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]


Back in June it was leaked to me that the Bike Musician sculpture had been selected for the Adams Morgan plaza at Columbia Road and 18th. At that time the Deirdre Thayer Ehlen, DC Creates Public Art Coordinator, denied that a sculpture had been selected. Well, now Greater Greater Washington confirms that the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities has indeed selected the Bike Musician. You can see what the other options were here. It’s funny, at the time, I disliked the Bike Musician. But to tell you the truth it has sorta grown on me. I guess it’s a bit hard to envision what it’ll look like life size. But I think a bit of quirkiness may turn out alright.

UPDATE:  Allright, lemons into lemonade as they say.  So what the hell is the purpose of the DC Commission on the Arts?  I mean if they vote on a project and then table it (see comments), what’s the point?  If the Vietnam Memorial selection operated this way, I doubt it ever would’ve been built.  Obviously this doesn’t hold the gravitas of the Vietnam Memorial, but tell me what is the point of the Arts Commission?  Should it still exist as is?  Should it be an elected position?  What should the public/community role be in selecting a neighborhood art project like this?


The past couple months the Safeway on Columbia Road in Adams Morgan had been undergoing some renovations. The outside is looking pretty good. I don’t shop there but for those that do, has the inside changed as well?



photo by odradek23

Back in June Nichole wrote about the Hines Redevelopment Proposals for the 7th and Pennsylvania SE, redevelopment of the Hine Jr. High site. The Mayor issued a press release announcing Stanton-EastBanc as the winner. The press release says:

“Stanton-EastBanc’s proposal calls for about 510,000 square feet of total development at the site. It will include more than 200,000 square feet of office space – about 62,000 square feet set aside to move the nonprofit International Relief and Development and its 200 employees from Virginia to a new headquarters in the District. The project is also set to include about 150 apartments, 60,000 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail and restaurants, consolidation of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s operations and 150 parking spaces.

Stanton-EastBanc did not request any subsidy from the District for the project. The project could break ground as soon as 2011.”

Now for the Bad News:

Back in August we looked at the proposed development of the Giant and surrounding area on Wisconsin Ave by Newark St. City Desk reports:

“Work at the Friendship Shopping Center site will now be delayed – again. Sharon Robinson, a consultant to the project, said the appeal, while not unexpected, “is subject to a judicial process that will likely take two years or more to complete.” But Giant doesn’t have plans to back down; it “remains committed to the project.””

And sorry to end on this but it is worse news:

WJLA news reports:

“A man was stabbed in front of an apartment building in D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood Monday night, authorities say. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the 2600 block of Adams Mill Road NW.”

They say the man stabbed in the stomach is expected to survive and the assailant has not yet been caught.


Ojo Latino is a series by Néstor Sánchez Cordero. This week features images from Adams Morgan Day of Gye Nyame African Cultural  Dance Co. (Ghana traditional dance), Tobas Dinastia (Bolivian Folk), Englishman & the Shango Band, DC Casineros (Cuban-style salsa) and Chopteeth (Afrobeat/Funk/Jazz). Néstor says, “Images are around, the secret is to catch them at the right moment and with the right light…”

More photos after the jump. (more…)


I know some folks don’t like this festival but I thought it was pretty great. The music was awesome. There was great food. There was the guy from the Arlington Rap video, I’m 99% sure that was him though I heard him singing “Rapper’s Delight”. And even dancing. For those that went did you have a good time? (I’ll post reader/PoPville Flickr pool photos tomorrow) More photos after the jump. (more…)


Last year was a great time. I definitely think it is worth checking out.

The Adams Morgan Day Festival Web site says:

“The Adams Morgan Day 18th Street Festival is characterized by two large signature music stages and other innovative & dynamic cultural, music, arts and dance activities. The famous Columbia and Florida Stages (located strategically on 18th Street at Columbia Rd and at Florida Ave.) feature live music acts from all genres from Central and South America, Latin rock, salsa, jazz, to soul, funk and American rock.

Adams Morgan Day showcases the local business area
as an ethnic, eclectic retail, entertainment and restaurant locale.

•Arts on Belmont has long been a popular draw with its high quality of original artisans and range of media exhibited: glassware and metalwork, paintings, jewelry, sculpture & photography. Nestled on shade tree lined street of historic town homes, Arts on Belmont is a beautiful venue with articles in all price ranges.

•New in 2009 is the Green Pavilon with purveyors of all things green located together under one large tent! The Green Pavilon is near the Kids Area on the Marie Reed School field. Another new feature also originated by Adams Morgan Main Street in 2005, is the dynamic Dance Plaza (located on the grounds of the Marie Reed School) with interactive dance workshops that encourage audience participation, and cover the range and styles of many cultures.

•The Cultural Stage (located at Unity Park-Columbia Rd and Euclid St.NW) also boasts a variety of acts, including poetry, theater, dance and music, even the Sitar Arts Center of Adams Morgan. Jazz Oasis in the Park was new in 2007. For residents with children who may want a quieter, more contained area, Kalorama Park is the place to sit on a bench, spread a blanket, listen to quality jazz

•The new festival layout originated by AdamsMorgan Main Street in 2004 highlights the neighborhood scale architecture and leaves all the business storefront façades visible to festival.”


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