NW Fitness Project — Local services in Seattle

My long-time Crossfit gym closed during covid, and I was looking for something sort of similar for strength training - but at 54 maybe something also more aligned to my age bracket. HIIT workouts, olympic lifting on a clock, a competitive PR gym vibe, over-crowded classes were something I wanted to get away from - without losing all that good motivating energy.

Read an article in the newspaper about NWFP "Metabolic Madness" classes, was intrigued and signed up for a free intro class. 2 years later, still going at least twice a week for such incredible workouts. Can honestly say I look forward to going to the gym - which is definitely not something I recall thinking about any workout ever.

The weekly programming is fantastic - It's a wonderful mix of mobility work, weight training (barbells, dumbells, kettles, and targeted machines), kinetic exercise / body-weight exercise, banded stuff like you'd do in PT, etc. There's new movements added all the time, keeping it very fresh. It's light on traditional cardio - which is great - strength training is much harder to do on your own I think w/o a good coach watching.

There are personal trainers available also, but I've really enjoyed the small group training. Classes are kept small, never more than 10 people, so are getting technique adjustments and personal attention, help with weight selections, mods if needed. I'm always sore, but recoveries are quick - they don't let me overdo it - and also don't let me underdo it (which is my go-to).

You have to register for class times, not just drop in. Which was a change for me, but I've ended up really liking that. I do a class pack, and then try to book times a month in advance. I have 10 classes booked out for the month, it goes on my calendar, and then I just always go. A small mind trick, but really helped me prevent those last minute... "don't feel like its today"

Classes are always full of the nicest people, many folks from around the neighborhood. I drive from Queen Anne, but it's never more than 10 min, and have always found street parking. There is a wide age range and abilities, sometimes paired up on workouts, so have a buddy for each station - they do a good job matching abilities and weight load.

The whole experience is so thoughtful and professional. Have recommended it to many friends and colleagues...

NW Fitness Project is the best and I'm constantly telling everyone I know that they should work out here.

The workouts are different each day, are tough but fun and interesting and the format makes the time go by quickly. I appreciate the time management of the class -- workouts start on time and I feel like every last minute is used well to help me get an awesome workout. Warm ups and cool down stretches are tailored to the muscles used in the workout.

The coaches have known my name since my first day, are knowledgeable and friendly and always go the extra mile -- sometimes workouts and playlists are even themed with whatever is going on that week (Game of Thrones finale, Superbowl, etc.). They spend just the right amount of time explaining how to do the movements correctly, know what weights each individual should use, and give you lots of support during the workout to make sure you don't get hurt and are pushing yourself to work as hard as you can. High fives, dad jokes and some silliness are a part of the deal.

The facility is beautiful and clean and equipment is nice and new. They have lockers, 2 restrooms and 2 showers, and garage doors that let the fresh air in on a nice Seattle day.

Other gym members I have met are friendly and encouraging. People of all ages, shapes, sizes, colors, and experience levels are welcome here and it's a positive and respectful atmosphere.

Parking is limited to the street but is not too bad in Fremont -- I can always find a spot even if I have to circle the block a few times. The unlimited gym membership is more than I've paid at other class-based gyms but I have found that 1) it's worth it for everything you're getting (see above^) and that the cost gives me a little extra motivation to get to class more often.

All in all, this is one of the best gyms you'll find in Seattle and you should...

I love this gym! After a few months of walking past and admiring the shiny new gym in my neighborhood, I finally started taking classes at NWFP in the fall of 2017, and have been a consistent customer ever since. Kyle, one of the co-owners and a trainer, knew my name in my very first class and went out of his way to make sure he understood my fitness needs and to make me feel welcome. My classmates gave me high fives and cheered me on as I sweated through a genuinely challenging workout. I had a blast and was instantly hooked on working out with such friendly folks at every fitness level.

Kyle and Matt (the other co-owner) are great trainers and are experts at shaping a workout for the individual needs of each student- even in 8 person group classes. As I was preparing for my wedding, they even took an interest in which parts of my body I wanted to tone so I could rock my dress when the day came.

When I got pregnant last year, I was even more impressed with their dedication to their clients' health and wellness. Kyle, Matt, and all the other trainers worked with me closely, always making sure I was staying safe and modifying appropriately for each stage of my pregnancy. Because of their help, I was able to continue working out until 39 weeks and return as soon as my doctor cleared me at six weeks postpartum. Their care and consideration have continued since I came back and have been a critical part of my recovery.

I can't recommend this gym highly enough (especially for pregnant and postpartum folks)! Every day that I make it to class, is just a little better than the days I skip. NWFP is truly is a community, and I feel lucky to have found a gym, a family, and a home right in my...