Client Testimonials
I wanted to take a few minutes to say thank you for everything! The last year was a rough one both physically and mentally. I am convinced had it not been for Crossfit, my injuries from the accident would have been significantly worse. If it wasn’t for all the WOD scaling and substitutions I am convinced I would not physically be able to do today’s WOD whatever it may be. Even from 900 miles away, I followed Trident and if I posted something to Facebook I got the thumbs up – that’s awesome!
Had it not been for the support from the Trident staff and members I would have been a mental disaster. It’s been tough not to have a pity party in honor of myself some days; however, more often than not, I am able to be grateful for all the blessings that followed all the missteps. And when I can’t see the brighter side, I just think of Crossfit – it reminds me that I am able and I am doing, and I get to be surrounded by awesome people everyday. It really doesn’t get much better than that.
So thank you. Thank you for making me tough in every sense of the word, for pushing me to be better every day, and for just being down-right good people. Actually, you are amazing people! You do awesome things for the Crossfit community and for the local community. It is evident to anyone one who walks into the box that your members’ well being is your first priority. Since I have been back, I have done WODs under a lot of the new coaches; you had a great staff before and it just keeps getting better. However, please pass on my thanks to Dave and Chad specifically – they too are outstanding coaches! Along with Andrea, Dave and Chad had to cater to my needs the most during my initial rehab and I know it made a huge difference in my recovery – so thank you!
Although I will only be part of this awesome community for a few more days, it has had a huge impact on my life and I feel very blessed to have been a part of it. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope that one day I will be lucky enough to cross paths with you both again!
My very best to you both,
Jenn
After twenty years in the Army I always stayed in pretty good shape, or at least I thought I was in good shape. When I retired in 2005, I stopped working out and let myself go becoming very over weight and very out of shape weighing 227 lbs. with a 38” waist.
I started cross fit with Chriss and the excellent coaching staff of Trident Cross Fit in June 2009, and because of the infectious passion for the sport, technical expertise, and never-ending enthusiasm he and his staff brings to each class, I was immediately hooked on cross fit and have been training five days a week ever since . I now weigh 210 lbs. with a 33” waist, can dead lift over 400 lbs, back squat 370 lbs, have a 7-minute Fran and unlike other workout programs I have been involved in, I still look forward to the next day’s WOD, getting stronger and faster than the day before. Even my wife thinks I’m in the best shape of our twenty years together. All I can say is THANKS!!!! to Chriss, Andrea, and the entire staff of Trident, I couldn’t have done it without your encouragement and motivation.
“My historical approach to exercise can best be described as intermittent. Particularly now that I’m starting to encounter the nagging injuries that come with the crappy little gift basket that is turning 40. So anything that makes getting a workout easier and faster is welcome.
Enter Trident Crossfit. I’ve been at it for about a month now and I’m loving it, here’s why.
Easy to use format – Everything about Crossfit at Trident is so nicely stripped down to the essentials. From the membership plans, to the workouts, to the warehouse space. What you need, not more, not less. Take the class approach for example. Group classes (usually about 6-8 plus instructor) are the only thing offered. They hold them throughout the day at prescribed times. You just show up at a time you like and have at it, no sign ups, scheduling fuss, etc.
Fast, killer workout – In 45 minutes you get a killer workout (both strength and cardio) without all the fuss/overhead of charts, machine settings, etc. that I used to hate about the typical gym approach.
Core strength/form emphasis – I learn something about my body and posture every time I take a class. The instructors (so far I’ve had Dave, Andrea, and Chad – all great) are very focused on form, safety and proper technique for strengthening the whole you, not just your most visible parts.
Welcoming for all – No question you work hard in a Trident session but the workouts are easily modified to your situation. With the net result that a relative schlub like me and a total fitness beast can (and regularly do) participate in the same class, over the same time period, doing same/similar exercises and both get a great workout.
Great vibe – When I first read about Crossfit generally, I was a little concerned it was only for the hard core with little patience for the hopeful meddler. If anything I’ve found the opposite at Trident (despite the sort of scary photos on their web site). Folks (classmates and instructors, vets and newbies) are friendly, quick with a tip or encouragement, and full of enthusiasm for this approach to exercise whether you’re just getting going or look like an Olympic swimmer already. It really feels like there’s a true community building up around the place.
I’ve now taken 4-5 classes and am arriving at what I think will be a pretty good fitness mix that I can do a better job sustaining, thanks to Trident’s super flexible schedule, without breaking the bank.
Whatever your mix, if you’re interested in trying something new, just show up for a class at Trident and see how you like it. First one’s free.”
-Robert M.
“Trident Crossfit is AWESOME!!!! The instructors are top notch. Its not like a lot of crossfit gyms where you are just thrown into the workout of the day. The instructors warm you up, go over the movements before the workout of the day, and stretch you after for the cool down. The instructors are high energy, positive, but will challenge you to mentally push yourself over and pass what you thought you could achieve. The atmosphere is soooo positive and everyone supports everyone. We push ourselves while seeking motivation from the energy in the gym with the music pumping and how hard everyone else is putting out.
I have played sports my entire life at all levels. I’m in a profession now where I must be in great shape. Trident Crossfit pushes me to a whole other level then I would be able to push myself alone. The workouts are as intense as YOU make them. If you put out 50% then expect the return to be the same but if you put out 100% the return is AWESOME. I walk into Trident nervous at times because I know the wonderful instructors at Trident and other memebers are going to push me and challenge me to take it to that next level. When I’m done with the WOD there is that wonderful feeling of accomplishment. If you are willing to give 100% of your ability Chriss, Andrea, Tom, Ellen, and Chad will help you achieve whatever goal it is that you have. It doesn’t matter if you can’t chew gun and walk straight. These guys are so patient and will teach you everything you need to be successful at crossfit. These instructors are AWESOME.
I could go allll day long talking about how great TRIDENT CROSSFIT is but you really should see it for yourself. Very laid back and chill environment but when its time to get to work people are focused. Stop in and try out the free workout. What do you have to lose. It’s only 30-40 minutes of your time. Im telling ya you won’t find a better Crossfit gym or Instructors in the area!!”
-Matt W.
“I drank the kool-aid and it was oh so good! Trident Crossfit is fabulous! The coaches, the space, the work outs, the other clients… ALL great!
The coach to client ratio is perfect; there are times when I feel like I am getting a one on one workout! The coaches see everything and will work one on one with you if they know you need help with a certain movement. They are all knowledgeable on the all movements and will often give a little anatomy lesson to explain what muscles you are using.
The coaches know each clients strengths and weaknesses and will you scale the workout to suit you. They also know when to push you to do a little more then you think you can do. The workouts start with a warm up and end with a “stretching session” to help with the muscle soreness that can occur the next day.
I find new places can be often scary and a little overwhelming, Trident Crossfit was no exception the first day I walked through the doors. There were tons of fit people mulling around the first day, which was intimidating, that scary feeling only lasted about 2 seconds before I was greeted by Andrea and Chriss who are forever in cheerful moods! They know everyone by their first name and will greet any new person that walks through the door that is looking for an initial free workout.
Trident Crossfit is conveniently located off of Route 1 near Potomac Yards, there is always ample parking. You will find the gym easy to locate, just look for the open bay door and listen for the music!”
-Sandy K.
“I’m a guy who wants to get into shape, but isn’t a former elite athlete and has no desire to ever be one. I’m the guy who wants to get in a good workout, eventually look good with my shirt off at the beach, and just feel better about myself.
Enter Trident CrossFit. Other places want to build elite warriors and it can be quite intimidating when you go to a gym or a CrossFit place and people are knocking out 20 pullups like it’s nothing and you’re thinking, “I couldn’t even do that when I was in shape…”
But at Trident they have something for everyone. Chriss, Andrea, and crew work with you by asking what your goals are and making sure you are doing exercises you should be doing. They have a dual track approach for those that are beginning and for those that are more advanced. They also will push you within reason and help you to be better than you ever thought you could be.
Their gym is pretty large and the equipment is great. They’ve recently opened, but so far the community they are developing is great. People actually care about you DOING BETTER. I don’t just mean the coaches, but the other people too.
I’ve signed up and I can’t wait for how I’m going to look in three months. I won’t be doing any CrossFit competitions and that’s ok. But I’ll be going to the beach and taking my shirt off and not thinking everybody is looking at me and laughing. I’m on my way!
Oh, and no hands on your hips! You’ll get that when you go there. 
”
-Bill P.
“I have been fairly athletic all my life from wrestling in high school, to taking 6 years of American Freestyle karate in Roanoke, Va., to pulling 6 heavy workouts at Old Town Athletic Club in Old Town, Alexandria Va. As it goes, I had gotten out of the habit of working out for about 10 years as I started my own business ( a wonderful hair salon Studio 116 in Old Town) to going to college. As I neared my mid 40′s, I realized that I had read a weight of 279 pounds. Standing 6’4″ I could carry a bit more weight but there was no way that I was about to try and kid myself that I was healthy and, more importantly, looking good. So I started my search for my answer….
I interviewed several individual trainers. Not only were they a bit cost prohibitive they also limited me to the amount of visits that I could have with them within a week period and the times were restrictive. Then I found Andrea and Chriss at Trident. Boy, was I blown away! They treated me with respect and kindness but at the same time they encouraged me to push myself and to make the most out of my workouts.
A year ago I weighed 279 pounds with a cholesterol count of 326. My liver functions were on the way up ( to the point of concern for my doctor) and I was pre diabetic. I had managed to lose about 30 lbs before I started Trident CrossFit about 3 1/2 months ago. I have lost 35 more pounds ( I weigh 203 now), my cholesterol is down to 205 ( without the help of any medication) and my liver and sugars are all normal. I attribute this to the help from my friends at Trident CrossFit.
Don’t let them fool you. They workouts are challenging. You may even want to quit. Stick with it. You will love the results and you will feel as healthy and look better than you have in all your life. I promise you this.”
-Mason S.
“I was TERRIFIED when my friend asked me to join her in two Crossfit workouts while I was visiting her. (I asked her repeatedly if people were going to judge me for being out of shape…) I am so glad I went! The first time I went, I had a one-on-one coach, Ellen, who reviewed each exercise with me to make sure I had good form. Then she did the entire workout with me! She was super-encouraging, and made me smile and laugh throughout the whole thing. When I went back the next day, I learned that I have been doing squats wrong for my entire life, which is why my knees usually hurt so badly afterward! The WOD was explained and form discussed, and then the coach, Chriss, quickly modified it for me and someone else in the group. Seeing everyone around me working hard pushed me to do the same. No one judged me for having to modify the workout. On the contrary, I got high-fives for what I did accomplish.
Great coaches, great atmosphere and great camaraderie.”
-Bronwyn S.
“I’m an athlete, but very new to Crossfit, and I cannot say enough good things about Trident. As someone who had been out of the habit of working out regularly, I was definitely nervous (but STOKED) about getting back into it… I had no idea what I was getting myself into!! And I mean this in the best way possible, i.e. my expectations were blown out of the water!
The first time I came to work out, I knew this experience was different from other gyms. The main thing I dislike about your standard gym membership is the lack of accountability and comraderie among members. Here at Trident, everyone is so friendly, and it’s a total team atmosphere! I spent most of my life being a part of a team of one sort or another, and anyone who’s been on a team knows the value of it. You push yourself harder, and you’re working for something that’s greater than yourself. That’s exactly how I feel when I come to Trident. The coaches are willing to work with you no matter where you are in terms of fitness, and you get a lot of personal attention and help with anything that’s new to you or that you’re uncertain about. I have felt so comfortable working out here, and have yet to come across somebody I didn’t like!
If you’re looking for a workout experience that means business, this is it. But it’s much more than that, this I can already tell you, despite only have done it for 2 weeks. Crossfit is a lifestyle, and a close knit community of people supporting each other and pushing each other to achieve great things. This place rocks!”
-Meredith E.
Before the WOD last night Chriss mentioned the importance of keeping everyone injury free and it reminded me of my back and how it doesn’t hurt! In the past 15 years I constantly had to work through pain and struggle to stay fit but within my first 6 months at Trident I have YET to have a flare up. CRAZY! I have been in pain but the good kinda pain that people have even without a spine like an 80 year old. I am getting stronger and staying careful, my back doesn’t hold me back much anymore.
Thank you for taking such great care of us, it really has an impact on someone like me. Also for cutting my chiropractor bill, for having amazing coaches there and excited everyday, oh and providing me great entertainment while my husbands gone. He will be joining in my good pain hopefully in May!
Whitney K.
Chriss and Andrea,
I wanted to send a quick note of thanks. I really enjoy crossfit and am getting a tremendous amount of benefit from it. But, I was pleasantly surprised when I took my physical training test yesterday (yes, it was crazy cold) and did better than I have ever done. I did no preparation other than 3 times a week with you guys!
Thanks and will see you in a week or so when I get back from FL – arrived today (yes, its warm).
Warmest regards,
Elizabeth Arledge
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