“Dear PoPville,
I’ve been a member of VIDA Fitness in Mount Vernon Triangle since first coming to DC for an internship in 2013. I never fooled myself about VIDA, its parent “lifestyle company,” or their target affluent customer base. It was expensive for me then. It’s expensive for me now. The monthly fee, just over $100, was always a bit of a splurge. Other than rent and student loan payments, my VIDA membership is my greatest monthly expense. I justified it to myself because (1) being physically active was and still is very important to me, (2) it was the most conveniently located gym to where I lived, and (3) the facility was high quality.
I’ve recently moved and inquired about switching my membership to the club on U Street, since it’s the closest to my new apartment. I know that location is much more popular which makes it even more expensive. Friends of mine advised that they pay $10-15 more per month for using just that location; so, I could reasonably expect a nominal increase for switching to this higher-demand location. Seemed fair enough.
Turns out, however, my only option is to buy an all-access pass for all VIDA clubs for $130. I’ve tried emailing various membership reps and managers explaining that I don’t have a car and don’t work near any other clubs, so I have absolutely no need for all-access. I’ve explained that I’m not a new member, that I simply want to continue using only one club, and I know members of that particular club location who still have single-club memberships. To no avail, I’ve explained that, while I’ve always enjoyed my gym membership, that price increase was excessive and, frankly, unaffordable. Without any explanation, they’ve simply replied repeatedly that there are no exceptions to their policy.
I acknowledge business are free to run themselves however they want; and as I said before, I know they market themselves to a specific, wealthier, clientele. I just find it surprising and shameful at how quickly VIDA is willing to force out a six-year member because they can’t afford a nearly-30% increase in membership fees.
With that said, what semi-affordable options, if any, are left in this city for those of us seeking a conventional gym? WSC is getting sued by the DC Attorney General for shady business practices and if I attended one of the numerous studio options (Orangetheory, Solidcore, etc.) every day, it would end up being considerably more expensive than my VIDA membership. I’m planning to check out the YMCA, but don’t know what else the community would recommend. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.”