Wisconsin Athletic Club

Of all the WAC gyms I’ve been to, this one is by far my favorite. Nice locker rooms, bright gym area. I like that even during peak times, there are plenty of machines and the weight area is relatively spacious. My favorite thing about this gym is the track. Such a great perk– especially during the winter when running outside is just too treacherous.

The WAC is a pretty sweet network of gyms around the greater Milwaukee area. It has a full service array of classes and locker room amenities (pools, hot and dry saunas). The staff is usually friendly. There are defiantly extremely fit people in here, but there are people there working towards fitness goals, so the overall atmosphere is mixed and not a complete wash of cut people. The membership fees are a bit more than expected, so no 5^th star.

This is a really nice venue. Elegant, with an old world class. You feel like one of the Boys Club here, even if you’re a woman. I’m endlessly entertained by locating all the nook-​and-​cranny «powder rooms» in the upper levels and enjoying their unique quirkiness.
Not the best situation if you need accessibility, perhaps.

Here’s’ the bullet list: Dingy and dated. A cramped floor exercise area w/​dirty carpet. Dirty machines, and dirty locker rooms.
Unfortunately this is one of 3 pretty mediocre options in the downtown area.
A shower has been out of order in the men’s locker room for the last 2 weeks. Apparently plumbers in the Milwaukee area are really busy at the moment. Prior visits had dirty q-​tips in the sauna for over a week. No towels or towel bins in the locker rooms means planning ahead and carrying dirty towels out with you on the way out. Hiring a daytime cleaning staff would go a long way — can you blame the front desk staff for not wanting to do locker room walks more often than a couple of times per hour?
It’s better than the Y and Gold’s, but really is that saying much? Those places have vastly more equipment for the same price. The staff is universally friendly and the trainers rock, but they only have so much to work with here.
There’s a big opportunity in the downtown area for an Elite club or something else in the $ 100 range that provides an upscale experience. Maybe the new fitness center in the US Bank building will fit the bill…

Having recently visited all the WACs in Milwaukee, this is by far the cleanest and nicest one they have.
From the new equipment to the weights, this is no YMCA and the cost is cheap for what you get. 50+ a mouth for access to all the clubs is a deal.
Friendly staff.
Good hours
Clean new equipment
Hot tub/​steam/​sauna

We joined the WAC about six weeks ago, and it’s been great so far. Clean locker rooms, large workout space, plus THERE’S A TRACK. I’m not a treadmill fan, so knowing that there was a track at the downtown location really motivates me to go to the gym and do some cardio.
The people who work at the WAC are friendly and helpful, and they always greet you with a smile when you arrive.
While it’s a bit annoying to pay for parking ($ 2 with parking voucher from the WAC), sometimes you can find street parking adjacent to the 411 Building, especially at night. (The parking people only take cash, though — lucky the 411 Building has us covered, as there’s an ATM in the lobby.)
The facilities are very clean, and running around the track gives you a complete visual of the neighboring buildings of downtown MKE, which is pretty cool. Since there are so many windows, there is a lot of natural light.
As far as machines, benches, weights, etc — they have a good amount and selection (including two power racks, not that I am buff enough to use them). They also have a workout room next to the weights that you can use for whatever, as long as there’s not a class going on.
I see a PT, Amanda, who has been very good and motivational. The WAC has a variety of PTs, and you also get two free sessions when you join — Fit-​U — which assess flexibility, alignment, etc.
Definitely check out the WAC if you’re looking for a new gym.

The WAC is a happy place. Many advantages to the the downtown location…
When I joined, they practically shower you with money and gifts which was very generous of them. I understand this is so you get hooked on the services, but I wasn’t pressured to do anything, which was not like my gym experiences in Chicago. Not cool…
I got my groove on with the machines and equipment now, and they have pretty much anything you need. I haven’t tried any of the classes, but I’ve heard good things.
There is also an indoor track, but I like running on the treadmill and watching CNBC or Honey Boo-​Boo. Just personal preference.
The have real stair climbers too, the one’s with actual stairs. I can’t join a gym without one.
Drawback: parking is 2 dollars if you can’t find street parking after 6 pm. Sunday is free, so I always try to come then.
Huge plus: This is a month to month membership, so when I’m sick of this place I don’t have to have a friend write me a fake doctor’s note to get out of my agreement. Come on, how old are we here, other clubs?
Overall, love this place. 4.5 stars…

I joined the WAC a few months ago when the temperature was below zero. When I first arrived to check out the gym it took a few minutes to figure out where to park and to find the elevators. The woman who greeted me showed me around the gym and discussed the specials they had going on. Since I was joining around new years I got $ 150 in WAC cash. This is cash you can use at the WAC towards speciality classes or training sessions. Also, since I completed my 2 personal training sessions (free) I recieved another $ 100. I bought personal training sessions with the WAC cash and have been enjoying them.
The machines are newer and kept clean. I also love that there are windows in this place. This makes it much easier to do spin or run around the track. There track is pretty amazing as well. I’m am outdoor runner and have difficulty running on treadmills.

I forgot to review my gym!
The WAC = pretty freaking great, Milwaukee.
A vast, vast selection of equipment, a bevy of free/​paid classes, super nice frontdesk folk, clean, well-​stocked locker rooms, personal trainers should you chose to employ their services, and surprisingly, memberships aren’t as expensive as one might think!
I got a deal for being under 29. Maybe I’ll stay 29 forever when I turn 29 actually.
Though I’ve not been to any other WAC location — not yet, anyways — it’s been a joy to acclimate to their downtown space and make this my home gym. The equipment is well-​maintained, and obviously, the amenities are really nice. No pool at this location, but that’s fine by me! I’m haven’t wrecked myself so bad doing derby that all I can do anymore is water jogging or whatever.
I super-​enjoy the spin and pilates classes, though I think I should make it a point to go to the actual classes more often, I think. (I go to the WAC pretty regularly — duchess whut? — and while it’s awesome to do yr own thing, it’s also nice to have more focus, too.)
Some other helpful tips:
–parking in the 411 building structure is $ 2 w/​your WAC validation, otherwise, street parking isn’t so bad later at night
–you’ll get turned around and walk the wrong way coming out the elevators for at least 6 months (… I did, at least)
–water/​other bevs/​earbuds/​magazines/​WAC apparel for sale near the front dest
–they rock some sort of «WAC dollars system» in which you earn dollars towards paid classes or personal training sessions, but I don’t quite understand this system as I haven’ yet used it

Really nice gym right downtown, it’s within walking distance of US Bank Tower. I worked out here for about a week when I was in town for work and I was really impressed with the facilities, classes, and staff. I’ve also been to the North Shore location (off Port Washington), and I definitely preferred the vibe here.
The online class schedules are actually accurate, the employees are genuinely helpful, and there’s a great view from most parts of the gym of downtown Milwaukee. When I’m spinning, I’d much rather look out a window than at a wall or the people around me… it makes the class go much faster. I also was able to do a step class, and the instructor was really pleasant. The equipment is nice, with plenty to go around for everyone. The studio is also spacious so we weren’t running into each other.
Huge plus that I haven’t found at most other gyms (I go to different gyms a lot because I travel for work) was the «dressing counter» (for lack of a better phrase) in the women’s locker room. Hair spray, gel, real hairdryers, q-​tips, cotton balls, lotion, etc. so that if you forgot something you can still put yourself together before leaving the gym. Very clean place too. Honestly, if we had a WAC where I lived, I would most likely be a member. If there was one blocks from my home or work, I would definitely have a membership!

I used to work at the WAC in West Allis, but I am not biased, because I was a member for a long time before I worked there. I don’t work there anymore, and I am still a member. That says something.
–The locker rooms are clean and stocked with hairspray and deodorant for your pleasure.
–hello steam room!
–midnight spin class
–multiple locations with pools, hot tubs, and tanning beds (for those who like to live dangerously)
— the west allis location has a bar in it (for those who like to pack on the calories after burning them off!)
I have to take a special moment to recognize Jenny’s pilates class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 — 6:25pm. It is the most awesome pilates class in the universe. I have been going to her class for at least 4 years, and she continues to challenge me endlessly every week. She is the best and hardest pilates instructor I have ever had. My abs have never looked so good or been in so much pain. I would recommend the class to anyone.

I do love the WAC, I’ve been a member for about 5 years now and there are many things that keep me as a member, I love the multiple locations. I live closest to the downtown WAC, work by Tosa WAC and have friends and family by the northshore. This gives me no excuse to not work out plus each location as something different to offer. A few locations have pools and hot tubs, the locker rooms are big and spacious, and there is always plenty of equipment. I also love that the Tosa WAC is open to midnight. Everyone is so nice, so why the 4 stars?
I HATE that I have to pay for parking at the downtown location. All the dollars I spend on parking really drive the price of my already costly gym membership up. I live closest to this location so I frequent it most often so please, WAC, if you read these don’t make us city dwellers pay for parking. At least can you decrease it to a $ 1, that would be great.
Another peeve of mine about the downtown wac is, classes are only offered on a business person schedule, 5 – 7 am, 11−1pm and 5−7pm What about us non traditional members. I would love if you would offer classes between 8– noon.
I do love my view of lake Michigan while I sweat away on the elliptical.

I’ve been a member at The WAC now for about 3 years. Generally speaking, it is a pleasant and comfortable place to work out. With locations throughout Milwaukee, I find that each club has its own feel. I frequent the Tosa, Stallis, Greenfield and Downtown locations the most.
Most of the equipment is newer and well-​maintained, although the cardio equipment with built-​in TVs often have faulty earphone connections. There is usually enough machines to meet the demand, though at busy time, as would be expected, you don’t always get your pick of machines.
The staff is very nice. They are always very pleasant and i find that they get to know a lot of the members on a personal level. I’ve never taken a class or done any personal training, so I’m not able to comment on them. Sometimes i wish the personal trainers would spend less time flirting with each other and/​or members, and more time cleaning machines and making sure there are towels! LOL.
Free coffee in the morning is a nice touch.
Some of the locations have pools, gyms, hot tubs. The Stallis location is great with tons of racquetball courts and a bar!
The cost is a bit high, however. They have great deals to join the club, but have no retention programs to keep members. I’ve called several times asking if there are specials for existing members, and I always get the same response: No. I’ll keep calling and asking…
If you are looking for a no-​frills cheap place to work out, The WAC is not your place. This is not a Snap or Anytime Fitness type of a place. I enjoy the feel of the «club» and many of the extra amenities that The WAC offers.

I joined this gym when i went to college out this way. I loved the student discount. The facilities are clean and very well-​kept. I never had a hard time getting a machine. The cycling classes were AWESOME and i loved the small night view out the windows. I never felt any pressure to get training classes. Everyone was very pleasant. If I still were in Milwaukee, this would definitely be my gym of choice :-)

No pool, but fun atmosphere and a much younger crowd than the other WACs in metro Milwaukee. Be sure to get a slip for $ 2 discounted parking in the adjacent garage!

Why are there 3 star reviews on here? WAC (North Shore) is a fantastic place to workout. I sometimes wish I lived in Milwaukee (brrr) just so I could belong to such a nice gym. After dropping my 15 month old off at the FREE Daycare I workout with a trainer (Julie Taylor, woot woot!), go tanning, maybe sit in the hot tub or take a yoga class and when I rejoin civilization 2 hours later, I’ve almost forgotten that I’m staying in my in-​laws basement for the third time this year. I would pay hundreds of dollars a week for that sort of serenity, but WAC, my home away from home, I find affordable training, in a comfortable and clean environment with perks like tanning and massage to keep me looking good (naked, duh).
My gym at home is a huge 24 Hour Fitness where the staff is just trying to get you to buy personal training packages for thousands of dollars. At WAC I pay more per month (around $ 70 compared to $ 40) than my other club, but I get the following benefits:
Very nice locker rooms with big lockers, I don’t have to carry my own lock. They provide towels, have a full size basketball court, lap pool and hot tub. Unlimited tanning for the month is only$ 15 — already a huge savings since most tans are $ 8 – 15 each. You also get access to a variety of group classes to suit your fitness needs including spin, yoga, aqua aerobics, pilates, a very cool Bosu Bootcamp class (tuesdays at noon), senior weights, zumba, kickboxing, a weightlifting class, etc. etc.
However, if you’re looking for something a little more intense they have classes that cost extra (around 40 $ for 7 weeks) such as triathlon training, krank-​cycle, and others which I have yet to see at my mega gym back home.
As if all of that weren’t enough for you, the personal training at WAC is so much cheaper than it is at larger corporate clubs. My gym back home cost $ 80 per 55 minute sessions with a level 1 trainer and $ 120 for a master trainer. At WAC North Shore, I work out with Julie Taylor (she’s awesome, tons of fun, interesting stuff and she KICKS my butt) for around $ 30 dollars for 45 minutes– it’s less if you buy in bulk. The personal training is so cheap I go almost every day when I’m visiting Milwaukee and she’s really helped me amp up my workouts.
For moms like myself– free childcare for up to 2 hours per day– the people who work in the kid’s zone are awesome, they change diapers, feed the kids lunch– it’s like a full service daycare– separate infant and toddler area, always tons of people working in there. They take the kids to the full size gym to play basketball and dodgeball (the older kids– 3 and up). Last visit, my son was just learning to walk and he stood up, fell and banged his head. He was fine, but they wrote up an incident report, showed me his head and explained to me what had happened, I signed the report and then they called later in the day to make sure he was okay. I was stunned at how thorough and genuinely concerned they were, all good things in my book.
I love WAC– I take one star away because I’m a huge Spin fan and I haven’t found an instructor at this gym that I really click with, and there’s usually a waiting list to get into cycle classes– but then the classes aren’t always full so you can show up and get a bike… it frustrates me so I just workout with a trainer instead and do bosu bootcamp and yoga classes to supplement.
I wish the previous reviewers could have been more specific about how they weren’t paid much attention to– seems normal. If you don’t pay for training the trainers shouldn’t be training you or doting on you– most people who don’t like group classes or one on one training preferred to be left alone to pump in solitude. Anyway, go WAC!

Fun place to work out… no pool, but that’s the only downside.
Plenty of machines and classes and a decent running track.
Membership gets you discounts on tanning and massages.
Locker rooms are good, nothing fancy.
Staff is friendly… but they all want you to be their client or join their class… and if you don’t they don’t pay you much attention.
Cool TVs on many of the treadmills too!