Functional Fitness Training,
Open Gym- Independent Training,
& Youth Athletic Training
in La Plata, Maryland

At Coal Road Fitness, we build strength with purpose. Our functional fitness training is designed for the demands of real life – helping you move better, feel stronger, and stay healthy for the long haul. Led by experienced coaches, our classes challenge you at your level and our coaches and community support you every step forward.  From beginners to competitive athletes, everyone has a place on this road.


Community for All
Fitness for the Real World
Health & Wellness for Life

Testimonials

At Coal Road Fitness, our community is at the heart of everything we do. The stories below come straight from the people who show up, put in the work, and inspire us every day. Their experiences reflect the strength, support, and results that define Coal Road. We’re proud to share their words with you.

Best gym/workout facility in the area, bar none. If you are hesitant to try Coal Road, don’t be – this is truly a gym where anyone can walk in, regardless of experience or fitness level, and feel comfortable. The members are welcoming and friendly, the equipment is great and the WODs are carefully planned by coaches that truly care about you and your fitness goals. I’ve been a member now for nearly five years and I can honestly say that working out at Coal Road is the absolute best part of my day. The community and atmosphere that the owners have cultivated is absolutely incredible – my husband and two children regularly attend the box as well, very family friendly!

My 85-year-old grandmother can no longer drive or do as much on her own, but the silver lining is we get more time together – including weekly church trips. This past Sunday, the AC went out and mass was moved to the school hall. No pews, just folding chairs – which made it hard for her to stand and sit. I was able to lift her in and out of her chair multiple times, even caught her when she stumbled receiving Communion. She laughed and said, “I’m so glad you go to the gym.” Moments like this are why I train at Coal Road. Hitting PRs and crushing WODs is great, but being strong for my Mom-Mom is what really keeps me going. So thankful for a place that helps me show up for the people I love.

April Crowley

Coal Road Athlete

I’ve been a member at Coal Road since 2016 and I love it! Before I joined, I had never so much has looked at or touched a barbell. At first, I was very intimidated but immediately upon stepping in, it was the most warm and welcoming place. It is so much more than a gym-it’s really an incredibly supportive and amazing community. The coaches at Coal Road are focused on teaching you the correct techniques and keeping everyone safe-but also encouraging you to challenge yourself and grow out of your comfort zone! As a physician, I think that exercise is so important for our physical and mental health- and Ashley and Siggy have created an environment that promotes wellness for everyone at every level!! The coaches will meet you where you are and accommodate each a member as an individual! Coal Road is supportive and challenging in a non-intimidating way-but also it is just fun!! The programming is excellent and will keep you on your toes in the best way! Come for the workouts and stay for the accountability from a group of amazing and diverse friends who will become like family! You only regret the workouts that you don’t do!! I walked in and 2016 and have never looked back!!!

Elly Faherty

Coal Road Athlete

One of the reasons I started at Coal Road was because a few years ago l was diagnosed with osteoporosis, but since engaging in more intense workouts, it has reversed to osteopenia. I work at my own level, modifying and scaling as needed, pushing myself when I feel able. I went for another scan and it did show a mix of definite improvement and status quo. I’m happy with this! It means that if I wasn’t exercising and keeping up with other lifestyle changes, things would be a whole lot worse. I love this community, the encouragement and support!

Lisa Elliott

Coal Road Athlete

I started going to Coal Road because I was looking for something different to do for exercise. While it can be intimidating when working out with long-term members the environment at Coal Road was a welcoming environment with lots of instruction from coaches that cater to all levels and make sure those that need more instruction get it. Coal Road also fosters a strong community by creating events and an environment where the people that you get fit with become like family encouraging each other to be a better version of themselves.

David Sheggrud

Coal Road Athlete 

I honestly did not plan on doing class on a regular basis. During the lockdown, I participated in Ashley’s online program where we sometimes met at the box. I was drawn to the tight-knit group that worked hard together, encouraged, and joked around with each other. I joined knowing that I would have to work hard to master a new skill set. It has certainly been a challenge but it helps to know that everyone is rooting for your success. I’m still working towards getting that RX by my name on each WOD but I’m proud of the progress and, most importantly, the friends that I’ve made.

Maricar Sharper

Coal Road Athlete

Coal Road is the best box I’ve had the privilege of being a part of! The staff is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and meet you where you are and the members are so welcoming – they instantly make you feel a part of the Coal Road Family – I love starting my day out at the box!

Working out at Coal Road throughout my entire pregnancy was one of the best decisions I made. The staff was incredibly supportive-not only during pregnancy, but also throughout my recovery. They truly cared about my journey, and the community of members rallied around me as a new mom and fellow athlete. Coal Road helped me realize that pregnancy and motherhood don’t have to mean hitting pause on fitness; instead, they guided me to find new ways to grow stronger. Since coming back, I’ve surpassed what I was capable of before I got pregnant and I’m just getting started.

Emily Hunter

Coal Road Athlete

When I first started at Coal Road over three years ago, I asked a coach if the workouts got easier. He said, “No, but you will be able to lift more.” Fast forward to today and I can lift more AND I look forward to all the workouts and especially the harder ones.

Butch Hamilton

Coal Road Athlete

Fantastic place to work out. I have been training in groups starting in 2005, Coal Road has been the best place I have ever been. The workouts, people, and overall atmosphere are positive, fun, and challenging. I am into my 5th year at Coal Road and I am still excited to go every day. Thank you Coal Road. This place is awesome!

Boyd Grainger

Coal Road Athlete

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Coal Road – from the great, well-planned functional fitness workouts to all available classes and open gyms, the great coaching and friendly competition amongst members. Most importantly, all the friendships I have gained from the members – who are all positive and are trying to live a healthy life. It is hard to explain but there is something special about suffering through a tough workout with a group of positive people all grinding to get the job done that gives you a great feeling of accomplishment when the workout has been completed. This becomes addictive as your fitness level increases! Thank You Coal Road!

John Sprague

Coal Road Athlete

What makes this place so special isn’t just the workouts – it’s the culture, the coaches, and the athletes I get to train alongside every day. I’m not at my goals yet (and maybe never will be), but that’s the beauty of it — there’s always more to strive for. The support and inspiration I’ve found here keep me coming back, pushing harder, and discovering what I’m capable of. I can’t imagine a better environment to grow stronger, fitter, and better than Coal Road Fitness. Thank you to everyone who makes this community what it is!

Art Ellis

Coal Road Athlete

I became a member three years ago during the Summer special, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. Coal Road is a true gem in our community! What truly sets Coal Road apart is the incredible emphasis on member support and accountability. Unlike other facilities, here you’ll find a genuine sense of camaraderie. It’s common to see members encouraging each other, offering tips, or simply sharing a friendly smile. This supportive atmosphere, greatly enhanced by the knowledgeable and encouraging coaches who are always ready to offer guidance and motivation, has been key to my own consistency; seeing familiar faces and feeling part of a collective effort makes showing up so much easier. There’s a real sense of shared purpose, where everyone is working towards their fitness goals in a non-intimidating, uplifting environment. The coaches provide personalized guidance, adapting to individual skill levels to foster ongoing progress. This built-in accountability — knowing you’re part of a supportive network and have dedicated coaches in your corner — truly makes a difference.

Meredith Bankenstein

Coal Road Athlete

At Coal Road Gym, you’ll feel at home,
No need to lift or train alone.
With every smile and friendly cheer,
It’s more than fitness happening here.

The weights are heavy, the goals are high,
But support is strong—you’ll reach the sky.
Each face you meet, both kind and true,
Feels like a family welcoming you.

From warm ups to the Murph mile run,
The sweat, the laughs—it’s all pure fun.
No judgment here, just heart and drive,
Together we grow, together we thrive.

So if you seek a place to start,
To build your strength and warm your heart,
Come join the crew—don’t miss the call,
At Coal Road Gym, there’s room for all.

Neal Bankenstein

Coal Road Athlete

I couldn’t imagine myself going to any other gym except for Coal Road. It’s not just the workouts, which are always challenging; it’s the people who are there. The coaches and athletes have created such a welcoming environment! Everyone is very supportive and pushes each other to be better! I am also unmotivated to do workouts on my own, but the group environment gives me the push I need. The workouts at Coal Road are a huge mood booster – after I’m done feeling like I’m going to throw up! (Kidding) What more could you ask for?

Alli Chite

Coal Road Athlete

Coal Road is top-notch and the true definition of community! They empower members to break through barriers and achieve goals they never thought possible. The coaches are both knowledgeable and supportive, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. The workouts are challenging yet adaptable for all fitness levels, making it accessible and rewarding for anyone. Highly recommend!

Chris Lawrence

Coal Road Athlete

Functional fitness and Coal Road have been such a big part of my journey through pregnancy and postpartum with both of my kids. Staying active helped me feel strong and confident, and coming back after each birth reminded me what my body is capable of. Now it’s even more special because my kids are part of it too. My oldest says, “I want to be as strong as my mom.” He sometimes comes to classes with me or watches me in the garage. This year, they got to come with me to the CrossFit Games, which was such a fun experience to share as a family. They also got to see me compete in a competition, and having them there to cheer me on meant the world to me. I love showing them what hard work, strength, and community look like.

Jessica Packard

Coal Road Athlete

I started at Coal Road about three years ago. Before that, I’d spent 15+ years behind a desk, eating whatever was convenient and smoking two packs a day. Finally, I realized I was heading down a really bad path and needed to make a change.

I still remember my first class, barely able to manage a squat, and my arms were sore for days after lifting even light weights. But I kept coming back. The coaches were encouraging, the athletes around me were welcoming, and the camaraderie felt like something I hadn’t experienced since high school sports. There was friendly competition, people I admired, and an energy in the room that made me want to be better.

I walked in hoping to get physically healthier, but I gained much more than that. I found people who celebrated my small wins, asked about my life, were excited to meet my new baby, and said hello when I ran into them at the grocery store. It became a true community, full of different kinds of people who all show up for each other.

Today, I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been, and I plan to keep this journey going for as long as I can. Thanks to Coal Road, I found a place where I belong, and friends who genuinely care.

Paul Morris

Coal Road Athlete

I was able to power-wash my deck, shed, and driveway. It took 6 hours and I thought, damn my grip strength is awesome. Thanks Coal Road!

Matt Crowley

Coal Road Athlete

A great place to work out. If you are hesitant to try Coal Road, don’t be. I’ve been here for 8 years now and hate missing a workout.

Bruce Moyer

Coal Road Athlete