Washington Sports Clubs

I have been a member for 2 ½ years and I have to say this gym has a lot to offer! The trainers are all very knowledgeable and always happy to help you out. Nancy is the best spin instructor I have ever had the pleasure to spin with. Jason is not only a great Trainer but also a wonderful manager and extremely helpful when it comes to questions and fitness suggestions. Luca is a very easy to work with trainer with so much knowledge and experience. So the equipment is not brand new but this gym does a really great job maintaining the equipment keeping things clean and has a welcoming atmosphere. I am a female and know all too well how intimidating a gym can be. The stigma does not exist here! You can come in and get a free fitness evaluation that will give you a baseline and a fitness routine to follow so it’s not a guessing game. Ask a trainer how to use the equipment and no one will laugh they are happy to help always. Locker rooms are large and include showers and a dry sauna and steam room. I am so happy I found this gym and absolutely love the staff. You won’t be disappointed!

another management change. New general manager and now the fitness manager has resigned. This could be a good gym but the corporate level management is sucky. Never gets new equipment. Revolving management causes lose of business memory. equipment is run down.
On the plus side it is only 19.95/mo. and the people are very friendly (if transient)

When I started my membership in September of 2014, the managers were very present and friendly. They were often seen on the floor and could be heard greeting customers. There were a few changes towards the end year but overall, customer service remained satisfactory.
Beginning in 2015, management changed and small policy changes such as towel service were abruptly revoked. Then, when my job was relocated and I needed to cancel my membership, there were surprise cancellation fees that I had explicitly asked about upon sign up. When I asked to speak with a manager, the membership coordinator, Jerry, left me on hold for 15 minutes and then hung up on me. When I called back, his response was unapologetic. He promised that the regional manager, Kristiana, would call me back the next day.
The next day, I didn’t hear from management as promised. When I followed up, I was told she was in another meeting. A week goes by, still nothing. I did receive a call from a wsc phone number while I was at work. However it was not from the regional manager as promised.
I ended up going into the gym two weeks later and received more kindness and assistance from the girl at the front desk (who actually worked at the south Bethesda location) than I had from any kind of management. A few days later I was able to actually catch the regional manager in person. She proceeded to refuse to take ownership of any of the aforementioned situations. In fact she said that she was unable to deal with my case individually because she was so busy with other things. «That’s why I have a team». After explaining the whole experience, it was still unclear whether she fully comprehended the ineffectiveness of the team or the terrible customer I received up to this point. She did not make any attempt to understand or remedy the situation. I would not recommend this location to anyone.

I’ve been working out here for a while. It’s smaller than the other WSC facilities but that’s part of why I like it. It can get crowded sometimes and because it’s a small gym there are a limited number of machines (only one squat rack, for example) but the staff are very nice and the place is an easy and friendly place to work out. You can’t beat the location… great for getting in a work out when you’re also running errands.
The only reason why this WSC doesn’t get the highest rating is because they have trouble getting equipment. The 17.5 and 22.5 dumbbells went missing a month ago and they haven’t been replaced! There is only ONE close hand grip (and its strange one) in the whole gym, the cable pulls are frayed and the fat analyzer hasn’t been replaced… I know the staff is aware of these issues and they are trying their best so I wonder if this isn’t a problem with the regional or corporate office. So, go if you’re looking for a friendly place to work out but know that you will sometimes have to make due.

This gym may not have all the bells and whistles, but if you’re looking for a clean, friendly, laid-​back atmosphere with a good variety of equipment to use, I recommend this location. I wasn’t looking for the trendy place to workout and socialize — I just wanted something simple and easy (location is a plus too). I’ve been a member for 9 months now and have been very happy with my experience there.
At age 46 and having had 3 kids, my goal in joining the gym was to lose weight and get stronger, with the focus of getting healthier overall. I knew I couldn’t do it alone and went in knowing I’d need a personal trainer. When I had my orientation session, I was introduced to Alex, one of the trainers there. He listened to my goals and came up with a plan for me to follow. I know how important it is to feel comfortable and trust your trainer though, so I went into it with an open mind, hoping he’d work out for me. Fortunately, Alex has been nothing short of amazing. He has been a key factor to my success so far. He has an upbeat, positive personality and will really push you to do your best, which is exactly what I want in a trainer. While my workouts with him aren’t easy, by any stretch, he always seems to make them fun. He’s very knowledgeable and always varies my workouts, so I feel like I’m really targeting my whole body, not just focusing on the same thing each time. He listens when I tell him something doesn’t feel right, or when I have an injury, works around it and tailors my workout accordingly. Overall, I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Alex — definitely one of the top trainers around! While I can’t comment specifically about the other trainers there, from what I’ve noticed, they’re all highly dedicated to their clients.
I do a weekly yoga class with Libby, who is the nicest, most easy-​going person around — not to mention a fantastic teacher. She is so positive and upbeat, and has a way of bringing a sense of calm to the room, while giving you a great workout at the same time. I am not alone in loving her class (she has many regulars) and I look forward to it each week!
Occasionally, I bring my 4 year old son with me and leave him in the child care room with a staff member. I have mixed feelings about this. While he’s not a baby who needs constant attention, he does want someone to take an interest in him being there (as do I). Sometimes I feel like he’s just left there to do what he wants and is basically on his own. I know he’s safe, but I wish there would be a little more interaction on the staff’s part. If I don’t bring my iPad for my son to use, I’m not sure what he’d do — the room is very small and definitely more catered to young children and babies. I wouldn’t be psyched if I had to leave my son there every day, but from time to time, it’s okay.

I haven’t been thrilled with my experience so far at this location. The gym facilities are adequate and it’s easier to get a machine than it is at busier locations, plus parking is never a problem. However, there isn’t much space for free weights and stretching, and what space is available can be reserved for UXF classes playing loud music that you can’t escape or others having personal training sessions.
My biggest concern is a billing dispute. I did 6 weeks of UXF and declined to re-​enroll for the next 6 week UXF session. I was still billed for the session. I called this gym twice and left a note with a copy of the bank statement for the manager asking for her to call me for resolution. I never heard back. I called corporate and was told to email my bank statement, but my emails all bounced back from the email address printed on their form. After repeated attempts, I’ve flagged this to my credit card company as an unauthorized charge for them to address. I find it very unprofessional that the manager never returned any of my repeated calls or stops by the front desk – to the extent that the front desk staff even recognized me when I would bring up the issue again and they would say that they had done all they could to bring this to the manager’s attention.
One upside, I’ve really enjoyed my training sessions with Tornia and would highly recommend her as an experienced trainer that is not intimidating. But that is balanced against taking the worst yoga class at this gym that I have ever taken. I guess it was supposed to be a beginner’s class, but it wasn’t advertised as such. It wasn’t yoga by any means, so much as it was some stretching and loud instructions about how to do yoga poses. I recognize a difference between yoga offered a gym and yoga through a studio, but give me a break.

I’m giving this gym two stars on it’s cleanliness and organization. Otherwise, it serves its purpose as a gym.
I’ve been coming to this gym regularly since Sep and I’ve noticed that in comparison to the other WSC, it appears to have only one female housekeeping staff. At this time she is (I assume) on maternity leave; nevertheless, that does not mean they get a pass on cleaning the female locker room. For the past 2 – 3 weeks the showers, floors, sinks, mirrors or anything has NOT BEEN CLEANED (although I did noticed today certain areas were wiped for the dirt wasn’t as apparent). Last week, I saw A LRG BLACK BEATLE OR ROACH in the sink… a sink (like the rest of them) which til this day still has grey/​brown soap scum throughout the entire bowl. What’s more, this is not the first time the locker rooms have been this way. This lack of upkeep occurs everything the housekeeper is off/​take leave or whatever. The gym is suppose to be a place where you improve your health not one in which you play roulette with your health– what bacteria or disease will I get to bring home today???
Now I have a passport membership (WHICH IS FAR FROM CHEAP esp when compared to the going rates of gyms these days) but this gym location is the closest to my job. I have no problem paying damn near a $ 100 a month but as of lately i’m not seeing the value and honestly considering cancelling my membership which expires at the end of the month.
WSC this is totally unacceptable… I’ve always spoke highly of this gym when my friends though I was crazy for paying what I do but if your standards are decreasing to that of the $ 10-​$ 20 gyms then I might as well go to them… the difference is no longer visible.

My fiancé and I joined this gym a few months ago. For me it was a rejoining of sorts as I used to belong to this location in high school and college (approximately 2004 – 2009). Not much has changed since then, the positives are that it has everything you need, isn’t terribly crowded. Positives are now that price has dropped to $ 19.95 which is great. I can’t understand why gyms cost an arm and a leg, so that is great. We are doing personal training with Tornia together to get in shape for our wedding. We both enjoy our workouts with her and after a few months things are great, so hopefully we continue to make improvements. Other trainers seem great as well.
Cons: When it is hot outside it seems really warm in the gym. Upstairs especially is too hot, PLEASE FIX THE A/​C. The equipment is starting to get a bit tired, it doesn’t look like much has changed since even 2009. The TVs on cardio equipment have about ~20 channels, they used to have more. Also some of them the connection is poor.

Very small gym, equipment is a bit old and crowded. But it has everything I need today. Convenient parking near Giant. The trainers are awesome. I love Tornia. Her workouts are challenging. Her writing is clear so I can practice them on my own too. She has wonderful energy, great laugh, and she is always helping me to get further than I imagine.

I have belonged to this WSC gym at this location for years due to its convenience. The management has recently changed and in my opinion they are doing an excellent job to improve the services. Fees for membership have declined which is nice as well. The fitness manager has provided positive suggestions to improve my work-​out. The spinning classes are varied and fun. I am very pleased that I stuck it out through the prior era. I would urge anyone interested in a gym membership in a convenient location with free, ample parking to give it a chance.

$ 29.95 a month? Not!
I signed my son up for this gym because they were running a promotion for $ 29.95/mo no money down. That month cost me $ 100 because despite the many questions I asked at the sign up, and the many reassurances I got that there truly was no money down and no cancellation fee, both of those things were both charged to my credit card. When I called to complain, the manager recommended I reread the fine print on my contract. She would not issue me a refund and the best I got was an additional month «at no extra fee.» Thanks for that but I’ve already paid 3 times what I had intended. DO NOT JOIN THIS GYM.

As many other reviews state, this gym is a total scam, and the manager is completely incompetent. My mother became very ill in November. We called to cancel the membership and immediately dropped off a doctor’s letter stating that she would not be able to exercise again. Though we were assured that the membership was canceled, her card has been charged every month since. We have now spoken to the manager at least 4 times, who always says she will resolve it, yet every month, they charge her again. They also stated that they would refund her personal training fee for November, yet of course, have not done that either.
My mother is now in hospice, and this is just the last thing we want to be dealing with. This is a despicable company.

WSC’s marketing materials state: «Better gym. Better price.» — compared to what?
As longstanding member here & in NYC, felt compelled to quit for many reasons noted below including my safety:
–MALE STAFF CAME INTO WOMEN’S LOCKER ROOM & I saw him as I got out of the shower. It took over 2 weeks to get actual apology from him
–ASSAULTED BY A GUEST in locker room while trying to defend the club since it looked like woman was going to steal towels. The guest & another guest she was with left prior to policing arriving. Seemed like guest forms filled out by guests & supposedly verified by Membership Staff were somewhat incomplete and staff could not identify one guest form from the other so couldn’t identify a potential suspect. Neither club staff nor local, regional and/​or corporate management seemed to be too concerned & at time of incident staff on site didn’t seem to inquire as to what happened nor seem to take information from me to complete any type of incident report, nor did any staff/​management call me or email me within a few days of the incident either. I emailed corporate senior management & spoke to an investor who didn’t seem to want to get involved.
–Seemed to TAKE AT LEAST 10 MONTHS OR LONGER TO CLEAN A VISIBLY FILTHY AC/​HEAT VENT
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT:
–You and/​or your family’s/children’s safety (babysitting services, appropriate background checks conducted for hiring staff, a pool, swim lessons, allows high school students to work out)
–Cleanliness
–Well managed club including policies & procedures for addressing issues & concerns; if a manager is on duty at all times, &/​or how quickly they deal with staff who do not seem to comply with policies/​procedures that may affect YOU
–Expecting equipment, audio & other amenities provided to be in working order
–A club being concerned about YOU. Decide yourself after checking out investor related web pages on corporate website which as of today seems to be
. Check out December 31, 2014 release related to stockholder rights plan and read what seems to be the 4^th paragraph. Decide yourself if seems that the company may be more concerned about making money and seems concerned about growth, guest traffic and number of members. Again, marketing materials state «Better gym.» and I was assaulted by a guest.
–A club’s online reviews, ratings and accreditation, for example by a better business bureau
There are many options of health clubs in the area. I hope that you choose a club that will contribute to your health, well-​being & cares about YOU! Good luck!

I have been a member at this gym for about a year and a half. Its super close to my house, which is why I stay. But it’s over priced considering classes are very limited and personal training sessions cost an obscene amount. The gym can smell kind of funky and the televisions attached to the machines are often broken. There’s also pretty much always one type of each machine that is non functional in some way. That being said, it’s rarely crowded and quiet during the day so you can get a good workout in without being bothered.

This review is for the purposes of bad customer service when it comes down to corporate experience and yearly fees. I canceled my membership in 2014 and only have 10 days left in 2015 until my membership expires. However, WSC still charged me 2015 yearly equipment maintenance fee even though I will not be a member in 2015. I spoke to a manager and she asked when I canceled and I said in 2014. She said well charged yearly fee in January 2015. So how does it make sense to pay 2015 yearly fee if my membership expires on January 10.

As we approach to the new year, I’m counting my blessings. Well, I must share that I had to come here and rate WSC when seeing the exciting things that are happening in this gym. Unaware in regards of previous comments, my visit was exceptional to this WSC location. There is a whole new management, which also includes new trainers from what I noticed.
I’ve visited this gym several times during the past 3 years and indeed everything have changed during the past 6 months. During my last visit, I was welcomed by a cheerful front desk gentleman which directed me to the Fitness Manager. He did my fitness orientation. He was very professional and did a great job on taking initiative to help me prioritize the goals I’m looking forward to accomplish.
Mr. Jackson then introduced me to Dimitri. He was one of the Personal trainers available in the floor at the moment. His particular accent made the experience even more joyful. He is very knowledgeable and his positive attitude motivated me throughout the entire session. Throughout the entire workout, I felt that it was not only about the training, it was the treatment I had received rather than a client but as human being. His professionalism and dedication from making sure the steps taken were proper on each stage of the workout were magnificent.
It is great to know that the gym is heading towards a great successful and new beginning and I’m thankful for that. It is reassuring knowing that people like Mr. Jackson and Dimitri are making a difference in the Washington Sports Club Bethesda location, keeping up the great work.
Now, go and pay a visit yourself!.. You can thank me later!

Do not join this gym. They steal your money!!! I had surgery and paused my gym membership for several months. They charged me and refuse to return my money. The manager is incompetent and told me she would resolve the problem. It has been over 6 months and nothing has been resolved!

I have been a member of the gym for almost 5 years. I cancelled my membership on September and since then they have been making insane charges to my account. More than $ 300.00 have been charged in the last 15 days. Whenever I call the gym they put me on hold for more than 30 min. My bank is going to deal this issue, but if you are planning on becoming a member, I recommend you to never allow them access to your credit card number, because their Finance department is a mess.

The gym has improved over the years and is one of the last places that isn’t overcrowded or overpriced. They’ve recently introduced a cheaper membership option as well which is nice. The staff is a bit sales oriented but nice.

I like this gym as it’s small and has a neighborhood-​y feel. The people at the desk are always friendly and whenever I go, machines are available, although there always seem to be a treadmill/​elliptical that’s broken. I had a a billing issue with a personal training membership, however it was it was quickly resolved by the WSC business director.