YMCA National Capital

Closed on December 31, 2015.
After 30 plus years at this location the YMCA has closed this location. It’s a shame as this may have been the biggest indoor pool in Washington DC.

This isn’t a review but I’ve followed up a couple times regarding the status of my training fee refund with no response from the Y. I joined the gym only a couple weeks before it was announced you were closing. If I had known, I wouldn’t have joined and I definitely wouldn’t have signed up and paid for the training sessions. When I closed my membership I was told I’d receive a training refund – this was over a couple months ago.
I’ve emailed twice asking for the refund status and no response. Please respond to one of my emails and let me know the status. My emails contain my name/​contact information.
Thank you.

I am glad this dump is closing. They did it to themselves by tolerating homeless folks with mental issues who defecated in towels that members use on their face. Providing a place to shower is one thing but tolerating unsafe behavior is another. Who wants kids around unmonitored rogues. I reported once such incident and the person was re admitted a week later so I quit for good and have repeated that story ever since. I felt for the man who cleaned the towels. The health department should have stepped in a long time ago. They used to have 11,000 members but it’s less than 3,000 now. People don’t need to tolerate the rust or the smells. Other clubs were just plain cleaner. I hope the Y organization learns from this.
Perhaps they will build a nicer luxury facility and rethink the cheap rusty metal lockers and address the air circulation and health safety issues. My heart goes out to some of the longer term staff who suffered under awful leadership.

I am greatly saddened by the impending closure of the National Capital Y on Dec 31, 2015. The staff and place are great. I’m sorry there was no public process around the closing and redevelopment into condos. Only place in this area of NW with a serious lap swimming pool, a
great resource and much used by the regulars, triathletes and kids doing summer camp.

Sad to hear that they are selling the place. The Olympic-​size pool and the racquetball courts alone were a reason to go and the fact that everything was spread out over several floors was nice. Where else are you going to get all that plus a running track and a basketball court all in one place? I enjoy the pool, the spin classes, the 2^nd floor lounge with coffee and tv and machines. I guess cashing in on the red-​hot real estate market was too tempting. That’s too bad.

I belong to this Y mostly because of its racquetball courts. It has a cadre of players of varying skill levels, ages, and fitness levels who show up for pick-​up games after work and on weekends. It’s an inclusive, welcoming environment and I always get a good workout.
I have no complaints about the Y – staff are courteous and the facility does offer other amenities (a pool, cardio equipment, etc.) — but the main reason I go is for the racquetball.

The facility is well-​maintained, but the customer service is non-​existent. I filled out the required paperwork to cancel my membership back in June and continue to be charged. I’ve left numerous messages since to get my membership cancelled and my money back. Disappointingly, it appears ethical business practice is not a top priority for the YMCA National Capital.

This is a huge Y with a lot of variety and options, most of which I haven’t tried out. The group fitness classes here are excellent. However, unlike other Ys in the DC area that have an excellent supply of high quality weights in the group fitness studios, this Y has a measly supply of really beat-​up looking weights that scratch the hands and are often mismatched. Also, the rooms are hotter than other Ys (I regularly go to Bethesda and Alexandria). On the other hand, they offer some fun classes that other Ys in the area don’t, like hip-​hop dance.

If you get a business discount it’s a pretty great deal. I’ve been a member for about 6 months now and have a joint membership with my roommate. I like this Y because it’s got a lot going on but is old and so low key. Places like Vida are a little too uppity for me so this is a nice fit. There’s a pool, squash/​racquetball courts, a small climbing gym, indoor track and the regular machines and classes. I just wish the gear that you can borrow for racquetball was in better shape, but hey it works. Plus there’s a capital bikeshare dock right outside.

I just joined the Y in January during there $ 0 enrollment period, and so far I like it. The building itself is old and could probably use an update, but all the equipment and studios seem up to par with other gyms I’ve checked out. For me the selling point was the variety of classes and ability the AWAY program to use my membership at other Y locations around the country, which is really useful when I go to visit my parents. I’ve taken Pilates and Tabata so far, and there are a couple more that I’m eager to take once my schedule lightens up.

I’ve been going to the Y at National Capital for 2+ years, and it fits my needs perfectly.
— friendly, gym members and staff that reflect the diversity of DC
— interesting, –cheap– classes (boxing, body-​pump, Pilates, yoga, various martial arts, generally free)
— treadmills, and an indoor track
— reasonable price ($ 70-​$ 80 month to month)
I particularly enjoy the classes. In general the instructors are patient, welcoming of new students, and knowledgeable about their particular specialty. I found some classes too intense for my taste (krav maga, y-​fit), although if you’re interested in cross-​fit like levels of suffering they may work for you.
Note: if you’re looking for a state-​of-​the-​art, sparkling building, with luxurious bathrooms and spa-​like pampering, this is definitely not the gym for you. If you’re interested in a solid workout in a great location, this is it.

I’ve been a member for almost two months. This gym doesn’t have all the frills nor does it have fancy towels or spa rooms, but it does have everything I need for my workouts. With a full court, a rock wall, and plenty of floors with other activities, I find that I always have something to do. It isn’t a gym full of fancy equipment, but it certainly has enough for everyone. The staff are helpful and bathrooms are clean.

Definitely disappointed I’ve been coming here for 6 months but when I referred a few friends to join the fleece jacket and rates promised were not upheld. I know it’s small stuff but they definitely treat you better at Vida. 0 down is 0 down and of I’m supposed to receive a gift for referring friends I should.

I have been a member for two-​years and am currently on the hunt for a new gym so I thought I’d review the Y so that other folks, primarily interested in weightlifting would get the picture here as most of the reviews seem concerned with classes.
I do think this is a typical Y. The gym itself is over seven floors and there are loads of treadmills and cardio machines that seem to be available every time I walk by. Additionally, there is a lap pool which seems pretty busy, a rock climbing wall I have never looked at but know is there, and a full court bball setup that is either open or has pickup running frequently. It is not the most cleanly of places, but I’ve seen worse and I did shower there frequently when I lifted in the mornings.
The weight room is quite small, to the point where there really cannot be 4+ folks in there without feeling cramped. There is only one squat rack which usually has a line and there isn’t much floor space for deadlifting, although the flooring is rubber and they do not frown upon DL’ing like other gyms do. Ideally the room would be double the size it is now and contain at least two squat racks and maybe a power rack with more floor space. There also seems to be an issue with folks coming in to use the equipment then not re-​racking their weights, but that isn’t anything exclusive to this particular Y I don’t think.
The weight room itself consists of:
— two bench press stations
— an incline
— an decline
— smith machine
— plate loaded leg press
— plate loaded hammer strength bench press
— one squat rack
— two pinloaded stacks with pull-​up bars
— one assisted pull up/​dip station
— one standing calf raise pin loaded
— dip station
(In front of dumbbells)
— large dumbbell rack up to 100s
— one adjustable bench
— one upright bench
— two flat benches
Lastly is the price + billing at the Y. For me, ultimately I decided to move on because I was paying $ 73 a month and the Y would sporadically hit me with a $ 113 bill. I’m sure this was an annual surcharge or something but it was pretty surprising to see. Considering other gyms in the area charge similarly and are more spacious and better equipped the Y could stand to lower its price. One caveat is, if you are looking for cardio machines or a pool close to your office this might do the job for you.

Great value low key gym. If you want a gym that has great cardio machines (most with their own TVs), a variety of strength training options, group exercise classes and fantastic personal trainers the Y is perfect for you. One of the best things about the Y is that they offer locker and laundry services. I haven’t had to carry a gym bag in years, my shoes, shower stuff and clean workout clothes are waiting for me when I arrive. The Y also has a great pool and if you are interested in signing up for a triathlon the Y hosts the Ytri Triathlon club, which is a great training group that keeps me motivated with group workouts. I highly recommend the Y not only because it’s a great place to workout but because I feel like I’m supporting the community by being a member.

Great location

I’ve been a member here for the summer while I was in town. The front desk staff is always friendly, courteous and helpful.
Great locker rooms, lots of fresh towels. Great saunas. I swam here several days a week. Does get crowded sometimes but that’s to be expected.

This is your typical YMCA. It is a communal place where kids and families can come together to grow, learn and be physically active and develop leadership skills and social responsibility. There are summer camps, classes, sports and recreation leagues and other social services available here. HOWEVER, this is a review of their gym facility, not of the actual organization or the programs they put on.
The building itself is an odd layout. The men’s locker room, weight room, running track, pool and cardio machines are all located on separate floors. The best way I can describe the weight room is by comparing it to an old high school weight room. It’s very sparse but has your basic benches and racks. The plates are old, rusty and a mismatched of different brands and shapes.
They do have personal trainers here and from what I could tell, seem to be good guys that know their stuff. Any trainer that makes his client do squats is good by me. They do offer bath towel service (located in locker room) and water fountains are located throughout the facility. The membership is $ 70/​month and in my personal opinion, not worth it. However, I’m from So Cal where we are spoiled by fancy gyms on every corner. That being said, your dollars do go to support a great organization and not some corporate conglomerate.
They do offer a free 3 day pass for newbies. So check them out for yourself. You can find the free pass on their website.

I cannot say enough good things about the Y. Seriously, sometimes people will jokingly ask if I’m secretly working for them because I really do love it that much and have nothing but good things to say.
I was a member for about a year and then quit, only because for about half the price, I was able to get a discounted rate at Gold’s gym. People, you get what you pay for. I did not like Gold’s and only lasted there a few months before I became a Y member again and have been for the past two years now.
There’s racquetball courts, a rock climbing wall, indoor swimming pool, SO many great (free!) classes, rooms after rooms of work out equipment and an indoor track spread across 7 floors which make it great. Not to mention I for one love the ladies changing rooms — they’re very homey and have saunas and massage chairs. Also, some work out space in case you feel like a little more private, less crowded workout. There’s also a towel service, and what I really appreciate — not having to lug around a lock. Your card gets you a locker.
Also, the other gym members are great. People from all walks of life and fitness levels enjoying this community — because honestly, it is more than a gym. The staff is great, too. I did this Shakeology 10 Day Jump Start and the Wellness Director, Deanna, not only checked in on me daily but was genuinely interested in helping me reach my fitness goals.
Some people have complained about the cleanliness, honestly, I have never had a «ew, gross» moment there. Ever. Another complaint was outdated machines. I think everything’s in pretty great shape and every year they shut down for a week (but you can go to any other DC-​area Y) and do upgrades/​thorough cleaning.
Lastly, they literally have a book of discounts. Seriously. The price may seem a bit steep but if you have Blue Cross, Blue Shield, a military ID, or a WABA membership, you are entitled to a discount. And those are just the ones I know about this. If you’re worried about the price, they will work with you.
In summary, the Y rocks!

I was a member here for two months recently, but I decided to leave.
The Good:
–the place is huge so lots to do
–large pool
–rock-​wall
–they have laundry service if you pay an annual overnight-​locker fee (about $ 100)
–most classes included
–very child friendly, some sort of babysitting service is there. I don’t have kids so I don’ t know details
The Bad:
–dirty! showers are gross and check out the spinning bikes. about half an inch deep in dust — everything is just poorly maintained
–staff is not dependable, I had trainers not show up for appointments and instructors not showing up for classes and nobody on the staff was willing to help
–towel service is nice until you notice most of the towels are either stained or just still dirty… gross (also they are too small to cover anything)
–toilets mostly broken