Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center

A basic rec center with a gym featuring cardio equipment; elliptical, treadmill, bike and some weights. Very old equipment, squeaks when you use, but– and a huge BUT, they charge $ 40 for 3 months, open everyday till 9pm (earlier on weekends) and NEVER had to wait for machines. Bargain for the area — and anywhere!
Would rate higher if equipment was newer.

I started using the Lee rec center when I first moved to Old Town from Arlington and was too poor to afford a gym (plus it’s just 2 blocks from my house). It’s nothing fancy, just a community rec center with a weight/​machine room and class area. They do offer pretty decent classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights – one night is a weight class and the other an aerobics class.
If you’re looking for high end machines and weights with a nice locker room, this place is not for you. Most of the devices are old and the space it tight, but if you’re on a budget or just want to get a quick workout in, the Lee Center will get the job done. There is also a tennis court and basketball court, as well as a baseball diamond where little league teams come out to practice and play. I haven’t been by to see if the pool is open… it was closed last summer. Hopefully it’s open so I have an easy way to cool off during this summer heat!
The staff is super nice as well. They’re all locals and know everything about the area, so even if you’re not in need of a place to work out, they are a great resource for anything and everything to do and find in Alexandria.