Sand and Steel Fitness · Alexandria VA

Personal Training & Fitness Classes in Alexandria, VA

Personal training and small-group fitness classes featuring Hyrox, kettlebells, powerlifting, metcons and calisthenics. Improve your strength, lose weight, move better, and gain training confidence.

  • Owner-operatedCoaching in Alexandria since 2013
  • Small classesAverage class size of 4–8
  • Risk-free start48-hour money-back guarantee
Sand & Steel Fitness members and coaches at the Alexandria VA gym
  • 12+Years coaching in Alexandria
  • 10,000+Clients trained
  • 144+Five-star reviews — read them here
  • 4–8Average Fitness Class size

Sand & Steel Fitness was founded in October 2013 by coaches Paul Roberts and Dawn Anderson. We offer 1-on-1 personal training, small-group Fitness Classes, rehab and mobility training, nutrition coaching, and open gym. Located at 5418 Eisenhower Ave — about 100 feet from Van Dorn Metro and a quarter mile from I-495 — we serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, Springfield, Arlington, Kingstowne, and the greater Northern Virginia area.


Choose the Right Way to Train

Every program is coach-led and adapted to your experience, goals, and schedule. Choose a path below, or tell us what you need and we will help you decide.

Personal Training

One-on-one, 45-minute sessions with programming built around your goals, training history, and progress.

View Personal Training

Fitness Classes

Small, coach-led group workouts with technique-first instruction and options for every experience level.

View Fitness Classes

Combo Pack

Personal training plus unlimited Fitness Classes, combining private instruction with consistent group training.

View Combo Pack

Rehab & Mobility Training

Private coaching to improve mobility, rebuild confidence, and adapt training around physical limitations.

View Rehab Training


Personal Training, Classes & Race Prep

Three coached programs — each designed around your goals, scaled to your level.

One-on-one personal training — coach cues a client through a deadlift at Sand & Steel Fitness in Alexandria VA

Personal Training

Private 45-minute sessions with fully custom programming and a coach who knows your history.

View Personal Training

Small-group Fitness Classes in session at Sand & Steel Fitness in Alexandria VA

Fitness Classes

Coach-led group workouts with technique-first instruction — average class size 4–8. Official HYROX Training Club.

View Fitness Classes

HYROX Classes sled push conditioning at Sand & Steel Fitness — Official HYROX Training Club in Alexandria VA

HYROX Classes

Race-prep conditioning as an Official HYROX Training Club — sled, ski, and run-based training for HYROX events, DEKA, and Spartan races.

View HYROX Classes


Meet the Owners

Paul Roberts and Dawn Anderson have coached in Alexandria for more than 12 years and remain closely involved in how members train and progress.

Coach Paul Roberts, owner and head coach at Sand & Steel Fitness

Paul Roberts — Owner & Head Coach

Coaching since 2008, Paul is a CrossFit Level 3 coach with more than 30 certifications across strength, conditioning, running, mobility, and rehabilitation. He also holds a Biomedical Engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Full Coach Bio

Coach Dawn Anderson, co-owner and coach at Sand & Steel Fitness

Dawn Anderson — Co-Owner & Coach

Coaching since 2010, Dawn is a CrossFit Level 3 coach with more than 20 certifications, including personal training, mobility, kettlebell, and suspension training credentials. She leads operations, safety, and member experience.

Full Coach Bio


Why Train at Sand & Steel?

You get expert coaching, small classes, and owners who stay on the floor — built for lasting strength and better movement.

Coaching-First, Always

We assess before we instruct, teach mechanics before intensity, and scale every workout so you build strength with sound technique.

Rehab & Mobility Specialization

Paul and Dawn hold 8+ rehabilitation and 12+ mobility certifications. Chronic pain, old injuries, and movement limits are part of everyday coaching here.

Clean, Climate-Controlled Facility

Air conditioning, private showers, fresh towels, and premium USA-made equipment — members often call it the cleanest gym in Alexandria.

Risk-Free Start

Every membership is backed by our 48-hour money-back guarantee — full refund, no questions asked.


What Members Say

Members consistently mention the coaching attention, welcoming environment, and small classes.

“The owners Dawn and Paul have created a supportive environment that is inclusive for all, no matter where you are on your fitness journey… you are uplifted when you come here — never intimidated!”

Kathy Durant — Google Review

“Group classes are intentionally small so coaches consistently provide the feedback necessary to promote progress… the cleanest gym you’ll ever walk into.”

Keren Campbell — Google Review

“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.”

Chester Ferguson — Google Review


Conveniently Located in Alexandria, VA

5418 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304 — free parking, approximately 100 feet from Van Dorn Metro, and a quarter mile from I-495.

Old Town & Del Ray

Approximately 2.5–3.2 miles by Eisenhower Avenue or Metro to Van Dorn Street station.

Springfield & Kingstowne

Approximately 4–7 miles with direct access from I-95 and I-495.

Arlington & Washington, DC

Approximately 8–10 miles, with members regularly traveling from Arlington, National Harbor, and DC.


Sand & Steel Fitness FAQ

What services does Sand & Steel Fitness offer?

Sand & Steel offers personal training, small-group Fitness Classes, Combo Pack memberships, rehab and mobility training, nutrition coaching, open gym, HYROX Classes, and structured onboarding programs including Starter Pack and Jump Start.

Do I need experience to join?

No. Coaches explain the movements, adapt the training to your current level, and help you progress from an appropriate starting point.

Is Sand & Steel a CrossFit gym?

Sand & Steel Fitness is an independent gym. We offer personal training, small-group Fitness Classes, HYROX preparation, mobility and rehab training, nutrition coaching, and open gym. See the workouts page for current programming.

Can you work with injuries or chronic pain?

Yes. Our coaches regularly adapt training around injuries, mobility limitations, and chronic conditions. Dedicated Rehab Training is available when you need a more focused private approach.

How big are the Fitness Classes?

The average class has 4–8 people, allowing the coach to watch movement, provide feedback, and scale exercises throughout the session.

Where are you located, and is there parking?

Sand & Steel is at 5418 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Free parking is available on site, Van Dorn Metro is approximately 100 feet away, and I-495 is about a quarter mile away.

How do I get started?

Visit Get Started to compare options, or book a free coach consultation for help choosing. Memberships include a 48-hour money-back guarantee.

What if it’s not for me?

Every membership comes with a 48-hour money-back guarantee — try it risk-free and get a full refund within 48 hours, no questions asked.

Taking the First Step Is the Hardest Part

Talk to a coach, try a class, or start personal training — risk-free with our 48-hour guarantee.

Serving Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, Springfield, Arlington, Kingstowne, and all of Northern Virginia.