Winter Workouts: Top 5 Gyms in the D.C. Metro Area

September 27, 2011
Miriam Laufer
News Writer
Healthy Living

The D.C. metro area is home to a variety of gyms and pilates centers for persons with differing workout needs and health expectations.  The following is a list of the top five gyms based on — among other things — location, cost, hours, services, facilities and clientele. These are the best representations in the area of gyms that offer intense workouts, 24 hour availability, friendly support and pools or full-service spas.

1.      VIDA Fitness Verizon Center

VIDA Fitness on F Street has been in the metro area since August 2006 and business is overflowing. James J. Kameen, regional director of sales and marketing at VIDA Fitness, cites the “quantity and quality of classes” and “floor to ceiling windows with lots of natural light” as reasons for the facility’s popularity. Rates are $75-$125/month and corporate deals are the best rates. The crowd here tends to be professional. Classes, including the well-liked Zumba and VIDA signature classes, are included with membership. Personal training and use of the spa is extra, but can be as low as $30/session.

VIDA Fitness Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW 866-382-8432, vidafitness.com M-F 5 am-11 pm Sat-Sun 7 am-9 pm Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown, Red, Green, and Yellow Lines

2.      Primal Fitness

No machines are included, but a historic fire house helps to make a very unusual gym. Primal Fitness has been at the fire house on M St. for three years now. Co-owner Mark Toorock said members like the “very raw space” for its “simplicity.” There are just two programs at Primal Fitness, Crossfit and Parkour. Both programs involve “fully functional exercise” that uses the whole body. Parkour is “the fun part,” according to Toorock, this is “urban obstacle coursing” that can include climbing, jumping, running and crawling. Both programs are $160/month, and new members are recommended to start with a $200 four-week boot camp. There are no contracts; membership is month-to-month. Among Primal Fitness’ instructors is Levi Meeuwenberg, known for his performance on the Japanese game show Ninja Warrior.  The show aired on G4 in the U.S. Meeuwenberg teaches a Ninja Warrior Training seminar, which begins on October 1.

* Toorock says the three row machines “don’t count.”

Primal Fitness, 219 M St. NW  202-596-9348, primal-fitness.com See website for class times. Metro: Mt.Vernon Square and 7^th St. Convention Center, Green and Yellow Lines

3.      Fitness First, Washington, D.C.

Fitness First is “like a Cheers gym,” (referring to the popular TV show about the bar where everybody knows your name) said Christa Bazaco, general manager of the Washington, D.C. location on 19th & L Streets. What members like best about this facility are its “cleanliness and friendliness.” Fitness First celebrated its 20th anniversary in March, although this particular location is newer. This gym is better for a younger crowd; the annual membership is $29/month. Classes are included with the membership, as well as a free personal training assessment, but it’s extra for personal training packages. Right now a new member can get three sessions with a personal trainer for $89; normally the fee is $150.  Zumba and BodyPump are popular here. This location is conveniently right downtown and the membership can be use at any of the Fitness First locations in the DC metro area.

Fitness First, 1075 19th St. NW, 202-659-1900  fitnessfirstclubs.com M-Th 5 am-11pm F 5 am-10 pm Sat-Sun 8am-8pm

4.      Tenley Sport and Health Club

The Sport and Health Club has two locations in DC, Tenley and Northwest. The Tenley location has been there since 2001. Nancy Terry, senior vice president of Sport and Health Clubs, said the Tenley Club’s greatest asset is its “experienced staff.” Members enjoy working with the personal trainers and class instructors. The facilities are extensive, including the full-service Serenity Day Spa (additional fees), indoor heated swimming pool, indoor track and Pilates studio. Memberships are flexible with individual, corporate, and family options ranging from $49-$149/month for the annual membership. Terry confirms that Zumba and BodyPump are the most popular classes, though with so much to do, it’s hard to choose.

Tenley Sport and Health Club, 4000 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-362-8000, sportandhealth.com M-Th 5:30-10:30 pm F 5:30-9:30 pm, Sat 7 am-8:30 pm, Sun 8 am-8:30 pm Metro: Tenleytown-AU, Red Line

5. Xsport Fitness, Alexandria

Xsport Fitness in Alexandria is open 24/7 to members for just $35-$49/month. Membership is month-to-month; the price varies due to discounts for government employees. This location has been open for two years and has attracted a following due to its convenient hours. In addition to the Olympic Lane Pool and Xsport Spa, there is a child’s play area and childcare is available. Chuck Doweler, operations manager for the Alexandria location, said that Zumba is “easily the most popular [class].” All classes are included with membership and personal training is available for an additional fee.  However, Doweler says, “Unlike most gyms…it’s easy to buy just one session with a personal trainer.” The price runs $50/session.

Xsport Fitness, 4300 King St. Alexandria, VA 22302, 703-933-9333, xsportfitness.com Open 24/7