I joined this club over a year ago and have been meaning to write a review. I owned three gyms myself so I recognize the difficulties and nuisances. One thing about Swell is that it really is incredible clean and spotless, they have porters constantly cleaning the machines, locker rooms and rooms for classes. The staff couldn't be any nicer. It has all the equipment you will need, a ton of classes, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, outdoor pool. I can't rave enough about Swell. I think for what you get it's well worth the money. read more

Easily the nicest cleanest and best gym in Santa Barbara. There is a pool, although only four lanes- there are machines inside and outside, plenty of weights and other rooms. Lots of equipment, staff is friendly, but golly gee wiz it's expensive; you get what you pay for in life. read more

Swell - Gyms Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The downtown SWELL Club has a beautiful pool and therefore people belong to the Club(for hundreds of dollars a month) to take water aerobics classes, which are offered Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 9 am. Unfortunately, some of the teachers are not qualified to teach water aerobics, and the club has consistently refused to add another class per week, which has been requested many times, especially since dues are so high. read more

Amazing gym with friendly staff and members and great facilities. Highly recommended!

Santa Barbara Athletic club has been a part of my Daily routine for several months. I decided to step up my workout routine beyond my home workout and lots of walking. Before my last trip to Belize, I stopped by to check out the facility. That's when I met Jessica and Jazz, who managed members' services. After a tour, I was offered a Trial membership. Well, that sold me! I became a member, and Membership definitely has a lot to offer! I began to check out what was available. I'm Happy to report that my SBAC experience continues to be Life Changing. I am involved in palates, and I met with a trainer Paula, and she has me on machines. I'm very Grateful and Happy to be at Santa Barbara Athletic club. Ronnie S read more

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Great staff. Many changes and unfortunately the classes aren't as exciting, enticing, or enjoyable. Never felt that I got a much needed workout. I think the more seasoned the teacher the better. read more

Wish there was smith machines and more apparatuses of cables and pull down lat machines and back rows. It's a nice gym that's clean and has majority of what's needed. Do feel like it lacks a sense of community but it is nice to just get the workout in and leave. Also wish this gym membership could give access to the cathedral oaks or at least give a discount day pass for swell members. read more

I have belonged to high end gyms in several cities and this gym would not stand a chance in a big city. The prices are higher than much higher quality gyms with better kept equipment, facilities, locker rooms, classes, etc, the place is overcrowded, and the gym is not transparent about their pricing. When I initially contacted them in January, they told me that a discount I had received was expired. I showed them a screenshot and they acknowledged they were wrong. They quoted me a monthly price at this time. About a month or two (early March) I went to sign up and the price they gave me was 70 higher than the price quoted two months before in January of the same year. To my knowledge, there are no improvements that have been made to the gym to justify such a huge price increase. The lack of transparency and frequent price increases that are at a percentage way beyond the cost of inflation is to me unethical and bad business, and only possible because there is no competition. What would make the gym better in addition to cleaner, newer, better facilities are: transparency and fair/equitable policies that respect customers Pros: clean-ish equipment Has pool and hot tub Has an outdoor area for working out Cons: Crowded every time (mid-day, after work, afternoons, mornings) Old equipment Lack of concern for customer or customer service Price gouging - every time I go back they raise the price Clunky layout Old facility Disproportionately small and crowded locker rooms Old locker rooms Outdoor area has broken/completely inadequate equipment and part of it is unusable during rain due to poor construction Many perks don't run/are closed at odd hours for various reasons in the three days I did a membership there (cafe, hot tub, locker room, steam etc) making the experience disappointing for the price point. read more

I love the pool and hot tub. Employees also do a fantastic job. I love seeing everybody happy to be there.

I went to visit my daughter in Santa Barbara and she was excited to get me into her Zumba class. The class was small about nine ladies of various ages. This was my very first Zumba class (Jocy my yelp friend if you are reading this I see why you enjoy Zumba so much). It was so much fun and being the new lady in the class I am convinced I looked hilarious but I was determined not to get discouraged, to keep up with the movements as best I could and to hold my head high. Because it's not about being the best, it's about getting out there and moving, right! I totally enjoyed myself, everyone was so friendly and supportive and the instructor Lauren was "AWESOME". Her energy, personality and Zumba movements were incredible. This Sunday morning Zumba class kicked my butt, it was fantastic!! In addition to the Zumba class this gym was in great condition. The guy checking us in was very nice, friendly and professional. This gym has a lot to offer: Yoga classes, personal trainers, aquatics fitness, a refreshment café, and more. read more

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Not a yelper, but wow not sure how to even sign up for this place? Went in-person 3 times - was told "membership representative wasn't in, come back" -- come back during the recommended time frame, same response. Called a few months later for another chance, said representative will give me a call to set up an appointment. A week gone by, nothing. My friends even make fun of me for still trying to sign up with this place. If you're a business, I don't understand how you don't have an employee willing to help you all hours (reasonable hours, of course) to sign up for a membership? Leaving a lot of money on the table. Anyways, this place will be the running joke with my friends & know they will tell their friends. Santa Barbara is a small town, filled with people who want to be taken care of if they are shelling out for an annual contract. Long story short, don't bother, they probably don't need your business. read more

I've selfishly considered not writing a review because this place is a hidden gem! I love everything about the athletic club... the facilities/amenities, group classes, range of equipment, members/community, & the STAFF! Speaking of staff I have to give a special shout to Bree, Jensen, & Miles. Thank you for always brightening the day and making members feel taken care of! I've been coming here for the past 2.5 years and I have to say this place changed my life. I drive from carpinteria to SBAC because it's my happy place! read more

The Santa Barbara Athletic Club is the best gym in Santa Barbara. As a current colleaigtant coach and former college athlete i can tell you from training experience that this gym has everything you want in a athletic club. From the facilities, to the management and employment; this place does it right. The equipment is all very up to date and maintained well. There are several areas and rooms throughout the gym that give you options and resources to train. Big reason i chose this gym was because they have every amenity i was looking for in a gym. SBAC has lifting Platforms, free weights, auxiliary machines, turf areas, cardio room, pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and even a cold plunge. They also offer amazing classes with great instructors, and have a great selection of qualified trainers to work with. All gyms will have busy times, but i never feel overwhelmed at SBAC. The parking is also much better then other gyms I've been part of. My favorite part about the Santa Barbara Athletic Club is the quality service they provide to their members. Everyone is always in a good mood, and I've never felt more at home then i do at SWELL! read more

As a new resident to Santa Barbara we were on the look out for a gym. We Walked in to SBAC and oh how unfriendly and cold the welcome . I don't know why the young lady gave me that impression but we are used to feeling that employees take pride in being nice and welcoming to people and increasing the customer base by being the best in the frontline. May be she had a bad day but thank you for making a decision for us read more

This has always been the only game in town. I was a member from 1998 to 2015. I see some of the negative reviews are older. Others just have no standard of comparison, clearly. Free coffee and cream, for instance, you will never find at Equinox. I miss the old cafe of course (and bar); in the 1990s, I ate here more than anywhere else in town. Since I left, they put a million at least into the locker rooms. Indoor was always a smaller room (with an oddly large dry sauna). And hallelujah! The boys and girls switched. Our locker room ("outdoor") was so much smaller than the guys' room. They also had a bigger steam room. It's just beautiful. Same lockers as Equinox (no more padlocks, woohoo). The flooring is fantastic. Also, thankfully, someone decide that the orange in the weight room adjacent to the locker rooms was a bad idea. Some orange remains in the boot camp room but it's fine. Cardio upstairs is SO much brighter. I remember when that room was a cave. The treadmills are by the left-most squash court. Star Trac is a brand of treadmill with which I am unfamiliar. I'm a fan. They even have one of those treadmills for marathoners. Woodbine or something. I'm not a fan but the variety is excellent. Since I joined on New Year's Eve, I've never seen over 15 people at the club. The whole club! I know some people are sad that classes were closed but they're open now in a tent by the parking lot. I never took classes so it doesn't matter to me. I also am baffled by the complaints about price. At 159/month, it's less than the Bay Club (LA/SF) and wayyyy lower than Equinox. The same cleaning people are there (plus some new ones) and no one could possibly say anything negative about these lovely humans. The managers and desk people are all new since I left. Terrific youngsters at the desk. They removed the Power Plate (a drag) and one girl at the desk was quite indifferent/unable to answer questions. Big deal. I don't need every person at a business to be perfect. The pool is wonderful. Best pool in America I've swum. The view of the lemon trees and the trees over the parking lot feel like home to me. I cannot begin to guess how many miles I've logged in this pool. Only when you move to NYC do you really appreciate the length of this pool. I think it's 68 lengths to a mile (about 5 alternate side strokes). So nice not to have to turn around constantly. Jacuzzi jets work---always. There are no towels right now. That's a drag but you get used to it. (The Bay Club has towels so this is not a Newsom issue.) Steam and sauna closed but everything else open, indoors and out. I think SB people just don't know how good they have it. When you move to New York you really do appreciate just how excellent a club this is. And it used to be more country bumpkin. It's quite sleek now . Cody is a terrific personal trainer (who started at Williamsburg Equinox). I got a free session when I joined. The initiation was just $199 at Xmastime. The 1 star review is absurd and should be removed. It's a club. Of course you have to be a member. I joined for 12 months (to get the $159 rate). Originally I had intended to be here 9 months and it worked out about the same for the contract and non-contract. But I was expecting the club dues to have jumped at least to $199, so I was overjoyed to find out that even after all the money to renovate the locker rooms, the rates stayed where they were. Also, while LA clubs were closed, SBAC was open. They deserve ALL the gratitude in the world for this. Again, Santa Barbarans just don't know how good they have it in the gym department. New York opened gyms 9/2 but LA has been closed except for gyms with outdoor space. I love this club. The minute I walked into the locker room, I smelled the familiar scent of cleaner. A flood of memories washed over me. I don't know what cleaner they use but every gym should use it. read more

The variety of classes that are offered cater to every fitness level and interest, and I have loved being apart of these different classes. The atmosphere makes each workout enjoyable, and they have been great experiences for me that have improved my fitness levels. read more

It's pricey, but it's a fantastic gym. Incredible selection of weight machines, lots and lots of rooms, equipment indoors and outdoors, pool, sauna, steam room (the hottest one I've ever experienced) super clean locker room. Invariably we end up here every time we're in Santa Barbara. read more

Overall positive experiences at the athletic club. Most the rooms are kept clean. It's really nice that's there convenient charging ports for phones. I thought they handled the pandemic well. It was so nice to wake up early in the morning and have the club all to yourself. Although I have noticed more and more people are showing up. The steam room appears to be malfunctioning quite often and this gets tiresome. Friendly staff and the gym goers are mostly pleasant. I would recommend. read more

SWELL Santa Barbara Athletic Club is not so SWELL! As many of us do, I was really excited about joining a Gym and starting a new health program for myself. Based on a friend's recommendation I went to the Santa Barbara athletic club. Wow!!! I can't begin to express the treatment I got! Excuse me????? Are the workout machines in this place made of gold? Or is the bad attitude by the employees a "we only like certain people here" a filter! Either way stay away! You'll be spared the embarrassment! My opinion: un-available to return calls. Could care less about new members! Snudi and self absorbed! Very uncomfortable atmosphere! In the end just another sweaty gym with a big ticket price and a bad attitude! read more

This is an excellent gym. More expensive than most other options but it's worth it with a great facility, equipment and staff. The included fitness class are great. You just can't find better in Santa Barbara. read more

I recently tried the club after being a member for about 10 years. There are no longer personal towels handed out, which would help with hygiene, Pandemic. The most disturbing part as of today's date August 12th Is that upper management has decided that masks do not need to be worn inside by members. As a healthcare professional, I can't help but notice the irony of a facility that is supposed to improve health, yet chooses to compromise the safety and, yes, even the possible lives of their members. Please do not work out inside at this facility until mask mandates It's an easy fix, something that we've done for the last year. Not doing so shows A lack of understanding in the situation that we are currently in and weak Leadership and ownership. I have Spoken with management. They say that their hands are tied by upper management and the owner. #greed To the owner and management this will probably be taken down at the implementation of The correct safety protocols implemented by the state. The healthcare department will be notified the next read more

SBAC has many different rooms with a wide variety of machines and weights. This makes it easy to do what workout you want without waiting. Another big thing I have noticed is how friendly/helpful the staff and members are. I would highly recommended if you are looking around Santa Barbara. This is the place to be! read more

If you're looking to join an Athletic Club in Santa Barbara I would continue looking. Moments ago I received confirmation from Beth at SBAC that their club would not be honoring an internet promotion that was posted on their website and that I took a screenshot of. Apparently "Some restrictions apply" means they do not actually have to honor the full promotion. Their only reason for not honoring the deal was that supposedly part of the promotion applied to their Cathedral Oaks location and part of the promotion applied the Santa Barbara location. There is no mention of this distinction on their promotion but I suppose that is how a bate and switch works. When I presented my screenshot and demanded that the promotion be honored in early January the promotion was immediately pulled from their website. I understand that people can make mistakes. A web designer can make a typo, a sales person can speak incorrectly or a business can misjudge the potential response to a promotion. What I don't understand is why absolutely no concession is being made and when I question the ethics of their behavior I am laughed at. Beth in membership actually laughed at me today on the phone! She asked whether I seriously thought that I could pay no dues for 6 months and join their club for 75% of the signup fee. Yes, Beth, when your promotion of which I have a screenshot advertises such I very much expect you to honor it. How much would it really cost them to honor their promotion? How much would they stand to gain by having an additional member after the promotional 6 months had passed? To make things worse this is the second time I have fallen victim to their poor business ethics. In mid-2011, I spoke with John Youngblood at SBAC about signing up my fiance and he offered a discounted sign-up fee yet when we returned the following week John Youngblood was no longer there and the price was not honored. At that time, Robert Graham had the decency to take me seriously and made a generous offer of guest and class passes in exchange for my fiance signing up at the full price. If it's happened to me twice then chances are it's just a matter of time until it happens to you. Santa Barbara is too small of town for this. read more

SBAC has the most inclusive classes for members of All ages. Yoga classes that suit for people in their 80s and hip hop and high energy workout classes that embrace people in 20s, full range spectrum of catering to customers of All ages. Very friendly atmosphere and met amazing high quality people there. Highly recommend! read more

This gym is not for everybody. If you are a person of color this gym is not for you. I have been training competitively for many years and worked out at gym throughout the world, but I have felt as uncomfortable as I felt there. Many complain about the price, but for me it wasn't that bad. I am a decently established attorney. I have came to the realization that the price is simply of barrier to entry for undesirable. If you don't look a certain way you be looked at differently to the point of discomfort. The equipment is clean, I will give them that but that's it. read more

I don't know how really this happened or what to say about it I really interested long time to check out this place so I just walk-in to take a tour and ask few questions like any outer future members But Ben don't won give me any information till I not file up some form Whit all my personal information Address/phone/ name/ SSN ???? Excuse me? I just interested and won see the place If I am like it I will go next step Ben say he need it for start whit me the process Whit ...what process? You remember I just here for check it out right? Ben " we need to know any one is step in" So weird seals person I just walk out whit out to see or get any info Greet job Likely I don't member there if this your welcome for new member No thanks ! Negative 2 star read more

The athletic club is by far the best gym Santa Barbara has to offer. The space is large and has everything you need. There is a great turf area for functional training, squat racks, well maintained machines, a pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, cold plunge and towel service. They have tons of fantastic classes included in your membership and a small group training hiit class or Pilates for an additional fee. There is a complimentary coffee and tea bar as well as a smoothie bar and beers on tap you can buy. The space has a pool tables, plenty of seating, and outdoor lounge chairs making it possible to come and hang out after your workout or get work done remotely. Additionally, they offer Theraguns for recovery. If amenities and community are important to you in a gym this is the spot to come. read more

The SBAC is great. All the new locker rooms, theraguns, new redone Earthbar coming soon, new equipment, great classes, great people, pool, sauna, a bar, snacks, coffee, tea, best crushed ice, stretching areas, outdoor workout zones, steam room, jacuzzi, pre pandemic parties, pairing with Killer B fitness and the list goes on. Yelp is annoying as is google reviews because they don't accurately reflect the majority of the real and true users of the business. Especially, I've noticed for the higher end establishments, most of those people enjoy their anonymity. Since I became coerced to join Yelp from a friend over the pandemic, I've decided to leave some reviews, such as this one. This is the best gym in town, I'm not comparing to LA gyms or stuff like that, that's annoying too when people do that. This is Santa Barbara it's it's own unique world, that's how it's been and that's how it will be. Apples to Apples people. Even if I was comparing to other gyms in LA I love the feel here, it's intimate and unique and you see other regulars who have been here for the past 30 years as well. I've got a full gym at home, and jacuzzi and sauna, but I like to come to the gym. I'm born and raised here and I want the feeling of community. I get it, other reviewers might be much younger than me and still trying to find out what they personally like and where they belong in the world, I'm not. There's a gym for everyone out there, that's what's cool, unneeded negativity isn't. So, thanks SBAC you guys make my days brighter and better! read more

Santa Barbara Athletic Club is a gym in Santa Barbara that tries to tailor itself to the higher profile clientele. I feel as though it's trying to be a fitness club rather than a gym and unfortunately everything is outdated and everything feels old. This gym seems outdated, equipment seems old, everything seems old and needs to be updated. It feels like a gym that was operating once ten years ago. They offer a pool to swim in that you can do laps in but it's nowhere near an Olympian Pool. It's a nice pool though where kids aren't actually peeing in it unlike most of the pools nearby. They have squash courts which is one of the standout features due to the fact that there are not many squash courts in Santa Barbara (other than the ones at UCSB which can only be used by Alumni members). But I honestly don't have anything nice to say about this facility. Overall, it's very old, it smells old, it feels old, and even the staff seem very old. I wouldn't recommend this place, in fact I am cancelling my membership for these reasons, I had only been a member for three months, and I never felt more judged by a facility than here. I was paying $150 every month and each time I came in to sign in I felt that no one wanted me there unless I bought a class with one of their trainers. Good news was that they waived my $100 cancellation fee, but other than that, they need a serious renovation on their staff. read more

I have been a member at almost EVERY gym in SB. Golds (formerly Spectrum/Bay club) 24 hour fitness, Key to fitness, the list goes on, you get it. NONE of them come close th SBAC. Amenities include a yoga room, CrossFit room, pilates room, aqua massage chairs, steam room, sauna, personal spa (in ladies room anyway- not sure about the mens)! 3 weight rooms (one outside over looking their pool & Los Padres mountains), Spin studio (out doors/4th floor) Earth bar (smoothies juices etc.) POOL, Jacuzzi, and to top it off... BEER AND WINE! HOORAY! Their classes include multiple levels of yoga, Tai chi, boxing, spin, barre, (actually there are too many to count, just check their website) but my FAVORITES are lunch time lift & hip hop with Tamarr. So sooo fun. All of their teachers are incredible at what they do! My other half is a yogi, as in yogi yogi we have a yoga room at our house. He is not a fan of gyms but after I got him to come as my guest (after 6 months) he loved it and joined the next day. Their yoga teachers are top notch, above core power which is THE SAME PRICE as the club. He also loves to swim laps, so the pool was an added bonus. The club is a bit pricier than most but for a reason. It is extremely clean and has amenities beyond what you could ask for. Extra bonuses include organic coffee, crushed ice, pool parties & invites to sunset cruises! read more

Way too expensive and they don't offer single water aerobics classes to members of the community... you have to be a member of the club to use the pool. In an expensive city like Santa Barbara, this club would do well to offer water aerobics to everyone, not just club members. I had a foot surgery that has me on limited movement, and I need water aerobic classes. I'm taking my money and my business elsewhere. read more

I hate writing negative reviews but my experience with this gym definitely warrants one. First of all, the staff is extremely unfriendly, something I noticed right out of the gate. The sign up process took over an hour, which is pretty outrageous. At signup, the staff member who helped me informed me that there was a $100 early cancellation fee. I ended up cancelling within the first two months. I received a call from a different staff member who informed me that I would receive a bill for the cancellation fee. I never received a bill but my debit card was charged $100. If that wasn't bad enough, I received a second charge for $300 about two weeks later, which was drawn off of my debit card. I called to question the charges and the staff member I spoke with was extremely rude and informed me that the $300 charge was discounted from an early termination fee of $500. So all totaled up, I was charged over $500 for one month of a mediocre health club... Aside from that, for over $130 per month, the facilities are not what you would think would warrant a monthly fee of that size. read more

I have been a member of this terrific club for 20 years and it keeps getting better and better. The instructors are phenomenal and the variety of classes is amazing and the friends you make will inspire you to exercise! As a Realtor, I have been honored to meet and help many clients who work out here too. The schedule starts early and ends late, so there is always a choice. Spa facilities are also wonderful here with indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, massage beds, pool, steam room and sauna. Yin and Yang both found here! And if you want to ask for something different, they listen. Berni B. read more

Great workout facility! Love the Yoga classes, outdoor pool and spin area. The ladies locker room has a fabulous steam room & the private showers are great; almost like being at a Spa. read more

Swell - Gyms Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I love this club! It has indoor and outdoor weights, and a plethora of cardio machines with individual monitors. There are cross-training small group classes, yoga, pilates, dance and even boxing. I like using the cross-training rooms when they aren't having class. read more

My wife and I were members for years. We finally got fed up with the constant nickel & dime-ing. Everything was an extra charge (this in addition to this being the most expensive health club in SB). Child care, using the pilates facility, using the epicenter, etc. ... all extra. Several CLASSES (not private training sessions) were additional charges as well. They even charged us both an extra month to LEAVE THE CLUB! Management seems not to care. The club is bleeding members and has fired their best and most staff members (John, Shem, Rita). We're wondering if they are just trying to cut all corners in preparation of selling. We're at the YMCA now at less than half the cost. The only difference we see is we have to bring our own towels now, but this is more than made up for with free child care and no up-charges for any classes. read more

Santa Barbara Athletic Club is a solid three stars "A-OK" and "meh, I experienced (much, much) better." For the avid Yelpers out there, you get the subtext. Is it the best athletic club in Santa Barbara? Maybe? ... Is it comparable to any other high end athletic club in a major city, definitely not! The club itself is dated. The equipment is dated. The locker rooms are dated. The group exercise classes are often out of touch. There is a lot of potential. With the right investors, ownership and management this could be a great club but as it stands now, SBAC is on par (and it many areas under par) with your standard run of the mill gym. There are gyms in nearby cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, for example, with up-to-date, state of the art equipment in pristine, clean condition offering memberships at $10 a month. SBAC survives in Santa Barbara because no one has built a better alternative and if you're an SB native, you may not even be aware of what you're missing. In that case, ignorance can be bliss. Without a major renovation, here are a few things that could be improved immediately. - CLEAN the locker rooms thoroughly multiple times a day, daily. There are areas in the ladies locker room collecting so much dust and grime it looks like they have not be cleaned in years. - CLEAN the equipment multiple times a day, daily. (It amazes me that in a "high end" club like this, I have never seen staff wiping down equipment in almost a year. This is a standard practice even in most bargain gyms.) - Improve customer service, starting with...a smile. It's easy, watch :) There are a couple of good staff but the majority of the folks behind the front desk spend their time talking to one another, (sometimes whilst folding towels) while guests are waiting patiently to speak with them. - Train staff to monitor supplies and keep them stocked. Almost daily, if I want to utilize a complimentary water cup or grab tea/coffee, there is always something out of stock. Be it a cup but no lids, straws but no cups, cups but no coffee, or some confluence of the above. (This will prevent guests from having to go back downstairs and interrupt your gossip/flirting sessions happening behind the front desk in order to ask for those items to be replenished.) In terms of renovations, I'd love to see the ladies' showers improved. The water pressure trickles out and halts when someone flushes the toilet, hooks instead of rings, add a fixture in the shower for folks to set their razor, shampoo, etc if they bring their own toiletries, an opaque shower wall would be nice. (I don't need to see the woman in the stall next to me scrubbing her ass crack and I'd rather not be on display to her as I scrub mine). Replace the flimsy shower curtains with heavy duty curtains that don't blow and stick to ones' body. Invest in quality, standard towels (or better) and get rid of the tiny, brittle towels currently offered. Guests will use less towels if they are larger and more absorbent. Now for some positive attributes. This is a club for all ages. It does not matter if you're 19 or 119 years old, you will have peers at SBAC doing fitness things throughout the facilities. You can feel comfortable joining with the entire family, your teens, your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or even your great-great grandparents. No will feel out of place. It's truly a club for all ages. A few pro-tips: - Ladies, lift weights! Diversify your workout for optimal results. Ignore the chauvinists in the weight room who think building male muscle is more important than a woman building hers. (Beware you may find yourself replying, "Yes, I am using this equipment that is in my hands.") - Bring headphones with ample volume for the cardio room UNLESS you want to be serenaded by a woman who likes to go to the treadmill closest to mirrors and sing loudly for all to hear as she makes faces to herself in the mirror while walking on the treadmill. - Don't be alarmed if you open the door to the sauna in the locker room and discover a member of the staff, fully clothed in their uniform sipping a Big Gulp and playing on their phone in the dark. I guess there are not many places for unenthusiastic employees to hideout on the clock. And if you're ever looking for a what a five star experience at an athletic club is supposed to feel like, go visit FIT Athletic Club in Downtown San Diego. It's the best club I've ever belonged to. State of the art equipment, overlooking PETCO, trainers who are World-Class Olympic and Professional athletes, clean, beautiful club. read more

I was very sorry that the club had no flexibility for allowing my husband and I to be members for the 5 months of the year that we are in SB. We had been members for years, but when we were no longer year-round, the club just didn't care to allow us to be members for a shorter amount of time. Oh well--have found lots of other local classes that I like equally well that don't require a year long commitment. Physical Focus in Montecito is terrific. read more

Hands down, the best club in Santa Barbara. The pool, machines and classes all top notch. Everything is clean and well maintained. Manager Eric and front desk manager Brett are very nice and make sure that members and guests are well taken care of. read more

This gym has everything you could want but it just feels like something is missing. It might just be too pricey for my taste, but if you can afford a place like this then it may be for you. Just feels like money goes into the wrong things when a lot of equipment could be improved. The pool is a nice amenity as is the sauna/steam room. The classes leave much to be desired. read more