DMV Iron Gym

Last year I had about 6 months of personal training with Rich Ellmore. Rich was absolutely wonderful. He was very perceptive and was quickly able to identify and correct weaknesses in my form. Because of his keen eye and clear instruction I was able to increase my deadlift by 300 lbs, increase my bench by 100 lbs, and squat deeper with an 100 lb increase as well. I'd highly recommend Rich for those looking for serious strength training.

I’ll start this off with positives. This gym has the best equipment I have ever seen! The membership options are cool, and it’s potentially helpful for people that compete in the world of lifting. Another pro are the location options. The DMV is a huge region, and DMV Iron has picked locations that give people all across the area a chance to come to the gym. I live in two towns over from a location, and it’s just a quick 15 min drive there. If I’m ever in MD, I can hop over to their Rockville location: The cons: 1. Culture: I’m pretty reserved and keep to myself. I’ll wear leggings and a t shirt to lift and I’ve been doing serious lifting for a few years now. Members of the gym, more often men than women, are not nice if you don’t fit the female aesthetic that majority of women wear. I’ve had personal interactions with people that have been rude for no reason, and within minutes are nice to someone that is dressed differently. I’ve seen people record others without their consent and laugh at them. There was one guy that I could tell was filming me and it made me pretty insecure. I have girlfriends that are scared to join the gym because they see how other females dress and look and fear they won’t fit in. I’ve voiced that you can just ignore them or go earlier in the day and you’ll see them less, but nonetheless, their fears persist. I also feel like an outsider which is frustrating. It leads to me feeling tempted to conform and dress like others for the sake of feeling like I belong. 2. Staff: some members of the staff are okay but a good amount aren’t friendly or helpful. I’ve been to other gyms in the area like Unleash’d and The Shop, and the staff have been kinder. 3. Environment: I mentioned earlier that the gym is potentially helpful for people that compete. I have a trainer, lifting program, and will be competing in the coming weeks, but it’s hard to focus. People behave and dress in distracting and at times inappropriate ways. I get that the staff can’t police what people wear, but it’s distracting. I’ve got a few more months in my yearly membership and am going to try for a few more weeks to see if things improve (new year so who knows), but if these feelings and interactions continue, I’ll cancel early.

My favorite gym in the DMV…. For pro bodybuilders and enthusiasts alike… the best equipment you can’t get anywhere else… what more to ask? I am a frequent traveler so I take advantage of the month to month. They refunded my initiation fee when they saw I paid the fee twice back to back initiation months when I cancelled. Love the staff. Always motivated to work out here. It’s elevated

An absolute AMAZING gym with top-notch equipment and a community of authentic individuals genuinely passionate about fitness and bodybuilding. The staff, equipment, and overall environment are truly first-class. As a bodybuilding coach i am so grateful for my clients to have access to an environment like this. It makes the process that much more enjoyable with a supportive gym.

Just moved from Florida and was looking for a gym here in VA. I compete in bodybuilding and I come from a bodybuilding oriented gym which is very big and have everything a body builder would need. DMV iron is pretty close to what I’m used to however, I do think they need to invest in therapy balls and bands for warm up and stretching. It is very difficult to get a good warm up going without some movements. The gym is divided in three parts: legs, back and chest and accessories areas which is cool but it’s hard when you have a whole body workout or a workout that involves back and chest or back and shoulders bc of all the moving around and things being separated. Another thing I did not understand is the change of vibe. On Sunday I walked in and it was completely silent, no music no nothing. And then on Monday I walk in and there is music blasting and a great vibe. Having music blasting at a gym like that makes a complete difference and it is essential. I hope there is some consistency on this factor from not on because it doesn’t make a huge difference. Also when I signed up on Sunday I didn’t receive the blender bottle everyone received and when my husband signed up on Monday he received it and I had to ask the guy in the front to get one since the guy working on Sunday didn’t give me it. Also another thing that should be consistent because it’s does make a difference. Overall a very nice gym I just think some basics and fundamentals are missing and that is why I’m leaving a review. I hope this feedback is taken into consideration :)

Started working out at DMV iron New Year’s Day and i am really blown away by the variety of equipment that is available to your disposal . Coming from Philly I haven’t seen a gym quite like this, very friendly staff good culture family orientated environment people actually encourage you during your working outs and volunteer to help out is need be . Big boss Jon walked me through the whole gym and gave me all the information I needed even outside of the gym such as nutrition. Ariana at the front desk is very welcoming and helpful especially to new clients as a lot of people know that new environments are always a bit of an adjustment but with such genuine people who actually want to know who they talk to and relate on a personal level it makes that transition a lot easier !!!’ Jojo

After several months, intermittently attending DMV Iron Gym, here's my experience: As noted in other reviews, the staff is very rude and unprofessional, exhibiting negative attitudes and raising their voices over simple questions. There's a creepy atmosphere with staff staring and following you even to the locker room and bathroom. The gym-goers mostly consist of military, cops, and 'blue lives matter' enthusiasts, along with bodybuilding wannabes more focused on Instagram than training seriously. The environment feels toxic, resembling a 90s high school vibe where staff and members seem to form cliques. Memberships can be terminated without warning, citing questionable reasons like 'slamming' weights or billing issues that could’ve been easily resolved. On a positive note, the gym has great machines and an overall good workout atmosphere. Despite the gym's equipment quality, the culture, environment, and crowd receive a two-star rating, while the disastrous customer service and staff warrant a minus. Overall, it's a 5-star gym for facilities and equipment but lacking in other crucial aspects. My honest, personal experience has led me to drop the overpriced membership and move on.