VIDA - City Vista

Jacob Kincer 2 weeks ago

Edit for those seeing the message below: I got a follow up from Corporate that just straightforwardly confirmed they will not be giving any flexibility. That's fine, I stand by this review. It is unsurprising that this company was the one that decided to put cameras in the locker rooms to "deter theft". It's sort of generally emblematic of how they approach their "Vida community". I was a member for 4 years and generally gave Vida the benefit of the doubt through a lot of issues at this location: the HVAC problems, the steam room constantly being out of service, broken equipment that would take weeks to repair, and the decline in cleanliness that many other reviewers have mentioned. What finally pushed me to bother leaving a review was management's handling of my cancellation. I submitted it the morning after the deadline instead of the night before because I assumed my membership was through May 13th. I was charged for another month. Despite being a loyal member for years, there was zero flexibility and zero consideration given to the fact that I had been paying dues for four years. They were perfectly within their rights to enforce the policy. But after years of sticking with the gym through ongoing facility issues, I expected a little common sense and goodwill. Instead, I got a rigid policy response. After four years as a member and not complaining once through all their various problems, the extra month apparently mattered more than the customer relationship. The extra money isn't the end of the world to me, but apparently it is to Vida. So just keep in mind that if you think you're buying into a luxury gym and community, you really aren't. You're buying into a poorly maintained corporate location that really doesn't stand out anymore.

Tim Macchi 6 months ago

It pains me, but I finally had to delete my five star review from 4 years ago and rewrite my review to now be one star. Four years ago this gym was incredible. The equipment was great, the amenities were really nice, you could visit every Vida location at the base membership, it was CLEAN, and while one of their smaller locations, the community was strong. I moved away from DC for a couple of years and came back this summer. One of the very first things I did upon my return was rejoin this gym. But wow, has this place fallen so far! First off, the number of mechanical issues is unacceptable. The AC over the summer was broken and it got to stifling temperatures. All we received were emails with excuses. No discount in membership, no changing our memberships to allow access to all locations. It was ridiculous. The AC is still not fully repaired as evident by the massive hole in the ceiling, portable AC units, massive fans, and a tarp blocking a good portion of the gym for weeks. The locker rooms are very humid and its clear air is not moving well enough. The steam room went down for over a month. The water fountains continually say they need the filters replaced but yet they are not. Second the gym is now dirty. The locker room floors are stained and the bathrooms are not cleaned. The shower and steam room floors have visible dirt and the drains are always broken and dislodged. Third is the general vibe that nobody really cares anymore. The TVs in the locker used to show sports or the news. Now it's just a static screen with rules for the locker rooms. The sugar scrub has disappeared and nobody has said when it's coming back. The front desk barely says hello when you walk in. Even the broader Vida group seems to have refocused on the other locations which have gotten upgrades, are still clean, and continue to show the level of experience I had four years ago. I really am disappointed and have begun looking at joining another gym. This place is very close to where I live and I love to support a local business, but the higher membership cost does not make sense if nothing has improved in over a year. Vida please fix this!

Sharon Singh 5 months ago

I have been a Vida Fitness member for more than 15 years and usually worked out at the Gallery Place and Navy Yard locations and have purchased personal training sessions since I started at the gym. For the last 3 years, I have been working out at the City Vista location, and when I started here, this club was managed well until the last management change. Unfortunately this location has become a disappointment. While I detail below the issues at Vida City Vista location, the main problem is management - from the GM down. All they do is try to placate instead of being honest about the club issues. They are masters at deflecting versus taking responsibility or even just being truthful. While they said they want feedback, they totally dismiss it and are rude. 1. City Vista continues to not adhere to the cleanliness of the other locations. This issue has been brought up to management many times by numerous members and frequently noted in reviews to no avail. The exercise rooms are dirty and the dust bunnies in the main weight floor are larger than my head. 2. Equipment seems to always be broken from TVs not working on many of the treadmills to machines only working properly for a week or two before breaking down again. And let's not even talk about the air conditioning and ventilation. It continues to be extremely cold inside the gym when it's cold outside and hot when it's hot outside. 3. It appears that many of the class instructors and some of the new personal trainers are extremely green and inexperienced when they start teaching/training. Vida has always been known for strong and well-versed class teachers and trainers. One must do a great deal of homework before signing up with a trainer here. I am lucky that my trainer is very experienced and competent. City Vista does have a few great class instructors but that seems the exception versus the norm. 4.. Front office and management staff can be unfriendly and dismissive. As one can see from responses to the reviews, they all say to connect with the team to address issues but nothing seems to be addressed. Members are encouraged to fill out surveys but they don't make a difference. As previous reviewers have stated, Vida is definitely a step up from some gyms in DC but the City Vista location is not worth it. If you are looking to join a Vida, I would suggest the Navy Yard in DC.This location is well run, and any issues are addressed efficiently.They also seem more transparent and timely with updates. The only reason I continue to work out at City Vista is that I really like and trust my personal trainer.

Marvin Bachelor a year ago

Absolutely the worst gym experience I had in my life. Planet Fitness is better than this. Steam room is not working for over 10 weeks now - no information available. AC in group fitness studios is not working. It’s s overcrowded (they closed the gym nearby and renovating this one at the same time - you can barely move around). It’s dirty. It feels like you are working in the middle of the construction site.

Julia O 5 months ago

Why is it so hot in here?? The AC was broken all summer and continues to be working at bare minimum for 6 months now. I avoided going to the gym in the summer bc it was making me nauseous. Now I gained some weight from being sick and finding it impossible to hit cardio hard when its 75+ inside while 30 degrees outside. Seriously, what is going on? Been a member since 2021 (started at Gallery Place) and seriously thinking of cancelling membership.