The YMCA is a great choice for anyone looking to become more connected to their community and improve their personal wellness. With over 2700 YMCA locations across the country, the organization is one of the largest social service agencies throughout the nation, with a mission “to foster the spiritual, mental, and physical development of individuals, families, and communities according to the ideals of inclusiveness, equality, and mutual respect for all.”
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is no exception: It’s all about strengthening local communities. Individual locations offer a range of programming for kids, adults, families, and seniors, including health and fitness services such as sports teams, gym equipment, personal training, self-defense classes, exercise sessions geared toward seniors, and cooking lessons. Best of all, there are multiple YMCA locations throughout the D.C. area and in some of the most popular neighborhoods.
Top 5 YMCA Locations in the Greater D.C. Area
With so many YMCA locations, most D.C. residents will find there’s one within a short walk, drive, or metro ride from their home, as there are several locations to choose from. Here are five YMCA locations in the greater D.C. area.
1. YMCA Anthony Bowen
1325 W Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
The Anthony Bowen location is a state-of-the-art fitness and community center on the ground floor of a modern building. It was founded in 1853 by Anthony Bowen, a civic leader in the community. The newly constructed space includes an indoor lap pool, a basketball court, a wellness center, child care facilities, a rooftop terrace, and community meeting rooms.
Another unique feature of this branch is Gallery Y, a visual art exhibition space created in partnership with a local organization, The Art Island. Past exhibits at Gallery Y have included work by D.C. native Rose Jaffe, who has painted over 20 murals in the greater D.C. area, and the annual Community Collective Photography Showcase.
YMCA Anthony Bowen is a 15- to 20-minute walk from Sixteen Hundred apartments and The Rodney apartments in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, and a 20-minute walk from The Vintage on 16th apartments in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. It is also a 10-minute drive from Crestwood Apartments in the Upper 16th Street neighborhood and 1900 Lamont apartments in Mount Pleasant.
2. YMCA Calomiris Program Center
1906 Allison Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20018
The Calomiris Program Center offers a range of community services for kids and their families, including seasonal day camps, before and after-school care, family fun nights, computer classes, martial arts, and more. The space can also be rented for kids’ birthday parties and other social gatherings.
The center is about a 20-minute drive from the YMCA Calomiris Program Center to Sixteen Hundred apartments and The Rodney apartments in the Dupont Circle neighborhood and The Vintage on 16th apartments in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. It is also a 20-minute drive to Crestwood Apartments in the Upper 16th Street neighborhood and 1900 Lamont apartments in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.
3. YMCA Arlington
3422 North 13th Street, Arlington, VA 22201
The Arlington branch is a full-service facility with all of the cardio equipment, strength training, and free weights you’d expect at a gym, plus an outdoor swimming pool and a sauna. There is also a cycling studio for spin classes and a racquetball/ handball court. Fitness classes include yoga, Pilates, and Zumba.
The YMCA Arlington is a quick 10-minute drive from Circle Arms apartments in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood and a 15-minute drive from The Archer apartments in Cathedral Heights.
4. YMCA Bethesda
9401 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda MD 20814
The YMCA in Bethesda has it all: The fitness center includes cardio machines, strength training and a separate space for free weights. A group exercise studio features Pilates reformer equipment and three swimming pools (indoor and outdoor). One can enjoy five outdoor tennis courts and an outdoor track if it’s nice weather. There is also a babysitting service, and personal trainers are available for member appointments.
YMCA Bethesda is only a 17-minute drive from Connecticut House apartments and a 20-minute drive from Sedgwick Gardens and The Rodman apartments.
5. YMCA Silver Spring
9800 Hastings Drive, Silver Spring MD 20901
A unique draw for the Silver Spring branch is their heated outdoor pool that’s open year-round. There is also an indoor pool as a backup plan. A gymnasium offers space to play sports or hold group activities, and there’s also an outdoor tennis court. YMCA Silver Spring also features “family activity nights,” with something to suit all ages and fitness levels.
The Silver Spring branch is a 20-minute drive from The Vintage on 16th and 1900 Lamont apartments, and a 25-minute drive from Crestwood apartments.
Bonus: The YMCA Virtual Kitchen
Check out the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington’s “Virtual Kitchen,” featuring multiweek, heart-healthy cooking classes that cover topics such as knife skills, roasting a whole chicken, and best preparation methods for grains. Classes are free and include how-to videos and nutritious recipes to help fuel your health and wellness journey.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington provides a range of community services beyond fitness and recreation. Individual locations bring together members of the community who share a common goal of self-improvement. Check out its website for your nearest location to get up-to-date information on fitness classes, workshops, and community events.
There is also no shortage of opportunities to volunteer with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, if you’re interested. YMCA leaders are always looking for people to help with blood drives, food distribution, and emergency child care services. You can learn more about YMCA’s community service projects here.
Living (and Staying Fit) in Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking for a new apartment home in the greater D.C. area, contact our expert staff today. Our studio, one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans suit a range of needs, and are situated in desirable D.C. neighborhoods such as Cathedral Heights, Mount Pleasant, and Dupont Circle. Give us a call to discuss your perfect apartment home today.
