Are you looking to kickstart your fitness journey in Washington DC? With a wide range of gyms and fitness studios to choose from, it’s essential to find a membership that suits both your needs and budget. It can be overwhelming, but have no fear: we’ll explore the various gym options in the DC area and go over the DC gym membership prices from around the city, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which gym to join.
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Exploring the Best Gyms in DC
DC is a city with a lot of group fitness studios, but finding a gym that works for you can be difficult. Locations and prices are the biggest factors when choosing a gym in DC, and only you know what you really need in a gym. DC gym membership prices are all over the places, from free to hundreds of dollars a month, and it’s a bit of a goldilocks situation to find the one that best suits you.
This guide only includes gyms with locations within the DC borders, and that are dedicated gyms. It does not include studios or specialty gyms with open gym hours (like crossfit studios or boxing gyms).
Equinox
Locations: CityCenter, West End, Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, Tyson’s Corner
If you’re seeking a luxurious fitness experience, Equinox is the gym for you. With multiple locations in DC, Equinox offers state-of-the-art facilities and a range of amenities. However, the luxury comes at a price, with monthly membership fees starting at $220 for access to the Anthem Row Equinox location. For access to all five DC area locations, the price rises to $264 per month, while you’ll spend $415 per month for access to all locations around the world.
This is definitely the highest of DC gym membership prices, but there are ways to get discounts. If you have an American Express Platinum Card, you can get a $300 annual statement credit for Equinox. Some university alumni groups (such as Cornell) and employers offer discounts, though for most, it’s a small discount each month.
Mint
Location: Adams Morgan
Mint is a popular gym located in Adams Morgan, offering both membership options for the gym and classes. For gym-only access, the monthly fee is $159, while gym and classes are available for $175 per month. If you are married or have a workout buddy, you can get significant discounts. For $29 per month, you can add on a FLEXguest program which allows you to bring a friend for unlimited visits (one per day). If you are married, the gym-only access drops down to $89 per person per month, and gym and classes drop to $129 per person per month. There are zero enrollment and cancellation fees.
VIDA Fitness
Locations: Mt Vernon Square, Logan Circle, U Street, Navy Yard, Ballston, Reston
VIDA Fitness is not just a gym; it’s a scene. I mean it: the rooftop pools are a straight up party.
With a reputation for outstanding classes, VIDA Fitness offers membership options that cater to your needs. For access to four VIDA Fitness locations, the monthly fee is $149, while membership for all six locations (including U Street and Reston) is priced at $199 per month. They also have offered discounts for healthcare workers in the past.
YMCA Anthony Bowen
Location: U Street
If you’re looking for a gym that offers more than just fitness facilities, the YMCA Anthony Bowen near U Street might be the perfect fit. With a climbing wall and family memberships available, the YMCA offers a variety of options to suit your needs. The monthly membership fee is $113 for an adult, and is month-to-month.
Living Well Health Club
Location: Dupont Circle
Located in the Washington Hilton just north of Dupont Circle, anyone is able to join the hotel’s gym. It’s on the smaller side but does have strength and cardio equipment, with a Smith machine, bench station, trap bar for deadlifts, and heavy dumbbells. They also have membership options that include use to the hotel pool. Fitness only memberships start at $104 per month, and include group exercise classes.
Gold’s Gym
Locations: Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, NoMa, Van Ness, plus many suburban locations including Rosslyn, Silver Spring, Ballston, Rockville, and Frederick.
With numerous locations across the city, Gold’s Gym is a well-established fitness brand in DC with 5 locations in the city. Specific pricing for Gold’s Gym locations may vary, but instead of monthly, they charge you every 2 weeks. Dupont Circle starts at $40 every 2 weeks (~$87/month), while Van Ness is $30 every 2 weeks (~$65/month). They also run sales where you can get it for $25 every 2 weeks (~$54/month).
It may vary by when and where you sign up; my friends have reported paying $40-50 per month for access to any location, but they seem to have been grandfathered in at an old rate. Gold’s Gym also offers discounts for government employees.
Foundation Fitness
Location: Cleveland Park
Foundation Fitness is a local physical therapy that has two gyms: one in Cleveland Park, and one in Annapolis. The DC location is a smaller gym that is very friendly, with classes included and a large parking lot. For a 1 year membership, the cost is $97 per month, and it’s $107 per month without the year long commitment. They do run discounts, so you may be able to get a cheaper rate; for instance, around the new year, you can sign up and save $10 per month on both membership types.
Balance Gym
Locations: Capitol Hill, Foggy Bottom
With multiple locations across DC, Balance Gym provides a neighborhood fitness experience. Whether you prefer a contract or month-to-month membership, Balance Gym offers affordable options. The monthly fee with a contract is $84, while the month-to-month option is priced at $99.
Fun fact: Balance Gym is where fitness influencer Meg Squats used to train!
New York Sports Club (formerly Washington Sports Club)
Locations: Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights
After COVID, Washington Sports Club restructured and came under New York Sports Club. I can’t say that I’ve ever been to one, and I don’t have any friends who are members. Some members have reported paying $60 a month for their Glover Park location, with a published monthly fee of $80, members can access gym facilities (including a pool in Columbia Heights) and a range of classes.
Onelife
lLocations: Tenleytown, Fort Totten, and Capitol Hill, plus many suburban locations including Bethesda, Ballston, Crystal City, Old Town Alexandria, McLean, Rockville, and Tyson’s
Onelife Gym provides multiple locations throughout DC, offering convenience and accessibility. The Fort Totten location boasts a pool and sauna, and offers a monthly membership fee starting at $43, while the Capitol Hill location (a Signature Club) is priced at $80 per month. Both Fort Totten and Capitol Hill offer free parking too!
Crunch
Locations: Chevy Chase DC and College Park
Crunch Gym, previously more widespread in DC, now has it’s sole DC location in Chevy Chase, DC (though it has more coming soon in the DMV suburbs). Despite its reduced presence, Crunch remains a popular choice, with a monthly membership fee of $50.
Planet Fitness
Locations: Gallery Place, Ivy City, and Penn Branch, plus many suburban locations including Takoma Park, Pentagon City, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, Seat Pleasant, District Heights, Alexandria, and Silver Spring
Planet Fitness has made its mark in DC with affordable membership options. For $15 per month, you can access one club, while $25 per month grants you access to all Planet Fitness locations.
Fitness Centers: When DC Gym Membership Prices are Too High
Locations: Throughout the city
For DC residents on a tight budget, the Fitness Center offers a cost-effective solution. While the facilities may be smaller and the hours less convenient, the best part is that they’re free gyms in DC! As you can see from the other options, DC gym membership prices can be quite high; having a free option can make fitness more obtainable. If you are not a DC resident, it will cost you $37.50 per month.
Comparing DC Gym Membership Prices
To help you visualize and compare the membership prices of the gyms mentioned above, we’ve compiled a table summarizing the monthly fees for each option:
| Gym | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|
| Equinox | $220 – $415/month |
| VIDA Fitness | $149 – $199/month |
| Mint | $159 – $175/month |
| YMCA Anthony Bowen | $113/month |
| Living Well Health Club | $104/month |
| Gold’s Gym | $64 – $108/month |
| Foundation Fitness | $87 – $107/month |
| Balance Gym | $84/month |
| New York Sports Club | $80/month |
| Crunch | $50/month |
| One Life | $43 – $80/month |
| Planet Fitness | $15/month |
| DC DPR Fitness Centers | Free for DC residents |
Please note that the prices mentioned above are subject to change and may vary depending on specific locations or special promotions. It’s always recommended to check with the individual gyms for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best gym membership in Washington DC, it’s essential to consider both your fitness goals and your budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience, a community-driven atmosphere, or an affordable option, there’s a gym for everyone in the DC area. By exploring the options mentioned above and comparing their membership prices, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect fit for your fitness journey.
Remember, choosing the right gym is just the first step. Commitment, consistency, and a positive mindset are key to achieving your fitness goals. So, lace up your sneakers, grab a water bottle, and start your fitness journey in one of the fittest cities in America!
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned in this article are based on available information at the time of writing and are subject to change. It’s recommended to contact each gym directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
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