Elevate Interval Fitness
2428 14th St., NW; 202-509-9995
Workout: High-intensity interval training, with a heart monitor broadcasting your vital stats on the gym’s multiple screens.
Work ethic: Data-driven geeks and competitive Hill types who need to win even at the gym.
How they talk: “Numbers provide a great way to quantify perceived effort.”
Cost: $25 a class or $159 for unlimited monthly membership.
305 Fitness
1630 14th St., NW; 646-480-2459
Workout: This newbie’s name comes from Miami’s area code, and the 55-minute rhythmic cardio workout is guided by a live deejay.
Work ethic: Those who want to rock out like it’s still New Year’s Eve—in South Beach.
How they talk: “A sexy underground ‘rave-meets-workout.’ ”
Cost: $24 a class.
SoulCycle
2301 M St., NW; 202-659-7685
Workout: Part gym, part inspirational cult, this New York sensation opened in August, mixing candlelit 45-minute spin classes, club-remix soundtracks, and the premise that DC and Gotham are equally hip.
Work ethic: True believers crushing those who just want an excuse to sport Lululemon gear
How they talk: “Strength that lasts beyond the studio walls.”
Cost: $30 a class.
Vida Fitness
Six DC locations; vidafitness.com
Workout: Your choice of cutting-edge equipment and a bevy of trainers and nutritionists—as if the fitness gods who fit in here need them.
Work ethic: Hunger Games capital for those who’ve made Washington the fittest city in the US.
How they talk: “At the end of the day, Vida is all about you.”
Cost: $99 a month.
Rockville Sport & Health at Pike & Rose
11594 Old Georgetown Rd., Rockville (scheduled to open in January)
Workout: Spin, yoga, cardio machines, Pilates—you name it—in a McMansion setting, but the key amenity is a Kidz Klub.
Work ethic: For Bethesda moms who need a place to wear yoga pants guilt-free.
How they talk: “We’re not just a club, we’re a family.”
Cost: $99 a month.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
