Cut Seven was founded by Chris and Alex, but it started as a partnership long before a gym.
Married in 2014 and now, parents of two, they built everything around community, shared effort, and showing up for each other.
Chris was the coach. A former UConn football player, he came from a performance-first background. Alex—a former ballerina—was the first test. After gaining nearly 60 pounds, she needed something that worked and that she actually enjoyed. Alex trained under a system Chris built—blending sports conditioning, functional strength and physique training, and primal movement—losing the weight within six months and keeping it off for over 14 years.
The programming was built in real time over three years, through one-on-one training and a committed group of 30 outdoor bootcamp athletes. Training as a team drove camaraderie, effort, and better results—just like sports. During the same stretch, personal clients ranged from the White House to international royalty, to individuals preparing for Navy SEAL selection.
In 2017, Cut Seven opened its first location in Washington, DC. When Covid hit in 2020, Chris and Alex chose their people—emptying personal savings and retirement accounts to support their coaches and keep the team together. That commitment carried forward with expansion to Virginia in 2023.
Today, Cut Seven invests in access through free community events, pay-what-you-can memberships, and discounts for students, teachers, and service members, with Chris and Alex still leading from the front and protecting a team-first culture.
Clifton, VA
Arms / Abs
Where The Hood At – DMX
Cheering for everyone in their life – Zero judgement, only support.
Talk yourself IN!
Bowie, MD
Chest / Back
Down on Me – Jeremih, 50 Cent
Team, to me, creates community, support, trust, and belonging. It gives us a space where each person can accomplish more and be greater than what they could be on their own.
Let’s get it!
Arlington, VA
Back… Yup, just BACK
U Don’t Know – JAY-Z
We all finish or no one does. If that means we share the load and some take a little more on to make sure others can make it, then that’s what it means.
You’re stronger than you think you are.
Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Profession: Founder + Author, Popular Information
Regular exercise is really important for my mental health. As someone who exists professionally online, going to the gym became less rewarding as studios became overrun with phones and screens. I began experimenting with group fitness and found Cut—a place free of screens, machines, and even a clock.
For me, success at Cut means letting go of distractions, focusing on the task at hand, testing your limits, and seeking constant, incremental improvements. Around the time I started working out at Cut, I quit my job and started my own business. I’ve applied many of the concepts I’ve learned at Cut to my business (and they work).
The first few classes can feel chaotic. I’ve seen people take a class or two then give up as they aren’t familiar with the rhythms of the workout or core movements. Give it time—take ten classes then see how you feel. (My guess? You’ll be hooked.)
Hometown: Hanover, MA
Profession: Regional Director, Global Public Health
After working out alone during COVID, I realized solo workouts didn’t push me to my max effort. A friend suggested Cut due to its hard—but fun—workouts and high-energy spirit. Two years later, I’m still sore multiple times a week.
This team really feels like a team. The coaches aren’t afraid to push you further than you think you can. That environment has made me stronger and faster, and keeps me coming back.
I did not join Cut looking for new friends or a community, but I found all of the above. You’ll find people to hold you accountable. Don’t be afraid to message teammates, “I’m not motivated to workout today, what time are you going?”
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Profession: Mortgage Loan Officer
I wanted to find a gym coached by athletes—those who knew what they were doing, and could program a challenging workout.
I’ll be the first person to raise my hand and admit I never thought I’d buy into the team dynamic. One week in, I realized how your partner can push you to perform—both on and off the turf.
When you find your partner struggling, don’t hesitate to offer encouragement (even if it’s something non-verbal, like a high-five). It will make you both better in the long run.
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Principal, Facility & Asset Management, MBB Affiliates
I was a member of a larger gym before I found Cut. While it offered a lot of amenities, I wanted more challenging workouts and a sense of community.
I’ve met some of my best friends at Cut. Whether we braved the elements together at Garrison or tried not to slide off the roof of Union Market, I know these friendships will last a lifetime. I’ve traveled, celebrated birthdays, and cheered on promotions and engagements with my teammates.
Bring a friend! I was introduced to Cut by a friend who works in the fitness industry. She was raving about Cut’s new studio, and we took our first class together.
Hometown: Roseville, CA
Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, Children’s National Hospital
After years spent at the same chain HIIT studio, my wife and I were looking for a change in our workout routine. After one Heart Day, we were hooked—the intensity, speed, and team atmosphere was exhilarating.
I met teammates who became friends, then family. We’ve had two children since joining Cut, and the community is an integral part of their lives.
The fitness gains you’ll experience from Cut are self explanatory, but the impact you’ll experience off the turf could prove far more meaningful. While Cut remains the best boutique fitness class I ever experienced, I keep coming back because of the high level coaching and family environment.
Hometown: Madison, WI
Profession: Owner + Founder, Toastworthy
I wanted a gym that offered intentional programming, with a focus on strength, conditioning, and fun vibes. I couldn’t afford the hefty price tag of a personal trainer, but wanted the accountability of working out in a team setting.
I’ve made life-long friends, gotten job opportunities, hired staff—all from the Cut Seven community. I love the accountability from coaches and athletes, and know I’ll miss my teammates if I skip class.
A new workout routine can be intimidating, but I promise: We’re in this together. Don’t worry about what others think. Trust me, I’m more worried about catching my next breath than paying attention to what others are doing. You’re welcome wherever you’re at!
Hometown: New York, NY
Profession: Special Assistant, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
After moving to DC, I wanted to find a team or community. The team vibes motivated me to keep coming back on rough days, during stormy weather, and even on holidays.
There is no stop when you have a whole team supporting you. In the past year, we’ve battled through the rain, snow, and cold. That’s what keeps me going—knowing the person next to me will give 100% to the finish line.
If you try it, it will change your life—I know it’s changed mine. My first class I didn’t talk to anyone, and thought I’d barely survive. A year later, I’m stronger, faster, and have experienced personal gains, and the team keeps me going.
Hometown: Bay Area, CA
Profession: Managing Director, Accenture Federal Services
After teaching yoga and gym hopping for years, I felt myself getting stronger almost immediately from Cut. There was a greater emphasis placed on form, coaches who pushed me to pick up heavier weights, and teammates who motivated me to keep coming back.
I am 41 years old and I am in the best shape of my life. That’s all Cut. The community and outlet of the regular workout has supported me through major personal and professional changes.
At Cut, the focus is on building strength and feeling good. There is no toxic “bikini body” OR “work off that meal” discussions prevalent at other gyms.
Hometown: Cranston, RI
Profession: Managing Director, Health and Benefits Consultant, WTW
I appreciate group fitness classes that don’t take themselves too seriously. I wanted a workout I could build into my daily routine, while not doing the same thing each class.
Everyone I met through Cut has been supportive, and became friends off the turf. The community has helped me navigate toxic workplaces, travel, and even new pet life.
Don’t be scared! Class might be tough at first, but everyone goes at their own pace. If you jump in with two feet, you won’t have time to feel self conscious.
The people we surround ourselves with day in, day out play a huge role in how far we get in life. We need those who always root for us — win, lose, or draw. Those who invest in our dreams as if they’re their own. And those who are better than us, inspire us, and also expect great things from themselves.
You push us. We push you. We all get better.











