VIDA Fitness

Vida Navy Yard is a beautiful space with luxurious amenities and amazing classes. It’s the best gym in town.
Chandini Hemrajani is the best trainer — so knowledgeable and fun. She whipped me into better shape than I’ve ever been in and is so supportive of my fitness goals. She literally has changed my body with strength training.
Joel Patton is the best instructor. His iRide class makes bike class a dance party, better (and cheaper) than any Soul Cycle class! His HIT (high intensity training) is insanely fun (and tough) and his ASSETS class is awesome too.

VIDA is a great gym to be a part of. I prefer to do my cardio outside or run stairs in the winter, so I mainly joined for there inner studio classes like yoga, barre and pilates.
In my opinion, the yoga classes are the best class that VIDA has to offer. They offer a variety of classes like Yoga for Athletes, Restorative Yoga, Vinyasa Flow and Power Yoga which is wonderful for people who want to get different things out of Yoga. My favorite yoga teachers are Layne, Chris P and Alfredo. All yoga classes are taught at an intermediate level, with Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga being the best for beginners.
Barre classes are good at VIDA but definitely much easier than Pure Barre or Bar Method. I love Tami’s classes and try to attend any class that she teaches. I hope that like yoga, VIDA will start to incorporate some varied levels of barre into their schedule and give us some advanced barre classes!
Pilates I used to love Lauren’s Monday class, but do not believe she is teaching at this location anymore.
** My biggest critique for VIDA inner studio classes is that there is not enough correction going on. Alignment and proper form is so important and often the teacher is too busy getting a workout in with us, when he or she should be walking around and correcting us. **
Overall, for the monthly price of about $ 100, if you take advantage of all that VIDA offers, I think that the membership is totally worth it!

This is my second year being a member of this Vida location. I love it. Everything always works, there is a great variety of machines and equipment so you never have to wait, the classes are terrific, and the atmosphere is very energetic. I’ve worked with three personal trainers I would highly recommend all three of them. The lockers/​shower area always picked up and well supplied. Plenty of lockers. Worth every penny

The only thing I regret when it comes to signing up for Vida fitness is that I did not do it earlier. I have been living here for five years, and I only in the past 6 months joined Vida. It has been the best decision I have made for my health in years. I attend a group fitness class about 3 – 5 times a week and absolutely feel amazing. Vida has the best instructors! I can say that after trying two gyms in the area and then finding Vida. Not only will you have an amazing experience in the class, the instructors will help you improve every week and if you miss a week, even check in to make sure you are doing alright. If you are on the fence, you should try a class out. I highly, highly recommend George’s Zumba class or Tami’s RX class or a candlelit yoga. If you are into Zumba, this is by far the best Zumba class I have been too. You will sweat like crazy and also have so much fun. The gym’s amenities are always extremely clean and the front desk is exceptionally helpful.

I really enjoyed my workouts at Vida. The place is really clean and they have everything you need there to refresh after your workout. There’s also a lot of choice in terms of classes and the coaches are really great. I did experience some issues with the hot water last year but it got fixed I think.
The only issue for me is the price. Not only is it expensive but not everybody pays the same: after a year there where I saw my membership increase by 5%, I realized that I was paying 25% more than my friend who had enrolled 1 month before me. I cancelled my membership and was really disappointed.

Not worth the time or trouble. Their customer service skills are sadly lacking. They screwed up my account and now won’t even return e-​mails. Methinks not.

I go to both verizon and city vista locations. I love this gym. Variety in machines, welcoming/​friendly staff and great classes.
I take the yoga class with Eric and I absolutely love the class and him. Being a novice to yoga, Eric is informative and interactive with his students. Coming off of a bad injury and struggling with balance, this class has been helping me so much in addition to building back my strength and providing me with a great stress outlet. Thank Eric!

This gym is sick. I need a place where I can do physical therapy after knee surgery, and this place is so nice that it inspired me to get a membership that overlaps with my golds membership at the same time. Can’t wait to use the sauna and the single person pool for physical therapy. Only reason I didn’t give them 5 stars is because like many other shady gym businesses, for some reason they have odd requirements like a startup fee in addition to the already hefty monthly membership fee. Then there’s a fee to break your contract, EVEN IF YOUR JOB FOR THE GOVERNMENT MOVES YOU OVERSEAS, which one would think would only be valid during your first year, but really shouldn’t be assessed if you’re a long term member. They’re probably making money hand over fist, so I’m not sure why they have to stoop to the shady business practices you find at other less reputable gyms. Where else do you have to pay such fees? There’s countless other successful business models that don’t nickel and dime loyal clients, or even brand new customers. But I digress, after years of repeatedly dealing with gym nonsense in about 15 different states and 3 different countries. Bottom line, if you’re committed to working out, or need that extra motivation, they have high quality facilities you will enjoy

The moment you walk in the door, you feel the energy of VIDA. Talk about a welcoming and motivating vibe! I’m sure it’s why I’ve been a member for nearly 5 years now. What’s not to «like» and/​or love in some instances? The first time I toured the Verizon facility (my home gym), I liked what I saw but wasn’t convinced until the moment I walked into the women’s locker room. I swear the angels started singing and I just KNEW this is exactly where I wanted to get my fit on and, honestly, it’s only gotten better every year.
The personal trainers, the instructors, the management –the whole staff-​is friendly, enthusiastic, completely approachable and 100% on top of their game in doing whatever they can (within reason) to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. They’re all about you! The fitness experts are beyond competent, really love what they do and have this indefatigable energy that I find infectious and motivates me to push past my plateaus. Seriously, it IS a family.
I, of course, have my favorites (hehe) Miss TamiD, for one, and there are many more, but you pretty much can’t go wrong. I’ve worked with a few of the personal trainers and a number of the fitness instructors whose class offerings include #Zumba (we LOVE George!) #Pilates #Spin #Yoga #Barre #VIDARx, #IRide #Pound…and so much more. One of the newest, the Hot Barre (and Hot Yoga too) is addictive. They also added boxing which I can’t wait to check out. In recent years, they even added (a kick *ss) Dietician/​Nutritionist, Cat Taylor, to make their circle of services complete (Oh! and let us not neglect the Aura Spa, Tanning and Hair Salon).
I also really like that they keep it interesting and mix it up by hosting events (both inside and outside the gym). The Barre to Brunch for example is off the chain fun! I’ve met some very cool people (committed to be fit) in many of my classes and have even made some good friends along the way which is yet another fitness motivator.
Being fit and staying healthy and fit is about a lifestyle. If you want to slim down, sculpt or just improve your overall health, everything about VIDA screams ‘we’re going to help you get there!’ I’ve belonged to few other gyms and, truthfully, kept the other one while I checked out VIDA. It proved to be, essentially, no contest (and the cost/​price was pretty much the same). I feel motivated the moment I walk in the door and energized to stay on track in achieving my goals — so much so that I recently got certified to teach #Zumba myself!
The gyms I’ve worked out at, to date (Verizon, The Yards, U Street and Metropole), are clean and well-​maintained. The equipment is cutting edge (and always clean), and IF there’s ever a problem (i.e., equipment, showers, steam, sauna, water temperature, etc.) you can trust it’s going to be set right as soon as possible. And to boot? They’re «green»!!! VIDA is eco-​friendly!
The Yards has a fabulous view, a lovely heated pool, member parties — after all, who can complain about taking a yoga class on the boardwalk? All the VIDA gyms have their own unique vibe and groove — and so far? It’s all good. Verizon is still my favorite tho’.
When it comes to working out and exercising — building a better body — one rarely thinks in terms of it being a pleasure — a treat. I have to say that’s how I feel each time I visit — and I visit often.

Been a member of Vida Verizon for the last 6 years. Love the staff and amenities available. Everyone is very friendly and the facilities have a lot to offer. The machines are top of the line and each gym is extremely clean.

I’m really liking Vida Fitness. I signed up almost a month ago and have gone to three of their locations Verizon, City Vista, and The Yards. The locations are very clean and the equipment is excellent! I love the locker rooms and the Lemongrass Body Scrub they provide you with is great!
I have tried two of their classes so far Scenic Cycle with Jourdan at The Yards and Barre with Tami and Verizon and both classes are great. I also bought the pilates reformer package and am also really enjoying those.
My only complaint is about the whole Penthouse Pool club… you are expected to pay an extra $ 61 a month to use the pool and from what I understood that is just for you… guests are an additional fee every time you bring one and to make matters worse you have to pay the additional $ 61 year round and you can only use the pool May-​September so you are paying $ 61 a month for 7 months of nothing so $ 427 down the drain… they said it was to spread the pool cost year round… but $ 146 a month (what the total cost spread over 5 months would be) to use a pool that is for lounging and only for one person is ridiculous and you have to pay the initiation fee of $ 99 that you already paid when you signed up for the gym again!
Besides the whole penthouse pool thing Vida is great

I have been with other gym for more than 5 years and just joined Vida 2 months ago. I have to say that I really enjoy to be a member here. Staff are very friendly, nice and helpful. I joined Vida mainly for my yoga and other classes so I have not many chances to try all equipment. Yoga instructors are great, class schedules are so convenient, I enjoy my yoga classes every single day.
Swimming pools are clean, sauna/​steam rooms not so crowded. Locker room areas are kept clean all the time. I have nothing to complain. Highly recommend Vida Verizon to anyone!

I have been a member for four years and VIDA has become my family. The gym is extremely clean, and I actually prefer getting ready there than in my own tiny bathroom at home :) The classes are AWESOME, great variety, and plenty of offerings so they are never too crowded — I hate when you join a gym and have to sign up in advance just to get a bike in a cycle class — you rarely have to worry about that at VIDA because they offer so many! This gym feels like a community, the staff is so welcoming, the members are respectful, and the equipment is top notch.

I’m a complainer by nature, so I’ve been waiting to leave this review, but it’s been almost 2 years and I haven’t been able to come up with anything negative to say. I only go to City Vista and Verizon, and both are top notch with great staffs. Both facilities are clean, well laid out, and rarely do I see equipment out of service.
Signing up was painless, and I haven’t experienced any of the contract problems some other Unilocalers have noted. They were very clear about the cancellation policy upfront, and it doesn’t seem unreasonable. I have had a couple of questions, and Travis at City Vista always sorts everything out. City Vista has had some significant staff turnover, but Justin the new Assistant GM hosted a solid happy hour recently.
I’ve been doing personal training at City Vista with Mohammed and now Eddie for the past 1.5+ years and both are awesome. The entire personal training staff is very professional and have freely given advice even when I’m not training.
I also never thought I would be caught dead in one of the group fitness programs, but Tami and her team at Verizon changed my mind. I really like the Rx class, but caution that it varies greatly based on the instructor. If you’re going to try Rx, I highly recommend you pick a class taught by Tami, Luke, or Kip. I also like that Verizon lists the subs at the front door, so you can decide to skip the class. Also high marks to Rip45. And all the classes all free, so why not.
My only «complaint» is that City Vista doesn’t have the full Fuel Bar. The smoothies are surprisingly addicting.

I am a big fan of the gym because of the great staff, solid amount of machines available and overall environment of the gym. I was there for about 8 – 9 months and really enjoyed it.
The few issues were I had a hard to really signing up for one of the classes (i.e. boxing). It drove me bananas whenever I asked someone in the front if it was possible and it was just passed on to the next person… and to the next… and next… sigh. I ended up never being able to get the class. Also, not a big fan of the cancellation process. It’s not the $ 25 fee as much as it is the 30 day wait. Seriously, that is an extra cycle that I am getting charged which is unnecessary (and really, if it takes one entire month to cancel someone, they should revamp that entire procedure). For someone that is moving away, they are collecting an extra billing cycle on that. Not cool…

Okay okay. David is pretty darn good with responding to these reviews. Can’t be mad at that.
I’ll stop by this week to check on prices.

Note of Caution — Membership Cancellation
Make sure you keep a copy of your membership agreement. Just had to cancel my membership and found out there was a fee. I joined in 2010 and have all my membership email confirmations, but no copy of the agreement. Vida is great for working out and having access to classes and trainers. Just be warned when you cancel, there will be a fee.

I was a member of VIDA for over three years (unfortunately, I moved away from the neighborhood), but it is hands down the best gym in DC. At first I wasn’t sure if it was worth the price tag, but after only a few visits, I was hooked.
Yes, the equipment is fantastic, the space is amazing and clean, and the products in the changing rooms are spa-​like and of high quality. But the greatest part about VIDA is the group fitness classes. Zumba (with George), VIDA Xtreme, Vida Assets, Vida Body, and ohmygosh, the yoga, are all highlights, but you really can’t go wrong with any of their classes. They have the best instructors and the class times really do meet all schedules. I also think VIDA does a great job keeping up with all of the latest fitness trends.
Can’t say enough good things about VIDA.

These people are RUDE. The facility is beautiful, but the gym is so crowded and the staff members are so overarchingly rude that it’s really not worth it… stick to the K street location… or better yet, try out Sports Club LA in the DuPont Area, the trek over there is worth it!
For such an expensive gym, they should limit membership at certain locations, or offer more classes. They do neither of these things. The team members are so rude, I never leave this place with a smile. Unless they hire some new (polite, friendly people), I will not return here, or recommend it to anyone. The extremely disappointing thing is that even the supervisors seem to have a bad attitude. I don’t know if Vida needs to pay their staff more so they aren’t nasty or what, but changes need to be made. Don’t be snotty to gym members if you work at a gym… it’s not too complicated…

This gym is not exactly the most convenient location for me (meaning it’s not within a 10 min walk from where I live/​work) but I saw on a blog they were offering a great deal on a 13 day pass so I decided to check it out. I even got a free bonus day because one of the days I came in was customer appreciation day! First off, the facility is beautiful and yes even the locker/​shower rooms. Despite having 4 floors it feels very open since the stairs open all the way up giving you a nice view of all the floors. The whole 4^th floor is where the weights are while the cardio machines can be found mostly on the 3^rd floor and some on the 4^th floor. There’s also an infinite lap pool for the swimmers!
The staff here are also very helpful and friendly. I had a lock that was too small to fit the locker and the front desk person happily lent me an extra lock for the day. :) Most gyms are also very aggressive with the sales pitch when you’re doing a trial but there was definitely none of that here.
The classes I loved were Vida Xtreme and the Power Yoga or Vinyasa classes. I also tried Zumba and Knockout.
Vida Xtreme — Great and challenging workout! It’s like doing 5 of ZuzkaLight’s HIIT cardio and strength workouts nonstop for an hour. The series of jump squats towards the end was a killer! Glad I was late for Barre class and ended up going to this class instead. Awesome music choice but my only complain is that the music was way too loud. I couldn’t even hear my own heavy breathing. This class is always packed so come a little early!
Power Yoga Or Vinyasa Yoga — Challenging 1 hr yoga! I love that they have a separate with more relaxing feel studio for all their yoga/​pilates/​barre classes. I really think it makes a difference.
Zumba — I went Friday before Christmas and there were only 3 people in the class. Haha. I guess most people already left town for the holidays. As expected, it was fun cardio and despite having only 3 people in the class the instructor was still very energetic!
Vida Knockout — This had to be the most relaxing kickboxing type class I’ve ever taken. I really appreciate the instructor taking time to show the moves/​combo before a sequence but there’s too much downtime than I prefer.
Great facility but expect to shell out some money! A monthly membership is pretty much 3 months of what I paid for Crunch. Considering what you’re getting for the membership the price is not as bad. I do recommend this gym if you live in the area or by the Green/​Yellow line and can stomach paying above average gym fees. If you will be able to go at least 6x a week then the monthly membership will be well worth it. Sigh I will definitely miss this lovely facility.