I went there once to check the place out, and have a "visitor pass" workout, to see if I wanted to join. The man at the front desk (who greeted me and answered questions for new members) was really disgusting. He was drenched in sweat, greasy, hairy, in a big tank top, and there was the most revolting odor surrounding the desk. I actually dry heaved a few times while taking to him. I thought the odor was coming from him, but then he picked up a big plate of chinese food and started eating it while talking to me, and I realized that the smell was a combination of sweat and really REALLY pungent chinese food. It was a situation where I honestly had to get away as soon as I could, or I'd risk throwing up. It wasn't the type of situation that makes one want to work out and breathe deeply, so I went into a room and took a pilates class, and also worked out on one of the machines. The facilities are nice and the people are rather friendly, but that odor at the front desk was so pervading and so nauseating that I couldn't bring myself to put down money and join that gym.

As a member on and off since 1984 or so when the original facility was on Georgia Avenue (currently off, unfortunately....but my best friend has been a member for 10 years or so), Nature's Way not only keeps up with the latest fitness venues in their classes and has plenty of stairmasters and treadmills, etc., but their staff is very pleasant and quite stable compared to other clubs. The babysitting service is great for parents, they open early (I think it's still 5:00 AM), the showers and the entire facility are spotlessly clearn. People of all ages and fitness levels go there, and the quantity, times, and diversity of the classes are extensive. The only thing that I miss personally are the traditional aerobics classes that were slowly but surely eliminated once step aerobics came out; I just loved the music and the elements of dance (although I am NOT a dancer lol).