Just forward my mail here. I love this place. The gym is inside the Fairmont Hotel. GW metro is not too far. You can also take a circulator. The gym has great equipment. I am not a body builder. I just wanted something that would have a treadmill and items I used in physical therapy. The bathroom is wonderful. There are several locker rooms. You don't have to bring toiletries or a hair dryer. The gym has gadgets that pump hair spray and deodorant. They are mostly empty. The showers are wonderful. They are ADA compliant. The towels are handy. I stopped bringing mine. There is even a supply of little plastic bags to put wet things in. They also have a "salad spinner" for wet items. Your bathing suit xan be mostly dry when you leave. There are trainers available for you super motivated people. I noticed a machine selling meals near the check in desk. The pool is lovely. It has two swim lanes. (Don't tell anyone) There is a shower to rinse off before you get in the pool. The hot tub varies in temperature. The pool is supposed to be 84 degrees. It feels a bit cool to me. If you are moving around, it feels better. I love this place. read more

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Disclaimer: This is not a regular Balance Gym location - this is their Personal Training Studio - which means your membership only works here if you have 1 PT session/month at least to redeem here. Don't get me wrong - with what sessions I've had in the past, the Balance team is excellent and will help you hit your goals. That being said, if you're looking for a place nearby after work and want to pump iron and burn some calories on your own time - this ain't it. With Balance's recent closures, your only options are the Foggy Bottom or Capitol Hill locations. read more

Pros: classes equipment convenient location outdoor classes including on the roof personal trainers highly recommend Ashley Walsh Cons: limited space, classes feel cramped; theft seems to be an issue Aside from the incredibly obnoxious signs everywhere (who writes "I repeat" on a sign?) and it feeling a little cramped, the quality + diversity of classes and equipment they offer at their price point I believe is unmatched in the city. read more

Solid gym, large with lots of floors and space on each floor to do your thing. I dropped into the CrossFit classes and enjoyed the vibe, mostly young professionals who like to do fitness and were friendly. Coaches were helpful and pleasant as well, and easy to do a drop in if you're in town. read more

Balance Gym Thomas Circle - Gyms Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Good gym downtown close to K street. Much, much better than Washington Sports Club where I belonged for years. Balance has multiple floors, it's never been crowded in the mornings (I have no idea about evenings), the machines all work (a wow for me, coming from WSC), the price is decent (about $70/month), and there's a good sauna in the locker room. There is cross fit if you want that. They will also loan you a free lock for the locker room if you deposit your keys- very convenient. They also have the Versa Climber - those cardio machines they advertise on tv that give you the best workout in the shortest amount of time. Very cool, though I will say it's hard as hell. I only knock them down a star for not having a pool or basketball court. But I've been here a month and am happy so far. read more

Been going here for a while because it's close to my apartment and my office and it's a good gym for the price. That being said, it's a beaten up kind of gym but works for people who aren't interested in the VIDA vibe (I.e., more club than gym) and who are there to get a workout in and leave. No joke, the ceiling leaks every. Single. Time. It. Rains. The men's bathrooms are borderline disgusting (though they make an effort to keep the 1990's bathrooms as clean as possible), the sauna works most of the time, and for fu#k sake either they can't seem to figure out how to get people to rack their weights (see photo) or they just don't have enough space for the weights they have. They're working with limited space given the location so they're struggling when it comes to having good equipment for serious gym goers. Despite the photo, there's also a ridiculous shortage of dumbbell weights for people who don't use the 80lb+ dumbbells. Why is there only one set of 40, 45, and 50 lb dumbbells?! They do seem to be making an effort to improve things here and there but they have a long way to go. In summary, it's fine. Beaten up and lacking some standard equipment but a good price for what you get. read more

Balance Gym Thomas Circle - Gyms Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came here with ClassPass. I really like that they offer 30-minute classes which is perfect for a workday workout. the gym does seem a little run down/has a distinct smell, but i thought the vibes were really great. the woman's locker room has these big, ornate mirrors which is really beautiful. I was surprised that the total body class only had three students and since i am a beginner the trainer came off as a little intimidating/unfriendly. still, it was a great workout and i think i will sign up for the 7 day trial! read more

Powerlifting Gym Washington DC Hopefully now this gym will come up when that phrase gets Googled. If you're a powerlifter visiting from out of town or an aspiring one, this is the only gym in the city you want to consider. In addition to all of the group class space, cardio equipment, etc. they have available, they've got an entire floor full of all the powerlifting equipment you could hope for in a gym that's not dedicated to the sport. Deadlift bars and platforms, power bars (Texas and Ohio), squat racks, duffalo bar, axle bar, reverse hyper, belt squat, etc. They've got the works. Oh, they're also chalk friendly AND provide the chalk. Balance Gym is the only destination for strength athletes in DC short of driving 20 minutes or more into Virginia. read more

I joined for the pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. I have been a member for about 3 years. I only use the Foggy Bottom Location. The lockers in the women's locker room have mostly been broken for over a year with many promises of "they will be fixed soon". Takes many tries to find one with a lock that works. The locker room floors are made of a slippery material. There are about 5 non skid strips, not nearly enough, by the door to the pool which we can't even use anymore (see below). Many of us have been complaining for over a year about this and nothing has been done. The hot tub has been broken, almost broken or being fixed for most of 2 years. Now it is most likely going to take a long time to fix it as there is a newly built wall separating it from the pool necessitating a walk in wet swim clothes through the gym to and from. I suggested robes, they told me impossible that I could freeze my membership. Most of the staff is pleasant and knowledgable. Certainly not all. I swim for my exercise as it is all I can do. This gym could be fantastic but no one seems to care to make a few small improvements. read more

Absolutely the best gym I have been to in DC. No cap. I am a powerlifter, and Balance is perfect for me. In terms of the equipment, Balance is amazing. There are 9 squat racks so you barely have to wait to squat, a sizable deadlift/Olympic weightlifting platform, and two whole floors dedicated to cardio and conditioning. Balance does not have the fancy, bougie health club atmosphere like Vida or Equiox, but rather a more gritty, serious kind of feel. However, that should not deter anyone! The community is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. There is really no need to be intimidated about approaching anyone here. While Balance, at about $70/month, is more expensive than larger corporate chains like Washington Sports Club, LA Fitness, or Golds Gym, but it is well worth it. read more

In my opinion, this place is overrated on yelp. It's not a bad gym, but you have to consider the membership price as that usually dictates what you're going to get and the membership price is not cheap here considering there are a lot of other gyms that get you more for less. For one, the equipment isn't any different than what you would find in any other gym. In fact, I would say as far as weight lifting goes, you probably get less than big chain gyms. They do have some unique things like slam bags (not sure if that's what you call it), battle ropes, and a heavy bag (which you can't use when there's a class, so expect to only use it during off-peak hours), but you don't really need these items to have a good workout and you can substitute other exercises to get similar results. Also, in my opinion, the staff aren't any friendlier than any other gym. In fact, I'm currently at LA Fitness (formerly Results) and I have to say that overall the staff there is much friendlier. They always say hello and goodbye when you come and go. Finally, if you're looking for classes, there are a lot of other smaller gyms that will give you really good classes.Either bootcamp type classes, cross fit, mma, etc., so if I were interested in classes, I would think taking classes at a more specialized gym is a better deal. Overall, it's not a bad gym, but I know there's better gyms out there so you should look around. read more

During the government shut down this gym offered government employees to use the facility between the hours of 1-4. It was great because I have always wanted to check this place out. It was easy to find and located inside the Fairmont hotel. You enter the hotel and turn right and head down the stairs. The equipment was newer with TVs on each unit. There are towels offered for use if you forget one. The towels were actually on the softer side which was a surprised for gym towels. Overall the gym seems nice but I do not know the membership cost so not sure if worth the price. read more

Rocco was great. He showed me and my buddy around and the facilities were amazing. Had everything we needed and more. Great staff, fun environment and awesome amenities at a great rate. Highly recommend read more

Best gym in DC, great staff, great equipments. Don't like much the hours since I'd prefer longer night hours. But that's the only weak point read more

Summary: If you're looking for an olympic weightlifting gym with lots of group class variety and a strong community vibe among members, this is the gym for you. Balance Gym Thomas Circle (TC) is tucked away just steps away from 14th street. I think it's fair to say that for some folks who go to this gym it's just as much as a community of friends as it is a place to workout. There are several floors with different types of equipment in the building, suited to just any type of fitness. The 1st floor offers CrossFit classes running throughout the day. As of Feb 2018, the box just received a ton of new equipment from Rogue. The programming is good and I've made many friends from here. The 2nd floor offers typical olympic weightlifting and strength training equipment, from machines to racks on racks on racks. There are also a few platforms for oly lifts where you can drop bumpers outside of a CrossFit gym. I personally do not know of any other place in DC that offers this and it's a huge plus for oly lifters. I think all oly lifters come to this gym specifically for the platforms and the strong community. Regulars will cheer each other on during lifts. There's also a wide array of kettlebells, gymastic rings, GHD, pull up bars, dumbbells, and med balls here. The 3rd floor has a turf bootcamp area, with TRX straps, bikes, rowing machines, ski machines, more kettlebells, dumbbells, and stationary bikes. There's a sled if you're into pushing those and a few punching bags for the boxers. If you're into classes, there's a spin class room and a wood floored studio here. Protip: The best (aka coldest) water fountain is on this floor. The 4th floor is filled with mostly aerobic equipment, from stairmasters, ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines. There's a small turf area with more kettlebells, dumbbells, and a pullup bar. There's a yoga studio in the back that also offers ballroom dancing classes in the evening. The rooftop is occasionally open for classes, particularly strongman classes in the summer and if you're lucky, a slip'n'slide and beer when it's especially hot. Make friends and have a good time. I find myself constantly coming back not just for the equipment but the friends I've made here over the years. The owners and staff are super chill and constantly reinvesting money back into the facility and equipment. read more

Absolute nightmare getting Balance to cancel my membership (and they still owe me $500). When I initially requested they freeze my membership (nearly three months into the pandemic) they ignored my request and continued to charge me. Only after I persistently called and emailed them, they agreed to give me a refund for the erroneous charges. But, instead of refunding me they charged me the amount they agreed to refund me. Fed up with their antics, I decided to cancel the membership completely. Six months later they are now charging me again for a monthly membership. This only scratches the surface of my endless attempts to contact them during the nearly one year that this has dragged on -- virtually all emails and what phone conversations they actually answer are handled by a different person, who often understands and commits to different things than the last. read more

I have been a member of this gym for just a little over a month, and have been nothing but satisfied until today. Seriously, this gym is fantastic, and their class offering is second to none - but I have to share the negative experience I had in yoga this afternoon. The instructor was loud, condescending, and made a point to single me out when I wasn't doing the pose correctly by raising his voice to the point at which everyone else in the class had to look towards me to see what I was doing wrong. It was humiliating. At one point, he passive aggressively made clear that the position we were doing "was not child's pose." I've never felt less calm/zen/tranquil during a class. I stuck it out, but in the final minutes of the class, in fear of being ridiculed again as he demonstrated a complicated pose, I left the class. Although not a pro, I've been to plenty of yoga classes in my life and realize some are more challenging than others, but never have I witnessed an instructor be so blatantly rude, and never have I left a class feeling so much worse than I did before. I reiterate - ever other instructor, class, and employee I've encountered has been fantastic, but this experience really ruined my day. Needless to say, I won't be going to yoga with this particular instructor again. read more

Joined 7a bootcamp on a 4 day visit to DC - coach Andres is superb, fellow bootcampers wonderfully friendly, and both roof and studio workout is an outstanding full-day source of endorphins. Front-office staff super-friendly, and general hardware / environment is great. Highly recommended. read more

I'm extremely surprised that this gym has 4 stars on here. I'm not new to members' gyms; I used to be a member of New York Sports Club and I've also used Equinox on occasion. Even though there's a small gym in our building, my fiancé and I got memberships at this Balance Gym location when my job offered a discount as a part of the benefits package. I let a few months pass before I wrote my review. I was really hoping to like this gym; I looked forward to trying out the fitness classes and using the sauna. Here are all the reasons why I'm giving a bad review, plus all the things that have gone wrong (so far): 1) The fitness classes options and times are VERY limited. 2) Some of the class instructors are very young and inexperienced which can be dangerous during classes such as barre and yoga. 3) Even though we're already paying a membership, there are some classes that require additional payment. 4) The spin studio is TINY. 5) Most of the audio devices for the TVs do not work. 6) The sauna in the women's locker room doesn't have a light. 7) The employees' room and janitor's closet is right outside the women's locker room which has caused some uncomfortable moments for me. 8) The gym closes early on the weekends. 9) If you use the women's locker room, expect the ceiling to shake. The weight room is directly above the women's locker room and the cross fit room is next door to the locker room, so there are a lot of weights being dropped all around. It's unnerving. 10) Someone broke into the men's locker room recently and at least 3 lockers were broken into, including my fiancé's. His wallet, keys, and phone were stolen. Even though the security cameras showed the perpetrator snuck in while the front desk was unmanned, the only thing the gym offered as compensation for the neglect was 3 personal training sessions. (Fortunately, our insurance covered a third of the loss.) I am planning on canceling my membership as soon as the contracted period is over. read more

Full Disclosure: I'm a full time yoga teacher trained in the Sivananda and Iyengar styles, and I teach yoga classes at Balance. I had to get that out of the way first, its only fair. Why am I writing a review if I'm already a bit biased? Because I have access to most of the gyms in the city and I call Balance home. My primary modality of training has been in endurance: long held asanas, marathons, and that ilk. This year when I decided to change things up (going a more high-intensity route), I was equal parts intimidated and excited. CrossFit seemed like fun, but I was also trepidatious about being a yogi in a setting of more!-harder!-now! What a waste of energy the intimidation factor has been! The trainers here are so good at what they do, they've taken my super-bendy super-sloppy form and crafted it into something that is safe, and has real advancement potential. Danielle Dionne, one of Balance's trainers and CrossFit coaches, keeps me motivated, positive, and informed. She's outstanding. She never coddles my insufficiencies in a manner that would keep me from progress, yet she never pushes to the point of potential injury. I'm seeing improvements constantly-- and not just in my overall fitness, but in my personal yoga practice as well. For me it all comes back to my yoga practice, and Danielle gets and respects that (as do my fellow athletes). Once you get past the glass-box of the CrossFit studio, and inside to the four-floor gym, you'll notice just how inclusive this gym feels. I like that I never feel on display at this gym nor am I made to feel invisible. I see students and friends, we chat, we work together. I sweat, they sweat. As it should be. I love that Balance has all of the classes and "standard" gym equipment you'd find at a hifalutin commercial-chain gym, plus stuff that is boutique-y and awesome. Real boxing classes with a real boxing ring? Aeriel Pole Play? Holy cow. The gym's run by athletes, promotes healthy living, and yet still doesn't feel sterile, meat-marketish, or void of soul. Without sounding like some silly tagline at the end of an ad, there really is something for everyone at this gym-- my yogis are as respected as Ben's Rugby players and Danielle's CrossFitters. I love that. This is a space to shatter preconceived notions about training, yourself, and what a "gym" has to be. Amazing. I love my gym. read more

Having been a DC resident for more than 7 years, I consider myself a gym connoisseur as I've been a member at Washington Sports Club, Fitness First, Vida Fitness, and now Balance Gym. Each gym presents its benefits and drawbacks, but Balance actually reigns as my favorite among all of these options . I registered at Balance because it's very close to my apartment, but also because I was sick of basically paying a mortgage to attend swanky Vida Fitness on 15th & P. At first I was a little creeped out that the main entrance to the gym is down an alley off of Mass Avenue, but it doesn't feel at all unsafe, and it's well-lit, plus there are always lots of people in the area during business hours. The gym is not fancy, but it's enormous. The first floor is the free weight area, the second floor is all cardio machines and some machine weights, and the third floor is for classes. There is also a separate cross-fit studio across the alley, and there are often bootcamp classes taking place in the alley as well. Balance prides itself on creating community around exercise, and they seem to deliver in a very down-to-earth, approachable way. Even during peak times I have never experienced a wait on cardio equipment which is absolutely unheard of in this town. They might not have the absolute newest machines, but I am the type of person who gets annoyed when my gym gets new equipment I have to get used to every 6-12 months, so this works for me. If you don't need all the frills of a fancy locker room and spa up-sells at the front desk, I would highly recommend Balance. The affordable price, friendly staff, and diverse fitness offerings will keep you coming back for a long time. read more

Fantastic gym, solid equipment, incredibly helpful and knowledgeable staff--Balance makes getting to the gym something to look forward to, day in and day out. I've been hitting the Thomas Circle location regularly for three years now, with the exception of a three-month stint where I hurt my shoulder (worth noting that with a single email, I was able to put my membership on hold while I recuperated. Thanks Devin!). I've tried the CrossFit, Spin, GoRuck, Body, and Boot Camp classes, and every single one of them left me completely exhausted and grinning like a madman. Boot Camp's my go-to favorite; I love the fact that no matter what your level of fitness is, the workouts are scaled to push you to your limit (weights are adjusted for fixed workouts, while repetitions differ for timed workouts). On the subject of weights, Thomas Circle offers four floors of gear to aid you on your quest for fitness: - The ground floor is designed for CrossFit use (think ropes, pull-up bars, rings, boxes, and free-standing squat bars), with a separate room dedicated to personal trainer sessions (haven't tested these waters myself, though my co-worker swears by Daniel's mentorship). - Second floor is free-weights and machines, and lots of them--I go evenings between 6 and 9pm, and I've never had to wait. - Third floor is cardio and strength-training (Spin and Balance Body classes meet here, so expect to utilize bikes and free-weights) - Fourth floor offers treadmills, step machines, and bike machines galore. Winter-time boot camp classes meet here, so plenty of medicine balls, mobility equipment, sand bags, and jump ropes are also on hand. Obviously I'm a fan, but the trainers, coaches, and staff leave me no other option. It's not very often I thank someone for bringing me to my knees, but Balance has my respect. See y'all tomorrow! read more

Love this gym. 4 floors and a roof, tons of different machines/weights/activities (even a heavy bag, which I can't find at any "average" gym). The classes are great, the locker rooms are great (sauna too). Honestly can't find anything to complain about. I've been going almost every day for six weeks, now. read more

A great gym for the following people (but no one else): (1) Crossfit Nerd. You have WOTD tattooed on your boobs (chick) or ass (man), you often discuss perfect squat position, and no one at the office understands why you have tire marks on your forearms 3/4 of the week. You love Balance because they have lots of rope, medicine balls, and are giving you the whole first floor to work out in. You also pay like $300 a month or something crazy. (2) Spin Class Extrovert. You never workout alone. Hell, you never go to the bathroom alone, and why should you? You get all your workouts Richard Simmons' style, love sweating it out to Techno Remixes of Lady Ga-Ga's newest, and are developing a pretty damn good pole dancing routine. You love Balance since you can pretty much get a class in anything just about anytime you want. Boot Camp? No problem. Spin? You betcha. Ab blast? Been there. Done that. (3) Personal Trainer Procrastinator Wait, I thought I was paying this person to work out FOR me. Shit. Ten years after college you can't even get up off the couch without motivation (or you have another legit reason for a trainer). You love Balance because they know and love you for the sucker you are. Balance has more trainers than you can shake a dumbell at. Seriously, you can't swing a kettleball without hitting 2-3 trainers at Balance- either working out with a customer, chatting and strutting around the gym, or just shooting the shit in the downstairs area. You are also very happy to kick out the Crossfit people from their roost and take it over for yourself so you'll be able to use the fancy showers... oooo... If you aren't in the above categories, you're gonna be crammed into an increasingly small space increasingly filled with more and more people (as they closed their Kalorama location in 2012). The "renovations" of the men's locker room put new tile, but did little else to ease the crowded nature of this locker facility during peak hours. With an increase in price - from $63 to $69 a month, this *single location gym* just doesn't hold the value anymore. read more

Tried this place out when checking out gyms. Ultimately I decided against it because it's further from my work and wasn't worth that. But the people here are SO nice. I might join if it was closer and cheaper. PROS: -REALLY friendly instructors that know the people in their classes (at least ones that come reguarly) by name. Seems to have a real sense of community. -Plenty of cardio equipment. I didn't have trouble even at 7pm getting a treadmill. -Nonpushy membership staff who were very upfront and honest about the cost without pressuring me. -Boxing ring, punching bags (if you are into that) CONS: -Some classes are extra money like crossfit and pole dance. -Cost is $60/month plus $100 enrollment if you join for a year. -The layout is typical DC I guess: tall and skinny building. read more

While their facilities are great (although their COVID cleaning procedures are questionable at best), I can't in good conscience recommend that anyone go to this gym due to the actions of their staff. They will attempt to charge you for services you did not agree to every step of the way, and in my case ended up charging me for an entire month despite my membership not being active. Avoid. read more

Thomas Circle Sports Club is a fantastic gym. I've been a member since I moved to DC over a year ago. I've always loved the gym, mostly because it is across the street from my apartment, but I will admit it was a little rundown when I first joined. All that changed when Balance Gym took over. The new owners have done wonders! They've added new classes, a boxing ring, flat screen TVs (with digital cable so I can watch Vh1 Soul while I exercise) and lots of new equipment. The staff is and always has been amazing and so are the trainers. They take the time to learn your name which I really appreciate. It shows that they actually care about their clients which is something I don't think you get at the more corporate gyms like Results and Sports and Health. I also need to give a shout-out to Stacey Martin, the best spin instructor in DC. I've taken classes at other gyms and no one compares to Stacey. She is an #@s-kicker and I mean that in a good way. If you want a good work-out, try an hour with Stacey. Her choice of music and personality make what would be an unpleasant experience enjoyable. You will step off the bike an hour later, legs throbbing, drenched in sweat, with a smile on your face...I promise. read more

I still love my gym, but it's definitely not the same Balance it was when I started going 2 years ago. The ceiling repairs of the women's locker room took FOREVER, but the new bathroom fixtures look nice. They shut down Nectar Juice Bar. Unfortunately, I never got to use the coupon I got for it when I first signed up. Ugh. The price has gone up $10 to about $70/mo for the single location (Carumba!), and I wasn't notified before it was charged to my card automatically. BUT, there's new machinery on the second floor, but still plenty of space to do floor work. Everyone I've encountered at Balance, be it gym-goers or staff, has been very friendly. In fact, they even had a holiday party right before Christmas. Granted, I found it all incredibly awkward because everyone there was really really ridiculously good looking and I was in schleppy jeans, but hey, I had a great time, with free food and booze. The roof is great in spring/summer when they have open houses with grilled foods (healthy, of course!) and beers/cocktails. So, yes, I still love it in spite of all the changes, and I'll miss it when I'm no longer a Washingtonian. Hopefully the Big Apple will have a gym that feels as community-oriented as Balance has. read more

I've been a Balance member for a few months now and I am liking my experience so far. It's a little pricey, but in terms of gym memberships, I have found that you get what you pay for. I first checked out Balance because I had just moved to the area from New York and was looking for a new personal trainer. I am also recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery and was dying to get back to the gym. The head trainer paired me with Lars, who is also a member of the ACL club (though he's a little further along in recovery than I am). He's been putting together some great workouts to complement my physical therapy exercises and help me get back to my sport (roller derby). I signed up for a gym membership at Balance because the personal training packages are cheaper if you are a gym member. Then I was a bad girl and didn't really go to the gym the first month of my membership. So I decided to do something about that and I've started attending some of their classes. I've only checked out spin so far (Stacy's classes are GREAT) but I do intend to try yoga and the pole dance for athletes classes. I am very impressed with the women's locker room. It's seriously the least dank locker room I have ever encountered. The shower area seems nice -- I wouldn't feel gross showering there if I ever needed to. There's always plenty of available lockers when I'm there. I wish they would open a location closer to my apartment! read more

The new Balance Gym is great! They really turned the place around. The gym has lots of neat programs that you don't find at other gyms like pole dancing, crossfit, and boxing. But, they also have all the traditional stuff. I have done some personal training with Mark Crick. He is a great trainer, and I noticed a difference after only training once a week for a month. I have also taken the pole dancing class with Jessalyn. It is a lot of fun and gives you a great workout. She makes it both sexy and silly, so everyone feels comfortable. I had a private party with her, and all the girls loved it and wanted to go back and take the class! read more

New member of this gym, joined in November 2014 and go at least 4 times a week. Pros: location and times that it is open. Staff is nice. Classes included in membership are awesome! Cons: not that many machines, especially during rush hours. Due to the layout of the gym there is no indoor track or pool (at this location). The women's locker room is a nightmare in layout and locker availability. Taking up valuable space are full sized vanities which I haven't seen anyone using even during crazy lunch rush, an awkward front/side room with not that many lockers but tons of open space. Also, classes tend to mush at 3 specific times- 7am, 12:15pm, and 6:00pm. Ironically, these also match up with the busiest times at the gym. More indepth: If you are a Crossfit fan, this gym, and particularly this location is prefect for you. That doesn't mean someone like myself, who doesn't do crossfit is wasting money. I'm really enjoying my experience at the gym and gives me a convenient place to work out, with classes and equipment I enjoy. Now about those classes: The classes I've taken have been great. Difficult, lots of modifications, and great energy from the participants and competent, energetic teachers. My favorites are Barrefit with Bonnie and Zumba on Tuesday. From what I've seen BodyPump, Yoga, Pilates, Spin and Pole classes are very popular as well. Buyer beware: you'll pay a hefty price in addition to your monthly membership for premium classes such as Dance Trance ($50 unlimited monthly). read more

I really like this gym and I love Cali the trainer...she's awesome. While it isn't as swanky as Vida (I belonged there for years) for me, it's a better fit. The members are there to work out and that's inspiring. The staff is super friendly welcoming members by name telling you to have a good weekend, suggesting certain classes.... The equipment is solid. Again, it isn't as posh of a set up at Vida...no tv in every cardio machine type deal but I've never had to wait at Balance like I would at Vida...and the bitchy "hurry up and finish your 30 minutes" vibe just isn't there. The locker room is just that a locker room. It isn't a spa, there isn't any fancy soap or cucumber water but it gets the job done. I'm currently training with Cali and she's great. Every workout is a challenge and she knows just how far to push me. I am always sore the next day and I feel like she is completely focused on making me stronger with each session. For the money I just don't think Balance Gym can be beat. read more

I have been a member of this gym for one year. It was formally Thomas Circle Sports Club but was bought in summer 2009 by Balance Gym. Since it became Balance Gym, the management has been renovating and making improvements (adding flat screen TVs, boxing ring) and putting in more equipment. The gym has all the basics: a locker room with showers, cardio equipment and weights, as well as aerobic/spinning and yoga classes. Equipment is decent - not new, maybe 5+ years, but in good working condition. Weight machines are even older and definitely should be updated. Location off of Thomas Circle is convenient and with a price of $50/month, it is one of the cheaper gym options in DC. Balance Gym comes with all the basic amenities for a good workout at a good price. read more

I've been going to Balance Gym at Thomas Circle now for almost three years and I can't imagine living in DC without it. The community feel cannot be beat, from the excellent instructors to the friendly members. I've even met a few of my close friends in DC from Boot Camp classes at this gym! The boot camp classes are by far my favorite, where the instructors fit in a high intensity work out in 45 minutes. When it's nice out we also get to work out across the street on the church steps or on the roof. All the instructors are great but Ben and Devin's classes are excellent. For spin, Stacy's class is a must, and for yoga, Whitney. read more

I went to this Balance Gym at Thomas Circle when I was living in DC because it was super close to where I worked and prices were reasonable. I love how the gym members are there to strictly work out; no one is going judge you for how you look/what you wear/your workout routine, etc. It's not a huge gym but they seem to offer a little bit of everything (but no pool). Machines are pretty standard but I think they could use an update; at least you can plug your earphones into most of the machines and tune in to the TV. I usually worked out between 4pm-5pm so I never had to wait for a machine but the gym tends to get crowded after 5pm. I did a few of the workout classes including Zumba (super fun but gets crowded) and the abs/strength class. As a member, you need to register for the classes to guarantee a spot which works out great so the class can never be over-full. The 3rd floor is where they do a lot of their group classes and assuming there were no classes taking place, I usually went there to do free weights/ab work since it's much quieter and I had plenty of space to workout and there are tons of mirrors. There's also a rooftop area where some of the classes take place. Womens locker room almost has a home-y feel to it with the couch and chandelier. Showers are clean, bathroom/sink area was small but clean, and there's a sauna but that usually was always out-of-service. BG isn't the fanciest gym in DC but the prices are good, you have your basic amenities, there's a CrossFit studio, and the staff is friendly. I'd recommend this gym to anyone working/living in downtown DC. read more

I tried this gym out for a month using a Groupon promotion. There is a separate building for cross-fit training and another one that acts as the regular gym. On the plus side, I like how the members of this gym are more focused on fitness than using the area to scope out the opposite (or same) sex. Unlike other gyms I've been to, I did not feel like I was walking into a meat market full of fully made-up Barbie doll girls with fake boobs and guys with itty bitty muscle shirts. My experience with this gym is pretty class-centric as I hate working out on machines. The evening Zumba class was fun, and I especially liked the fact that it wasn't crazy packed; there's plenty of room to move around. On a good day, the flow yoga instructor might hold the class on the rooftop area of the gym - and this was a special treat. There is a kickboxing class that they hold on an actual boxing ring! There are also pole fitness classes for an extra price. All in all, if they had more cardio classes during the weekends, I would purchase a regular membership. But alas, they have yet to improve on this. read more

Anybody who knows me even a little bit knows how much I love my gym - THIS gym. I moved to DC at the beginning of July and began gym-hunting almost as soon as I landed. After scoping out the usuals (WSC, Vida, Mint), it was between Results and Balance, both of which were walking-distance from work. I ended up going with Balance because of the group class options and unbeatable price and it was the best decision I could have made. I have been going to this gym five days a week for six months now, so it's safe to say that I know my way around. I am all about the group classes and Balance has tons of 'em. My favorite class, hands-down, is Body Pump with Darren on Monday/Wednesday evening. The day after my first class, my whole body hurt so much, it was difficult to sit down at the toilet to pee. Needless to say, it gave me an amazing workout and there is a visible difference in my muscle definition. I have also taken yoga, Zumba, boot camp, spin, and cardio & tone. Some are more effective than others, but between the pilates, pole dancing, and boxing one thing is certain: there is something for everybody! While I really don't like to get on the treadmill or the elliptical, I have never had to wait for cardio equipment and this is coming from somebody who works out between 5:30 and 7 PM during the week. They also have a CrossFit box, which I've never tried, but others seem to enjoy. The staff is so easygoing and fun and the gym hosts fun happy hours (the first one I went to was a rooftop viewing of the Olympics opening ceremonies) so gym members really feel like part of one big family. You are always greeted with a smile and the staff does a really great job of learning the names of their members. The ladies' locker room isn't swanky, but it's clean and elegant (love the chandelier!) and has all the essentials (shampoo, soap, towels, hair dryers, etc.) for cleaning up if you're headed to work from the gym. There's also the sauna, which will be single-handedly responsible for getting me through the winter. The gym is currently undergoing major renovations (details on their website), which is resulting in a really state-of-the-art facility. Balance was voted best gym in DC for 2012 and, at $59/month, it is impossible to find a better value for your money in this city! I kind of didn't want to write this post out of fear of sharing one of the city's best-kept secrets, but I can't help my desire to shout my love from the rooftops for this gym. BALANCE FOREVER!!! read more

Recently moved to the DC area so I'm trying out new gyms and pole fitness studios. Love that this place is a short walk from the metro. & everyone here was nice. Balance gym has an interesting set-up and its quite easy to get lost. But no worries, its quick to get the hang of and both instructors and gym folks are really nice. Place looked pretty clean and organized from my quick walk through. They offer great free 1-day pass that is applicable to pole dance classes ~ I've already recommended it to my friend! SO, FOR THE POLE DANCE CLASS REVIEW: I was wonderfully surprised and pleased with the pole class! Balance Gym offers 3 pole classes a week on Tue/Thursdays. The class i took was Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm Pole Dance with Areana Quinones. INSTRUCTOR & CLASS: Areana was great!! She knows her stuff, gives each student individual attention, and provides variations of moves based upon the students level. Plus, she's incredibly approachable and I instantly felt comfortable asking questions in her class. There were a mix of beginners and intermediate students. One thing that makes me partial to a pole studio is their students. I think its important for students to get along, and feel comfortable talking or asking each other questions; it simply makes for a better learning environment and fun atmosphere! That said, awesome students at balance gym! The class was more spins, and lots of stretching (prolly 15+ mins in the beginning). I'd recommend intermediate pole folks to maybe try out pole dance for athletes on thursdays - personally, I'm dying to try it out. No inverts in this class, although Areana was awesome and allowed us to stay after the class had concluded for us to work on whatever we wanted. (Note: my background for pole is that I've been doing it on and off since January, but haven't been able to do much pole fitness since moving to DC in September). STUDIO: One con is that they had a cycling/spin class going on next door so it was difficult to hear our music. Poles were set on static mode. Mirrors on one wall. Windex used for cleaning the pole. No gripping solution provided. Two types of mats students can use. The yoga mats are kinda worn out, but that's not uncommon. Lighting is adjustable. read more

First, not open when they say they will be. They say 8:00 AM on weekends, don't bother going before at least 10:00! Second, if a machine is out of order, expect to wait at least four months for them to fix it, sometimes with tape or glue, not at safe Third, bathroom showers are gross! Whats up with all the flies and mold?! Not to mention the "sauna" with cracked boards and rusty nails sticking out. Save your frustration and keep your motivation by going someplace else! read more

Ok, so this place gets 4 instead of 5 stars mostly because of the locker rooms. They are in desperate needs of work. Ok, that aside. Great gym! I've only been a member about a month, but I go at least 4 days a week for CrossFit, Pole Pressure, and a good treadmill workout. Good, small, neighborhood gym. I used to work out as WSC, and I hated it there. Too crowded, and just not my style. This place has fewer classes, but great teachers and good workouts. Also some serious perks with their lunchtime classes. Perfect for someone like me who works nearby. read more