GymHappy Review:
"Beginners Find Confidence Without Intimidation"
75 verified member reviews
Members highlight the supportive coaching and welcoming atmosphere that make CrossFit Sand & Steel ideal for both beginners and experienced athletes.
AI summary based on recent reviews · Last updated · Read full summary
7 out of 24 members asked left a review (29.2% participation rate) in the last 90 days. This is above the network average of 12.2% across 1,159 gyms.
Boutique gyms typically see higher average ratings than big-box gyms because members are personally asked by coaches they train with daily — not through anonymous post-visit emails. This personal connection means the feedback is more genuine and detailed, and members who love their gym are naturally more motivated to share that experience.
I’ve been going to Sand and Steel Fitness and doing CrossFit regularly since last October, and it has been such a recharging experience for me. The coaches and members are friendly and supportive, which makes showing up so much easier. I especially enjoy working out with Coach Alicia. She is knowledgeable and professional, and she does a great job teaching proper technique. She also provides appropriate scaling options that are still challenging, no matter your fitness level. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be doing CrossFit, I probably would have thought they were crazy. But here I am, and I will keep going on this journey at Sand and Steel!
Jen was awesome! As someone new to CrossFit, I appreciated her clear explanations and attentiveness to everyone. Highly recommend for beginners or those with some experience.
Paul is very good about watching and correcting form. He runs a fun class, keep things moving efficiently, and caters to all skill levels.
Janel did well explaining thr movement of a split jerk to me. It took a few times explaining and showing to me. But after a few times. I was able to go up in weight and get the form mostly down. I just needed to change my thought process. Focus on getting under the bar rather than the bar over my head.
Very helpful with explaining different moves and modifications. Also very patient when working through workouts.
I love Spencer’s energy and attention to detail when coaching complex movements. His sense of humor makes everyone in the class memorable and gets everybody laughing.
I really appreciated Alicia meeting me where I was, especially since it was only my second CrossFit class ever. She gave me really good feedback and cues that immediately improved my form Throughout the class at CrossFit Sand & Steel, she was incredibly positive and supportive. That created a really comfortable environment where I felt safe to learn without feeling overwhelmed. The combination of her clear guidance and upbeat attitude made the whole experience enjoyable and motivating.
Coach Janel did an amazing job today in class. She explained the movements and monitored the athletes to ensure we were maintaining proper form. Easily one of my favorite coaches in the box.
My first class was great! I am coming from another gym where I felt the coaches didn’t provide enough attention during the WODs. I also hope the intensity increases a bit more as compared to my previous gym, I didn’t feel pushed to my limits during this first session. That said, coach Spencer was excellent, very knowledgeable and engaged. I actually felt coached, which is something I was missing before. Excited to continue!
Dawn was very patient with me (a newby at crossfit). I had a great workout and feel energized and ready for my week!
Good job Coach K! You pushed me when I wanted to slack off! Great points and awesome energy!
Alicia is great, and the reason we decided to go with this gym. She even joined us in the workout, which shows her passion!
This was my first cross fit class and Alicia was very patient explaining everything to me. I felt welcomed. Oh she is funny too!
Knowledgeable, attentive, upbeat.
Alicia was very knowledgeable and brought lot’s energy and smile’s. I really enjoyed her class.
Coach Alicia is a fantastic CrossFit coach—funny, attentive, and always encouraging. She gives clear, helpful feedback and creates a positive, high-energy environment that pushes you to do your best.
Janel is an outstanding CrossFit instructor. She pays close attention to each of us and genuinely cares about our form and progress. During every class, she makes sure we’re moving safely and correctly by checking our form and offering helpful corrections. Before the workout begins, she always takes the time to explain the movements clearly, making sure everyone understands what to do. Her attentiveness to each of us regardless of our experience is admirable. Training with Janel has made my CrossFit experience both effective and enjoyable!
It was awesome, I learned something new.
"My first-day experience at Sand & Steel was everything I was looking for in a workout! Janel’s patience and attention to detail made me feel supported as a new member. She took the time to educate me, ensuring I understood each movement, and her encouragement truly inspired me to keep going. I couldn’t have asked for a better start!"
Janelle is an amazing coach. She is patient and provides clear coaching cues to get the most out of each workout.
I couldn’t have asked for a better re-introduction to a gym and XFit. It’s been a long time since I was consistent with any workout regimen and I feeling a little nervous about hopping in at a new gym with a bunch of strangers. The early morning crew was small but friendly and Sean was chill, helpful, and had a great routine to guide us through. Music was good too 👌🏽
I always enjoy Alicia’s classes. She provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions, making it simple to understand and stay on track. She’s motivating and inspiring, and I really look forward to her sessions. FIVE starts from me. Keep up the good work!!!
Great workout! I appreciated the instruction and motivation.
Alicia assisted me in finding a proper scaling for the workout (due to a shoulder injury). Despite the scaling, the workout was challenging and rewarding.
Paul's Nutrition Classes are so informative! The knowledge he has about all aspects of nutrition and fitness is amazing. In addition, Paul is really good at explaining the information in a way that is easy to understand and apply to "real life"!
Katy did well! She was attentive and helpful when I needed her to be. The intensity of the workout snuck up on me, but that’s not a discredit to Katy. Good workout though!
Janel really takes the time to look at each participant to check form and give feedback. She is knowledgeable and pushes you to do more if she sees that you have it in you!
This gym is excellent. It’s consistently clean, well-maintained, and offers top-notch equipment.
Paul was really helpful today, assisting me in scaling things down to the point where this older guy could do them.
Today’s class was dynamic! There was lot of one on one coaching, although it was tough, I had fun doing it…
Katy was amazing . She watched our movement and made corrections when needed. She also motivated us when possible and needed
Great class!!
Great class/workout and great instruction! Although I probably should have used lighter dumbbells for my first workout.. Good learning experience for me!
Janel was great! Love her energy and vibe
Great first day back in the gym. Thanks for the pep talk Dawn💪🏾
Janel is one of my favorite coaches! She is always positive and has great advice during all our workouts.
She was very patient with me and encouraging. I need that sometimes when I am struggling. Janel is a great coach 👍🏾.
Alicia was enthusiastic, interactive and informative. She made us feel welcome and comfortable.
The class was great! Enjoyed the people and the programming.
really good and sweet coach
Jen did great as always. Her relaxed but direct approach to coaching resonates with me and with others in class. Jen always assists me with refining movements and staying on target during every workout. She’s also got jokes which help when the workout gets tough. Thanks, Jen!
Great job coaching and offer modifications for movements. Pace of the class was good and I appreciated constructive coaching to make sure my movements were done correctly.
Helped me with my form on keeping my hips down and back. Also sticking my but out.
I had a great workout today because of Paul’s excellent instructions (that provided the how and the ‘why’).
Scenic route & great scaling.
Great coach!! Very attentive and knowledgeable
I recently started at Sand & Steel and I am very happy, the place and the equipment are always clean and tidy, the classes I have done have been very nice, the people, and the coach Paul have made me feel very comfortable and welcome all the time! A good place for training
Really enjoyed the class, she was clear about the instructions so it’s easy to follow the WOD
Great class as always. Jenn killed it!
CrossFit Sand & Steel currently has 75 verified member reviews with an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. All reviews come from real members who have experienced the gym firsthand.
Yes! All reviews are from verified members of CrossFit Sand & Steel. We collect authentic feedback directly from current and former members to help you make an informed decision about your fitness journey.
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CrossFit Sand & Steel is located in Alexandria, Virginia at 5418 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304, USA. Click the address above to get directions.