Washington Sports Club

I have a crush on my health club, the Washington Sport Club on Capitol Hill. Truthfully, I love them all. The facilities are clean and kept in working order; there really have not been any real problems with anything. Even the locker room is spic and span, and if I get athlete's foot, its my own damn fault.

Mind you, its neither posh nor fancy. The club is no longer Washington Squash Club and all the squash courts are closed. WSC really has everything I need; and I don't even take advantage of the classes that the club offers.

In addition, I get a subscription to Men's Health and get to read the new magazine they publish, Strong.

Since Results the Gym opened on the Hill, the population of the gym has decimated. So, although I don't use all the equipment, I have it made.

Before I leave home, I make sure my Sony MiniDisc player is juiced with a nice medley of tunes. I pop in my ear buds and head out into the night.

I can run to the gym, so I am warmed up upon arrival. I hop on the new Concept II rowing ergometer, do a 6000 meter piece. I drink some water, stretch on the stretching machine, and head up to the weights.

I do three sets of the following, starting at a lower weight for 15-reps, going up some, for 12-reps, and then the third set is for 10-reps:

• Tricep pulldown
• Lat pulldown
• Seated row
• Assisted pullup
• Bent barbell bicep curl
• Military press
• Shoulder shrug
• Preacher curls
• Chest flies
• Crunches
• Leg lifts
• Stretching

And then a super hot shower and some serious wasted water.

Washington Sports Club (WSC) – A Fitness Legacy in Washington, D.C.

The story of Washington Sports Club (WSC) begins in the mid-20th century, when it was known as the Washington Squash Club, founded in the 1960s. Located in Capitol Hill, the original club was a meeting ground for the city’s elite—lawyers, lobbyists, diplomats, and government employees who gravitated towards the high-intensity sport of squash. Squash, at the time, was not just a fitness activity but also a social outlet where professional connections were formed amidst fierce competition. The club was originally located at 11th and G Streets NW, an area buzzing with political and social life.

The Washington Squash Club and Its Role in D.C.

During its peak in the 1970s and early 1980s, Washington Squash Club was a key player in the Washington, D.C., fitness scene. At a time when squash was one of the most popular sports among the city's professionals, the club drew people from all over the area, particularly from Capitol Hill and Foggy Bottom. Members would come after long hours spent in government offices or legal firms to release their tension in the courts.

But the club wasn’t just about the game—it was also about the conversations that happened after. In the locker rooms, in the lounges, people discussed politics, policy, and the pressing matters of the day. It was common to see staffers from Capitol Hill, high-ranking officials, and members of various embassies connecting over shared interests in fitness and public service. The Washington Squash Club became a center not just for physical fitness but for intellectual and political engagement, a place where professional circles overlapped with personal life.

The Transition to Washington Sports Club (1990s)

By the early 1990s, the fitness trends in D.C. were changing. While squash remained popular, a new demand arose for broader fitness offerings, such as weight training, cardio equipment, and group exercise classes. To meet these demands, the Washington Squash Club underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as Washington Sports Club (WSC) around 1995. This transition marked a shift from its original squash-focused identity to becoming a full-service gym. With this change came the closure of the squash courts and a complete overhaul of the facilities to include modern fitness equipment, free weights, and cardio machines.

WSC’s Capitol Hill location at 3rd and Pennsylvania Avenue SE became one of the most popular branches. The new WSC attracted a more diverse crowd, welcoming everyone from young professionals and Hill staffers to older residents who had been frequenting the gym since its squash days. It became a neighborhood institution where people could come to stay in shape, but also to escape the demands of D.C.'s professional world for an hour or two.

WSC in the 21st Century

Today, Washington Sports Club is part of the larger Town Sports International (TSI) network, which operates multiple branches across Washington, D.C., and along the East Coast. Despite the growth of fitness competitors like Results the Gym, which opened in 2000 and drew some members away from WSC, the club has maintained its loyal base. Regulars who stuck around after Results opened enjoyed a less crowded environment, with access to the same high-quality equipment and facilities.

WSC on Capitol Hill now offers a variety of fitness options. From the Concept II rowing machines to weightlifting stations, the club caters to a wide range of fitness preferences. Group fitness classes such as yoga, cycling, and strength training are part of the mix, but the club retains its no-frills, down-to-earth approach that resonates with many D.C. residents.

Though it’s not the poshest gym in town, WSC’s atmosphere is welcoming, practical, and reliable. It's a place where members can engage in meaningful workouts without feeling the pressure to conform to flashy fitness trends. The gym continues to be well-maintained, offering clean locker rooms, functional equipment, and a sense of history that newer gyms lack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Washington Sports Club (WSC)

Q: When was Washington Squash Club founded?
A: Washington Squash Club was founded in the 1960s, originally located at 11th and G Streets NW, Washington, D.C.

Q: When did Washington Squash Club become Washington Sports Club?
A: In the early 1990s, Washington Squash Club rebranded to Washington Sports Club to offer broader fitness options beyond squash. The rebranding was completed around 1995.

Q: Where is the Washington Sports Club located on Capitol Hill?
A: The Washington Sports Club on Capitol Hill is located at 3rd and Pennsylvania Avenue SE, a prime location for residents and professionals alike.

Q: Does WSC still have squash courts?
A: No, the squash courts were removed during the rebranding in the 1990s when WSC shifted its focus to a wider range of fitness activities and equipment.

Q: What amenities are available at WSC now?
A: WSC offers a full range of cardio and weightlifting equipment, including Concept II rowing machines, free weights, weight machines, and a variety of group fitness classes. The locker rooms are clean and well-maintained.

Q: Who typically goes to Washington Sports Club?
A: WSC attracts a mix of Capitol Hill professionals, longtime D.C. residents, young professionals, and fitness enthusiasts. The crowd tends to be diverse, with many members using the gym to escape their high-pressure work lives in Washington, D.C.

Q: How has the gym evolved over the years?
A: Initially, WSC was a squash-focused club catering to D.C.'s political and professional elite. Over time, it has adapted to broader fitness trends, eliminating squash courts and adding modern cardio and weightlifting equipment. Despite changes, WSC remains a popular gym for its practical and well-maintained facilities.

Q: What sets WSC apart from other gyms in the area?
A: WSC’s history as a squash club gives it a unique legacy. It has evolved into a reliable, no-frills gym that prioritizes functionality and cleanliness. While not the flashiest gym, its Capitol Hill location and practical offerings make it a favorite among locals.

Glossary of Terms – Washington Sports Club (WSC)

Squash:
A fast-paced racket sport traditionally played in a four-walled court. Squash was the centerpiece of the Washington Squash Club before it evolved into WSC.

Cardio Equipment:
Exercise machines like treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes used to improve cardiovascular health. WSC features a wide range of these machines, including the popular Concept II rowing machine.

Concept II Rowing Ergometer:
A specialized rowing machine that offers both cardiovascular and strength conditioning. WSC features these machines as part of its cardio equipment offerings.

Free Weights:
Dumbbells, barbells, and other weights that aren’t attached to machines, allowing for a wide range of motion and diverse exercises. WSC offers a large selection of free weights for members.

Group Fitness Classes:
Scheduled exercise classes led by instructors, often focusing on specific workouts such as yoga, spinning, or strength training. WSC offers a variety of classes to cater to different fitness levels.

Town Sports International (TSI):
The parent company of Washington Sports Club, TSI operates gyms under the Sports Clubs brand across major East Coast cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C.

Results the Gym:
A nearby competitor to Washington Sports Club that opened in 2000, attracting some of WSC’s members. Despite this, WSC retained a loyal core membership.

A Nostalgic Gym for D.C. Fitness Enthusiasts

From its origins as a squash haven for Washington’s political class to its current iteration as a full-service gym, Washington Sports Club has seen decades of change. Yet, it remains a neighborhood favorite on Capitol Hill, offering not only functional fitness facilities but also a sense of connection to the city’s history. For those who have been members through the years, WSC is more than a gym—it’s a part of D.C.’s evolving fitness culture, a place where fitness, politics, and community once came together, and where residents can still find a reliable and welcoming space to work out today.