Almaden Valley Athletic Club

First, let me say that we have been coming to AVAC swim school for years and our kids really like coming here. This review is solely for the Athletic Club. After having been a member of the Athletic Club for a year now in order for my kids to enjoy the outside pool I am loosing my love for this place. We are both working parents which means on weekdays we can only come to the pool after 5 pm. Well, on M/​W/​F they have «Master» swim from 5:40 to 6:30 pm which is grown ups only (they kick kids out at 5:30 pm to prepare for the master swim). Okay fine. But then on top of this, they have adult swim every hour at 45 min to the hour for 15 min where the kids are not allowed to be anywhere. The hot tub is reserved for adults, the big pool is reserved for adult and the kids pool is reserved for 5 y/​o and under. Any kid who is between 6 and «adult» must be out of the water doing nothing for those 15 min — every hour (the life guard’s response was «they can go get a snack, relax, warm up» — none of these reasons are why we are paying for a membership at this club). The worst part of it is that the kids are chased out of the water (or hot tub) even if no one else is there. This club is definitely not friendly for families with working parents and kids in the age of 6 and «adult».

I am pissed; we cancelled out other gym membership and came here solely because of the pool. The first time I came, I brought a covered water tube floatie for my 1 year old. Within a minute of getting into the pool (during adult swim– there was one other person in the pool) a lifeguard came and told me they don’t allow that kind of toy in the pool. I was like ok, fine, it’s too big, whatever. The second time I came, my MIL was in from out of town, we checked in, got towels, and started to walk outside when the front desk lady chased me down and asked if «the other lady» was on my membership. I said no, that it was my MIL who was in from out of town and she made me come back inside and pay a $ 20 guest fee. I think that is OUTRAGEOUS! Our other cabana club were members at charges $ 2 per guest. You would think with how much you pay for membership you could get a few guest passes. The third time, today, I had bought water wings (literally arm floaties) for my 14 month old. Again, within a minute a lifeguard told us they didn’t allow them. I am frustrated because they have no posted rules of what is allowed in the pool. Furthermore, I understand not allowing a big tube like floatie or a noodle because it crowds the pool, but not allowing arm floaties for an infant? Seriously annoying.

We just signed up for the $ 125 membership for our kids to use the outdoor pool. After bringing the boys a few time, I realized we didn’t even need a membership for the kids to use the outdoor pool. The lifeguards don’t even check for the wrist bands. There were over 10 non member kids in the pool. Just bring your kids through the swim school and they can go to the outdoor pool. I will cancel ASAP.

Amazing, beautiful, and best customer service! Waking up at 4:30 in the morning is not the greatest time, but when Josh (employee) greets me with such great energy is always satisfying. Keep doing a great job!

Their new Absolute FIT program is fantastic. Their AbFIT Director Chris is super helpful. I also love their childcare staff. I feel so comfortable leaving my kids with them which is hard to find at a gym. If you haven’t checked out their new classes you definitely should. As a side note my son is also taking their swim lessons and I couldn’t be happier with his instructors. It takes a lot of patience to work with a group of 4 year olds and they always do it so well. He loves the class and has so much fun.

I have been a member at AVAC for almost a year. I love that in the summer I can bring my children to the pool and bring my own snacks too. I love that they have life guards on duty in the summer. It feels good to know they are looking out for my kids. I like all the equipment and really appreciate the area upstairs where I can roll out and stretch my body. I wish that the classes had more range. For example, pilates, bar and HIIT classes… those are additional cost and not part of the memeber ship classes on the schedule. I like that they updated the design interior! The new locker room lockers are great!

I recently joined and I am blown away by the environment here. It’s a family business and I’m not surprised as everyone here is a close-​knit family! Wonderful services and facilities, great people, and they’re expanding too. Check out AVAC if you’re in the Almaden area!

I love AVAC. Great classes, great trainers, wonderful tennis program and very friendly atmosphere.

Update****I am beginning to have serious concerns about this place. I had issues with the baby pool this summer which I had addressed with the staff and they said they would also address them with the lifeguard staff. The issue being no one under 5 is allowed in the baby pool which is 1 – 3 ft deep. Some kids want to «warm up», or their parents want to keep their 10 yr olds with their 4 yr olds which is simply not acceptable. Next every adult swim time the kids all jump out of the big pool and run over to the baby pool like it is the new place to go swim. The lifeguards are responsible for making sure there are no kids in the jacuzzi or children under 5 in the baby pool and all they do is go on break. Unless is is specifically the day or the day after I made a complaint about this issue. Also the lifeguards make rounds during the swim day and pick up loose toys around the pool edge or inside the baby pool that kids might be playing with. I thought I lost 3 sets of the same toy until I complained someone was constantly stealing the toys I was having to re-​buy. This is incredibly annoying. I get up to take my daughter for a snow
cone and come back and her toys are gone.
Next I signed up in May for one price and the rate has already gone up $ 12 a month. Additionally I was told I could cancel at any time with a 30 day notice and when I called to cancel I was told I was in a year long contract they admitted they went through «pretty fast.» I was told a lot of people cancel at the end of the summer and now I am told I am in here for a year as a very unhappy customer. It is highly unethical to just rush someone through a contract and say initial here, sign here and here is a copy bye. When the lip service didn’t quite match what they signed.
I feel terrible for the friends who I have brought to AVAC to look at the place as prospective members and for the one who joined. I hope I can still count her among my friends when she finds out what she signed up for.
— — — — — — — — — –
I LOVE Avac! We just joined at the end of May after I hear so many great things from several parents of my daughter’s friends. I am so happy that we did. My main focus since joining has been for the pool and to stay cool this summer, so far. Although they offer over 70 free classes on top of their wonderful fitness center that I am looking forward to trying.
Pros–
*Day Care on site only $ 6.50/hr for 1^st child
*Café on site that always has a wide variety of healthy items on hand and not so healthy if that is what you want, although the focus is on healthy. The food is very reasonably priced. I was shocked expecting a café in a pool/​fitness center to be high.
*You can bring your own food/​drinks/​snacks. You can even have a pizza delivered if you want.
*Pool is awesome
There are 3 on the grounds. The swim school which is separate. Then the large main pool, and a smaller «baby pool» that is 1 – 3 ft deep. Most parents there are respectful and almost all of the kids share toys as we are wanting our kids to learn to share and play together.
The large pool has lanes blocked off for lap swimming although you can play and swim in them during the entire day. Except for, and this is a very big except, the last 15 minutes of EVERY HOUR. That is reserved for ADULT SWIM. Awesome! No Kids in the pool. No splashing, no jumping around for a break period. Just time for the adults to enjoy some quiet time. This is wonderful. Sometimes I just get in the edge and sit, it is just nice to have a little quiet time. My Husband likes to swim laps during this time so we take turns at the baby pool but 15 minutes is actually a lot of time!
***Big Pro***Separate bathroom/​shower facilities for 15 and over. The adult women’s locker room has a sauna, hot tub, and showers. The hot tub is wonderful and so much better than the one in the pool arena. Plus it is quiet and relaxing.
*I like to bring along my daughter’s clothes or pj’s and shower and dress her, then go home for nap, or dinner and bedtime. The pool is so nice to wear her out and bedtime/​naptime is a breeze.
*They have «date night» occasions where you can utilize the day care for 4 hours for a $ 40 fee and they have activities, meal and snacks for the kids.
****I think the staff is well trained and has been able to help me on any number of occasions when I needed help or had questions or a problem. The lifeguards are great and friendly as well. I recently had to be gone for a week and when I returned I was welcomed back by many members of the staff! I was pleasantly surprised anyone noticed I had been gone when there are so many people who come there. Great staff!
Cons–
I wish they had more umbrella tables but I don’t think they could fit more. It looks nice the way it is. It can be hard to get a table on a hot day unless you come early. This is not a big deal, everything else is so great.

I LOVE Avac! We just joined at the end of May after I hear so many great things from several parents of my daughter’s friends. I am so happy that we did. My main focus since joining has been for the pool and to stay cool this summer, so far. Although they offer over 70 free classes on top of their wonderful fitness center that I am looking forward to trying.
Pros–
*Day Care on site only $ 6.50/hr for 1^st child
*Café on site that always has a wide variety of healthy items on hand and not so healthy if that is what you want, although the focus is on healthy. The food is very reasonably priced. I was shocked expecting a café in a pool/​fitness center to be high.
*You can bring your own food/​drinks/​snacks. You can even have a pizza delivered if you want.
*Pool is awesome
There are 3 on the grounds. The swim school which is separate. Then the large main pool, and a smaller «baby pool» that is 1 – 3 ft deep. Most parents there are respectful and almost all of the kids share toys as we are wanting our kids to learn to share and play together.
The large pool has lanes blocked off for lap swimming although you can play and swim in them during the entire day. Except for, and this is a very big except, the last 15 minutes of EVERY HOUR. That is reserved for ADULT SWIM. Awesome! No Kids in the pool. No splashing, no jumping around for a break period. Just time for the adults to enjoy some quiet time. This is wonderful. Sometimes I just get in the edge and sit, it is just nice to have a little quiet time. My Husband likes to swim laps during this time so we take turns at the baby pool but 15 minutes is actually a lot of time!
***Big Pro***Separate bathroom/​shower facilities for 15 and over. The adult women’s locker room has a sauna, hot tub, and showers. The hot tub is wonderful and so much better than the one in the pool arena. Plus it is quiet and relaxing.
*I like to bring along my daughter’s clothes or pj’s and shower and dress her, then go home for nap, or dinner and bedtime. The pool is so nice to wear her out and bedtime/​naptime is a breeze.
*They have «date night» occasions where you can utilize the day care for 4 hours for a $ 40 fee and they have activities, meal and snacks for the kids.
****I think the staff is well trained and has been able to help me on any number of occasions when I needed help or had questions or a problem. The lifeguards are great and friendly as well. I recently had to be gone for a week and when I returned I was welcomed back by many members of the staff! I was pleasantly surprised anyone noticed I had been gone when there are so many people who come there. Great staff!
Cons–
I wish they had more umbrella tables but I don’t think they could fit more. It looks nice the way it is. It can be hard to get a table on a hot day unless you come early. This is not a big deal, everything else is so great.

Over the years, I’ve been a member at various gyms in the area. From Club One to ClubSport to 24HR, I’ve pretty much tried most of them for a year or two at a time.
Most recently, I joined AVAC. For individuals and families, they offer many different membership types. Since my workout hours fluctuate, I decided to skip the cheaper restricted hours membership and just went with the anytime access. While I play tennis, I did not pay for the extra tennis court access. I figure I’ll add this later on if it makes sense.
In my last few months of working out, I would say I am overall quite pleased with AVAC. The facility doesn’t have any state-​of-​the-​art equipment but their assortment of free weights, machines and treadmills gets the job done for me. There’s also a ton of spin, yoga, pilates and aerobic classes that I have yet to look into. The outdoor pool area is nice. There’s one big pool, a kiddie pool and a hot tub. The humungous indoor pool is unfortunately restricted to the kids enrolled in Swim School. The men’s locker room is pretty decent. They have key code lockers, a sauna and a hot tub. The one thing I am still not used to is the communal shower room. It’s literally one big open room with multiple shower heads. I know 24HR Fitness often uses this high school gym set up as well, but I do miss the individual shower stalls I used to have at Club One and ClubSport. Other than this, I feel everything works well.
The other thing worth noting is that the gym is never too crowded regardless of time or day of the week. The pool gets a little busy on the weekends during the summer months but it’s still nothing compared to places like ClubSport. It seems that this gym is most popular with 2 groups… People older than 60 and young families. I understand that families are drawn to the awesome Swim School. I’m not quite sure however why Seniors are so drawn to this place.
Bottom line: This is a nicely run gym that has decent clean equipment. Will continue to work out here.

Pros: good zumba and hip hop classes, adequate fitness machines very cleverly squeezed together in a relatively small space, friendly desk staff, off-​peak hours are nice here
Cons: the pool is a crazy dirty mess in the summer time with way too many people. in fact it’s just plain gross. last time I was there saw vomit at one corner which a worker had to fish out with a net. They make extra money using the 2^nd pool for swimming classes so there’s only 1 relatively small and shallow pool which allows kids & adults. Summertime peak hours means 0 lap swimming as everyone is playing in all lanes. Peak hours parking is difficult. Families have only one shower and toilet available to use. Wish there were more morning fitness classes.

This is Dirk V., Karen’s husband. This is my first Unilocal review, which I felt compelled to do after getting the AVAC shampoo in my eye, which caused excruciating pain in my right eye. I had to do a water flush 3 times to get the shampoo out. AVAC has good workout equipment and a really nice pool, but the shampoo was horrible, so bad I may never shower there again.

Like the facility. But it seems like this place is managed by people that just don’t care. The younger staff does not seem to be properly trained and it seems like the management does not take the time to do any training. I was hoping that this place was going to work out seeing how it is so close to my house but instead I will take the 20 minute commute over this place anytime.

I have to say I really like AVAC! I’ve been a member for almost a year, and I use it primarily for the gym and pool during the summer. Staff are very friendly and some actually remember your name, which is really welcoming when you’re the newbie.
I’m going to list the pros and cons I wish I found on here when I was looking:
Pros:
— Staff and most trainers are super friendly
— Towels provided
— Nice CLEAN, higher end gym equipment, including spin bikes, new treadmills, along with all the training gadgets and toys that are helpful and always missing at crappy gyms. There’s space to stretch, train and do TRX as well. There’s a lot of good equipment in a fairly small space and they’ve made some great upgrades in the last year or two.
— Gym is never really over crowded, even around New Years or after work. Huge plus. You can usually get a machine pretty easily.
— Awesome warm pool with lap lanes; there’s adult only swim times on the hour during summertime.
— Café that serves food, plus beer and wine. You can also bring your own food or adult beverages to the pool. Awesome!
— Lots of fitness classes
— Sauna, steam and jacuzzis available
Cons:
— Pricey — about $ 100/​mo for a single person
— Interior is still very outdated. I’ve heard about and seen many, many improvements, from new gym equipment to new décor. But the décor is so strange. It goes from a newly painted burgundy wall to a silver wall, then a new sparkly disco wall to the locker room, then a neon blue sign at the café and front. Nothing matches and it’s all new.
— The gym area has a sleepy vibe and not very energizing but the fact it’s clean and people are friendly makes it A OK! It’s just very quiet. Wish they’d blast some music at night and weekends like at the pool in summer but the older crowd would freak.
— Parking can be very difficult at peak times but there are extra lots.
— Outdated Precor ellipticals are unfortunate
Overall, great facility for singles or families. It does feel like a little bit of a time warp inside, between the décor and mix of people but it’s friendly and well run and for that, I enjoy coming here!

Terrible service, small dinky gym.

I was a member here for a year and the experience I had was very very negative. My car was vandalised in their parking lot and I tried repeatedly to call their management to have them take a look at their parking lot security cameras and I received no call back. as a a matter of fact for several issues other than money related ones whereby they are the benefactors, forget about getting any response from these lazy managers and gym operators. its very very over priced, the facilities is out dated and lot of fitness equipment is definitely outdated as well. you figure as much as they charge for monthly membership the least they can do is upgrade some of the gym equipment from the 1990’s. Also they have this one black guy who I believe is a morning manager there, has a serious ego problem and thinks he some type of General and all members are his foot soldiers. Really has a problem of talking down and condescending. He is one of the reasons I would not think twice about signing up again. My one yr experience there was just bad in every way. and as much competition there is out there these days, it won’t be long before most members jump ship and join another gym with much better service and updated gym equipment without egotistical managers who think they are the admirals on board a battleship.

Management needs management. They are focused only on money not on providing the service.

We signed our boys up for swimming lessons here after previously learning at DACA. Big mistake. At DACA, they are able to do the various strokes for 25 meters. Here at AVAC’s, they let them swim for about 15 feet. They also tried to teach them some weird training methods, so weird that my boys forgot how to swim. No JOKE. They could hardly do freestyle after a few weeks. We took them out and put them into DACA again.

Let me start by saying I do truly enjoy going to this gym. The price is high, however I have no problem with that. They have a beautiful pool and lots of services to offer. Ok let’s get to some f the problems. Not the worst in the world but notable (hence 4 stars not 5) parking is a real pain in the ass during weekends and evenings. And I know that sounds weird but… I really don’t enjoy the open shower room in the men’s locker room. I’m not trying to be a party pooper here but I have always enjoyed solo showers. My wife is also a member an lives the place more than I do. (To my understanding single shower stalls on the women’s side). Other than that really AVAC really is a great gym.

I read few 1-​star reviews of AVAC and frankly disagree with some of them. You cannot give 1 star because of high price. You might not want to join because of that, but price by itself is not a reason for 1 star review. However, high price assumes (at least in my opinion) a high class service. And here is where AVAC falls flat. Their service is just bad. Almost in everything they do.
With gorgeous facilities and nice location they miserably fail when servicing their customers. We tried to sign up our kids several times for different camps and classes, and due to our work schedule the only time we were able to call was after 3:30pm. They refused to sign the kids because the process takes 15 – 20 minutes and it to close to the end of their day/​shift. They suggested to call the next day.
Also, our girl was in their tennis/​swimming camp and she was injured few months before the camp and we wanted to talk to the instructors about that. It took us the whole day to get a hold of any instructor in the camp, we left 3 or 4 messages and nobody returned to us. Moreover, when the girl complained about her pain, nobody stopped her from doing the sport or called us to let us know.
During the whole period our experience with AVAC was just unpleasant. I know the reason — they probably employ people who couldn’t care less about the image the place has or whether any specific person feels welcomed there. Bottom line, it is not our place.

I have two kids enrolled here to do swimming. They are patient. They give feedback at the end of the class. They make it f in for the kids while at the same time. focusing on one or two key skill each wee.
I really. like this place.

staff is awesome. really like the lifeguards who are very cognizant. I feel comfy leasing my daughter swim whilst I work out. café serves great food and the even have 4 draft beers and bernardus wine!

I came to AVAC as the Director of Tennis from another club in San Jose. AVAC has a great tennis facility and the staff from managers to support staff have been awesome. My tennis staff came with me to AVAC and we have created an amazing program for kids ages4−18. In addition our USTA leagues and adult clinics are winners.
Love the members and staff at AVAC
Know you will too…
Ken

Been an on-​and-​off member since 1989 (I move away and then came back and then move away again) but overall happy that I’m a current member.
For me, it’s all about the tennis community here. I grew up with the other guys who play tennis here so it’s a bit like family.
The rest of the facilities are great also. Mentioned in other reviews, the social scene here is apparent. It’s a neighborhood fitness facility so it’s no surprise that you see a lot of chit chat on the floor. These guys have known each other for years! You hear «How’s your dad?» Or «Wait, your daughter is moving away to college already?»
As much as I like to focus when working out, it’s hard to do that here.
The people at AVAC make this place like a second home.
I just wish they upgraded a few parts of the facility like the bathroom area (new walls), the walls of the main cardio/​weights room (I’ve been staring at this purple-​ish wall for years) or even the lockers themselves (too small). I wish the parking spaces in the front lot were a bit wider also. How hard would it be to schedule and pay to have those white lines repainted?
Again, overall, I’m glad to be part of this gym. I’m formally part of AVAC’s 40+ USTA tennis teams (you have to be at least 40 yrs old) on the same courts where I played tennis tournaments as a teenager. It’s a special place!

Lets put it this way– ken dehart tennis director is the best instructor i know.
Ive been playing over 34 yrs and taken my share of lessons
he’s re-​worked my forehand so its less of a liability. as its circa 1975, J. Connors.
flat and hard.