I'm a member of OrangeTheory, but stopped into MADabolic H Street to try a workout and loved it. It won't work to join as the location isn't as convenient as the Capitol Hill OrangeTheory, but here's my experience. 1) Check-In: You need a code to get into the basement, but luckily a member walked in at the same time and let me in. The coach introduced me to the workout and checked in on my throughout the 50 minutes. Many of the members were very friendly, making it a point to say hi and check on me as a first timer. 2) Workout: I know their workouts change, but the one I went to at 4:30pm on a Thursday in May involved five different stations- boxing, weights, jumping, kettle balls, and a shuffle run. You line up behind a color dot based on the size of the weights you want to work with. For this workout, we went around the room six times- two starting with easier weights, two on medium, and two heavy. We spent 40 seconds at each station with 20 seconds to transition. It was a great workout and it kept my heart rate up. 3) Coach: She knew her workout and was super friendly and approachable. 4) Space: There's cubbies to keep your belongings, a drinking fountain, and restrooms. If you're looking for a community-minded gym with great coaches, I recommend MABabolic. read more

I tried MADabolic for the first time last August with ClassPass. My first class was with Lauren S and I loved the attention and feedback as a first time visitor. I then joined a few months later with a Black Friday deal as a way to add some variety to my lifting routine. I've done group classes like Elevate and Orange Theory and really prefer the MAD programming. I love that everyone is able to do the same workout but work at their own strength levels. The programming also isn't as intimidating as CrossFit or Olympic lifting. There's also a solid variety of dumbbell and kettlebell work mixed in with a variety of cardio machines to work on endurance. The class is fairly fast paced (in a good way) and before you know it you've completed a total body workout. I generally go in the evenings 2-3 days a week and on the weekend . I've had a chance to take classes with most of the coaches. My favorite coaches (and Carol! ) are the ones who give a gentle reminder of when it's appropriate to go up in weights for the day. I've been going to MAD for a little over six months and I'm happy to bring guests with me anytime I can because I love the workouts and members at H Street. I also love that Carol is so welcoming and takes the time to get to know members. Her attention to new and old members has gone a long way, several friends I've brought with me have commented on how personable she is. If you're looking for a new gym routine (beginner or advanced) I highly recommend giving MADabolic a try. Sign up for the 5 for 5 pass and try different coaches you won't regret it. read more

I have gone completely MAD! I joined MAD after attending a few classes here and there via ClassPass. Since I joined at the beginning of the year I've been hooked, I look forward to my morning workouts (mostly 6:30am during the week or 8:30/9:30 on weekends). The programming is well thought out with tons of variety so you never get bored. All of coaches that I've taken are really nice, personable and knowledgeable. I have some challenges with my right knee and need modifications sometimes and they are always there to provide me the same challenging workout in a way that's accessible to my body. My favorite days to workout are momentum and durability and I love the boxing station. If you are a member you also get access to clinics to get better at certain moves and they offer yoga at least once a month. There are also retail options available including clothing, protein and healthy snacks. I really enjoy working out at this location at the MAD community. If you're ever in the area or looking for a new challenging workout give it a try. You may just go MAD too! read more

See all

The exercises were interesting but a little complicated. The inside is small. My biggest problem was with management and customer service...horrendous. I don't know if they screw over customers because they just don't care about them or because they're struggling so much that they need scrape every dollar whether it's honest or not. It was difficult to get a class time. But if you miss a class because you're a couple minutes late, or wake up sick,l or sore, or if there just isn't parking available, they will charge you fee and you'll never know until you check your bank account. I cancelled the my membership because getting a class was such a pain, but they continued to charge me for months. I tried to ask for a refund, they refused even though they knew that I hadn't been at a class for months. I eventually contacted my bank asking for help. Ask them to print the contract for you and read the fine print before you sign anything! Better yet, join W0RK instead. They are much more transparent, customer friendly, and the place is bigger and doesn't fill up. read more

What a great find on H street NE! First, they have an amazing deal to try out the gym and get a feel for the different class formats/workouts, and instructors. You get 5 days for $5. Each workout has been different and well structured in that it pushes you to work hard but you choose your own weights and set your own pace. The coaches are there to watch your form and help you, as well as encourage you to keep going, and become stronger. The pace is the classes have been excellent and allow for good form. And even the morning classes are quite full, there is plenty of space for everyone. HIGHLY recommend! read more

MADabolic H street - room set up for a "momentum" workout - Gyms Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Dropped in at MADabolic on classpass. This location can be easy to miss and tough to find. The doors are locked and they provide you with a code once you sign up. I was greeted right when I walked in and the instructor gave me a rundown on the class format and what to expect. Every class incorporates some sort of boxing and depending on the day you will be working on that muscle group at the other stations. I found the class to flow really well and the instructor was very helpful on where to go next and gave me tips on my form. I found the class to be challenging and fun I definitely want to attend another class to see what it is like. read more

Great trainers, good workouts (though I wish they'd incorporate more leg work), only downside is cost

Great workout, very hard classes. Highly recommend for those looking for HIIT workouts.

Going on 2 years strong at MAD! It is hands down the absolute best programming and led by the best trainers. I've basically learned that everything I've been told about fitness up to this point has been BS - you don't need to put on that HR monitor, do 2 a days, live on 1500 calories, or "tone" anything. Come here and learn how to workout smarter and live better :) read more

Joined MAD in September 2019 and am consistently blown away by their dedication to the training program, to making you better & stronger, & by the new (old now, I guess) COVID protocols that make you feel safe & comfortable in an indoor space. Would 10/10, 10000%, no questions asked recommend them to anyone who's in the market for life-changing training program!!! read more

Look no further because this is the place to be; the real deal!! I found MADabolic on classpass while exploring different workouts and gyms. It honestly looked so intimidating to me at first so I avoided it till my last day with classpass. I'm so glad to have found this place because I immediately fell in love! The trainers are top notch! They focus on each and every individual. They learn all the names and constantly correct your form you literally feel like it's personal training. The workouts are challenging and extremely satisfying! I've learned so much about form and my body's strength and capabilities and I'm still learning! It's been a year since my first class and I've never felt better about my body and my health! Even through COVID they've been one of the safest, cleanest, and strict places in the area. Not to mention the only place keeping me physically and mentally sane and strong! Thankful for them and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! read more

As a former college athlete, I couldn't find anything that kept me in shape after graduation UNTIL I found MAD. The orange theories, CrossFit's and solidcore workouts left me injured, bored or unmotivated. However, I fell in love with MAD and immediately started to see my overall strength, body and mentality change. I loved going to the gym again as MAD incorporates variety, so you never get bored. The community is great and the coaches even better, they will correct you so you get more out of every workout and learn proper form... say goodbye to injuries!! I moved away for two years and missed MAD everyday I stepped into another gym. Note to self, don't move anywhere without a MAD in driving distance because nothing else compares. (Dramatic I know) Come see why I love MAD so much! read more

Today was my 1st class with Coach Alex, and his coaching was ON POINT! I haven't been able to do much strength training lately, but he had me snatching 30 pound weights over my head like it was nothing! Definitely wouldn't have been able to do it without him coaching me through each step! read more

If you're looking for a gym with versatile workouts, this is the perfect place for you. A lot of stamina and strength training and all the coaches are dedicated to helping you do the exercise right. My form has gotten so much better since coming here! read more

I've been back at Mad (in person) for about 2 months now, and I'm constantly impressed by how clean and safe everything is! Having had ZERO transmission of COVID in the gym throughout this entire pandemic is extremely impressive. Aside from COVID safety, Madabolic is still the best workout I've ever gotten. It feels like personal training, but without the exorbitant cost. All the trainers are so kind and helpful, and it's clear they want us all to progress safely. If you need a cheerleader to get you through your workout, this probably isn't the place for you...but if you want someone to actually HELP you during your workout, you need to come to Mad. read more

I have never traditionally been a fan of "group classes", until I started doing the Power Playground at Mint Gym, and when I moved across DC, I was really missing it. Then I stumbled upon MADabolic on H street and tried it out for their 10 days for $10, and was hooked! What to expect is a different and rotating workout program depending on the day. You go through 5 "stations" typically targeting different muscle groups, cardio, and boxing. The workout is designed for a 12 week program on repeat, to get the max effect. Music is turned up, and the trainers are very much on the watch. If you do NOT like being corrected, this class is not for you. And I mean this in the best possible way. MAD is more about perfecting form and long term results than hustling through and maxing out reps. I may get corrected on my "strict push up" every class but hey- it's gotten a lot better! I love this class because it's intense, I can feel myself getting stronger, it's different, and it's fun. There are varying fitness levels and you can choose what weights work best for you, without any shame. I'd recommend giving it a shot, you have nothing to lose! read more

I've been going to MADabolic since the H street location opened. The great thing about MAD is that they incorporate heavy weights into their workouts. Not dinky 5lb sticks along with doing 50 burpees and running on the treadmill. Each workout is based on weight training with compound movements and or explosive cardio. The workout is effective and efficient. After Ski-ergs and rowers and I can open the window blinds super fast and start the lawn mower with 1 single pull. #FunctionalTraining! I love how BIG the studio is. I've been to other fitness studios/gyms and not many are this big. It's great because you're not bumping into others during class. Also in between classes it's not a crowded madhouse of people leaving, coming in, and people chatting after/before class. The community is great and welcoming and it's always a fun time to commiserate with others on how hard class was. There are many trainers from other gyms that go to MAD so it's a testament to how good the programming is. Go where the trainers train and save the colored lights and loud EDM for the club! read more

I have tried many group fitness classes in DC and MADabolic is by far my favorite. It feels like you are working with a personal trainer but there happens to be others around you. The workout itself reminds me of my D1 athletic training from college athletics. What I love about MAD is it's straightforward but never boring (I've never done the same workout twice). The coaches work with you to ensure you remain injury free. But don't think you are going to leave without being pushed to your limit. I mean... a great strength workout + plus I get to punch a bag (kickboxing) = sign me up! When it comes to Covid-19 precautions, they have sanitizing stations for both hands and feet, temperature checks, mask requirements, smaller class sizes, and social distancing. It feels 10x safer than going to the grocery store. Whether you are years into your fitness journey or just starting out, check out MADabolic! read more

See all

I've been going to MADabolic for about a year and a half. It's awesome. You're essentially paying a trainer to help you get strong and fit with some other people. It's effective and fun. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! This has been the first gym/training facility that I have stuck with. The training strategy M-A-D keeps me engaged and looking forward to working out. On top of that, ALL of the trainers and staff are amazing. It feels like they all want to see you succeed. I appreciate this place MADabolic DC H Street so much!!! read more

I started at Madabolic Arlington because the gym was in the building I worked and then I discovered Madabolic H Street because it was near where I live and both are THE BEST WORKOUTS EVER. I'm an old (40 years old+ with 4 kids) so I've tried pretty much every workout and Madabolic is heads and shoulders above anything else I've done. Which is important at my age ;-) Here's what I love about Madabolic: 1) The trainers: They correct you without being condescending. They connect with you without being overly intimate. 2) The weights: I've always been intimidated by "weights"!! But Madabolic sets it up so that there are different levels and it's easy to follow. 3) The variety: I've been going to Madabolic for 4 months and there's only been a handful of exercises that have been repeated (I see you kettle bell swings) 4) The pace: IT GOES BY SO FAST! I think the fastest interval has been 15 seconds and the longest was 45 seconds. I can do anything for 45 seconds! I am NOT a morning person and yet I'm now signed up for the 6am sessions AND I look forward to them. WHO AM I? Thank you Madabolic! read more

I have been an athlete and consistent with my workouts for ever, but still always got ancy and had to change up gyms/styles/methods. So my favorite part about MAD is the variety of workouts yet they are structured so you are equipped and never feel lost. I have seen progress in my strength! Plus the community is amazing as well with lots of encouragement and very welcoming no matter your fitness level! It really has become my favorite gym and workout!!! read more

I don't like exercise. I've have signed up for so many gyms, started going regularly and would eventually stop even though the monthly fee would automatically withdraw from my checking account. But with Mad that changed. I have been a member for over two years and have been attending diligently (except during the closures caused by the pandemic). I am more flexible, stronger, kept that Covid 19 off, and I am just overall happier. The classes are great - 40 minutes 4 times a week is the kind of commitment I can make. They coaches are so nice and non-judgmental. If I need an accommodation, they are right there with one. Overall, I am so happy with Mad and, if you hate exercise like me, try it out. read more

I joined MAD last summer and have been blown away by the workouts, the people and the community. The workouts are well planned, challenging and extremely effective. The trainers are very friendly but also insistent on good form and continual improvement. The precautions they have taken during COVID have allowed me to maintain my fitness routine safely and comfortably over the last year. I have only the best things to say about MAD and highly recommend giving it a try to anyone looking for an awesome workout and a great fitness community! read more

I am a new MADabolic member (only a dozen classes in so far) but I instantly loved the format of this group fitness gym. The class style shifts throughout the week to focus on different types of training, like strength, endurance and faced-paced cardio. Each class is different but with some repeat elements, so you can develop skill and strength and/or pace in a specific exercise but without getting bored because there's enough variety in the larger class format so it's never the same combination of exercises. The trainers are all nice and helpful in showing you movements you may be unfamiliar with. Even though I've done circuit training classes for a while I've encountered new movements here I've never done at other gyms. The H St gym itself is large with modern equipment, nice showers, etc. They've got a decent offering of class times now and will likely expand as the membership grows. I felt confident enough that this gym was the right fit for me after trying just a few classes on the $10 for 10 deal that I signed up for a 12-month membership. And with that intro deal, it's definitely worth trying out! read more

I joined MAD in May 2020, during the pandemic. I came from a HIIT gym in the city, with an emphasis on cardio/running and some weight training. Not only did they supply GREAT at home workouts while COVID kept the gym closed, but the staff was very responsive to any questions during, before and after virtual classes. Once the gym was able to reopen, the protocols made me feel safer than I felt in the grocery store. The trainers are energetic & motivate me to push as hard as I can. I have had a pretty severe back injury twice in my life. The emphasis on form from the beginning by all of the staff lets me move the heaviest weights I have moved in a long time with no worry of injury. I'm stronger than ever with less injury, even in my 30s. Not to mention the friendships I've made that have led to in class competitions... If you want to feel strong again in a safe environment at any age with a great staff, this is your gym. read more

MADabolic H street - Inside of the gym. The motto. - Gyms Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

MADabolic is the best gym I've been to -- hands down! The programming is effective and it's the first time I've seen results in more than four years. The coaches genuinely care about your technique and give you one-on-one attention unlike most group classes. I'm so glad they are located so close to me because I can't imagine training anywhere else! Also, that's the difference -- training vs. working out. Highly recommend to anyone hoping to change their lifestyle and/or improve their overall health and fitness! read more

They are very welcoming and I always feel great afterwards. They've been very good about working around a medical issue I've had too.

I've been a member of MADabolic H St. for 2.5 years now and can't say enough good things about it. From top-notch and highly professional training staff to challenging and engaging programming, MADabolic provides an amazing community for folks new to lifting weights, experienced athletes, and everyone in between. Can't imagine getting through the pandemic without this place! read more

Could not recommend this place more! So glad I finally listened to my friend and tried this gym out, and have been going nonstop for the past six months. From day 1 I was so impressed with the trainers investing attention in every single person. They all knew my name the first week! This is the first group fitness class I've tried that treated individuals as athletes and focused on training rather than any quick fixes. I'm super excited to continue with this gym and see what's to come! read more

Would 100% recommend MAD to anyone looking for strength training. The coaches are excellent and always watching to make sure your form is correct, meaning you get better results faster and that you're always learning! read more

I have tried this class a few times and it was generally just OK for intermediate or advanced athletes. I recently moved to the area and considered joining as a supplement to my training, but I've decided against it because of the owner, and how I've heard he treats employees. There are a lot of great gym options in DC and now more than ever, I want to support local businesses that support their staff and treat them well. read more

Ive been going to MAD for the past 6 months and absolutely love it!!! I love the different workouts and the programming they put together. the coaches are always paying attention to form and push you to do better. I love getting stronger! read more

I have been going to MAD for over 4 months now and have already seen major results. When I started I was in a covid slump, had horrible form from working out alone at home, and couldn't even lift the lightest weight group - - - after just a few months I've lost about 10lbs, bumped to heavier weights and reduced my machine times! The coaches are beyond positive and encouraging, helping you make incremental improvements over time. They foster an excellent training environment that makes me look forward to classes... love the movements, music, rotations and fact that no two classes are ever the same. You will be motivated and see sustainable changes. Thanks to LC, Camille, Tricia, Kevin, Rachel, Renee, Dom, Lauren, Eric and the entire H Street team for keeping me going! read more

I've been coming to MAD for over a year now and I love it. I started MAD after 3 years of CrossFit, and I wish I made the switch sooner. If you're a CrossFit person who thinks you can only get a good workout in with a barbell, I dare you to try MADabolic. Not only will it leave you with that "heaving on the ground, booty sore from heavy squats" feeling, you will be far less likely to injure yourself. I have permanent shoulder injuries and the style of MAD has helped me to prioritize form vs. cranking out reps to beat the clock. Also, sometimes you just really want to let off some steam and the striking portion is perfect for that! I wish I had a pic to share, but MAD is for results not likes. I encourage anyone at any fitness level to check it out! read more

MADabolic is open during COVID with extensive cleaning protocols in place resulting in zero transmissions! The workout is out of this world with the best results one could hope for. It's always a full body workout so no areas are left unattended. (Read-no huge upper body with skinny legs). Instructors are first-rate and they actually coach you while you're performing exercises ensuring you have proper form and would recommend a lighter weight if your weight choice is causing improper form. Yes they are that attentive to your fitness with an emphasis on injury prevention. If you're like me and will never be skinny, do what I do and be strong! read more

Best gym programming in the area. Strength driven while still keeping a focus on the ability to move correctly! Highly recommend. They take covid seriously with masks required, temps checked, social distancing and, while this gym is super clean already, you have your own spray cleaner to use on equipment throughout the class. read more

MAD H street is legit. I'm glad they opened a location on H Street. Super conveniently located and the gym space is huge. They have great programming and great coaching. It's great for any fitness level and you definitely get a great workout. I've been going for a couple months now and haven't had a bad experience yet. read more

Best workout on H Street! I love the variety in workouts and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming.

Intense workouts. Great trainers. Never feel too packed to comfortably workout. Perfect for beginners to advanced.