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Balance Gym
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Gyms, Trainers [Edit]
1111 14th St NW(between N L St & N Green Ct)
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 216-9000
Announcement
Join in May $0 Enrollment! Click for your FREE pass! http://balancegym.com/...
- Nearest Transit:
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Mcpherson Sq Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
Farragut North Metro Station (Red)
Farragut West Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5:30 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
29 reviews for Balance Gym
29 reviews in English
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Review from D M.
Washington, DC
11/28/2011
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. -
Review from Lauren G.
Washington, DC
3/31/2012
I went to Balance this Thursday for a workout and happy hour with my friend who is a member. What a nice group of people! I live in VA, so it doesn't make sense for me to join, but I wish it did!
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Review from Christine P.
Washington, DC
7/8/2011
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. -
Review from Edtience N.
Washington, DC
4/14/2011
I joined this gym in January and I am in LOVE with it! The gym is well maintained, the people are awesome and the classes are entertaining but challenge you physically. The individuals that work at the gym really take the time to get to know you and assist when they can. For example Tony at the front desk recommended that I try the Chisel class taught by Ewunike since I was looking to tone up.
**Ewunike has changed the way I view weight lifting. She assists the whole class with their form and pays special attention to those that need it to ensure that everyone gets the full scope of the workout. She is so helpful that she provided me with a quick circuit workout when I missed class on Monday! I have never had someone at a gym take the time to help me out without asking anything of me. I would consider personal training because of her gesture.
**Matt is awesome and is constantly giving me the latest and greatest advice on healthy eating.
**Stacey provides consistently entertaining butt kicking spin classes! You never leave the class without dripping with sweat and a sense of major accomplishment!
***Back to Tony - He makes me feel like I am part of the gym family. He checks on me and gives me the extra push when he sees that I need it. He is a great source genuine motivation when its needed and is added pep to my mornings.
I have never looked forward to going to a gym until I joined Balance. and this enthusiasm is beginning to show in my physique! -
Review from Vonetta Y.
Washington, DC
2/14/2011
In short, my ass still hurts from Saturday morning.
I figured, hey, I'm not super busy, I'll try the Muscle Up class.
Best mistake I've ever made, I think.
Yesterday, my neck didn't hurt and my toes didn't hurt. But everything in between neck and ankles was fair game.
Basically, Balance has changed my life. Melissa, the nutritionist, has totally changed the way I eat. Nellie, the pilates instructor, has forced me to discover my pelvic muscles. Cali, my trainer, is setting me up for continued workout success. And Ledora, the Muscle Up instructor, is trying to kill me and/or give me Michelle Obama arms, which, of course, I have always wanted.
Balance is the first gym of any sort that I've ever belonged to, but trust me -- it's good! The machines are in top shape, the facilities are nice and clean, and the trainers are great. Oh, and I love the chandelier in the women's locker room. That's pretty nice.
Mark and Devin (owner and managing director, respectively) are awesome. Mark gave me a tour of the place himself and was open to my varied questions before joining, and Devin was great in handling my paperwork and answering even more of my questions when I joined. And they're constantly improving the place. Something's always under construction [unobstructing, of course], and it all looks great when it's done. Apparently, they'll be sprucing up the locker rooms even more soon. We'll see what it looks like!
And everyone is so damn perky! Is that a gym thing, or just a Balance thing? It can be a little offputting, especially after a long day at work, but they do have way of lifting your spirits before you go hurt yourself.
Honestly, I was scared to join a gym for fear of gawkers and awkwardness, but, hey, you've gotta grow up, get over yourself, and get healthy at some point in your life. Might as well be right now. I'm also paranoid about getting thinner (yes, I just said that), but every trainer/instructor I've talked to has been more than willing to help me build muscle/weight, so they would be thrilled to help you meet whatever fitness goals you have.
So, if you're in the market for a gym, Balance won't disappoint. It's not the cheapest (since we're being honest here), but it's definitely one of the best, if not *the* best. -
Review from Sarah A.
2/4/2011
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. -
Review from Lemon C.
Washington, DC
9/6/2011
The staff is very friendly; I especially like the guy at the Juice Bar who is super helpful.
The weight machines are not the typical ones you see at a gym. So it's not as simple as walking up to the machine, seeing the picture of what muscle it works (because it's not there) and sitting down and using it. The goal of the gym is to have "functional training" without weight machines. The weight machines are more about movements and most of them have you pulling down on a levy/rope. Frankly I find them puzzling to use and it's just not my cup of tea. You can see what the machines look like here:
http://www.freemotionf...
Here are my thoughts on the classes I tried (my background is I've taken tons of zumba and pilates classes):
Zumba - enthusiastic instructor, but didn't care for her old school Latin music and instrumental African beats which took away the fun for me
Spin - Calvin definitely looks out for his students and plays awesome music!
Bootcamp - Cali has a great personality and you will be sweating a ton!
Yoga - Mimi gives individual attention and plays new agey music. The yoga studio was bright and airy.
Pilates - boring
Muscle Up - Ladora's class is no joke! It was so challenging, I really enjoyed it!
Body Pump - Darren's class was great as well!
Cardio & Tone - Monseur is the most amazing instructor I have ever had! He chats with each student individually before class, gets to know you, your fitness goals etc. I was so impressed I've never met a class instructor put this much face time in. Then his class was like a Jillian Michaels video. Its weight intervals, hitting every body muscle with his military coaching style.
Having spent a lot of time in the 3rd floor cardio studio I have to say it has so many beams in it, it's hard to see the instructor. When it's full of people you can't feel the a/c at all so you have to rely on the fans which keep it somewhat cool.
Next to the studio is the spinning room with a half glass wall. Since the spinning class starts 15 minutes after the zumba class but everyone arrives 15 min early for the spinning class, they all stare at the zumba class. It's very distracting; I don't understand why they don't put up curtains? It's not that I'm looking at them, but in zumba you turn all different directions then realize you have an audience as you're shaking it.
The locker room is pretty small, everyone is cramped together.Listed in: DC Gyms
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Review from Jim C.
Springfield, VA
10/14/2011
6 pack abs- check
biceps to die for- check
Thoroughbred horse legs- check
I just wanted to say balance gym is where you go to get chizzled abs and other stunning features.
God gave me a gorgeous face. Balance gym gave me gorgeous gluts. Thanks Balance Gym.
Ask for Ben to get set up. He'll change your life! -
Review from Elsa M.
6/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Balance Gym started out at as a four and slowly worked its way down from there.
I was a member there was a little under a year. It was close to work and within my gym-credit budget as well, so I thought signing up was a no-brainer.
I was really pleased at the beginning, especially since they offered spin classes at several points throughout the day. The ladies' room had great amenities (soap, lotion, towel service, etc) and there was a sauna. It was everything I look for in a gym, but then everything stated falling apart.
The ceiling in the locker room? Leaking.
The towels? Not stocked.
The shower-stalls? Clogged with hair.
Members complained and management heard. GREAT!
They fixed the roof and got more towels and announced they would be sprucing up the ladies' locker room as well.
When the day came that the renovations were complete, we walked into the new and improved ladies' locker room to find that it was new... but NOT improved.
Yes, it looked pretty, but it was not functional. They removed a good 1/3 of the actual lockers in favor of a third (yes, THIRD) make-up area and "a lounge" with huge couches in the center. Sure, it looked cool, but now we were forced to be right up next to each other as we rushed to get ready. I know management's heart was in the right place making it 'pretty' and all for us, but it was not helpful.
For some reason, around that time, they also changed the products they used in the locker room, calling the brand "better than ever." WE called it more watered-down that ever. The soap, the shampoo, the conditioner was all the consistency of skim milk. And the lotion? Well, it was taken out of the gym altogether (as was the mouth wash, astringent, q-tips, etc).
PROS:
Personnel-wise, I would say that management hired very wisely. Everyone that I met was super nice and helpful. Even the manager was that way when I had some billing mistake. He worked to make sure it was resolved, which I appreciated.
Class-wise, I only took spin. Aisha in the afternoon was the BEST, hands down. The guy Wednesday nights (he only works Wednesday nights) was great too, although I forget his name since he is only there then. Everyone else was solid and got me to get a good sweat on. When you sign up, you get a free consultation with a trainer and a couple free sessions. Even though my husband is a personal trainer, I liked the idea of free and took the gym up on the offer. The guy I got was nice, but a little pushy trying to get me to sign up with more sessions. He kept saying that a significant other couldn't train their partner since the partner wouldn't listen to them or they would argue. I told him repeatedly that that wasn't the case and that my husband trains me a couple times a week and it works, but it didn't stop the guy at Balance from trying to make a sale, God love 'em. LOL!
All and all, I am actually sad to give this place a 2-star rating. The people who work there are cool, but they weren't enough to save my experience there. When you work out at a place every day, sometimes twice a day, you want to be comfortable and happy in your surroundings which, honestly, I was not at the end.Listed in: Gyms
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Review from Diane D.
Washington, DC
10/12/2010
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. -
Review from Loren M.
Washington, DC
3/16/2010
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! -
Review from Michael H.
Washington, DC
3/8/2010
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. -
Review from Erin W.
Washington, DC
5/17/2011
I bought the LivingSocial deal of $19 for a month of unlimited classes, and I'm very impressed thus far. My first class was Spinning on Saturday morning. The instructor was so enthusiastic, and the rest of the gym personnel were very friendly and helpful. Clean and spacious locker rooms too, a diverse class schedule and a ton of cardio and weight machines. A classy (yet friendly) neighborhood gym!
Listed in: Exercise Necessities.
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Review from Liz J.
Washington, DC
6/25/2010
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. -
Review from Matt F.
Washington, DC
4/26/2011
I joined Balance about 6 months ago, after leaving Results. The two are radically different, but I am very happy with my choice. Balance is on the smaller side and the equipment is packed pretty tightly. That said, the staff seems to keep things clean and in good working order. One of the plusses is a lack of attitude. It''s a comfortable place to work out, even if you're not a body builder. The price is also far more affordable than the more glamorous gyms in DC.
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Review from Elizabeth N.
Washington, DC
12/1/2010
Balance Gym works perfectly for my lifestyle and fitness needs. In the four years I have lived in Washington, I've worked out at four different gyms in the area. When I recently moved out of Columbia Heights, I cancelled my membership at Washington Sports Club. Shortly after, I changed jobs and began working Downtown, not too far from Balance. At that point, I wanted a gym that was either close to my work or home, affordable, and clean.
In doing a bit of research, Balance best fit the bill. There are quite a few offerings in the area, but I opted to check out Balance after a new coworker told me it was where he was happily working out. I stopped in to the ally location after unknowingly walking past thousands of times. The gym is large and there is ample equipment for my needs (mostly cardio, some basic weight training). The classes are great and enjoyable, and the few personal training sessions I purchased were excellent (but expensive, as they should be!).
Finally, the recently renovated women's locker room sends my review into the five star zone. Honestly, the women's locker room was almost gross when I first became a member a few months ago, but they quickly remedied that and I'm very pleased with the upgrade! I look forward to my workouts at Balance and would recommend the gym to anyone looking for a great place to get fit- without the hefty price tag, gym rats, or (too many) meat heads. -
Review from Andrea K.
Washington, DC
12/26/2009
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. -
Review from Jenn T.
New York, NY
9/10/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I frequently drop-in for a Crossfit class when i'm in DC visiting for work/play. The facility is great - lots of space and pretty clean. I like that there's a back section that opens up to the parking area where you can work out outside. It's great for WODs (workout-of-the-day) that involve any kind of running, or even just to be working out in the open air is awesome. The instructors are also extremely talented and helpful. The location is great because it's close to the metro and in the middle of the city, so it's super convenient for me (because really, it's all about me).
I haven't been to the main gym section, but my friend is a member and says it has it all: cardio, weights, classes, boxing, Crossfit, yoga, dance, and even pole-dancing. I highly suggest stopping by to check out what they have to offer. Let me know how the pole-dancing classes go; I haven't mustered up the nerve to go to one... yet. -
Review from Jonathan S.
Washington, DC
3/18/2010
I've been a member of Balance (Kalorama) for over a year and couldn't be happier. The atmosphere is unlike any gym I have worked out in. Everyone is their to help (imagine trainers taking time to help you with your form when you aren't a client) and the type of training is unlike anything I have experienced. The addition of a physical therapist was a most welcome event for me as I have chronic neck problems associated with 4 herniated discs. I expected nothing but the best from a gym that has completely changed the way I look at fitness and working out and Lauren has easily exceeded my expectations.
I have worked with 4 different therapists over 5 years usually for 6-8 week stints. I am writing this after my second appointment and I can say my neck feels better now than after my last two PT experiences. The initial evaluation was the most extensive I have undergone and Lauren's impressive knowledge of anatomy and physiology were immediately revealed as she pinpointed and diagnosed the multiple issues with my neck within minutes. Instead of quick in quick out treating every neck injury the same (as I had become accustomed to at my old therapist) the personal attention and desire to fix what is wrong, not just address symptoms, has been truly refreshing. I highly recommend Lauren and balance Physical Therapy. -
Review from Philip Y.
Washington, DC
12/25/2010
I would really give it a 4.5 stars. A business has to be truly extraordinary for me to give 5 stars and Balance is just a bit short of it.
People that work here and the people that go here are quite friendly and seem pretty focused at what they do and it just makes for a greatly atmosphere overall.
For the price, I pay $65 a month now and no initiation fee and no contract, the facility is great and the number and variety of classes being offered is fantastic. One day I'm going to join a boxing session. I've gone to the spinning class a couple of times but decided it wasn't really my thing - I prefer the treadmill. The instructor was good, tho (I think Tracy was the name - she's also a pretty good DJ).
As a new member, they offered me 3 private personal training sessions for $100 and I jumped on it. Both Ben and Cali were excellent and they pushed me _just_ enough. They also helped me with my forms - I had been benching wrong all my life it turns out. I may continue at regular price a few more sessions just to get the form and fundamentals right. I don't need to pay other people to motivate me.
They've been redoing the locker rooms for the past few months but I don't use it so I can't comment on that. They minimized distractions while the construction so I just did my thing.
Cons would be some dated equipments and some of their weights' paint came off on me a couple of times. But then, the price is right.
All in all, an excellent gym that's 2 blocks from my apt. I thought about checking out Vida but, at like $120 a month, that thought went away fast. -
Review from Elliot P.
Washington, DC
3/19/2010
This place is amazing. I have been working out at CrossFit Balance for a few months now and absolutely cannot say enough good things about it. However, because I am writing a review of the place I will list a few...
The Staff:
The trainers at Balance are outstanding. Constantly encouraging and extremely knowledgeable about their profession, they work hard to keep all of the workouts challenging and exciting. The attention that every athlete receives during a workout at CrossFit Balance is unlike at any other gym that I have been to. Even though class sizes vary, I never feel like I am getting lost in the crowd. Every time that I walk through those doors I know that whatever Danielle, Ryan, Ben or Mark (a few of the Balance trainers) have planned for the class is going to be tough and incredibly rewarding.
The Facility:
Balance's brand new space is like a playground with all kinds of fun stuff to mess around with. In the CrossFit studio you won't find much of the "typical" gym equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines, but not to worry, all of their equipment is top notch and is sure to give you a great workout each and every time. Now that the weather is getting warmer many of our workouts have moved outside onto their newly renovated back deck - this is awesome for someone like me who is stuck inside all day sitting at a desk.
The Culture:
Yes, this gym has a vibe and culture all its own. Whereas most gyms feel like warehouses where people come in, put on their iPods, tune out one another and just slog through a repetitive routine like hamsters on wheels, Balance has a team atmosphere where the trainees take a genuine interest in each other. I have found that in the classes at Balance, people get to know each other and push each other to constantly improve. There have been many times during workouts where I was able to push just a little bit harder thanks to the positive energy created by the group.
Like I said, Balance is terrific. No matter your current fitness level, if you want to get in great shape and actually enjoy yourself and the people around you while getting there, this is the place for you. -
Review from Bee T.
Washington, DC
7/15/2011
I joined under the 30 days for $30 deal. I was looking to amp up my workout because I was stuck in a rut at my other gym. I joined online after I read it was voted the #1 gym by City Paper. Tony (bless his heart) was the first person I saw and he was helpful and friendly. I took every class I could, some were challenging (bootcamp and Coach King's Cardio Tone classes) the rest of the classes were just ok. Believe me I tried them all! I liked the amenities in the women's locker room. I liked that I saw people who were fit and serious about their workouts. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Especially the locker room lady: she actually found my lost pearl earring, and water bottle, workout gear (washed it too) and put it aside for me. Now here's where it gets bad: when you pay the enrollment fee it says on a posted circular: includes 3 PT sessions and 1 nutritional assessment and 1fitness consultation. After I took it the 3 PT sessions I noticed I was charged $50 for "included" service. Be wary, ask for any hidden fees they might include. I personally spoke to Graham (the owner) about this and he basically didnt answer me. The PT's hit you up hard to sign up for more. Coach King left and there is no reason for me to continue there...how sad. It was fun while it lasted.
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Review from Cindy S.
Washington, DC
12/30/2009
I have been a member of this gym for 9 years. I admit it has been primarily because I like working out during lunch hour and it's close to my office. However, when I first joined, there were several types of classes offered and then it all fizzled out... until recently! I had long become bored with my routine of running, spinning, elliptical, and weight training. Other members were beginning to change gyms and I was considering doing the same ... until this summer.
New owners bought the gym and have been making many improvements. New space has been added along with a large variety of classes ranging from boot camp to yoga, pole dance to boxing.
The gym still has the essentials regarding exercise equipment and weights. The locker rooms are always kept clean.
The staff are all friendly; the trainers and owners are attentive and focused on providing proper instruction and helping individuals achieve fitness goals.
I also started doing some of the crossfit workouts which is very new to me and my historical approach to exercise. They built a new studio equipped with all the crossfit program accessories. It's been a great to learn to train in a different, more efficient way. The staff is motivating as are other members who also encourage you! It's an intense and challenging workout!
I would make the effort to come to this gym even if it were not the convenient option. And I would recommend this gym to anyone looking to shake things up a bit while getting instruction from dedicated staff that really seem to care about each individual's fitness goals. -
Review from Katie M.
Washington, DC
3/26/2010
I am so glad I chose Balance Gym. My decision was based mostly on price and location, but Balance has far exceeded my expectations. They run specials quite often so it's easy to get your foot in the door without paying the initiation fee. Also, the cost for one person is about $50/month, which is already a great deal in D.C., but that price also includes most of their classes! You really can't beat that value.
The overall feel of the gym is great - just normal people at all fitness levels. None of that uppity gym rat vibe. The trainers & staff are great. They are all so upbeat and encouraging. I've enjoyed every class I have tried. They don't offer a ton of classes, but there is definitely something for everyone.
The only downside to this gym is the equipment & facility. The facility is a little older and shows some wear & tear - especially in the locker room. Some of the cardio machines could be updated as well. The facility is nothing special, and it is a little on the small side, but it serves its purpose nicely.
Overall, I don't think you can beat the value of this gym. It's one of the cheaper gyms around yet still offers everything you could want and more. -
Review from Kim N.
Washington, DC
4/19/2010
I'm usually not a "gym" enthusiast, but if you're looking for a great personal trainer who will not only give you a great work out, but will also educate you about healthy living overall, check out Jermaine at Balance Gym Thomas Circle. He's takes a genuine interest in his clients and will keep you on task. He changes up the work out so you never get bored. Thanks to him, my Spring outfits are fitting much better this year!!
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Review from Tony C.
Washington, DC
3/14/2010
The new ownership of Balance Gym has brought a new energy along with new equipment, programs and fun attitude.
Lots of new faces and programs.
Kudos to Mark Crick and his partners!!!!!!!!!!! -
Review from Sunday P.
Washington, DC
2/26/2010
I am good at sports. I am normally a gym snob - I run farther and faster than you when I am on the treadmill because I am training for a race and I'm pretty good. The reason I like Crossfit Sports Power class that I take at Balance Gym is that I am terrible. Really horrible. Until I started taking Ben's class I've been able to pick up new sports and skills quickly. Mountain climbing, surfing, etc. Finally I've found something that is a real challenge and as a result has dramatically improved my running in a short time. Even though I am so bad, Ben is an excellent and patient trainer and the other people in the class are welcoming and fun. There are a lot of good things I could say about Balance Gym, their programs, and friendly people but the bottom line is this is the most rewarding work out you can get in DC. And don't worry about looking like an idiot, you can't look worse than me.
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Review from Carrie L.
Washington, DC
3/2/2010
Great gym - everyone is really relaxed and laid back. You don't have to feel like you're going to night club to workout. Love Stacey's spinning class - she will kick your butt into shape.
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Review from Jenny R.
Washington, DC
5/7/2010
I first joined this gym approximately 5 years ago. Formerly Thomas Circle Sports Club. It was a mediocre neighborhood gym with equipment that didnt work, and staff that was just okay. I would work out on the equipment watching the personal trainers work with their clients; I always felt that the trainers did way too much stretching and not enough working of their client out. So, I felt personal training was definitely not worth it for me. I bounced around from Bally's to Golds Gym and then eventually landed right back to where I started at the TC Sports Club. THEN, Balance Gym came in and did a full gym overhaul. They kept some of the old staff (thank goodness they were some of the people I actually liked) and then they brought in quite a bit of their own staff too. The gym started to change alot into something new and completely exciting, I was still thinking about personal training hoping one day I could train with one of the super fit trainers at this new gym, Balance Gym. I had just rejoined the gym, as the transformation was taking place, and received a phone call from a very peppy girl who wanted to set up the free consultation which comes with a new membership. I thought, " Cool! This is my chance to workout with one of the super fit and super cool trainers!" I met with Meghan Gaab for my free session, and after my workout I realized that this woman means business...Her workouts were extreme. Yes, there were stretches, but she didnt spend as much time on it as I've seen other trainers do on their clients. She worked me out like I would have worked out back in my college soccer days. Being that Meghan was a college skuller, I felt I had something in common with her, as she knew my sports work ethic and what kind of workouts would be the most beneficial for me. I signed up for a 20 session package with her right away. Meghan has taught me so much of which exercises I should be doing to increase my strength and endurance. She has taken my workouts outside also, even showing me workouts at landmarks that are great cardio, like running stairs, doing pushups, etc. She is a true motivator, someone who really actually cares about her clients and the goals that they hope to attain. She is incredibly self-less, and even spent a day grocery shopping with me so I would know which foods I should be eating in conjunction with my food plan and my workouts. Meghan Gaab is the BEST personal trainer at Balance Gym, Thomas Circle, hands down! She is soo incredibly talented in the training of her clients,and I feel so proud that she is my personal trainer. She is the best of the very best, a true gem, and I feel like she has changed my life for the better when it comes to my workouts. There are soo many great things that I can say about Meghan but the bottom line is: All of y'all want an awesome personal trainer? You can find her at Balance Gym at Thomas Circle and her name is MEGHAN GAAB!!! Go find her now as she will get you in the best shape of your life!!! :) -Jenny
