Crunch Fitness – Metro Center

I joined Crunch at Metro Center about a year ago and sadly, I am going to have cancel my membership — but only due to relocation. This has been a great gym — the staff are SUPER friendly and the space clean. I don’t really do classes but just come in several times a week to work out.
Pros: I’ve never had to wait to use a piece of equipment and the staff and fellow gym members are very polite when it comes to sharing equipment. I love the lockers (digital) and the toiletries — (I will miss the lemon/​sage lotion!) and the free towels and spacious showers.
Cons: When they are doing some of the spin classes, one of the instructors SCREAMS and it is very annoying to listen to — I work around noise all day and listening to some guy relentlessly yell at these people is very unnerving — I try to avoid going when he has classes going. Locker room is super crowded between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. — people are nice but it gets a little crazy with 35 women bumping into each other.

Visiting Washington DC for pleasure. Found a great place to come in and work out for a reasonable price. Very friendly and professional staff! Clean facility and good variety of new equipment.

The locker rooms are great! You don’t need your one locks. They have a lot of showers so no need to wait. The classes are great especially the ones with Arthur! The gym does get a bit a crowded and sometimes you can’t find an empty treadmill. The ab room is nice when it’s not crowded.

Like this gym a lot. I got a Living Social deal here so it was only $ 27/​month. It’s really clean and in a nice location. The lockers have digital locks which are nice and are pretty big. There’s plenty of cardio equipment — I’ve never had an issue getting a treadmill even during the busiest time from around 5−7ish. I haven’t taken any classes here, but I’ve heard that their spinning class is great, you just have to make a reservation ahead of time. And they have a lot of other classes too. I had an appointment with a personal trainer (came with the Living Social deal), but it was pretty basic, so if you already a decent fitness background, I don’t think that’s worth it. Not sure what the general monthly rate is, but for what I’ve gotten out of it, it’s for sure worth what I paid. It’s also conveniently located really close to downtown.

I have been patronizing this gym for a while now and am behind satisfied with, not only the pricing for membership, but the overall customer of the establishment. The Crunch staff makes you feel welcomed and are always available to answer any fitness questions you may have. I signed up with Jameel and he has been very helpful and attentive to all of my fitness needs and goals.
The equipment is all new and all works effectively and if you don’t have any prior knowledge on how to use them, the trainers are more than happy to assist you. The locker room is pretty immaculate when it comes to cleanliness, (I still wouldn’t walk barefoot, but that’s my own personal preference). They always have fresh towels for your convenience and not at an extra fee! The lockers have electronic locks, so need to worry about bringing a cumbersome lock with you to the gym.
Overall, a pretty awesome gym and I would highly recommend you joining and or patronizing this establishment!

I split my time between this location and the Chevy Chase one pretty evenly.
Pros: great amenities in the locker rooms (lots of toiletries, digital lockers, sauna, plenty of individual stall showers with extra privacy), TV screens by cardio machines, as always fun classes!
Cons: so, so crowded! after work this place is insane and certain classes (arthur’s spin class) are difficult to get into (eg. I tried to show up and was told that people start calling in to reserve a spot at 2PM, I called the next day around 4PM and was 4^th on the waitlist, the day after that I called at 2:30PM and was 3^rd on the waitlist – total insanity), it can be hard to get a locker after work too. this location is more cramped as well, but that’s understandable given the area. like others have mentioned, some of the machines need to be replaced.
FYI I pay $ 60 a month for membership, which includes access to both gyms and the 2 in Virginia. There was a $ 20 registration fee, and there’s an option for cheaper membership if you sign up for a year contract vs month-​to-​month.

I actually have a multi-​city pass that allows me to use Tysons, Reston, Metro Center and Chevy Chase. It’s a great deal, particularly for someone like me that doesn’t really use machines and only takes classes.
This Metro Center location has lockers with electronic locks and a much larger women’s room. But, It’s definitely not shiny and fresh as Tysons. I am grossed out by the showers, so I don’t shower there. I also think some of the cardio equipment needs maintenance or to be switched out. They have nice weight machines though (I really only use the ab and leg ones). Last, the cleaning crew needs to actually vacuum instead of just mop. since the mopping just moves the dirt and hair around… I say this because every time I’m in a class, I see hairballs on the floor. Eek.
That said, there are some fun instructors and classes here. I would say that they are the only reason to come to Metro Center. I haven’t tried all of the instructors yet, but my favorites are:
* Maggie D… she is a great instructor, pays attention to form and makes a tough workout fun… SHE IS ENTERTAINING and funny… She’s an actress, but she could be a singer, too. Sometimes she’ll break into song during Barre whilst doing squats. We’re all dying and suffering, and she’s singing…
* Shifu Antonio. I’m sure he’s laughing inside when he sees me in his classes because I take a lot of breaks… His classes definitely kick your ar$e, but it’s worth it.

I joined in January and have had a great experience thus far. It is great for a workout at lunchtime or after work. Management, teachers, and trainers are extremely welcoming and I feel really at home here.

In my experience this gym has been clean and the staff has been awesome. I workout during lunchtime so I haven’t had any issues with crowds. The gym is smaller than some, but I have never had any major issues with finding equipment. The free weight section isn’t that extensive and if I worked out during peak hours I can see how finding free weight equipment might be an issue.
The locker rooms have everything you need and the digital lock system is awesome. The gym works well for me for a lunch workout.

I’ve been a member of this gym for almost a year, and I am looking forward to cancelling and finding something else.
While they do have plenty of classes, none of them are in line with my work schedule. For example, they only have one evening spin class, which starts at either 5:30 or 6:00 — impossible to make for someone who works until 6:00 everyday.
They are also very crowded pretty much always, and I always feel like I am fighting for space in the lifting area.

I have been going to this gym for 5 months now, and I really like it here.
First thing you have to know about me is that I don’t use gym, per se. I only go to classes like yoga and pilates. I just couldn’t find a yoga studio that satisfied me so I went ahead and got a membership here. It is a bit expensive: I pay 69.99 dollars per month. But I like most of the instructors and the facilities are very well-​maintained. People here are well-​mannered; they would clean after themselves and no man will stare at your ass when you are walking across the gym in yoga pants. The entire crew is very nice and they send you occasional «motivational» emails.
I do wish there were more classes, though.

Pros:
— Lots of machines but not crowded.
— Friendly staff.
— Clean, modern locker rooms.
— Great location.
— Cheap.
Cons:
— Obnoxious and often too-​loud music piped into most areas.
— Some machines are old and need to be replaced.
— Fluctuating temperature.

I recently joined Crunch and while I don’t go to this location often, I like it due to the amenities and the amazingly friendly staff. If I’m in a rush, I’ll definitely pop in here for a quick workout.
Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
— Lots of toiletries
— Sauna
— Lockers have a number-​based lock system
— Shower stalls are super-​private (small room with chair and hooks, then a separate shower)
— Friendly staff
— Convenient location
Cons:
— Parking (garage validation is two hours, and only early morning or after work)
— Limited hours
— Limited classes
— Humid (it can get fairly gross in the gym)
— Somewhat small, but I’ve never had an issue getting a machine after work
I still really like this location and I’m happy that I joined Crunch.

I joined this gym when I moved to DC because I had been a member of the Sunset location in West Hollywood (Their original location) and was looking for something with the same assortment of classes. It’s not quite the same as the original, which is understandable given how new it is and the location, but compared to other gyms in the area, it’s great.
Their selection of classes is great in comparison to many other gyms in the area. And for only $ 39 a month you get a membership to all of their gyms in the DC area (there are 3 currently and they’re looking at building more). They have your standard assortment of classes: zumba, yoga, body sculpt, etc as well as some more unique classes. My absolute favorite is the Aerial/​Anti-​gravity yoga, which is a strengthening, core and flexibility class taught with aerial hammocks. It was invented by Crunch and is a really fun class that will also give you an amazing workout! It’s the only place in DC you can take it and I highly recommend it.
As far as gym equipment goes, it has all of your standards as well as some more unusual pieces (monkey bars, heavy ropes, Jacob’s ladder). It can get a bit crowded right after work since it’s relatively small, but I’ve never had trouble using the equipment I wanted.
The locker room facilities are great. They have keypad locks so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own. They offer free sweat towels and you can also add a full-​sized towel service to your membership if you’re a regular gym showerer. Locker rooms have free hairspray, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. As far as gyms go, it’s super clean and the customer service is great. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a new gym in the DC area.

I own a few Crunch DVDs and I’m a big fan. So when I found out a year ago a Crunch gym was opening near my office I had to check it out. I dragged 2 friends for a trial day pass and signed up for a membership that day. This gym is a decent size and clean! You get towel service and shower products from Bliss Spa (!) for free. Lockers have digital locks so no need to bring your own. I’ve gone at different times (early am, lunch, mid pm and after 6) and the longest I’ve had to wait for a shower is maybe 5 minutes.
Classes here are all very challenging and fun! I like to mix up my workouts so I’ve tried most of the classes here. My personal faves are kickboxing, Jillian Michaels class, weightless (deceiving name! I thought I was going to some 30 min relaxing class when I first tried it. lol), TRX, Pound, pilates, yoga, Barre class and Zumba.
Spin is also very popular. I tried it once but I’m just not a fan of spin in general. If you’re into karaōke they offer a karaōke spin class ;)
In addition to all the regular weight and cardio machines there is also a small area that looks like a jungle gym (for adults!), you can work with TRX or battle ropes here. The free weights room is on the smaller size though and they only have one rowing machine. I never had to wait for it though, I guess it’s not as popular as the other cardio machines. There are also big screen TVs by the cardio machines if you like watching TV while working out.
For a DC gym, the membership fee is below average. I hope they open another branch in Arlington!

I’m praying I get a job near Metro Center, because I desperately want to join this gym when we move back!
Katie gave me a weeklong pass for my D.C. visit. I was pleased to find Bliss products in the spotless locker rooms, well-​maintained equipment and great classes. The location is prime: right near the metro. The gym membership is so much cheaper than my old gym (ahem, VIDA). What a relief.

I spent about two months trying out gyms in the DC and VA. Out of all the gyms that I tried, I liked Crunch the best. Here’s why:
1. Shower products
As several other reviewers have noted, they are from Bliss Spa. On all three days, I experienced some serious aromatherapy.
2. Comfortable locker room
I’ll admit, the locker room was tight in the AM, BUT it’s a bunch of women who acknowledge that and make an effort not to take up too much space, they say excuse me, and they’re generally friendly. This is not the case in most gym locker rooms.
3. Digital locks — YES!
4. Fun classes that went by fast
I tried the sticks class (is that what it was called), boxing, and spinning. Surprisingly, the drumsticks class was challenging but fun. It was a little difficult to get at first but I did eventually catch on. Boxing was my thing when I lived in Philly, so I’m usually not impressed with just straight boxing classes for working out. I crave real boxing training with jump rope, sprints, etc. and then boxing. This is for the purpose of working out. The spinning class was ok. I would’ve preferred more intensity but it wasn’t bad and they seem to have a variety of instructors.
5. Cool functional training area with monkey bars and some other stuff.
6. Nice-​looking gym in general — It’s a new gym that’s kept clean and it never seemed to get too crowded. Keep in mind that I do off-​peak hours during the week.
7. The manager’s sales pitch wasn’t pushy at all. She pretty much gave me a tour and let me use the 5-​day pass without any pressure. I was serious about finding the gym that fit my lifestyle best, so I didn’t care what anyone really had to say. I was really relieved that she didn’t sell me a bunch of BS because it makes me uncomfortable. Most of the other gyms that I tried did.
A couple of other things to take into consideration: I had to wait about ten minutes one morning for a shower to free up. It happened to be on a morning that I had a meeting so of course it felt like thirty minutes. Also, I either drove and paid for street parking or caught the train. I’m not sure if there is validated parking in a lot.
I didn’t join because of the location. I live in DC but work all over Northern Va and not in just one location. I can go as far south as Fredericksburg. During my trial I realized that it would be hard to stay motivated if I didn’t have a gym with locations in DC and VA. I was really close to joining because it met all my other criteria. I really liked it here.

After purchasing an annual gym membership here, I was pretty psyched to try out their Zumba and kickboxing classes. So far I’ve tried several different classes here, and all of them have been challenging and intense. I do wish, however, that they have more Zumba instructors. It seems as if the same person is covering half of the zumba classes in their schedule; and while she is wonderful and full of energy, it would be great to learn different styles and choreography from other teachers. I also wish that they have more yoga classes in the morning instead of during the middle of the day.
The facilities are clean and the gym equipment are new. I like that the women’s locker room has everything you need to get cleaned up after a workout (including a legit hair dryer, mouthwash, and lotion). Location being near Metro Center and right in the heart of downtown is very convenient for me. Price-​wise the monthly rate is reasonable compared to other gyms in the area.
My main gripes about this place are their communication and hours of availability especially during the holidays. I get weekly emails, but none of them have ever communicated when they would be open during the period between Christmas and New Years. I also tried calling the office after hours, and it just kept on ringing. One would think that for a decently-​sized business as theirs, they would have an answering machine that at the very least mentions gym hours. It also looks like this place shuts down completely during the holidays. Lastly, they also recently re-​vamped their new website, which is a complete mess in my opinion when you want to look at the class schedules. I much preferred the older format, which just gives you a pdf file updated twice a year. In this new version, you have to click on your location multiple times, and the schedule only displays classes 7 days ahead.
Once my contract ends, I would consider looking into other gyms.

I have been a member of Crunch for over a year and I love this gym. The staff is friendly and helpful and the locker rooms and equipment are always clean. I have taken several of the classes and they are always challenging and fun. The only issue I have ever had is with their billing system, which the manager has since corrected.
Currently, I also pay for personal training with Rodames. He is great and was recommended to me by a friend. He is helpful with changing your diet and tailoring your workout to ensure you get a full-​body workout. I would definitely recommend Rodames if you are at all interested in private personal training.

I’ve only been here a short time (Metro Center location only) but am impressed. The classes are fun an intense (which is why I join a gym), and the staff are friendly. The facility is well maintained and the equipment is new. The price is also very competitive.
The only thing keeping it from a 5 star status is the locker room situation. It gets very crowded and some of the lockers are broken. It can be tough to find an open locker and it is very crowded in there during certain times of the day. Also odd that there are only three sinks in the entire locker room so a line can form if ladies want to wash their face/​hands (especially after using the restroom).
Very clean, very fun, and a very convenient location.