MADabolic Alexandria

Fantastic experience: I can't say enough great things about MAD! I’ve been going for 2.5 years through 2 post partum journies and have seen real results. If you're serious about strength training this is the place to be. The coaches are motivating and all my fellow MAD goers are all friendly making early mornings fun!

Fantastic experience: Great gym with great workouts and great people. They take the thinking about your workouts away so you can focus on other aspects of your life.

Fantastic experience: I can’t say enough good things about MAD! Adam & all of the trainers truly care & foster an extremely inviting environment. Form is a top priority for the trainers, which I haven’t found at all gyms. I have definitely gotten much stronger in the time I’ve been a member here & I am deeply sad to be moving out of the area because I love this workout community so much. You will not regret trying MAD out.

Fantastic experience: Great variety of movements and instructors focused on doing the movements properly.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely the best gym in the dmv. Coaches are knowledgeable and the program is the best. I’ve gotten much stronger both physically and mentally. The transformation I’ve seen with my body has been the best. I stick to their 4x a week program sometimes 5 and focus on my nutrition per their guidance and I recently started lifting at the gray plate. (IYKYK).

Fantastic experience: Great facility, equipment, classes, and instructors. Always an instructor-led demo with good coaching tips during the workout. Also, great results!

Fantastic experience: Great gym! Every workout is different and challenging (in a good way) and you’ll walk out of class feeling accomplished and with a great sweat. Coaches are attentive and will guide you if you need the extra coaching on your form. Staff is friendly and very helpful.

Fantastic experience: I have never been disappointed with my workouts! The varieties of intensity each week make every class full proof! The instructors are fully engaged at making sure proper form is achieved to avoid injuries developing. I’m really glad I joined and found a great community.

Fantastic experience: I have been a member at MADabolic in Alexandria for almost 3 years and i love it! I love the variety in the workouts and the results that I have seen in my body over the years! The instructors are also great and push me to challenge myself!

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym and trainers. Super approachable and creative with workout construction and adjustments

Fantastic experience: Best workout in Alexandria!

Fantastic experience: I have loved being a part of the Madabolic community!! I joined when I was 3 months postpartum hoping to feel strong and confident in the fitness space again, and this gym is doing just that. I’m so appreciative of the programming that truly makes you build strength and endurance properly for long term results. 100/10 recommend.

Fantastic experience: The trainers attention to detail and care for clients is so key.

Fantastic experience: MADabolic Alexandria is a great place to train. The coaches pay close attention to form, which helps prevent injury and maximize results. The classes are structured well, focused, and inclusive for all fitness levels. Definitely challenging—but in the best way. I’d recommend this gym to anyone and Iplan to keep coming back.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been searching for a workout space that doesn’t leave me feel like I’m dying for the rest of the day and a place that will actually give me results. MADabolic is the only space I have found that truly does that. The workouts are specifically designed for you to build upon and they make sense for the way the body works. The coaches are amazing and ACTUALLY correct your form which I feel is so hard to find these days. Everyone is so nice and positive and truly cares about you. The workout designs are really great and they even include de-load weeks which are super important in building muscle. I highly recommend this place and think everyone could join!

Fantastic experience: Madabolic is where it’s at! From Coach Kristen, Mav to Adam they are the real deal. They not only coach you, support you and send you words of encouragement they also attend the classes! Never have I joined a group class where the instructors/coaches also participate as clients themselves. The key is definitely consistency, which makes you want to keep coming for more. I feel more alive, energized and mentally focused throughout the day after the 630 am class without the need of caffeine. Game changer. The staff themselves and the environment they keep is worth checking out. Best self care. Invest in yourself! You’re worth it!

Fantastic experience: Great gym! The coaches go over each exercise before the session begins and give corrections/advice throughout the workout, which is super helpful to ensure proper form. The weight and intensity varies, so all levels are welcome here and can get a good workout in. Friendly environment, I recommend joining!

Fantastic experience: I love the coaches and the workouts- five stars !!

Fantastic experience: I’m so glad I found MADabolic! Working out is now the highlight of my day, and the sessions pack a punch—much better than dragging myself to the gym to do hours of solitary, mindless reps and cardio. The coaches are awesome; they remember your name, meet you where you’re at (& correct your form), and know exactly when to push you to level up. The program’s structure takes the mystery out of training and prevents plateaus, both physical and mental. Highly, highly recommend. And bonus points for the soundtrack

Fantastic experience: Polite, personable and professional trainers who roam the room and provide individual help on form, rather than just shouting "Again, Faster!"

Fantastic experience: The team at MADabolic in Alexandria are the best! Attentive and always there to help correct your form or make your workout more effective! If there are specific movements you cannot do for whatever reason, they will help you to figure out an alternative movement. Love the Old Town MAD crew.

Fantastic experience: Adam and the team are fantastic

Fantastic experience: Been going to MAD for a few months and it’s really helped me recover from my sprained ankle and helped me get active again. The team is really encouraging and gives great coaching, gives great demonstrations of everything and really break it down.

Fantastic experience: MAD is an amazing community with a lot of awesome coaches to help you grow in your fitness and strength goals. After over a year of going to classes there I am still never bored and still see consistent gains. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Awesome workouts, coaches, and people! Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Awesome class at MAD Alexandria today! Thanks Rachel!

Fantastic experience: Perfect location, dedicated and attentive trainers, and a great selection of classes to fit my schedule. No other gym or workout program has left me feeling as strong as MAD does!

Fantastic experience: This is the best workout in the DMV with the best trainers!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic workout! Great coaches and great people

Fantastic experience: All the coaches are amazing and everyone is so nice. So glad I found MAD.

Fantastic experience: Had an excellent first experience with the team at MADabolic Alexandria! If you're going - make sure to book a class with Adam. He's an awesome instructor and helps change certain workouts to best fit your needs. The community was fun and nice, space was clean, music was great. HIGHLY suggest!!

Fantastic experience: MADabolic in Alexandria is simply the best. Their unique approach to training is a breath of fresh air and I always look forward to going. Namely, I would like to callout how incredible their trainers and staff are - always friendly, supportive, and looking out for their members, which is especially helpful for those recovering from injury / surgery.

Fantastic experience: Great workouts, great coaches! I always get a challenging workout and have seen results after two months. They also offer fun incentives from month to month, which keeps me motivated and makes me feel appreciated as a member.

Fantastic experience: I've been going to MaD since October 2022, and been at the Alexandria location since November 2023. Writing this to offer insight for anyone wondering about this gym. Also if you sign up plz mention me even if we don't know each other - there's usually a promo and we could maybe both get money off memberships ;)! Anyway... My fitness background: I've always been active, but never trained formally before Mad. I was looking for kickboxing when I came across MAD, and decided to give it a try since there's a boxing element. I didn't have specific goals in terms of weight loss or how heavy to lift. Mainly wanted to build strength to live an active life. Who is Mad for? Literally everyone. There is everyone from the very active to those just beginning fitness journeys, pregnant women/new parents, people recovering from injury. There are a number of former crossfitters and I know of OrangeTheory coaches who train at MaD, which I think is kind of telling. What I like: 1 - The fitness methodology is legit. I have seen real gains. There are 5 weight levels. I started just going 3x/wk at the lowest level and my body was ACHING. Almost 3 years later, I average 5x/wk lifting at the 2nd highest level of weights with zero aches/pains. I’m in my late 30s, and physically stronger and more confident in my body's ability than I have ever been in my life, which is definitely something younger me would never have expected. 2 - The gym environment - It’s a class, but the space is set up to focus on your individual experience. No mirrors. No phones allowed on the floor. There may be people around you, but the set-up is designed for you to focus on yourself and not others. 3 - The workouts are varied - There are 3 types of intervals based on work to rest ratio and amount of effort you should be giving. No two classes are exactly the same. New movements are regularly incorporated. I love that I just need to show up, and I'm guaranteed a good workout. Classes are usually a mix of weighted movements and cardio. 4 - Coaching - when you're lifting weights, form matters. It's easy to just go fast and heavy and get hurt (*cough... crossfit*). Every class starts with a demo, and the coach checks on you throughout. If you're newer you'll probably get a bit more attention, but as someone who has been going for a while - I appreciate when a coach notices tiny things for me to refine. Also while there's encouragement, I've never felt pressured to lift heavier than I'm comfortable. I've mainly moved up in strength and what I can lift through sheer consistency, and surprise when what was once a heavy weight becomes comfortable for me. 5 - Community/friends - It’s definitely a community. There are socials, some people have known each other for years, and there are numerous friend groups that form. I have several different groups of friends from Mad, and am grateful that I've built community with supportive healthy-minded people. That said, some people just go to work out and that's fine too. You can kind of do whatever you want, but if you're looking for people - you can find them here. People are friendly. 6 - Focus on balance - I appreciate that there's no weird food or diet shaming culture here. As someone who loves food AND also feeling strong, the culture is good here. The people I work out with are also people who I punish mozzarella sticks or get loaded breakfast sandwiches with. Finally just want to shout out the ALX location that has become my home over the past year and a half. Adam (current GM), is awesome and sets a really great and chill culture. I think all the coaches are great (there is a rigorous onboarding process), but will call out Julie, Carly, Emilee, Adam, and Serra - who I take the most classes with. Honorable mention to Amber and Rachel K, whose classes I occasionally catch.

Fantastic experience: I’ve done many group fitness gyms and this gym is by far the best. The atmosphere is amazing, the coaches are amazing and the people are amazing!

Fantastic experience: I love Madabolic! I’ve been a member for well over two years and it has changed my life. The coaches truly care and are so thoughtful and patient in helping with your form and encouraging you. Likewise, the members and the overall community are very welcoming. I can’t recommend Madabolic enough.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been coming here for almost three years (or is it four?) and it’s by far the best gym I’ve ever been to in my fif..cough…years of living. Everyone is supportive and I’ve never felt judged. Madabolic is a community of people with nothing in common but the desire to become stronger and healthier versions of themselves. No one tries to undercut you or make you feel like a weakling. You’re continuously encouraged to try and try again until your dream of carrying five grocery bags from the car to your house all at once with ease becomes a reality. Madabolic works out your mind, as well as your body; high confidence and belief in yourself are two welcome side effects of each 40 minute workout. You’ll be surprised by how much you love your badass self after only a few sessions, trust me. In the last month, due to serious back issues stemming from years of near weekly falls down the stairs and rollerblading trips down steep ravines (seriously, how am I alive?), I’ve had to put my membership on hold, but Madabolic is all I think of and I’m determined to get back in there. I’ve never felt such obsessive (in a good way) urgency to get back to the gym, but that’s probably because Madabolic is more than that to me. Try it for at a month; I guarantee you’ll end up joining for the long haul. And who knows? Maybe we’ll get to work out together one day. See ya soon.

Fantastic experience: Love MADabolic! The workouts are tough but doable...a great challenge at your own pace. Continuously different so it never gets boring. Energetic music. Class sizes (25 max) are inviting, not overwhelming. Awesome trainers who provide good feedback and support. Ample parking. And it's fun!

Fantastic experience: Love this gym and the MAD workouts. Today’s workout was challenging and kept me moving the entire class. I enjoy how each day is a different workout from the previous day. It’s always a challenge.

Fantastic experience: Can’t wait to start my membership here very lovely people and a great Atmosphere!! (:

Fantastic experience: Great gym with friendly staff and instructors who take the time to coach you on form. It's a solid workout and I love that the format is never the same ‍♀️

Fantastic experience: Love the vibes and the routines! Hard to find that combination but they nail it. The price is solid too

Fantastic experience: I love MADabolic classes! I really appreciate the small class sizes. This allows for trainers to review your lifting form and explain how you can improve. This is truly the best workout class I have ever done.

Fantastic experience: Great coaches with solid programming. Highly recommend for a great HITT workout.

Fantastic experience: Best gym, best coaches, best training, best shape of my life, and the music isn't half bad.

Fantastic experience: The team at Mad Alexandria is great!!!!! Good vibes, great coaches, and challenging workouts. What more could you ask for? Oh! And they have free candy - to give you a boost if you're dragging when you come to workout!

Fantastic experience: I am so happy with this gym! I've been attending for a month now and I finally feel like after 2 years of looking I have found my gym home. I came to this gym looking for a focus on strength training (I enjoy traditional weight lifting) and was unsatisfied with Orange Theory and F45 (seemed kinda basic) but didn't want to go back to Crossfit gyms because I'd like a workout longer than 9 minutes (LOL). Anyway, Madabolic is great - I had seen them advertised quite a bit and waited to try it out for a few months, but I'm glad I have. ALX has a positive, friendly gym culture and I am really pleased with the programming. I am finally sore again, in all the right places! Keep up the good work MAD!

Fantastic experience: MADabolic is not your traditional group fitness. It pairs multiple facets required to build overall fitness and athleticism> I appreciate the scalability of the weights up and down. Additionally, the instructors are what you would think of when going to a gym of this caliber-- energetic, fit, strong, and personable.

Fantastic experience: I love this gym!!! The people are fantastic, the trainers are so knowledgeable and helpful, and I am the strongest I’ve ever been, even after pregnancy!

Fantastic experience: Great coaches, fun atmosphere and great workout. Been going for one year and have gotten so much stronger. Highly recommend!!!

Negative experience: I'm generally not one to leave negative reviews, but I feel compelled to express my disappointment with how a recent situation was managed. I purchased a trial month membership for $178 but was only able to attend twice before I had to pause due to medical and personal circumstances. Unfortunately, when I reached out to MADabolics for assistance, I found them lacking in empathy and unwillingness to collaborate on a solution. Fitness is a luxury, and while $178 may be a small amount for them, it would have been more beneficial to prioritize building a long-term relationship with their clients.

Fantastic experience: Yay!!! Just finished a momentum day!!! Now enjoying a recovery day here!

Fantastic experience: I can’t say enough about MAD ALX. I absolutely love the workouts and the variation. I can go heavy or lighter, faster or slower, depending on the day. And the staff is amazing. The trainers are able to provide immediate feedback given the class size limitations and the entire vibe is super friendly and welcoming. They are also very willing to adapt workouts if you are injured. If you are on the fence just give it a try. You have nothing to lose and won’t regret it.

Fantastic experience: Best gym ever! My fiancé and I have been going to MAD for 5 months and have really enjoyed the work outs and community. Definitely feel stronger each class. They also host really beneficial events like Recovery Days with cold plunges, cupping and massages!

Fantastic experience: This gym is awesome and I highly recommend it. The coaches are really knowledgable and the workouts are hard but you have different weight groups you can choose from so there is something for everyone. Its a very welcoming environment by both the coaches but also the people that workout there.

Fantastic experience: I came to their recovery day. There were several vendors providing different services like cupping, stretching, IV therapy and vitamins, calming music, etc. there were several prizes as well and the gym itself was a nice environment with black floors and walls with a pop of turquoise accents. The temperature was cold but that’s perfect for working out. Thank you for hosting this!

Fantastic experience: The coaches here are super knowledgeable and attentive during classes, which makes me confident that I’m doing things safely and correctly. All the staff are friendly, and I love the events outside of class too! The Recovery Day event was MUCH needed!

Fantastic experience: I rarely post reviews but I felt compelled to shout out the team publicly. Went to my first class today via the Classpass App. Coach Adam (who is also the GM) and Herman at the front desk couldn’t have been more friendlier. It was such a warm, welcoming environment from the moment I stepped in. I’ve gone to many different gyms and had the best first time experience here. I’m a big believer in correct form. Coach Adam encouraged and corrected me throughout the entire class and he was doing that to everyone. I love that type of coaching and genuinely enjoyed every bit of my experience. Lots of compound movements. The jump rope for warm up for super fun. Plenty of free street parking (I went on a Tues at 630pm). Definitely going back.10/10, highly recommend

Fantastic experience: 2nd week joining the gym and never look back! Love the workout variations, supportive coaches (shoutout to coach Mav!), and welcoming community. I haven’t been active for the past 4 year after having my third baby, so finding the right place to start is important for me. And I can see MADabolic is the place to go and can help me get back on track.

Fantastic experience: Cannot say enough good things about MADabolic Alexandria: incredible workout, focused on science-based interval training gradually increasing weight resistance, and decreasing rest periods. Incredible trainers who emphasize safe, and consistent movements -- focus on form rather than reps! Classes are small, yet encouraging of each other. As a masters athlete, and NCAA soccer referee, I can attest to how MAD played a major role in injury prevention this season. Try a class; you won't regret it.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love everything about MAD in Alexandria. All the coaches bring different (good!) energy but all are consistent in paying attention to form, demonstrating A+ form themselves, and making everyone feel welcome.

Fantastic experience: I just became a member at MADabolic all because of how kind and welcoming coach Adam S. was to me on my first class. He gave me a lot of attention with my form and made sure that I was really getting what I wanted out of the class. Would recommend!

Fantastic experience: Amazing workout. Excellent trainers

Fantastic experience: All the instructors are going to make sure you not cheating yourself …super knowledgeable as well

Fantastic experience: Best group training gym I have been to! Great trainers and community of people who coach each person to get the most out of every movement each and every workout. The trainers are top notch and work with you to ensure you’re pushing the appropriate weight (while still making sure it’s heavy) and keeping the correct form. The various intervals and type of workouts have helped to greatly change my body for the good by gaining a bunch of muscle while dropping the 35 lbs that I needed to be rid of. I have a son who plays varsity football, and these workouts have gotten me to where I can keep up with him in one on one workouts and passing drills. I only wish I had a MAD location close to my house in South Carolina!

Fantastic experience: I met Madabolic through Facebook, I spoke with someone and from that moment I felt the cordiality, he explained to me what the pace of work was and it was really what I wanted so much, I just had 5 classes with Madabolic and I feel happy, because everyone The team is incredible, polite, good people with values, they make you feel great, I hope to continue with you for a long time and thank you for your patience and respect…. super recommended Madabolic is the best

Fantastic experience: I just joined MADabolic and I love it. The workouts are tough but always doable. The trainers are outgoing, knowledgeable, and helpful. The best part is easily the community of people who attend this gym. They always are warm and inviting, quick to introduce themselves and give encouragement during the session.

Fantastic experience: Great place to train. The trainers are super nice and knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: Great staff and community. I love having support with form while lifting.

Fantastic experience: I’ve attended nearly 60 classes at MADabolic and it's been an amazing experience. The consistent (4-5x/wk) workouts have noticeably increased my strength and overall fitness level. The quality of the MADabolic instructors is fantastic! They're not only motivating but also incredibly attentive, strong, and always ensuring that each exercise is performed correctly. Their commitment to proper form and technique helps maximize the effectiveness of every session and minimizes the risk of injury, which sets it apart from other group exercise classes I've tried in the area. The welcoming and inclusive community further enhance the experience, making every workout enjoyable and effective. Cannot recommend MADabolic enough!

Fantastic experience: This gym is awesome

Fantastic experience: MAD has helped me tremendously to meet my fitness goals so far. More goals to be achieved in the future.

Fantastic experience: The staff at Madabolic is fantastic! I have had a few injuries over the past few years which have made working out difficult but the staff modifies movements for me so that I can be careful but still get a great workout in! The coaches are very knowledgeable and attentive to everyone during class to ensure your form is correct and the front counter staff are all super helpful and welcoming. I will definitely be encouraging all of my friends to come to classes with me, Madabolic is the best!!!

Fantastic experience: Love MAD! The trainers are very knowledgeable, engaged, and focused on form/correct movement. It’s a great community to be a part of.

Fantastic experience: Great location (plenty of parking), great trainers , and great workouts!! Love the variety between the days and the integrated boxing.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love MAD! So easy to stay consistent and the trainers are very focused on form and doing the exercises correctly

Fantastic experience: The coaches and the workouts are awesome! It’s definitely the type of gym that makes you wanting more day after day. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: All around amazing workout. 1:1 coaching in a group supportive environment. Great way to start your day at 0530.

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love the class structure and diversity: I show up, crush a thoughtfully programmed work out, and leave. The classes are different enough that I never know what exactly we will do, but sufficiently consistent that I have an idea of what to expect. The community is lovely and I really appreciate the non-embarrassing, normalized manner in which modifications are offered.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been really enjoying MADabolic’s unique weighted HIIT programming. I’ve noticed after about a month being able to workout for days in a row even though the workouts are intense.

Fantastic experience: Great workout! I love the diversity of the workout routine! The coaches also ensure you are doing the different workouts properly! Update: Madabolic Alexandria is the gym to go to! I’ve been a member since December 2023 and I have seen a tremendous change in my body. The coaches there are top tier! They continue to motivate me and celebrate my progress! It has been a great experience!

Fantastic experience: I was so nervous before my first MAD Alex class as I had only been doing yoga for years. It had been a long long time since I had touched a weight but as soon as I started, I realized I had nothing to worry about. All of the coaches are so supportive and take the time to make sure you are doing things well and safely. It’s definitely a tough class but there will always be a coach or fellow mad one to encourage you to keep going. After 3 months I’ve noticed major differences in my strength and endurance and can’t wait to see more growth!

Fantastic experience: I’m new to the area and used Classpass to find my new gym. I’ve decided to join after trying a lot of different gyms around this area. The instructors are all friendly and explain the movement well. You can get a mixture of different workouts including cardio here so not just weight training. Definitely walk out with sweats every time I left this place!

Fantastic experience: Amazing group fitness with really knowledgeable and encouraging instructors!

Fantastic experience: Great programming and great coaches. All around 10/10!

Fantastic experience: Best place to work out!

Fantastic experience: Almost to 300 classes, so needless to say I'm a fan! Come for the intentional programming and no gimmick fitness, stay for the quality jams and dad jokes.

Fantastic experience: Great gym to make you feel welcomed in old town Alexandria. The trainers take the time to teach you the proper way to lift the weights to ensure there are no injuries.

Fantastic experience: Awesome trainers! Myself, as an overweight individual (currently), feel great every time I come! No sense of intimidation just good people, great music, and tough workouts!

Fantastic experience: Madabolic Alexandria exceeded my expectations! The instructor's expertise and energy pushed me through a great workout. The facility is top-notch, and I left feeling empowered and energized. Highly recommended for a challenging and rewarding fitness experience.

Fantastic experience: I did HIIT and boxing at other gyms before I found MADabolic — it’s been a month and there’s no turning back! Come to MAD if you want to get in a workout with friendly coaches who take the time to correct your technique and provide healthy doses of encouragement without pushing the fake community vibes.

Fantastic experience: Been coming for four weeks now and I get a great different workout each time I come in. Everyone is friendly and help you out on the workout. Glad I joined to get a great workout and get back in shape. Love how it’s a no judgement zone :).

Fantastic experience: Great staff and set of workout classes

Fantastic experience: Can always count on the coaches to correct my form and give any feedback in general to improve my workouts effectively. Also helps that they are the nicest people in the community!

Fantastic experience: I cannot say enough good things about Mad Alx. I have tried every group fitness class there is. Mad doesn’t even fit in that category. From day 1 the focus has been on perfecting form to create the proper foundation for building strength. As someone who struggles with a chronic injury from a previous gym that prioritized reps over form, I am so appreciative that I’ve found a gym where I’ve continued to lift heavier over the past two years and haven't once been sidelined by injury. The workouts are challenging but fun, and the focus on basic movement patterns allows me to continue to improve instead of doing 17 random movements at a station that get me no where. The workout speaks for itself, but what keeps me coming back are the people. I realize this sounds cliche and all gyms talk about their community, but Mad walks the walk. The trainers and other members not only care about their own goals, but the goals of everyone else working in the room with them, whether it’s your first workout or your 500th. What more could you ask for from a gym than a science-based, safe and effective workout with some of the strongest and nicest people in this city?

Positive experience: Very little upper body exercises

Fantastic experience: My husband and I are part of Madabolic in Charlottesville, VA. We recently traveled to Alexandria, and even while traveling we got to have the same fantastic workout we are used to. This is such a great franchise! We really enjoyed the Alexandria location. Same great set-up and equipment, and the Mad coaches (Gordy and Sara) had great enthusiasm and were very friendly and engaged. Loved it!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic experience. Been going there for just about six weeks and have already seen improvements in my strength, endurance, balance/stability, and visible muscle tone. Classes are fun and different, and always challenging. It’s what I wished Barry’s would be during the weights portion — an actual trainer giving feedback and correcting form so you don’t hurt yourself! Also, there’s a huge range of people and body types represented here. It’s not bro-y at all (despite the “are you MAD” marketing which gave that impression a little :) Lots of women lifting heavy which is awesome.

Fantastic experience: A great workout

Fantastic experience: I have really been enjoying MAD. Everyone is so nice and helpful!