T.E.A.M. University - FitForever Strength & Conditioning

I've been a member of multiple crossfit gyms in three states over ~15 years. Then for a variety of reasons I stopped exercising regularly for several years and gained a lot of weight. I found it hard to motivate myself to use the equipment I had at home, or to go to the Y or other gyms, and I finally realized that I needed the coach/team environment to crawl out of the hole I've dug myself into. This place was close by, but the website seemed a little sketchy, and I couldn't figure out how the strength and conditioning stuff worked with the martial arts for kids stuff. I signed up for a 3-class trial, and got an automated email that told me to call and schedule an appointment. I called and got a generic answering message. I was sure that I had just given my $ to a Nigerian prince. But I sent an email and got an almost immediate reply, and showed up to my first class the next day. Turns out it is totally legit, owned by a brother/sister team who are both incredibly welcoming and motivating, and filled with really nice people of all fitness levels. Many of the crossfitters have kids who take the martial arts classes at the same time on the other side of the wall - how convenient! At my first class I was obviously unable to do many of the exercises "as prescribed," but one of the great things about crossfit is that you can scale anything to any level, and still feel like you are working just as hard on your ring-rows as the badass chick doing full pull-ups next to you. Marilyn scaled my first workout perfectly, so that I was working my butt/lungs off the whole time but wasn't in danger of hurting myself. After a couple more good experiences I signed up for a membership. Today we did a killer workout that left me questioning my life choices with every rep, but it was still so great to be in a room full of people encouraging each other, with a coach constantly walking around checking everyone's form and cheering us on. I feel like I made it back home. Crossfit is hella expensive, and I know it's not for everyone. But realize that it's practically personal training in a group setting, where you can walk in and not have to worry about coming up with your own programming, but still tailor everything to your individual level. You get the constant motivation and synergy of everyone around you trying to be just a little bit better, put a little more weight on the bar, progress to the next level of scaling, or on some days just make it through the workout. It really does feel like a team when it's done right, and these folks do it right. Am I mad at myself and frustrated that I let myself get so out of shape? Yes. Do I think I'm going to get back to my athletic heyday of 10-15 years ago? Probably not. But I am excited to get back in the saddle for the journey, with a supportive team surrounding me.

I absolutely love this gym! I've done martial arts (Muay Thai) here for years, but after getting my black belt, I decided to move over to the strength and conditioning side. I knew I needed to incorporate more lifting into my workouts, but had no idea where to start. This is the best place to learn! The coaches are all fantastic and there is a real community vibe. Everyone is super supportive and there's NONE of the macho/gym rat mentality. Everyone is super chill, regardless of where you are in your strength training. I feel like I've learned a ton and I feel great after every class.

About eight months ago, I started a long overdue search for a new box after a ten-year run at another local facility. After checking out six other training facilities between Rockville and Kensington, I settled on T.E.A.M. University, formerly CrossfitForever. At the top of my search was quality coaching with a lot of variety in the workouts. The facility and parking access were also important. It might sound secondary, but the music and sound system cannot suck. That would be a deal breaker. I need good, loud, ass-kicking music to get the job done. After eight months, T.E.A.M. checks all the boxes. The coaches are engaged and motivating and have excellent taste in music. The facility is spacious and clean. The parking lot is pretty decent, but you've got to take it slow with younger athletes transitioning from adjacent martial arts classes to waiting cars. T.E.A.M. members are supportive and friendly but serious about pushing themselves to their physical limits. The coaches are great about coming up with scaling options that keep you in sync with the rhythm of the workout so that you don't end up feeling like you're not in the mix. Overall, the vibe is upbeat, and most importantly, I'm continuing to improve, both in fitness and strength.

I joined because I needed motivation and a sense of community. I moved from DC where I had a great community of people I adored from the fitness gym I went to. I missed that a lot and it took me almost 3 years of trying other gyms before finally trying and finding it at TEAM U Strength and Conditioning. From day 1, I was welcomed and never felt intimidated! The workouts are challenging but always do-able. And if you need modifications for any reason, there are options! I highly recommend joining TEAM U!

If you're like myself and do not want to miss a day of training because you're out of town for work or visiting with friends/family, this CrossFit box is the place to drop in at! The coaching staff is knowledgeable, the equipment top notch and the overall vibe is high energy!!!