Underground Athlete

Fantastic experience: Best investment I've made in myself all year. I joined before my wedding in order to tone up my arms and back for my strapless dress. What I found was so much more than I could ask for. These guys motivate me to keep coming back and sweating it out! My previous gym was one of those spa-like places with fancy beverages in the cooler but no real culture. The team here brings the edge to your workouts: motivation, fun, and tough as nails! To all the brides out there: if you want to be a knockout in your gown go visit these guys. They'll let you be a girl and whine/complain and then make you push even harder! You'll leave feeling addicted to the way these workouts make you feel!

Fantastic experience: A co-worker/friend introduced me to Underground Athlete. I joined after trying it out for a week. I needed a change of venue. I had been working out in the same place for several years and it had started to get stale. This is a great workout place. It's a real gym with real equipment. There are no machines to assist you. You pick up/push up/ or lift the weight yourself. You will get a great workout. The trainers (Patrick and Justin) are awesome. I can do things I have never done before. Your routine is changed every month. Its always fresh!! I have a very bad knee that will have to be replaced next year. My routines are designed to help me strengthen my knee so that I will bounce back from the surgery quickly. Nutrition help is also available if you want it. Additionally I find the price that you pay to be excellent. This is group personal training at it's best. Underground Athlete is an awesome place to workout!!

Fantastic experience: I had been searching for a place to train for years. I come from a Martial Arts background and have even worked in the fitness industry so I was extremely picky about where and who I chose to train with. Underground Athlete not only met all my expectations, it completely blew them away. You will not find more knowledgeable coaches than Justin Case and Matthew Bales. The programs are custom tailored to each individual, you will not be put on some cookie cutter program here. If you want results, do yourself a favor and stop in, you will not regret it.

Fantastic experience: This is the first review I've ever written on Google, but UA deserves it. I tried out UA after a year and a half of frustration over constant setbacks from a herniated disk in my lower back. Tried physical therapy and two cortisone shots with little to no results. I took up swimming which helped a bit but not a ton. A surgeon recommended a procedure right around the time I started at UA because I "had tried all conservative approaches without success." At UA I got a personalized workout program that I could feel was strengthening and stabilizing my back. If something didn't feel right, I would just tell Justin, and he'd think for a second and then replace the exercise with something else. For the first time in a long time I could get a real workout in, break a hard sweat, without aggravating my back. And not only avoid aggravating my injury, but I actually felt it getting better. Every month Justin gives you a new workout routine based on your progress, which is always harder and more fun than the previous ones. I ended up delaying the surgery because I was having too much fun at UA and didn't want to take the month of rest after the surgery. After a few months at UA I felt so good I realized I probably wouldn't end up getting the surgery at all. Now I've been going for probably 6-8 months, I feel great, never got the surgery and assume I never will. And even though I don't feel really "injured" anymore, I know I'll still be UA a long time. I played two sports in high school and always felt like I knew what I was doing in a gym, but UA has shown me how much I really was missing going to the gym on my own. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Fantastic experience: I sing Underground Athlete's praises everyday to my friends and family. --The fantastic TRAINERS are knowledgeable and offer extensive nutrition and conditioning information. They are always friendly professionals who motivate exercisers with a "work hard for your rewards" attitude. When I think I can't do more, Justin (owner and trainer) and Matt (trainer) encourage me to dig deeper and do more. I know Justin and Matt are as committed to my health as I am. --The encouraging MEMBERS literally cheer each other on. Whether they are newbies or gym rats (fat or fit), they recognize and encourage hard work when they see it. They celebrate each others' successes and empathize with each others' struggles to progress. However, don't think people stand around watching you work. Heck no! In an hour of training, every person is busy completing his/her customized workout and leave with a breathless "good job" or "nice work". --Even before its recent renovations,the GYM was worth the drive. There's plenty of clean, new equipment and space for individual workouts without the "fitness factory" feel of corporate gyms. Underground Athlete also boasts great hours for any schedule. --As every infomercial and fitness trainer will tell you, RESULTS will vary; however, if you follow Justin's recommended fitness and nutrition guidelines, you will see RESULTS. MY EXPERIENCE I met 2 trainers and paid (I didn't really do anything) 3 different gyms before a friend promised me Justin Case, the Miracle Worker, "would change my life". The other trainers barely assessed my needs and abilities before taking my cash; one even skipped sessions (That's what I do. I didn't need a trainer who was less motivated to show up than I was.) On the other hand, Justin assessed the damage (more than 100 lbs overweight, foot pain, leg pain, hip pain, back pain, imbalance, and more) and discussed my goals. We also discussed my obstacles (poor motivation and boredom after a couple months) none of which the previous trainers and gyms questioned. While he couldn't remove my obstacles, he insisted I could not be a client if I didn't commit to the better health and nutrition. NO FLAKING ALLOWED. I agreed and started with changing my diet, according to Justin's specifications, and keeping a diet diary. A week later, my first exercises were probably easy for others, but I knelt on the floor gasping for breath several times that first week. I'd never been an athlete or even physical, yet Justin didn't go easy on me. Still at the end of each session, I was proud with what I'd accomplished. And I kept coming back for more and never missing a chance to workout. By the end of the first month, my pain (which I'd experienced for over 4 months) was gone. Within 8 weeks, I'd lost 20 lbs. As I write this, I'm finishing my sixth month. I've lost nearly 60lbs; plus I can fit into a size 16 (I wore size 24 when I joined the gym). Still there's no whining about the workout (ok, no serious whining); no the sweat, sore muscles, and breathless panting are just "weakness leaving the body". More importantly, my attitude has changed. I admit I still slack off in my diet diary and some days a Hershey's Kiss cannot be ignored, but I have developed discipline that I thought I was incapable of. I feel stronger, more flexible, and faster than ever. I am excited to workout and eager for fitness challenges (Tough Mudder in June).

Fantastic experience: What is it about this place, that makes me feel i belong here? It would be unfair to say it is only because justin case is a phenomenal trainer who leads by example, but it is the culture that he created, which makes us feel like we are all a big family who encourage and support each other in achieving our goals. I would say if you are looking to find a place where workouts are not just a boring part of the day, but feel more like a journey to a better stronger you, look no further

Fantastic experience: Been training here for many years. Staff and programming are fantastic. Community at the gym is a great motivator as well.

Fantastic experience: Joined here(only for around 3 months before I had to relocate), and everything was great. The way they organized workout sessions(one of the best experiences that you would get here), fitness plans that you can choose from for a decent price, and the coaches... they are very knowledgeable, and so professional.

Fantastic experience: Just scroll down through these reviews to see how much people love being a part of the UA family. I've been going to UA for three years, and I will never go anywhere else as long as I live in the area. The coaches work with you on your goals, help you work through injuries, and provide a positive reinforcement on health and wellness without being judgmental. They set up plenty of zoom sessions to keep us working out during the pandemic. If you have only been to big box gyms before, try this out. You won't regret it!

Fantastic experience: I've been a member of Underground Athlete since 2016. I have no idea what the typical membership tenure is for a gym, but I bet it's a lot lower than 5+ years. What keeps me coming back? Lots of things, but primarily, the coaches. Every coach I've worked with is dedicated, knowledgeable, encouraging, and eager to help you define and meet your personal goals. To be a coach at UA means you are devoted to the complete well-being of others. I also enjoy the people I work out with. Members are older and younger, in-shape and working-on-it, a diverse group cultural backgrounds and abilities -- all cheering each other on. I encourage anyone who is serious about improving their health to consider UA, whether you want to build muscle, increase mobility, lose weight, improve your mental health, or simply feel better in general.

Fantastic experience: I've been at Underground Athlete for about three and a half years, and it has been the best gym I've ever been to. The coaches are attentive and motivating, and are always willing to make necessary changes to programs due to injury. They did a fantastic job during the COVID-19 pandemic of keeping members moving by switching to virtual sessions, and then, when they reopened, made sure the gym was set up with proper social distancing measures. They truly care about the members who go not just to work out, but to feel a sense of community and belonging. I recently moved to Rockville from Fairfax, but I am still working out with UA both online and virtually because the way I see it, the workouts are fantastic but the people are better.

Fantastic experience: I've been a member at Underground Athlete (UA) over two years at this point, and by far this is the longest I have spent at any gym ever. Over the years I've tried everything out there - from multiple Crossfit boxes to Orange Theory to hole in wall 1 room gyms. Its not that i did not like any of others, but the difference between them and UA has been the coaches and how they work with you. The coaches at UA play a huge part in why the gym has lot of long timers, and their terrific ability to adapt and work with you to make you fitter. I've not felt this stronger or fitter in a long time and I strongly attribute it to UA. Sure you may break a sweat at other places & get a decent workout in, but if you are looking at getting stronger & building enduring fitness over time, then UA is the place to be!

Fantastic experience: They are very friendly and keep you motivated. They will cater a plan to fit your goals and help you with understanding the workouts and proper form.

Fantastic experience: It is not easy to find a group of coaches who will listen to you, your needs, your health issues, and then keep adjusting the workouts tirelessly so we, the clients, benefit from each session. 2 car accidents, 1 lower back surgery, 2 knee surgeries later, and currently with joint and back issues, but hey, they still manage to figure out what works for me. Today, I am feeling healthy and strong, thanks mostly to Underground Athlete. I have played sports and worked out all my life - from yoga to competitive sports, and my body needs me to keep moving. I have trained at various gyms, but now I have found THE PLACE where I am going to train for the rest of my life. Getting fit in my fifties to be strong in my sixties and beyond. Forever grateful for Justin, Andrew, Clay, and George, and at UA we are a nice big family. Where else will you find that added bonus?

Fantastic experience: Working with the team at Underground Athlete has been the best decision I've made for my exercising goal. The support the coaches give me helps me work with my physical challenges. They are both professional and caring and want me, (all of us), to be successful. Once you step through their door, you know that you have found the gym that goes the extra mile.

Fantastic experience: I’ve belonged to a few “big box” gyms over the years, and UA is far and away a superior experience. The coaches know their stuff and know their members personally. The workouts are challenging and vary enough to keep things interesting, and the small group experience is a highly motivational way to train. I’m especially impressed with the way the UA team handled the pivot to virtual workouts during the pandemic. To sum up... 5 stars. Would recommend.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Professionalism , Quality After working out at UA for over a year, I can never go to a commercial gym again. Every cent is worth it. In small-group training, the coaches create custom workouts for accommodate your fitness goals while addressing any functional/injury issues. My only regret is that I didn't start coming here sooner!

Fantastic experience: This is definitely a special place. During COVID we're never lost a training day. As soon as the order for guns to close we were able to check out kettlebells & bands & some people opted to check out some dumbbells. We were up and running on Zoom the next day. The coaches created 3 training options: bodyweight only, kettlebell/ bodyweight/ bands, or regular gym equipment if you have a home gym. You just Signed up for your Zoom online session & the coach is right there live to watch & correct form. When gyms were allowed to reopen they had everything all laid out for social distancing work out stations. Everything is sanitized & wiped down after each session. Sessions have always been limited to no more than 9 member at a time but now sessions are capped at 6. Ive been going back in person since the beginning of July & feel great & absolutely safe. Temperatures are checked before you enter & there's LOTS of hand sanitizer. Underground Athlete is still doing the online sessions ad well as group training like HITT & Team Training. This is a gym that really cares about the health & wellness of its members & has lots of membership options including nutrition tracking & coaching.

Fantastic experience: I joined a few months ago and it was the best decision I could have made. The instructors are top notch-highly trained and focused on making sure you are doing every exercise correctly. I have serious knee issues and they manage to find alternatives to avoid further injury while strengthening the knee. Best gym/workout in the area.

Fantastic experience: The trainers at this gym are amazing! I signed up for a 3 week trial and by week 2 I knew I wanted to stay. The small class size ensures that you’re working properly while still being accountable to both the trainers and other gym users.

Positive experience: It’s been almost two years since I decided to first become a member of this gym. I have already been through different programs. Recently, I’ve been going only for the boxing and a few minutes on the treadmill. It’s a great place to work out

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym. Coaches know what they are doing beyond any other place I've trained. Good equipment and group sizes are small. The coaches really care. This is a place where you go and become part of a team and family where everyone cares about your success.

Fantastic experience: If you want to get stronger with a bunch of like minded folks and dedicated trainerscoaches you should join us!

Fantastic experience: My second home. Enough said.

Fantastic experience: Great team of coaches, I was very active a few years back but then had had multiple surgeries and injuries and thought I wouldn't be able to be physically fit again but these guys are great and cater to exactly what I need. When I was on my own I would constantly injure myself because I didn't know how to program around my issues but they've returned an important part of my life back to me

Fantastic experience: Fun store

Fantastic experience: So glad that I was referred to this awesome gym! I had some prior injuries that I was worried about and the staff has been amazing with me to make sure I do not injure myself again! It has a great family environment and everyone is very motivating during class! I am happy and look forward to going there and have seen nothing but positive results!

Fantastic experience: I can't say enough about the wonderful experience I have had at Underground Athlete. After being very consistent with my workouts, I feel into a rut and stopped working out. I'm glad to say I am now back to my everyday workouts. I look forward to going into the gym. This has been one of the best workout experiences that I have had. The trainers are genuinely concerned and motivate you to do your best.

Fantastic experience: Semi private training to meet your individual goals. Great community at a reasonable cost. Strength and good health are worth the investment!