Thesis Personal Training DC — Local services in Washington

Hands down the best equipped and and staffed personal training gym in DC. But that doesn't really describe it. Apologies for the long review but it takes a bit to really describe how unique a place like this. Thesis is a fitness and nutrition home for people that want to make themselves accountable for their health & lifestyle no matter where you are on your fitness journey. Their trainers are the most qualified in weight training & nutrition coaching. The gym is for personal training only and is a large space (very unique for a downtown DC gym). And it is equipped like a D1 athletic department with the best of everything. It is always sparkling clean with their on staff cleaning crew and has high end spacious locker rooms with first class toiletries. Which is unique outside of the big membership gyms like Vida or Equinox. They help you make informed decisions about your training and nutrition. They have an amazing physical therapist on location that will work with you and your trainer to maximize your training & recovery. They are a team. The trainers are constantly learning from each other & the head of instruction and collaborate on clients. The vibe is affirming and welcoming no matter the level of fitness you are in currently. The culture there embraces the diversity that is DC. It is LGBT friendly with a very diverse clientele of mostly DC professionals - lawyers, lobbyists, consultants, etc. It isn't a "bro gym" or a place where women get creeped on which is so common at gyms. Every time I train, there are as many women as there are men. The trainers don't just "turn on" for your sessions, which are challenging. They are checking on you daily. If I'm slacking in the steps department, I might get a text from my trainer in the middle of the afternoon suggesting I get out for a walk! When I'm on vacation or traveling, he asks me to send him what I have to work with in a hotel gym and throws together workouts for my trip! Same on food. If I have regular restaurants that I go to, we look a the menu together to see where I can make healthy choices. My point is, trainers aren't winging it with the latest workouts they saw on instagram! Or telling you to eat grilled chicken breast & broccoli every day. They help you make informed choices that are sustainable for the long term. They aren't just independent contractors (or employees that are treated like contractors). This isn't a side gig for them. What I think is really unique is that they are full time employees with benefits and an actual base salary. They aren't going to starve when clients take time off in the summer or the holidays. This matters to me not just because it's the right thing to do but because it attracts the best talent that will actually stick around! It means they aren't just being compensated for the hour on the floor with me, they are paid to develop my training program, monitor my growth, make adjustments, check in daily, measure my progress with 3D body scans and other high tech measurements. And to constantly keep me accountable for the goals I have set for myself (which may be different than somebody else). The trainers and staff are literally invested in your growth & progress. Cheering you every step of the way. It is a little more expensive than training sessions at a high end membership gym like equinox but there is no monthly membership fee and you aren't training and working in while people are just working out in a crowded gym floor. If you are looking for a place that is truly a fitness & health...

If you have a busy lifestyle where the value of one of your hours is worth quite a lot to someone else, I would highly recommend Thesis and training with Marvin.

High quality training, responsive team, and a centralized, well-organized, metrics-based approach to helping you reach your goals. In 2 WEEKS - my body fat percentage went from 22.4% to 19.2% I also feel like I have more energy every day and am comfortable just standing (watching dogs play in creeks, in a queue, etc) for much longer periods!

Marvin is a superb trainer, efficient, and a problem-solver. I don’t know how he does it - probably science and experience but it feels magical - Marvin knows which movements and exercises lead to reaching your goals and experiencing tangible results in and out of the gym. I wanted to be able to sit and stand comfortably for long hours at my desk and Marvin has delivered and then some on those goals! I am getting results without pain and without injury and it’s kind of astonishing.

Marvin’s books are almost always full, but he always manages to find time for my sessions - even if it means staying until 9pm when he came in at 6 that morning. He is committed to learning and improvement and genuinely cares about helping his clients lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

I also traveled to Japan recently (Nov. 2024) with my dad, who is strong, but he’s also almost 70 years old. We had a much more active trip than expected - practically backpacked half the days of our eight day journey. I don’t know how I would have managed if not for my training with Marvin. I was able to heft my own bags and even carry my dad’s wheeled suitcase when the ground was uneven. Thanks to Marvin & Thesis DC, we were able to see more and enjoy more of our bucket-list trip through Japan.

The facilities may seem small to the eye at first, but it is truly a full-service experience. And when you walk in, you feel welcomed. It’s not bro-ey or clique-y. The whole team is truly good vibes all around. I see people of all walks of life coming in to train and the trainers are enthusiastic and helpful. When the gym is busier, it feels busy (ofc) but not crowded and there’s minimal if any waiting for equipment.

Other things worth mentioning:

— Thesis takes a scientific and metrics-based approach to training and most of this information is organized and easily accessible on a Thesis-specific app. The app is actually user-friendly and convenient, which I appreciate greatly. The app has all my training sessions, video tutorials, progress and nutrition tracking. When we train, Marvin keeps track of the weights and reps in the workouts section, I track my meals, and every 2 weeks we have a check in that includes a full body scan. I don’t use the entire app to full capacity, but I love that I can track a meal with just a picture and a caption with the relevant macros and Marvin can easily see what I’ve been logging.

— The Thesis app also makes it easy for me to contact Marvin, schedule (or reschedule) sessions and see my full training schedule.

— There are lockers with digital codes inside and outside of the locker rooms. The gym facilities and locker room are clean and feel luxe. (I am sensitive to dust and mold so clean is a big must for me!).

— Transparency in the sign up process. Getting personal training was a big jump and an investment for me. I appreciated transparency around the process and I didn’t feel bamboozled. There’s no pushiness or upselling once you...

Discovering Thesis a year ago was akin to uncovering a hidden treasure for my health and well-being, and it's been so impactful that both my partner and I are committed attendees, visiting 3-4 times a week. Thesis isn't just another gym; it's a private, exclusive sanctuary for fitness and wellness that requires a keypad for entry, ensuring privacy and security. Unlike the crowded floors of my previous high-end gym in the Anthem Row area, Thesis offers a uniquely personal training environment where I never have to wait for machines. Despite being a personal training-centric gym, it's not the small studio one might expect; it's vast, boasting ample space equipped with top-tier fitness technology.

The unparalleled experience at Thesis is significantly shaped by four key individuals:

Ryan: My main trainer, Ryan, is the encyclopedia of strength and conditioning. His profound knowledge and tailored approach have been fundamental to my progress, making every session insightful and productive. While teaching me about longevity in health, and being able to keep it a lifestyle, not just a moment in time.

Evin: Evin is a perfectionist in the truest sense. His dedication to my results, taking them as personally as if they were his own, has pushed me to levels of fitness I hadn't imagined. Training with Evin is to know you're under the wing of someone who truly cares about your success.

Sean: As the gym manager, Sean's boundless energy is the lifeblood of Thesis. His enthusiasm and positivity elevate the atmosphere, making every visit energizing and motivating.

Ori: The owner and visionary behind Thesis, Ori, is the linchpin of the operation. His philosophy of surrounding himself with the best talent is evident in the quality of the gym's staff and services. Ori's commitment to his team is reflected in the positive environment of the gym; it's clear that everyone there is passionate about their work and the success of the members. Ori has created more than just a gym; he's built a community where both employees and members thrive, all contributing to a culture of excellence and wellness.

Nutritionally, Thesis has revolutionized my approach to diet, leading to a gain of over 18 LBS of muscle and a loss of more than 45LBS of body fat. Their transformative guidance shifted me from indiscriminate eating to a personalized nutrition plan that supports both muscle gain and fat loss.

The gym's commitment to cleanliness and convenience further sets Thesis apart. The facility is kept immaculate, and amenities like complimentary nitro brew, a sauna, on-site physical therapy, and post-workout shakes add layers of luxury that enhance the overall experience.

In essence, Thesis represents more than just a gym; it's a comprehensive health and wellness hub that prioritizes well-being with unmatched care and precision. The supportive culture, led by a passionate team and underscored by premium amenities, makes Thesis the ultimate investment in health. The fact that both my partner and I consistently visit 3-4 times a week is a testament to the transformative and rewarding fitness experience that Thesis provides. Joining Thesis has undoubtedly been the best decision for our physical and nutritional health, setting a new standard for what a fitness community...