Meet our coaches
Emily Socolinsky
Owner

Emily holds a Master’s in Education and a BA in Dance from UMBC, with over 20 years as a professional dancer and teacher. Her background includes training at Baltimore Ballet and Baltimore School for the Arts, plus experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2015–2019). Emily has competed in seven Strongwoman contests and two bench-only powerlifting meets.
Emily has been a certified Starting Strength Coach since 2010.
Diego Socolinsky
Owner

With over 30 years of training experience, Diego brings a diverse athletic background that includes martial arts, climbing, mountaineering, running, and cross-country cycling.
He has been a certified Starting Strength Coach since 2010.
Jay Mund
Coach

Jay has competed in wrestling, running, and weightlifting. Jay holds a Master’s in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University and works as a Behavior Specialist for children with autism.
He has been a certified Starting Strength Coach since 2012.
Craig Brooks
Coach

A 1984 USA Junior Olympics boxing gold medalist, he earned a football scholarship and a BS in Fitness and Sports Management. He placed 4th at the 2016 100% Raw Powerlifting Masters and 1st at the 2018 US Strengthlifting Federation. He’s coached world titleholders and has coached high school football in DC since 2010.
Craig is certified in Kettlebells (IKFF Level 2), NSCA, USA Weightlifting, USA Powerlifting, CrossFit, and Sports Nutrition.
Gretchen Mester
Coach

Gretchen is a StrongFirst Level Two Kettlebell Coach.
She is also an economics professor at Anne Arundel Community College.
Membership
Membership Includes:
- Unlimited Monthly Membership for Barbell Coaching
- Unlimited Basic Training (Boot Camp) Classes
Family Discount:
33% off each additional member in the same household. Family members must live at the same home address.
Introductory Package:
Includes 4 On-Boarding Sessions and Membership. Contact us for details
Non-Member Drop-In Fee: $30
Private Coaching
Single Session (60 minutes): $125
Packages:
- 10-Session Package: $1,150 ($115/session)
- Duo Session (60 minutes for two people): $210
- 10 Duo Sessions: $2,000 ($200/session)
Recurring Private Coaching:
- Once a week: $365/month
- Twice a week: $680/month
- Three times a week: $1,100/month
- Four times a week: $1,400/month

Starting Strength Clinics
Starting Strength Clinic: $265
Starting Strength Clinic for Two: $440
Membership & Coaching Policies
Need to Pause Your Training?
You can pause your membership for up to three months during the year. There’s a $30 fee each time you pause.
Cancelling Your Membership
To cancel your membership, send an email to emily@fivex3.com within two weeks of your monthly renewal.
Private Coaching Cancellations:
If you need to cancel a private coaching session, please give us notice at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours will result in a forfeited session, as our coaches set aside this time just for you.
Private Coaching Packages:
Packages are valid for one year from the date of purchase. We’re not able to offer refunds for any unused sessions after that time.
Still have questions?
That's okay.
We’re always happy to talk through your goals and recommend the best fit. Your strength journey starts when you walk through our doors, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.