Ultimate Performance — Local services in Washington

I’ve been struggling to write this review only because I’m nervous I can’t convey strongly enough how much Ultimate Performance has helped and truly changed my life.

A few months after having my second baby I started my weight loss journey and knew I had some big goals for myself. I had gained 65 pounds with my first baby and lost most of it, only to gain another 40 pounds with my second baby. Like many new moms I felt lost in my own body and frustrated with the yo-yo dieting and sporadic workouts - no matter what I did it wasn’t enough to get me back to feeling like me. Last May, I was reading reviews for different programs and happened to stumble upon Ultimate Performance, and I am so grateful I did. From the moment I reached out, I knew this was something different. Brenna took the time to meet with me and understand my goals before connecting me with Brandon who also answered numerous questions and concerns I had about the process. I work in the hospitality industry, and my job is unforgiving with hours - I knew choosing this gym would be a true juggle of timing/scheduling and Brandon assured me we could make it work. Finally, I was “matched” with my trainer Kirkland “KJ” Smith! I was so nervous for our first session, but KJ immediately put me at ease and assured me we would take it slow. The first few sessions were challenging, but we got through them and each one felt like such a huge accomplishment. It’s nice to not have to think in a gym setting and let your trainer guide you through each set. You’re not counting reps, or scoping out the next machine to make sure it’s available, your only job is to focus on the movement and your form. After almost 20 weeks, I am looking forward to each session and trying to outperform myself.

As much as I love the workouts, the biggest game changer for me was the nutrition tracker. It’s super easy to use, and I was shocked to see some of my go-to foods were blowing my macros in one meal. It’s eye-opening to track your meals this way, and the open communication with KJ was so helpful to understanding why my weight was fluctuating so much. His knowledge on nutrition is just as strong as his training expertise, and from prior experience, that is hard to find in a lot of other training programs. I’m also a goal-oriented person and watching the circles close and check marks appear in the app as I complete tasks is satisfying.

I’m so impressed with my results from the last 20 weeks. There’s a big emphasis on understanding your “why,” and for me, it was regaining my confidence so I can be a good role model for my kids. I can definitely say that has been achieved. My favorite pre-baby clothes that I had shoved in the back of the closet have come back out and are slowly becoming too big! My coworkers and friends are in awe of the physical changes I’ve made - and when I look at the before and after pictures I’m amazed that we’ve come so far. As of this morning, I am 34 pounds down and over 6 inches off my waist. I have more energy to play with my kids, and while it is definitely a juggle to get the workouts in - it is without a doubt worth it! I can’t say thank you enough to the entire UP team, especially KJ who has been the best coach and honestly more like a teammate on this journey. If you are on the fence about giving this program a try, I highly encourage you to “find your why” and then commit to achieving it. I promise you it...

Join U.P. if you want to become the best physical version of yourself.

TL;DR: Knowledgeable trainers that educate, approach physical fitness with a cerebral perspective, and provide results-oriented personal guidance. Well-maintained facilities, approachable staff, and sense of camaraderie among U.P. members.

TRAINING PROGRAM. The focus is squarely on your personal goals and developing a training program that accounts for your level of activity, nutrition, and short/long term goal. It’s a financial commitment to be sure, but regardless if you are new to personal training or not, the program is methodical and benchmarks are adjusted to the person while still pushing each individual to their limits of what they consider to be feasible. The program is based on science. You will, without a doubt, see a change in your physique whether you expected to see it or not. The program is data driven, meaning macros tracking, photo progress, and even physical measurements, so you can track your progress as you work through the program. If you have an injury, U.P. will work with you and other professionals to make sure your time at U.P. is safe and considered a success. You enroll in training sessions, not a gym membership, so each day of in-person training is bespoke to you.

TRAINERS. You will not find membership subscription hounds here. Only a handful of trainers are accepted and only after rigorous testing internally before they can work with a client. Their success at U.P. is tied to yours, so you will never feel like you’re dealing with a sketchy gym salesperson. I value education while training so I can take lessons learned with me even after my time at U.P. My trainer, Ann, is the perfect blend of personal trainer, educator, and the female version of Tony Robbins (or maybe Tony is a male version of Ann?). She will motivate you and challenge you at the same time, with a clear eye (and reminders) of your goals, even if you forget them yourself. While you work with a primary trainer, the entire U.P. team is there to support. Athletes themselves, U.P. trainers regularly share best practices if you have personal objectives (e.g., running a marathon, bodybuilding, just getting healthy). Although squarely focused on your goals, the trainers also have a sense of humor and get along great as a team. If all gym environments were like this, I’d have signed up a long time ago.

FACILITIES. Very clean with new equipment. Locker rooms have showers, some toiletries provided, and are well-maintained.

BE READY TO WORK. You will be pushed on the types of exercises, weights, and number of repetitions to execute. You may sweat like crazy, question the meaning of life and why you thought this was a good idea when you signed up, but when you see that progress chart, it will have been worth it.

RESULTS. I am a very busy person and do not have time to commit to things that are not effective or efficient. I’ve worked with Ann for the last 5 months and have been the healthiest and strongest version of myself in the last 15 years. The experience has far exceeded my expectations and has motivated me to continue on this health journey indefinitely. Don’t bother with other gyms or trainers. Come to U.P. Ask for Ann. Make a commitment to yourself and your health, with U.P. as your partner, and you won’t be...

In Feb 2023, I started at UP metro center working with Ann (and Jeff) - and their support, guidance, instruction have literally changed my life. I put on about 60 pounds and was so out of shape. Ann has worked with me every single day - even when I wasn’t in the gym - to help build back my muscle, guide me through eating healthy, lose weight, build strength, and gradually achieve a new, healthy sustainable lifestyle. She has helped me bring back my discipline, focus, and sparkle. There is a tremendous difference already between when I started just three months ago - both in my physical appearance (I’ve already lost 30 plus pounds) and I can see my muscles again! I am still working hard to finish my “transformation,” but I already feel - physical and emotionally - so much better.

Ann does all of the thinking and planning for me. I trust her implicitly because she shares with me her plan and helps me execute it every step of the way. I ask a million questions and she answers all of them. She communicates with me multiple times a day reminding me to meet the goals for each day.

In the gym, Ann is a strong presence. She commands the room through her knowledge and expertise, and her caring, funny, and engaging personality. She is focused on the workouts, strength training and building, and also keeps everyone’s spirits high by knowing and caring for all of us - even if some people aren’t here clients. She creates a really genuine sense of community in the gym.

The metro center gym is managed by Jeff, who is equally dedicated, caring and focused. His commitment (and gentle competitive nature) are contagious and make you want to work harder and better. He has his pulse on what everyone is doing and is behind the scenes supporting all of us.

This far exceeds any “gym” experience you have ever done before. This is more like your own personal exercise/gym space where there is just the right amount of unique and innovative equipment and a very smart and knowledgeable trainer guiding you. While there is never that many people training at the same time, it’s just enough to create that inspiring community to keep you motivated. When I am working out there, I never feel overwhelmed by crowds (like you can at other gyms). It feels like there is a choreographed rhythm between the trainers that communicates purpose, focus, community and care.

This experience is expensive - and it is worth every single penny spent. Ann’s patience, drive, and vision are truly helping me transform every aspect of my life. I am and forever will be...