Sport and Return to Activity |Group Fitness (Weight Loss, Strength &…read moreConditioning, Body Toning, Muscle Development, etc.) | Senior Physical Wellness |Exercise for Survivorship (Specific Programming for Cancer Survivors) | High Performance Training |Speed Training |Strength Training |Optimal Wellness and Functional Training | Sports and Daily Activity Recovery Sessions

Background: 4 years, 15 to 20 hours a week in a CrossFit box…read more I did a session with the Olympic weightlifting crew while visiting Washington D.C. First and foremost, I loved the atmosphere; it feels of CrossFit at its roots. There's a large open matted area. With only a single garage door to the outside world, the air is warm and vibrant. Speed ropes, mobility equipment, lifting platforms, rings, etc. are all as expected. I greatly enjoyed the coaches and supportive athletes. Tom was focused, constantly providing constructive and tactful feedback to his team. Even when people weren't lifting, they wouldn't just wander off on their phones. Rather, when it wasn't your turn to lift, it was your turn to motivate. I wasn't there long enough to get a sense of how competitive this box is. At the very least, there's plenty of open gym time.

I'm currently on my 5th week of a 6 week boot-camp (cycle #12-Shout-out to my fellow Dirty Dozen!)…read moreand first week of yoga (cycle #3) and I must confess, I absolutely love everything about Nova Strength and Conditioning! The box is tucked away at the very end of an industrial park in Springfield, right off Braddock road, there is ample parking on both sides of the building, and it comes equipped with everything you would expect of a Crossfit box, plus they have all sorts of fun Strongman stuff. In addition to Crossfit and Strongman, they also offer Olympic Lifting classes, Yoga, personal training, and complete the spectrum with additional nutrition classes. The owners, Erin and Sarah, really make an effort to get to know each new person and push you to perform each movement to the best of your ability. I love their programming, their desire to see you succeed and their ability to foster such a warm and welcoming environment to everyone-regardless of fitness level. I also love the emphasis on team building with blog entries, Facebook groups and weekly emails letting you know what's coming up. Trust me, if you are thinking to trying NOVA S&C you really should! Chances are, you will not regret it... I know I don't.

Don't waste your time. I've quit while signing up for the trial class. The owner is paranoid about…read morecovid and shows irrational hostility towards new members. This is the only gym in the neighborhood that makes you QUARANTINE for 14 days just to start your trial class. You are not allowed to drop in, have to make 48 hour prior appointment for a class because of covid. It's 2022. Even our government doesn't have restrictions anymore. Why are they being paranoid? Their website said I can provide a negative result to take the class faster so I told them I'm willing to provide negative test result. Then the management literally replied with a threat saying "we will ban you if you show up before 14 days." Then they sent me another email saying they won't accept me as a member and etc while I was writing this review. How do you expect to teach people martial arts when you are this paranoid, rude, and irrational? I've been to few local gyms here but this is by far the worst experience just by contacting them. Glad I didn't even waste my time attending here.

I just had my first class, and I absolutely loved it. Kru Carlos and Instructor Jeff were very…read morewelcoming. I am not the most athletic person, but the atmosphere of the class and the energy of the instructors made me feel like I absolutely did not want to give up when I was tired- which happened pretty quickly . I have never felt the motivation to push myself to the degree that I felt tonight. If you are having any doubts, don't! Go ahead and sign up for a class. You won't regret it.

Mike Whitehead is an incredible trainer. His enthusiastic work ethic was incredible…read more He motivated me to push way past my physical limits and it paid off. The workout plan that he put me on help build strength and endurance. I recommend Whitehead Fitness.

From the owner: Whitehead Fitness is a leader in providing elite, premium mobile training at an affordable price!…read more No matter the schedule, goal or obstacle we will bring the gym to you! Our specialties include: Weight loss Reducing belly and butt fat Fat Reduction Toning and Firming Heart Health Improving Athletic Performance - Run faster, Jump higher, become more powerful! Injury prevention Nutritional Advice Corrective Exercise Mentoring All in the confines of your home!

My teenage son has been training at Integrative Performance for almost a year. When he started, he…read morewas reluctant and not very self-motivated. We had tried many fitness programs and all were short lived. Bobby and Ben met him where he was and pushed him beyond his initial comfort zone. He developed grit and resilience. He increased his strength and endurance. But, most of all, he has gained confidence and looks forward to his workouts every week. This place has laid a foundation of fitness that will carry him through life.

My husband and I have been training at Integrative Performance since they opened and couldn't be…read morehappier with the results. We've cut fat, built muscle, and improved body and mind, learning from trainers who are eager to help with questions on mobility, nutrition, therapy, and education. Integrative Performance is more than just a personal training gym. It is a community of supportive trainers and fellow clients and friends. For us, the results at Integrative Performance have been transformative.