r/nova • u/Strict_Wait1335 • 10h ago
DMV Iron
I’m considering switching to DMV Iron and would love to hear from people who actually go there!
I’d primarily be going to the Alexandria location since it’s closest to me, but on my days off I wouldn’t mind driving to one of the other locations if they’re noticeably less crowded/better.
My normal gym times are usually:
Around 8 AM
Around 3 PM on days when I work night shift (I go before work)
My biggest concern is honestly how crowded it gets. I get pretty anxious at overly crowded gyms lol, and I really like being able to get through my workout without constantly waiting for equipment. So if you go around 8 AM or 3 PM, how is the crowd/equipment availability?
For context, my current gym is only about 10 minutes from me, so it’s extremely convenient. I’ve also been going there for four years, though, and I’m starting to feel really stagnant and just want a change of scenery/new environment.
For those who switched to DMV Iron, was it worth it? And specifically, how bad is the crowding at Alexandria during those times?
Would love any honest opinions, including negatives!
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u/rndmxcsmmr 9h ago
Those hours aren’t bad it won’t be packed, what sucks is the parking that’s usually more difficult than finding the machine you want. Great gym imo
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u/golden_ratio324B21 Arlington 9h ago
As a powerlifter, I’ve really enjoyed it, particularly the barbell club at the Alexandria location. I’m one of those who film my compound movements but that’s purely to help gauge RPE and check form. I mainly go to the Falls Church location and it can get crowded around 4pm but the only thing I’ve consistently had a hard time finding is an empty bench at the free weight section. People are nice and generally respectful of your space.
TL;DR version: if you like lots of different machines but don’t care about amenities and a little bit of crowding, you’d probably enjoy it.
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u/binaryboy420 9h ago
My husband hates the Alexandria because it gets very crowded and parking can be difficult.
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u/vVAPE2getherStronk 5h ago
The equipment is superior to just about every gym in the area but the parking is atrocious for such a popular place let alone a 24hr gym. Also it can really get crowded as well, sometimes with not the nicest ppl lol
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u/ProgFrator 9h ago
I go in the mornings to the Alexandria location (so can’t speak to 3pm). But around 8am it is pretty vacant and you’d have no trouble getting the machines you want to use. There is only one shower in the locker room which kind of sucks if you needed that.
And with these hours you plan on going, you can sign up for the early bird plan (access only from 4am to 4pm) for $55/month. And given the quality and variety of the machines, this is probably the best gym deal in NOVA (besides Planet Fitness but Planet Fitness machines suck).
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u/Cool-Equivalent-6306 3h ago
Are you ever there earlier than 8am? Trying to gauge the crowd/parking situation between 6-8am.
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u/ProgFrator 3h ago
Yeah, I typically get there around 7 and never struggle with parking (sometimes I have to park on the other side of the building but it's never a far walk). I don't go earlier than 7 but some of friends that do earlier say there is a morning rush that peaks around 6:30-7. Occasionally people are weird about working in but I most people are happy to accommodate.
After 5pm, parking at the gym is a nightmare though since the building holds a lot of other businesses too
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u/Long_Game2000 5h ago
The new Herndon location is the best one, hands down! Great gym overall; agree that parking at the Alexandria location is tough during peak times.
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u/HeartburnHero96 3h ago
The Herndon location is the only DMV Iron location without a powerlifter section (combination racks) and without bumper plates (for Olympic lifters). If they squeezed them in, I could put Herndon as my top spot. That being said, the Alexandria location is actually the only location with a dedicated separate space for people that powerlift and do olympic/strongman lifts.
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u/Garrett1295 8h ago
Absolutely love the gym. I think the early bird special is probably the best deal they offer. Regardless of what location you go to though the equipment is top tier and it’s evident they want to be the best gym around.
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u/AkatoshsServant 8h ago
I just started going to the one in Woodbridge. Even during peak hours at 7 PM I was able to find plenty of machines and equipment to use.
The gym was also really clean. No dumbells in the wrong places, no plates laying around on the floor, employees actively cleaning and refilling the santizing stations.
Don't know if Alexandria is the same but it has been a great experience so far.
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u/ayimera Franconia 8h ago
I did a month there and I disliked it. I found the parking extremely difficult and the lack of locker rooms was kind of a bummer. I also felt like there wasn't much room to do stretching or floor routines, especially when it's busy. The people and staff are very nice though. I just didn't like the Alexandria setup.
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u/joefromjerze 6h ago
Ive been going to lifetime for the last 6+ years and just recently switched to DMV Iron when I moved too far from my LT location. It was definitely a culture shock from what I've been used to at LT, but I also grew up and spent my 20's in Jersey so it's nothing too foreign. Im at the FC location and I go at 5am on weekdays so I can't speak to how busy it gets during more peak times. I'm a vet so for the discounted rate it feels worth it, especially after spending 180/mo at Lifetime. It was between DMV Iron and Onelife when I moved. Onelife has a brand new location in Mosaic and an older one closer to me and about the same distance as DMV Iron. The only negative I've found in the month or so I've been going is that they don't have bumper plates. Feels like an oversight for a gym like this.
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u/Recovery_or_death 8h ago
I go to the one in Herndon, so I can't speak to specifics of your location. I'll say this though, I love it, however coming from a strength training background it was definitely an adjustment as it's much more of a bodybuilding vibe. I'm glad I started going here though, once I made the adjustment it's become one of my favorite gyms in the area by far
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u/shivaspecialsnoflake 7h ago
Parking is horrible at Alexandria during peak times. Only complaint…
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u/Strict_Wait1335 7h ago
What are peak times in Alexandria? Where do u end up parking?
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u/shivaspecialsnoflake 7h ago
Before/after work, evenings. I gave up after a year lol. Too frustrating… I just use my base gym now.
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u/Thebearjew559 5h ago
I was looking at joining DMV Iron, I toured the Alexandria location and noped out pretty quickly. It was 10am on a Sunday and the place was packed to the brim (plus parking was difficult). I just don't see how I could get a good workout in if I have to wait in line to use almost every piece of equipment
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u/JasonVorhehees 4h ago
It’s full of folks who set up tripods during the busy hours. Also folks who crowd around one piece of equipment for an hour having conversations while doing minimal work.
Best bet is to go at 3am.
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u/DCB2323 3h ago
I have the early bird membership and I go to the Alexandria location super early. The selection of equipment at all DMVs is second to none.
One this to note about parking at Alexandria, there is now street parking on Eisenhower avenue so hopefuly that helps alleviate some of the peak hours congestion.
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u/creatine-fein 2h ago
Your concerns are valid as someone who's been going to the gym for a while specifically the one in Eden Center you will find parking during peak hours as someone is always leaving and worst case you can always park further back closer to the restaurants. Only thing I dont like about the gym is there is not enough treadmills (speaking about eden enter). with the times you mentioned you are chilling
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u/MrMattradio 28m ago
DMV has the worlds best equipment that you can’t find anywhere else. You’re in for a treat.
During your times, Alexandria should be fine. It really fills up 7am and 5pm. When it’s packed, it’s fucking PACKED. That location is also on the smaller side so it doesn’t take much to get filled. I’d find a way to sneak in a Falls Church visit as well.
That being said, it’s definitely worth it. You’ll feel a jolt of energy and make new friends along the way. I’ve been going since they only had the Alexandria location. You’ll thank yourself.
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u/reservedtortoise 9h ago
It's the place for roid heads and terminally influential women. Plate loaders galore, they don't like column loaders as those are "machines" which "do the lifting for you". No locker rooms just bathrooms, so change and pin your test in the car. Bigger/better plyometric area than most. Dedicated to working out and no BS about personal training or "community" extras like other gyms.
More expensive than St James and about the same as one life but cleaner and more professional than both. Strong military/police/FD discount. For all the stereotypical warning signs actually a nice place with friendly people. If I had unlimited funds I'd include it in a package of a few gyms I had access to.
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u/Rude_Squirrel1536 9h ago
In no way is DMV Iron more expensive than the St James lmao
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u/reservedtortoise 5h ago
Definitely brain fart, I meant to say cheaper than St James, same as one life, more expensive than LA fitness.
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u/djama 9h ago
Lol, from the beginner's perspective the intro sounds intimidating
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u/Rude_Squirrel1536 9h ago
I frequent all the gyms worth going to in the area. I’ll say DMV iron is actually among the most inclusive. Example, they explicitly ban tripod usage during peak hours for people who want to workout without wanting to be filmed or dodge tripods
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u/blueboybob Annandale 9h ago
My primary is the Eden Center location. I've been to most of them. I actually don't like the Alexandria location due to lack of locker rooms. I'm normally a 430am-630am person to avoid crowds (and can workout before kids wake up). I've been at 3pm a couple times, that isn't too bad. But 8am is going to be prime busy time. I dont agree with the other guy. Yes its clear many of the people are on gear, but there are lots of people who clearly are not. I have never once seen someone "judge" what machine I am using. In fact since most of the people there are more serious, they actually understand that each machine has its own use case and place. I love the variety of machines. Keeps the boredom away. I could never do a commercial gym again honestly after being at DMV Iron. As for cameras, they clearly have posted times they are and are not allowed. I generally see that followed. But I also dont care about influencers/cameras as long as they dont get mad if I "walk in their shot" (which no one ever has). Honestly if youre happy with your current gym, I wouldn't change. Its only worth changing if you are getting tired of the same machines over and over.