True 180 Fitness

My story is not that different from other reviewers.
I’ve tried to get in shape on my own multiple times over the years without success. Sure, I could get myself past the 2 week mark, where many seem to give up. If you’re like me, you can force yourself past that hurdle, but you soon discover there are other hurdles after that.
Like, how do you know you’re doing the exercises correctly? What happens if you get joint pain? What if you can’t lift as much today as much as you could yesterday? Is it because of sleep or diet? Or what if you just get bored with the routine? Do you have the time to read all the Internet’s advice on how to work out properly? There’s so much out there, unless you’ve got a lot of time or a degree in personal fitness, you probably have no idea what is legit and what is bro-​science.
When I signed up for True 180, I didn’t really know what to expect. It was kind of an act of desperation as I was freaking out about my health and I didn’t want to just go to another McGym. I’ve never had a trainer help me with my workouts. I honestly felt like it was a sign of weakness to ask for help, especially in an environment which is stereotypically ego-​driven. Perhaps I adjusted to the isolation I had at places like Planet Fitness, where people show up, do their thing, and leave without talking to anyone.
Instead, Josef and his team of trainers regularly greet me by name whenever I walk in. That, by itself, told me I was at the right place. They’re always super nice, friendly and supportive. They are quick to point out flaws in my form, and will give me positive reinforcement when I do the exercise correctly. They are always looking to push me past my previous limits. They are very attentive to any concerns I have about my body or the workouts.
The trainers at True 180 have created a real sense of community. They’ve managed to turn what I normally saw as a chore into something I actually look forward to. That’s not an easy task! And because it’s something I look forward to, I don’t skip workout days like I have in the past.
I’ve only been a member for 3 months but I anticipate I’ll stay a member here as long as I live in DC. Since I started, I feel more confident and have more energy. I look forward to calling myself a True 180 success story in a year or two. The only regret I have is that I didn’t find a place like this sooner! I would easily recommend this place to anyone trying to turn their life around.

I actually came to True 180 Fitness through Unilocal itself.
I have worked out my whole life with sports, researching on the internet, etc. I had never tried Crossfit before
A big negative stereotype for Crossfit is that the people who do Crossfit have terrible form that can result in long term muscle pains, bone pains etc.. However, all the trainers talk about here is form. They often correct me or others when our form is a little bit off to the point where if they don’t say anything, you know you are doing it right. This is a great characteristic to have in the gym.
The trainers here are extremely friendly and personal with every customer. They also seem like they love the job, and love helping others. It motivates me to come to the gym more than if I went to a regular gym. They create a custom program for me every 4 – 6 weeks or upon my request. Great way to mix up your workouts and confuse your muscles to avoid the plateau effect
I highly recommend it to anyone trying to reach some goals with their health or body. It is definitely worth the commitment and price

True 180 is not just a gym, but an extremely supportive community that includes friendly members and very knowledgable trainers. They help you understand how fitness and nutrition together can help you achieve your goals and (almost more importantly) why those activities impact your results.
I went in with a lot of skepticism about strength training (isn’t that for bulking up, not slimming down?), seeing results with «the time you have» (I’m barely seeing results running on a treadmill for an hour 5x a week, how could I possibly see results working out 3x a week?), and a no calorie tracking approach where I could eat as much as I wanted if it was on the «green light» list (if you’re not starving or punishing yourself, it’s not actually a diet, right?). I’m happy to say I was wrong and glad I gave True 180 a shot because in the last year I lost about 30lbs and have gone from a size 8 to a size 4 (and even the occasional 2!).
I can’t recommend True 180 enough – they provide a positive, supportive, and educational experience that I don’t believe is available elsewhere.

I am currently at the six week mark.
Experience thus far:
1. Have found a super solid coach, encourager and leader in Chris Crockett. He has a great eye for form, inherently seems to know when to add or reduce weight and/​or adjust routines (to include a band to steady alignment), does well with multi-​tasking (during small group sessions), is great at finding common ground /​conversations that draw in people and is quite positive (without going overboard). I look forward to the small group training session with him each week. With Chris’s leadership, I feel stronger, sleep longer and feel that I’ve made positive steps forward.
2. There is a nice variety of options available to fulfill needs based on what you’re looking for and what your wallet says is a can do. I’ve opted for a combination each week — one small group session, one — two Metabolic Acceleration classes and one open gym.
3. TBYW does great at providing the first session without others, which really helps getting started/​re-​started. Also very generous on small group sessions for the remainder of the month if you sign up for a year.
4. A year’s program is billed across twelve months. If you need to increase during any given month, there are flexible solutions to do that as well.
5. TBYW will create a new open gym program approximately each month and a demonstration of that program is included at no additional charge.
6. All employees and pretty much all of the regulars at TBYW genuinely seem supportive of everyone who walks through the door.
7. They offer fun, competitive programs such as the current on-​going seven week team challenge. The «fit into your jeans» past program as well as the success pictures on the wall definitely aid in the «ah ha. i can do it. that’s why i’m here.» I also understand you can earn a free small group session over a three month period given a select number of visits a month. These programs are great motivators.
8. Some of the regulars are just priceless and you can easily find yourself looking forward to seeing them each visit.
What you need to know:
1. Specials and monthly programs do not include DC tax of a little over 5.75%
2. There are classes that are quite booked, such as the Tues & Fri After Burn Metabolic Acceleration Class and some that tend to have limited participants for those that feel more comfortable in smaller groups such as Monday’s 6:30 pm Foundations class and Thursday’s 7 am After Burn class.
3. Multiple showers with lockers (and locks) available to use. Next to all of the ladies that I’ve overlapped with are friendly, courteous and do great sharing shower time and counter space. There are also hair dryers, product and towels available, which is great.
4. It is quite obvious that current regulars have grown quite attached to their usual coach, especially Matt and Josef. If you are willing to be patient to find available time (and perhaps be flexible on adjusting that time) and/​or are willing to take another coach’s lead, you’ll be all set.
5. Some coaches do better multi-​tasking than others. And, you can run into that person who’s a «me me me» distractor, which makes it a bit more difficult to share coach time in small group sessions. This is the trade off for a higher priced only participant coaching session to the more cost competitive up to four individuals in a small group coaching session.
6. The Director of Training, Matt Daniel, is the Stephen Covey of the exercise world. Be prepared for TONS of quotes, which you will find yourself remembering and/​or repeating.

I first noticed TBYW while walking to Baked and Wired next door (ironic, I know) and decided to give it a go since the 14-​day trial looked like a good deal.
Almost 3 months later, I must say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made since moving to DC. I’ve actually managed to make regular exercise a part of my weekly routine (disclaimer: prior to this, any attempts I made at incorporating workouts into my life ended by the one-​week mark), and it’s really nice to come in during the afternoons to work out after a long day. The coaches (shoutout to Josef, Matt, Erick, Chris and everyone else!) are awesome, be it in terms of being motivating and fun during workouts, or making sure to schedule on-​point sessions for accountability. They also know everyone by name, and it really adds a personal touch to the gym.
With TBYW’s gentle-​but-​firm, realistic approach to fitness, I finally feel like I’ve found a way to workout in a way that is sustainable in the long run while also being enjoyable, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a place to kickstart their journey towards fitness and health.

This is a fantastic place to get healthy and reach your fitness goals in a supportive and friendly environment. I have had great results here and the coaches, staff, and other members couldn’t be nicer and more encouraging. I feel like I’ve gotten more than my money’s worth from this gym. Not only do I feel stronger and healthier than I’ve ever been, but it hasn’t been a stressful process to get here. I work hard, but I’m also really motivated by the progress I see and the support I get here. I would (and do) recommend this place to anyone, no matter your level of fitness starting out.

I love working out with all the trainers here. They are great conversationalists and best coaches around. All the trainers care so much more than just helping me to reach my goals but also motivates me in every way and never fail to put a smile on my face. I feel more and more confident everyday because of the workouts and the people here.

I started going here back in November and did their intro package. I think at this point I have tried every gym in the DC metro area. This place is AMAZING. The trainers all know you by name and they really focus on creating a community. When I first started back there– my goal was to actually like going to the gym again and I definitely feel that way now.
I felt so burnt out from all the other gyms in the area and while I like being active– TBYW was a great solution for me. There is a great sense of humor about the place and honestly their training works. Since joining I have lost 15 pounds and 5 inches across my waist– which is impressive for me because I am terrible at self discipline.
I would definitely recommend!!!

The Body You Want is hands down the best place to go in DC to get fit, healthy and happy. I arrived in DC in August last year and about six months after my arrival I realized that I put in twenty pounds none of my clothes fitted and I was miserable. I always been fit and healthy, and to feeling the way I did I knew I had to do something about it. Step in The Body You Want, these guys changed my life, my clothes fit better, I recently, did the jeans test and I am a much happier girl. I have lost half of that twenty pounds and I am the strongest I have been in a long time.
Everyone at The Body You Want genuinely cares about you. They take the time to listen to your goals and also are super proud when you achieve them. They also know exactly what they are talking about when it comes to health, fitness and well being. All the trainers and support staff are fantastic, and if you have any questions or queries they are happy to help. They also play great music throughout the day.
They offer something for everyone, and will work the fitness programs around you, and to your ability level. It is a really unpretentious environment and the staff and all the other members make you feel very comfortable.
I could go on and on about how great these guys are however you should pop along and see for yourself.
You guys rock. Xx

I have been going to TBYW (The Body You Want) gym for almost 3 years now. It has transformed my life! I went from a size 10 to a size 4 and I am still getting firmer and stronger everyday.
The nutrition guidelines that Josef sets up are easy to follow and not too difficult to maintain, once you get the hang of it. I feel like my best self now!
Also, the people that go to TBYW are like my second family. Everyone is friendly, nice, and is on a similar healthful journey. I love going to the gym and I love TBYW! Matt is an exceptional personal trainer and I would not go anywhere else.

The Body You Want is an absolutely awesome gym. I have worked closely with Josef and Matt, and they have both taught me so much about how to build strength and burn fat. I had previously lost 80 lbs on my own, and they helped me to transform my body even further, and taught me things about nutrition and fitness that I didn’t know (and I thought I knew a lot!) The trainers really really care about your health and well-​being, unlike my experience at bigger gyms or even more corporate studios in the DC area. What I really liked was the fact that everyone at this gym was different — different ages and levels of fitness, and everyone had their own custom plan. The extra support and training is totally worth it, and the entire staff is always willing to answer questions and help you get to your personal best. Feel free to reach out to me if you want more information about this gym, I’d be a happy to recommend personally!

When I finished graduate school, my top priority was to get back into shape. I started Weight Watchers and dedicated myself to barre, yoga, spinning, treadmill running, etc. This was exhausting! I was unhappy. I was making no progress … my clothes still didn’t fit and I was gaining weight. I was confused why I working so hard and getting zero results. Discouraged, I became convinced that getting fit was just not in the cards for me, and that fit people just had miracle genes.
Enter, TBYW! Boy, am I glad I joined. I actually EAT MORE now and do LESS CARDIO and am losing weight! Since joining four months ago, I have lost all of my grad school weight (15lbs!), I have renewed energy, and fit in jeans 2 – 3 sizes smaller. I think most of the other reviewers have touched on how I feel about the program and workouts — but there is one thing I want to add: this gym works because Josef, Matt, and the other trainers want you to succeed. Oftentimes when you join a gym, there’s no accountability. It’s quite the opposite case at TBYW … Josef actually reminds me to meet for our one-​on-​one nutrition sessions. I have been to gyms before where they say they will follow your progress, and they don’t. TBYW follows you every step of the way.
If you are considering this gym, but are unsure, I highly recommend you try what I did: I signed up for the 14-​day trial. I told myself I would follow Josef’s fitness/​nutrition advice religiously for 14 days, and if it didn’t work I’d quit. I ended up quitting Weight Watchers at the end of that 14 days and joining TBYW instead!

Most people approach a workout with the same gusto as a shot of tequila — sounds great at first, but half way through you remember why you never do it and how much you hate it and hey, where are the nachos?
Well, that all changed after I started going to The Body You Want. This place teaches you to workout in a way that is enjoyable, sustainable, and possible to incorporate into your life. They work with you to set goals, push yourself, and listen to your body every step of the way. Gone are the days of «pushing through the pain» you hear in most workouts. You’ll approach your workout knowing you have to push yourself, but you need to be able to walk the next day, too!
I have seen a huge change in my body in the time I’ve been visiting, and I have figured out how and where exercise fits in my lifestyle. Going to a gym where you recognize everyone doesn’t hurt, either!
If you want to learn how to take care of yourself and meet your goals on your own terms, go check this place out. It’s worth every minute!

I have had great success since joining The Body You Want two years ago. Their approach to strength training (core), metabolic classes, (high interval and intensity training), with nutrient education has allowed me to lose 30 pounds. I am more flexible and stronger enabling me to have an active life. There are many gyms with good program but The Body You Want has great programs with great people to train and educate you throughout the process. If you are looking for an alternative to big box gyms to get in shape and lose weight you should check out The Body You Want.

I love this place! I love the people — Josef, Matt, Natalie, Christina, and the whole team! The TBYW staff are professional, knowledge, caring and most importantly, they’re fun-​loving people! This summer, I suffered a bad injury — I pulled my sciatic nerve which caused pain from my hip all the way down my leg and it caused my ankle swell. I was desperate for help and was recommended to Josef at The Body You Want.
Prior to my first appointment, I had to fill out an 11page survey — they asked tons of questions. I realized the survey was so long because they wanted to make sure they provided me with the best possible solutions. (And they did!) Next, I had my intake/​initial assessment, which was so thorough. Josef was so attentive during the assessment, even if I couldn’t find the right words to articulate my problems and pains — he understood. I have never experienced anything like the assessment. By the following week, they had a developed plan for me. Josef developed a training plan that corrected my muscles that were not aligned and then added more exercises to strengthen me. The exercises they gave me worked! After working with TBYW, I was able to run again and even broke new running records for myself.
Recently, I flew to DC just to have another session at TBYW. I live in Kentucky and had another running injury — in which the pain in my leg and hips are so intense I’ve been unable to run. After visiting several local professionals, nothing worked. I knew the answer was TBYW. They were so accommodating to create a whole profile, corrective and strengthening plan to address my issues in such a short time frame. Josef also made sure that I understood all the exercises before I left town. That was a huge task and Josef made it look easy.
Being back at TBYW, made me feel at home and comfortable. Even the other people (working out) there are so nice and welcoming. There’s no intimidation — nothing but a group of people reaching their goals in a supportive and knowledge atmosphere… like a family. I highly recommend TBYW to anyone wanting to improve their fitness or wanting to get started. They make you feel like a first class person; they don’t rush you through anything. They genuinely care about you as a person and as a person trying to attain your goals!
Although I live in Kentucky, I’ve decided that I’ll be making regular trips to TBYW– because they are the best! They’ve been instrumental in me reaching my fitness goals by providing me with corrective/​healing (in my vocabulary) and strengthen techniques.

I cannot say enough great things about Josef, Natalie, and their growing brigade of enthusiastic and sincere trainers. I had been running for several years and was looking for something different when I heard about TBYW.
Every time I showed up to work out, whether I was in a good mood or bad, whether I had a good work out or not, whether I was out of shape or in shape (because of TBYW), the trainers always greeted and trained me with the utmost attention, patience, and goodwill. TBYW always answered all of my questions, kept up with all of their members, created a fun atmosphere, and always went above and beyond for their members.
I give TBYW my highest recommendation – you will be happy you joined!

The only thing better than the amazing, lasting results you see at TBYW is the group of awesome people who will help you reach them. Josef, Natillie, Michelle and Matt are four of the nicest and most committed people I’ve ever met. They all really care about how well you do — a big difference from other gyms. I met all my initial goals within the first 5 months and kept setting new ones. All while spending no more than 3 hours a week at the gym.
Have fun, get great results, and work around the rest of your busy life. Just stop in!

When I first joined TBYW in June of 2011, I weighed over 200 lbs, was kinda shy, and was totally clueless about what worked when it came to getting to a healthier place.
The wonderful trainers (Josef, Natillie, Michelle, and Matt) reoriented my whole approach to fitness and nutrition. I went from focusing solely on weight loss (and the misery of the treadmill) to fat loss and building muscle.
Through them, I have learned so much about the importance of strength and resistance training to boosting my sluggish metabolism. I dropped 40 lbs and lost 9 inches from my waistline in a year’s time and I have managed to keep it off.
Not only are the trainers extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and supportive, they are also incredibly fun to be around. The workouts can be grueling, but you would never know it with all the jokes and camaraderie between the trainers and the clients making the time fly by.
So if you are serious about getting fit and dropping the fat, give TBYW a try. You won’t be sorry.

I love this place. I consider myself an avid gym-​goer, and I thought I knew a lot about fitness and training as a marathoner and coach, but after meeting Josef and his team, my own fitness journey took off. TBYW helped me take my running to the next level with a personalized, progressive plan that reflects my goals and my commitment. I think that’s the biggest and best service they offer – a lot of trainers will kick your ass just because they or you don’t know any better. Josef’s plans are methodical and effective, and they taught me about the value of quality over quantity.
And in addition to my monthly personal training sessions, I get to keep and follow my plan so that I stay on track without shelling out a fortune (though if you need a trainer to hold you accountable, they offer those plans too).
As if all that weren’t good enough, I really enjoy being at the Body You Want. I’ve talked several friends and my partner into joining, but all the clients and the staff are friendly, engaging, and inviting. Josef, Natillie, and Michelle cultivate a wonderful environment for women and men of all body types, lifestyles, and fitness experiences. Everyone greets you by name when you walk in the door. It was that level of service that led me to give up the gym 5 minutes from my office and make the mile trek into Georgetown. Yes, I now go out of my way to get to the gym, whereas before I kept my gyms in my direct commute path. And I never thought I’d pay for personal training, but it’s now an indispensable part of my budget.

I’m now well into my second year at TBYW and am watching the business expand and grow literally (in terms of the gym space) and in terms of clientele (I’m still yet to meet anyone who doesn’t think their system works).
The new gym space is a great improvement for everyone. TBYW now has exclusive use of one whole floor of the gym (with more to come in the very near future). One half of the floor has been laid out with a type of artificial grass, which makes many of the exercises much easier and more comfortable to do. The rest of the gym is laid out with the various weight stations, benches, bikes and weight racks in a thoughtful way so that nothing is too far out of reach and everybody has plenty of personal room when working out. There is also a nice, bright new reception area — one thing I really like about this area is that TBYW has filled the walls with photos and success stories from their clients (it’s a busy wall!). It really gives the (accurate) impression that they care about that success and that clients come first — it’s who you see when you first walk in!
In addition, I am one of many who is excited about a forthcoming expansion of the TBYW gym space.
As for me personally, I continue to get fitter and stronger, despite having to take a 4 month hiatus due to work travel. I returned to TBYW as soon as I got home and was back in my pre-​travel shape in around a month. I felt my energy and general physical well-​being, which is prompted by the stretching, corrective exercises and workouts, return even faster. I’ve continued to progress in terms of athletic ability, so my wife gets impressed when I come home and tell her I’ve been doing pull-​ups, trapbar lifts and «hard-​style» push-​ups. It’s just great!
Finally, I’m delighted now with the weight loss I’ve achieved over the past two years, so my goals have shifted somewhat. I’d like to run a Rebel Race in 2013. I let Josef know that my goal had changed, and of course, he responded by adjusting my personally designed program to focus on different qualities I would need to work on. It’s amazing how responsive and personally tailored these complex programs are — especially when Josef, who I guess probably has over a hundred clients — knows precisely how much you can lift in a goblet squat eight times and really feel it. I’m still convinced he is some kind of gym-​genius.