We know that trying something like Urban Evolution for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking if you don’t know what to expect! So we’ve compiled a list of questions that people ask us frequently in the hopes that you can learn as much as you need to feel comfortable coming in and enjoying your first (of many!) visits to the gym. (And don’t worry, we’re very friendly. You’re going to have a blast!)
Feel free to email info@urbanevo.co[email protected] with any other questions!
LivingSocial, BuyWithMe, Specialicious, or other “group buy” coupon FAQ
Parkour, Freerunning, Aerials, Breakdancing FAQ
- Where are you located?
We’re located at 5402 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria VA, 22304 (click the link for a map), about 200 feet from the Van Dorn Metro on the Blue Line. You can also call us at 571-215-8218 if you get lost.
- What are your hours?
Alexandria:
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Manassas:
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday / Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
If you’ve bought a coupon via a group-buy / daily deal site like LivingSocial, Groupon, etc:
- Do I need to sign up for a class online? I don’t see a registration link for Living Social/Groupon / Buywithme, etc?
No! You do not need to sign up or register for a class online. Our online registration system isn’t geared up to automatically validate your vouchers yet. You’ll need to redeem your coupon in person (or, if you can’t make it in person, over the phone or via email) instead.
If you are interested in Parkour, we require that you take 2-hr intro to Parkour that is offered every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM. If you cannot make it to the weekend class, email [email protected] and we’ll figure out a way to accomodate your schedule.
If you are interested in UrbanFit, you’ll need to take the 1.5-hr Intro to UrbanFit that is offered every Saturday at 10:00 AM. If you cannot make it to the weekend class, email [email protected] and we’ll help you get started.
For all other classes (Aerials, Breakdancing, Gymnastics, etc) check our schedule at urbanevo.com/schedule. You may or may not want to register in advance, depending on class size limitations. Again, email us with any questions, and come redeem the coupon in person!
- Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring your Living Social/Buywithme or other coupon printout. Wear comfortable workout clothes and sneakers. We have a water fountain but you can bring your own water.
- When is the last day I can bring this coupon?
You can redeem the coupon until the day it expires.
- What are you guys about? Can I see some pictures?
Sure, just follow this link to Facebook to see what the UE community is about (you don’t need an account to view the pictures or videos on our Facebook wall). Also, join us on Facebook to keep on top of the latest news about the gym.
- How many classes is this coupon good for?
That’s pretty much unlimited! Come in for as many classes as your month of training allows after you take the intro class.
- What kind of classes can I take with this coupon?
You can take any monthly product offering in our program list: Parkour, UrbanFit, Aerials, Adult Gymnastics, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Breakdancing. We’ll also let you use it for your kids to try Kids’ Parkour classes instead, if you’d like.
The gym:
- What are the facilities like? Do you have locker rooms or a shower?
No, unfortunately we don’t have showers yet (but one day soon, we hope!). We do have a large restroom / changing room.
- Do you have adequate parking?
Yes! We have a large parking lot, with plenty of room for our customers to park their cars.
- How far are you from the Metro?
We’re about 200 feet from Van Dorn St. Metro station on the Blue Line.
- How does the referral program work?
It’s pretty simple, but we’ll outline it here, too: Bring in a friend, and if you both sign up, you both get 30% off for that month of training. You’ll need to do this in person; we can’t process the referral transaction online as of yet.
Parkour, Aerials, Gymnastics & Breakdancing
- What do I wear?
Wear loose-fitting clothes that are appropriate to work out in. Wear comfortable tennis shoes that can take some abuse and provide decent support and cushioning–we jump around a lot! When picking shoes, try to find a pair with flexible, all-rubber soles. Running shoes with a piece of plastic across the center are NOT recommended as they create a slipping hazard.
- What should I bring?
You might need a water bottle, but we have cold water from our water fountains. Bring a camera if you’d like to take pictures. And bring a friend to get our referral program discount!
- What can I expect on my first day? What are the workouts like?
For breakdancing, please arrive a half-hour early for a brief introduction / orientation and skill assessment. Nothing too arduous, but we like to know where you are in your training to structure the class appropriately for everyone else.
For everyone: Expect to move! Our classes start with a 15 minute warm-up utilizing body weight exercises such as squats, push ups, pull ups, and quadrapedal movement. Don’t worry if you haven’t done a pull up since middle school gym class. Remember, we specialize in scaling our workouts to your fitness level and body type. During the Intro you’ll spend some time learning about the history of parkour and the Urban Evolution approach to training, as well as meeting your fellow Urbanites (aka, classmates) and our awesome instructors.
- How do I prepare?
On your first day, plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the class. The workouts start right away, and you’ll need extra time to familiarize yourself with the gym, get changed, and sign waivers.
Other than that, be ready to be challenged!
- How will I ever recover?
You’ll be sore in muscles you didn’t know you had! Light daily exercise and stretching, a healthy diet and rest will help keep up with the workout pace, and occasional cold showers do wonders.
- When will I get to jump off buildings and stuff?
When you finally decide to win the Darwin Award…we’ll cover this in class, but parkour is not about jumping off buildings!
- I’m an experienced traceur; can I just come play around?
Yes, absolutely! We ask that you first go through a brief safety assessment by one of our parkour instructors. After that, you can use the gym as your playground! We offer drop-in day passes ($20) and also a monthly “open gym” program ($65) that you can use if you don’t want to use classes but still want to use the facility.
UrbanFit
- What should I wear?
Loose-fitting comfortable clothing. Cross-training shoes for most UrbanFit workouts, Olympic Weightlifting shoes are recommended for heavier lifting days.
- What can I expect on my first day?
We start all beginners on the very basic foundational movements that make up the bulk of our program. You will begin with a light warm-up of easy aerobic activity and some basic calisthenics along with some dynamic stretching. The movements featured in the warm-up are the building blocks of our more complicated workouts, so you will be getting valuable skill work out of the way early.
From there our group classes will usually practice a skill, such as basic gymnastics (handstands, simple ring work, rolls, etc.) Olympic Weightlifting (Snatch, Clean and Jerk, and derivatives) or some general core work to help take care of any lagging stabilizers. Then we will either be performing lifting of the heavy load, lower rep variety, or a classic UrbanFit Metabolic Conditioning workout where we’ll mix a variety of functional movements in a high-intensity circuit. All workouts are perfectly scaleable for all ability levels, so you will be able to get a taste for the UrbanFit method without overdoing your capacity.
- How do I prepare?
Be sure to drink plenty of water the day before, and try not to eat too much within one hour of class. Try to show up around 5 minutes early to get your stuff put away and yourself familiarized with the facility and our procedures. Please bring a water bottle, as we have a filtered fountain but no cups.
- How will I ever recover?
By starting at a lower level and working your way up, your recovery abilities will improve dramatically in a short time of training with us. Our main goal is increasing work capacity, and part of this is the ability to recover from one workout to the next. Remember that sound nutrition, sleep, and enough days off are essential to recover completely though.
- Who did we have in mind when we designed the curriculum for Beginners’ Adult Gymnastics?
Ever seen gymnasts vault over horses, twirl over the uneven bars, and triple back-hand spring their way across the floor? Do you have friends who can flip and do cartwheels better than they can walk? This program is NOT for them! The Beginners Adult Gymnastics Program is for individuals who have never tumbled or whose previous attempts at getting airborne have ended in a face plant. Our program provides a safe environment with individualized attention to ensure that participants advance despite previous athletic obstacles.
- What are the basic requirements to enroll in this program?
The only requirements are that you are open to challenging yourself and listen carefully to instruction. You’re going to attempt new activities, so you’ll have to put faith in your body’s ability to move in new ways. That said, you’ll be completely safe if you heed your body and your instructor.
- What will this program do for me, besides keep me entertained?
Young adults and adults who have never tried gymnastics will have a fun time learning proper gymnastics progressions. Adults will improve their strength, flexibility, and body awareness, as well as master fundamental gymnastic skills.
- Can I attend any class or do I have to wait for some boot camp start date?
All of Urban Evolution’s classes are designed as a rolling curriculum, which means youcan join at any time and instructors will adapt the curriculum to your skill level. OurAdult Gymnastics Class is especially designed for beginners so feel free to join us as soonas you’re able! Skills will always be taught at a beginner level.
- What is the age limit for this class?
Ages 17 and older are welcome to join. Anyone over 100, please contact us for a case-by-case review.
- What are the class times?
The class will be held every Sunday from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm. This class is free forUE members and regular day pass rates of $20 apply to non-members.