Rock Creek Sports Club

Pretty cool gym. I can say I’m a fan for the price and friendly atmosphere. No only really acts like a prick so thats always a good thing.
The prices are very good for a gym of their size. The big selling point for me were the olympic weightlifting style platforms downstairs. They have two, so if your an olympic weightlifter like myself then this is a nice option if you don’t like to pay for crossfit boxes (which there is nothing wrong with =D).
They also have showers and a sauna in each the mens and womens bathrooms. Fitness classes of all types and all different types of cardio machines such as Concept 2 rowers!
Like I said for the price, you definitely get a lot of hang for your buck.

Great gym! Has everything I need and then some. Never overcrowded, always clean, and great customer service! Highly recommended.

Hadji has been WONDERFUL. Were it not for his thoughtful matching of me with the amazing trainer, Isiejah Allen, I wouldn’t be dozens (just two; STILL, lol) of pounds lighter, inches leaner, and incredibly healthier today. In fact? I’d not likely be a member, were it not for this duo’s warmth and professionally friendly personas. Alone, they easily account for 3 of the 4 stars in my rating.
(I have had one negative and noteworthy front-​office experience, so beware: a saleswoman tried to commit me to a months’-long individual training contract by running out of the gym after me. I was appalled.)
People-​wise, I find the club relatively low-​key. The group classes I’ve observed (especially the dance-​as-​workout and spin classes) seem to be enthusiastically attended by members. The clientele is older (which I appreciate); workouts are pretty quiet (with the occasional grunters and weight-​droppers); people seem more individually– and inward-​focused (versus chatty and social). There are times the realm is clearly infused with enthusiastic new energy, which can accompany groups of young people and/​or potential members interested in the group classes. Re: the facilities: the women’s locker room is well stocked with personal supplies, has a small sauna, is well-​lighted, and clean. Nearly every machine seems consistently functional (unlike other gyms I’ve visited). Towels are plentiful. Sanitizing wipes are abundant. The location is great for me (not too far nor too close from home). Recommendation: if you can’t get Isiejah Allen, try Kolon Diallo: I’ve worked with him more than several times. Though his training is very different from what I am used to, I found it equally amazing (I can’t speak for the other trainers; I don’t know a thing about their abilities or personalities).
4 out of 5 stars.

Very inviting and complete local health club. The price of membership is very reasonable for the area and the access to equipment and classes is seldom if ever a problem.
If you have a question, ask a staff member. The front desk folks are all very nice and helpful to boot.

Have been going here for 2 years now and I like it. Prefer it over the big companies like Golds and LA which I also used to be a part of. I can’t say I’ve had any weird fees here — I was only ever charged my membership fee. I didn’t pay a cancellation fee or initiation fee though you do need to cancel 1 month ahead of time. Craig who does bootcamp is great, and they used to have some awesome Zumba teachers. Haven’t been to Zumba in a while so not sure now but the gym itself is clean and orderly and staff is friendly. All the classes are great and equipment is all new and up to date. I would definitely recommend it! I drive twenty min to get here so I would say it’s worth it.

A disappointing experience with recruiter. The gym itself is clean and fairly decent, but suffers from massively insensitive recruitment sensibilities as well as shady contract terms.
I dropped in on 3 classes and very nearly joined (literally I was 2 seconds from handing over my credit card because the gym is close to my house, which I feel is very important), but ultimately I went with my gut and decided against it due to unprofessional, pushy salesmanship from one of the recruiter guys. He offered a contract that contradicts itself and told me that it was the only way. So I naturally chose the highway.
1. No respect for your contact preferences or data.
If you give them your real information during drop-​ins, they may call you day and night to recruit you without asking your permission. They called my phone at least twice even though I never gave them permission. They sent me an email when I never gave them permission. I’ll bet they’ll mail me crap I don’t want even though I never gave them permission. This does not bode well.
2. Very tacky, pushy recruitment guy on staff.
The second time I dropped in, I had come for yoga in hopes of alleviating my serious migraine. The unconscientious recruiter tried to talk to me before I went to yoga, and only relented when he realized I had come just to try out that class and not listen to his sales pitch.
I was exhausted after the class ended and wanted to go straight home, but he called me to his office and started to lay out his spiel, even though at that point I told him I had a migraine. Seriously. I really would have preferred to leave and discuss it when half of my skull was not throbbing to pieces, but I listened and asked relevant questions because that’s how I was raised. To try to be polite. But had the yoga not relaxed me, I might have been tempted to give HIM a migraine somehow and teach him some empathy.
The last straw was when the same recruiter, who was clearly a foreigner (thick accent), tried to teach *me*, a born and bred American, what our contract laws are. (This is not a great idea.)
3. Fee + Fee + Fee +.
Even if you’re doing a month-​to-​month, understand that depending on the exact promotions going on, you may be hit with an enrollment fee and a processing fee almost immediately, and then a nonnegotiable annual equipment upgrade fee at some designated point during the year. Those fees can add up to hundreds of dollars extra per year.
4. Tiny font hiding possible surprise changes to your monthly amount in the future
In addition to this, the Rock Creek Sports Club contract is printed on 2 sheets in nigh-​illegibly tiny font. If you opt to squint through the first page or so, somewhere in there is a clause that reserves the club’s right to raise the fees anytime it wishes in accordance to fluctuating Maryland taxes. I’ve never had to deal with this anywhere else.
Normally at health clubs, if one signs up with for x/​month, it stays that way until one leaves or upgrades or downgrades. Even if they decide to raise the fee for new, incoming members, the existing members are grandfathered in. But the RCSC contract affords no such protection to its month-​to-​month members. According to that contract, they could jack up the prices to exorbitant levels the very next month, and I’d be caught unawares, in need of finding a new gym. No, thank you.
5. Sales guy went back on his original claim
He originally said I wouldn’t be allowed to pay in cash. Later, he said I could. Not very inspiring of trust.
6. Offers contract that contradicts itself.
The sales guy had offered an OK deal in orally, and said he would attach a handwritten sheet spelling out the details of our particular agreement, but when I pointed out his offer was in direct conflict with the existing terms of the contract and requested that the contract simply be edited electronically, he refused.
So either that is suspicious behavior or he doesn’t actually have the authority to attach addenda. Neither situation works. As I said, he was a paragon of shady and unprofessional salesmanship.
Summary
There were many pros to this gym. Else I would not have considered it. But be careful and aware of what you’re getting yourself into and think twice before giving them your real contact information.

I love this gym. It is clean, never crowded, the people who work there are always pleasant, and the classes are excellent. I love the fact that there are signs in the locker room discouraging you from using strong scents as some members are allergic. This is very considerate and, really, who wants to smell someone’s strawberry perfume or whatever? Best of all is the sauna.

I love this gym. It’s not too big and I’ve never experienced it being over crowded. They do an excellent job keeping it clean too! I never took a class here but I did use my free training sessions when I signed up which were fun and informative.
The interior of the gym is beautifully designed and lit too!
I would highly recommend this gym to anyone in south silver spring! And parking is a cinch!

I’ve been going to this gym for about a decade. I like it because it is very much a neighborhood gym. Members are of an array of ages and cultural backgrounds. It is friendly. My main interest is the spin classes. They have added a lot in the past two years. I usually go in the late morning. A rigorous one that blends in light weights is at 10:00 am with Sean on Wednesdays. When I miss spin, I ride on an Expresso bike. I like to listen to the variety of music that Expresso bikes provide. I sweat more on an Expresso bike than any other stationary bike. The gym offers small group training classes. Four or five people will work out with a trainer doing weight-​bearing activity. I was in one of these small group training sessions with Rob. We were all 40+ aged women. It didn’t matter that he was a lot younger than us and that he had muscles like Popeye. His positive energy was contagious. We had great comradery. I can’t think of anything that particularly bothers me about this gym. There is a place to lock your bike outside.

I have been a member of RCSC for at least 10 years now. I haven’t belonged to other gyms, so I don’t have a comparison to make, but I am very happy with my experience. The staff are all friendly and helpful, the equipment has been expanded significantly and offers just about anything you could want or imagine. Most of the time, I take regular classes: yoga with Claudia or Suzanne, boot camp with Julie, Marian, or Craig. All of these instructors are highly effective, well-​informed and motivating. Awesome classes keep me coming back! I love the general neighborhood vibe of the place, with lots of different people, backgrounds, and interests. I have also had excellent experience with the small group personal training classes, which offer new/​different things to try with lots of individual attention from the trainer, but at less cost than hiring a personal trainer.

Wonderful neighborhood gym! Special shout out to Charles at the front desk – always greeting with a smile. Love taking classes with Sean – great cardio kickboxing. Nothing fancy, but price is right. Parking easy. They’ve done a lot of improvements in the last year. I definitely recommend if you live or work close by.

I’m a member of three gyms and have been going to a DC-​area gym for over 30 years so have a basis for comparison.
Rock Creek consists of two floors: A light and airy upper floor with machines and treadmills/​bikes and a lower man cave with free weights.
Pros: I like Rock Creek due to parking convenience during the weekdays. Some of the workout machines upstairs are new. When you can find an open treadmill, there are plenty of television sets to watch as you walk/​run. The membership guy is very nice and is customer service-​oriented even after he has your money. I can’t say much about the rest of the staff as I try to dodge them every chance they try to up-​sell a workout package I don’t want or need. They tried this frequently until I pulled a «Bethesda» on them and just didn’t even look them in the eye when they tried to up-​sell. I’m no longer bothered by them anymore and am very proud of this accomplishment.
Most of the members are very friendly and are either very young or very old. I’m in the middle and actually like this place over the 20-​something Bethesda «my parents bought me a condo and I party every night» crowd. I find my conversations with the older retired folks to be very rewarding and I actually look forward to seeing some people.
Cons: Forget about parking here between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on the weekends. Finding a parking space will stress you out more than the workout will de-​stress you. Between the good food at the deli next door and the gym, parking during these times is nearly impossible to find unless you circle the parking lot like a vulture.
What others write about the trainers hogging the machines is TRUE. What a pain in the backside it is when you know what you are doing and the trainers have a client who has no clue and spends 20 minutes on one piece of workout equipment. I don’t find this with trainers at other gyms. They ask if their client can «work in» and share a machine with you. I find this completely acceptable and a standard practice and a win/​win for all involved. I’d like it if the gym trained the trainers in a proper way to share the exercise machines with other paying customers.
The men’s locker room is disgusting, old and needs updating. Other reviewers write about older, naked men walking around and it’s true! It’s not just the walking; rather, it’s the sitting there for hours completely naked trying to talk to everyone that walks into the locker room. EWWWW. When I’m walking in to do my business, I don’t want to get involved in a long conversation with another guy who has nothing better to do than sit there completely naked. Outside of the locker room, fully-​clothed is fine. I’m told the women’s locker room is a palace compared to the men’s.
Now to the weight room downstairs: It constantly smells like a horses’ backside and sweat. No ventilation at all. With the low lighting, it feels like a small cave. Smells get trapped down there. Equipment needs upgrading. There isn’t a lot of room to workout as the room is small. I don’t see a lot of women working-​out down there for obvious reasons. I’d like to see this room upgraded with more light, proper ventilation and new equipment.
If this cave were upgraded and more inviting, I’d upgrade my rating to four stars for a decent neighborhood gym.

My husband and I have been going to RC for about 6 months now and it’s by far the best gym I’ve ever been too. Below is my list of reasons why in order of best service
1. Child care! As a mommy with a 7 month old this is crucial for me. This club should be applauded for the level of child care they provide. Their child care staff are friendly, warm, very capable and truly take care of your child as if they were your own. They feed you child, change diapers and of course play with them. They are completely hands on and my son loves the ladies there. I have to commend the trainers as well… A few times I’ve come in to pick up my son and the place has been so packed with children that a PT came in to help the ladies. Obviously that’s not in their job requirement so it’s wonderful they took time to help when things got busy. It shows good character and team work. Really I cannot say enough wonderful things about the child care!
2. Group classes. I’ve taken a variety of classes here but my favs are bootcamps, cardio kickboxing and cardio dance. I’ve lost 30lbs from these classes (no joke!) because they are fun and very active which keeps me wanting to come back each week. The cardio dance is a ton of fun and awesome to watch the instructor. He’s high energy and very graceful! I took a yoga class recently abd it was sub-​pare (my only complaint). I’m an advanced yog practicitioner and know some truly great instructors. This particular instructor (whom I won’t name) would not stop talking. She barely gave variations or modifications which caused half the class (mainly the older students) to leave. I felt badly for the people who left because there is nothing worse then getting to the gym then having such a bad class you leave. It’s disrespectful of people’s time to not pay attention to their needs
3. Locker room — love it! Always clean, great sauna, has razors, shampoo, conditioner, everything you need to get clean. Towels are a good size. It’s great for my husband the most so he can workout before work, shower then head to the office.
4. Price — it’s a great cost for a couple for all you grt. Child care is extra but not a ton extra.
5. Equipment — plenty of stuff available. I’ve never had to wait for anything. Clean, up-​to-​date.
The only cons would be the (one) yoga class I took that the young girl at the front desk with a ton of attitude but other then that it’s really the best gym especially for busy moms!
** some people beloa commented on the clientele being all teenagers and I think that is so far from the truth. Everyone I have seen have been older (adults in the 30’s-70’s!) it’s a good mix and everyone is friendly and respectful of each other’s space.
*** last comment on the commenters below… This about the nudity in the locker rooms… IT’S A LOCKER ROOM!!! People are changing, people are showering! They have to get naked to do it. Please lower your eyes, be respectful and grow up.

Do you LOVE dealing with your cable company? Then you will feel right at home at RCSC. Where to begin…
1) PRICE — I paid $ 60 per month for the privelidge. During the term of my membership, they added an additional annual fee to cover the cost of some new equipment. Wait a minute, so where exactly is my monthly fee going? Ugh.
2) LOCATION/​HOURS — Location was convenient for me since I worked in the area, but unless you live in the vicinity, it is really far outside Silver Spring. I am a night owl, so the hours really sucked for me. Worst was the 7PM closing time on weekends. Are they for real? I have gone on several late-​night jogs around the neighborhood just because I wanted to exercise.
3) FACILITIES — The building is small but pretty nice. Members and staff contribute to keeping the place clean. You won’t get your stuff stolen, which is a plus, but it’s probably because the locker room is usually attended by naked, hairy old men. Double ugh…
4) EQUIPMENT — As previously mentioned, they recently splurged on some new Nautilus «full-​motion» machines. This being a small gym, however, they really only have one or two of any given machine (‘cept treadmills/​bikes). Other reviews talk about staff hogging the machines, and this is a true fact. The weight room is often frustrating to navigate when there are more than a few people.
5) CLASSES/​TRAINING — The classes are actually pretty good, but they never meshed that well with my work schedule. I have had a positive experience with the few I attended. Personal training was OK. As other members have mentioned, Devin (my assigned trainer) is kind of abrasive and not that helpful. He is a competent weight-​lifter, but not a great teacher. My «personalized workout plan» consisted of some sets/​reps scribbled on printer paper. Really?
6) EXIT PROCESS — This will tell you the most about a gym’s attitude to customer service. I just moved to the west coast in the beginning of July, and I called RCSC to cancel my membership on July 4. Even though I was across the country and therefore unable to use their gym any longer, they still charged me for the entire month of July. Ridiculous! They did a pro-​rated fee when I joined (at the middle of the month), so there is no physical reason why they can’t do the same on my way out. They explained this to me as a «great deal», since if I had waited a few days longer, I would have been charged for August as well.
Unless you live within short walking distance, I really cannot see a reason to use Rock Creek. You can either pay the same for a bigger club (like WSC) and get a lot more for your money, or make use of the many more affordable gyms in the area.

I went to this gym for a little over a year. I left because although the gym had decent equipment selection, the staff was horrible, and management made a lot of idiotic decisions.
I paid $ 65 membership dues month-​to-​month. If you press the pricing issue, the sales rep will offer a special $ 55 rate for the first three months. Interestingly, the gym only ever charged me $ 62 a month after the special rate expired. It was a rookie mistake that would be grounds for termination had I informed management. Oops! Thanks!
The clientele consists mainly of high school kids and their parents. I was the only one in there training for something. Everybody else looked and lifted the same every month.
The gym is too small to hold large classes frequently, so it has to bring in revenue through individual training sessions. As such, the gym has a large staff of personal trainers. During peak hours, they tend to occupy a lot of stations with their clients, which can be irritating. They don’t pressure anyone into paying for training sessions, though one gave me his card unsolicited, which was really cheesy. Here are some anecdotes to give you a glimpse at the quality of the employees:
1) Robert made idiotic remarks like «don’t let your knees go beyond your toes during a squat,» which any amateur lifter would know is bad advice. He also runs a cross-​training class during peak hours that takes up much of the weight room and adjacent warmup room, which is a bonehead planning decision on management’s part.
2) Devin often stared at me as I trained (though he always looked away when I performed my heaviest lifts, likely in denial), yelled across the room to his buddies, and sat on benches to write down his clients’ reps. On two occasions, I told him that I needed to use a bench that he was using as an office chair, and each time he had a PMS episode because I didn’t ask nicely. I guess they didn’t teach him in personal trainer college that benches are for lifting weights, not taking notes.
3) A yoga instructor, whose name I never got, once berated me for interrupting her class, which occupied the warmup room. Although I’m so used to RCSC staff members making mistakes and acting like children that I ignore them, I defended myself here because this happened in front of several of her students. First, allowing people to hold classes in the warmup room, which holds the mats, foam rollers, and other warmup equipment, is yet another bonehead move by management. Second, the sign on the warmup room door says that one can use the room quietly because someone may be receiving a massage in the massage room. There was no sign that said «do not enter — class in session» or something to that effect. The yoga instructor apparently doesn’t know how to read signs and, ironically, can’t seem to relax.
4) The manager once asked me to do my weighted box jumps (which she adorably called «your jumping») somewhere that didn’t block the path to the treadmills… even though I wasn’t blocking the path to any treadmills. Clearly, she thought I endangered the cardio hamsters around me, but I’m pretty sure we all signed liability waivers, or we wouldn’t even be there. Besides, telling someone jumping onto a 32″ box for reps to relocate because he’s blocking treadmills is like telling a craftsman to stop making noise because it’s affecting the nearby sweatshop workers.
I’m the type to go into the gym, ignore everyone, and leave once I’ve accomplished my tasks. However, I could no longer tolerate the poorly trained staff members and amateur management at RCSC. I felt like I was dealing with adults who never grew up.
I’ll give an extra star for the billing error that went in my favor for about a year.

This 5 star review is in large due to the boxing clinic that Russell runs on Thursdays and Sundays. I swear, I never thought I’d find a class that actually has me strategically planning my travel schedule around.
With a job like mine, staying active is imperative. What other way would I be able to double fist mimosas and cupcakes while still fitting into my clothes?
That being said, I joined Rock Creek Sports about 4 months ago, despite having a pretty comprehensive and modern gym for my needs in my building. I pretty much stick with cardio machines and light weights, so my needs have been met without joining a gym for the past few years.
But honestly, this can get boring. Especially when the weather is cold and it’s harder to find motivation to go through the same old routine. Plus, it’s important to vary your physical activity and since Rock Creek Sports Club offers a variety of classes, I figured it would be a great way to diversify my work outs.
What drew me to Rock Creek Sports was that it was not a chain, it’s not a pick up spot, and it’s not too mainstream. I can wear whatever I want and not feel like it’s some kind of fashion show. I go there to do work, and get out.
I gave a few classes a shot, but nothing fit my needs and interests more than Russell’s boxing class. I had no idea what I was getting into when I first joined. I was really hoping it wouldn’t be a corny, intro to Tai Bao or anything else too bopper-​ish. After all, I like running on a treadmill with a hoodie listening to Gucci Mane, so you gotta give me something a bit more gritty to stay engaged.
This class is perfect for anyone at any level. I don’t know how he does it, but somehow Russell seems to make everyone feel comfortable, engaged and yet simultaneously challenged. A retired pro boxer, he will sometimes stop to tell us *why* he is teaching us techniques the way he does, as well as infuse these stories with some of his past experience. I personally love the narrative and think it adds to the unique, class dynamics.
He believes in a «no pain, no pain» philosophy instead of the «no pain, no gain» which is great for newcomers. Since it’s a «cinch by the inch» class, the more you attend, the more you can push yourself to execute some of the toning and development exercises at your own pace.
Otherwise, this gym is just fine if you’re looking for a laid back, clean facility to entertain your basic needs with a large variety of classes including, yoga, pilates, cardio-​boxing, circuit training, presidential arms, abs, Zumba — you name it!
But what keeps me swiping that little card consistently week in and week out I have to say, is Russell’s boxing clinic!

I checked this gym out over the weekend and thought I’d share my thoughts.
As others mentioned, the club has a definitely neighborhood feel to it. I attended kickboxing and chisel/​abs classes as well as a boxing clinic. The kickboxing and chisel instructors were pretty good, energetic, ran a fun class. There were a number of people in the room but we didn’t feel squeezed at all. They have a nice group fitness space.
The boxing class has one instructor trainer who must be used to smaller groups as the class is 1h30m and we maybe worked out for 45m — if that. There was a lot of standing around while he did drills one-​on-​one with a few regulars. The class was not structured except for a group warm out. Very disappointing.
The locker rooms are small-​ish but fine. The showers need to be updated! There was also a small sauna (1 – 2 people max).
The cardio and other machines are in the main room which was busy on Sat but not to the point that anyone was waiting for equipment. The free weight room is downstairs in a dungeon like room — poor ventilation, no windows, a bit smell. yuk!
the cycling room is small and although I didn’t count the bikes, the class I saw was packed!

So after having been a member for almost 6 months, I think the whole «new gym euphoria» feeling has died down quite a bit, and now I can give a bit more of an objective opinion on this place.
1) Not enough spin classes, nor are there that many classes that occur during the later half of the day. Some of us work the typical 9 – 5 schedule and aren’t fortunate enough to be available for a gym glass at 10 in the morning.
2) Weird staff — I loved Yvonne, but unfortunately for me and fortunately for herself, she moved on elsewhere. Some of the male PT’s are strange, and down right uncomfortable to be around. I sometimes catch them staring down people (myself included), either in a menacing/​hostile way, or in a very inappropriate way.
It also doesn’t help the reputation of RCSC, that some of the staff members along with management carry-​on as if this is an episode of Melrose Place. Some members I’ve spoken with claim that they were discriminated against because of their race or harassed, and their complaints were completely ignored by management. Just something to be wary of.
3) Parking can get pretty bad, especially in the evenings and on the weekends. And because it shares the lot with Parkway Deli (great food btw) and several other businesses, parking can be a hassle at times.
All in all this is a pretty decent gym, I still would rate this gym as being the best for the amount of money you pay within the Silver Spring/​Wheaton/​Kensington area.
Most members keep to themselves, but are friendly. If you stick to working out and going home, and not getting too involved with the Melrose Place drama/​politics of some of the PT’s and management, then you should be fine.

I’ve filed complaints with two county offices against this club. I have done so 1.) to try to recover my money 2.) because it is completely inaccurate to say that any «investigation» took place when it did not 3.) because I have never, in my entire life, had my credibility or integrity questioned 4.) because I don’t think women should have to tolerate such nonsense 5.) principle.
However, in the end, I have to wonder if it’s worth my time. This small, privately owned gym doesn’t appear to have the professionalism to fess up, learn from its mistakes, and adapt. If the PT chooses to deny his actions, that’s on him, and if, in effect, this club chooses to endorse such behavior and the GM’s, that’s on them. I don’t particularly feel the need to be vindicated. I know what happened and I know what’s right.
Aside from the way the trainer, GM and ownership treated me, there are so many better choices of gyms in Bethesda and Silver Spring that have better classes, better trainers, better equipment and a level of professionalism and accountability you just won’t find in this very insular environment.
Finally, there are positive reviews of this place on the web, several by the same reviewer, Lee, who refers to it as the «Cheers of gyms.» He is a part owner of the company and has a financial interest. He also happens to be buddies with the trainer dude. Says a lot about how this club does business.
Besides, this isn’t the «Cheers of gyms,» it’s more like the «Deliverance» of gyms — way too much inbreeding. Forget your workout gear. Bring a banjo.
(Note: after I posted my initial review, another female club member contacted me via Unilocal saying she was about to post a review regarding her negative experiences with the same trainer. RCSC management talked to her. The trainer still works there.)

I joined Rock Creek Sports Club using a Groupon deal for 60 or 90 days, and then I signed up for the 20 fitness classes using a LivingSocial deal. I wish RCSC offered student memberships at a discounted, month-​to-​month rate so I could make this my regular gym.
This club has a definitely neighborhood feel. People seem to regularly come to use the gym and classes, but there is a wide range of people who attend. The fitness area is clean and well-​maintained. You rarely have to wait for a machine, which is great. Only drawback is that the gym does not have Precor machines.
The spin classes are great. Each instructor seems to have his/​her own style and music preferences, but the workouts are generally energizing and rigorous.