I've worked with Dan and Karine for over 7 years. When I heard they were opening their own gym a few years back, I had to join. Since the pandemic I've done mostly personal training with Dan. It's been fantastic. Dan gives excellent workouts geared to your needs and fitness level. His level of fitness knowledge is astounding. Both Dan and Karine's commitment to their clients is unmatched. Their latest gym is a large space with lots of gear. Fantastic location. I've done several classes and it's a fantastic inclusive environment. Definitely recommend.

The best strength and conditioning gym in Ottawa! The programming is so enjoyable and works for athletes at all levels. I have attended many gyms in my life, but after joining USC 1 year ago, I have never felt stronger, healthier, and more confident. I would highly recommend USC to anyone who is looking for a gym that truly cares about every single one of their members. Such a great community to be apart of!

I joined this gym and cannot express how amazing it was. From the phenomenal coaches, to the supportive community it is the best gym in the locality. With the help and encouragement from coaches who are very patient and incredibly talented, I have done things that I never thought I would. I was able to do rope climbs, wall balls and so much more within a few months. Coaches Dan and Karine are very kind, and really wants to see you achieve your goals. I highly recommend this gym. Best Decision Ever!!! Thank you so much.

USC is truly one of the best gyms in the city. I joined this gym just over a year ago not knowing anything about cross-fit, olympic weightlifting, and having a very limited understanding of fitness. Over a year later, I've seen incredible results in my strength, physique, and have a much better understanding of fitness and my own physical capabilities. Dan and Karine (The head coaches) clearly love what they do, and have an even bigger passion for helping others reach their full potential. Their classes are dynamic, informative, and structured for all kinds of skill levels and body types. Additionally, the community surrounding this gym is incredibly welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. I would recommend this gym to anybody who is looking to work up a sweat, expand their knowledge of fitness, get stronger, and have fun.

When we moved back to Ottawa we were looking for a gym with knowledgeable and passionate coaches who pay attention to what you’re doing and contribute to a welcoming and fun vibe. We tried a few gyms and USC was the standout. Our experience has been great and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone regardless of age or ability.

I would give Underground Strength and Conditioning 10 stars if I could! Dan and Karine and absolutely incredible trainers - clearly super knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, welcoming, and attentive - even in a group setting, they somehow manage to give each member individualized coaching and support. There is so much variety in the training - clearly building towards balanced and fully rounded fitness. An avid gym-goer most of my life, never have I felt stronger and more skilled than I do now after a year at USC. Beyond just fitness gains, never have I felt more welcomed and had more fun in a gym setting - great music, smiles all around, and just a good time! USC is more than a gym, it's a community, and I am very grateful to be a part of it!

Where to begin? The staff - the heart of this wonderful community, has been nothing short of perfect. The care, attention and knowledge I've felt and received since joining has been life changing. Not only do I feel stronger and more capable and confident in the world, but I've also got a head full of new ideas and approaches to fitness and all facets of health (nutrition, sleep, breathing, etc.). I have quite literally never felt better in my life, and I have a long history of exercise/fitness experience ranging from standard bodybuilding workouts to MMA, running, etc. I now feel like I have a direction, with achievable goals that align perfectly with where I want to go - working out is FUN again. The pace and programming following a logical structure and intensity, so much so that I can confidently attend each class (six days a week) and never feel overworked. Once you get in the groove, it just gets exponentially better. The facility is clean and organized, the equipment is first class. The gym dog, Nova is a little burst of energy and happiness. The only question I've had since joining is "why didn't I do so sooner?".

USC is more than just a gym but a full on community. I have lived in Ottawa for almost 11 years and never have found such a wonderful group of fitness people. The programming is spot on, the coaches do a great job of providing feedback and make any modifications necessary for you to be successful and improve, and the members of the gym are so welcoming. I wish I could give more than 5 stars!

Amazing atmosphere. Great motivating coaches who really care about your progress! Customized to your own speed and capabilities. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, you are always made to feel welcome. Highly recommend.

This is by far the best gym in Ottawa. I was a little skeptical at first because I was scared my fitness level wasn't going to be good enough to do the workouts but Dan and the coaches really adapt the workout to your needs. They do regular check up on you to support your fitness goals. It's not like other gyms where they're only in it for the money. It's like a little family and you feel so welcomed and supported the entire time. I leave feeling great about the workouts and all the positive interactions. I recommend this gym!!

My partner and I joined in for a group class while visiting from out of town and it was it awesome! The coach, people, and environment were so welcoming and we felt at ease as soon as we walked in. The workout itself was fantastic and we loved that warm up and stretching was prioritized before getting into the heavy-duty stuff. We will definitely be coming back whenever we are in Ottawa.

Not sure where to start but USC IS absolutely amazing in so many facets; knowledge, passion, and most importantly the coaches listen and care about your progress and personal fitness. This is a very small gym which allows for a lot of personalized advice which I have benefited from. Working out at usc is actually fun and is something I look forward to every day. When I miss a day my day just isn’t the same. The coaches are able to adapt to injuries by modifying workouts and providing exercises for a quicker recovery. Thank you to Dan, Karine, Matt, Sasha for all of your support…I have improved so much since I started at usc and I know I will continue that trajectory with your support.

Been training with Dan for 5 years. He has truly transformed my functional fitness. I always recommend this place to my friends and family because it’s super inclusive and a great facility to train at. I love the group workouts. I would say the best gym in Ottawa!

I'm not exaggerating, USC and personal training with Dan has literally changed my life. After 10 years of trying absolutely everything to get help for my scoliosis, I was losing hope and trust in my body. After 4ish months of PT my pain levels were down over 50%, and now they are down 70-85%. I have a new lease on life and couldn't be more grateful for Dan and USC Gym. I never expected I'd be able to do deadlifts and a variety of other weight bearing exercises with moderate - severe scoliosis. I've learned so much about my body, proper form and exercise techniques; Dan is an amazing attentive personal trainer who has a gift for identifying compensations and weaknesses, how to address them and adapting exercises to your fitness level and lifestyle. He has helped me understand and navigate my highly sensitive nervous system, but also pushes me when I can be pushed. He checks in reguarly and is always supportive and a joy to work with. Although I'm not at the level to do the group classes yet, I notice the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and fun, with great music! If you want to elevate your fitness and get the level of attention of a personal trainer in a group class, go to this gym. Their coaches are all amazing, supportive, and give suggestions for adaptations of exercises for each individual. Can't recommend this gym enough, best gym in Ottawa!

Very welcoming and knowledgeable staff! Classes are fun, equipment is new, place is clean!

I'm a middle aged person who has stayed active in sport and crossfit over the years. USC's unique offering of both in-person and zoom sessions has enabled me to train consistently. Been quietly building to new PRs and picking up skills that I was never before able to master. The classes are coached by the owners and while on the surface that doesnt sound important, other gyms are not invested in individual member progression like owner operators are.

First off, there’s always something to be said about small businesses - they actually care about their members. No matter your fitness background or injuries, Karine and Dan will find the best way to work with you to reach your fitness goals and surpass them. Thank you for always being there for us, for your flexibility on the fly to adapt workouts and make them work for us, and for your patience teaching us the right way to lift heavy things.

USC is an unbelievably great gym that has had a really positive impact on my life. They offer elite quality training and programming, which they are happy to modify as much as needed to ensure all fitness levels are welcome. In the past I have been frustrated by other gyms that had a “Beast Mode” mentality in their workouts and programming, that led to frequent burnout and injury. USC methodically programs their workouts into training blocks to focus on improving certain movements/skills throughout the year, with deload weeks scheduled in at appropriate times Their programming allows to sustainability and consistency in training. Each workout starts with a strategic mobility session and warm-up to get your body adequately primed for the workout to come. Then you are coached on every movement to ensure proper form and technique. The gym has an easy-going atmosphere. We all take fitness seriously there and some compete with each other for fun, but we always make time to laugh and have a good time. 100% recommended.

USC is an amazing gym! I have been regularly attending USC for a year and love it. Karine and Dan are fantastic trainers — knowledgeable, welcoming and supportive. My fitness level is the best it’s ever been and the workouts are fun and varied.

I've been going to this gym twice a week for almost a month now, and I have to say: it's fantastic! I didn't expect to become a regular, much less so quickly. There's a really wonderful sense of community and the trainers are extraordinarily clear, helpful, and encouraging. I'm new to these sorts of classes, and it's been pretty eye-opening to see how much motivation and support come from group workouts in which everyone is training at their own level. I don't think I'll ever even try to work out alone again! I'm tremendously out of shape, yet I always feel welcome and encouraged by everyone at this gym. And I can tell I'm already getting stronger, which keeps me coming back and looking forward to what's next.

I've only just joined the gym a few weeks ago but I love it already. This is the first time doing this type of workout and it's challenging but a great workout! The coaches are super helpful and supportive, as is the other gym members.

USC is exactly what I want in a gym. Its great! The staff and members are all super friendly and welcoming. The workouts are fun and have made me feel stronger than ever. It can be tricky to find coaches who are comfortable adapting for people with disabilities. The coaches at USC adapt the workouts for my disability with skill, creativity and compassion. I've only been a member for a short while and I already feel like part of the community.