CrossFit Sand & Steel

CrossFit Sand & Steel

GymHappy Review:

"Beginners Find Confidence Without Intimidation"

5 /5

72 verified member reviews

What Members Are Saying

At CrossFit Sand & Steel, members appreciate the supportive environment tailored for all fitness levels, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and older adults.

  • ❤️ Fitness Beginners Gain Confidence: Newcomers frequently express feeling welcomed and supported, noting that the coaches provide clear instructions and encouragement, making the experience enjoyable and motivating.
  • ❤️ Older Adults Prioritize Injury Prevention: Many older members highlight the importance of tailored coaching, mentioning how instructors ensure proper scaling and technique, allowing them to engage in workouts safely and effectively.
  • ❤️ Personalized Coaching Enhances Accountability: Members report that the coaches offer attentive guidance and regular check-ins, helping them stay consistent and focused on their fitness goals.
  • ❤️ Strong Community Support Thrives Here: Reviewers often mention the camaraderie within the gym, emphasizing the positive relationships formed with fellow members, which fosters a sense of belonging.

AI summary based on recent reviews, updated weekly

Member Reviews

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.

Verified Review
Dec 4, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

Keren was the coach I had since I started. I've always liked her approach, coaching style, humor, and energy! She brings this positive vibe that makes even the toughest workouts feel doable. Today's session at CrossFit Sand & Steel was no different. I was having trouble getting my elbows high enough on the cleans. But after Keren demonstrated the movement a few times and patiently explained the key points, it finally clicked for me. She pointed out exactly where I needed to adjust and gave tips on how to feel the right position. That made a big difference. After her guidance, I felt like I understood the motion better and could perform it more confidently. Keren is always fun to have as a coach - she keeps the atmosphere light but focused, which makes me look forward to every session.

Verified Review
Nov 27, 2025
Review for Keren Campbell

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.

Verified Review
Nov 25, 2025
Review for Janel Dillard

The detailed coaching at CrossFit Sand & Steel really stands out because Pail takes the time to watch each person closely during every movement, especially during the On Ramp classes designed for beginners. Paul makes sure our form is spot on, correcting small mistakes and sharing various tips with us. I felt confident knowing the coach was there to guide me through complex exercises like deadlifts. The workouts at Sand and Steel have made me more effective and left me feeling stronger and more capable after each session. This kind of focus on form is why CrossFit Sand & Steel feels different from other gyms - it’s not just about pushing through but doing it the right way!

Verified Review
Nov 23, 2025
Review for Paul Roberts

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!

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Nov 18, 2025
Review for Spencer Rees

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Nov 9, 2025

Dawn was very patient with me (a newby at crossfit). I had a great workout and feel energized and ready for my week!

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Oct 27, 2025
Review for Dawn Anderson

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Oct 16, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

Had a fun time and enjoyed an awesome workout with Douglas and another teammate! Appreciate the support and patience the group gave and very detailed coaching and project from Douglas! Looking forward to the next classes!

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Oct 15, 2025

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Oct 15, 2025

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Sep 25, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

Good job Coach K! You pushed me when I wanted to slack off! Great points and awesome energy!

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Sep 16, 2025
Review for Keren Campbell

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Sep 16, 2025
Review for Katy Oblinger

I really enjoy how Janel works with me to assure that I have the proper mechanics and technique with each move. She is very encouraging, patient and insightful on the proper mechanics for each work out.

Verified Review
Sep 8, 2025
Review for Janel Dillard

Paul is very good at helping with form. That is very important to me. I like Paul’s classes because he does a great job of pushing but balancing that with technique and what is reasonable. For example, the workout today called for 70lbs kb snatches. I’ve been to some gyms where there would be peer pressure to go that heavy, even when it might lead to injury. At my age, avoiding injury is my highest priority by far. I am comfortable at Paul’s sessions because he is excellent at striking the right balance.

Verified Review
Aug 15, 2025
Review for Paul Roberts

Alicia is great, and the reason we decided to go with this gym. She even joined us in the workout, which shows her passion!

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Aug 7, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

This was my first cross fit class and Alicia was very patient explaining everything to me. I felt welcomed. Oh she is funny too!

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Aug 7, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

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Aug 4, 2025
Review for Janel Dillard

Knowledgeable, attentive, upbeat.

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Jul 3, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

Alicia was very knowledgeable and brought lot’s energy and smile’s. I really enjoyed her class.

Verified Review
Jun 19, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

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.

Verified Review
Jun 17, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

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Jun 11, 2025

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!

Verified Review
Jun 6, 2025
Review for Janel Dillard

It was awesome, I learned something new.

Verified Review
May 16, 2025
Review for Paul Roberts

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May 16, 2025
Review for Janel Dillard

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Apr 26, 2025

"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!"

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Apr 1, 2025
Review for Janel Dillard

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Mar 18, 2025
Review for Dawn Anderson

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Feb 5, 2025

Janelle is an amazing coach. She is patient and provides clear coaching cues to get the most out of each workout.

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Feb 5, 2025
Review for Janel Dillard

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 👌🏽

Verified Review
Feb 4, 2025
Review for Sean Dunphy

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!!!

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Feb 4, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

Great workout! I appreciated the instruction and motivation.

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Jan 28, 2025
Review for Alicia Jackson

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Jan 22, 2025

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Dec 31, 2024
Review for Alicia Jackson

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.

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Dec 30, 2024
Review for Alicia Jackson

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"!

Verified Review
Dec 29, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

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!

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Nov 30, 2024
Review for Katy Oblinger

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Nov 20, 2024

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Nov 13, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

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!

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Oct 22, 2024
Review for Janel Dillard

This gym is excellent. It’s consistently clean, well-maintained, and offers top-notch equipment.

Verified Review
Oct 20, 2024

Paul was really helpful today, assisting me in scaling things down to the point where this older guy could do them.

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Oct 6, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

Today’s class was dynamic! There was lot of one on one coaching, although it was tough, I had fun doing it…

Verified Review
Oct 6, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

Katy was amazing . She watched our movement and made corrections when needed. She also motivated us when possible and needed

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Sep 20, 2024
Review for Katy Oblinger

Great class!!

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Sep 5, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

Great class/workout and great instruction! Although I probably should have used lighter dumbbells for my first workout.. Good learning experience for me!

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Aug 26, 2024
Review for Jen Munroe

Janel was great! Love her energy and vibe

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Aug 21, 2024
Review for Janel Dillard

Great first day back in the gym. Thanks for the pep talk Dawn💪🏾

Verified Review
Aug 21, 2024
Review for Dawn Anderson

Janel is one of my favorite coaches! She is always positive and has great advice during all our workouts.

Verified Review
Aug 21, 2024
Review for Janel Dillard

She was very patient with me and encouraging. I need that sometimes when I am struggling. Janel is a great coach 👍🏾.

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Aug 21, 2024
Review for Janel Dillard

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Aug 16, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

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Aug 6, 2024

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Aug 6, 2024
Review for Cindy Moore

Alicia was enthusiastic, interactive and informative. She made us feel welcome and comfortable.

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Aug 6, 2024
Review for Alicia Jackson

The class was great! Enjoyed the people and the programming.

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Aug 6, 2024
Review for Alicia Jackson

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Jul 25, 2024
Review for Alicia Jackson

really good and sweet coach

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Jul 22, 2024
Review for Alicia Jackson

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Jul 14, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

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Jul 14, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

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!

Verified Review
Jul 11, 2024
Review for Jen Munroe

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.

Verified Review
Jul 10, 2024
Review for Jen Munroe

Helped me with my form on keeping my hips down and back. Also sticking my but out.

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Jul 9, 2024
Review for Janel Dillard

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Jul 8, 2024
Review for Jen Munroe

I had a great workout today because of Paul’s excellent instructions (that provided the how and the ‘why’).

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Jul 7, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

Was such a fun class! Alicia kept us motivated even while running in the heat and humidity.

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Jul 6, 2024
Review for Alicia Jackson

Scenic route & great scaling.

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Jul 6, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

Great coach!! Very attentive and knowledgeable

Verified Review
Jul 5, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

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

Verified Review
Jul 5, 2024
Review for Paul Roberts

Really enjoyed the class, she was clear about the instructions so it’s easy to follow the WOD

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Jul 4, 2024
Review for Alicia Jackson

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Jul 4, 2024
Review for Alicia Jackson

Great class as always. Jenn killed it!

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Jul 3, 2024
Review for Jen Munroe

Frequently Asked Questions

How many reviews does CrossFit Sand & Steel have?

CrossFit Sand & Steel currently has 72 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.

Are these reviews from real members?

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.

Can I filter reviews by coach?

Yes! Use the dropdown filter above to see reviews for specific coaches at CrossFit Sand & Steel. This helps you understand each coach's strengths and training style.

Where is CrossFit Sand & Steel located?

CrossFit Sand & Steel is located in Alexandria, Virginia at 5418 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304, USA. Click the address above to get directions.