Exploring the New York Sports Club in Washington, D.C.
The New York Sports Club (NYSC) located in Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C., offers a diverse array of facilities and amenities that cater to fitness enthusiasts, including a swimming pool and basketball court. Despite some negative feedback from members, many appreciate the gym's atmosphere and accessibility to various workout options.
Atmosphere and Community
Members often highlight the crowd at NYSC, noting that it can get busy, particularly during peak hours. However, many find the environment welcoming and inclusive. The gym is known as a transgender safe space, making it a comfortable choice for various individuals, including those from the LGBTQ+ community.
Amenities Galore
NYSC Columbia Heights boasts numerous amenities, which include:
Swimming pool
Basketball court
Sauna
Accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible seating and entrances
Despite some equipment being outdated or needing repair, members appreciate the variety of on-site services available. However, there have been requests for better quality towels and a more proactive maintenance schedule to ensure everything remains in optimal condition.
Personal Training Experience
Personal training is an available option at NYSC, with staff like Thomas receiving consistent praise for their knowledge and attentiveness. Many members report positive experiences with trainers who tailor workouts to individual needs, enhancing the overall gym experience.
Sign-Up and Membership Requirements
A membership is required to access the facilities, and while pricing is considered competitive, some members express that additional fees and policies can be frustrating. Communication from management regarding membership changes and cancellations has been cited as an area needing improvement, indicating a need for a more transparent process.
Safety and Security Concerns
Some incidents have raised questions about safety protocols within the gym. Reports of altercations and the lack of security cameras at entrances have led members to call for enhanced security measures. The gym does provide a wheelchair-accessible car park, but the request for improved safety practices reflects the need for management to address these concerns seriously.
Conclusion
NYSC in Columbia Heights presents a range of facilities and a supportive community aspect that many members enjoy. While there are certainly areas for growth, including customer service and equipment maintenance, the gym's LGBTQ+ friendly environment and diverse offerings make it a viable choice for those seeking a comprehensive fitness experience in Washington, D.C. Whether you're here for a swim, a class, or to use the gym's varied equipment, NYSC aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
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I 'ave been a member since 2019 or so and kept payin' durin' the pandemic. Recently I'm noticin' this place is goin' downhill. The location works for me and the pool is great in the winter, so I'm 'opin' they turn it around or a new chain buys the location.
Recently they are startin' to lock down and skimp on equipment - the studio is locked, no text bands or weight belts. The most recent, super annoyin' thing is that they won't give 2 towels. So you can't really take a shower.
For some reason the towels are always involved when gyms tank. I saw this at the last gym before I left.
Are there any other good gyms in the area that ppl recommend??
Barbara Martinez (6/11/25, 1:10 PM):
I found the gym facilities to be pretty standard. However, canceling my membership was a whole different ball game. They ended up charging me for another month after I had already attempted to cancel. Dealing with their customer service was a nightmare, especially since I had moved out of town and had to cancel long-distance. My advice? Save yourself the trouble and avoid signing up in the first place to sidestep the hassle of canceling.
Ruth Howard (6/6/25, 5:19 PM):
Lovely gym, however, much like another commenter, I found that the procedures for cancelling a membership were handled quite poorly. I must've made at least 4 separate visits to the gym management in person, and spent over 5 hours either waiting or speaking with different managers who each gave me conflicting information. Eventually, they agreed to cancel my membership and said they would "send it off to the central office for processing". However, the central office then emailed me and requested that I give them a call, as they claimed my credit card number was incorrect by one digit – even though it had been correct for all previous transactions. Consequently, they were unable to finalize the account closure. In summary: I would recommend steering clear of this questionable establishment.
Heather Myers (6/4/25, 9:58 PM):
I've been enjoying this gym overall, and the staff's customer service both by phone and in person have been great. However, they might want to ease up on the membership sales a bit because it's starting to get absurdly crowded. Also, I'm a bit annoyed that they have started heavily promoting children's swim classes about a year after I joined, especially since there aren't enough lanes in the pool for regular members. There are nearly free ($10 for a series of 8 classes) swim lessons offered at DC city indoor and outdoor pools all over town, as well as a nearby YMCA for kids and families. I joined this gym specifically for adults to work out, so this situation is quite frustrating. It wouldn't be such a big issue if the pool wasn't already too small to accommodate all the paying monthly members, as it's a key reason why I chose this gym. I do use the city pools as well, but I was expecting a different experience at a gym where I pay a monthly fee.
Elizabeth Rogers (5/31/25, 2:13 PM):
I 'ave been a member 'ere for about 6 months now. I reckon it's a pretty standard mass market gym. I wouldn't make much of an effort to come 'ere, but it's a solid option if you're local. The staff are usually quite 'elpful if ya know 'ow to interact with 'em. Of course, it's crowded - shouldn't catch anyone off guard, but I manage to work out just fine most times. My main complaint is about cleanliness. Weights all over the place. Racks are filthy. A lot of gear in corners or by walls is covered in dust and they take their time gettin' busted equipment fixed. They could also improve their WiFi since they promote it as a perk and it's terribly slow at times. The sauna and pool are a bonus. No surprises there, mate.
Katherine Miller (5/28/25, 10:51 PM):
I usually don't leave reviews, but I simply had to say something about my experience with Washington Sports Clubs and their parent company. They are, without a doubt, the shadiest of the shady. When the pandemic hit, I couldn't even get through to anyone to cancel my membership. I was in the process of moving out of state, but it was impossible to get a response from the company no matter how many times I tried to contact them. Every WSC location seemed to have disconnected phones, playing a generic Verizon message. No one replied to my emails, and the gyms remained closed while they continued charging fees for a service that no one could use. I even sent a cancellation request via certified mail, but I still had to take matters into my own hands and block WSC from charging me through my bank because of their sheer incompetence and shadiness. Sure, the gyms and prices might seem decent, but don't be fooled. Steer clear of WSC at all costs. Join literally anywhere else...trust me, you'll thank me later.
Sharon Green (5/27/25, 1:56 PM):
Oh mate, let me tell you, classes with Tamara are absolutely brilliant! She's so encouraging and fun, and you always get a cracking workout! I highly recommend it all around as an affordable gym option with top-notch classes!
Danielle Parker (5/27/25, 1:35 PM):
I am a fresh member of the New York Sports Club situated in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC. I am highly content with the amiable and knowledgeable professionalism of Mara Shook and Benjamin Lax. The gym is well-stocked and well-kept, and I relish reaching my fitness targets in a delightful, non-intimidating ambiance, and most splendid of all, it's just a stroll away from my abode!
Roger Robinson (5/27/25, 5:08 AM):
This gym is nearly impossible to use even during off-peak hours. They only have 2 squat racks and 1 deadlift area to go along with 3 benches near the dumbbells. This setup is meant to serve one of the busiest areas in DC.
On the other hand, there are over 30 pieces of cardio equipment available.
Equipment is frequently out of order and repairs take ages to be completed.
If you find yourself working out at this gym, it's simply because of the convenience. The overall experience is subpar, and any new competition would likely overshadow this place in no time.
Larry Kim (5/26/25, 8:34 AM):
I must say, I've been absolutely thrilled with my membership at NYSC Columbia Heights; the gym is top-notch, and the staff are incredibly kind and professional. It has truly been a wonderful addition to my life.
I am especially impressed with my personal trainer, Thomas Harrington. Thomas is not only extremely kind and knowledgeable but also motivates one to strive for their best and shows genuine interest in his clients' progress. Additionally, he is very prompt in addressing any questions or concerns outside of our training sessions.
When I started personal training, I had existing orthopedic issues, and Thomas came highly recommended for me. Thanks to his expert guidance, not only have I made significant physical gains but I have also experienced a considerable reduction in my related pains. The fact that Thomas is part of the gym's staff speaks volumes about its quality.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse NYSC Columbia Heights. The staff truly put in the effort, and it definitely shows.
Harper Watson (5/25/25, 7:31 AM):
Management doesn't quite grasp what members desire. Prices rise while the quality of the club experience diminishes. Proactive maintenance appears to be non-existent. They simply wait for equipment to malfunction and then take weeks to repair it. I've been without the second 30lb kettlebell for nearly two months now.
Gabriel Robinson (5/23/25, 5:11 AM):
The staff was abysmal. At $90 a month, I had higher expectations for the level of respect. The main reason I left was due to the poor staff. My job covered the cost of my membership. The gym was conveniently located near my home, and the equipment was satisfactory. The other patrons were courteous. However, the staff left me feeling unwell 🤢.
They were constantly pushing me to download their app, which did not add any value to my membership. If you're already a seasoned gym-goer who prefers minimal interaction with the staff, then this gym is suitable. Otherwise, it's better to invest your time and money elsewhere.
If you encounter any issues early on, I recommend calling to cancel immediately. If the problem is resolved, you can always reinstate your membership.
Christine James (5/22/25, 12:24 PM):
Just popped along to Melanie's zumba workout at NYSC/WSC out of curiosity, and let me tell you, it was absolutely brilliant! She clearly put in the effort to plan out her choreography, resulting in a fantastic sweat-inducing session. I had an absolute blast and would highly recommend Melanie as an instructor!
Albert Hernandez (5/21/25, 2:27 PM):
Ayanna is the top yoga instructor at this gym! Her flows are consistently smooth and unique. The manner in which she leads her classes is serene and tranquil, allowing you to clear your mind for a while. I highly recommend her classes! Plus, she's a remarkable individual in addition to being an exceptionally skilled yoga instructor!
Grace Anderson (5/20/25, 11:11 PM):
I typically don't like to leave negative reviews for organizations, but I feel compelled to make an exception in this case. Our company had a corporate membership with this gym, which initially seemed like a pretty good deal considering the quality and reputation of WSC. However, after a prolonged back-and-forth process, when we finally submitted the paperwork, suddenly the corporate rate was no longer available. They still promote having corporate partnerships, so this definitely seems like a bait-and-switch tactic and questionable gym practices, especially since I had already submitted a signed contract with all the costs outlined. It's disappointing since most of the other options in the area are CrossFit and yoga studios.
Joe Jordan (5/20/25, 6:18 AM):
Everything is all good, but I must say it's a bit off-putting to discover that the towels provided for drying our sweat or after a shower are also being used to dry up urine from the leaky showers.
Philip Simmons (5/18/25, 10:14 AM):
I’ve been frequenting this establishment in Columbia Heights for a couple of days now. I had an encounter with Benjamin, the trainer supervisor (I think) who suggested I should consider getting a personal trainer. Prior to these visits, I had checked out the facilities, and Benjamin was initially very pleasant towards me. Even during our brief consultation sessions, he remained friendly... However, after discussing it with a friend, I ultimately decided against signing up for the personal trainer program. As a dancer, my routine already involves a lot of cardio depending on the class, so after seeking advice externally, I declined the offer. Now, in my recent visits on Tuesday and Wednesday, it seems as though Benjamin is disappointed by my decision not to opt for a personal trainer, judging by his demeanor when I enter the gym. The front desk staff may come across a bit aloof at first, but I believe that's just their initial impression due to not knowing me yet! I'm optimistic that as I continue to visit, I'll get to know them better. The gym is fantastic and conveniently located just a block away from my workplace, making it the perfect spot for me to maintain my fitness.
I'm looking forward to experiencing more warmth from the staff as I become a regular, just to feel welcomed as a black gay man. :)
Deborah Gray (5/17/25, 1:28 AM):
A rather decent gym for its price range. There's plenty of room to partake in any kind of workout. I came across a lady mentioning the absence of stretching space, but she's definitely mistaken about that. The equipment repairs are carried out quite promptly. There's always space for enhancement, but I'd rate it a solid 4 out of 5, especially for someone who has been with LA Fitness since 2021.
Barbara Miller (5/16/25, 3:39 AM):
It was truly lovely to have the young lad at the reception wish me a jolly good birthday as I checked in. The meticulous care really brightened my day.
Albert Myers (5/10/25, 3:33 PM):
I would like to verify a recent review of the gym: "The equipment is decent to subpar, it's often crowded, but the worst part about this gym is the customer service. Trying to cancel a membership or deal with unauthorized charges is like pulling teeth. Keith Barrett is harder to reach than the president. The incompetence of him, the staff, and corporate offices is unfathomable." I have been attempting to cancel my membership for months. Emails. Phone calls. No reply. And then after six months of no activity on my credit card, there is a significant charge from WSC. Would not recommend.
