Walls have been torn down, work stations have been erected, new floors have been laid and new equipment fills the rooms at the Sport & Health Club on G Street SE. “We’ve improved the cardio room, created a beautiful and large mind/body studio, designed a new functional training space and a multi-station functional training cage, and enlarged our weight room on the third floor,” said Chang Yi, general manager. “We’ve also installed new flooring and a mural in the spin room with technologically advanced spin bikes.”
If you’ve ever visited the former Results Gym, you couldn’t help but notice the uniqueness of the building. Giddings Elementary School closed decades ago and had been left abandoned by the city until it was converted into a gym in 2000. “It is a historic building. It’s one of a kind. We have so much space,” said Chang.
I’ve worked at the gym since it opened. In the ‘old days’ we were a family. We were neighbors. We could learn about what was happening in the neighborhood. Members and staff worked out together, socialized and had a good time getting fit. Under the Sports & Health management, I feel much of that comradery and excitement is being revitalized. “Much of the renovations are the natural evolution of the gym,” said Ben Fidler, fitness director. “Some of the improvements are the way a gym should grow. Others are inspired by our goal to deliver the ultimate fitness experience to every member, every time.”
Building Renovations
Some of us ‘old timers’ have been skeptical of the efficacy of the changes. Change is often hard to handle. When I watched workmen tear down the basketball hoops I couldn’t imagine the gym without them even though the basketball court was empty a large percentage of the time. “We were sad to see the children from Capitol Hill Day School leave,” said Chang. “But I understand they have found another space to rent for their physical education classes.”
Now I train most of my clients in the new functional fitness room (see Hill Rag, February 2017 issue) which can have a boot camp class going on, trainers training clients and members working out on circuit machines all at the same time.
Not only has the wall been torn down between the cardio room and the former abs class room on the first floor but also modern cardio equipment has been added. We have virtual treadmills that make running in different locales possible. We also have the LateralX– a cross trainer that offers adjustable movement that transitions from a vertical stepping motion to a lateral motion for greater challenge and results. There are new stationary bikes.
The Kids Club (babysitting) has been upgraded as well. “We put in new flooring, new cribs, new toys and more infant rockers,” said Chang.
On the second floor the former circuit room and Pilates studio have been combined into a Mind/Body studio. Now yoga students can comfortably practice on a new bamboo floor and on new mats in a room twice the size of the studio on the first floor.
On the third floor more squat machines have been added where the rock wall once stood.
The next phase of renovation will be the locker rooms. Chang said Sport & Health has submitted plans to the city for a permit to begin work updating both to include new floors, lockers, vanities and upgrades to the steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools and showers.
Program Additions
Both the personal training program and the group exercise program are also being rejuvenated. The whole club has installed new computers, and staff and trainers are getting used to logging in our work hours, our personal training sessions and class attendance.
Sport & Health has even utilized the once cluttered gym basement. Krav Maga, a martial arts program, has rented the facility for its classes. Zumba classes are returning and Les Mill’s Body Pump classes are coming. We also are starting small group training classes called ‘Explosive Performance’ for all ages and levels of fitness.
Sport & Health has also incorporated a new nutrition program called Power Supply, meals that are nutrient dense made from responsibly sourced meats, veggies, fruits, nuts and healthy fats with no gluten or dairy. The meals are table-ready, crafted by local chefs and delivered to the gym for pick-up.
Sport & Health has been on the Hill less than a year. The club is still evolving, growing and changing. If you’d like to learn more about the changes, stop by for a visit, call: 202-234-5678 or log onto: www.sportandhealth.com.
Pattie Cinelli is a holistic personal trainer who also teaches yoga, Pilates and barre classes. She has been writing her health and fitness column for more than 25 years. Email her with fitness questions or story ideas to: fitness@pattiecinelli.com.
