★ 5

Ive known Danny for at least a decade and im upset that I waited to tap into his expertise as a trainer. I’ve worked with him for a year and he’s helped me get stronger than I’ve ever been in my life. Even at 40+. He’s great at what he does!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been going to classic barbell for under a year. I really enjoy the small personal class format, with max 8 people per class. It really gives the opportunity for Danny (the coach/trainer) to look at your form and provide good insight while learning from others at the gym in a very open, friendly environment. Danny is super personable and very insightful on how to lift and improve your form to prevent injury. Overall great no frills gym where you can learn how to lift and build confidence and knowledge to do it on your own. Highly recommend to anyone, regardless of experience, looking to lift in a great environment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Joining Classic Barbell and training with Danny has been, without doubt, the best thing that I have ever done for my health. Danny's programme is simple but extraordinarily effective, and you see rapid progress over a short space of time. Danny cultivates the most supportive gym community I have ever experienced, taking all of the intimidation out of lifting extremely heavy weights! Can't recommend highly enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been coming to Classic Barbell for about 3 months now and can attest to how amazing this training program has been for me, especially as a beginner with minimal experience in strength training. Danny is truly a knowledgable person and always does a great job explaining proper techniques on lifting weights and ways to prevent and recover from injuries throughout my training. Every advice he has given me has been spot on and very helpful. I feel like I am always achieving my fitness and health goals every time I come here and in fact never thought I would actually enjoy strength training. After about 3 months coming to Classic Barbell, I can proudly say that I have been able to lift significantly more weights than I have ever done in the past and know that I will continue to surpass my goals and lift more through Danny’s coaching and guidance. Danny is truly an amazing person to work with and he has always created a welcoming, energetic, and encouraging environment whenever I am here. Everyone here is very friendly and it’s nice to see and get to know people from all walks of life coming here to achieve similar goals. I highly recommend Classic Barbell for anyone especially for beginners looking to improve their fitness goals through strength training in an inclusive, supportive, and friendly environment.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training with Danny since April 2023, and I have seen real results: through BOD POD screenings in May, July, and Dec 2023, I have gained 10 lbs of muscle mass while maintaining my bf%. Danny has been pushing me to lift more than I could ever imagine. I started out barely lifting any weights across the board (squat, deadlift, bench) and have since hit my PR consistently--above average in my age group.

The semi-private training also creates an encouraging environment and saves the hassle of waiting for racks at commercial gyms.

Source: Google

★ 5

When I first read about Classic Barbell, I was skeptical of three things: (1) barbell training in general, (2) the “semi-private” / small group style format, and (3) the cost of the membership. After training here over the past five months, I’m happy to report that my doubts have been completely dispelled. Here’s why:

(1) Barbell training is the only physical activity that has ever produced any tangible performance benefit in my life. I’ve spent literally thousands of hours hours running, swimming, cycling, rowing, doing yoga, CrossFit, blah blah blah. They were time consuming, and at the end of the day - I still sucked at arduous physical tasks. Nothing has improved my athletic abilities more than barbell training; I even find myself able to swim faster / longer despite having largely given up that sport years ago. Oh and I almost forgot: the enhancements to my physical appearance have been far greater with barbell training than with any other activity.

(2) The “semi-private” / small group training format has worked well because the coach, Danny, knows human performance like the back of his hand and is able to quickly diagnose and offer solutions to pretty much every issue that comes up during training. Danny is also extremely reliable; I have never seen him late or bail on a workout. He uses apps to help coordinate scheduling and programming - so workouts flow smoothly even when it’s a full house. Perhaps most importantly, Danny is a great people person—a skill that should never be underestimated! He knows how to make everyone feel welcome, seen, and how to motivate people to do their best.

(3) Regarding cost, it’s expensive for me, but I think it’s worth it. Thanks in large measure to Danny’s skills as a coach, I’ve been able to overcome a training plateau that I was stuck at for years. The benefits of this improvement are
valuable to me because my work is physically demanding, but there are plenty of other intangible benefits, including improved self-confidence and mental health.

Overall, I would say this is the best experience I’ve ever had in any fitness-related investment. If you want to learn barbell training, get stronger, look more athletic, and do it all in a friendly, welcoming environment, then I highly encourage you to start training at Classic Barbell!

Source: Google

★ 1

Not sure where to start, so bear with me. I purchased a monthly membership. Danny was great at the introductory class—warm and attentive with the type of excitement that rubbed off on you and encouraged you. After that introduction, I missed two classes. I was really excited about starting this journey, so after the second class, I went to a gym closer to home to practice what Danny had taught me at the introductory class, just to keep the momentum going. Within the app, Danny wrote back and said that it was best not to try to the exercises without his supervision. I told him at the introductory class that I wasn’t sure about scheduling because I was job hunting. I wrote Danny back in the same app that he wrote me letting him know that I basically wanted to skip January while I got acclimated to my new work schedule. I did not hear back, and the only way to cancel is through him, I suppose. There was no way to intuitively request to cancel/skip. I also called the phone number in the app and another number I believe that I found on the website. I did not hear back from Danny until I realized that I had not also sent an email. I sent an email and he wrote back right away, canceling the membership but missing or ignoring the fact that I wanted to continue classes in December. I wrote him back after that, explaining the absences, hoping to clear the air. Danny did not write back. He took Decembers money but I am now unable to schedule classes at all, even with the one that I had left from paying for the first month. I’ve decided to chalk it up to us not having a good affinity for one another, but it’s frustrating and disappointing being ignored and essentially stolen from. In an effort to be fair I discussed the situation with a few friends and they all agree that his behavior is odd and he ran off with my money. Please be mindful of my experience before handing off your payment information.

Update: “easily and readily available is clearly a lie”. When you “made the attempt” to reach me, I wrote you back right away. Again, I was eager and excited to work with you, it’s awful that you mention making attempts to reach me when you clearly did not. I sent you screenshots of my messages, one of which clearly says that I would have liked to continue training through December. I wrote you back after you cancelled the training and again, crickets. As I said, this looks like an instance where your affinity for me is lacking and I beginning to think the real issue is my missing classes that the website clearly says are not available for make-up and for which I was at a point that I’d reached with the second instance where I couldn’t reschedule. You have my contact information and have still neglected to reach out to me directly to offer any real solution: you could have reinstated my membership and allowed me to complete training that I paid for, but you have made no such effort. It’s bad customer service, plain and simple. They way that you decided to handle this is unfortunate and distasteful, 13 years of being in business or no.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you are looking for a no frills, simple yet effective way to get stronger this is it. I have been working with coach Danny for about 6 months now and have had great results. I had tried Starting Strength on my own in the past and had made some good progress on the lifts. However, with coach Danny I was able to push past some of my plateaus, adding about 30-40 lbs. to many of my lifts. Part of what has really helped has been the supportive environment at the gym; the small classes are composed of people who are not professional powerlifters but are committed to making some time for strength training. Coach Danny makes sure to create a program that works given my time constraints. He also encourages me to not be afraid of failure and think more about my overall progress rather than any individual good or bad day, which keeps me on track to achieving my goals.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this place! Expensive but you will see results so fast. Small classes, very professional and smart instructor. Everyone is very friendly. No creeps A+

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been going to Classic Barbell for over a year and half. During this time I've lifted heavier weights than I ever thought possible and created friendships I never imagined I would have. Danny is a methodical coach and has developed a program that pushes your limits but keeps safety as the paramount concern. Using fundamental lifts with proper form I gained both strength and overall fitness that has helped me in my other hobbies.

Classic Barbell is also a great community. It's a place where we celebrate the progress of others openly through applauding their heavier sets and cheering them on during those difficult reps. I would highly recommend Classic Barbell for those that want to get stronger in a supportive environment with a knowledgeable and passionate coach.

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic class! It comes back down to the basics, really. I’ve done every kind of fitness class as well as personal trainer sessions but barbell training at this basic level on a regular, easy schedule is the best thing I’ve ever done. I’m stronger, healthier and happier with my progress than ever, and the people in the class are great.

Source: Google

★ 5

I worked with Danny for about 18 months and it radically improved my health and fitness. Weight lifting can be intimidating and he made it super accessible and fun. All sorts of physical ailments (aching back, bad knee) disappeared as I got stronger and stronger. Joining Classic Barbell was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself.

Source: Google

★ 5

Classical Barbell is a great place to train. Danny is down-to-earth, knowledegable, and encouraging, and he has created an atmosphere where everyone supports one another to achieve their strength goals. Danny's attention to detail for every rep ensures you lift safely and with good form. I always looked forward to attending my training sessions because I felt like I was lifting with my friends. Danny is fantastic, and so is the Classical Barbell community.

Source: Google

★ 5

My experience at Classic Barbell has been fantastic. Danny is a highly knowledgeable trainer and a great guy, and the classes themselves are fun to attend. For anyone in the DC area looking to learn how to strength train, look no further.

Source: Google

★ 5

Dan has helped me increase my strength tremendously! Over 100lbs increase in squats and deadlifts. I highly recommend getting stronger in a safe and friendly environment. Dan is tha man!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started working with Dan this past August. I hadn't lifted with any regularity since college over 15 years ago. I couldn't deadlift more than 135, my shoulders were in pain, my knees creaky, frankly being 38 was really a drag. I spent the past five months on Dan's program and the results are tremendous. I can deadlift over 350, my shoulders aren't in pain like they used to be, my knees feel good, and I'm stronger than I was when I was 18. I can't recommend Dan's program enough, I'm blown away by the results. Do yourself a favor and work with him. I plan to again when I hit my next plateau. Beyond that, Dan's easy to work with, no ego, no sucking up, just honest and friendly. I looked forward to lifting every time I went.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

If you're looking to take your physical fitness to the next level, I would consider focusing on barbell strength exercises, and Classic Barbell is the place to do it in DC. I think the name says it all: they focus on simple programming that gives you lots of repetitions of the classic lifts that people have been using to get strong for decades.

The most important thing is that the coach, Danny, creates a welcoming atmosphere where everybody can feel at ease regardless of their level. I came in with some preexisting hip issues, and Danny developed a whole plan for me revolving around that, and worked with me closely on it.

I live a bit far away in Virginia, so I've looked around for comparable gyms and can tell you that they're quite hard to come by. I'd definitely give Classic Barbell a try.

Source: Google

★ 5

I never had done any kind of weight training and was pretty intimidated by the whole process, but Danny made it really accessible and a lot of fun.

Within a month I noticed serious results - I just felt way stronger in my normal life, I looked stronger and I felt more comfortable in my body. I also have chronic lower back pain from sitting all the time, and now my back does not hurt at all!

Danny is a great instructor and we had a lot of Lol's. The people who also do this program are super nice and supportive. Would 100% recommend the program!

Source: Google

★ 5

I can't say enough about the classic barbell training program. Coach Dan is very attentive and incredibly knowledgeable about proper technique. We spent a lot of time early in the program correcting bad habits and honing the right technique. Then we started increasing the weight session by session. I'm only a little over month in, but I've gained weight and I'm lifting significantly more than I ever have. The training is challenging, fun, and rewarding.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was referred to Dan for help with a lingering back issue. I eventually needed surgery for the back, but Dan put together a plan that was responsive to my limitations, and that allowed me to safely strengthen the affected area. My surgeon later told me that my strength and conditioning allowed me to recover much more quickly than is typical for someone my age.

After surgery, I continued to train with Dan to keep my back strong and to avoid future injuries. I have made considerable strength gains working with Dan. But more importantly, Dan has always reinforced the correct form for each exercise so I can be confident that I can work hard and stay safe.

Source: Google

★ 5

Classic Barbell is everything you are looking for if you want a practical, no nonsense way to build strength and get into shape. Daniel has been a fantastic coach - guiding me from the basics as a total beginner to reaching levels I never imagined I could get to.

I really appreciate the positive, inclusive, and friendly atmosphere that Daniel cultivates. No egos, just a nice group of people pushing to reach their goals.

Source: Google

★ 5

Classic Barbell is an awesome training program. I have been in this program for also 3 years and I have been very pleased with the results. The owner is a dedicated professional that runs an inclusive program in a positive environment. Being an African American woman with multiple disabilities (due to injuries sustained on active duty during military service), this is very important to me. From the beginning of the program I felt welcomed, motivated and inspired to live a healthier lifestyle. I would recommend this program to anybody looking to gain strength while living a positive healthy lifestyle.

Source: Google

★ 5

Classic Barbell !!!!
We’re I do start .
All I have to say is, Daniel is the best coach and trainer in DC area. His barbell strength training program has help me, in so many ways from a physical, mental, and strength point. Coach Daniel has also improved my confidence in myself that no matter what , never give up and try your best.
In other words, if your looking to Improve your physical health and life please call Coach Daniel it’s never to late.
NOW !!! get off the couch and enjoy your sessions with Coach Daniel .

Thanks,
Coach Daniel .

Source: Google

★ 5

After a long hiatus from the gym, I decided to start working out again focusing on strength training. After an internet search, I came across Classic Barbell Inc, it was one of the few programs in the area that focused exclusively on strength training. Coach Dan’s knowledge of strength training and easy to follow program enabled me to make measurable progress in my overall body strength. The program has an old school feel to it, but it incorporates a user-friendly app that allows me to track and measure my progress. There are no tricks, gimmicks, or promises with this program, if you are willing put in the work you will see results. I would highly recommend Classic Barbell to anyone looking to get into strength training.

Source: Google