SWEAT DC: Free Workouts at an Inclusive, Nightclub-Themed Fitness Studio

In anticipation of the post-Thanksgiving, pre-New Year’s fitness resolution season, SWEAT DC is offering free classes to those curious about the northwest DC boutique fitness studio that offers challenging 45-minute classes in what owner Gerard “Coach G” Burley calls “a fun nightclub setting.”

A pass for two weeks of free workouts for first-time “SWEAT Stars” (as clients are more affectionately known by Coach G & the SWEAT community) is now available for a limited time on the SWEAT DC website here.

“SWEAT DC combines the best workout with the best party,” Burley said of the high-intensity group fitness program offered at the Georgia Avenue studio.

The lights of the neon-accented studio are kept low, the better to show off the graffiti murals and the glow-in-the-dark weights. The darkened studio, Burley said, also “provides a space where no one is judging you.”

And while the lights may be low, the energy is kept high by the enthusiastic fitness professionals who coach members through each program and the lively non-stop music that keeps SWEAT Stars moving.

But just as important as the health benefits is the inclusive, supportive and empowering community that has developed among the SWEAT DC membership. In fact, the boutique studio began four years ago as a fundraising pop-up boot camp to help Burley’s local LGBT basketball league.

“Growing up an overweight, closeted gay black boy in Baltimore, I struggled with many issues in my youth and turned to food for comfort,” Burley said. After losing his mother after graduating high school, “I turned to fitness as my sanctuary to build my confidence and take control of my life. I was inspired to open SWEAT DC to create a results-driven fitness program that builds people up from the inside out.” (Learn what “Coach G” eats these days.)

SWEAT DC is located at 3232 Georgia Avenue, NW, Suite 105. Call 202-509-9051 or text 202-516-7449. The website is here.