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The original was posted on /r/weightlifting by /u/Euphoric_Spot_2378 on 2025-12-25 20:23:31+00:00.
I’m currently scouting for a new home base in the DMV area. As a weightlifter, the gym is my "anchor" for where I choose to live, if possible. I'm actually in a transitional phase right now while I job hunt—waiting to see if my next role will be remote, hybrid, or on-site—so I'm keeping my options open across MD, DC, and VA. Since most threads on this topic are 3+ years old, I figured I'd start a fresh Master List/Map while I do my own scouting.
I’m starting a Master List/Map of Olympic Weightlifting-friendly gyms. By "friendly," I mean gyms with platforms, bumper plates, and quality bearing bars. I’ve started a list below from info online, but I need your help to fill in the gaps on hours, pricing, and the current "vibe."
Maryland
| Gym Name | Location | Focus / Notes |
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| Tough Temple Barbell | Rockville | My current anchor spot. It features three rooms with a dedicated weightlifting area, including jerk and pulling blocks. You can choose between coached classes, open gym, or a 24/7 membership. |
| Mach 10 Weightlifting | Rockville | A dedicated club with a competitive team environment. They currently operate on a 4-day weekly schedule. |
| OTB Strength | Rockville | "(formerly ISTEP) is a powerlifting/weightlifting gym with 24/7 key access. I train/coach there 3 times a week." |
| OneLife Fitness | Rockville | Includes an "Explosive Performance" area. We need community confirmation on their dropping policy and bar quality. |
| Baltimore Built Strength and Cond. | Baltimore | |
Washington D.C.
| Gym Name | Location | Focus / Notes |
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| DC Weightlifting Club | Shaw / DC | "membership option for those who want to compete, and those who don’t want to compete. They also do a 6 week intro Olympic weightlifting (twice a week) course from time to time for those interested in learning the lifts." 24/7/365 open gym inside Petworth Fitness |
| DC Barbell Club | 4th st NW | Olympic lifting friendly |
| Urban Athletic Club | Shaw | Boutique vibe and has Rogue equipment and Open Gym. |
| | | |
Virginia
| Gym Name | Location | Focus / Notes |
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| CHFP Weightlifting | Alexandria | Led by Cara Heads Slaughter, this is a top-tier technical coaching destination. |
| The Shop Gym | Ashburn | Massive 24/7 facilities. Ashburn is a well-known "strength mecca" |
| The Shop Gym | Manassas | "platforms did the job dedicated weightlifting zone with kilo plates and some nice bars" |
| Movement | Crystal City | Primarily a climbing gym, but has a solid fitness area with Rogue platforms/bars. Good budget option if you work in Arlington. |
| DMV Iron Gym | Alexandria | 24/7 access. best location for weightlifting. They have a "barbell club" with tons of strongman, powerlifting, and oly equipment. Falls Church location doesn't have bumpers, other bb only. |
| Tyson Playground | Tysons | Hybrid Mega-Gym. 24/7 access. Dedicated room for WL/PL. Home to Red and Black Barbell. Excellent if you want a "hardcore" environment but with better amenities than a tiny warehouse. |
| Golds Gym | Ballston | has a decent amount of squat racks/ Olympic platforms with bumper plates. |
| DMV Iron Gym | Woodbridge | |
What I need from the community:
- Commercial Gyms: Are there any specific Life Time or OneLife locations where the staff or members wont get mad at you for doing heavy cleans?
- Hidden Gems: Any CrossFit boxes that have 24/7 "Hybrid" access?
- The Map: I’m building a Google Map for this. If you have a gym to add, drop the name and I’ll pin it w/relevant info!
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1VFG7h0vrC6RstUT9laN7sN1FwnlAAtg&usp=sharing
I’ll be updating the original post with your feedback to keep this as a current resource.
