BodySmith Gym & Studios

This gym has great equipment (Woodway treadmills, Jacobs Ladder) and they have good instructors in their classes. They also have nice and well-​stocked locker rooms.
The one major downside is that they have really dirty floors. There is a lot of dust and hair on the floor in the main group fitness room, and it’s pretty unpleasant.

Use this gym 3 – 5 times per week and love the equipment. 7 squat racks, bumper plates, platform, 2 sets of dumbbells up to 100 lbs and kettlebells up to 30kg. They let you use chalk and don’t mind if you drop the weights if you need to bail out of a lift which was the deciding factor for me. Foam rollers, bands, plenty of machines, solid stuff. Not a huge fan of the particular brand of machines (I’m a big proponent of HammerSmith which would also fit the branding better). Also the only gym in town with strongman equiptment including axel bar, log press, farmer carry, and a tire. Also have a cambered bar and a safety bar for those interested. Overall equipment selection gets an A.
Gym staff is friendly and makes a huge effort to remember names and faces. They take care of their regulars. Not a bad winter party either every year. Staff B+
They could use dumbbells that go up to 120 or 150, I’ve seen members and staff using dumbbells with small plates stacked on top to achieve heavier weight which isn’t super safe. Better than not being able to lift.
As others have noted where this place falls down is billing. I won’t go into particulars but I had a not so great experience with the billing system when I was unexpectedly charged $ 500. In the end it was sorted out but it definitely makes it feel like they need more admin or sales staff to help out. D+ for business side.

I’ve spent 5 years in DC being frustrated with the shortcomings of various other gyms — Then I joined BodySmith.
Pros: Bright open concept floor-​plan; focus on weight lifting, but also offers great group classes; I’m able to get in and out without ever having to «work in» between someone’s sets (even during peak hours!); affordable.
Cons: Isn’t the most spa focused gym I’ve been a member of (no steam room, sauna, etc.) but somehow I don’t miss this at all. The convenience and practicality outweighs any of these frills.
Special shout out to Kenneth who was always quick to respond to my emails regarding membership, and to Chris who managed to get me signed up and working out in less than 5 minutes on my first day. Honestly the entire staff is super helpful and attentive. To my point, one of the trainers saw me looking at a machine with a puzzled look and came over to explain, with no smugness, how it works.
Overall, this gym is great if you want to set solid fitness goals and avoid the intimidation that usually keeps you from achieving them.

I spoke with the owner and he was genuinely interested in my feedback. He was responsive and cared about what I had to say.
If you’re looking for a gym and live in the 14^th St. neighborhood, this is your place.

Unfriendly staff, hair on all the workout room floors and bathroom, very few cardio machines & the juice stand connected has fruit that looks past its prime.
The classes always started late & the yoga class was not at all challening – and I’m not that great at yoga.
I also saw them be really cruel to an obviously mentally ill homeless man that wandered in during heavy snow.

I was surprised that a gym like this exists in DC. It is a weight lifters dream. Two floors with complete dumbbell sets in 2.5 lb increments, 8 total squat racks (not smith machines!), and just enough of everything else you need to target every muscle group. They have very nice cardio equipment to include a Jacob’s ladder, and very popular group fitness classes from what I’ve observed.
They have all of this at a price that bets out every competitor in the area, and surprisingly it’s never crowded. This is truly an amazing value for a gym in DC.

Having moved from an amazing gym in San Diego to DC one year ago, I’ve been in search of «the perfect gym.» Every gym in the DMV has a plethora of group fitness classes, and this one is no different… but I’m not a group class person. Every gym has plenty of cardio equipment, and this one is no different… but I’m not a cardio bunny (although they DO get bonus points for having a Jacob’s Ladder). Why are they different? I can actually get a proper work out in here!
There are 8 power racks with plenty of bands and chains. I no longer have to wait an hour to squat like I did at the over-​priced «nightclub gym» around the corner. They also have plenty of free weights that increase by 2.5 lb increments, rather than the standard 5 lb increments at other gyms. I also appreciated that they had body bars, kettle balls, plenty of cables and resistance machines, and foam rollers. Want to do a CrossFit style workout? They have rings, an Oly platform, and giant tires. I also appreciate their free workout towels (cleanliness points!) and cold, wet towels with a heavenly herbal scent. I haven’t hired a trainer here, but I’ve been really impressed with the trainers that I’ve seen working with clients here. I used to cringe at trainers at another unnamed gym in the area. I’d see them texting while their client quarter-​squatted an unsafe load or standing next to the treadmill, as their client spent 20 minutes of the paid-​training time on a treadmill. I’ve noticed that (most of) the trainers here seem to know what they’re doing, explain the science to their clients, and are conscious of safety and form.

I went to this gym for roughly a year. I was able to get in way better workouts here than I could at VIDA. It may not have as much equipment but you have more space to do your workouts. Coupled with classes, you have everything you need.
What makes this place really exceptional though was my trainer, Kenneth Seldon. He put together a program for me for 6 months of strenuous military training I was about to undertake. Not until after did I realize just how tailored what he created for me was based on our conversation. He clearly put real thought into it as my legs and core strength were enough to get me through the hardest humps. I still put his workouts into my routines to this day, and they are some of the most effective and enjoyable I have.

I got my first job here as a personal trainer. I enjoyed my coworkers, and my clients. I love the fact Body Smith turned itself into a 1-​on-​1 personal training studio into an actual fitness facility. They have some kick ass group fitness classes, and a few knowledgable trainers (Jimmy, Erwin, Shane). I also like the fact they included a Juice Bar. People, get your recovery going ASAp after an intense workout.

I’ve been to every gym in the inner NW and this was my favorite. I’m sad I’m moving away from it. It’s not too packed and has a decent mix of equipment relative to the needs of the patrons. It’s a great space and I had no problems with billing or quitting my membership when i needed to. It is small but it’s neighborhood gym and is a great option for those in the nearby area. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 due to hours, if it was open one extra hour at night I would have been able to stay here.

I got an email for my birthday for one free training session, but wasn’t eligible because I had used it before. Bodysmith wrote back (Thanks Shane) and gave me a hugely discounted rate.
I went for Martin whose class I had attended before for some help with cleans. He did an excellent job with a particularly thick headed student. Basically, he broke the movement down into three separate parts and then brought the whole thing together.
I would definitely recommend Bodysmith for the trainers and the no bullshit gym. It’s awesome.

BodySmith is pretty clutch.
I’ve been a 5x/​week worker outer for about two months now. I have been super disgruntled because although I go pretty hard on the treadmill/​elliptical/​bike, I’ve only noticed very small changes in my legs (mostly) and I have a really hard time getting sore. I realized that this is because I’m repeating the same movement over and over again – and even though the resistance may be different, the body still develops an «immunity» to whatever it is that you’re doing.
A good friend of mine works out at BodySmith and suggested I try a couple of classes. I have been to abs, FIT, Tsunami, and spin. Let’s start with the weak and move to the strong.
Abs was kind of weak – the girl was in awesome shape and super sweet but she was going extra fast and didn’t really seem to be counting. In an effort to keep up with her, I found myself sacrificing form and just cheating – not doing as many reps. The spin class was pretty intense – the girl who taught it was great and accommodating but her music was awful. Comically so: as soon as we’d get to the hyphy part of the song, it’d be time to slow down. As soon as we’d start getting really crazy on the bike, the song would taper off. It was pretty hilarious. The thing is – music is SUCH a huge part of spinning that it’s important to have a music set and just tailor your spin to that. (IMHO).
FIT– taught by Martin. Martin’s kind of serious. He goes around and tells people when they’re fucking up or their form is shit, which is pretty awesome. I think a lot of the folks in the class were a bit intimidated by him, but I think he’s a really kind person and I enjoyed his class. I was pretty exhausted afterwards, which – for me – is the mark of a good workout.
And finally, Tsunami with Anabell. One thing: she seems not to realize that not everyone is SuperWoman. No doubt about it – the woman has a killer body and she’s fast and bla bla bla. Most people in that class are not in her fitness level. Fuck that – nobody in that class is in her fitness level. She hits you with a pretty serious move and looks at you askew when your fat ass can’t manage it. I like that about her, because it’s challenging and that’s why I’m there – but Anabell, fergadssakes, maybe give us a couple of modifications next time you ask us to do a single handed plank tsunami roll (that sounds like sushi).
Overall, BodySmith is awesome. It’s clean, the facility is great, the people are respectful, it’s never too crowded, and the trainers are awesome. And there’s also a juice bar in there – which is awesome if you’d like to forego a day’s salary just to grab a fresh juice.
And, most importantly, I’m starting to already notice small differences in my body, which was the goal of this whole adventure!

Solid 3.5 stars. I’m not a gym person as I much prefer to do my excercising out in the open. BodySmith Gym however, made me want to consider a membership, at least for this year’s winter that seemed to drag. For those who are skeptical to join a gym, BodySmith offers a full week’s membership which I took advantage of. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to attend a boxing class, one of their more popular and intense courses I’ve heard.
When I went to spinning for the first time, the instructor was very kind and gave me quick tutorial on how to use the bike and set it up. The class itself was decent enough. I’m just not that into spinning, but it was enjoyable. The gym is small and has a local, neighborhood-​y feel. Since I’m not a gym person, it did take me a little bit of time to figure out the treadmill. I’m sure a gym regular would be able to figure this out in no time. The gym is small which worked better for me. It didn’t seem too overbearing with tons of machinery. Manageable for someone with little gym experience.

I am a huge fan of this gym. I was given a free membership for 1 month as part of a Whole Foods Challenge. It is never too crowded, the classes are fun and welcoming, and the equipment is top-​notch. I also especially love the cold, aromatic towels they have by the locker rooms. There are lots of personal touches at the gym that make me excited to go.
The locker rooms are always clean and stocked with a great supply of lotions, shampoos, razors, and more. I really couldn’t ask for anything else from a gym! Especially in such a great location.
During one of the big snows this winter, Bodysmith posted on Facebook that they would allow anyone whose gym was closed to come work out for free that day. My roommate was so grateful that Bodysmith was so accommodating. We will both be joining this gym soon.
Thanks for being awesome, Bodysmith!

I love BodySmith. It’s a friendly neighborhood gym. Everyone knows my name and makes me feel welcome. I never have trouble getting into a class or on a machine.
The trainers are knowledgeable and motivating. I have NEVER gotten hurt in any training session or group class.
I needed a gym that I liked going to — that’s BodySmith on 14^th Street.

This review is about the management and lack of professionalism at BodySmith. My husband was a member for about 6 months, but, when we moved to a different neighborhood, he wanted to cancel his membership. The month before wanting to cancel, we went into the gym and told them we’d like to cancel his membership the next month. The receptionist said ‘no problem’, just send an email to Chris, one of our staff. Even though we gave notice around the 10^th, the receptionist assured us, we would not be charged for the next month. Next month comes around and we’re billed for that month. My husband emails Chris again and explains what happened and asked if we could get that month’s bill refunded and never received a reply. Miscommunication and lack of professionalism will prevent me from recommending BodySmith to friends.

This gym sucks. The owner Stuart is a shyster. He will charge your monthly membership twice and now is expecting his existing members to pay an initiation fee again since he decided to move to a new space. Additionally, he is increasing the cost 50% to almost $ 400 a month. Has he looked around the neighborhood to see his competition is significantly under cutting him? It is a new gym, but the showers and toilets keep breaking. When you complain about, he just gives you the excuse of how much financial pressure he is under because he over extended himself. Stay away and check the other gyms.
Be prepared to pay for training packages well in advance of your current subscription running out so they can make payroll. I kid you not.
BTW, I never heard from Stuart’s lawyer. He did send me this private message: «I was just alerted of your review last night at dinner by a friend of mine. I’d appreciate it if you’d contact me so we can discuss what you’ve put into the public domain. At best you are confused and misinformed, and at worst you are actively trying to negatively affect my business by posting erroneous information. Either way, I’d like to speak to you about what you’ve written so I can try to make some sense of it. I see no information in our system for a Corey K that helps to corroborate your story, but it occurred to me that you might be using a false name. I can be reached at 202−468−0853 or
.»

But it is more like 3.5. Just for the new gym on 14^th as a membership. Really solid if you like to workout by yourself and dont need a class/​instructor. They grasp the new reality of working out pretty well… tons of machines are a dated thing. Instead, they have racks of med balls, kettle bells, power bands, etc. The space is also nice and industrial feeling. I wish they would make it a bit warmer and add some pullup and dip bars, but ⁴⁄₅ aint bad.

Ive trained here quite a few times for the boxing classes with Abraham. Abraham is great but the problem is with the manager, Jimmy. This guy is a total jerk. Once I was kicking a punching bag and he ran up to me rudely and said I couldn’t do that. Dude it’s a freaking punching bag, and I can’t kick it?
Also he takes Abraham’s class from time to time and during it he would interrupt my workout to give me pointers in a condescending way. If you look at his technique he is clearly an amateur. He should leave that up to Abraham. Guy likes to push his weight around
All and all this is a great place to box but until Jimmy goes, I don’t plan on going back

This gym is bloody brilliant!
Since joining about 4 months ago I’ve really enjoyed the classes and have noticed fantastic results in my fitness levels. It has helped to shake up the boring gym routine of lifting weights and running — now I’m flipping tire trucks and pulling/​pushing sleds stacked with weights in Martin’s Functional Interval Training classes, and occasionally I join a boxing class to work out the day’s stresses.
The trainers are extremely knowledgeable and provide useful feedback in every class, all the while pushing and encouraging you to achieve your goals. The facilities are great and there are exciting days ahead with the expansion of the Logan Circle gym into a much larger site next door.
Well priced and better than the stuffy gyms nearby in the neighborhood. Take my word for it — Body Smith is the best training gym in DC.