CH Fitness & Performance

Fantastic experience: Anyone who wants to learn the Oly lifts should work w Cara - and if you only need a place to workout, it’s a great gym! But Cara is an incredible coach.

Fantastic experience: I've been doing remote coaching with Coach Cara, and I went for in-person coaching recently. Both remote and in-person sessions are well-organized, and all athletes have the opportunity for one-on-one talks with the coach before the session begins, which is really helpful. Once everyone gets started, the coach provides attention to everyone, giving technical feedback and support for new and experienced lifters alike. I wish I could go in person more because the facility is top notch! But since I live too far for daily driving, the remote option is ideal.

Fantastic experience: Cara is the best coach! She makes learning easy.

Fantastic experience: I took an intro to weightlifting class with Lauren, and I can't say enough good things. She created an environment that was welcoming, supportive, and genuinely fun - I walked in a little nervous, and left excited to get back into the sport!!

Fantastic experience: the coaching is amazing, the community is encouraging and very welcoming! i love that i can call this a home gym and team!

Fantastic experience: Simply the best! After moving away from the DMV, I was excited to continue training with Cara remotely through her weekly Zoom coaching. Her expert guidance really sets the tone for my solo training sessions for the remainder of the week, and the quality of her coaching is just as high remotely as it was in person.

Fantastic experience: Most beautiful weightlifting gym that I've ever been in! Super clear and easy process to drop in. Coach and members were friendly and encouraging. Would definitely drop in again!

Fantastic experience: This was my first day at the gym and Cara made it extremely welcoming. She took time to introduce me to other members which made the gym feel like a community. Will be joining without a doubt

Fantastic experience: Superb coaching and a superb environment. Everything you need to succeed and nothing you don’t. Can’t recommend enough to the lifters and athletes who are willing to put the work in and want to see legitimate results from the best coaches in the DMV.

Fantastic experience: I had a great time Olympic Weightlifting here while on a work trip to DC. The facilities are impressive and super clean, with high quality barbells and neatly set up platforms. Great staff and super welcoming community. If I was living full time in DC this would be the only place I'd go to Olympic Weightlift!

Fantastic experience: Leah has always been great. I am so happy that she is around to give me feedback and suggestions that will make me better.

Fantastic experience: Immediate improvement in my lifts after my first session. Having a coach that can quickly troubleshoot your technique while proving words of encouragement is why I love coming to this gym.

Fantastic experience: I can’t say enough great things about CH Fitness and Performance! I recently had my first group class, and it was an incredible experience. From the very beginning, Lauren was super helpful. She guided me through the weightlifting assessment, clearly explained the process of joining, and was always available to answer any questions I had. She’s really friendly and made getting started an easy and welcoming experience. Before my first class, I did onboarding sessions with Leah and she is an absolutely amazing trainer. She has a great eye for movement and really knows how to adjust her coaching style based on what you need. She is incredibly patient, supportive, and detail-oriented, making sure you understand not just what to do, but why it matters. She breaks things down in a way that makes complex movements feel approachable and helps build confidence from day one. In my first group class, I met Coach Cara and she was phenomenal! She managed to coach a large group seamlessly while still providing timely, individualized feedback. She knows how to push people while making sure they feel comfortable and capable, which is not an easy balance to strike. CH Fitness and Performance has been such a great place to train. The coaches genuinely care, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the level of instruction is solid. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: The time spent with each person and personalized cues from Coach Cara are amazing. The gym is wonderfully supportive and has a great energy.

Fantastic experience: Always good vibes at the 1:30pm group coaching class! Great energy and great coaching feedback!

Fantastic experience: Cara and the other coaches are so supportive and the environment is very inclusive! The tailored programming and group coaching have really helped improve my lifts. Overall, Alexandria, VA is lucky to have such a unique gym within its borders.

Fantastic experience: I just love this place. I’m an okayish weightlifter who wants to be better and every time I attend an event at CHFP, I leave inspired and charged. The coaches (mentors, really) are highly skilled, passionate and invested equally in everyone’s success. Everyone is just good vibes all around! The facility is spotless and professional yet feels like home instantly. I highly, highly recommend CHFP for any skill level lifter!

Fantastic experience: Cara can see the part of a lift that is missing and find a simple cue to fix it. It’s easy to go into a detailed explanation but rarely helpful mid session, and her experience goes beyond to help her lifters focus and get it done.

Fantastic experience: I decided to try olympic weightlifting after many years of working out on my own. I wanted a new challenge and I want to compete. Luckily a friend of mine helped me find CHFP. I haven’t had a coach since I was a student athlete but I wish they had all been like Coach Cara and Coach Lauren. I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up for some introductory sessions but Coach Lauren was amazing. Her positive attitude and obvious love for the sport shown through immediately and made me feel comfortable trying something new. Lauren was great at teaching me the basic concepts and helping me learn. My positive first impression with coach Lauren is why I decided to become a member. Once I started group coaching with Coach Cara I was sure I made the right decision. Cara is patient and intuitive. She seems to know exactly what I need to hear and is really good at reading and an athlete’s “mood” and adjusting her approach to each member accordingly. She gives direct, honest, and helpful feedback that makes you a better athlete. I’ve only been a member for about two months but I look forward to being a member for a long time to come.

Fantastic experience: Cara is an all-star. Her ability to keep so many people in mind (along with all their individual numbers and cues) is unreal. The high-quality barbells and reasonable group-coaching price are both further icing on the cake.

Fantastic experience: Cara has the ability to break down very difficult concepts into something very simple to understand. Great coaching makes all the difference and thank you for Cara again for all the great lessons!

Fantastic experience: I trained here for somewhere around a year or so. It's a great place to learn weightlifting with some outstanding people. Love the energy and the facility is pretty solid with plenty of platforms, some turf, pullup bar/squat rack, stands... etc. Coaches are just outstanding, super helpful and knowledgeable. Helped me to experience my first two competitions. Overall an awesome experience here. Will definitely miss it.

Fantastic experience: Cara is the best coach ever! She makes me feel valued, gives me direct feedback, and listens to everything I have to say, all with a smile on her face, always has the best attitude, and handles a large class with the same attention to everyone.

Fantastic experience: Cara is the best coach ever! She makes me feel valued, gives me direct feedback, and listens to everything I have to say, all with a smile on her face, always has the best attitude, and handles a large class with the same attention to everyone.

Fantastic experience: Incredible gym atmosphere and excellent weightlifting coaching! Head coach Cara gives detailed lift feedback that helps improve the quality of the lifting technique immediately. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: I took a 6-week technique class at at CHFP’s previous location after beginning CrossFit. After doing Olympic weightlifting thru that sport for years, I came back to the new CHFP location for a one day course and became a member shortly thereafter based on how much improvement I made after that one day alone. It has been totally worth it and I look forward to every group coaching class!! Cara has just the keenest eye—but to be effective as a coach you have to be able to communicate with athletes in a meaningful way so they can try to implement and improve. She is also a great leader and manages time and people effectively. Just THE best.

Fantastic experience: Really nice gym and equipment and the coaches that I have worked with are all great.

Fantastic experience: Great crew of exceptional knowledgeable trainers. Very professional environment.

Fantastic experience: friendly environment, great facility, immaculate in everyway, No effort required.

Fantastic experience: best oly gym in the east coast. not even close. amazing equipment, friendly environment! perfect place for any oly lifter.

Fantastic experience: Great friendly environment, attentive coaching by Coach Cara and her coaching staff. Dedicated to the best lifting outcomes possible.

Fantastic experience: Such a nice gym My wife and I are in Alexandria for a few months on a travel assignment, and I was so excited to get to train here. Cara and her coaches are incredible and so helpful. I'm only doing Open Access, but still coach me up anytime I ask. The facility is very clean and equipment is well taken care of. Plus the community is welcoming and so kind. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend attending one of the technique clinics, regardless of your experience level. Cara is not just an Olympian, but an outstanding coach who is able to articulate cues and adjustments in an understandable and digestible manner. The facility is also great. Lots of platforms, lots of room, Rogue and Eleiko bars. Super clean, and a welcoming staff.

Fantastic experience: CHFP is a great place to lift! I started group coaching in October 2021 and I’ve really enjoyed further developing my weightlifting technique under Cara’s coaching. Cara and the rest of the coaching staff provide valuable feedback. On top of the outstanding coaching, CHFP has a friendly and welcoming community.

Fantastic experience: CH Fitness & Performance is the best spot for (olympic) weightlifting in the DMV, and one of the best spots in the entire country. All equipment needs are easily satisfied: Eleiko/Rogue men's and women's bars are bountiful, and far from a shortage of bumpers and change plates, and plenty of accessory tools (GHD, dumbbells, jerk blocks, blocks, etc.). My favorite part of the gym is that the 12 platforms are regularly bustling with weightlifters. Cara unearthed an incredible community here. Everyone is generous, and Cara regularly holds community events (holiday party, etc.) The results speak for themselves regarding Cara as a coach, where she has coached athletes to winning US Nationals and making International teams. She creates a fun, energetic atmosphere that is also focused on getting the work in. CHFP is appropriate for both casual, newcomers to weightlifting, and highly competitive International caliber lifters. Anyone would be making a mistake by not training here!

Fantastic experience: This lady is Godsent

Fantastic experience: Cara, thank you thank you!! What a great experience. Very friendly and inviting environment and great for beginners and advanced lifters. Something for everyone, plenty of space and great coaching with immediate results! Very clean and neat layout, can’t wait to go back!

Fantastic experience: CHFP is a great facility and it was amazing to work with Cara in the 6 week technique class. It was extremely helpful to break everything down and make sure I’m not reinforcing any bad habits, and I’m excited to start lifting there more regularly! Cara was able to provide insightful feedback and help me learn more about what I need to work on to improve my lifts. I’m so happy to find a place near me that focuses specifically on Olympic weightlifting!

Fantastic experience: Cara and staff are super knowledgeable and great coaches. Technique class was awesome. Group coaching is super beneficial as well!

Fantastic experience: Excellent Olympic weightlifting and strength gym. Head Coach Cara Heads Slaughter is incredibly accomplished as an athlete and coach. Hard to believe I have access to a coach like her and the expert team of coaches she has assembled. The coaches that rotate in for open hours workouts are so knowledgeable and attentive. My technique gets better everytime I go. The programming I am on has been really effective and I have noticed strength I have not previously had in my life. The technique class was the best introduction to the sport and I have continued to build in that knowledge. As a newer Olympic lifter, the gym and it's community are welcoming and encouraging. Recommend this place to everyone I can!

Fantastic experience: Best Olympic Weightlifting gym in the DMV. Positive coaching by Olympic and National Champions. Not just a gym, but a community for athletes who are passionate for Olympic Weightlifting. I joined CHFP to improve my lifts (I really sucked) and now I am competing for the gold (and have lost 15 lbs in the process).

Fantastic experience: Incredible facility and unmatched coaching. Truly the best in the region, and Cara is unmatched as a coach in both her passion for the sport and her care for each athlete that comes through the door.

Fantastic experience: The most legit place for Olympic weightlifting in the DMV! Doesn’t hurt to have a former Olympian throwing eyes on your lifts either. Good music, good platforms, good people, great atmosphere!!!

Fantastic experience: This facility is top tier! It is clean, organized, and has some of the nicest equipment out there. The coaching staff is phenomenal and very welcoming! While they have elite athletes, they are open to all athletes who are dedicated to their performance. I would recommend anyone and everyone to Cara’s for weightlifting expertise.

Fantastic experience: Great facility and amazing coaches. Cara's passion for the sport and coaching is truly unmatched. Cara is very thoughtful in her coaching approach and makes sure you understand the why behind what you are doing. Not only has my olympic lifting improved since joining the gym but so has my coaching approach. I cannot recommend CHFP enough if you are in the DMV area and are interested in improving your olympic lifting.

Fantastic experience: CHFP Weightlifting has been such an amazing community to be a part of. Cara, the owner and head coach, is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate, and can make you a better lifter at any level. The group classes are such a good vibe to hit your best quality lifts, especially as you get through her programming.

Fantastic experience: Great friendly environment, attentive coaching by Coach Cara and her coaching staff. Dedicated to the best lifting outcomes possible.

Fantastic experience: Clean facility with incredibly helpful and kind staff. There is equipment and accomodations for just about any kind of accessory exercise and the best weightlifting equipment you can find in Northern Virginia.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic weightlifting gym that is well-equiped and welcoming. This is my go-to gym to visit when I'm in the DC area. They make it very easy to drop in. One of the top weightlifting gyms on the east coast for sure.

Fantastic experience: Thanks for having us today , wonderful people ,wonderful team all the best for you keep it up and thanks cara for your time much love

Fantastic experience: After becoming a member at CHFP almost a year ago, I have seen significant changes on a personal and career level. I was referred to Cara through a mentor and received my USAW level 1 & 2 soon after joining. Coming to my weekly group session at CHFP is a major highlight of my week and the other members provide a strong sense of community and motivation. Since regularly training the Olympic lifts, I feel the strongest and most mobile I’ve ever been. Being new to Olympic weightlifting, I am satisfied with the amount of progress and understanding I’ve gained. Cara’s skill for coaching transcends weightlifting as she is truly a master at effectively communicating with and getting to know the person in front of her. As the fitness director of my company, I can’t recommend Cara and CHFP enough if you’re looking to safely learn how to Olympic lift and enhance yourself on a multitude of levels!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful place to train. I dropped in for the Open Gym while travelling, and thoroughly enjoyed the encouraging atmosphere, highest quality equipment and friendly coaches and other members. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.

Fantastic experience: I've attended Cara's Six Week Technique course and have been a volunteer "athlete" at several of the live coaching under observation sessions for her Coaches Academy. My daughter is also currently participating in her Youth Training Group twice a week. Cara and her staff are warm, friendly, welcoming, and flexible - qualities I appreciate given that so much of the fitness community feels like it's just an extension of the multi-level marketing industry. I never once felt pressured to purchase programming or join her gym because Cara only asked me once if I would be open to becoming a client with a recurring membership at her facility. This stands in stark contrast to my past experiences, which have led me to expect endless emails, phone calls, or one-on-one "discussions" about my fitness goals from gyms, boxes, and trainers. Cara is running a business so I anticipate some attempts to bring me on as a regular client, but I was pleasantly surprised by her lightweight approach which favors developing relationships with (potential) clients in place of cynical pitches to garner more business.