★ 5

I trained with Doug several years to develop the discipline to maintain my fitness while travelling for work every week, working on an Executive MBA while working full-time and maintaining a social life. My biggest challenge was getting ready to participate in Tough Mudder Challenges in my 40s. Doug's workouts focused on my core to protect my back, endurance and strength training. I did 3 Tough Mudders with no injury and had the time of my life with friends.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started working out with Doug because I realized that I was not in the shape that I wanted to be in. I was 240 pounds and was heading towards the point of obesity and health implications. My goals were to lose at-least 40 pounds and build muscle so that I would have less fat. The workouts required a lot of energy and they were very tough to say the least, but I’m thankful for them because the results were amazing. I lost 50 pounds and now I’m planning to lose another 30-40 pounds to get to a weight that I am comfortable in. I can honestly say that if it hadn’t been for Doug and his plan I’d probably still be in the shape that I was in months ago.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve known Doug for over 20 years now, and he’s been my personal trainer for 8 years in the past, when I started working out to lose weight after my pregnancy. I’ve enjoyed working out with Doug so much back then, that even after I’ve accomplished my original goals, I’ve continued my workouts with Doug because I was receiving so much more than I’ve originally hoped for.

I’ve had multiple injuries over the last few years, and when I was told that I need to do physical therapy, I turned to Doug again. I could not think of anyone better to help me get back in shape on multiple levels. From my experience with Doug in the past, I knew that he has a lot of experience training people with injuries. I could barely move, and I could not even begin to think of working out, so I knew I had to reach out to Doug again. Doug is patient and incredibly creative when it comes to modifying the exercises. He was able to come up with a workout plan to fit my needs and that was double for me. And then Doug was there for me, supporting and encouraging me to take it one step at a time. After working out with Doug for 6 months, I slowly but surely got back on track in terms of my physical strength and stamina. I do not enjoy working out, but I forget about that when I am training with Doug. He is versatile and keeps me engaged, his repertoire of exercises seems to be endless. Plus, he’s got great sense of humor and a is an easy-going person. He is highly professional, punctual and respectful. Doug is my #1 choice!

Source: Google

★ 5

My spouse and I have been training with DSM Fitness for almost 5 years. In that time, Doug Murphy has consistently kept us engaged, inspired, and active. We are both lawyers in high-stress jobs who are prone to jettisoning our workouts and eating poorly when we are feeling under the gun. With his gentle but firm personality, Doug keeps us on track - non-judgmentally - and encourages us to stay the course through easy and tough times alike. He is prompt, professional, and caring. As long as he is training clients, we will count ourselves among his flock. We highly recommend him.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started working out with Doug 6 months before my wedding this past April. I was 53 years old, in fairly decent shape, but wanted to drop a few pounds and feel my best on my big day.

I reached out to Doug and we discussed my fitness goals in depth. I also completed several informational forms on my health, body, past training, injuries and diet. This was not a complicated process and indicated to me that I was going to be in good hands with a true professional considering how thorough Doug was.

After a first few miserable workouts (because I was simply out of shape), I started to notice my body changing and I became more motivated to push myself harder. Doug is extremely knowledgeable about the human body - probably one of the most knowledgeable trainers I have ever had. He trains with a unique blend of "push" and "nice." One doesn't hire a trainer to not get results - I wanted a trainer to push me. I have had lazy trainers before and gotten nowhere. With Doug, he pushed appropriately. Doug's workouts are designed to maximize every minute of the hour. There were times when I didn't like all the squats coupled with the curls, etc. - but I realized Doug knew what he was doing to maximize our time together.

I also liked the virtual component of our workouts and would HIGHLY recommend this type of workout to anyone who has the flexibility to do so. I called him 6 months before my April wedding, so I knew that any working out I had ahead of me would be during the horrible winter months - when I am typically very unmotivated to get to the gym. These virtual workouts were great! Considering I had work from home flexibility, all I had to do was change and run down to the basement, FaceTime him, and my workouts would start. Right after the hour was over, I could be back at my desk for my next meeting if needed. You could even do a virtual workout at your work gym if you needed to!

Ahead of our time together, Doug sent me all the information I needed to purchase the equipment I needed to reach my goals. He told me the best place to purchase each items and where I could get the best price. The investment was minimal. We also did a lot of body weight workouts, which are very effective.

There were several things I really appreciated about working out with Doug. He was ALWAYS on time and ready to get going. Additionally, he always called me if he had an opening the following week to see if I wanted to get an extra workout in. He also called if I had to miss a workout to see if I wanted to make it up due to an last minute opening he had. I felt like my fitness was always on his mind - even when we weren't actually working out.

Most importantly, Doug was always aware of what was going on with my body - even virtually. I tended to have a lower back pain issue at times during the six months together and he paid very close attention to it. If we needed to stop the workout and stretch, we would do so. He was extremely careful about any potential injury and not pushing me to injure myself. He always seemed to know how best to alleviate the issue so we could resume the workout.

Just prior to my wedding, I went to a physical and to my amazement, I had lost 13 pounds! I felt great. My clothes fit well. I knew I could enjoy my wedding weekend feeling and looking my best at 53 years old.

I HIGHLY recommend Doug to anyone who is looking to start working out for the first time or for someone like me who needed a good tune up before a big life event - like a wedding. I also recommend giving the VIRTUAL workouts a try if you have the flexibility. They really are efficient and effective. Don't discount them just because you aren't in a gym. They work!

Doug had a great impact on my life before my big weekend. He can have the same impact on YOUR life. I highly recommend you give him a try! - Scott Dinkins

Source: Google

★ 5

When I worked with Doug over a decade ago he helped me get in the best shape of my life. Then, I was focused on getting bigger and buffer. After a number of years, that changed, and so did my overall level of fitness - and not for the better. Working with him again, my priorities have changed and so has his approach. We’re now focused on mobility, flexibility and long term well being. His approach evolves with you and your needs. I feel better than I have in a long time. There’s no magic way to stay fit and active,, it takes hard work. But DSM Fitness and Doug make that work manageable, fun and sustainable.

Source: Google

★ 5

First of all, let's get the whining out of the way:

* Your current age is irrelevant: If I, at 60 yrs old, can see results like this, there is no reason why anyone else cannot.

* Your current shape is irrelevant: This isn't a one-size-fits-all workout program, Doug will tailor the overall program and every individual workout to your current overall condition as well as day-to-day variations/issues you may be having.

* Your injuries *may* be relevant, but with an injured knee, bad ankle, and impinged shoulder, Doug took those into account, worked around them but also worked to strengthen them so that they become less of an issue over time.

None of the exercises by themselves are all that hard, but that is the paradoxical nature of a DSM Fitness workout: It's the easiest program in the world to follow: all you have to do is exactly what Doug tells you to do. It's also the hardest thing you will ever do in your life...!

But the results speak for themselves: I have lost 20lbs training with him, dropped 10 percentage-points in bodyfat, dropped my resting heart-rate from 72 to 56, had my doctor cut the dose my prescription cholesterol med in half, dropped 6" off my waist, added anywhere from 2" to 8" of muscle to my arms, shoulders, chest, quads and calfs, and look and feel better than I have in decades.

And all of that via body-weight exercises that don't require hundreds of dollars of expensive equipment, heavy dumbbells, or anything more than the time it takes to sit on your butt on the couch and get through a 60-minute episode of a TV show.

Commit to the program, get through the first 2-4 weeks (those were the hardest), DRINK YOUR WATER!!, and you will be amazed at what starts to happen after that....

Source: Google

★ 5

I can’t say enough good things about Doug as a trainer. As someone who deals with chronic back pain, I was very hesitant to start working out again out of fear that it would cause me to get injured. Doug was very understanding and was able to design a workout program that allowed me to grow in both strength and confidence at my pace. After working with him for almost a year my pain has significantly improved and I feel great! Doug is professional, trustworthy, and knowledgeable. He’s definitely worth a try.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love DSM Fitness! First of all, Doug is compassionate and focused. He creates an amazing workout routine that challenges you and surprises you. In other words, you are going to sweat (a lot) and want to curse him out BUT you find that you are stronger and braver than you imagined. Doug is friendly and encouraging and his sense of humor and commitment to you and your goals are humbling and refreshing. Yes, he pushes you but after the sweat and soreness...you will thank him! Trust me, you will get the results you want! You will become healthier, stronger and amazed at your accomplishments.

Doug works you out physically, but he also addresses your nutritional intake. He understands that becoming healthier and having that body you've always wanted means that you have to combine aerobic, resistance training, a wholesome diet, and a balanced lifestyle. Doug never made me feel bad when I slipped up and indulged in something sinfully delicious. Instead, he encouraged the occasional treat as long as you're good 98% of the time.

Doug is a realist...he understands that working out and eating healthy can sometimes be dull. As a result, he varies the workouts and keeps them fun (yes, I said fun) and interesting. He is your biggest cheerleader. I always felt great while working out with Doug (even when my muscles were fatigued and I thought I couldn't do one more set).

As you can see, this guy is amazing! You're looking for a trainer, right? Why not train with the best! You are going to love the results...seriously.

Hmmm...I sound like a spokeswoman in a commercial.) I guess my passion for DSM Fitness overtook me. Oh well...see for yourself. Love you Doug!

Source: Google

★ 5

I would highly recommend DSM Fitness in Chevy Chase DC. Doug Murphy is a great personal trainer who will tailor the training to each individual's needs. I'm personally working on increasing strength and flexibility, while others may focus more on aerobic/cardio exercise (although Doug emphasizes the full-body workout, so there might be elements of cardio in your regimen even if your focus is on strength/flexibility). Doug knows his field well and will really motivate you during the training, and will also give you great insight into what you should do on your own during the time between sessions, and will teach you about things like warming-up (and -down), proper form when exercising (really important), nutrition/hydration, and heart rates/exertion (and related safety issues) which are all, as I found out, just as important as the exercises themselves. I'm very happy with my training and would very much recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug is a fantastic trainer. I have worked with him for over 3 years and in that time he has completely changed my body and the way I think about working out. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a tough, but fun exercise experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

We love it! This is the best gift to give yourself. Doug has trained my husband and me for the past year or so. My husband and I had different relationships to exercise and fitness levels. Doug tailored a different program for each of us. He is really a pleasure to work with and he also knows how to keep you pushing yourself so you see the results. He adjusts every workout to keep it interesting and to be sure you are accomplishing your objectives. He works with injuries as well. I had a chronic tight neck issue that disappeared after working with him. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced - I highly recommend him!

Source: Google

★ 5

There aren't many 56-year-olds who can hold a 5-minute plank. I'd be willing to bet that all of us who can are Doug Murphy's clients.

Doug is an outstanding personal trainer who is dedicated to the healthy pursuit of your personal goals. I have trained with Doug for about 10 years. I came to him to help me with weight loss and have consistently gained strength. I have scoliosis, and Doug has worked to strengthen my abs--the muscles that support my spine.

I recently had a severe ankle and leg fracture. Doug has been working in conjunction with my physical therapist to keep my body strong and my ankle safe through a six-month recovery period.

I can't recommend Doug Murphy enough. He's my trainer for the long-term. If you can put in the work, he should be yours.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've had a few trainers but none have been as effective than Doug. He knows how to push you forward and make progress no matter what your level. And he's a great guy! Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

For years, I have struggled every day to remain active in my career and socially, despite having to contend with an atypical form of arthritis that attacked my shoulder joints, wrists, hands, and occasionally knees. About a year ago, I began working with Doug to strengthen my weakened and painful joints and to increase my stamina. Before I began to work with him, fear of further injury had prevented my exercising. Doug has guided me in a highly sensitive, patient, intelligent, flexible, and careful way to produce benefits that far exceeded my expectations. In fact, the last time I saw my rheumatologist, he was both surprised and impressed with the striking improvements in my joints, particularly my shoulders. I highly recommend Doug to anyone who has suffered from conditions similar to my own, and who has been afraid to initiate or restart an exercise program.

Source: Google

★ 5

I had tried different fitness trainers in the DC area and was disappointed by their lack of professionalism, absence of variety of workouts, and failure to personalize training sessions. I was looking for a trainer who paid attention to the individual needs of clients, followed progress and kept training sessions goal focused. Then I found Doug!

Since I started training with Doug I have gained strength and lost body fat. He has kept me motivated through tracking and genuinely caring about my progress. Doug tailors my workouts to always challenge me and push me to the next fitness level. Seeing true results from the workouts inspire me to continually strive to meet my fitness goals.

The training sessions are always varied with new exercises and twists to staple exercises that keep the workouts challenging and fresh. Doug remains focused upon my needs as a client and understands when to push me, inviting me to try more advanced exercises (and having faith that I will succeed!). As I move towards reaching my fitness goals, I look forward to continuing to train with Doug. He is a true professional who genuinely cares about his clients and their success!

Source: Google