I dropped in for a morning workout and was pleasantly surprised to find parking available right…read moreaway. The staff inside were friendly and greeted me as soon as I walked in. I attended a BodyPump class, which was amazing! The bathrooms are clean and modern; however, the only downside to this gym is that it's very dark inside since it is built three stories underground. I also love that the gym has a recovery area equipped with rollers and massage guns to aid in recovery.

Every year, without fail, vida raises prices. With this quite high fees, you get: wipes bins…read moreroutinely empty; dust/dirt - each, and I mean each, and every machine on the lower level is filthy - dust on the flat portion near the floor and a heavy dust ring at the base of the machines; machines, not broken, but missing parts - the sit down calf raise machine is and has been missing the knob you pull to adjust the height for you knees; other machines - bottom of steps look right and the sit down "chest" machine is missing the knob on one of the handles; aerobic area, one machine, to the right in the attached pic, has been broken (touch screen inactive) for going on a month and the machine on the left in the attached pic has it's running belt/foot pad rotating freely such that if you step on it, it rolls freely and will make you fall or at least it did me; and, I could go on. I'm not being a b_t_ch, I've reported these things to one trainer and the front desk. Not one person writes anything down and advises they'll let "someone" know. This has been quite routine over the years; that is, no reporting mechanism for what's broke.

I've been a member of this gym since the day it opened, & I continue to be very pleased with it…read more One of the biggest pluses is that it's HUGE. The building is a repurposed elementary school. So it has charm as well as enough space that I never feel cramped. I also appreciate that staff members go out of their way to make sure I have a positive experience. They are courteous as well as professional & personable--always ready to talk baseball with me when I want! Finally, I want to mention that the owners/managers are constantly updating both the facility & the equipment.

First, the good. I've been a member for about a month now, and there is a lot to like about the…read morefacilities. Everything is what you would expect for the price point of the gym, and free parking was an important part of my decision since I drive in from east of the river (we only have planet fitness over there, sadly). The complementary training session is good, I know it's meant to sell personal fitness sessions, but if that is something you are into, it might be worth it. Now the gross/ugly: There is a stated policy that "regular swimwear is required" to use the spa in the locker room. Some women have decided not to follow this policy and get in naked, without showering off first, no less. When I said something to the staff, she rudely told me that it was DC law that they couldn't enforce that, told me I could follow her upstairs to talk to a manager while I was standing on only a towel after showering off from the hot tub. And of course, she lied. The law says the opposite, I looked it up -- D.C. Code § 7-431 expressly defines a "spa pool" as a structure intended for bathing or recreational use whose water is not ordinarily drained and replaced after each use and may instead be recirculated. The same statute defines people using a swimming or spa pool as "bathers." More importantly, the District's Aquatic Facilities Regulations, 25-C DCMR § 202.1, specifically provide that rules for admission to spa pools and saunas "shall be enforced." The regulations also require bathers to shower before entering a spa pool or sauna. The regulations further address contamination directly. Under 25-C DCMR § 201.4, aquatic-facility personnel are required to restrict the introduction of "dirt, excreta, and other extraneous matter" into the water and to exclude people showing apparent signs of infection such as open cuts, wounds, rashes, or blisters. The same section specifically requires protective clothing for incontinent bathers. When I brought this to the attention of the membership manager (on duty) she just gave me the GM's card and corporate's email. I have contacted them and cited all DC laws which require them to enforce their stated policies. I know it's uncomfortable to ask people to follow rules, especially when they are naked, but by not enforcing their own rules (or enforcing them selectively, like insisting that nobody have a cell phone in the spa), they risk a decline in the quality and cleanliness of the gym, which is why people pay extra -- for a classy environment that is comfortable for everyone. So I give a huge thumbs up to the classes and the facilities, but unfortunately several of the attendants (all female, sadly, and I'm a girls girl) are at best unfriendly and often rude, and they selectively enforce their own health and safety policies to the detriment of the members.

This location is in need of renovation. The locker rooms are dated and overdue for an update. While…read morethe facilities themselves are functional and adequately serve their purpose, they fall short given the high monthly cost. Most of the trainers are excellent--Mike and Emma, in particular, stand out as favorites. However, a few staff members can be rude and unaccommodating. The café/restaurant is acceptable but offers only mediocre food. Overall, I continue to go primarily for the convenience, not because it is an exceptional facility.

This location is sooo RUN Down. Today was the last day to go to this location. For $265 a month -…read moreI expect a good experience. For the past month the ice machine has been broken, over half of the showers in the men's locker room do not Drain (disgusting), many of the locks on the lockers are not functioning. For the past 2 wks the recharge machines for parking have not been functioning. I would not spend time or $$ at this location

I've been following Tina for years! From Renaissance to Vida it was love at first massage…read more I love that I can enjoy the amenities before/after my massage. Since the renovation, they've added a hair salon and the massage rooms are on a different side than what they use to be... I hear other masseuse are good here however here, I've only experienced TINA!!! No one compares to Tina. She is absolutely AMAZING with her hands!! I remember once time she informed me that I had a sprained ankle. Mind you I had went to urgent care a few days before and they couldn't tell me what was wrong with my ankle. Smh... and I never even shared this info with Tina so for her to explain to me how my ankle was inflamed and I should be careful running before I injure it more, I was impressed. She also puts me to sleep with her massages. :::)))) best naps ever! Can't wait to come again!!!! Happy Yelping!

Nice gym - steam, sauna, free weights, machines, classes, pilates, bikes etc. Very clean, good…read moreclasses, great staff, good location etc. lots of equipment, smells good, towels, soap, shampoo, nice lockers and locker room, great views, great lighting etc.

TL;DR this is my favorite gym in DC. I have been coming here for three years after basically going…read moreto every big box gym (Gold's, WSC, PF, etc) and could not be happier that I did. This gym has everything that you need to workout whatever you need to workout. Weights, machines, etc. All great stuff and they always update them. What is special is how nice everyone is -- from The owner, employees, trainers, and the people that workout here. It actually feels like folks are invested in each other's fitness goals. So yes, come here. It is awesome. 10 out of 10.

I would have definitely signed-up for their premium membership has I known that this type of…read moremembership provides nutritional counseling. I'm actually paying for a separate Nutritionist who I visit about every month. I started here about two months ago, and I've been much more committed this time around. It's even more motivational that the gym.is located literally across the street from my apartment. It's a decent gym and they have almost everything that I need, minus the abs machine. I do have the Gold membership and I think that it's a good fit for me since I rarely have ever participated in any type of gym class. They do offered the classes here, and I've seen a number of people leaving from a class. I appreciate that the gym is available for whenever I need it, and even more importantly that they're located so close to me.

The front desk personnel are helpful. The facility is very clean and offers typical exercise…read moreequipment.

Unfortunately, this is the worst Y I have been too. They don't have a good selection of machines…read more They have tons of cardio machines instead. Floors were horrible. The machines were old and not clean. Some had visible wear and tear. The steam room was smelly and gross. I didn't even try the sauna. The only positive is that they give towels. Parking is hard to find here. Not sure if I will be coming back here again anytime soon.

Overall, I really like this gym…read more Pros: There's plenty of cardio equipment on the second floor and a huge free weight and machine section on the third floor, with overflow space on the fourth. Staff is friendly and helpful. The penthouse is a nice perk in the summer. It's definitely the gym of choice for the gay community, and I've never been a member of a gym quite like it, I'm a fan. Cons: Keep in mind I only mention these because of the exorbitant monthly fee ($210): There's always something broken: a toilet, shower, machine, or the sauna. Towel service could be better. The penthouse pool water is gross. And the gym is always full; peak times are the worst. Let's be real, at $210 a month you could go to Equinox and get pristine equipment and eucalyptus-scented towels. People choose Vida anyway, and a big part of that is the scene: it's overwhelmingly fit, gay, and social. If that's what you're after, the crowd is arguably what you're paying the premium for.

I absolutely love my neighborhood Vida. I go almost every day. The layout is the best Vida I've…read morepersonally seen (feels like adult Disneyland meets Health & Wellness Club). I have the unlimited membership, which grants me pool access plus all workout classes (except for Reformer Pilates). 98% of the time I take their group fitness classes - their schedule is top tier (tons of variety, great times). Shoutout to Jessica's exceptional, technique-focused mat Pilates classes and Pure Strength classes. A thank-you to Adrienne's Thursday noon and Terence's Saturday morning Power Yoga classes (both great for advancing strength, balance, and flexibility). A nod to Courtney's efficient 45-minute Mat Pilates Monday noon class. Recommendation for the Candlelight Yoga wind-down 5:45pm Friday and 6pm Sunday classes. One last thing - I always make sure to workout on their Open House days monthly because they give us free treats like mini, delicious cupcakes or blueberry muffins. They'll occasionally throw an event with their spa, and hand out salon goodies, give you free 10-minute chair massages, and offer free food.

A group of us were in town for the weekend, and had heard great things about this gym and it did…read morenot disappoint! The location is huge, and has ton of machines and free weight options. The gym itself is very clean and kept up. The branding of the gym is a very nice touch. 5

They don't answer the phone, how you do anything is how you do everything, not getting my business.read more

Checking in after a little over a year with Carmen at Ambitious. Simply put, there is a reason I…read moreshow up every morning I am in town. I have been in some sort of athletics since I was 5. I have been coached by professional trainers for the majority of that time, including D1 and Olympic coaches. I am happy to report that the entire team at Ambitious has kept me engaged, supported, and challenged the whole time. This is not only true of the coaching, but of the other members as well. At this point, they are friends. The workouts are programmed in a way that keeps me pushing myself while letting me scale back when needed. The coaching staff is always there to ensure form is solid or to offer an alternative if my body isn't 100% there that morning. Having worked with many strength coaches over the last 15 years, I am confident in saying that your well-being and safety are their top concern. This is coming from a former springboard and platform diving coach, whose first concern always had to be safety. On the member side, or team, as I like to think of them, I cannot say enough positive things. If I am out unexpectedly, people reach out to make sure I am okay. Everyone is there to see everyone get better, which brings incredible accountability. As someone who is not a morning person by any measure, I get myself out of bed for the 7:15 class willingly. 7:15 vs. the world. This has been a wonderful, impactful year with Ambitious. I am happy to keep life as my sport.

I was lucky enough to find this community while temporarily in DC for work. I made great gains…read morehere. Encouraging staff and members, a joy I won't soon forget and if I am ever back in DC I know exactly where I'm going to work out!

To say that joining Ultimate Performance about 18 months ago was one of the key moments in my life…read morewould not be an understatement. For over the last decade - I have been yo-yo'ing with different strength trainers and diets in an attempt to regain the same level of fitness that I had in my 20s. Unfortunately - over that time I have seen my weight increase by over 80 lbs. Since joining UP - I have seen the weight drop in a slow, steady and most importantly sustainability manner. UP is able to accomplish this because they have a system that combines strength training, cardio, nutrition and sleep. All of this is wrapped around an application that you use to track a variety of metrics (sleep, diet, steps, etc). This information is reviewed daily (if not more often) by your trainer - they make sure that you are on the correct path. If someone had told me when I started all of this - that in a year I would be running, doing metric century bike rides, and would almost be under 200 lbs - I would have laughed at them. If you want to change your life - come give UP a chance. You will be blown away by how supportive everyone is, how fast the results come, how sustainable this is, and how much better you will feel.

I recommend UP in general and Zach in particular. UP is different than other gyms to which I've…read morebelonged. You come in at specific times to work with your trainer doing specific lifts; the focus is on lifting rather than cardio. I wasn't sure about the approach as my primary goal was fat loss, but it has both been successful and gives a great return on investment of time. The gym itself is better equipped than any facility I have seen, and the UP app is been helpful in tracking nutrition and workouts. But I think their trainers are the key. I started working with Zach last summer, and have been very happy with the results. I've lost over 30 pounds and have never been stronger. He is a great resource regarding technique in lifting and motivation during sessions, but also makes them enjoyable. Zach developed and adapted workouts and nutrition throughout, modifying to help me continue making progress, and helped me understand nutrition (which I thought I did before, but didn't). The program at UP worked better for me than anything else ever has, which I find remarkable as I am in my 50's with a busy life including job, family, and travel.