F3 Training & Bodywork

I recently signed up for Classpass and saw this place was on there and right across from my office so figured I’d try it. I wasn’t sure I’d like kettleball and I’ve decided that if I’m going to do it this place is top-​notch. It’s small and shares a space with a dance studio. But the bonus is that the classes are small — I think there were 5 people in my class. 2 of us had never done kettleball before and Glenn was very patient explaining the moves to us to make sure we had the proper form at the same time he made sure to challenge the others. I have to say the next day my back muscles (and others) were sore! But not in a I hurt my back way in a oh my gosh I don’t usually use those muscles kind of a way. The workout was challenging, the people friendly and the instructor great. I’ll be back.

I tried Studio F3 after buying a groupon for 5 classes. I had never done kettle bells in my life but I had read that they were very effective workout. I was scared that I would be completely lost but due to the small size of the classes, the instructors are able to really help you learn the different moves and comment on form. The people who attend the classes are also nice and friendly. I had to stop going because I moved further away but definitely miss the workouts.

Small, welcoming kettle bell studio. I liked that they allowed drop in students, they weren’t high-​pressure in terms of joining, and they offered EXCELLENT, fun training. Great location and plenty of class times.

Clarification: I was indeed signed up for the class and did so via email directly with the owner, as the web site did not offer this feature at the time I wanted to register for class.
The intent of my post was to not insult the owner, but merely share my experience, as Unilocal helps us do. Reading the other posts, this is obviously a studio that people like. I had a bad experience. Period. However, I do not appreciate the tone that the response was written in.
Fellow Unilocal members — read this review, as you usually do, with a grain of salt and knowing it is only your opinion and experience with the business that matters.

I’m updating my original review to speak to Studio F3’s customer service. I was pleasantly surprised when I was contacted by the manager regarding my experience. He addressed my questions and I purchased another Groupon for class. I’m really looking forward to my experience.

This kettlebell studio has a rather unusual location in the basement of a residential building on Massachussets Avenue between think tanks and other apartment buildings, but classes offer a legit workout in a very welcoming environment. I went with a friend cause we had postcards for a free class, and we arrived to find that everyone else in the class was a total loyalist who clearly comes to Studio F3 all the time. It didn’t feel exclusive or impatient like some group fitness classes with core followers.
The guy who runs the place, Glenn, kind of has a Lloyd Dobbler vibe, like he’s just this nice guy who loves fitness and doesn’t want to bullshit anyone. He makes this the kind of small business you want to support, and I’ll probably go back.

I was in town for a business trip and happened upon studio F3. Glenn did a great job giving me a very vigorous workout along with some coaching on form and tips on how to move the kettle bell.
As other reviewers have mentioned, the workout moves quickly and you’re challenged based upon your ability and skill level. I would highly recommend this for both travelers and locals. I live in Southern California and have done many group exercise classes out here. This workout was on par or more difficult than those. Excellent way to start or finish your day at studio F3.
I’d love to see a traveler’s drop-​in rate at $ 10 but that is probably wishful thinking.

Glen is extremely skilled in his knowledge of kinesiology. I have had two shoulder surgeries, a number of physical therapists, and massage therapists but non of them hit certain points like Glen did.
Half way through my massage I knew that I would be scheduling a massage for my mom and I, the next time she comes to town.
The hot stone massage is great, but having had both that and the deep tissue, I would recommend the deep tissue. Considering we live in DC, the majority of us have ridiculous amounts of stress riding on our shoulders and throughout our back. This massage will help and work on eliminating those knots in a productive way.
If you just want some refreshing massage (because you have no stress and live a happy life *cough*sugar daddy*) go for the hot stone. Its still great!
Only positive things to say! If you can get one of his deals on one of those sites, its a great deal!
He also has student rates, which I think run at either 70 or 75% of regular price.

Amazing and professional!

I got into kettlebell training through a Groupon deal Glen ran 3 – 4 months back. I felt out of place in the first class, thought I’d never get the technique down. My lower back hurt the next day because I did not do the swing motion right. After the 2^nd class though, I was HOOKED! It gets a little used to, but Glen is very patient. Once you get the basic technique, the fun begins. Expect sore butt, thighs and abs!
Both the trainers, Glen and Antonio are very nice. They keep the work outs interesting with push ups, jumping jacks, squats, and burpees spread throughout. It is a very efficient cardio/​weight training mix. You get your butt kicked and yet you have fun. The studio is small and humble but quite adequate for the work out. The kettlebells are competition style and very comfortable. Two thumbs up all around!

Glenn is a talented and strong masseur. My first impressions were «Whoa, this is not the spa-​like environment I am used to for massage.» The small room is in the basement of an apartment building adjacent to the kettlebell studio. He plays pop music like the Beatles and 70s classics.
I am a fan of the heated table. I was actually so relaxed during the neck massage portion I fell asleep. It was a great massage, for someone who doesn’t like a light swedish style and really wants knots worked out. That being said, I looked at the clock when we began and when we ended and my massage was only 48 minutes long and I paid a pretty penny for 60 minutes. I’m enough of a stickler on details that I think I will look elsewhere and make sure I am on the table for a full hour.

What to expect: You’ll be out of breath. Your arms and legs will be wobbly. You’ll wish that you’d worn a tighter fitting tee and used a stronger hair tie. Kettlebells at Studio F3 is more than just swinging a giant steel ball around. It’s a full-​service ass kicking for your entire body.
After my first class, my legs and abs were sore, and I had serious T-​Rex ams. I couldn’t extend my arms past a right angle. I’ve been sore from working out before, but I was starting to think I’d injured myself. But four days later I could finally say «YES I CAN… pass you the remote.»
I was immediately impressed with the quickness and simplicity of the workout and how wonderfully bruised and beaten I felt after only 45 minutes, including a warm up and yoga-​inspired cool down.
Classes are varied, and each time have been a little different. Glenn or Antonio write out the sequence of moves on a white board, demonstrate the motions, and then call out times/​counts. That hair tie and fitted tee I mentioned earlier really come in handy when your jumping up and down, switching quickly between a set of mountain climbers and swings. The first time I went through that, my hair was all over my face and my shirt was nearly over my head. I think that’s why most mountain climbers go shirtless. (Totally made that up, but it sounds about right.)
The studio is in the bottom of an apartment building, a basement unit converted into a work space. It’s functional. It’s not a disco, it’s not a spa. It’s a gym. So if you’re looking to prance around in your yoga clothes sipping some cucumber infused water, it’s probably not for you. But if you want a killer workout in under an hour, come get your kettlebell on with Glenn and Antonio.

I had a change of heart. I will re-​review on Monday on my blog.
Read here:

I did the bloomspot deal and had one month unlimited group classes. I would have stuck with it if it weren’t for other personal factors in my life. So here is the breakdown:
The pros:
— great workout! You really see a change in your strength and endurance in a short period of time and Glen is very serious about being sure his students have proper form
–Results! You WILL see results if you stick with it (it is intense but that is how you get results).
The cons:
— without a discount, it is pretty expensive
— it is not unusual to show up and have to wait in the hallway for a while because the door is locked (fyi, the studio is next to the laundry room in a basement of an apartment complex)
— The classes are at most twice a day per level, once before work hours and once after… but there are not lunch-​time options if you choose to work out then or are more of an evening person
— It is kettlebell classes only, so if you want more of a gym environment where you can do other work outs and change it up, this isn’t for you
— no showers or changing rooms available

I’ve never been one for fitness classes, but I was looking for something to get me out of my gym rut and help me get in shape for an upcoming fitness event. So when a Bloomspot deal for Studio F3 landed in my inbox, I decided to give it a try. Two months after my first class, I’m hooked.
I didn’t know a damn thing about kettlebells, except what they looked like, so went in as a total newbie. Glenn was great about explaining the history of kettlebells, and answering my nerdy questions. He and his team are very conscientious about making sure everyone knows how to do the various exercises properly, and have worked with me individually to correct my form. Every class is features different exercises, so you don’t get bored, and there is a real sense of community among the studio’s patrons. Glenn will push you, and you will sweat your brains out, but he is also very encouraging, even when I’m pretty sure I’m going to die. He’s also very knowledgeable about yoga, and takes the class through a good long stretch after the main event.
In short, this is the best workout I’ve ever done. I have had occasional back issues for most of my adult life, and since I’ve started doing kettlebells at Studio F3, my back has never felt better. And my muffin top is a lot smaller, so that’s good, too.

Not only is Glenn an excellent trainer, but his humor and music taste during class is always something to look forward to. Over the last few months I have been working out with him, and so far I have seen excellent results.

I bought a what’s the deal for this place. I used the online scheduling and scheduled a class for 6pm. I went to the address, which is a random apartment complex. After managing to get buzzed in, I also managed to find the «studio» which is just a room in the apartment basement. The door was locked. It seemed sketchy but I knocked anyway. A guy poked his head out. I asked about the 6 pm class. He said it was canceled. I left and got my coupon money back. It could have been a good deal as it is right next to my office and I was looking for a new work out routine. oh well.
Update — over a year after writing this review, the owner sent this message. Clearly excellent customer service:
«I wanted to thank you for being a typical daily deal whiner. I read your reviews and not only are you cheap, but a complainer. You expect to pay nothing and then you complain like a little girl. You go to different businesses with your coupons and then feel entitled. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Have you ever tried running a business? Have you ever dealt with little whiney, daily deal punks. Maybe you should step in someone else’s shoes for once. Glenn S.»

So, there’s no question that Glenn uses the right amount of pressure if you’re looking for a good deep tissue massage. I’ve got very tense muscles and always in need of someone to really work those knots out — and he was able to achieve that. BUT, here’s why I’m giving my massage experience 3 stars:
I’m docking 1 star for him showing up late and then not giving me a full 60 minute massage. Let me just start off saying that it’s an odd business environment where you arrive at a massage studio and there’s no one there to greet you — I waited around awkwardly for 10 mins to what seemed to be an empty studio. Our appointment was set at 6 pm, and Glenn arrived just slightly after 6. By the time I had filled out the paperwork and undressed and situated myself, it was between 6:10 and 6:15. He ended the massage exactly at 7 pm. When I pay for an hour massage, I expect the full hour, and he did not deliver that. More importantly, I showed up around 10 minutes early so I could get the paperwork done and avoid cutting into the actual massage time. However, because he showed up a bit late, the massage didn’t start until 10 – 15 mins later, and I think he should have made up for that by ensuring that the massage was a full hour.
I’m docking a ½ star for the unprofessionalism in setting up an appointment with Glenn. I first tried calling the studio f3 number — each time getting voicemail. We played phone tag a few times, until I got a text message from him asking about a certain appointment time. When I replied and got no answer, I decided to email the studio f3 address. Glenn replied to me from his personal email address. Basically, to set up an appointment, it took 3 different methods of communication — the only thing we were missing was video chat and fax… the appointment set-​up process was difficult to say the least. I’m not too sure if he’s more responsive to repeat customers, but it was a frustrating experience.
I’m docking another ½ star because his hand had calluses and he seemed a bit sick. Obviously it’s not his fault, but it makes the whole massage experience a little off when your masseuse’s hands are rough and he leans over you while sniffling and coughing a little. In addition, because it’s a combo of deep tissue/​thai, there’s some leg/​arm pulling and stretching. I read a few reviews about the lack of complete sheet coverage when that was done, and while I personally didn’t have an issue with it, I can understand how some might feel uncomfortable when the sheet isn’t truly tightly secured around the top of their leg or under their back before their legs or arms are pulled.
For the $ 45 trubates I used, it was fine. But I would’ve been pretty upset if I had paid the full $ 110 for the «60 minute» massage.
I should also note that when researching studio f3, I saw a couple negative reviews, one wholly contested by Glenn, and another that was mediocre — interestingly, they’ve both been removed. Who knows how long my review will survive.

My wife and I bought a coupon for 5 group Kettlebell classes with Glenn through Bloomspot… and I must say that we have been thoroughly impressed with his expertise and training regiment after taking two classes.
Glenn is very enthusiastic about his job, as most personal trainers are, but at the same time he is very welcoming of all skill levels. He is also quick to offer friendly course corrections to anyone who may not have the best form. Despite being new and nervous, we never felt like we were unwelcome in the classroom. We have been hella sore after both sessions in areas that we do not normally work and are excited to continue our kettlebell education.
I would recommend Glenn at Studio F3 for anyone who is interested in learning kettlebell training from the start or continuing their previous kettlebell training, as his level of competency can meet many needs.
Have fun!

I get up for a 6:30 class twice a week… enough said. I run alot and dont do any stregth training and this is great for me bc there are different sized weights available. I am almost always sore after (in that good, i just worked out kind of way) and think the classes have only improved since I have started. Kettlebell was totally new to me before I started this class and it was not easy to pick up at all; the classes are small so you get the attention you need to learn everything correctly.