Fivex3 Training: A Strength and Conditioning Gym

Fantastic experience: Love the facility! Coach, team and members are super kind and encouraging. It's such a great way to move physically and mentally (great stress reliever for me) feel stronger by the day inside and out!! ❣️

Fantastic experience: FiveX3 is awesome. I started training with Jay Mund at a point where I had stalled in my progress and was dealing with some associated injuries. Jay reset my weight to a more manageable load and then began to work on tightening up my form. I am now at a place where I feel better about, and have more confidence in, the execution of my movements. Increases in weight no longer feel like a reach, but a step. A five star rating feels like it isn't enough. Jay, Emily, and Diego - keep up the excellent work.

Fantastic experience: My experience with Fivex3 has been excellent. I worked with Emily through the online hybrid coaching option. She created my lifting program for me each week, I completed my workouts at home and sent her videos of my lifts throughout the week for feedback, and every month I visited her awesome gym in Baltimore for an in-person coaching session. Choosing to work with Emily was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my fitness journey. Not only is she incredibly knowledgable about lifting, but she's also fun, patient, and encouraging! My form on all of my lifts (squat, deadlift, overhead press, and bench press) improved dramatically as a result of Emily's coaching. She pointed out corrections that I would have never noticed on my own. Her guidance gave me the knowledge and confidence to add some serious weight to my lifts and now I'm stronger than I have ever been in my life. If you're considering a membership or coaching with Emily or anyone at Fivex3, just go for it! You will be incredibly happy that you did!

Fantastic experience: Other reviewers have summed up well, but Fivex3 gets top marks for good reason. Before coming to Fivex3, I was aware of some of the benefits of strength training, and had used equipment at another facility for some time. While to some degree I’d seen “progression” in my lifting, I was also experiencing various pains which I knew shouldn’t be part of my routine. I suspected bad form (rather than simply advancing middle age), which ended up being the case. The coaching I received at Fivex3 helped me break some bad habits and develop the correct ones, while allowing me to get stronger and rid myself of the pain. Everyone has their own physiology, requirements (and perhaps injuries), etc. but Emily and the crew at Fivex3 are experts who can help you wherever you are in your journey!

Fantastic experience: Fivex3 Fitness Gym has been the best place for me to learn the starting strength program from coaches who not only know what they're doing, but who truly care. The owner, Emily Socolinsky, is a wonderful person and an AWESOME coach. This is not one of them cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all gyms. It is a place where you will learn how to do all the lifts (squat, deadlift, press and bench) properly and the coaches will work with you until you get it-no matter how long it takes. You can also learn how to use kettlebells or take a bootcamp class. A program can be designed just for you. This wonderful gym filled with people of all ages who want to get stronger. If you want to get stronger and learn how to lift properly from great coaches, you will not find a better place in Baltimore than Fivex3 Training. Come and see for yourself-you will not be disappointed-you will be inspired to keep training for the rest of your life!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a member of Fivex3 since September 2020 and joining this gym has honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life! I was specifically looking for a gym that focused on Starting Strength, which initially intrigued me as Fivex3 is a Starting Strength affiliate. It was meeting with Emily and seeing the space that sealed the deal. I was brand new to strength training and greatly appreciated the introductory sessions my partner and I had with Craig. These sessions were instrumental in learning proper form for all the major lifts, correctly setting up the squat rack, and starting weight numbers. I felt comfortable flying “solo” after those initial sessions though I’m never “alone” as the coaches continue to provide me helpful feedback as necessary, which I greatly appreciate. Emily created a personalized training plan for me based on my starting weight numbers, which has grown into a routine over the last two years. My program is not rigid and has been adjusted as needed. For example, Emily has added isolation exercises to my program at my request. I’ve found that everything (e.g., introductory sessions, training program, coaching, etc.) at Fivex3 is intentional. The biggest takeaway about the training program is: If you are consistent and show up, you will progress in your training - it is inevitable! The gym is very welcoming - I love seeing everyday people (like myself) from different backgrounds ranging from young adults to seniors coming in to lift weights. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable - three are Starting Strength Certified (SSC) - and they all genuinely care about their members as people. Most of them lift in the gym, which is cool to see. It is a true gym community where folks celebrate each other’s success and PRs. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone (especially women) interested in getting stronger. If you are curious and want to learn more, I encourage you to do the following things (in this order): (1) Check out their IG page to see the Fivex3 community, (2) Listen to an episode of Fivex3 Radio podcast to hear how knowledgeable Emily and Diego (both are SSC) are about strength training - available on ITunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podcast Addict, and Google Podcast, and (3) Email Emily to schedule a visit and chat!

Fantastic experience: I've been a member of the Five by 3 community since August 2021. Emily, Diego and the coaches at Five by 3 truly care about the success of their members. They've created a welcoming and inclusive environment for all lifters, myself included. Since joining Five by 3, I've seen consistent PR's in my big three lifts: Bench, Squat and Deadlifts. More importantly, my technique for all three lifts has dramatically improved. Emily worked tirelessly with me to correct and improve my deadlift technique. We spent many weeks :) Emily, Diego and team also understand when to incorporate/recommend assistance exercises as well as tempo/pause variations on an as needed basis to help improve a lifter's technique and strengthen any weak points that may hold back the lifter.I've listened to my coaches and this is why I've seen my lifts improve. My favorite aspect of Five by 3 watching my fellow lifters get stronger. We celebrate our victories when we hear that PR bell ring! I'm excited for my 2023 goals and lifts at Five by 3.

Fantastic experience: I have been an online client of Emily's since July, 2022. I am a 56 year old who has been active in athletics from a very young age. I played sports in my youth and in my adult years I worked out on a regular basis using circuit workouts, running, attending group fitness classes and also instructing group fitness classes. I was introduced to the "Starting Strength" program through my boyfriend. I watched him transform his 60-year-old body by following the program - what I saw was remarkable. In my preparation to be as strong as possible for two upcoming knee replacement surgeries, my boyfriend encouraged me to give the program a try. Emily has prepared my training plan and has coached me online for going on six months now. Perfecting the form of the four primary exercises of: bench, squat, deadlift and press is key to success and gaining strength. Emily's explanations are straightforward and easy to follow. She incorporates her comments utilizing voice over of the videos of my exercises. She also does side by side visuals that make it so easy to see exactly how to improve my form. She does a great job in modifying my schedule according to how I'm feeling as well as my feedback on my work sets. I am thrilled with how well online coaching with Emily has worked for me! I would highly recommend her if you are considering starting or even if you'd like some critique for improving your strength workout.

Fantastic experience: I've been training with Emily and Diego for over 2 years, and it's been a great experience. Like most, I'd taught myself to lift over the years, hanging around the gym, and watching videos. It wasn't until I started training at 5x3 that I realized that most of what I was doing was not getting me anywhere. I've since made great progress by working with them. I couldn't squat at all due to knee pain after doing it incorrectly for years. I learned that squats weren't hurting my knees, but what I was doing was hurting my knees. I can now squat pain free, and all my lifts are going up. I'm in my 60s now, and am stronger than I've been since my 20s. I strongly recommend Fivex3 to anyone who wants to get stronger and feel better about themselves. I'm an on-line plus client, so in addition to the feedback on my posted videos, I also travel 90 minutes every month for an in-person session. It's well worth the time and effort.

Fantastic experience: Great gym with awesome equipment. Emily is passionate about programming and training to your skills. Awesome community of lifters just trying to get stronger.

Fantastic experience: The owners are friendly, engaging, and very knowledgable. The gym atmosphere is perfect for people who are looking for a non-judgemental, non-toxic, no aggression experience. If you want help with your form, there are always coaches around to set you right. If you want to be left alone to do your own thing, no one is going to be in your space or offering unsolicited advice. As someone in the chronically ill community who was looking for a gym that wasn’t going to push pseudo-science wellness bunk, and let me work at my own pace, this has been a great fit.

Fantastic experience: I've been a member at different gyms but this is by far the best. My wife started 5x3 first and then gave me a 6 month membership as a gift knowing I would like it. Emily (owner) and coaches are attentive, knowledgeable, they focus on technique and develop a program that fits best for you. While improving your strength, they also help injury recovery. The members range from their 20's to their 70's, all body types with experience to no experience. It's pretty inspiring to see a 74yr old man deadlift 2 1/2 times his weight, witness someone bounce back from an injury or see a dedicated mom-to-be still rocking it out. With so many ways to motivate you, it's a great gym atmosphere. Check it out, do it, be stronger!

Fantastic experience: I am so grateful for Fivex3. Emily and Diego and the whole staff are amazing. They have created a warm and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds come together to get stronger. You never have to wait for a rack or weights - this gym has everything you need and nothing that you don't. I used to have bad back pain, not any more. Strength is medicine, and Fivex3 is where to go to get strong.

Fantastic experience: Great gym with awesome equipment. Emily is passionate about programming and training to your skills. Awesome community of lifters just trying to get stronger.

Fantastic experience: There is a good balance of families and young professionals, so it doesn’t get too rowdy (although in the past two weeks I’ve seen two people taken away on a stretcher from overconsumption of alcohol - the staff does great in these emergencies).The facilities are always clean and there are plenty of towels available.

Fantastic experience: One of the few Starting Strength affiliates within the DMV. Top notch Rogue equipment and, in equal measure, top notch SS certified trainer, Jay, and owner, Emily. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym! Positive environment, supportive staff, great equipment, great sense of community.

Fantastic experience: I think the biggest reason to join the gym is the community. There are people from all walks of life, all ages, and all body types working together to get stronger. This is a gym where you can get to know other people (if you want to). And various people actively contribute to the community. The owner loves knitting and has knitted several things for members (I got a blanket for my Mom). We have a puzzle sharing club and many people donated puzzles to share. There’s also a puzzle table at the gym that was started by a member (it’s very popular!). Sometimes people bake things to share. And couple months ago someone brought in Scottish chocolate and a taste test challenge ensued to see if American chocolate was better (I say it isn’t, but literally EVERYONE ELSE says it is; clearly they don’t have good taste in chocolate…). Another big reason to join is the coaches. Coaches are a big part of the community (see above). They also watch as you lift and can give you tips and/or help you correct your form. This has been hugely beneficial to me because they can point out things that I never would’ve noticed on my own. This means I don’t’ spend weeks being stuck on a lift (like I did before joining this gym). Also they can help tailor your program to fit your needs. I found this extremely helpful because most programs are one size fits all, and the ones you can get that are tailored to you specifically are VERY expensive.

Fantastic experience: Fivex3 is family. Your coaches care, they celebrate your successes, commiserate your failures, and support you every step of the way. This is not your big-box gym experience. Getting strong is a journey, and having guides like these make it exciting and fun.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality

Fantastic experience: I came in for a one day clinic to learn squat, deadlift, OHP and BP with Diego. I spent a lot of time thinking about whether or not the clinic would be worth the investment and time. If you're on the fence about this, take the leap. The one on one instruction and form correction provided to me by Diego was practical, concise and memorable. Diego was also very patient, which I appreciated because I'm fairly new to lifting. I would say that the clinic is an investment in a great education, which always gives the best returns.

Fantastic experience: The owners and trainers are brilliant! Easy to work with, incredibly motivating. They explain the science behind the movements, the purpose for performing them, and how it makes you stronger.

Fantastic experience: This is hands down the best gym I’ve ever had the pleasure to train at. Fivex3 has made me the strongest and healthiest I’ve ever been. I’ve overcome old injuries I thought I would live with forever. And maybe the best part is just how welcoming everyone is. No matter where you are on your strength training journey, you will be welcomed and treated with kindness and respect. This is a bro free environment.

Fantastic experience: The best gym I've ever been a part of and easily the best gym in Baltimore. The coaches - Emily, Craig, Diego, Gretchen, Ryan, and Jay - are all incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. It's a privilege to train with them. If you want to get strong and make some great friends along the way, then this is the place for you.

Fantastic experience: “I love going to the gym” is not a phrase I ever thought would enter my vocabulary, but this place is just that awesome! Emily is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about helping people get stronger, and it is evident throughout her gym. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, and you will feel welcome and valued no matter what skill level you’re at. When you begin, the coaches really take the time to teach you how to lift properly and make sure you’re ready to move on before adding weight. After that, the format is open and you’re free to work at your own pace but you are never really lifting “alone.” There is always a coach nearby to watch your form and provide instruction. And they are amazing at it! It is clear that the coaches are genuinely interested in seeing you progress and succeed. Oh and the program works!!! So it’s pretty fun to do things you didn’t think you were capable of too :)

Fantastic experience: My husband and I continue to be so impressed with the knowledge of the owners and their commitment in helping people learn. This gym is great for all ages and levels of lifters. The best experience I've ever had at a gym!

Fantastic experience: Awesome environment, and very friendly and welcoming to beginners. Enjoyed my coaching experience with Jay, the coaches will walk you through the very basics of barbell training

Fantastic experience: Great Coaching, Great Atmosphere

Fantastic experience: My husband and I continue to be so impressed with the knowledge of the owners and their commitment in helping people learn. This gym is great for all ages and levels of lifters. The best experience I've ever had at a gym!

Fantastic experience: I've been a member for a little over a month now. This gym experience is like no other I've had. Most importantly - this is a gym where they know your name. Emily, Diego, Jay, and Craig are all there, keeping an eye on everything and offering helpful advice and coaching. Emily and the rest of the gang set the tone for the building. This is a positive environment and I really feel like everybody (and every body) is welcome. I spent some time not wanting to go to the gym because I didn't think someone with a body like mine would fit in. That notion was dispelled in my first session here. All kinds of people here are at every stage in their strength pilgrimage. The coaches are talented and accredited by a program I trust. The starting strength method is about 5 lifts, and these coaches are experts. It's not a certification you can get in a weekend or by taking an online class. This place is more expensive than other gyms. That turned me off for a little while. But a gym like this doesn't just happen. When I am there on an average Wednesday evening after work, there are maybe 5-10 people working out and there are 2-3 coaches training them. That kind of personal attention is worth far more than the sticker price. One night my wife went in without me (I was working late, caught up with her later) and they asked where I was. Most gyms count on you NOT coming in to make money. This gym NEEDS you to come in because their business is making athletes.

Fantastic experience: A Starting Strength gym, took a private session and a squat session. Great place, Emily and Diego are awesome, really know their stuff, very motivational.

Fantastic experience: Without question the best gym in the Baltimore/DC area for getting strong. The facility is wonderful and the coaches are some of the most respected in the industry. I can't say enough good things about the quality of the gym and coaching staff.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been an online client of Emily and Diego at Fivex3 for almost four months now, and it has been nothing short of outstanding. Their coaching, support, and guidance has exceeded all of my expectations. I think the first time I went up to Fivex3 was back in 2015 for a squat camp, and I’ve always enjoyed working with these two amazing coaches. At that time I was somewhat of a noob, and it was really great listening to them give me and the other beginners basic form and programming advice that was extremely useful, and then also hearing how they could seamlessly answer specific questions for a more advanced competitor that was also in attendance. I’ve had it in my head that I want to eventually test for the SS Coaching Credential, and for some reason I thought this meant I should be stubborn and attempt to program for myself. After all, I had read the books, watched plenty of videos, and kept up with the form checks and Q&A sections of the SS forums. This didn’t work out as well as I had hoped. However, I finally decided that I needed professional help, and I preferred to work with Emily and Diego, since I have worked with them in person a decent amount, and really respect their professionalism, knowledge, and abilities. I set up a garage gym at my house back in the fall of 2018, so I really have no excuse to miss a workout. However, sometimes life gets in the way and you just can’t find the time to train, or you just want to go to bed at 6pm. I never let this become a habit, but it was easier to delay a training session when I was just lifting by myself in my garage. Among other things, online coaching provides you with a sense of accountability, and everyone knows that consistency is one of the most important aspects of training. If I miss a session, not only am I letting myself down, I’m letting the coaches down, and am I not getting my full value from paying for online coaching. The initial few weeks as an online client was the typical break-ya-down to build-ya-back-up scenario; the coaches made some adjustments to my form, reset the weights a little bit, and saw how it went for a few sessions, then made other minor adjustments as appropriate. There were definitely some ups and downs with my training during this timeframe, but I knew in the end I had to “trust the process”, which ultimately meant trusting the coaches. After all, they are the professionals. This was something I would have never been able to accomplish on my own. For example, I would crush a heavy set of five on the deadlift, and the following week, I could barely get one rep up with only five additional pounds on the bar. Emily and Diego really took the time to discuss the potential issues and provided the appropriate fixes. This type of feedback and individual attention has been invaluable to me, and is one of the many reasons I have continued to be an online client of theirs. It is very hard for me to explain and write out how important it has been for me to get constant feedback on my lifts. My form is nowhere near perfect, and I usually have the same few issues, but it is extremely useful to get that consistent feedback from the trained coach’s eye week in and week out. I’m lifting weights that I never thought I would be able to and with vastly improved form. The weights always feel heavy, and I sometimes I don’t know how I will keep adding weight on the next workout, but this is why it has been so important for to have a professional objective eye review my lifts and give me the reassurance that I can add more weight next time. Emily and Diego have been certified Starting Strength Coaches for almost ten years, and have been coaching for much longer. You can’t put a value on that type of knowledge and expertise, and the fact that they still take the time (and have the patience) to guide people through their training and goals is a testament to the type of people they are. Emily and Diego are not only the best coaches I’ve ever had, but the best professionals I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with.

Fantastic experience: Friendly, welcoming, non-threatening atmosphere. Great coaching staff who drive members to met their goals.

Fantastic experience: I've been a member for a little over a month now. This gym experience is like no other I've had. Most importantly - this is a gym where they know your name. Emily, Diego, Jay, and Craig are all there, keeping an eye on everything and offering helpful advice and coaching. Emily and the rest of the gang set the tone for the building. This is a positive environment and I really feel like everybody (and every body) is welcome. I spent some time not wanting to go to the gym because I didn't think someone with a body like mine would fit in. That notion was dispelled in my first session here. All kinds of people here are at every stage in their strength pilgrimage. The coaches are talented and accredited by a program I trust. The starting strength method is about 5 lifts, and these coaches are experts. It's not a certification you can get in a weekend or by taking an online class. This place is more expensive than other gyms. That turned me off for a little while. But a gym like this doesn't just happen. When I am there on an average Wednesday evening after work, there are maybe 5-10 people working out and there are 2-3 coaches training them. That kind of personal attention is worth far more than the sticker price. One night my wife went in without me (I was working late, caught up with her later) and they asked where I was. Most gyms count on you NOT coming in to make money. This gym NEEDS you to come in because their business is making athletes.

Fantastic experience: Great coaching, equipment, and atmosphere! Worth every penny!

Fantastic experience: This place is awesome! The only place to train in Baltimore if you're serious about lifting. Great space, great equipment, great people.

Fantastic experience: Emily is the best. You'll get an excellent foundation for strength training and the sweat doest hurt either.

Fantastic experience: If you're in the area (or even if you aren't), check this place out. Spent a few hours here learning how to lift a barbell safely and correctly, and it's paid off in spades. Planning on taking my wife here, because they are very female-friendly. Definitely worth the visit. I'm looking forward to going back.

Fantastic experience: A true strength training gym, has the full package. All the weight equipment you need for complete workout plus friendly and knowledgeable owner, coaches, and members. My husband and I wanted a place simply to lift weights while in town --this was perfect! No nonsense folks, just members of all ages serious about being strong. There was a 77 year old lady doing beautiful deadlifts. The owner Emily is a beautiful human being with a passion for helping normal people get strong to prevent or rehab from injuries, arthritis, etc. She gave some great pointers on my own deadlifts. If we lived in Baltimore, this is where we'd train. Thanks Emily and best to you and everyone at Five x3.

Fantastic experience: No nonsense, no meathead strength training.