MADabolic Arlington — Local services in Arlington

Runners -- THIS is your place!

I joined MAD this summer for a month trial membership and was impressed with the support, technical and individualized coaching, variety of movements, and early results. I was starting marathon training and was initially hesitant about investing in a strength gym with scheduled classes. How could these types of workouts fit into a distance running training plan? MADabolic Arlington showed me.

I cannot speak more highly of Julianne and the coaches at MADabolic Arlington. Julianne provided a clear, 20-week training plan that included MAD workouts, speed/hill workouts, long runs, and rest days. Their team helped me build full-body strength, prevent injuries, build mental discipline and resiliency (5:00 static effort, anyone?!), increase aerobic fitness, improve flexibility and range of motion, relieve stress, find value in rest/active recovery days, improve body composition (including bone density), and feel strong.

I saw the results. The past few months helped me to run more than 40 minutes faster than last year's marathon time, with my fastest splits of the race in my last 5K. Without injuries. MAD class 3 days per week and running 2-3 days per week.

I was a collegiate heptathlete 20 years ago and I am continually amazed what my body and mind are now capable of. I'm back! -- and post-race, I'm making more gains.

Whether you are a seasoned runner or athlete, or pursuing formal strength training for the first time, MADabolic Arlington is the right place to invest in yourself and your...

Before MAD came into my life, I belonged to a generic gym so I could get on an elliptical and do a boot camp class twice a week to feel good about myself. I wasn't achieving any goals, and wasn't satisfied with my workouts. Even worse, I thought that was normal.

When I stepped into my first MAD class, I was initially intimidated by the movements and the people around me-- I had never picked up a kettlebell, nor did I ever think I'd have to step on a ski erg.

It didn't take long for me to get super comfortable-- the classes are small enough to where you're essentially getting semi-personal training, but large enough to feel like you're all doing this workout together, as a team. The coaching staff put me at ease-- their feedback was constructive, and soon, these movements became second nature. The people around me were rooting for my success, and made me feel super welcome from the start. I felt good every time I left, and looked forward to when I would come back next. Two years later, I can still say this is true.

MAD is more than a gym-- it's more like a second home. The coaches, staff, and other patrons become friends and family. Where else can you say that happens!?...

Stop whatever workout isn't working for you right now and come try MAD for 10 days. You'll be hooked immediately.

The trainers - not cheerleaders - actually care about your form and are there to help prevent injuries, not over-train you. Classes are capped at 25 people (recently raised from 20) so you truly do receive one-on-one attention. When I first joined here I couldn't even do an air squat with just my body weight. My trainers have helped me tremendously, and now I'm lifting weights I didn't even dare glance at before in the gym because they were intimidating. And guess what? I'm not bulking! Thanks to proper nutrition and training, I continue to build muscle in all the right places and lose fat in others.

The community here is noncompetitive, supportive, and sociable. My 0530 class are some of the friendliest people I know, and they are a huge reason I wake up so early! Quarterly socials are held too so you get to know people who are in other classes as well.

If you are in DC proper and wanting to see what all the MADness is about, there is a location opening up on H street this...