Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, there’s always a reason to branch out and try a new workout. While it’s nice to think walking around the city is exercise enough, sometimes your body craves more. Lucky for you, DC has a number of high-quality fitness centers featuring luxe amenities, guided classes, personal trainers, and unique routines. Check out our curated picks for the 11 best gyms to join in Washington, DC.
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100 17th Street NW, Suite B-12 / Website
This tucked-away fitness center has it all for those looking to totally transform their physique and nutrition. With on-site nutrition coaching, consistent group training hours, and all the classic gym equipment, it’s easy to get fit with as much or as little guidance as you want. Members have the option to have an InBody Body Composition analysis done, as well as compression boots, cold plunge ice baths, and the infrared sauna, perfect for getting the most out of your workout and recovering effectively.
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1345 19th Street NW / Website
Head to Dupont Circle to experience one of Barry’s signature HIIT workouts and burn up to 1,000 calories in just an hour. Guests enter the Red Room to partake in a series of high-intensity exercises in short intervals while vibing out with the energetic trainers, red lights, and stellar playlist that accompany a classic Barry’s workout. Choose from classes led on treadmills, bikes or simply the floor. Each day the HIIT routine is altered to focus on targeted muscle groups, so check their website to plan out your week’s classes. The gym has an on-site protein shake bar, as well as fully-stocked showers and a sleek locker room.
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1105 Delaware Avenue NE / Website
Struck by the cycling craze? Head to NoMa to experience music and light-enhanced group spin classes, led by energetic trainers. There are a handful of classes each day at varying levels. On the schedule, find fun, themed classes like hip hop, Mac Miller vs. Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J vs. Lil Wayne, among others. It’s a popular spot and classes fill up quickly.
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2428 14th Street NW / Website
Elevate’s signature HIIT class mixes mobility, strength and endurance to create a balanced workout that blends intervals, circuits, and more. The 50-minute class is a challenging, fast-paced and efficient workout. Each coach spends at least four months in Elevate’s coaching candidate program before hitting the floor, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands.
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Multiple Locations / Website
This Internet-loved members-only club has four locations around the DMV, each with its own perks. Enjoy a boxing studio, juice press and luxe locker room, among other amenities, at Equinox’s two DC locations. Or, pamper yourself at the Bethesda and Tysons locations with the help of luxe indoor pools and eucalyptus steam rooms. In addition to classic gym equipment, the club offers a selection of about 100 classes per week. Not near your home studio? No worries. Download the Equinox app for live-streamed and on-demand classes from certified instructors.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Madabolic’s workouts are divided into three sections: momentum, anaerobic and durability. The strength-driven interval program is straightforward yet ever-changing, and trainers pay special attention to correcting your form to minimize injuries and optimize your workout. With three locations within the city, there’s always an opportunity to sweat it out.
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Multiple Locations / Website
This woman-owned gym aims to create a supportive environment for boxers of all levels. Its newer U Street location even features a full-sized boxing ring and a Fit3D Body Scanner to analyze posture and body composition. The sleek studios offer small group classes with a special focus on technique.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Can’t stand working out alone? Reformation Fitness is known throughout the city for its small group fitness classes. Members receive the personal attention of a trainer while having the fun of a fitness class with friends. Experience challenging classes like reformer pilates, barbell strength training, HIIT and metabolic conditioning.
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4040 Fairfax Drive, Arlington / Website
Work out your entire body with this unique fitness program combining spinning, strength training and yoga. Workouts are set to DJ-inspired tunes and infused with subtle aromatherapy and aim to improve your cardio, strength and flexibility during each hour-long session. In addition, the SPENGA community is very supportive and the center’s Instagram is always shouting out its top-performing members, perfect for those who need an extra boost to get their workout in.
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88 K Street SE / Website
Check out this popular Navy Yard fitness center to try out a variety of trainer-led group fitness classes. With over 60 classes offered per week, check out calorie torchers like boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, yoga, strength and conditioning, and muay Thai, among others. All of the gym’s classes are available to all members, making it easy to schedule a session without fear of going over your monthly limit. Or, opt for a personal trainer for targeted, personalized fitness guidance.
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Multiple Locations / Website
While you can find Vida all over the city, the 60,000 square foot U Street location features a smoothie bar, indoor endless pools, 100 cardio machines, and a hotel-style penthouse pool. The company's nutritionists can help you match your diet to your workouts to expedite your desired results, too. To help guests stay consistent with their fitness goals, Vida also offers virtual classes both live and on demand.
Looking for more luxe stops in the city? Check out our Guide To The Ultimate Weekend Getaway In Scottsdale.
Photography by: Sule Makaroglu / Unsplash
