Here’s some good news for government employees looking to get out of the house and destress as the shutdown drags on: many DC-area gyms and studios are offering free or discounted deals for affected workers, so shake off the stir-crazies and be sure to show your government ID where noted.
202strong
Multiple locations
This strength- and circuit-focused studio is offering furloughed employees the first class free and then up to five classes for $5 each. Classes can be redeemed in person by showing your government ID; email coaches@202strong.com with any questions.
Ascend Cycle + Underground
2413 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Ascend Cycle + Underground, a indoor cycling and fitness studio in Del Ray, is extending its military discount to furloughed employees: five classes for $75 or 10 classes for $150. Email info@ascendcycle.com and provide a copy or photo of your government ID. The space is also offering two weeks of classes in either space for $20, which is open to all.
Balance Gym
Multiple locations
Between 1 PM and 4PM, Monday through Friday, Balance Gym is offering free gym access, as well as complimentary classes that fall during those times. Just show your government ID at the front desk.
Bar Method
Multiple locations
Bar Method is offering two weeks of unlimited classes for new and lapsed clients for $39 with the code “shutdown.” The special (an $80 value) is redeemable at any of its three DC-area studios and can be purchased here.
Cycle Chi
211 Mill St., NE, Vienna
Furloughed employees get 20 percent off all class packages at this indoor cycling studio. The classes never expire, so are good when the shutdown finally ends.
Cycled!
Multiple locations
Get a free indoor cycling class at Cycled!’s Silver Spring studio, or a complimentary cycling, barre, or yoga sculpt class at the Takoma Park location. Sign up online with the code SweatItOut@CYCLED! and show your government ID at the desk when you check in.
DC Row
Multiple locations
All federal employees row for free Monday through Friday at 5 PM (Southwest location) and Monday and Wednesday at 8 AM and Tuesday and Thursday at 9 AM at the Georgetown pop-up. To reserve a spot, you must email info@dcrow.co and present valid government ID upon arrival.
ElectionCycle
1108 H St., NE
H Street spin studio ElectionCycle (which counts Kirsten Gillibrand as a fan) is offering $10 classes during the shutdown. To sign up, email electioncycledc@gmail.com.
Elevate Interval Fitness
Multiple locations
Elevate is offering free classes to those who have been furloughed. Email lauran@
Epic Yoga
1323 Connecticut Ave., NW
Federal employees pay $10 for drop-in classes—just show your government ID at the front desk.
Local Motion Studio
2377 S. Dove. St., Alexandria
This barre/Pilates/yoga/ballet studio near Old Town is offering free classes Tuesday through Friday for furloughed workers. Email sara@localmotionstudio.com for specifics and to register.
Nuboxx
701 Second St., NE
Furloughed employees get $10 boxing classes during the following off-peak times: 8:15 AM on Tuesday and Thursday, 12:15 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 1 PM on Wednesday. Just show valid government ID upon arrival.
Otherworld OCR
8445 Spires Way, Ste. Q, Frederick
This obstacle course training gym, which offers a variety of workouts that blend lifting, running, and CrossFit, is offering two free weeks for furloughed employees. Call 301-732-6601 to set an appointment.
Past Tense
3253 Mt. Pleasant St., NW
This Mt. Pleasant yoga studio is offering 10 percent off class packages (five, ten, or 20) to government employees with valid ID (in studio only). Also find a free community class on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM, open to the public.
Praxi Pilates
4141 N. Henderson Rd. Plaza, Ste. 5, Arlington
Praxi Pilates founder Carey Galst-Cavalcante also works for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and is affected by the shutdown. She’s offering free reformer classes to furloughed employees at her Ballston studio. Classes are capped at seven and registration is required. Find the schedule and sign up here.
ProBike FC
116 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church
Furloughed workers receive free Computrainer sessions during January. The indoor simulator is compatible with your road bike and fluctuates resistance to mimic going uphill or downhill while letting you nerd out with stats including speed, cadence, and power output. Just stop in and present your government ID. (And, bonus! You’ll also receive a coupon for a free six-inch sub from Subway.)
PureFire Yoga
4928 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda
This power-vinyasa-hot-yoga studio is offering drop-in classes for $5 with valid government ID.
Ryde DC
1025 N. Fillmore St., Ste. J, Arlington
Government employees ride for free at 5:30 PM classes at this Clarendon studio. Be sure to show your federal ID at the desk.
Sweat DC
3232 Georgia Ave., NW
Sweat DC is offering a complimentary two-week pass at its Petworth studio (applicable for everyone, not just government employees). The 45-minute HIIT sessions move quickly through circuits interspersed with body-weight exercises to spike your heart rate. The free sessions are also good for the “Sweat Strong” class, which has more difficult equipment and is capped at 16 people. Sign up here.
Vida Fitness
Multiple locations
Until the shutdown ends, Vida Fitness is offering all furloughed government employees a free workout (gym day pass) or a group class of their choice (one-time only). You’ll need to register here. Fans of the chain’s Bang Salon also receive 20 percent off any style or service with valid government ID.
Vikriya Lab
106 N. Lee St., Alexandria
This Old Town yoga studio is offering free Sunday evening classes to government employees, their spouses, and contractors until the shutdown is over. Join for 5 PM barre with Meghan-Rose or 6 PM “Yoga Foundations” with Megan A. Sign up here (classes fill up fast) and email them with any questions at vikriyalab@gmail.com.
Zengo Cycle
Multiple locations
Zengo Cycle is offering $10 off-peak rides (7:30 AM and 12 PM) Monday through Friday in all of its five locations in the DMV, as well as free cycling shoe rentals. Must present a valid government ID; walk-in basis only.
Know of any shutdown fitness specials? Email me at kolsen@washingtonian.com and I’ll update this article.
Kim Olsen ([email protected]) is a freelance writer in Alexandria.
