Urban Athletic Club — Local services in Washington

I just joined the Urban Athletics Club and I am very happy I did! I’d give it 6 stars if I could!

It’s a gem among gyms in DC, especially for those looking for encouragement, camaraderie, focus on health improvement, and teamwork.

TBH, I was initially reticent to join since I’ve only worked out with home workouts, regular gyms, or apartment building gyms.

I was reticent because I thought UAC was only a “CrossFit type” gym and thought it could be overly intense and cliquish.

I was utterly and happily wrong.

I say this because I’m not doing CrossFit, at least right now, but rather I’m following my own workout program to get into a modicum of shape. CrossFit maybe later. Lol.

To that end, UAC has an excellent “Open Gym” option, which is very reasonably priced.

With “Open Gym,” I can go there from dawn to late night to workout, subject to minimal periods when CrossFit classes are held - and even then - the chill vibe and friendly team there usually will let you do your own workout at the same time. It’s motivating to see the focus on fitness in everyone there.

The owner, Graham, goes out of his way to make people, esp newcomers, feel welcome. He is very passionate about health improvement and fitness.

The folks at UAC are very friendly and encouraging. We even had a holiday party at the gym this past weekend, where I thoroughly enjoyed talking to many of the other folks - without being out breath with ear buds in. Lol.

I learned that the folks here have very interesting backgrounds outside the gym. This additional benefit is really important bc you’d hope to maybe meet new friends in DC, and this is a great place to do it, esp if you’re new to the DC area.

I hope you consider UAC. I’m glad I got over my initial reticence bc it opened me up to a whole new community of...

Caveat: I had an intro session and decided not to pursue. The gym is clean, well lit, on-premise showers, and provides covered outdoor workouts (with heaters in the winter) so you can work out maskless.

However, this franchise is extremely expensive. To join you’re looking at a price of $520-1360, depending on workout frequency and experience. They are partnered with a next door Goop-like health testing facility, and a body scan is priced into every signup package. After that, $160/month for 2 classes/week ($280 for unlimited) with no additional amenities; no open gym time, no mobility classes. I didn’t receive any information about the coaches’ qualifications during the intro that would help justify the price. For comparison, the unlimited package at the local high end gym, which includes groupX, pool, HIIT, and...

Amazing experience at this facility!! I was with the gym for well over a year before relocating for work.

Top 3 Glows #1 - Flexible, responsive owner and staff that will work with you for the optimal setup. This was holistic with so many quality of life considerations that larger chains just don't address. Owner is constantly enhancing and experimenting with the gear/set-up/experience to get the most for members.

#2 - Location! Nestled in a great neighborhood and near most major lines, it was always super easy to swing by with my unpredictable schedule

#3 - 24/7 Access was huge. Quality showers, storage, and strength training is something I don't want to rush. I could stash a weeks worth of workout gear so that the only limit to my progress were my own. No more rushing to finish before 9...