Frederick isn’t short on gyms, but Unrivaled Iron Gym isn’t trying to be “another gym.” From day one, co-founders Marc and Blake set out to build something different: a place where high-level coaching meets genuine connection, where recovery is taken as seriously as reps and where every walk of life—from beginners to elite competitors—feels at home.
In just two years, Unrivaled has evolved into a full-scale wellness destination: part gym, part supplement center, part community hub. With hand-curated equipment, a roster of expert trainers and an atmosphere people describe simply as “different,” Unrivaled has become a place where goals are met, friendships form and lives change.
We sat down with Marc and Blake to uncover what makes their approach so unique—and why the Unrivaled community continues to grow at record speed.
COACHING CONNECTION
Q: What makes Unrivaled’s coaching style stand out from other gyms? How do you tailor programs for different individuals?
Marc: The coaching style at Unrivaled Iron Gym is truly unique. We set out from day one to establish a coaching program tailored to individuals’ needs, understanding that every person is different. We take the time to understand those differences and create custom plans and programs that address each person’s goals on a personal level. Our ability to build authentic and genuine relationships is what sets us apart—seamlessly blending accountability, hard work and fun to get the best outcomes possible.
Blake: Each coaching inquiry is reviewed directly by me and paired with a detailed questionnaire. This gives us insight into athletic background, age, injuries, current nutrition and more. From there, we determine not only which trainer is the best fit, but what their program needs to look like. We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach; we rely on the quality of service we provide. Recovery needs, genetics, personalities and goals vary for everyone—so their coaching absolutely should too.
PERFORMANCE & RECOVERY
Q: Beyond offering a wide range of products and services, how do you help members understand what they actually need for recovery and nutrition?
Marc: When it comes to recovery, we stopped at nothing to make sure members have the best options available. Our on-site Unrivaled Supplement Center carries protein, amino acids, and recovery drinks, and our full Wellness Center offers physical therapy, chiropractic care, medical massage and sport-performance stretching. We’ve partnered with local Frederick professionals—Mid Atlantic Chiropractic Center, Premier Integrative Health & Wellness and Hanson Physical Therapy—to offer everything from injury rehab and dry needling to prenatal chiropractic care and disc-related treatment. Everything someone needs is under one roof.
Blake: Recovery is a term that gets thrown around, but it can mean sleep, hydration, muscle repair, micronutrients, hormonal health—the list goes on. When someone asks about recovery, we ask very specific questions to pinpoint the exact pain point. If you blanket-statement recovery, you could give someone ten products they don’t need. Our goal is precision. We invest time in understanding what each person struggles with so the solution actually benefits their health and fitness goals.
Q: What’s one supplement myth you’d love to bust?
Marc: Creatine monohydrate is not just for bodybuilders—it’s something anyone and everyone can and should take. It boosts strength, builds muscle, speeds up recovery and even supports cognitive function. Research continues to show its benefits for memory, reducing mental fatigue and potentially helping with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and depression. It’s one of the most widely studied supplements and truly beneficial for all.
STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY
Q: Unrivaled is known for its unique atmosphere. What do members say makes this space feel so different and so much like home?
Marc: The Unrivaled community motivates one another simply by being a true community. Watching people support each other’s goals—regardless of background, ability level or what style of training they prefer—has been one of the most rewarding parts of the last two years. Whether you’re a CrossFit competitor, professional bodybuilder, powerlifter or a first-time gym-goer, everyone is here to support each other and get better.
Blake: Most people walk in and say, “I don’t know, it just feels different here.” We’re a commercial-size gym, but we make all of our own rules. From the music to the graphics to the relationships built between staff and members, the feel is completely opposite of what you get elsewhere. We have a blend of old-school and new-school equipment that brings a cool “rough around the edges” vibe, but the culture is extremely inviting. It’s hard to have “hardcore” and “friendly” in the same sentence, but that’s exactly what Unrivaled is.
Q: What’s your WHY behind building Unrivaled? Has it turned into what you hoped? What’s next?
Marc: Our “why” is simple—we love helping people improve their health, fitness and nutrition. With more than 30 years of combined experience in bodybuilding and powerlifting, we knew we wanted to build a gym that mirrored Frederick’s sense of community. The fitness industry can be full of people driven by profit instead of people’s progress and we wanted to be different. Unrivaled is a labor of love, built so individuals can exceed their own expectations in an environment that cares about them. We’re incredibly fortunate to do what we love every day.
Blake: Frederick needed a gym that matched its community-focused spirit. Seeing this culture come to life—members forming friendships, trainers helping people transform and the entire space growing into a true home—has surpassed every expectation. We built this with purpose and the community has made it something extraordinary. And we’re still just getting started.