VIDA - Yards — Local services in Washington

After spending time as a member at Vida Fitness, I’ve found that while the gym offers a variety of amenities, its failure to enforce basic rules seriously detracts from the overall experience. The most glaring issue is the rampant disregard for the gym’s rules, particularly regarding cell phone use, and the management’s complete lack of enforcement. Signs are posted to discourage cell phone use in spaces like the cardio area and sauna, but they are small, easy to miss, and widely ignored by members. This creates a disruptive environment, whether you’re trying to focus on a workout or relax in the sauna. Despite multiple complaints to the front desk, the staff and management have consistently failed to take action, leaving members feeling unheard and frustrated.

This lack of rule enforcement sets the tone for a facility that often feels poorly managed. For example, the steam room is frequently out of order, sometimes for extended periods of time, without updates or clear communication about when it will be fixed. When it is operational, the steam room and sauna are not consistently cleaned as promised, despite signs claiming daily cleanings at 10 a.m. These spaces often feel neglected, which is disappointing for a gym that positions itself as a premium fitness center.

The rule-breaking isn’t limited to cell phone use. In group classes, the music is played at an ear-splitting volume, creating an unhealthy environment that forces some participants to wear earplugs. The lack of sound insulation in the cardio area means this noise spills over, disrupting workouts for members not participating in the class.

Adding to these frustrations is the inconsistency in basic amenities. Towels provided to members are often torn or frayed, and small workout towels are occasionally unavailable, which can be a hassle during busy hours. These small but frequent inconveniences make it hard to see the value in the high membership fees.

Ultimately, Vida Fitness fails to live up to its premium price tag because of its poorly enforced rules, inattentive management, and ongoing facility issues. While it has the potential to be a standout gym, these recurring problems create an environment that feels more chaotic than professional. Until management takes member concerns seriously and enforces its rules, it’s difficult to recommend Vida Fitness to anyone looking for a truly premium gym experience.

Response Thank you for your response, but I find it amusing how you’ve managed to twist the core issue of rule enforcement into a personal attack on my character. Your attempt to frame me as the problem here is both unprofessional and, frankly, absurd. If your staff were truly "trained to address such issues directly," I wouldn't have had to bring the matter up repeatedly, let alone witness the ongoing chaos caused by the blatant disregard of your own rules. The fact that cell phone use and other disruptive behaviors are rampant proves that your policies are little more than window dressing.

VIDA’s response here only reinforces my original point: you have rules you don’t enforce, staff who don’t take complaints seriously, and management more interested in deflecting blame than addressing legitimate concerns. Your “positive atmosphere” is nothing more than a façade, and your handling of this situation proves it. I appreciate the follow-up you’ve offered, but I’ll save us both the time: until you take accountability and enforce the rules, your response is as meaningless as those tiny, ignored “No Cell Phone” signs...

I was a Vida member at various locations for 3 years. I never had an issue with the facilities (aside from City Vista), any of the staff or personal trainers... until I tried to cancel my membership.

I'm the type of person that takes the time to read contracts I sign, especially when I know how often people have trouble cancelling gym memberships. I was a month to month member, and I fully understand that I needed to provide 30 days written notice to cancel.

My April dues were billed on 4/4. I called to find out how to cancel my membership and was told I needed to send back a completed cancellation form, and that they are lenient within a day or two of the 30 days notice. I filled out the form and sent it back on 4/5 - the general manager, Dan Andrews, acknowledged receipt of my information and told me Jaramis would handle everything from here.

I never heard anything from him... but on 5/5 I saw a charge for May dues. I called VIDA to speak to someone and I was told the membership advisor was out because of an emergency and the manager was out on vacation. Assuming I was getting the run around, I contacted my credit card company and disputed the charge. I then sent Jaramis a follow up email letting him know what happened and that AmEx would be handling everything going forward. He responded on 5/6 apologizing for dropping the ball and said he's closed my account.

A few days later, AmEx got back to me and told me the dispute was resolved in Vidas favor. They were citing that I cancelled my membership on 5/5... which fell short of the required noticed. I submitted all correspondence between Vida and myself to AmEx for further investigation including my original cancellation dated 4/5. AmEx responds to me telling me that VIDA is citing my cancellation date as 5/5. We ended up having to settle the issue as a fraud charge because Vida was submitting false documentation which resulted in me getting a new credit card number and having to update all billing with other companies... After the second issue, I contacted the general manager Dan Andrews, asking for a response from him as Jaramis clearly wasn't helpful... I have not heard back from Mr Andrews.

Again, I never had an issue with VIDA in 3 years... except for when I tried to cancel... just make sure you save all correspondence with them... and I'd advise having your monthly dues taken from a credit card... that provides a little bit more protection than having it withdrawn from your...

Heartless Corporate Greed - Yes, I'm Still Salty.

I am utterly disappointed and appalled by my experience with Vida Fitness. A week after signing up and spending hundreds of dollars, my work situation changed drastically. My boss assigned me a new account that required extensive travel, making it impossible for me to use the gym. I reached out to Vida Fitness to explain my situation, hoping for a bit of understanding and humanity.

To my dismay, Vida Fitness refused to cancel my membership. Despite never stepping foot in the gym, they ruthlessly sent my account to collections. I could almost understand if I had used the facilities, but this was clearly an extenuating circumstance, explained to them only a week after joining.

Vida Fitness proved to be nothing more than a typical corporate box with no heart or pulse. Instead of showing compassion, they chose to prioritize their bottom line over genuine customer service. Now, I am being hounded by bill collectors for a couple thousand dollars for a membership I never utilized.

This experience is a quintessential case of American greed, where profits come before people. I would caution anyone considering Vida Fitness to think twice about joining a place that lacks basic decency and compassion. Choose a gym that values its members as humans, not just as sources of revenue.

TLDR: Vida Fitness is greedy and petty.

ETA; I was not offered a 15 day window to cancel my membership and have the text messages to prove this.

When I immediately contacted the office, my calls were rerouted to some enforcer in HQ who told me their hands were tied. I asked to cancel the same week I signed up I was told no, and that the best I could do was downgrade to virtual.

I hate gym drama. That’s why I’m so cautious with gym contracts because they can be notoriously slimy even in extenuating...