I absolutely love the gym and the atmosphere! I think the gym members and staff are open and welcoming to everyone. But I was mainly there doing personal training with Mike and he was definitely the best trainer I've ever had! I've had many trainers in my life but he got me from 23% body fat down to 10% in 3 months not to mention I gained 5 pounds of skeletal muscle mass and went from 227 pounds to 196. All that change in just 3 months is insane, granted I followed his advice to a T and whenever I wasn't training with him, I would be staying active by biking, hiking, burning as many calories as I could on my own time. He also gave me great dieting tips to really maximize my gains by recommending an increase in protein and more carbs on workout days. All in all, if you wanna get in the best shape of your life and fast, do CrossFit, and if you wanna be picky, choose Brazen Fitness! read more

I'll start by saying this, I'm super picky about where I go to the gym. The trainers can't be scared to give me constructive criticism because I'm there to grow. Also, the vibes of the members have to be good. That said, I cannot recommend this place enough. The trainers have taught me so much in my time spent there. Also, the community of people is awesome. Even if they don't know me super well, I can count on the high fives/fist bumps after class. I only left the gym because I moved to a new city and the commute became too much. But trust me, if I could pick up this gym and move it to my new city, I totally would still be a member. Highly recommend! read more

Take in mind I'm not a crossfitter. Crossfit has always intimidated me and the thought of working out here originally scared the hell out of me. My trainer however is one, and she made the move to this gym as it would be a better fit for her and her clients. Boy was she right. There's a positive, family atmosphere here that I haven't experienced in any other gym I have yet to go to. Positive, supportive but with a drive to get work done. When you're sweating like hell on that last set you can rest assured there's someone else there in your shoes or a trainer there to get you all the way through. If you're looking for a change up from the normal gym grind I highly recommend. Additionally if you're just looking for personal training you can't get any better than Edith or Deonte. Give it a try, you'll be glad you did! read more

Amazing people with a great heart for fitness and wellness. I did a consultation here and really liked the program they offered with my weightloss and pain - injury related goals. However I wasn't able to follow through b/c it is pretty pricy. All in all I would recc'd this place if you have the budget! :) The owners are beyond kind and you can tell how much they care about your journey. read more

I dropped in because it was close to the hotel and had great reviews. This box did not disappoint. I drop in to a lot of boxes all over the country and this is one of my favorites. The difference between most boxes is the coaching and this coach was fantastic I wish I remembered her name! Either way I don't think you would be disappointed joining for dropping in at this box. read more

See all

I've been a member of CFSA for 2 years now and I am hopelessly addicted to the place. The coaches have done a fantastic job of helping me break some of my old bad lifting habits and develop a bunch of new skills. I drop into a lot of boxes around the country when traveling for work and I haven't seen anything like the community and personal attention that are extremely lucky to have at Crossfit South Arlington. So if you are thinking about trying Crossfit or just dropping in to get your lift on, you can't go wrong with this gym. It's a first class community with first class coaching and I hope to continue banging weights and hanging out here for many years to come. read more

I was member for 2 years before I moved to Michigan. One of the things I will miss the most about the DMV area is this place. At age 29, I can easily say I have never been in better shape thanks to them. This is because of the coaches and the members. The coaches are very focused on warming and prepping you for the strength and workout portions as well as drilling proper form. I have been to a decent amount of boxes and none take more care in this area. They have numerous techniques on how to address physical limitations, tight and sore spots, and preexisting injuries. As someone with a hand deformity and preexisting knee injuries, I have received excellent advice (special thanks to Conor!) on how to adapt to all that Crossfit has to offer. Thanks to the coaches have have safely learned new movements and surpassed PRs on familiar ones. They also explain the programming and how the classes will help you progress. I love how supportive the members are here. The word community gets thrown around a lot but this place truly embraces it. New faces are warmly greeted and there are fun events bring together people from different class times and programs. The coaches and members are also supportive during the workouts. Crossfit can be intimidating but they do an amazing job with making sure you receive an enjoyable and most importantly, safe experience so give them a shot! read more

Thank you for allowing me to drop in to the 5:30 AM class. In previous experience at CFSA there were a couple of coaches (mostly mid-day and afternoon) who frequently used profanity while coaching. While they were very accomplished coaches and probably thought the profanity was part of the Crossfit culture, it always stung and seemed to make some cuts uncomfortable. Over the past two weeks the morning coaching staff did a great job going through announcements, warmup, movement prep and daily WOD. Classes were well structured and organized. The coaches were positive and professional. Great job! Also thank you to the morning crew of athletes who made me feel welcome over the past 2 weeks. There was a good mix of experience levels encouraging others to get the most of each WOD. Thank you! It was nice to see some of the positive class format and coaching changes since being a former CFSA member. I would definitely drop in again and recommend CFSA to other athletes who want a good workout while traveling. read more

I'll be frank: When I first started hearing about CrossFit, I was absolutely one of those people who dismissed it as cultish, too extreme, and possibly dangerous. Invariably when I bring up that I do CrossFit to a non-CrossFitter, I am asked if I spend my gym time flipping over huge tires while pushing myself to the brink along with other fellow cult adherents. While I absolutely cannot speak about CrossFit as a whole, given that my only experience is with CrossFit South Arlington, I can unequivocally say there are no huge tires in the gym and I am not part of a cult obsessed with killing my body through exercise. CFSA is a vibrant and wonderfully supportive gym and I am so glad I got over my own preconceived notions and decided to give it a try (Note: the gym just started hosting free once-a-month "get to know us" sessions if you're interested in trying us out, something that was not available when I started). CFSA makes you feel welcome no matter your athletic history or body type. It also is very welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals such as myself, which has been awesome! Fundamentally, CFSA's a place for people who want to work on their own goals, whatever they may be, on their own terms, with the support of friendly fellow athletes and high-quality, understanding, and fun coaches. I have been with CFSA for 8-9 months now and I had never stuck to a gym routine before in my entire life prior to this (and I had tried many times for maybe 1-2 months at a time). I keep coming back because I am happier and healthier than I've ever been in my life and I love seeing my friends at the gym. I come back because I get very personalized coaching in a group setting. My coaches know where I'm at physically, how to motivate me to push myself just a little farther, and also are more than happy to help me scale workouts so that I am getting a robust workout in without injury. I even come back to the gym outside of gym hours for the different community events and parties the management and coaching staff develop because I love everyone so much. Overall, I highly recommend CFSA to anyone with a positive attitude who is looking to get into a new physical fitness routine. Join our community! We have a lot of fun together! read more

Quality over Quantity. You'll learn more about your body than you ever even thought about learning. You'll learn about recovery, mobility, nutrition, sleep and lifestyle. Crossfit hasn't invented anything new. That's not news. But crossfit has changed the focus and purpose of movement. The coaches at CFSA focus on movement techniques and body awareness. Not only will involvement at CFSA create a more technique-oriented athlete, but one that is aware of his/her body and how to perform at maximum functional capacity. The environment at CFSA is welcoming and focused on education of each participant. The coaches are more than instructional... they are involved. Members are not simply bodies, rather, individuals with goals and limitations and personalities which each coach has taken the time to learn about. Crossfit boxes are each individual. No single environment is a great fit for everyone. With this in mind, CFSA offers ample free starter classes so that you are sure that the environment being offered is the best fit for you. Drop in. Fill out a waiver. Check it out. You owe it to yourself. read more

Simply put, this place is amazing. Hands down one of the best training staffs available in all of Arlington. All of the coaches really know their stuff! They have lots of classes and make everything simple to understand. A great place for beginners and experts alike! I have personally had a great time being part of the CFSA Family. read more

Everyone here is so nice & it's a great gym facility! Huge space and great trainers. Definitely check it out!T

I've been to a few Crossfit gyms and this one is easily the best. Not only do they have a huge space with up to date equipment in great shape, they have the best coaches I've ever met. Each coach has a focus on safety and technique that keeps everyone working to their potential in a safe and productive way. Anyone who says that Crossfit lacks technique or that it is dangerous needs to sign up for a class at CFSA and see Crossfit done right. The high quality coaching also translates into a welcoming atmosphere for people of all fitness levels. The coaches are great at developing scaling options based on where you are with your fitness, or if you have a medical issue, or a previous injury. Can't say enough good things about it! read more

I've tried at least 10 CF gyms in the area and Crossfit South Arlington is the best. The programming and coaches are great. One of the things I like most about the sessions is the pace. There are very few wasted minutes and there is always a functional but challenging warm up (I've never witnessed an injury). This is also one of the few remaining crossfit gyms that promotes a sense of community. The coaches make it a point to introduce everyone and take other measures to get people to know each other. There are BBQs and other events too. There are no cliques or in-house drama that you tend to see at some crossfit gyms. I feel these are aspects of crossfit that are lost at other places. Overall, this is a great place and I'm glad I found it. read more

I did really like the coaches and it was a great facility. And, I feel like I did gain some strength, but I also work out a lot outside of here. I just think I'm more of a proponent of doing things "slow and controlled" so you get more out of an exercise and build more strength, than doing something as fast as you possibly can so 90% of your movement is momentum and you're not building or improving anything. But, again, I did really like the coaches and were always amazed by how they remembered not only everyone's names, but also specifics about them. read more

I just finished my first 4 months at CFSA, and am signing up for another 8! As someone brand-new to CrossFit (and strength training in general), CFSA has been a wonderful place for me to grow and get stronger. Unlike most CrossFit gyms, there are separate 100-level classes for beginners, where we are able to focus more on building form and learning the movements, while still getting a killer workout. This focused attention on SAFELY building strength has allayed my fears of moving too fast or getting injured. Every coach I've had has been wonderful, with lots of suggestions, a welcoming and supportive attitude, and an emphasis on correct and safe form over super high reps or weight. Like many other reviewers have noted, the sense of community here is fantastic, and the reason I've gotten hooked. When I was brand new, people made a point of learning my name and making me feel like a part of the community. It's an awesome and encouraging feeling to finish a workout with the whole gym cheering you through the final reps. I have fun every single time I come to work out. My number one hesitation for joining a CrossFit gym was the price, and this one is comparable to others in the area, starting at $185 for 9/classes per month. However, CSFA pays you back $35/month (for the first 4 months) if you attend all the classes you sign up for....not only did this really push me to get to the gym, it also managed to get me "hooked". Plus, the more classes per month you sign up for, and the longer duration you enroll, the cheaper each class becomes. The price is not cheap, but the gains I have made and the community I've found at CSFA has made it TOTALLY worth it for me. I can handle going out to eat a few less times per month in exchange for feeling strong and making my friends jealous of my arms :). If you're not sure, come check out a free class! I did, and I haven't looked back! read more

I joined this gym for one month only, to "get my butt in gear". I liked the workouts and my beginning-level trainer. However, I did not like the way this gym was managed. The owner charged me after my one month was over--for month Two...something I had NOT signed up for--and insisted that this is what I had signed up for. If it was not for the email chain that I retained that expressed the desire for PRECISELY one month's membership, then I would have had to take them to small claims court to get my money back. I thought that all was over after I got my refund three weeks later. However, on the start of month TWO of membership end, it happened AGAIN. I could not believe this when I logged in and saw this on my bank account. This totaled $400 taken from me--without permission--and at a time when I needed to pay my rent. It took ANOTHER three weeks to get my money back, and this did NOT even cover a bounced check fee that I incurred over this time. I still retain the paperwork that I signed when starting my Crossfit classes. NOWHERE on it does it state that ANY membership is assumed infinitum. What do you think this is--a Bally's? Twice bit, twice shy. Stay away. (This place is also much more expensive than most Crossfits.) read more

I attended a free intro class here right after the holidays. I knew I wanted to join Crossfit but just needed to find the right box fit! The class was tough but very challenging. The coaches were great- informative, patient, and helped to ensure you nailed every move safely. The workout included push presses with dumbbells, box jumps, kettle bell swings and wall balls. My only qualm was the end- we did a brief stretch afterward, but after the tough workout I would've liked a longer stretch session, perhaps with some movements I am not familiar. I did not end up joining this box because its a bit too far from my home, and I had a bit better vibe with a different box. If you are looking for a Crossfit gym to join give this one a try! Just like finding shoes, you have to try on a couple different locations to find the perfect fit! read more

I have been a member for about 2 years and I have also been to many CrossFit gyms around the country- trust me when I say this is one of the better ones. The coaches all care about the quality of movement and actually go through proper warmups and workout prep. Whether you are a long time member or just a drop-in, everyone is given the same great treatment and coaching. The gym is also always clean and the equipment is in great condition. read more

Having worked out at a number of Crossfit's here and there throughout the years, I gotta say that (although I live and work in Washington, DC) I choose to remain at CFSA. The one thing that sets this 'Box' apart is that they don't openly publish the WoD's and thus you are surprised, in a good way, after they reveal them on the whiteboard. Things that aren't personal favorites get attention (squat cleans, rope climbs) while the athlete continues to develop skills that s/he is already strong at (back squats, deadlifts, box jumps). The staff are super-friendly and they really have created a family environment. You make friends AND get in the best shape of your life at this Box and that's what makes CFSA great. Siddarth is kinda nuts if you drop his weights tho, so DON'T or else you might end up with a burpee penalty -- not necessarily a bad thing. CFSA for LIFE, SON! read more

After a year as a member of this gym, I'm moving away, but I'd be doing a disservice if I didn't review it. This is place is hands-down the best crossfit gym I have ever belonged to. To start, the coaches are excellent. They are motivating and genuinely care about seeing their members succeed. They push you to be your best day in and day out. Most importantly, they are far more knowledgable and qualified to instruct than the majority of coaches out there. Second, the community at CFSA is great. The people you work out with will support you when you're having an off day or need that extra push during a workout. If you are new to Crossfit, you will be put in intro-level classes to learn the skills to not hurt yourself during a workout. If you're a veteran, the 200-level classes are challenging. If you are a freak athlete, they can even alter your workouts to make them more difficult. Whatever you are looking for, the staff will make it happen. Third: they do a lot of stuff beyond basic crossfit, such as olympic lifting seminars, nutrition seminars, yoga classes, crossfit endurance, and I believe crossfit kids in the summer. Long story short: Crossfit gyms are an investment. You can spend a few dollars/month at a gym with weights and treadmills. Or you can spend more and look at it as investing in your well being. Classes are one hour long, and consist of a warm up, mobility drills to make sure you're working on flexibility, a strength/olympic lift, and a met-con workout to bring it all together. It's not simply a gym, it's a team of people who work to help you reach your fitness goals faster and safer than doing it on your own or at a competitor gym. The accountability of the coaches and other members might be the best part. I strongly recommend this gym, whether you live in the area, work in the area, or are here for a day on a business trip. You won't regret it. It's great for people looking to try crossfit for the first time, or if you are a crossfit veteran looking for a gym with great coaches and great community. read more

After looking for a CrossFit gym for a while to finally jump in and give it a shot I settled on CFSA, and I picked the right place. The coaches and the community are all awesome. They're encouraging and helpful with the rookies and they push the more experienced hard. As a former athlete, trainer, and bio-mechanics specialist I can say that the coaches know what they're doing. The modifications they've made to some core CrossFit ideas are spot on and workouts are built to cater to all levels and encourage a healthy progression toward the more complex movements. Swing by for the free class for sure, and CFSA, keep it up! read more

I was bored with going to the gym by myself and needed someone to coach me along a bit without paying for an expensive personal trainer. CrossFit turned out to the be the perfect solution, and CFSA the perfect gym. The coaches and staff here are very friendly and approachable. They all make a point to remember your name if you're new, and seem to genuinely care to see you make gains. They are also great motivators and will take you to task if you're being lazy or using bad form. The gym equipment is all good, and they have made many upgrades and additions just in the few months I've been a member. I highly recommend this place - it's worth the price of admission. read more

This gym is a wanna be CrossFit box. Let me explain. A box is a place where CrossFitters go to train. It's a hardened battle ground of sweat and personal bests. This place is a corporate cesspool. The two trainers I went to see, one man & one woman, cared more about how many personal training sessions I was going to buy and incorporate their meal plan into my diet than how a would benefit and contribute toward a team/box environment. Sad day for CrossFit when you sign up here. There are many better options around including a box in Ballston Quarter and one in Alexandria, shout out to Trident. Trust me when I say the grass is greener elsewhere. read more

Started almost 4 years ago and I'm in better shape now at 42 than I was at 32. Due to the schedule options, programming variance, camaraderie, encouragement, and positive competitive pressure, working out intensely 3-4x a week has never been easier for me. I'm pretty much on autopilot now. read more

CFSA has become a very supportive community to me since moving to the area 2.5 years ago. The coaches are very knowledgeable and always know just how to motivate you during a workout. I have so much fun in each class as the gym members are also very supportive and so far it's been the best atmosphere I've seen in a crossfit gym- where everyone works hard, doesn't judge one another, and also just wants to have fun while getting in the best shape of their lives :) I highly recommend this gym to anyone who moves to the area. read more

I highly recommend CFSA! There are many boxes popping up out there, with varying degrees of focus and community attitude. CFSA has the right focus on proper form and success....quality over quantity. The coaches seem genuinely interested in your success, progress, and safety. The community members are very diverse and supportive of each other. It is all about doing all the work and doing your best. Many people's perceptions are based on all of the Crossfit Fail videos posted online. That is not the basis of Crossfit and is not CFSA! CFSA focuses on mobility, form and strength. CFSA offers beginner level classes, strength training, yoga, nutritional programming, goal setting classes, and more..... try a free individual or group class to check it out..... read more

Great facility, coaches that care, friendly people, plenty of scheduling options, and workouts that bring results. What more do you want in a gym? read more

I was visiting the pentagon area on business and the hotel gym wasn't cutting it. I looked up the local affiliates and was very pleased with this location. Great facility and coaching staff. Very military friendly! This will be my box of choice for future visits. Check it out if you live or work in the area. read more

CFSA is such an awesome community & the coaches are super encouraging, motivating and pay attention to form. I was really intimidated by crossfit for the longest time, until I decided to bite the bullet & try an intro class at CFSA. Conor, an awesome coach, was teaching that night, & by the end of the class I knew I wanted to be a part of their community & I'm so glad I became a member. If you're thinking of joining a crossfit box, without a doubt, CFSA is the one!! read more

CSFA is LEGIT!!! I personally think this box is one of if the the best in the area as far as coaching and attention to clients needs are concerned. You will not be forced are expected to do any movement that you are uncomfortable with, the coaches will always have scaling options available. High focus in given toward technique and you even have to show steps of progression the the Level 100 classes before being allowed to move into any higher level classes. I can not speak highly enough about the atmosphere this box offers, trust me, you will love everything about this place. Thank you CSFA for being like a second family...This box is SO much to offer individuals of all fitness levels. read more

The coaches are awesome and are sincerely invested in your development. Most importantly, they know their shit and value quality movement above everything else. All the athletes at the gym are friendly and encouraging. If putting yourself through tough workouts is your idea of a good time, then this is the spot to do it. Now if only they would get rid of Country Music Thursdays. Gangster Rap Fridays, however, are top notch. read more

I was one of the first members to sign up at CFSA, probably a year & a half ago. What I really appreciate about them is that they really assess your ability and gradually build up your skills and intensity. A lot of places will advocate full-throttle from the start, which, in my opinion, causes injury. Another thing that's great about CFSA is that it's not just a gym, it's a community. You get to know the trainers & members on a personal level & they always make you feel welcome rather than, "ok, your time is up, get out." read more

Been there since November 2014. These guys break the mold with very tailored, mobility-oriented approach that enables everyone to be successful and get more flexible while also gaining strength and agility. Great community atmosphere as well. read more

I've been going to this "box" or "gym" for those who are new to crossfit for a few months now. I have to admit, I was really intimidated by crossfit. First off, I wasn't in-shape and I heard a bunch of horror stories about crossfit. However, I read that it's important to check out a few boxes to find the best fit. After meeting the incredibly friendly staff here as CFSA, I knew I had found my match. There are a a few things that make this particular box awesome - (1) You don't have to pay some crazy amount and take a foundations or on-ramp course if you are new to crossfit. Part of the reason why I avoided crossfit was because I knew it would be hard for me to make the classes I was required to make at the times I had to attend during the window they were offered. Instead, CFSA offers a100 level classes - you come as much as you want and eventually graduate to the 200 level. SO SMART. Why haven't other boxes thought of this? (2) The coaches really emphasize technique and form over moving super fast through a workout just for the sake of being the best. Because the coaches come at it from a teaching perspective, I constantly feel like the only one I am competing against is myself and I am encouraged to slow down, ask questions, and LEARN. People can get injured doing some of this stuff. It's great to know I have advocates that will push me, but never make me feel uncomfortable if I truly can't take the next step just yet. (3) You get money back if you attend all of the classes you sign up for. SAY WHAT? Yep. Find me another box or gym for that matter that will PAY YOU to work out. It doesn't exist. This business model is risky but so thoughtful. It goes to show that the coaches here CARE about their members and actually want you there. Each month I pushed at the end of the month to make sure I hit all my classes because the financial incentive is high enough that it makes it worth it. (4) You get community at CFSA. Overall there is a great group of friendly people who attend this box. Most of the people are approachable and want to encourage, or at least get to know you. Like any place there are a few people who are rude, but that's in any workplace, gym, etc. There are community events to bring the different levels together, and even combine level classes to mix and match. (5) In addition to crossfit, you get free additional classes and other fun classes for a nominal fee. Some of the classes include self-defense, goal setting, yoga, barbell lifting, etc. Overall, I am really glad that I joined this box. It's a sacrifice financially but between the community, the programming, the coaches, and the commitment to helping people grow, I know I made the right decision to start getting in shape here. read more

I dropped in Sunday weekend on a few hour's notice. Conor, the manager, is super responsive. Andy, who coached the class, was funny and knowledgable. He has some great warm up and activation drills that got us ready to rock and roll, and a few that I'll be incorporating into my coaching as well. The facility is large, and plenty of equipment. I'd drop in again for sure! read more

This is a real gym, with folks of all abilities who want to work out. There are no pretensions when you enter this very welcoming exercise facility. The staff has made me feel very welcomed and the other athletes all possess the spirit of teamwork. No matter what your age is, or your current athletic ability, everyone is in this together to make your fitness the highest priority. read more

Sad to leave due to change of work! I will truly miss this "school of fitness!" The instruction is top-notch with a good understanding of correct movement patterns (and faulty ones)-- which as a PT I was a little wary of before starting crossfit. My concerns were quickly dispelled when I attended my first class, and I saw how much attention and detail was put into instruction of each movement, not only oly lifts. Such a friendly and encouraging atmosphere with people who will cheer you on and hold you accountable. Aside from regular classes (level 1 and 2; aka beginner and more experienced), there are a lot of great opportunities at CFSA: nutrition program, Olympic weightlifting camps instructed by an Olympian, yoga, barbell club, and higher level programming for those looking to further develop and refine their skills. Can't say enough great things about CFSA! read more

I reached out to CFSA prior to arriving to the area. The management was great in providing feedback to my questions and setting me up with a plan that fit my schedule while I was in town. I was very impressed by the facilities, level of attention from coaches, and overall environment of the place. I learned so much during my time at CFSA and really felt more confident in technique. Having recently moved back to Northern Virginia, I've had the opportunity to attend other CF venues which reassured me that CFSA is a great place. Highly recommended! read more

Honestly, this is the best box I've ever been to, and I've tried a few. If I still lived in the area, I'd still be a member. I miss this group so much. The coaches really care and have great energy. They are always looking to better their classes by asking their members. Lots of great programs and clubs to join too! The place is awesomely large and CLEAN. read more