It’s pretty much packed right after work. Sometimes you have to literally wait in line to use one of the cardio machines. That being said, I’ve never seen it really crowded at any time except for the hours immediately after work.

As far as cost goes, I think I pay about $70/month.

wow a wait for a cardio machine? i heard there’s no line for the sidewalk . . .
think about it

it is frequently crowded, even on weekends. A lot of preening, too.. Which, I think, might make the long lines for machines even longer….

I’d like to join the new YMCA that they are building on the corner of 14th and W, but unfortunately looks like I’ll have to wait at least two years for it to be built.

It really varies in terms of crowds. Monday after work is ALWAYS the worst. I think the worst I’ve seen is about 6 or 7 people waiting in line to use the treadmills/ellipticals, but they have staff that *tries* to keep the flow of the line moving.

I avoid the lines by signing up for classes on Mondays (sign up early!)and using the treadmills or cardio machines on the days that I know there will not be a crowd. It really is hit or miss though. During the weekend I found it’s pretty empty. I’ve never had a problem getting a machine.

My only gripe would be the size of the pool. It’s so small and now even smaller with swim lessons. I’ve swam competitively all my life and looked forward to using the pool but I’ve stopped since I got tired of waiting for a lane to open up.

I pay $55/month, but I’m sure they’ve probably raised it by now (I joined in the summer.)

It’s definitely worth going in the mornings if you can. So much less crowded than in the evenings. I think everyone pays different rates based on when they signed up. People who sign up now are paying like $70/month. You may want to wait until the New Year when I’m sure they’ll have some sort of deal to get a membership. Although, the gym will be even more crowded with ppl trying to lose weight as their New Years Resolution.

The pool can get crowded, but people normally respect the 30 min limit. The fact that it’s on the top floor means it gets plenty of natural light during the day.

Marie Reed is good. It’s a secret treasure. It’s pretty bare bones, i.e. in the locker rooms. Pool is nice and has about 6 lanes. And FREE!!!

the WSC is great, without a doubt one of the nicest in the city. Go in the morning if you can! also, there are awesome personal trainers there, I’ve been using a trainer for a month and I love it!

It’s nice and clean, and I love the natural light, but if you like weights, the facilities in that regard seem kinda inadequate, and it’s been unpleasantly crowded every time I’ve gone. And as someone else said above, too many preeners.

It’s right by my house but for the reasons above I prefer to go to the ones on Connecticut Avenue instead.

What is the average going rate for the passport membership opposed to the gold membership?

An indoor basketball court is a big draw for me, especially in the wintertime. I haven’t joined yet (got a 3 day free trial pass), but am tempted. There’s a “ref” who keeps the b ball games moving and signs up new players as they enter, so you don’t have the hassle of shooting free throws to determine teams. I hear that they are thinking of starting a basketball league, which one may be able to join without purchasing a full gym membership. Anyone got an update on that?

I joined when they first opened and it keeps getting more crowded. If you want to use the cardio machines plan on waiting. It seems like most of the people that have joined are gym newbies and have no gym etiquette on returning weights, or cleaning their sweat of the benches so plan on being patient.