HOW IT

WORKS

Learn Our 5 Simple Steps To Success

AS SEEN ON

 - Personal Trainer

STEP 1:

Consultation

“Introductions” are about gyms. Our initial consultation is all about YOU. 

You’ll talk 1-on-1 with one of our professional coaches and discuss where you’re at and where you want to go in your health & fitness.

STEP 2:

Assessment

The biggest mistake you can make is jumping right into an overly-intense fitness program that doesn’t actually make sense for you & your specific goals. 

Over your first 3 sessions, your very own professional coach will take you through our unique 3-part Body, Move & Work assessment to establish a baseline to work from.

STEP 3:

Training

Train at OPEX Shady Grove when it suits you & your schedule. You’re never locked in to one specific time, so if your schedule changes, you don’t have to worry about missing a session or being charged for life happening. 

All of your sessions are done under the watchful eye of skilled coaches and amongst welcoming, supportive, like-minded individuals in a small-group, personal training atmosphere. 

STEP 4:

Nutrition & Lifestyle

The gym is only 1 hour of your day. What happens in the other 23 hours? 

Optimizing your nutrition, lifestyle, and recovery helps us maximize the results you get from your time in the gym.

STEP 5:

Results & Coaching

We don’t just talk about results, we deliver them. We help define what fitness means to you, and evolve your goals and training as you grow with us. 

We’ll meet up one-on-one once a month to review your progress, and game-plan next steps. By being in consistent communication, you’ll be able to set clear daily/weekly goals & you’ll never fall off track since we’re there every step of the way!

TAKE A SPECIAL LOOK INSIDE OF OPEX SHADY GROVE...

Take a sneak peak at what it’s like inside of our gym. Hear directly from a few clients that we’ve worked with & understand why they chose to get started & more importantly, why they chose to stick around.

 - Personal Trainer
 - Personal Trainer

UNDERSTANDING YOU & YOUR LIFE

PUTTING HEALTH FIRST

Go deep on WHY we design all-encompassing fitness programs the way we do & how it leads to a larger, more fulfilling life for you…

Go deep on WHY we design all-encompassing fitness programs the way we do & how it leads to a larger, more fulfilling life for you…

SEE WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING:

Testimonials

SEE WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING:

OPEX Shady Grove place picture
4.9
Based on 61 reviews
powered by Google
Mitishi profile pictureMitishi
23:46 29 Nov 25
I am so proud to be a member at Opex. The coaches have the best attitudes, the other members are respectful to one another, and I am learning so much! I am making great strides in the right direction for my fitness and health and it has begun with this place. I am ever grateful for Coach Nick and really enjoy working with both he and Coach Erica! I look forward to meeting other staff, I'm sure they are just as amazing.
Tammy Wan profile pictureTammy Wan
01:46 14 Nov 25
Great workout environment! The coaches are knowledgeable and supportive, and I love the small-group fitness setting. I really appreciate getting quality workouts along with lifestyle guidance that helps me reach my fitness goals. Highly recommend!
Jon profile pictureJon
02:08 05 Nov 25
I could spend all day talking about how great of an experience I’ve had at Opex Shady Grove. I’ve done some weight training in the past but my knowledge of things isn’t as great as it could be.
The coaches at Opex are amazing! Nick performed an assessment with me, took down my numbers and broke them down in ways that I could clearly understand. Then he went out of his way to customize our approach based on my needs, desires, and goals. Nick created a workout plan that fit my needs to get me ready for tests for the hiring process of the police department, and thanks to his efforts (and much of my own) I passed the tests and am now working to get ready for the academy.
Nick always understands when things come up like if I’m a few minutes late or early to a workout, and works with me to get the workouts in and stay on track. Rocky is also amazing and does much of the same things that Nick does. I have not really had a bad experience with any of the coaches at Opex, I met the owner Josh and he was super kind and welcoming. The knowledge that the coaches at Opex have as well as their nutritional knowledge is really priceless. And thanks to that, I’m built 6 pounds of muscle and lost 3% body fat so far!
I cannot recommend them enough, especially because the smaller, more personalized environment makes it much easier to workout and hit everything you want/need to, especially because the equipment is usually readily available and even when someone else is using it, they’ll work with you to alternate their workout with you, so both you and the other client get your respective workouts in. The clients here are also all friendly.
5 stars was an easy rating to give them, I’m not sure how anyone could rate them any less than that. They’d have to be crazy!
Jim Linn profile pictureJim Linn
19:16 17 Oct 25
Wonderful small group personal training. Perfect for my wife and I.
Jillian Bennett profile pictureJillian Bennett
23:02 09 Oct 25
Amazing gym with a true family feel! Everyone works hard and supports each other—it's inspiring to see people getting stronger week after week. The team culture here is unbeatable!"
Paul Minnaert profile picturePaul Minnaert
22:20 09 Oct 25
Awesome gym, I highly recommend it! OPEX is excellent at tailoring and modifying daily workouts to meet my short and long term fitness goals. They have knowledgeable and friendly coaches with their own unique styles of implementing workouts that make each session enjoyable and motivating.
Jade Weidman profile pictureJade Weidman
20:33 09 Oct 25
I’ve joined and paid numerous gyms, but never went there to work out. The small group personal training that OPEX Shady Grove provides is exactly what I needed to get me to actually go to a gym and work out! The program is designed to achieve my goals and the trainers offer encouragement, praise and guidance to keep me motivated towards achieving these goals. I can’t say enough good stuff about OPEX - thank you Josh, Nick & Erica!

UPDATE: Three years later and I am still enjoying working out three days a week at OPEX Shady Grove! I’ve not been able to commit to exercise until I joined OPEX. This program works and the coaches are the best!
Brendan Robinson profile pictureBrendan Robinson
21:33 29 Sep 25
Opex has made a huge difference for me. I lost 45 lbs in 8 months. Coaches are knowledgeable and fun to work with. Small group sessions means you really get a chance to make strong connections with the other gym members.
Julie Walkup profile pictureJulie Walkup
00:26 25 Sep 25
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend OPEX Shady Grove. After doing the program this summer and having a good experience, I needed to take a break due to my busy work schedule. Somehow I was mistakenly charged for an extra week. I have made 4 phone calls over the last month to get this resolved, but Josh won’t answer my call or return my messages. I am shocked by his unprofessionalism.
adrienne corcoran profile pictureadrienne corcoran
11:21 05 Sep 25
I had a great experience training at OPEX with Josh and his amazing team — Erica, Nick, and Rocky. Everyone was welcoming, professional, and genuinely invested in helping clients improve. The gym has an easy-going, non-intimidating vibe that made it a comfortable space to train, no matter your experience level.

The strength training sessions were thoughtfully programmed with clear progressions that helped me build a strong foundation. I also appreciated the thorough baseline testing and periodic retesting — it gave me real insight into my progress over time. The team’s attention to detail made the training feel personalized and purposeful.

OPEX uses apps that made both scheduling and tracking workouts super convenient. Everything was organized and transparent, which helped me stay consistent and focused. The gym itself was clean and well-maintained, with a good mix of equipment and space.

Josh was especially accommodating when I ran into scheduling challenges, and I truly appreciated his flexibility and professionalism. Even though I wasn’t able to continue long-term, I’m really glad I got to experience the high-quality coaching and supportive environment at OPEX. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a structured, encouraging, and results-driven gym experience.
roma suller profile pictureroma suller
12:47 04 Jun 25
I absolutely love working out with Erica. I’m a 61 year old woman with numerous physical issues and she has gotten me over my fear of working with weights to strengthen my body and to continue to age gracefully without ever having to resort to a walker. I want to continue going on adventures as long as I possibly can. Erica designed a weight training program for both my upper and lower body to ensure that this happens. Within 3 months of weekly training sessions with Erica, I went down from a size 10 to a size six pants and dare I say it, my waist also got snatched. More importantly, the strength that I have gained has improved my gait and my pesky knee pain issue is gone. I’m no longer afraid of falling and breaking my bones. Ladies, if you want to increase bone density and gain lean mass make an appointment for an assessment with Erica and start strength training.
Deb Vaughn profile pictureDeb Vaughn
22:31 18 Apr 25
The BEST investment I have ever made for my health was joining OPEX Shady Grove. I have gained strength, flexibility and balance as I continue to recover from my cancer treatment. I tried "big box" gyms and didn't feel like I gained a lot because I didn't know what I was doing, and the crowded floors were intimidating. The small group coaching model means that each of us is working on our own goals, but in a friendly and personal environment. Coach Nick has designed workouts that fit my goals and abilities, and he challenges me to go to the next level. (He also makes me laugh, too. It's never boring!) All of the coaches assist with form and body mechanics, and celebrate the progress each of us are making. It's worth every minute and every penny that I have invested. Call Josh and find out more!
Clarissa M. Ocampo profile pictureClarissa M. Ocampo
14:04 27 Mar 25
This is the best decision I’ve made ever!! Josh, Erica, and Nick have been integral to my health and wellness progress. Yesterday, I completed my first 6-week reassessment and overall average strength increased by 200%!!! So thank you Opex Shady Grove team for being the best in what you do!! You keep me inspired!
Steve Nichols profile pictureSteve Nichols
14:01 08 Mar 25
I called Opex Fitness looking to get some help with the flexibility as I’ve gotten older. I was scheduled for an assessment last week when I got there the office was locked. It turns out that they open at 4 o’clock and they don’t unlock the doors until then but I didn’t know that.

I went back to my car and as I went back to my car, a young woman I believe her name is Erica open the door and I said I was there to meet Nick and she said Nick wasn’t there. I left and went back to my car and asked her to have Josh call me.

Subsequently, I had a text message from Nick saying that he was there

I went back inside and I said that I was shocked at the office was locked, and I was unhappy that we had started off on a bad foot. Nick was defensive and I said I didn’t wanna deal with this today and I asked him to have Josh call me and we would reevaluate.

Just called and we rescheduled the appointment for next Monday and then on Friday he canceled the assessment by text saying we’re not the right fit.

I have no idea if this is a good fit or not because they canceled it before we could find out and I guess if that’s how they do business I may be better off without their help.
Sharon Bellosi profile pictureSharon Bellosi
22:22 28 Feb 25
I started at OPEX 6 weeks ago and love it! If you’re looking for a great workout program designed just for you then you will love this. They also have a scheduling app to make sure you have your workouts on your calendar so you make sure you prioritize your workouts! And the staff is awesome. They are encouraging and help you get the most out of your workout. And the way it’s set up it’s a small group workout so there’s more time for one on one and it’s not competitive. I like the small group workout and get so much out of it!! Hope you will too!!
Love Opex! The training plan is customized to my abilities, monitored and adjusted so I can improve my strength and get back to a level of fitness to enjoy life and not sit on the sidelines. The best part is the positive energy and camaraderie
Elan Sheintal profile pictureElan Sheintal
20:00 23 Aug 24
I'm very happy to have found OPEX. The trainers, workouts, and individualized fitness plans are all excellent. They are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, and I’m very pleased with my progress since joining several months ago.
Doug D profile pictureDoug D
16:45 27 Jul 24
If you're looking for a personal trainer who combines expertise with a genuine investment in your fitness journey, Erica at OPEX Gym is an excellent choice. Her deep knowledge and personalized approach ensure that you not only learn the proper techniques but also stay motivated and accountable to your goals. Erica’s encouragement and commitment to your progress make each session valuable and impactful. Additionally, OPEX Gym fosters a supportive community of individuals with similar fitness goals, creating a positive and motivating environment. Overall, Erica and OPEX Gym provide a well-rounded and effective fitness experience.
Toni Harrison profile pictureToni Harrison
23:25 25 Jul 24
OPEX Shady Grove is the best! The coaches use InBody tech to track your progress with muscle gain and weight loss. They tailor each workout specific to your needs. A coach is always there to assist you, but not hover over you, to help foster your independence. The clientele OSG attracts are friendly and supportive. Coach Nick keeps you laughing, is a stickler for form, and always has an encouraging word. My personal coach, Erica, has challenged this middle-aged body in more ways than I can count! She really wants her clients to meet their goals, so she doesn't let you off easy, but has been a constant source of support in the gym. Don't hesitate joining. Contact Josh and get started now!
Ingrid Fuentes profile pictureIngrid Fuentes
16:36 22 Jun 24
Great support and fun!!
Sandorius Johnson profile pictureSandorius Johnson
17:25 05 Jun 24
Kalan Foster profile pictureKalan Foster
12:10 28 May 24
✨ Opex is clean - everyone wipes down the equipment and re-racks their weights

⚡Nick is going to make sure you feel the pump

🔥 Erica is going to make sure your glutes are on fire

😎 Josh is going to make sure you have excellent technique

Make sure you check them out!
I Garg profile pictureI Garg
15:25 08 Dec 23
All of the other 5 star reviews are right. This is a phenomenal personal training gym. Coaches Josh, Nick, and Erica are all very intelligent and use their unrivaled expertise to construct personalized fitness plans. They have your best interest at heart and want you to succeed in all aspects of your life. They are also super accommodating with rescheduling for those with busy schedules.

Honestly, I can’t thank these guys enough. This place has also had a positive impact on my mental health. 100000% recommend signing up. You won’t regret it.
Miriam Ostria profile pictureMiriam Ostria
18:34 26 Jul 23
I've had the fortune of embarking on a life-changing fitness journey with the expert guidance of the staff at Opex Shady Grove for almost a year now. From the moment I stepped into the gym, I knew I was in the hands of a professionals who genuinely cared about my well-being and goals. Their thorough assessment of my fitness level, and personal objectives set the groundwork for a customized workout plan that continues to challenge me without being overwhelming. All trainers are very friendly and approachable with keen attention to proper form and technique. Exercises are carefully explained, ensuring safety and effectiveness. I never feel rushed or pressured, yet I always feel motivated to push beyond my comfort zone. Given my schedule, I spend most of my training time with coach Nick (Drago). Nick's enthusiasm is contagious. His passion for fitness is evident, making every session enjoyable and uplifting. He continually adapts the workouts to keep them fresh and exciting, which keeps me motivated and excited to come back for more. Nick is always available to address my questions, offer support, and celebrate my successes, no matter how small. It truly feels like having a supportive friend on this journey. Lastly, the small group environment has become an important part of my community of friends and family. I cannot recommend Opex Shady Grove's services highly enough.
James Geng (JG) profile pictureJames Geng (JG)
18:12 25 Jul 23
Joined opex shady grove 6 months ago. It's a great small gym. The coaches listen to your fitness goal and provide customized workout and nutrition plan to maximize your goal. There's no judgement or ego lifting in the gym. The coaches really motivate you to train on the days you want to slack off. I'm glad I can train here. Thanks OPEX Shady Grove!
Shweta Jain profile pictureShweta Jain
19:35 18 Apr 23
Christine Kim profile pictureChristine Kim
01:48 18 Mar 23
I joined OPEX Shady Grove last month, and it has been one of the best decision I’ve made towards my fitness journey. Before joining OPEX, I would go to these “big gyms” and be totally clueless on what to do. However, here at OPEX, you are given a personalized workout plan that is catered to your fitness goal. Your trainers are there to teach you, encourage you, pump you up, keep you accountable, and help you workout in a non-judgmental place. Coach Josh, Nick, & Erica are so welcoming and extremely knowledgeable. Immediately as you walk through the doors you feel a strong sense of community and belonging. Although it has only been a month, I am so glad I joined OPEX Shady Grove!
Jane Usavage Johnson profile pictureJane Usavage Johnson
20:40 16 Feb 23
I have been a part of the Opex family for one year. The staff immediately feels like family. I have t
been through a lot this past year and the trainers are adaptable and flexible with life's constant demands. When I am there, I am working out but also having fun. Make no mistakes that we are working out but in a fun and motivating environment. My saying, as I was reminded yesterday is "3 times a day for life!". I am 60 and need to retain my muscle mass and strength. Make no mistakes that when I had a private trainer, I paid 4 times what I pay at Opex! I am excited to continue my journey with Opex, Josh, Nick and Erica. So will you!
Karen Blonder profile pictureKaren Blonder
13:59 14 Feb 23
Great gym experience. Love the individualized plan for each client....they really try to hone in on goals you are trying to achieve. Trainers are watching to make sure you are performing exercise correctly/safely and do care that you are doing well and progressing. Highly recommend if you are looking for something that is personalized to you but in a small group setting.

8/9/25: still a great place. Love the individual plans that have you make progress.
Holly Stack profile pictureHolly Stack
15:00 07 Feb 23
Best gym I’ve ever belonged to. Josh & Nick are great trainers and people in general. They take the time to get to know you and your goals, and help you achieve them. The smaller size of the gym is a benefit, you receive more personalized training and the ability to get to know the fellow members. I will miss this gym and people once I relocate.
Alexander Choque profile pictureAlexander Choque
22:55 02 Jan 23
I had a great experience! All the workouts were effective and the progression is noticeable over time. I did not believe I could become stronger and accomplish my fitness goals but with the help of the coaches, they became a reality. The small groups and personalized programs are a plus and helps with adapting and learning new workouts. Overall a great place to workout in and great environment to be around from the coaches to the gym members.
Suzanne Broadfield profile pictureSuzanne Broadfield
20:45 29 Dec 22
OPEX Shady Grove has a great staff and program. Too often, we set fitness or weight loss goals with no idea where to start or relying on then endless Internet pages as a guide. OPEX gives you the tools you need designed specifically for your fitness level and goals. It's a great resource and a hidden gem of Montgomery County. Worth it.
Kristiene Ignacio profile pictureKristiene Ignacio
19:16 24 Nov 22
Long overdue review, but what better time than to leave one on Thanksgiving Day. The OPEX coaches and fellow clients were all so wonderful to get to know. The support, personalized workouts, and nutrition advice are great. The facility is well equipped, maintained, and clean.
I highly recommend this OPEX location and am grateful for the amazing coaches I got to work with during my time there.
Franco Frande profile pictureFranco Frande
00:46 19 Nov 22
Best gym program I've ever belonged to. Personal trainers are great, care, and are truly there to help you every time, every exercise. I've been a member for a year now and they've helped me work through accident recoveries (current and past) and design my weekly workouts so that I get the most out of my time there, and my off time. As well, they've educated me on nutrition and the lesson that we fuel our bodies to workout, not workout to burn off what we eat. Great group of other gym friends as well. Everyone comes in, gets to work and no judgements. If you're looking for a great program that gives you individualized attention, an atmosphere to feel great about being in, this is the place.
Tam Miller profile pictureTam Miller
20:44 18 Nov 22
Josh and his team at OPEX has changed the way I believe an exercise gym should be like. The big gyms made accountability almost non existent. Smaller specialty gyms had little personalization and you were either discouraged because you couldn’t keep up or bored because you weren’t challenged.
At OPEX you are not lost in crowd of strangers. You get the affordabl personal training along with a smaller setting with encouraging peers. No stress here, they give you a plan based on your goals and abilities and you can’t get bored because it’s ever changing for your needs. I won’t be going back to the old typical gyms.
Caroline Chang profile pictureCaroline Chang
17:20 18 Nov 22
All the coaches, Josh, Nick and Erica take an interest in you no matter what fitness level you’re at. I really like how they give me tips to get the most out of every workout. Every session is a hard workout with happy people!
Mark Ruiters profile pictureMark Ruiters
23:44 10 Jul 22
Big gyms are just not for many of us (including me)! I wanted to find a personal trainer + small-sized gym + a nutrition plan - personalized for me – all in one! Well, I found that (and some!) at OPEX Shady Grove! Coaches Josh, Nick, and Brit (who are all amazing, btw) have created a fun and highly effective program that simply just works for me. I lost weight and added muscle almost immediately. Highly recommended!
Pat Dutton profile picturePat Dutton
23:54 16 Jun 22
I wish I met these guys sooner!! - like long before I got transferred to Texas! They are professional, kind, and accepting that everyone has different goals. My program was individualized and appropriate to my level of fitness. They have created an atmosphere in the gym that is friendly and encouraging and fosters positive interaction with other members. I always looked forward to my sessions!
Teresa Rosa profile pictureTeresa Rosa
14:03 27 Apr 22
I've been going to OPEX for 3 months now and I am absolutely thrilled with both my physical and mental progress. Before joining the group, I was in major need of motivational encouragement towards lifestyle/behavioral change and I received just that and more!!
Coach Josh and Coach Nick are extremely knowledgeable and personal which makes working out less intimidating and more fun! Along with the coaches, OPEX has a great group of people who motivate each other to break out of their comfort zones, judgement-free!!
Overall, it has been a transformative process and I look forward to continuing my workouts with OPEX and this amazing group of people!

faq

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Money is important to me - what's the investment to get started?

Great question! I’m a big fan of saving money myself, which is why we designed our program specifically to be cost effective.

Our programs are all customized for each person, so the exact number really depends on what you’re looking for & how we might be able to help in the first place. That’s exactly why typically jump on the phone real quick for a clarity call to see what you’re looking for help with, what’s worked/not worked for you & talk through any of the details of your personalized program if it makes sense to work together… you can schedule your free clarity call by clicking “get started now” below.

The majority of our clients are able to get started for less than half of what it normally would be to work with a personal trainer & nutritionist/dietician.

Do I need to go on a "diet" to be successful?

Absolutely not. We aren’t huge fans of “fad diets.” You know the ones I’m talking about — the “cut everything you love out” plans… The truth is nutrition is incredibly personal – the best plan we’ve found is one that you’ll actually follow long term. So rather than giving you some ridiculous fad-diet that doesn’t actually help you, we help you create a custom nutrition plan that’s easy for you to follow & you see results starting within the first week or two, all without getting HANGRY & feeling starved.

I'm a very busy person - how much time do I need to spend in the gym?

Look, we’re all busy these days. I hear you – and unfortunately I haven’t figured out the magic wand program that gets you in tip-top shape in 12 days or less or magically zaps all the body fat off your frame in 30 seconds. Sorry!

The simple fact is you DO need to put in at least some effort to actually see consistent results. The cool thing is you really only need to be in the gym 2-3 days a week for 30-60 min if you’re doing a *specific* & *personalized* fitness program designed around your unique goals (what a coincidence…that’s exactly what we do with our clients)

Get in, get out, see results, be happy, live forever (no guarantees on that last one, LOL)

I hate working out/I don't know where to start/I'm not motivated/Help!!?

This one’s a juicy one… for starters, you probably wouldn’t be here, poking around, possibly looking for some outside help with your health & fitness goals if you were highly super-duper motivated yourself! It’s nothing to be ashamed of… remember that you’ve got a lot going on in your life & part of our job as your coach is to help re-ignite that internal fire so that you are motivated to continue to come in and see results.

Speaking of results, that’s one of the best ways to get & stay motivated. When you start seeing & feeling results after the first 7-10 days, your brain chemistry actually changes. You become more motivated yourself to want to keep showing up & keep those results coming.

With our patented “actually give a sh** about you” accountability coaching, it’s physically impossible for you to fall off because we’re checking in & helping you out every step of the way. You don’t get that with your big-box gym membership (do they really care about you aside from if your credit card goes through every month?… just sayin’)

I don't want to drive 5 hours to get to the gym -- where are you located?

Me neither, traffic sucks. This one’s pretty easy though, — we’re right off Shady Grove road & Gaither Road… so if you’re within the Rockville/Gaithersburg general area, you’re right around the corner. Easy peasy.

Here’s the address:

15920 Luanne Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

I have more questions! How do I talk to a human?

Hi there… I’m a human behind the words here, Coach Josh. Nice to e-meet you. Your best bet is to click that Get Started Now button below, schedule a quick call & either myself or a member of my team will be happy to see how we can help you from there.

Talk soon,

-Coach Josh

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