Testimonials - Fivex3 Training

FIVEX3 CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Melissa Alexander

I’ve been a member of Fivex3 since September 2020 and joining this gym has honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life! I was specifically looking for a gym that focused on Starting Strength, which initially intrigued me as Fivex3 is a Starting Strength affiliate. It was meeting with Emily and seeing the space that sealed the deal. I was brand new to strength training and greatly appreciated the introductory sessions my partner and I had with Craig. These sessions were instrumental in learning proper form for all the major lifts, correctly setting up the squat rack, and starting weight numbers. I felt comfortable flying “solo” after those initial sessions though I’m never “alone” as the coaches continue to provide me helpful feedback as necessary, which I greatly appreciate. Emily created a personalized training plan for me based on my starting weight numbers, which has grown into a routine over the last two years. My program is not rigid and has been adjusted as needed. For example, Emily has added isolation exercises to my program at my request. I’ve found that everything (e.g., introductory sessions, training program, coaching, etc.) at Fivex3 is intentional. The biggest takeaway about the training program is: If you are consistent and show up, you will progress in your training - it is inevitable! The gym is very welcoming - I love seeing everyday people (like myself) from different backgrounds ranging from young adults to seniors coming in to lift weights. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable - three are Starting Strength Certified (SSC) - and they all genuinely care about their members as people. Most of them lift in the gym, which is cool to see. It is a true gym community where folks celebrate each other’s success and PRs. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone (especially women) interested in getting stronger. If you are curious and want to learn more, I encourage you to do the following things (in this order): (1) Check out their IG page to see the Fivex3 community, (2) Listen to an episode of Fivex3 Radio podcast to hear how knowledgeable Emily and Diego (both are SSC) are about strength training - available on ITunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podcast Addict, and Google Podcast, and (3) Email Emily to schedule a visit and chat!

Abbey B.

I came in after taking high-intensity interval and Pilates classes for two years, then hitting a wall in terms of fitness progress. I'd learned the basics of deadlifting from a friend some time ago, then tried to work with the aid of a weightlifting book while at another local gym. After walking by FiveX3 so many times on the way to said gym, I finally decided to email Emily asking for more information when it became apparent I needed more help than the book could give me. It's hard to overstate what this place has done for me. I have never considered myself an athlete or a fan of the gym. FiveX3 has shown me what a "gym family" is, and it has redefined so much of what strength and fitness mean to me. I'm kind of a FiveX3 evangelist--but in a good way, I swear. The community that Emily and Diego, the owners, have facilitated is just incredible. People of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities come here. Everyone is supportive--and I mean every single person. This is a friendly yet no-bullshit group of people who truly want to help anyone interested in getting stronger and more confident in what your body can do. This is not about "getting ripped" or looking a certain way--using the Starting Strength method, all of the coaches help you to continually improve YOUR level of strength while emphasizing the importance of consistency and form (the key to not getting hurt!). There will be times when you feel like it's too damn hard or heavy and want to quit. That's what the coaches--and your new gym friends--are there to help you through, and they do it well. And I can't tell you how cool it is to be able to see your numbers go up each week/month/year. There are also plenty of other pluses: candy, salty snacks, donuts, dogs to pet, and cute babies. Don't be scared away by the startup or monthly membership fees. I was nervous at first, but honestly, I'd pay a lot more and it'd still be worth it. If you're frustrated with your progress or feel like other gyms/workouts are lacking something, give FiveX3 a try.

Beckie R.

I have been an online client of Emily's since July, 2022. I am a 56 year old who has been active in athletics from a very young age. I played sports in my youth and in my adult years I worked out on a regular basis using circuit workouts, running, attending group fitness classes and also instructing group fitness classes. I was introduced to the "Starting Strength" program through my boyfriend. I watched him transform his 60-year-old body by following the program - what I saw was remarkable. In my preparation to be as strong as possible for two upcoming knee replacement surgeries, my boyfriend encouraged me to give the program a try. Emily has prepared my training plan and has coached me online for going on six months now. Perfecting the form of the four primary exercises of: bench, squat, deadlift and press is key to success and gaining strength. Emily's explanations are straightforward and easy to follow. She incorporates her comments utilizing voice over of the videos of my exercises. She also does side by side visuals that make it so easy to see exactly how to improve my form. She does a great job in modifying my schedule according to how I'm feeling as well as my feedback on my work sets. I am thrilled with how well online coaching with Emily has worked for me! I would highly recommend her if you are considering starting or even if you'd like some critique for improving your strength workout.

John H.

I've been training with Emily and Diego for over 2 years, and it's been a great experience. Like most, I'd taught myself to lift over the years, hanging around the gym, and watching videos. It wasn't until I started training at 5x3 that I realized that most of what I was doing was not getting me anywhere. I've since made great progress by working with them. I couldn't squat at all due to knee pain after doing it incorrectly for years. I learned that squats weren't hurting my knees, but what I was doing was hurting my knees. I can now squat pain free, and all my lifts are going up. I'm in my 60s now, and am stronger than I've been since my 20s. I strongly recommend Fivex3 to anyone who wants to get stronger and feel better about themselves. I'm an on-line plus client, so in addition to the feedback on my posted videos, I also travel 90 minutes every month for an in-person session. It's well worth the time and effort.

Samantha B.

The owners are friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable. The gym atmosphere is perfect for people who are looking for a non-judgemental, non-toxic, no aggression experience. If you want help with your form, there are always coaches around to set you right. If you want to be left alone to do your own thing, no one is going to be in your space or offering unsolicited advice. As someone in the chronically ill community who was looking for a gym that wasn’t going to push pseudo-science wellness bunk, and let me work at my own pace, this has been a great fit.

John M.

I am so grateful for Fivex3. Emily and Diego and the whole staff are amazing. They have created a warm and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds come together to get stronger. You never have to wait for a rack or weights - this gym has everything you need and nothing that you don't. I used to have bad back pain, not any more. Strength is medicine, and Fivex3 is where to go to get strong.

Jesse W.

Fivex3 is family. Your coaches care, they celebrate your successes, commiserate your failures, and support you every step of the way. This is not your big-box gym experience. Getting strong is a journey, and having guides like these make it exciting and fun.

Andrew F.

The best gym I've ever been a part of and easily the best gym in Baltimore. The coaches - Emily, Craig, Diego, Gretchen, Ryan, and Jay - are all incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. It's a privilege to train with them. If you want to get strong and make some great friends along the way, then this is the place for you.

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More Testimonials

Tamra C.

Fivex3 has been the best place for me to learn the starting strength program from coaches who not only know what they're doing, but who truly care. The owner, Emily Socolinsky, is a wonderful person and an AWESOME coach.

Michael S.

I've been a member of the Fivex3 community since August 2021. Emily, Diego and the coaches at Fivex3 truly care about the success of their members. They've created a welcoming and inclusive environment for all lifters, myself included. Since joining Fivex3, I've seen consistent PR's in my big three lifts: Bench, Squat and Deadlifts. More importantly, my technique for all three lifts has dramatically improved. Emily worked tirelessly with me to correct and improve my deadlift technique. We spent many weeks 🙂 Emily, Diego and team also understand when to incorporate/recommend assistance exercises as well as tempo/pause variations on an as needed basis to help improve a lifter's technique and strengthen any weak points that may hold back the lifter.I've listened to my coaches and this is why I've seen my lifts improve. My favorite aspect of Fivex3 is watching my fellow lifters get stronger. We celebrate our victories when we hear that PR bell ring! I'm excited for my 2023 goals and lifts at Fivex3.

Jeff S.

Other reviewers have summed up well, but Fivex3 gets top marks for good reason. Before coming to Fivex3, I was aware of some of the benefits of strength training, and had used equipment at another facility for some time. While to some degree I’d seen “progression” in my lifting, I was also experiencing various pains which I knew shouldn’t be part of my routine. I suspected bad form (rather than simply advancing middle age), which ended up being the case. The coaching I received at Fivex3 helped me break some bad habits and develop the correct ones, while allowing me to get stronger and rid myself of the pain. Everyone has their own physiology, requirements (and perhaps injuries), etc. but Emily and the crew at Fivex3 are experts who can help you wherever you are in your journey!

Molly G.

This is hands down the best gym I’ve ever had the pleasure to train at. Fivex3 has made me the strongest and healthiest I’ve ever been. I’ve overcome old injuries I thought I would live with forever. And maybe the best part is just how welcoming everyone is. No matter where you are on your strength training journey, you will be welcomed and treated with kindness and respect. This is a bro free environment.

Jenny K.

“I love going to the gym” is not a phrase I ever thought would enter my vocabulary, but this place is just that awesome! Emily is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about helping people get stronger, and it is evident throughout her gym. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, and you will feel welcome and valued no matter what skill level you’re at. When you begin, the coaches really take the time to teach you how to lift properly and make sure you’re ready to move on before adding weight. After that, the format is open and you’re free to work at your own pace but you are never really lifting “alone.” There is always a coach nearby to watch your form and provide instruction. And they are amazing at it! It is clear that the coaches are genuinely interested in seeing you progress and succeed. Oh and the program works!!! So it’s pretty fun to do things you didn’t think you were capable of too 🙂

Charlie M.

I think the biggest reason to join the gym is the community. There are people from all walks of life, all ages, and all body types working together to get stronger. This is a gym where you can get to know other people (if you want to). And various people actively contribute to the community. The owner loves knitting and has knitted several things for members (I got a blanket for my Mom). We have a puzzle sharing club and many people donated puzzles to share. There’s also a puzzle table at the gym that was started by a member (it’s very popular!). Sometimes people bake things to share. And a couple months ago someone brought in Scottish chocolate and a taste test challenge ensued to see if American chocolate was better (I say it isn’t, but literally EVERYONE ELSE says it is; clearly they don’t have good taste in chocolate…).

Sean L.

If you want to get stronger, Fivex3 is the only place to go in Baltimore. Emily, Diego, and the other coaches are incredibly knowledgeable and true experts in their field. You will see truly amazing results if you accept their coaching and follow the program. Leave everything you think you know about fitness and the door, listen to them and come in 3 times a week and it will change your life.

Mario M.

I've been a member at different gyms but this is by far the best. My wife started 5x3 first and then gave me a 6 month membership as a gift knowing I would like it. Emily (owner) and coaches are attentive, knowledgeable, they focus on technique and develop a program that fits best for you. While improving your strength, they also help injury recovery. The members range from their 20's to their 70's, all body types with experience to no experience. It's pretty inspiring to see a 74yr old man deadlift 2 1/2 times his weight, witness someone bounce back from an injury or see a dedicated mom-to-be still rocking it out. With so many ways to motivate you, it's a great gym atmosphere. Check it out, do it, be stronger!

Ryan P.

I came in for a one day clinic to learn squat, deadlift, OHP and BP with Diego. I spent a lot of time thinking about whether or not the clinic would be worth the investment and time. If you're on the fence about this, take the leap. The one on one instruction and form correction provided to me by Diego was practical, concise and memorable. Diego was also very patient, which I appreciated because I'm fairly new to lifting. I would say that the clinic is an investment in a great education, which always gives the best returns.

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4015 Foster Avenue, Suite 200 Baltimore, MD 21224

410.205.9254 | info@fivex3.com