Ed. Note: I also noticed that the recently closed gym at 2007 18th Street has moved Capitol Combat Sports to HARD Training Club. This is the building that had a liquor application for a restaurant called Jack Rose, not sure what the status of the restaurant is…

“Hello to All out there,

We’d just like to introduce ourselves- we’ve been alerted to this thread and wanted to address any questions, perceptions, speculations you may have. As of September 1, we’re now open and very happy to be in the neighborhood. If any of you have taken a peek inside, we CAN confirm that- YES, we are a small and no frills facility; and honestly, the name counts for a lot in regards to our setup. We actually don’t mind the comments people make, we DO know the name catches attention and illicits many responses- that wasn’t an oversight, though behind it all we’d like to clarify that the name really stands for a philosophy. Strip away all the amenities (distractions) and the focus is truly on Training; however Hard you want to go.

Our facility IS Spartan, it’s meant to be. To us it’s stripped down to the basics, you still have everything you need for a full workout. We have equipment for strength training; no machinery or bells and whistles but it IS high grade steel, incredibly sturdy, genuine Ludlow pieces that can take whatever you want to dish it: Hacksquat/Leg Press, Wallsquat, Power Rack, Lat Pull, Cable Cross, Preacher Curl, Dip Station, Roman Chair, Calf Raise, and more; as well as free weights: benches, tons of plates, and Dumb Bells from 5lbs to 125lbs; and throw in weighted bars, cross T weights, boxing/ Thai Pads, Heavy Bag, and so on for good measure.

But what we’re most intent on is this being the kind of place where you can swing a heavy rope around your head like a helicopter, do incline situps while throwing sand bags in the air, bounce medicine balls high off the walls, heave a sledgehammer at tractor tires like chopping wood, do balanced pushups on the floor with your feet in Olympic Rings- or do them upside down suspended on the ceiling from our monkey bars, jump plyometric boxes, climb a rope, flip tires down an alleyway all without feeling like a spectacle or raising an eyebrow. Make it fun to break a sweat; to push, influence, and inspire each other; it’s just meant to be a place you can feel free to train however you want to in a laid back and easy going atmosphere.

Being small and low key, there are no locker rooms but there are 2 bathrooms, 1 shower (Bring Your Own Stuff), and lockers with additional storage cubbies downstairs. HARD Training Club is a bit rough around the edges but that’s how we like it; and if you think you’re ok with that- please stop by.

HARD is open to all, in these beginning days we cover a broad span of clientele and we’re looking forward to continue growing that way. HARD doesn’t hire trainers because in this facility everybody’s a member; BUT trainers are welcome- and we have a great and beneficial fee structure to offer. You’re not going to find rates like this anywhere; come by to talk to us about it.

If you read about us on this link just mention that to us and we can give you complementary passes to really give us a try because we know the proof is in the doing.

HARD TRAINING CLUB

Educating and Empowering our Members by challenging entrenched training attitudes and stereotypes in a welcoming, “No-Frills” fitness facility.

1726 Kalorama Rd NW (btwn 17th & Ontario)

www.hardtrainingclub.com; [email protected]


“Dear PoP,

I have noticed that you’ve got a couple of yoga studio sponsors and wondered if reader reviews of local yoga studios might be a good topic for discussion. I am a beginner who has never taken a class but I’d like to get into some yoga and pilates. I don’t know my ashtanga from my bikram. Honestly I am a working mom who likes to get out of town on weekends so it’s been really hard to find the time.

Also, I once found online a yoga studio that was offering a parent-toddler yoga class that sounded like fun but I now can’t remember/find the listing. If it rings any bells let me know!”

I’ll open up this up to you guys. I know yoga studios have exploded all over the city so there has to be one with a parent-toddler class. Anyone know? What’s your favorite in the city?


The space that formerly housed Eco Green Living is becoming a gym. But not any ordinary gym – it’s becoming a CrossFit. For those not familiar with CrossFit you can sign up for a 3 session workshop and read more about it on their Web site. The owner of this space, which opens today, John Main, said that basically CrossFit is “constantly varied, functional movement, performed at a high intensity”. All I know is that my Uncle, in his 60s, does CrossFit and can easily kick my ass. Though I guess before he did CrossFit he could still kick my ass… Anyway, it’s great to see Church Street filling its empty storefronts particularly with a great spot like this.


Hard Training Club will be coming to 1726 Kalorama Road, NW. It looks like it might be a pretty small space for a gym but maybe it’s more about classes than a gym. Anyone familiar with this group? I think we may have mentioned this before in talking about the Washington Sports Club but what is the average monthly price for a gym membership?


Photo from The National Harbor.

From an email:

“Mid City Yoga, my guerrilla yoga company, is hosting a fun, summer outdoor yoga class every sunny (read: not rainy) Tuesday evening at 7pm in Thomas Circle. The 75 minute class will be an open-level flow, aimed at challenging experienced yogis and giving some experience to novices, all while enjoying the gorgeousness that is a DC Summer. I’ll be teaching, so come ready for a little bit of fun, a little bit of sweat, and some darn good company. The whole thing is pay what you can, so don’t stress– come play.

Thomas Circle is located on 14th Street NW, right at M Street and Mass Ave. The big horse statue is hard to miss. I’ll be the tall blonde guy with a yoga mat. 7pm.”


Just noticed a big sign outside the boxing gym located on 18th Street just north of Florida. Makes me wonder about these tough economic times. Are people canceling their gym memberships as a cost cutting measure?


  1. Take Advantage of Membership Specials.  A lot of gyms are offering specials right now.  I know at Washington Sports Club (where I go), it’s $0 to join, and last I heard it was $59/month to join.  I believe all of the other gyms around town are offering specials too.  Also, you can get better deals at gyms if you join at the end of the month when the sales people are trying to meet their quota.
  2. Do Trial Memberships.  Many places offer a first class free or a one or two-week free trial.  If you are interested in trying a new hobby such as yoga, boxing or boot camp, the first class is usually free.  If you have time on your hands and don’t mind traveling around town, you can keep trying out free offerings until you settle on something you like and start paying. 
  3. Go Running.  Running is probably the cheapest sport you can do.  All you need is a pair of running shoes and some athletic wear.  When it is winter, make sure you layer your clothes, and if you are running at night, go with a friend.  If you are alone and running at night, it’s best to skip the Ipod, or if you do use it, only wear one ear bud so you can be aware of your surroundings.  Continues after the jump. (more…)

I know lot of readers are into Yoga so I thought it’d be interesting to get a get quick impression from a participant.

Now that it is getting cold out, and I was starting to get burned out of my triathlon-training-oriented exercise routine, I decided to head north on 14th Street and try out Quiet Mind Yoga. I have really enjoyed all their classes. The instructors are great, and the studio has a good vibe. Everyone is friendly, and the classes are not too crowded. I always hated doing yoga at the gym and being squished tight with other people. How can you relax when you can’t do a pose without bumping into someone else? The one drawback of Quiet Mind is its location across the street from the fire station. It can be challenging to achieve a zen state with sirens going off periodically.

Aside from location how does one decide on chosing a particular Yoga Spot over another?

While we’re talking about about Yoga, I received the following email from another great Yoga Spot – Yoga House:

I was wondering if you’d be willing to post about the $5 community classes 6:30-7:30 on Fridays at Yoga House (http://www.yogahousestudio.com), which is right above Temperance Hall. Student teachers (like me) volunteer our time to the community in return for a $5 donation to Yoga House to defray the studio’s costs. There are two classes — Kundalini and Vinyasa. It’s a great way for people to check out the studio or a new form of yoga. I’ll be there this Friday – drop by before the Halloween festivities so you can leave your work week behind and build energy for the weekend! More after the jump. (more…)


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