Every week, this column will review a D.C. gym and one or more trial classes.
Walking into a gym for the first time can feel extremely intimidating. Experienced weight lifters bench hundreds of pounds and toned runners hit the treadmill like they are training for the Olympics. As a college student who has minimal workout experience, it may seem hard to discover your place and find effective exercises for your body.
Fitness experts have shown that personal training sessions have incredible benefits on your personal health and also improve your overall experience at the gym. Personal training offers motivation, routine development, support, knowledge of proper technique, specific goal training and so much more.
Balance Gym has a special Bethesda location that offers single personal training sessions and small group sessions that address each person’s needs. The group training is catered to specific needs of the individuals but costs less because training takes place in small groups.
Unlike the other locations, the Bethesda gym focuses on personal training and corporate wellness. The gym, unfortunately, does not offer classes to members who do not work in the office buildings in the area, only personal training.
Membership to the Bethesda Balance Gym is based on packages depending on how many sessions purchased. The more sessions you purchase in one package, the cheaper each session costs. Prices range anywhere from $50 a session to $95 a session. Package information is available on their website, though specific prices for your needs can be discussed by contacting the gym.
How is the gym?
The gym itself is small and fairly empty. The clients are mostly people who work in the area, so it is rare that the gym is over-packed because it’s in an environment with a smaller clientele compared to a gym that advertises to the public. The gym provided an adequate amount of floor space and plenty of equipment for free use. Cardio machines are widely available, and there is a sectioned off area to do personal floor work.
All the staff are extremely welcoming. They seem to know most of the clients by name, making the entire experience feel individualized.
Locker rooms are available with changing areas and showers.
Try the training
The personal training at Balance turned out to be one of the most useful training sessions I have ever had. I trained with the general manager, Brittaney, who spent time before the session going over my personal goals and designing a workout plan for me.
I found Brittaney extremely informative. She quickly gauged what I was capable of and what I needed to learn. She spent time writing out a descriptive workout plan and took notes throughout the session. At the end, I was able to take the plan home.
Unlike many personal trainers who just show their client how to use a machine, the trainers at Balance Gym spend the time to show you how to use your own body and some small equipment to exercises effectively. She even offered me ways to continue the exercises she had taught me for when I work out at the campus gym and in my dorm room.
Tips to know before you go
- The gym is located in the Bethesda Crossing Building, which is very large, so give yourself extra time to find the tucked away gym.
- Don’t let the prices scare you. Though training may seem pricey, the best part is that there is no minimum or maximum amount of sessions that can be purchased. Just one session can open up an entire world of new exercises to try out at a gym that may be more in your price range. Laying out money now for a few sessions will allow full use of a cheaper gym membership without a trainer.
- Personal training is about meeting your personal fitness goals. Know what you want to achieve before you go, and read some tips online to prepare properly.
Address: 7315 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD
Metro Stop: Bethesda Metro stop on the Red Line
Follow @ArielleWeg