Bike Parking/Showers around Potomac Center Plaza

[MCL1981]

The building/agency doesn’t have a gym and locker room?

[americancyclo]

That’s some pretty slim pickings in SW in general. Maybe the Waterside Fitness & Swim Club if you can’t find facilities in your building?

[lisaworld]

I won’t be a federal employee and I’ve been told that location does not have a gym/locker room facility I can use. I would have to go to another agency building about 8 blocks away which does have a locker room I can use. Waterside might be an option (one I never knew about) but it is about the same distance away (i.e. far) as the other agency building where I do have access. I don’t need a full shower, just access to a sink and electrical outlets (for a hair dryer).

I guess I’ll check out the options at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Might be able to gain access to their gym and facilities.

[adamx]

i am at Potomac Center North…500 12th ST SW. The area is underdeveloped but L’enfant is rebuilding and bringing restaurants back. Wonder if WABA could convince them to put showers there! OH…there is a public bathroom at L’enfant entrance near the Mc Donalds. And there is a hotel in the building.

Fortunately, there is a gym in PCN that provides access ONLY to gov’t employees and i use that. For whatever reason we dont provide gym access to contractors but we do give them access to gov’t secrets, IT systems and almost everything else.

The building across the street from me has a public parking lot and there are many cycles parked there. I wonder where those people shower and change?

Look fwd to seeing another commuter in the area. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Greenbelt]

I just spoke with someone last night who’s starting a new job in this area next month, and will have shower facilities in her building. I’ll try to find out if it’s open to the public or other local fed employees/contractors.

[lisaworld]

Greenbelt: Thanks. That would be great.

I did check with the Mandarin Oriental and they do offer fitness center access with a one time fee of $1,000 and a $295/month fee. I believe I’m going to pass on that option!

[theakston]

@lisaworld 12317 wrote:

I start a new job in Jan 2012 which will have me working in SW DC for the first time. I’ll be at the Dept of Education building at the Potomac Center Plaza building at 550 12ST SW. Anyone have recommendations for bike parking and perhaps more importantly shower facilities? Google turns up nothing for gyms except for the Golds Gym at 3rd and D.

Coming from 20 years of working in NW DC I’m in shock at the total absence of gyms within a 3 block radius.

I used to work in that very same building (for HUD) and you will be pleased to find that there is a bike rack and a free shower / locker room area!

[americancyclo]

@lisaworld 12320 wrote:

I won’t be a federal employee and I’ve been told that location does not have a gym/locker room facility I can use.

Does that mean there IS a facility, but you’re not allowed to use it? that would be pretty messed up!

Further to that point, is it card access? Do they have a bouncer? Maybe it’s a moot point if no one is checking IDs.

[theakston]

I was a contractor there too. It isn’t a big facility but believe me there is a shower room, not many people know about it – it is on the middle parking level. I very much doubt that they got rid of it. I will ask some of my ex-colleagues.

[Terpfan]

I worked there when DoED first moved folks from Switzer Bldg and main DoED over to there back in either it was ’03 or ’04, I forget which. I vaguely recollect there being a shower somewhere on the premise. The old Switzer Bldg had one in the Asst Sec Offices. I didn’t bike commute back then and so I didn’t really run into the problem. One thing I did remember was how little food choices there were. I’m glad they got a Potbelly’s a few other places. It literally used to be the small deli across the street, the little waterfront area or L’enfant for food (and even L’enfant was bleeding stores back then). Good luck! I’m supposed to get lunch with an old coworker from there and will ask her if she knows unless someone figures it out sooner.

[lisaworld]

Reporting back now that I’ve actually started my new job and have all the requisite badges, etc. There is a very small shower room on the premises on the middle level of the parking garage. Contrary to what I was told, there is no “checking” of credentials to use. So I can resume my daily bike commute!

Thanks everyone for helping and the information.

[Bill Carrington]

I’m guessing you already know that there is a facility at Education’s LBJ. You have to be a member, but it is not too expensive. The problem is that you would have to then get on a shuttle bus to go from LBJ to PCP. But the bus runs frequently and is free. You could park the bike at LBJ.

[rcannon100]

This is old information but it may prove useful

Department of Agriculture Fitness Center
12Th & Independence Streets
Ag Promenade
(202) 720-8995

http://www.recgov.org/usda/FIT1.html
Contact: Ken Klotz or Sharon Fagen Carlstrom
Hours of Operation:
Monday & Wednesday – 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost:
Annual Membership $221 or Semi-Annual $115; one-time initial fee of $20; if more than 40 new members, there is a rate reduction to $195 and $100 respectively.
No. Members:
1,200
Avg. Daily Use:
400
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 250 half size lockers; 7 showers; 5 toilets, 1 scale.
Men’s Locker Room – 250 half size lockers; 7 showers; 5 toilets, 1 scale.
Lockers available for individual rent – $45/year or $23/6 mos.; 1 year wait list for women; 45 commuter lockers available daily.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 12 Eagle Cybex machines; Smith machine; Lifecycle; Recumbent cycles; 1 LifeFitness Cross Trainer (9500 HR); 2 Monarch stationary bikes; 2 Schwinn Aire Dyne bikes; 2 Concept II rowers; 1 Nordic Track; 3 Stairmasters; and 4 Treadmills.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. & Machines – dumbbells; barbells; flat and incline benches; plates (over 2100 pounds of weight); 12 Cybex stations.
Programs/Classes:
Strength Training, Body Sculpting, and BoxAerobics (21 classes per week); Karate; Yoga; Latin Dancing; military style boot camp fitness, and a weight management “Get Real” 12-week program; Reebok Group Cycling Classes (10 bikes) – 30 minute class is free; 45 minute class is $3.00 or 10 classes for $20.00.
Trainers/Instructors:
Several on duty. Also serve as aerobics instructors.
Special Amenities:
None. Massages can be arranged monthly.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FITNESS CENTER
12Th & Independence Avenue
(202) 586-9645

Contacts: Pat Rose, Chairman of the Board
Rose Cooper, Facility Manager
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost:
$221 annually or $58.25 quarterly.
No. Members:
980
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 4 showers, a scale, 100 lockers (both half-size and full-size); half are available for individual rent but waiting list is 1 year.
Men’s Locker Room – 4 showers, a scale, 100 lockers (both half-size and full-size); half are available for individual rent but waiting list is 1 year.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 3 Stairmasters (4400PT); 3 Lifecycle 9000 stationary bikes; 4 fan-style stationary bikes; 1 Stairmaster “Spinnaker” bike; 2 Lifecycle recumbent stationary bikes; 3 rowing machines; 4 Trotter 685 treadmills; 2 Nordic Track machines; and 1 Cybex upper-body cycle machine.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – free weights, benches, racks, and several plate-loaded systems.
Weight Machines – leg press; leg extension; leg curl; abs; fly; chest press; seated butterfly; upper back; military press; and Cybex knee lift machine.
Programs/Classes:
Aerobic classes (step, hi-low impact, abs, stretch, and “body works”) are regularly scheduled. Country line dancing and military boot camp fitness are occasionally offered. Yoga classes available for a fee. Cholesterol and full blood workup available quarterly for a fee.
Trainers/Instructors:
Several.
Special Amenities:
None. Massages can be arranged.

HUD FITNESS CENTER
451 7Th Street, S.W., Room B122
(202) 708-1180

Contact: John Kennedy, President of the Board
Sonya Robertson, Program Manager
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cost:
$260 annually; $20 one-time nonrefundable initiation fee.
No. Members:
800
Avg. Daily Use:
145
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – Lockers provided free of charge; permanent assignment of locker available for an annual fee – $25 for small locker; $50 for large locker.
Men’s Locker Room – Lockers provided free of charge; permanent assignment of locker available for an annual fee – $25 for small locker; $50 for large locker.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 3 Rowers; 5 Treadmills; 4 Stationary Bikes; 3 Recumbent Bikes; 5 Steppers; 1 Nordic Track; and 1 Free Rider.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – Full circuit Nautilus equipment (upper and lower body).
Weight Machines – Smith machine; Cable Crossover; 1 Flat Bench; and Dumbbells/Barbells.
Programs/Classes:
Step, Floor, Abs, Boxing, Muscle Toning, and Sports Conditioning. free of charge.
Trainers/Instructors:
Qualified with minimum Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health promotion, or related field. Certified in personal fitness consulting, aerobic instruction, and CPR. Personal individual trainer available for a fee.
Special Amenities:
None. Massages can be scheduled.

LOEWS FITNESS AND SWIM CENTER
480 L’Enfant Plaza, 11Th Floor
(202) 646-4450

Contact: Tim Hawkins or Darren Finder
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pool – 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily.
Cost:
$348 annually; $29 monthly; no initiation fee.
No. Members:
600
Avg. Daily Use:
150
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 5 showers; and 36 lockers for daily use; towels furnished for swimming only.
Men’s Locker Room – 5 showers; and 36 lockers for daily use; towels furnished for swimming only.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 6 Stairmasters; 9 Lifecycles; 4 Treadmills; and 1 Rower.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – 29-Piece free weight room; Hammer strength; and Icaren.
Weight Machines – 22-PieceCircuit in Main Weight Room.
Programs/Classes:
25 Classes per week: Step, Power Step, Cardioblast, Aero Step, Funky Step, Step Challenge, Aqua Aerobics, Body Shaping, Box Aerobics, and Abs.
Trainers/Instructors:
CPR trained; certified trainers; certified aerobics instructors and exercise physiologists.
Special Amenities:
Year round rooftop swimming facility on the 12th Floor; other locations in Bethesda and Rockville. Poolside Bar & Grill.

ROB FITNESS CENTER (GSA)
7Th & D Streets, S.W., Room G-211
(202) 205-9731

Contact: Calvin Snowden, President of the Board
Tomica Carter, Fitness Counselor
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cost:
$225 annually; $5 daily; both with an initiation fee of $25.00 nonrefundable.
No. Members:
500
Avg. Daily Use:
50-75
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – Lockers provided; permanent assignment is available for a fee; $30 small locker; $60 large locker.
Men’s Locker Room – Lockers provided; permanent assignment is available for a fee; $30 small locker; $60 large locker.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 3 Stairmasters; 3 Lifesteps; 4 recumbent Lifecycles; 4 upright Lifecycles; 2 Nordic Tracks; 2 Monarch stationary bikes; 1 Schwinn Airdyne bicycle; 4 Trotter treadmills; and 3 Concept II rowing machines.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – Dumbells; and freeweights.
Weight Machines – Nautilus; Universal; Gravitron; and Smith Rack.
Programs/Classes:
Cardiovascular – Step; Floor Aerobics; Abdominal classes regularly scheduled.
Trainers/Instructors:
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health promotion, or a related field. Certified in personal fitness consulting, aerobic instruction, and CPR. Individual trainer available for a fee.
Special Amenities:
None.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FITNESS CENTER
7Th & D Streets, S.W.
Nassif Building, Penthouse
(202) 366-9729

Contact: Rick Bradley, President
Hours of Operation:
Non-DOT employees – Monday-Friday; 6:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. DOT employees only may use this facility from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost:
Annual Membership of $156 (prorated as appropriate); no introductory fee; no guests; no free tries.
No. Members:
1,150
Avg. Daily Use:
300 – 500
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 34 half size and 22 full length lockers; 6 showers (incl. 1 handicapped); 4 toilets, 2 sinks.
Men’s Locker Room – 100 half size lockers; 11 showers (incl. 1 handicapped); 2 sinks and toilet facilities.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 5 stairmasters; 8 stationary bikes; 2 recumbent bikes; 3 rowing machines; 4 treadmills; 2 elliptical fitness cross-trainers; 1 Cybex upper body ergometer; and 3 TV sets.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – 1 lb. to 80 lb. dumbbells; no barbells; many light weight; few and mixed heavy weight; 2 benches;
Weight Machines – Atlantic squat, calf raise, tricep; Tital leg press, leg curl, leg extension, tricep curl, overhead press; Universal-style mixed use fly, overhead press, leg press, roman chair, lat pulldown; 2 weight assisted Gravitron dip/chin up machines.
Programs/Classes:
Stretch, Aerobic/Step, and Step Classes. No add’l. cost.
Trainers/Instructors:
1 “exercise physiologist” (DOT employee).
Special Amenities:
None.

WATERSIDE FITNESS AND SWIM CLUB
901 6Th Street, S.W.
(202) 488-3701

Contact: Tony Mason, General Manager
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:15 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday; 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost:
$49 per month with $50 initiation fee. Special during 1/99 of $25 initiation fee.
No. Members:
500
Avg. Daily Use:
50
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 75 half-length lockers; rent for 6 mos. or 1 year @ $10/month.
Men’s Locker Room – 75 half-length lockers; rent for 6 mos. or 1 year @ $10/month.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 4 Treadmills; 4 Bikes; and 4 Stairmasters.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – Barbells for bench press.
Weight Machines – Life Fitness (Nautilus) and 1 machine for each body part to be conditioned.
Programs/Classes:
Step, Sculpting, Yoga, Kickboxing, Sports Conditioning, and monthly special classes.
Trainers/Instructors:
2 certified with college degree.
Special Amenities:
2 Pools; Sauna and steam room each in the Women’s and Men’s locker rooms. Massages by appointment only and for a fee.

[Author]

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