Washington, D.C., is the United States' capital, and that alone tells us about the hustle and bustle experienced there. Think White House, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian, and the need for a gym becomes increasingly desirable. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), there are 105 Gyms in DC, of all diversity, to meet the demands of fitness enthusiasts and beginners in the city’s vicinity. The fitness centers have gone all out to provide the customers with state-of-the-art equipment, competent trainers, and a host of amenities.
If you live in DC or you're vacationing, browse this guide to gyms in Washington, DC, to assist you with making a more conscious decision.
DC Area Gyms
One hundred of the gyms accessed by thousands of residents are actually within the District of Columbia. Statistics show that more than 107 thousand DC residents visit fitness centers. There is not much for 24-hour gyms, but you have your choice of everything else when it comes to gyms in DC.
There are 33 Capitol Hill gyms to accommodate all the decision-makers and other executives. They include Crossfit, yoga powerlifting and a wide array of exercises. There are also gyms with spas, nutrition clubs, pools, basketball training, climbing, Crossfit, powerlifting, and a lot more.
Climbing Gyms
There are 19 climbing gyms in DC, and they come well equipped and highly rated. It's an excellent way for people to get over the obstacles they have to climb at work, especially those in the political arena.
Balance gyms seem to be very prominent, especially since their locations at the Fairmont Hotel in Foggy Bottom and Glover Park are strategic. It has a lot of space for customers to climb comfortably. They also have well-trained staff and world-class facilities. They are both a rock climbing gym and bouldering gym. People focused on competitive climbing tend to throng there.
For bouldering gyms, Balance, Sportrock, and Earth Treks gyms are some of the top choices as their facilities have state-of-the-art technology. However, only Balance is actually in DC proper as the others are over in VA. Overall, the options in DC are tremendous, and finding one near you shouldn't be tough.
Boxing Gyms
There are quite a few boxing gyms in the vicinity of DC, but only 18 of them are near downtown, with two in the middle of the Central business district. Fit360 DC on Mt Pleasant St has an excellent program located near the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. It is one of six boxing gyms situated near the city center.
Crossfit Gyms
Twenty-six gyms inside DC say they have a Crossfit program. The number of Crossfit gyms represents a fifth of all the clubs in the city. Crossfit is not that popular there. Crossfit Balance is close to the Whitehouse and National Museum of Women in the Arts. The others spread across different sections of downtown and elsewhere in the city. If Crossfit is your passion, you'll find gyms with sharp strengthening and conditioning workout strategies.
MMA Gyms
A total of 32 gyms in Washington DC have mixed martial arts (MMA) activity, an apparent indication that the recreation or fighting strategy is a huge deal there. Note that, if you live or stay closer to VA, there are several MMA gyms there, too, in proximity to DC. However, inside DC, you should consider going to the gyms 14th Street, I Sreet NW, and D Street SE to get a gym with qualified coaches.
If you're in the vicinity of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a gym near there focuses on tailored strength and lifting classes and offers MMA. It's rated 4.9 stars, so you won't have to leave the work district to find a gym.
You can get MMA, kickboxing, martial arts, and more if you're downtown working or visiting any monuments.
In any section of town you live, work, or visit, there should be no problem locating a respected MMA gym close to you.
Powerlifting Gyms
Seventy-five gyms in DC offer powerlifting programs, mostly in DC, while the rest are in VA and MD. Bodybuilding and upper body strengthening get high regard in the capital and its environs.
Mint, an upscale gym in the city, has a vast range of weights, unlike the regular gym. They specialize in Olympic weightlifting, Nutrition, and Movement training.
Weightlifting, powerlifting, and Strongman athletes won't have to worry about locating a powerlifting gym as they are spread across the capital just a few blocks apart. You can earn a decent warm-up by deciding to walk to one of the gyms in DC once the temperature is not extreme.
Gyms With Pools
Gyms with pools are plentiful in DC and its environs. Anywhere you are in the city, you should be walking distance from a DC gym with a swimming pool.
VIDA Fitness is a high-end fitness center that comes with a Penthouse pool and lounge for members only.
Equinox and Mint gyms also feature pools that are in mint condition—no pun intended.
Many gym enthusiasts highly regard their water fitness programs.
The Fairmont Hotel gym is lovely, and the gym overall has many great amenities.
Basketball Gyms
Enjoy getting some hoop time at the scores of basketball gyms across DC. However, the Equinox gym has some great programs with excellent coaches. Equinox also has both indoor and outdoor fitness programs.
American Ninja Warrior Gyms
As American Ninja Warrior develops mainstream enthusiasm, more and more fitness centers featuring ninja obstacles spring up all around the United States. Initially, only three gyms across the country offered that type of training, so they ended up dominating the top spots in the nationally televised event. Now scores of ninja gyms are available for training to enter both local and international ninja obstacle tournaments, including gyms in DC.
There are six American Ninja Warriors gyms inside the country's capital and another three nearby, two in VA and one in MD. including The Agility Center and American Parkour. Could the drive for competitiveness stem from DC is the political capital? Either way, all the DC gyms are well-equipped establishments with experienced trainers.
One ninja gym is near the Smithsonian American Art Museum and another right across from the Embassy of Spain. A third ninja gym also lies near another landmark, the Brentwood Hamilton Park. The other ninja gyms are all across the city.
UFC Gyms
If you are looking for UFC gyms in DC, unfortunately, there is only one nearby called UFC Gym Arlington.
You'll have to take a hike, and by that, I mean quite a drive, to access the gym unless, of course, you already work, live, or stay closer to VA.
Gymnastic Gyms
Scores of gyms in DC offer gymnastics. More than 90 percent of them have high ratings. The high numbers mean that most of the gyms have professional coaches. Despite the ratings, depending on the level of training you desire, you should still speak in-depth with a professional before choosing a gymnastics program.
If you're seeking a program for kids, the Integrity of Self Movement Arts has an excellent program in a small but clean and well-maintained facility that has a great coach.
Quick Tip: If you're concerned about gym membership fees, contemplate proposing a fee waiver/reduction or a lesser monthly payment. You'll discover that various gyms have anomalies to their rates. Many even extend discounts for referrals.
Washington, D.C., is expensive, and so are most of the gyms. However, you are guaranteed value for your money because your well-toned body will speak volumes. Also, the exercise will rejuvenate your mind and body from the stress of your daily work routine. Anywhere you live, work, or vacation, there are always gyms in DC close by you.