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Alhambra Athletic Club
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Trainers, Gyms [Edit]
1671 Alhambra BlvdSacramento, CA 95816
Neighborhood: East Sacramento
(916) 457-9300
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5 am - 11 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
Marlisa K. said: "Great Coaches, Great Office Staff, Great Owners. Good for toddlers up to competitive level gymnasts." read more »
37 reviews for Alhambra Athletic Club
37 reviews in English
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Review from Kelly A.
Rocklin, CA
1/2/2012
I've been a member of AAC since 2006, and it's the best health club I've ever belonged to. And for one main reason: the locker rental with laundry service. For an additional $180 per year, I get my own locker and laundry service, and therefore have NO EXCUSE not to make it to the gym! The membership dues may not be the cheapest around, but with what the club offers me - the ability to easily make exercise a part of my life - I find them fair.
When I first signed up I had some doubts, as the place seemed a bit dated, but I was quickly won over. All the features important to me are there - women's steam room (and workout area), a pool, yoga classes, and my own private locker. I've had private lockers in the past at other health clubs, but never before laundry service, which has made a huge difference for me. And being a little dated has benefits - remember the awesome Versa Climber? They have one! Remember the Stair Masters with the horns that we loved? They have them!
The showers can be finicky, and the day use lockers have seen better days, but overall, I find the gym and locker rooms clean. Some of the machines are older and noisy, but they're functional or either quickly fixed. I've had memberships to other full service health clubs (Club Sport, Renaissance) that were swanky, with new machines, spa services, etc, and while they're nice, they're also very expensive. I prefer the AAC's 1980's decor and cheaper dues.
I did the Incentive Fitness Program (AKA 'Fat Classes') to get a better monthly rate, and actually found them very helpful. It made me realize just how inflexible I was, and what my real body fat was. When I became a member, I was in my late 20's, and while in decent shape, the classes were a good wake-up call for me. I'm now healthier and leaner in my 30's than I was in my 20's.
I started in the AAC's beginner yoga classes six years ago and have developed a strong practice. The classes on Thursdays nights are wonderful, but no longer work with my schedule, so I've joined a private studio closer to my house, but still do yoga at AAC when I can.
I've always found the staff to be courteous, professional, and flexible. When I was on maternity leave they let me freeze my membership for six months, and were helpful with my 'mommy-brain' when I returned. They opened up their doors after hours when I left my cell phone behind. They called me to tell me they found the sports bra I misplaced. They called me to tell me they found the accessory charger I lost (I left it plugged into the wall). I enjoy seeing the staff's familiar faces, the turnover doesn't seem high.
The super friendly staff, nice clientele (no meatheads or flirty types), complimentary towels and coffee, Wifi and cable television in the locker rooms (love TCM!) has made the AAC my second home. I can't imagine my life without it. -
Review from K.C. T.
Sacramento, CA
3/29/2012
I love this gym! It has everything, pool, spa's, classes, free trainers once a month. And a great atmosphere. Highly recommended !
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Review from Erin W.
Sacramento, CA
2/11/2012
Tried it as a friend of a guest for a week and loved it. Way better than 24.
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Review from Niek S.
Updated - 2/2/2011
It's been two year since I complained about them not having a website. Well, they have one now!
Great you would think. All the info you need in one spot. Well, except for the most important part: the dues. They still "hide" those from the customers and want them "to stop by and take advantage of their great rates". Yuk. Sounds like a used car sales lot, what are you trying to hide?
After reading some reviews, seems like 75 dollars is the going rate. That's right, 900 dollars a year to keep your body fit. Doesn't sound bad, except for how 300 dollars gets you the same thing at 24 hour fitness.
Leaves you with 600 dollars a year, to spend on cheeseburgers. Obviously.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/3/2009
I tried to find their website for an hour. But apparently 2009 is not the year to have a website.
… Read more »
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Review from Olivia L.
Sacramento, CA
11/23/2010
I can't believe they charge $75 for membership here. The machines are gross, old and squeaky and pretty much every one of them needs to be replaced. It makes me very skeptical that they are cleaning the steam room/showers/hot tubs every night or even every month. Eeew.
Saying all of this, because of location, I would get a membership here again but only if they knocked about 40 off the dues each month, because that's what it's worth. They don't seem like they will budge, though.
On the bright side, there are a ton of hot guys here, and not the creepy, gym rat types either. Eye candy is also very motivational! All the stars go to them! -
Review from Steven M.
Sacramento, CA
2/20/2011
Located in the brick "Cannery" complex off Alhambra and Q, the AAC is part of the Wenmat chain. With the exception of converting a former racquetball court into a room full of exercise machines, nothing has changed here in the last decade. And I mean nothing -- the decor, the equipment, nor the clientele.
Folks here tend to be state workers or those heading home to East Sac. Lots of seniors too (must be an incredible discount). A friend once described the hot tub/spa in the men's locker room as "old man stew." Ewww.
I use the pool, which has four lanes. Generally you can get your own lane (except in the summer, or in Jan-March when the New Year's resolution dominates). There's no rule requiring anyone to take a shower before they use the pool (just a tiny sign as a suggestion) so the pool is heavily chlorinated and sometimes a little gross. Cleanliness in the locker room also could use a bit of improvement. As in modernization.
That said, the manager is great and attentive if you have a complaint about something. And all the basics are there. The guest fee is crazy ($12, no matter how long you're there). But overall, it will meet your needs for a basic gym. -
Review from Alan S.
Sacramento, CA
12/5/2010
This place is not as stylish as Pipeworks and (in general) the clientele are older, slightly heavier, and definitely less hip. That said, there are plenty of people of all ages here who are taking good care of themselves; I hope I can do as well as some of the folks here as I get further along in life!
The equipment isn't all bright new shiny either. But they have everything you need for fitness and the classes seem well run. Jacuzzis, sauna, steam room, pool, racket ball courts, lots of cardio and machines. No climbing walls but I don't do that anyway so I'm not that concerned.
The membership is a bit steep but with my corporate discount plus a one year commitment and a plan to complete their incentive fitness program (which will shave another $140 off the annual fee) it's not so bad really. It's what I need in a gym in a convenient location with friendly staff so I'm all for it. It might be nice if they had a discounted membership with no classes but the one membership category for everyone thing does have it's advantages. -
Review from sara s.
Sacramento, CA
12/21/2010 15 Check-ins Here
I've been going to this gym for years and I like it here. Staff is friendly, broken machines get fixed quickly and I haven't noticed all the dirt and grime that some other yelpers claim to have encountered.
Yes, the monthly dues are a little steep ($75) but AAC is: 1) never too crowded (then again, I rarely go during peak times), 2) their pool is the best in the downtown/midtown area (yes, better than Capital Athletic), 3) staff is friendly, 4) their selection of classes is pretty damn good (I'm partial to the cycling classes), 5) they have eucalyptus oil for the steam room and 6) there aren't really any meatheads or creepers, which is a HUGE plus to me as a woman.
I'd recommend this place to anyone who hits the gym on the regular OR is a swimmer in need of a good pool - otherwise I don't think the dues would be worth it. -
Review from Kerri T.
1/16/2009
I've only been a member for two months, but so far I like this gym. The clientele is bell-curve normal: there are fit folk, fat folk, and the in-betweens. Nary a douche in sight. If you're feeling anti-social, there's a whole series of machines and free weights in the women's locker room so if you smell bad or don't feel like being around the opposite sex you can work out without exiting the women's area. Each locker room has it's own steam room and whirlpool - the steam rooms have a wonderful tea tree oil spray that make your pores happy while you detox. I really like the laid-back work-out atmosphere, the central midtown location, and the stock of good ice cubes and filtered water.
There's a nice lap pool and co-ed whirlpools and dry sauna; three rooms of fitness equipment, handball and raquetball courts, aerobics and yoga classes...what else do you really need? Oh yes, child care. They've got it! Also discounts are offered if you take a series of fitness and nutrition sessions.
I tend to come at the peak hours - Monday evenings between 5-6 being the worst - and have never had to wait for a machine. And on the weekends the place is empty, so GT enjoys having the pool to himself and I enjoy stretching, running or biking, and steaming. I can easily spend an hour or more here and always leave happy and relaxed. -
Review from Geoffrey D.
Princeton Junction, NJ
3/11/2008
I really wanted to like this place, but it clearly is not going to happen. It's pretty price for a Sacramento gym - going up about $80 a month this year, which frankly, for what this gym is, is ridiculous. On the plus side, it includes unlimited classes, but the classes seem pretty lame, so I dont take them. If you are big into cycling, maybe it would be ok, but there isnt much yoga, and the rest, eh.
But what REALLY gets me irritated is the locker room. Old beat up lockers that dont really feel safe, and the place downright REEKS of nasty odors, not just once, but every single fricking day. Youve probably encountered that old locker room smell somewhere along your path through your education, and when it hits you, it just really makes you feel ill. It's so bad for me, I avoid the locker room at all costs, even if I have to carry my stuff around with me while working around. And if that wasnt enough, every time you go into the locker room on a weekday day, CNBC idiot financial tv is on, which, if you know anything about reality, will make you want to power vomit for this bunch of vacuous market cheerleaders. Larry frickin Kudlow? That's the last loser I need to be forced to see as Im about to hurl from the malodorousness of the place.
Next crappy thing is that the treadmills are all rickety and make a lot of noise when you run on them, annoying at least you, and probably the people around you.
Free weights room is decent. Weight machines are ample, since the place is usually dead. They have two sets, but many of them are on the oldish side, and are poorly designed with regard to ergonomics - ya know, the types of machines that destroy your joints as you try to get fit. Lovely.
Clientele - a lot of old people, by far the majority during the daytime and nearly half at all times. Very few meatheads, a few wackadoos. Not much grunting.
Dumbell area - cramped, and someone dropped weights and broke the floor under the carpet - hasnt been fixed for a year and if you step on it while walking with big weights, you could easily pitch over. Ridiculous, again.
Facilities generally have an old look about them, which is depressing.
Seriously, I cant wait until my year is up. Why oh why I paid for a year is beyond me. Maybe because it's close to home.
Staff - some are very nice, others are just dicks. They know who they are. Probably the same people who write the fake reviews here.
ICK!!!! -
Review from John L.
Sacramento, CA
11/14/2006
I was a member of Alhambra Athletic for almost two years, and only gave up my membership because it was getting hard for me to find the time to go.
The good:
Your membership includes an occasional visit with a trainer (but if you want regular trainer visits, be prepared to pay) who can show you how to use the equipment properly and help you design a workout plan.
They have two weight machine circuits by two different manufacturers. And even during the busiest times there aren't enough people on the machines to slow down your workout, unless you are unwilling to skip a machine and come back to it later.
There are a fair number of cycling and pilates classes.
The pool is rarely crowded and very nice.
Good racquetball courts.
The bad:
Locker rooms need work. The lockers stick and there never seem to be enough seats to go around.
Don't look in the corners of the ceiling in the mens shower area. Just don't.
Not enough basic yoga classes.
Desk staff can actually run out of towels.
Popular equipment is frequently broken and they are slow to repair.
In general, Alhambra is a friendly place to work out. The crowd trends older so you don't get very many of the "check me out" types or the "I'm checking you out" types. People are there to work out. The only conversations you're likely to hear are between people who know each other outside of the gym or who play racquetball together.
It is on the expensive side, but I'm willing to pay a little more for a serious gym that isn't overly crowded than less for one where I have to be self-conscious about the fact that I don't have a six-pack. You get a small discount if you attend three wellness classes at their facility in Carmichael. The exercise and nutrition classes aren't great, but it is worth it to do the fitness and body fat testing. -
Review from Jocelyn M.
Sacramento, CA
8/26/2008
The Alhambra is an older, urban club, not glitzy and not a meat market. Housed in the old Libby Cannery complex, it's spacious, with exposed brick walls, a big, indoor pool, a two-story basketball court/aerobics room with a hung wooden floor, a spin room, racquetball/handball courts, a childcare room, a snack bar, two weight rooms and lots of machines. I miss the days when they had a running track on the roof.
The pluses are the big locker rooms with private workout areas, the sauna outside by the pool, and especially the most excellent tile steam rooms and hot tubs in both men's and women's locker rooms. I used to live for that steam room after my workout - sheer heaven. The Alhambra has tons of regulars who have been going there for about forever, including many staffers from the Med Center, the Capitol and a wide representation of Midtown companies.
The minuses are the aging facilities, which have experienced lots of wear and tear over the years. There have been days when I've gone in there and three out of the six or seven showers didn't have water or were missing a shower head or missing a door. But they do fix things pretty quickly and in my opinion the private steam room made up for that and more.
They've got a full complement of classes and programs. I've taken some spin classes and they're fine, the aerobics are fine too (Leigh's classes are the best), although I found the yoga classes a bit too esoteric for my taste or maybe I just don't get the benefits of breathing through one nostril for 10 minutes and then switching to the other one. Guess I'm not that enlightened.
In my experience the staff has been friendly and not stingy with the towels. The Alhambra also provides free shaving cream in the showers and there's free coffee which is a boost on those mornings when you need that extra kick.
The price is a better deal when you have a family membership - about $90 for two.
Sadly I stopped going here because I wanted a different kind of workout -more in depth and personalized weight training, dancing and core work. But I truly miss the steam room - that was the best part of the Alhambra membership. -
Review from Nay C.
Sacramento, CA
11/1/2007
I like this gym because it is not a meat market. It's a far cry from 24 Hour if you have ever been to one. There are plenty of classes everyday (including in the afternoons which I appreciate) and they offer Yoga everyday of the week! There is also a separate workout room inside of the Women's locker room. Olympic size pool, sauna, steam room, day care, racquetball, etc. The only thing is it's pretty 80's-ish. Some of the equipment is outdated.
I have heard many people scoff at the $69 per month dues and I do agree it's a little high, but if you don't like waiting in line for Treadmills and being gawked at while working out, it's certainly worth it. I can waste $70 bucks easily in one night, why not care enough about your health to spring for it? -
Review from Evil C.
Sacramento, CA
10/23/2008
My husband and I quit our membership to this gym several months ago. It's just not a good value, IMO. The facility itself is out of date and run down...the summer before last the AC was out for days at a time (fun, working out with no air circulating!) I need a place that I look forward going to in a gym so that I'll actually GO and Alhambra isn't it. I had been to this place several years back, and it's definitely gone down hill in recent years. I did like the spinning classes a lot, but I can get that pretty much anywhere.
Also, while I (obvs) don't know this first hand, the hub HATED the mens locker room...he always changed at home and brought nothing with him to avoid having to go in there. Not worth over $100 for a dual membership. -
Review from Sarah O.
11/6/2008
I'm kind of surprised by the reviews here. Old does not mean dirty people. I came to Alhambra in late 80's as a kid and it was brand new back then. Not a lot has changed with the decor, but overall this is a good gym.
Maybe I have different feelings because I came from the Meat Market otherwise known as 24 Hour Fitness. If you want a club that is so crowded you can never get a machine or a weight to save your life, have to arrive over an hour early to get a bike in spin class during the winter (literally), bring your own lock and towel and wait 45 minutes to use one of the four showers that spits drips of water at you - go to 24 Hour's brand new gym on Fulton.
Alhambra may be old, but it's not dirty. At least here you get a locker and a towel free of charge. I've rarely had to wait for a machine or weight and I've never had to deal with anyone leering at me. The pool is great and rarely crowded - I swim 3 days a week and I've had to share a lane once for about 2 minutes.
The spin bikes are state of the art - these are about the best kind out there and the same ones that are used on all the spinerval videos if you are a cycling person.
I've never had a rude staff person.
Yes, it sucks they don't have a website and I've heard the guy's locker room is quite interesting - apparently old naked guys like to hang out and do everything from chat to pay bills.
But, overall, this place is way better than 24 Hour. I'm happy with it.Listed in: My Hood
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Review from Justin T.
Portland, OR
1/17/2007
I've been a member for about a year and a half and I'm pretty happy with it. I use the free weights, spinning classes, yoga/pilates classes, and racquetball.
Pro's: Users are, in general very courteous of each other; to share equipment. - the few that don't share space/equipment are few and far between. Spinning class has new bikes now, old ones were getting old and rickety. Steam room in the men's room. Free lockers and towels, lockers are big and you can usually get another towel to shower with if you get your first one dirty/sweaty.
Con's: It can get busy after work, so you may have to adjust your routine a bit. They have a place where you can get a paper cup, water and some crushed ice, this is a good idea to keep people cool and hydrated, but it makes for a mess because people often forget their cups of water on the floor where its easy to knock them over. There are soft spots in floor. Generally all comments are responded to, but my suggestions on getting some new equipment and re-arranging walls haven't been answered. The also don't have a website that has the schedule of classes. -
Review from Gil O.
Sacramento, CA
10/16/2009
Alhambra's a pretty good club with a great location. And they now have a website! http://www.alhambraath...?
This club has plenty of free weights as well as circuit machenes. Lap pool and hot tubs, saunas.
Half court basketball court with plenty of group classes including spin.
dig it! -
Review from West R.
Sacramento, CA
10/13/2009
After looking at 24hr Fitness downtown, seeing the place packed at 9 pm and practically being accosted by the sales staff (what can I do to get you to sign up today?), I went back to Alhambra, having been a member there years ago.
First off, I love the location. Conveniently locate between work and home.
I also love the fact that it is not packed and working out can be done without hassle or being creeped out by the patrons.... everyone is courteous. The staff members are always friendly.
The spin classes totally rock. The instructors are great and challenge you to get a great workout. Since I go 3 - 4 times a week, this alone is worth the monthly dues.
While all of the equipment may not be the most up-to-date, it definitely serves it's purpose.
Although I haven't used it in awhile, I do love the indoor lap pool and jacuzzi's.
And not having to pay for a locker or provide and launder my own towels makes up for the higher fees.
If I don't feel comfortable going into a gym, I'm not likely to want to work out. I always feel comfortable going into Alhambra and I seem to be going more frequently as of late. -
Review from daynuh m.
Eureka, CA
7/10/2010
I call this place "the spa".
All bodies, all types, all respectful and kind. I've had nothing but good experiences here. I get summer memberships and go for hours.
Reasonably priced. All the ammenities (lockers, towel service, wifi, childcare). Open til 11.
Guest fee is way too high (12 bucks to bring a friend)
Stuff is old but clean and mostly maintained. (Things break. They fix it.)
Separate equipment for women in the locker room annex. Separate hot tub/sauna for women (there are coed ones too). Aqua aerobics is really fun.
One yoga instructor teaches some strange hybrid of pilates and some strange yoga bastardization. I've walked out on her classes three times. Problematic that the teachers seem to switch with each other a lot. I can never figure out how to effectively avoid her (and I try. It's enough to keep me away from their yoga altogether). -
Review from Jen S.
Sacramento, CA
2/7/2006
Complaints: Not enough of the very popular eliptical machines. They have sign-in sheets for the eliptical and bikes with t.v.s but there are always tons of open stairmasters. Why not get rid of the stairmasters and put in more of what people want? Some of the weight benches need to be recovered. They need to add some more interesting classes such as pilates and power yoga. There are always open racquetball courts which could be used for something else. Oh, and it's crowded.
Accolades: It's nice having a private steam room, hot tub and exercise equipment in the ladies locker room.
Update: 8/22/6-They took one of the seldom used racquetball courts and turned it into a fitness machine room! Much better! Now if they would just add better yoga classes and maybe a pilates class. -
Review from Noel H.
Sacramento, CA
7/3/2009
This is the most depressing 1980's style gym I have been to since... well ... 1988! The equipment is old and packed edge to edge. There is a lack of various cheap and useful items (such as balance boards) and the place is a bit dingy, dark and stale. The people I dealt with had an apathetic attitude and a "take it or leave it" style that prompted me to "leave it" after a 30 minute free session. Not worth the money by a long stretch....
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Review from sue g.
Sacramento, CA
10/27/2009
You take the good with the bad at AAC, and also, the ugly.
the good is the pool, convenience of location, and the friendly as you want to be atmosphere.
The bad is that nothing ever gets fixed here , (i've been waiting for the drain covers on the womens showers to be affixed to the tile for three years; an the electrical socket without a cover and exposed wiring that i pointed out three weeks ago has had a "under repair" piece of paper taped over it for the same amount of time.
and the ugly ( equipment feels dirty; same dust bunnies on the floor, etc). dusty plants in the locker room add that special "i dont care" ambience.
Right now they are offering 3 free months when u extend your membership for a year. When i asked about what their refund policy is if they go out of business, etc i was told there isnt one. I tried to contact the owner regarding obtaining a written policy but was told by several people that he is "never available".
i wish they would get their act together ..clean the place is a start and fix things. Bettter customer service would also be appreciated. -
Review from Emma B.
Sacramento, CA
11/16/2008
I did a trial membership here a couple months back. All you need to know is that it smells like the inside of a 22 year old jock strap that's been stored in a dark, damp room. Guh.
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Review from Stan J.
Sacramento, CA
6/26/2008
I was a member of Alhambra for 7 years and the main reason I liked it was because it wasn't crowded like 24 hour. I finally quit out of principle since they seem to think it's ok to raise monthly dues every so often. When i started I paid $55 and it finally got up to $80. Definitely not worth it for a club that is in need of new equipment, more towels, a broken steam room and a funky smelling locker room. I'm back at 24 hour at my $15 dollar monthly fee that I've had for 14 years and enjoying the savings!
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Review from Chris S.
Scottsdale, AZ
8/16/2008
I worked out there for a week with a free pass while looking for gyms in my area. I decided NOT to join. It was crowded and had out-dated cardio equipment and not many machines The gym did not have spray bottles to clean equipment and was generally dirty by modern fitness center standards. It was summer and the gym was kind of warm and humid. Overall, I would rate this club a disaster in my brief experience given the price was MORE than CA Family Fitness. I wish I liked it because of the location but there is no way I could workout in a gym like this place. I only hope CA Family Fitness or some other group will build a decent gym in East Sac.
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Review from Karyn E.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2008
Customer service is most definitely not a priority. I was told when I joined that I could put my membership on hold, as I travel frequently for work, no problem. When the time came, I was told that I'd have to pay half my membership dues for a minimum of 3 months, or pay $5 a month to suspend my membership for a minimum of 6 months. Not something you want left out of your rental agreement. Upper management couldn't care less when alerted to the problem. Not a people pleasing place, but the location works for me, and that's about it. Could be a decent club with a complete overhaul, until then, $80 a month is a rip off.
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Review from Kareem A.
Sacramento, CA
11/13/2008
This is a great club if your looking for a friendly, noncompetitive, place to work out amongst other civilized exercisers. The free weight area is divided into two rooms, one with four chest benches a smith rack and a cable machine, and one with a complete set of dumbbells an array of different benches a smith machine and a leg press. They have a full circuit of cybex and a full circuit of life fitness strength machines which greatly minimizes wait time. The pool is usually the right temp and always clean. They do have two decent sized cardio rooms, the machines don't have all the bells and whistles as some globo gyms, but they're always clean and they usually repair or replace equipment pretty quick.
If you need to accelerate your workouts, try Group-X or Cycle. They also have personal Pilate's Reformer training that is reasonably priced, throw one or two in a week along with your regular workouts any you'll notice results.
You can set up a free appointment with a knowledgeable Fitness Instructor who can guide you towards results, you can even follow up this initial Fitness Instruction with a one hour session every month, all at no extra charge. The dues are somewhere between having to work out with the local high school football team and having to own stock in the place to be able to get on a treadmill.
This club is great for people with young children because of the childcare, which is included, but not too great for young children (under 12) who want to use the weights or cardio equipment.
ps. you can get it in on the unadvertised special too if you go in by the end of November. -
Review from Mike S.
Updated - 6/7/2010
I moved this up to 3 stars. It's still the 80s in there, but the staff seems to be doing a better job of keeping the place clean and maintained.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/27/2008
I joined this place about ten years ago. At the time, I thought to myself, "Wow. How 80s!" When I… Read more »
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Review from kent l.
Sacramento, CA
11/1/2009
I've been going to the AAH for years. It's conveniently located for me and i use it every day. Yes the equipment is well-used and the club has 'character', but I keep coming back because the people are great, it is not a meat market. If you want a pumped-up place with bad music where you can show off your latest set of pecs, this is not it. It's mostly hard-working professional people.
I have made many friends here, and consider it to be truly a club. In a commercial world where most business function with the intimacy of a chain restaurant, the Alhambra Athletic is truly exceptional. -
Review from Rick T.
Sacramento, CA
11/21/2009
I have been a member for 16+ years and go to AAC every day. Years ago I went after work and sometimes felt it was crowded and frequently had to wait for the machines and weights. I go in the mornings these days and never have any wait time for anything. The machines may not be the best, but they function 95% of the time and the staff keeps them serviced and clean.
This club is not a meat market. Most members are adult, professional and friendly.
I have many friends there and all seem to be satisfied with AAC. Having travelled a lot I work out at other gyms and always glad to come back to Alhambra. The last one was a very upscale gym in Austin that cost $200.00 a month and no way can I see that much difference in what i have a AAC. Rick -
Review from Chris C.
Sacramento, CA
4/10/2010
I've been a member here for over ten years. The best part is the people. Fellow members are genuine, real-live-down-to-earth-folks.
The facility offers just about everything a club could offer and when you join AAC, you also get access to Riverside Athletic Club and Roseville Athletic Club.
It's conveniently located for me...They have complimentary coffee and an self-serve ice tray for water. You also get free towel service and keyed lockers that work perfectly fine. Their hours are pretty good, too: 5:00AM - 11:00PM M-F and 7:00AM-8:00PM on weekends. The childcare is a great perk.
They have wifi and serve beer!
The equipment is old. The maintenance is a neverending story. The locker room could use better ventilation, but it is in a far higher class than any Sacramento 24 Hour Fitness (I have a 24 Hour membership, too...Totally different experience) -
Review from Jessica T.
Sacramento, CA
5/8/2005
Not enough classes. The equipment feels grimy. The locker rooms are out-dated. There aren't enough cardio machines for the crowd. The TV's are always on a channel no one cares to watch. But where else can you get free day care and no-hassle parking at that price? If you know - seriously - tell me!
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Review from evelyn H.
Sacramento, CA
7/4/2009
We were members a while ago and rejoined Alhambra last month.
Yes....it's an older facility but that being said....I think that they have done a really nice job in keeping the equipment state of the art and classes up to date....lot's of Yoga has been added and a lot of other ones available.
The women's locker room is clean and doesn't smell like the "inside of an old jock strap" It smells like a clean locker room.
The people who work there, instructors as well as staff, have been and are very customer oriented and managers always seem to available and if not do call back promptly.
You want fancy glitzy facility there are some around but you will pay at least double the price and initiation fee. Alhambra is an excellent value and good facility.
ELH -
Review from GJ R.
Sacramento, CA
1/30/2007
It's an old brick building, the old cannery I believe. But you walk in and you will be pleasantly surprised by how clean it smells. Well most of the time.. Today I went in and it was musty.. like 600 people had worked out that day and each lost 2L of sweat to the air. Talk about humid.. The crowd is predominately older. I get the feeling that UCDMC sends a lot of employees over there. You see a few young people now and then, probably med students and/or residents like myself. I really enjoy the spin class, and everyone is really helpful. I don't get that meat market feel when I'm working out, it's relaxing. The equipment is a little older, but there is a machine for every muscle group you can imagine. Great selection of free weights too.. I am a little disappointed in the cleaning regimen of the machines though.. at other clubs I have belonged to, cleaning crews come through and spray down the machine seats, etc. This doesn't happen much (if at all) when I am there. Also, go before 5 because it gets realllly busy after that time. All in all, a great gym to get in shape. Racquetball courts are nice (make sure you reserve a court or you'll be kicked out!) and plenty of cardio machines.. A little pricey, but what's your health worth???!
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Review from Brooke C.
Sacramento, CA
9/4/2008
After reading recent reviews, I went to this club expecting the worst! Since I live very close by, I thought I would take a chance and check it out for myself. (Afterall, everyone seems to love Tapas the World, which I think is less than mediocre, so, maybe it could go the other way around??)
When I walked in I was initially greeted by a very friendly counter person. Then I met the manager, Jeff, who was also very friendly, and upon subsequent visits, has always had a smile on his face. Apparently the previous manager is no longer there. I do admit that the equipment is not necessarily state of the art, but I get just as good of a workout on these machines as I did on the newer ones at 15th street fitness. So, far I haven't had to wait to use the machines either--and I go at 5:30 or 6 PM. The women's locker room is big and has very large lockers and I don't have to pay daily to use the locker. I do appreciate the cardio equipment in there as well as the big screen TV! Other people had commented that the gym was dirty, but I have found it to be fine. The new manager did say that he is personally making sure the gym is spic and span. The one suggestion I would have is that they obtain spray bottles or wipes to clean the equipment between uses. They have quite a variety of classes offered and I can dive in the pool after working out! As far as price, with my County discount, an annuaI membership and completing the Fitness Incentive, my dues are 58 $ /month, so I am pretty happy with that.
I see folks that seem to be regulars here hanging out chatting or sitting at the bar area. I would trade any new fangled, high gloss place for this cozy, unpretentious one anyday. -
Review from Marjorie F.
Sacramento, CA
7/23/2010
I was a member of this club for several years and then left. I hated it! The equipment and decor were old (as several have noted), and the staff was rude and surely. But I think they had an awakening. I came back one year ago because the gym is just a few blocks from my house and I was desperate to get back to an exercise routine. So I gritted my teeth and rejoined. It's gotten so much better! The decor is still stuck in the 80s, but things are clean and well functioning. The staff has improved enormously! They are helpful and welcoming and they work hard to keep the equipment clean. Plus I hired a personal trainer (you can only use one of their own), whom I love. Elizabeth is the best! She's cheerful without being annoying, she pushes me beyond what I think I can do -- but never beyond my capacity. And she is unfailingly optimistic even when I fail to meet a goal. I also appreciate that every body type and age range is welcome. I wish they didn't allow women into the jacuzzi naked (in the women's locker room) but what can you do? Overall, I'm happy with my gym and grateful that it is just a short walk from my house.
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Review from C M.
Sacramento, CA
5/5/2008
I really like this gym, although it is expensive. They have a full sized pool, co-ed jacuzzis and steam room, as well as jacuzzis and saunas in both the men and womens locker rooms.
I like their yoga classes, although I wish they had more of them (they can get really crowded), and also more of the aqua aerobics classes.
I really enjoy the ambiance and clientele of the gym much better than when I was a member of 24 hour fitness - a little older, far less crowded, cleaner.
They are open until 11pm M-F, but only until 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday, which can be a little restrictive in my schedule. I find them to not be very crowded at all compared with the 24 hour fitnesses I have been to.
They also have racquetball courts, and they occasionally have someone who comes in and gives a free introductory class for racquetball. All the weight equipment is nice in my opinion, and I have never had to wait for an elliptical machine (although this could be because of the hours I go in - but I used to have to wait and then limit myself to 20 minutes at 24 hour fitness no matter when I went in).
I do not like that they have raised our rates (from $108/mo for a couple, to $115/mo - and we have been members less than a year!)
