I wish someone would do something about how fat I am.

June 6, 2008 3:45 AM

[DC Gym filter] For downtown D.C. Washington Sports club members specifically. Which location do you belong to: K street or Connecticut Ave? Pros/cons of your location? And if you've been to both, would you recommend one over the other?
posted by hazelshade to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Don't forget that even the basic membership package at WSC allows you to use most other clubs (including those in New York and Philadelphia) during off-peak hours, and if you get a Passport membership you can use those clubs during peak hours too... so you don't necessarily need to choose up front. Besides which, I've found them fairly relaxed about letting me in to other branches during peak hours even though I don't have a Passport membership. Also, a two-week trial membership is $19.99 if you want to investigate for yourself. I am a member of Connecticut Ave. It's totally... fine, and exactly like the two other MySportsClub gyms I've been a member of in the past.
posted by game warden to the events rhino at 4:08 AM on June 6, 2008

I haven't been to either, but if you're thinking about the Columbia Heights one that just opened, it's really, really nice inside.
posted by waylaid at 5:29 AM on June 6, 2008

I hope you are not considering becoming a member! I was a member and it was awful, from the almost-predatory marketing of the gym trainers to the ads for fast food in the Chinatown location to the nickel and diming when my two year plans rolled over to year two, it was an awful experience. When I finally wanted out, they asked me for a copy of my new lease to confirm I had moved 50 miles! from a location, otherwise I would still be charged. This gym makes money by A) shuffling members through the gym as quickly as possible (target: 35 minutes) and getting people to sign up for expensive personal sessions that earn managers a sizable commission. I recommend the YMCA any day.
posted by parmanparman at 9:33 AM on June 6, 2008

It's been years since I worked in that area, but I used to divide my time between the one at 1211 Connecticut and the one on M Street (which is apparently not there any more). The one on Connecticut seemed more like a social club--lots of talking and flirting, which, of course, may be your bag, but I was all sweaty and didn't want to talk. It was also much gayer, which you, as a woman, may like, or not--you'll probably be left alone to sweat in solitude. The M Street location seemed to be for more serious exercise.

I then switched jobs, and went to the one on Capitol Hill, which really was quite good for what I wanted--a recumbent bike and lots of weight machines, not so many elliptical trainers and treadmills. The only trouble I had quitting was admitting to myself that I was a lazy slug and just didn't want to go anymore.
posted by MrMoonPie at 10:58 AM on June 6, 2008

As parmanparman says, don't overlook the Y. Rates are here[pdf], and I personally think $70 a month and $72 a year for locker -and- laundry service is pretty sweet.
posted by phearlez at 12:45 PM on June 6, 2008

Update on the new Columbia Heights location... It's already really crowded after work and I hear that they are very strict on the peak hours rule.
posted by hokie409 at 10:12 PM on September 1, 2008