Second Wind Crossfit

Excellent place to join or drop-​in.
Things I look for in reviews of Crossfit gyms/​boxes/​whatever:
— Good Coaches: The coaches pay attention to you. While they, of course, encourage you to push yourself (as any fitness instructor or coach should), they will not push you past your limits.
— Attention to form: They also go over every lift/​move before it’s performed in the workout EVERY TIME. After months of going, we went over every lift with the PVC pipe and the coach was still checking my form to make sure I was on track. Both before and during the workout. This is not insulting. This is safe. It’s the main problem people have with Crossfit and this problem does not exist at Second Wind.
— Price: Competitive! I can’t remember what I paid, but I know it was the cheapest in the area closest to me. A good deal.
Bonus: I never got preached at about paleo, which I guess is something that people think Crossfitters do. That shit is not for me and frankly I don’t care if it’s for you. Good on you, though. I like pizza and beer and processed sugar and I have the gut to show it. But I can also row 1000m in under 4 minutes and probably squat with you on my shoulders.
I stopped going because I moved.

I’ve been going to Second Wind for five months now and I am very happy. I have tried other boxes in the DC/​VA area but this one certainly has the right balance of endurance, strength and mobility training. The team incorporates stretching, Olympic weightlifting, cardio, kettle-​bells swings, rows, box jumps etc. all in a solid WOD. The instructors demonstrate complex moves throughout the workout which shows their dedication to form which is most important for these types of workouts. Everyone goes at their own pace and no one feels like they’re falling behind. It’s certainly a positive team environment. If you like group workouts — this is the place!

Maybe I am not a gym rat and maybe I don’t like to lift heavy things… But these folks ROCK. Any level of fitness is warmly welcomed and put to the test– be advised that the test is real, but so is the skill in coaching you to test you to be your best.
No matter how my attendance waivers, the attention received from the coaches is always in my best fitness interest. Each coach here does that for each person every day, every session, every activity, every time.
Although reluctant to be indoors working out, the owners Steve and Michelle and their incredibly talented staff make it all worthwhile with their hardcore encouragement and wicked good for you workouts and skill sessions. I don’t regret any dollar spent for this membership (different levels to suit your needs!) or any second spent inside this box. I only regret I don’t have more time to be here getting tougher!

Like others, my SO and I moved to Brightwood last year and I quickly tired of the haul downtown to my old gym, Balance. I’m happier, healthier, and injury-​free when I have strength training built into my fitness program and needed a solution closer to home. I’ve never Crossfitted before Second Wind, but I was a devoted boot camper at Balance and understand how important functional training is. I signed up for Foundations in January of 2014.
I’m in love. Steve and Michelle have poured so much energy, time, and parts of themselves into Second Wind. People love to make assumptions about who Crossfits, what Crossfitters are like, and what happens in class; none of those stereotypes have been true in any class I’ve taken at Second Wind (and I doubt any of those behaviors would last long with the coaches around). Second Wind is about improving your own health, finding what you are capable of, listening to your body, and supporting your classmates/​friends in a class.
There’s a high level of emphasis on form and safety, which I’ve found can get overlooked in many box gym classes (I’ve belonged to Results, Vida, and Balance over 9 years in D.C.). Each trainer watches during lifts, ensures we are using proper form, and coaches us on where to improve. WODs are challenging as hell without putting us in danger; it’s obvious Steve and the trainers spend a great deal of time deciding on the programming to avoid injury and repetition while improving our fitness. If you come consistently, take rest days where appropriate, and start thinking about the choices you make in regards to your own health, you will see results almost constantly in your first few months.
Other bonuses: Michelle organized a CSA with a local farmer this spring for interested members (and it delivers to SW — so just grab it after class!); they work with you if you need to take time off or are recovering from an injury; the other members are incredibly friendly, kind, and fun; everyone has a sense of humor and there’s no bravado; the other coaches — Colby, Gayle, Khaleaph, Janet, and Morgan — are challenging but just as thoughtful about form as Steve; the BBQs in summer are a great time to socialize after Open Gym or even if you just want to see your friends.
I came because I desperately wanted a gym closer to home and have been curious about Crossfit. I stayed because it’s much more fun to work out in community of people who have fun while doing it.

I walked into this gym after 4 years of almost no exercise only because it was convenient to me and I was never getting my act together to drive or take the bus to the WSC down the street. I admit the whole idea of cross fit scared the bejesus out of me (and I still get nervous before a work out!) because I’ve always been a plug in the headphones, 30 min on the elliptical, maybe a few light weights type of exerciser, with the occasional yoga class thrown in. I decided to give it a shot, and two months in and I can already see significant differences in leg and core strength, endurance, and most of all, energy. My chronic back problems have gotten much better. As a middle-​aged mom, I am not an «elite athlete» by any means, – and frequently the slowest of the group– but this gym offers a supportive community for *anyone* interested in getting stronger and Steve (and other instructors) are careful to help you scale your workout to your level and take into consideration injuries or challenges. Plus, there are really nice touches (I’ll attribute to Steve’s lovely wife, Michelle), like beautiful clean bathrooms or a jar of ponytail holders. I only wish that the yoga classes held at the studio were included in the monthly membership – I’d love to complement the workouts with the yoga classes on offer, but already cross fit is expensive.

I’ve been working out at Second Wind CrossFit for a little more than a year and I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience.
I’ve been a gym rat for 15+ years and grew tired of the big box gyms. I also felt like I hit a plateau and found that I knew as much, if not more than the trainers in the big box gyms.
Steve Dolge, is knowledgeable, personable and ensures that you are challenged every time you’re in class. He’s also a good resource for nutritional tips.
The Second Wind team includes his wife, Michelle who is just as awesome, Colby, a CrossFit BEAST and a strong cadre of CrossFit instructors continues to grow.
If you’re looking for a great workout, personable and knowledgeable trainers and a great workout in a short amount of time, this is the place to go.

I’ve been going to Second Wind almost since Steve opened. It’s fair to say that it’s changed my life. At 45 I look and feel better than I have in… well, a long time. I had tried various weight training classes at a regular gym before but never got much in the way of results. Now my children talk about my muscles and how strong I am.
Steve is great at what he does – at any given class there’s a mix of ages and fitness levels, and everyone leaves there feeling stronger and fitter than they did before. And somehow, it seems fun. Steve is great at motivating seasoned athletes along with middle-​aged moms, and creates an environment where everyone is cheering each other on to beat their personal best. He is patient and encouraging.
I never thought I’d look forward to working out this much, and I never thought I’d have a community of friends at the gym. I even convinced my husband, who hates gyms, to go and he loves it almost as much as I do. I attribute some of this to crossfit – it clearly is a fitness regimen that makes sense – but almost all of it to Steve.
Easy parking and great location even if you live across the Park.

I’ve been at Second Wind for just about a month now after spending almost 2 months at another crossfit gym. Steve runs a great program and his workouts never fail to leave me exhausted. I really enjoy the atmosphere and the people I’ve met – even though crossfit is an individual «sport», it really takes on a team atmosphere, and Second Wind is a great example of this. I’m not an expert in all (or most) of the lifts, but I never feel like I’m falling behind. Steve does a great job of teaching technique and is patient with those of us who are still learning.
If you’re looking to try crossfit for the first time or just looking for a smaller gym, definitely check out Second Wind – you’ll probably stay!

I have worked out for many years and was in great shape during my 6 year military career. A few years ago I separated the military and while I stayed in reasonably good health, I was not happy with my declining fitness. I recently moved to the Petworth/​Brightwood area and had no real gym options to consider except the circus of Columbia Heights WSC. I had noticed that Second Wind had recently opened in the area so I decided to walk in. I haven’t looked back since.
Second Wind is a new Crossfit gym, which is good for anyone who isn’t as experienced with Crossfit or even general Fitness. Steve has recently started a «foundations» program which will be required for new members; which I believe is a very important step in the Crossfit learning process.
There are «crazier» Crossfit gyms in DC, filled with a bunch of hardcore guys and gals. But if you live close by and you are looking to get your feet wet in the world of Crossfit I would highly recommend you stop by! Steve runs good sessions and is extremely patient with members of all skills and abilities.