Skill of Strength

I joined SOS my junior year of high school. I knew that I had to start regularly strength training in order to play soccer at the next level so I started trying out different personal training gyms but I never liked the egos of the coaches and athletes at the gyms I went to. As soon as I went to SOS I could tell the atmosphere was completely different. Every coach was knowledgeable and friendly, as were all the other athletes. The coaches are all the best around. They get you significantly stronger while making sure that your form is correct so you don't get injured either. They really cater to each specific athlete so that they reach their individual goals. They can work around your schedule whether you're in season or in the off season and know exactly what you need to do in the gym to be better prepared to play your specific sport. They also do drills that will make you more agile and overall more athletic. The workouts are hard but I didn't dread going to the gym once because the athletes and coaches make it a fun atmosphere. I was always a good soccer player but after I joined SOS the recruiting process ramped up heavily. I now play at soccer at George Mason University and I owe a lot to Mike and Steve and the rest of the staff for what they've done for me over the past couple of years. No matter what level athlete you are or even if you're not an athlete, SOS is the best gym around and will help you reach your specific goals.

This place is changing my life! I always stayed away from the gym because I didn't feel I could be successful in training. In a matter of a few months, I am seeing results in my strength and conditioning because of the great team at SOS. All the trainers are super knowledgeable and engaged in the classes. They take into account any injuries or limitations you have and help guide you through the exercises you should be doing and guide you away from the ones you should avoid. All the members are fun humble people that make you feel like a part of the family the first class you attend. Everyone supports each other and motivates each other.

I joined SOS COMPETE 2 years ago during my sophomore year of high school with the ambitions of bringing my hockey, and general sports careers, to the next level. This was right after my first year playing varsity hockey for CHS when I realized that I needed more off-ice training to succeed and continue to play at a higher level. SOS drastically improved my all around strength by creating an individualized program focused to my specific sport which especially helped with strength development. This customized program really came in helpful for me since I play Golf, Hockey, and Volleyball which are in no way physically similar so the customized programs were able to help me stay on top of whatever sport I was in. In addition to my physical development, I found SOS was a huge help to me when I faced injuries to my back and ankle. Steve worked personally to help me recover in both these situations using physical therapy like exercises to help me recover as soon as possible. He was able to work hand in hand with my school trainer to help me recover from my ankle injury and was able recommend me to a chiropractor for my back who in which I still go to till this day. Before SOS I personally could never get myself to get up and go to a regular gym because I’d often feel as if I was the only athlete there or I’d just get bored. SOS is really special because you are with a bunch of other athletes who are all about your age and love sports just as much as you do. The trainers also do a great job at keeping it a really fun atmosphere where you don’t feel forced to do your workouts but you simply want to. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the SOS staff and a special thanks to Steve who’s been great to me since the start and gave me his full attention and support every day whether he was motivating me on the squat rack or participating in our daily shenanigans.

Hard work, honesty, consistency and most importantly, a fantastic support system!!!!These are the things that come to mind when trying to explain the 8 week ‘Lean in 15’ program at SOS run by Evan Marcantonio.Having tried to approach weight loss on my own for decades, it was only through SOS that I have finally found my stride in making changes to my nutrition and exercise programs that have not only been successful but also, I feel are sustainable for the long haul. Evan’s approach in this program is to work with each person where they are in the nutrition spectrum and then build their knowledge so they can put it to practice each and every day. The daily interaction with Evan helps keep you focused and on track. He analyzes your intake and other behaviors you choose to divulge and offers support and creative suggestions on how to change things up for better results.Although the journey to good nutritional health is a personal one, I can’t help but point out that the support system in this program is unmatched by anything I have ever experienced. As noted, you have Evan working with you, one on one, just about every day and also, you get the support from other members of the program via the private Facebook page. Members post anything from how they are progressing, how they navigated through a tough day/week, good recipes and some good humor to keep the mood light!! This support system is really important as it allows for positive interaction with people facing the same struggles and helps in keeping you focused on your goals.8 weeks is a very short amount of time to stick to a program. I have found this one to be the most impactful program I have been a part of. I WANT to continue on this path because in addition to losing weight and inches, I feel better, my cloths fit better, my exercise experiences are better and overall, for the first time in decades, I feel that this is something I can sustain for some time to come!! Give it a try, it is worth the investment in yourself!!

I've been training at Skill of Strength for about 8 months now. The facility/ equipment is top notch and the trainers ROCK. The Adult Move class combines strength, core and cardio. If you're looking for something fun and challenging I highly recommend SOS.

I am amazed at the attention to detail that Amanda, Mike and Steve take with each client to make sure the training is appropriate to one's needs and limitations, yet motivating and challenging at the same time. The staff ensures you know the basics of any exercise so that you do it properly and effectively.I've done one-on-one private training and recently attended my first MOVE group session. I felt welcomed the minute I walked in the door and the other clients who were in the group training were motivating and inspiring (one woman had just had a baby only 7 weeks ago)!I have even participated with Amanda and SOS's online training. As a part-time worker and stay-at-home mom who can't get to the gym each week, the online training was perfect for me to be able to do workouts at my own pace at home and fit them into my schedule when it worked for me. Amanda was always available for support and feedback, even though she was remote.If you are looking for ways to be motivated, inspired and get healthy, I highly recommend working with the staff at Skill of Strength.

Skill of Strength is such a wonderful facility. The trainers Amanda, Mike and Steve are all great and extremely welcoming. They all work really hard to help all of the clients achieve their goals and push through challenges. This is the kind of place where they are focused on proper form and progressing you safely while getting you stronger. This is also the kind of place where they will check up on you if they haven't seen you in a while. That personal touch is something that you don't see every day. I wish my schedule allowed me to take classes more often but the times I do go it is well worth it. I cannot recommend them enough.

I took my first MOVE class at SOS in November. Since moving back to the area, I’ve been going more consistently and really cannot say enough about the facility, the other clients, the trainers and especially the atmosphere. Probably for the first time I look forward to working out. I’m even surprising myself RIGHT NOW by saying that I’m actually disappointed if I can’t make it to class! (what??!) The three trainers, Amanda, Steve and Mike, are ALL amazing, attentive and knowledgeable. They have created a unique environment that makes working out feel both extremely challenging yet rewarding because you can feel yourself doing better and getting stronger. You really do get the benefits of personal training with the fun of a group class setting. It is this personal connection, both from the staff and the other clients, that motivates you at that exact moment when you otherwise may be ready to call it quits. Check it out, you won’t regret it!

I joined Skill of Strength in January, my only regret is that I wish that I had joined sooner. Their strength and conditioning program (MOVE) is offered at 6am, 5:30pm and 6:30pm. So there is no excuse not to get a workout in. The MOVE class is challenging and the trainers make sure that you are performing the exercises correctly and to your ability level. The group environment is a great way to take your fitness to the next level. The other members are supportive and provide a level of friendly competition. I highly encourage anyone who is considering taking their fitness to the next level to contact Mike, Amanda or Steve at Skill of Strength.

My wife and I joined Skill of Strength a little under a year ago, and it was one of the best decisions we've made. The trainers are all knowledgeable, and the workouts are varied and tough. Mike, Amanda, and Steve have helped us get into better shape than we've been in a long time. On top of being great trainers, they're great people as well.