- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
AllStar Fitness
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: West Seattle
2629 SW Andover St
(between S 26th Ave & S 28th Ave)
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 932-9999
2629 SW Andover St
(between S 26th Ave & S 28th Ave)
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 932-9999
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
22 reviews for AllStar Fitness
First of all, I'll never enroll at another gym without a referral. With that said, a coworker of mine sent me over to AllStar in West Seattle.
The moment you walk in you know you've graduated from back alley discount 24hr gyms :-) see previous review. You are greated by a friendly front desk staff who always mention your name as you're checking in. "Have a great workout Chris." It just sets you in a good mood.
The facility is equipped with state of the art cardio machines (20+ treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, stairclimbers, and some newer funky machines). The machine and free weights are plentiful and always clean/working. And if they're not, they're clearly marked with a nice "Back in Order Soon" sign. They have 3 or 4 classrooms on the 2nd floor, a 7 lane lap pool that has 4 dedicated lap swim lanes, even during classes. A wet and dry sauna and whirlpool are close by. The locker rooms are equipped with individual showers enclosed in stone tile, qtips, razors, shaving cream, mouth wash and blowdryers. Even after a small request I made to the manager, he installed shower mats within the week. Talk about service and response.
They truly make the effort to make your $40+/mo membership completely worth it. You can tack on things like rock climbing (in house) or massage, tanning, etc. Also, I hear the personal training staff is really great. They've answered simple questions I've had before without making me feel bad or unworthy.
A great experience, I'm glad I'm a member and don't plan on going anywhere else for a long time. Say hi if you decide to join. I'm there fairly often :-)
I'm not actually a member, but I was so close.
I live in West Seattle and have been wanting to join a gym with a pool since I moved here. I finally had the time and money to start looking at joining a gym and Allstar was my first stop. I went in to check out the facility. The woman Julie was very helpful and answered all my questions and gave me a great tour. I was excited to join and went home to go over it with my boyfriend.
It's a little pricey, but we decided that because it was close to our place that it would be worth it.
Then this past Monday I called Julie to tell her I would come in on Wednesday after work and sign the paperwork. I told her exactly when I would coming so that it would be ready for me and all I would have to do is sign. They require first and last month's dues at the time of signing, which I was OK with, which was going to be about $176. Not too shabby. They were having a "promotion" to get no enrollment fee (which is always going on). Then she tells me that I have to pay another $30 for each us for towel service. Really? For towels? What the hell is my monthly membership for?
I decided that I would still go in and get the membership anyways because I need to go to the gym. So today I went in to sign the paper work. I got there and the guy working at the desk ( I got the impression that he doesn't normally work there and that he's a personal trainer, I think his name was Andre) just looked at me. He didn't say "hello" or ask me what I needed, so I told him. He went to look for the paperwork and it wasn't there. I was surprised that it wasn't done considering I had told her a day and time that I would be coming in. I starting filling it out, when I realized that I don't want to join a gym that has flaky staff, (not to mention the steam room was broken and they weren't telling people an exact date as to when it would be fixed). And a year contract? Really? That is my story on why I didn't join Allstar.
10/20/09 Update:
I just checked my mail and of course there was an flyer from Allstar offering one month free or no enrollment. I looked over the ad and it stated all the things the club offers. "Complimentary Towel Service" was listed as something they offer.It's not complimentary if you have to pay for it. Merriam Webster defines complimentary "given free as a courtesy or favor".
I've decided to reduce my rating from 2 stars to 1 because that just really gets under my skin.
This is a nice facility and well maintained. Worth the higher price than other gyms in the area.
Lots of classes, plenty of machines, never seen a problem where there's a line to use cardio equipment or more than a brief wait for a particular machine.
Pool is well used and a nice addition to a standard setup. Locker room is first rate with free towels, razors, mouth wash, shampoo, hair dryers, ironing board, TV room, good lockers, etc...
To get 5 stars instead of 4 the gym would need to:
Upgrade the free weight area some, and get more plates! They're always low on 45's, you have to take them from everywhere... If it were any busier, you wouldn't be able to work out at some times in the free weight area because stations would be available, but you wouldn't have any weights to use on them.
The machines are 4-star maintained, but not 5-star. Several have grips that need to be replaced, the cardio rowing machines are held down by plates (which are badly needed in the free weight area!) instead of being bolted to the floor, sometimes a cardio machine in a good location will be down for a week or more just needing new batteries for the heart rate monitor, etc.
Steam and/or sauna off of the locker rooms (as they have at another location) instead of a common one in the pool area
The free towels are a great perk, but they need to always be available; on the weekends or later in the evening it is not uncommon to be out, so you can't take a shower if you want or need to.
My gym has been closed for the past couple days because the city insists on packing snow into sheets of ice on the roadway. So, I thought I would visit friends in West Settle and while there worked out at All-Star Fitness.
I actually liked All-Star Fitness. It was very clean, plenty of weights, and more than enough cardio machines. Also, there is a 2-3 story rock climbing wall at the club.
I did not take a class, tan, or visit the "women only" area, but it seems to be a pretty good club. I would likely join if I lived in West Seattle.
I have a membership here and recently purchased a personal trainer package that cost me an additional $1500 or so. My trainer is cool, most of the people at the front desk are rude. Not all but most. Maybe because I'm not a hard body...but hey, I'm trying!
There aren't a lot of options in WS. The Y is about the same cost with older machines and lots of loud kids and 24-hour fitness is out of my way.
If you don't purchase time with a personal trainer, there's no one available to even ask a simple question, unless you go down to the front desk where the rude people are.
I am not big on machines... I get to bored. But If you want a fun efficient workout take a class. I love the kick boxing and the instructors are great Laura is adorable and funny, Loni is very knowledgeable and she teaches a great kick boxing and weight training , Nikki kicks your butt. The teachers are very approachable and friendly! Allstar also have great spin classes that will have you dripping sweat... my kind of workout :)
What a fantastic facility! The women's only gym is such a comforting relief I've never experienced with a gym before. Working out - espeically with weights - really intimidates me, so not having a ton of dudes watching (and in my head judging) is great.
The steam room, hot tub and tanning are excellent perks I definitely take advantage of (and I know my girlfriend takes advantage of the childcare while she's working out).
However, the biggest highlight I'd take advantage of are the classes - specifically John's Yoga II on Thursday evenings. He will work your butt off - especially if he's had cake that day.
And then there's Loni's classes - all of them will change your life. Monday's Max Sculpt, Wednesday's kickboxing, and Friday's TGIF (pacakged combo of Monday & Wednesday's classes) - DO IT!
I used to watch those classes through the women's only gym windows and think "there's no way I could survive that..." But I can - and you can - and you'll love the weightloss and sense of community that come along with it!
The only poops about AllStar...the girls at the front reception are generally less than helpful or cheery... and parking can sometimes be a pain.
I sent in this letter last week... I meant every word, and love this gym! Hi,
I am a member of your West Seattle location, and have always loved the gym. The employees are helpful, the location is wonderful, and the equipment is just what I need. I couldn't ask for a better gym.
Anyway, the reason I am writing is to compliment you on your wonderful daycare staff. Delia, Eve and the girls are the highlights of my visit. The daycare at Allstar is the only place I have ever trusted enough to leave my daughter without worrying. I began dropping off Sophia when she was just 3 months old. It was nerve wracking, and I was terrified. The angels at your gym set my mind at ease. They comforted me, and assured me I would be easily found if any problems should arise. Needless to say, Sophia is a loyal member of Allstar, and loves the gym just as much as her mother does. Sophia looks forward to her visits, and the ladies at your gym have come to feel like family.
Thank you so much for hiring such an amazing staff. I can honestly say that if not for Delia, Eve, Jennifer, and everyone else on your staff, I would not be lavishing my Allstar love to everyone I know. Your staff has made my life so much easier, and there are no words to say how wonderful they are.
Thank you again, have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,
Jaymie Magana
I simply love BEING here, which is probably why I'm always running late everywhere I go post-workout... hmm. Best gym I've ever encountered, with the exception of the beautiful and expansive Student Recreation Center (the "SRC") at WSU. Oh, All Star, I feel so lucky to have you in my neighborhood, and let me count the ways:
1) Free towel service (small AND large for showers!)
2) Plentiful and new equipment
3) Complimentary shampoo, conditioner, lotion, Q-tips, hair-dryers in the locker rooms (even though.. I will say, the shampoo smells and looks like trees.)
4) Nice folk
5) All classes are free--yes, FREE! Including my personal faves, Cardio Kickboxing with Laura, and Maximum Sculpt with Loni (weight-lifting class that works everything)
6) Emerald City Smoothie and rock climbing wall right when you walk in
7) Co-ed sauna and steam room
8) Cute boys who compliment my awesome red running shoes
So, what's not to love?? Oh wait, I forgot to mention my very favorite thing!!... the music. Nope, not the music that plays in the gym because unfortunately that happens to just be cheesy radio music that's played in every other gym--I'm talking about the calming, meditative music they play in the locker rooms. Listen to me. I am telling you... I've been going to this gym for more than a year, and I swear they've never repeated the music. I know it sounds crazy, but hey, I was a music major and they constantly have new songs in there. The tunes have the best effect -- it's definitely a place of serenity after a long, hard workout. Clarinets, flutes, humming voices... awesome.
I love you All-Star, please never change.
In short, All-Star Fitness is one of the best gyms I've ever worked out at. Three floors of fun, great classes that happen often, friendly enough staff AND friendly patrons. My only complaint would be the unbearable music used in the classes.
Too bad I had to quit because of the crazy monthly costs. I was on a month-to-month, but the contract costs aren't that much better. I was a little disappointed that they didn't offer me a cheaper deal so that I could stay.
All-Star Fitness, I love you, but I'm gonna have to go with a big Globo-Gym type in order to save myself about $40 a month. I'll never forget watching Obama accept the nomination on that big screen TV in your lobby, or watching the Biden-Palin debate from your treadmills.
This place is the mecca of all gyms. This is where you go to swim, take classes, climb a rock wall and just do something really great for your body.
The facility itself is massive. Lots of parking in the lot and on the side but gets crowded during peak morning and after-work hours. The front desk help is just as rude and air-headed as the other facilities and the managers and trainers again, are smart and friendly.
The best thing about this place is the pool. Seven lanes, huge indoor pool that has plenty of free time to use and easy to get a lane. Simply beautiful. I really come here to swim.
The rock wall is great but you need to pass a course to use it and that's another fee for the time to learn to rock climb properly. And you need to check the schedule for times.
Tons of equipment, a women's only part of the gym with cardio and circuit training. Huge class rooms for aerobics and punching bags for kick boxing. Really nice locker rooms (bring a lock). And tons of room to change and shower. All the other patrons are nice and can give you lots of info on which classes to try and which instructors are good.
Among the rest of the amenities is free group exercise classes, free water aerobics classes, (fee) swimming lessons, (fee) competitive lap pool lessons, (free session when you sign up) personal training, childcare center, sauna, (fee) tanning, whirlpool, (fee) massage therapy, (fee) nutrition counseling, and even a small coffee bar.
This place is definitely the jewel. And like I said in my Queen Anne review. I get all this for $60 a month and get to use all the facilities and drop anytime.
My favorite part has to be the women's only area of the gym. There's nothing worse than being hit on by a sweaty meat head when all you're trying to do is get a good workout. And check out Laura's kickboxing class on Monday evenings-- she's great!
Bring your own towel if you plan to use the pool-- they charge 50 cents for the big towels. When I asked why, they said it's a deterrant so they don't have to do as much laundry.
I too love the women's only section. What a great place to cruise for babes...
Okay, no, I don't do that.
That is not cool.
The best deal you can get is if you prepay up front for a year. That will get your dues down around $50 per month.
The main exercise floor has plenty of card equipment (including my new favorite, the arc trainer, and the old standby, the stair climber).
There is also plenty of resistance training machines to work out on, and a nice free weight area. The personal trainers (mostly) seem very good, and they have recently designated a "for those working with a trainer" area which features many of the latests tools designed to maximize your workout and minimize your waistline.
There are also a ton of classes offered, like yoga, spining, pilates, etc.
I have been a member for over a year, and recommend it.
4.5, actually. Because sometimes the studio floor needs to be swept, and it seems like the hot tub is down every couple of weeks. That said, these are things that you only notice if you actually go to a place regularly, which I definitely do!
I love this gym! The rates are reasonable, there's a women-only floor if you want it, and there are a gajillion classes to take, which is really the only way to get me to a gym, I'm not much of a weight-room/treadmill kind of girl.
There are Nia classes, yoga, spinning, and even a Feldenkrais method class! Google it, I can't do it justice, but wow. That's rare, and usually expensive. Not to mention the water aerobics, which rocks. The steam room and sauna are delightful, and the hot tub is bigger than any I've seen (and I've seen some huge hot tubs). I actually go to this gym four or five times a week. And work up a sweat. I love it! I've begun to go when I'm stressed out, instead of retreating into a shell.
All in all, hooray for this gym, for its varied classes and sometimes crunchy studio floor. I'd like to see more Nia classes, since at some point I'll have a day job and not be available to attend 11AM classes.
All Star Fitness in West Seattle is so good in so many ways. The staff is friendly and helpful...unpretentious and caring...knowledgable and committed. From Quentin Burns, my personal trainer, to Barbara, the acquatics instructors to Mac the GM, I am ALWAYS greeted and made to feel welcome in this gym. There is a place for women to work out privately and a wide variety of effective classes. I really appreciate the pool, sauna, steam room and whirlpool and the private dressing rooms and showers too. I always leave feeling physically challenged and refreshed.
I was a member here for a few months because it was walking distance from home in my new neighborhood at the time, and my roommate was a member. I gave several classes a shot - took a bunch of evening kickboxing with instructors who were very personable and competent but also very repetitive and seldom changed their music. I also took a bunch of core classes, which were challenging but really unbalanced in terms of core muscles used - tons of rectus abdominis, but a lot of potential low back risk and few options offered - and it's also a little annoying for some people when an instructor uses the beat of the music to pace the exercises, but then misses the tempo regularly. And it's embarrassing to be barked at to "USE YOUR STOMACH" over and over when I know that my stomach is for food and that we have more precise and varied terms for abdominal muscles in our language. Then there was the dance class with the instructor who could not be heard over the music, didn't use a mic, didn't introduce herself or the format when new people came in, and didn't make eye contact. Maximum Sculpt with Loni was a better experience, but paled in comparison to the resistance training classes I was used to, in terms of challenge.
It's a nice gym with lots of goodies, but if the meat of your fitness routine is expertly delivered cardio and strength classes, you might want to find a gym with Les Mills classes, which is where I came from and what I went back to. For me, it sucked that the most expensive gym I'd joined was also the least suited to me.
okay, i love going to the gym, the gym provides great service and equipment, great personal trainers... in short, this gym has everything i want and more in an exercise facility.
BUT...
the magazine rack; come on allstar, what gives? university of chicago alumni news? home and garden- british eddition- circa 1995?? a tattered US weekly??? nobody should be forced to work out with an out of date US weekly. on rare occasion, i have found something actually worth reading; details, this old house, rolling stone. don't tease me anymore allstar. and yes, i know i can bring in my own reading material, but you're buying the damn magazines anyway, so you might as well stock that wall with something decent. seeing a huge wall of magazines and knowing there was once a current issue of dwell in there gives me hope, but you and your damn US weekly crush that dream every time, and i'm left watching cnn with subtitles. how do british magazines from 1995 even stay around for so long anyway? it baffles me. and don't even try to tell us that more magazines aren't in the budget, don't even try. every time i walk by your office there are always like 3 or 4 staff members just shooting the shit in there, not working, when they could be out buying me some goddamn magazines!
ps... the small parking spaces suck, but it's cool.
update: more magazines at allstar to mention; the alaska airlines in-flight magazine, palm springs life, and roter & wing. (yes, that is a helicopter magazine. i know this because i tried to read it once. big mistake.)
How can you not want to be here all the time when there's so much to offer? They have a rock wall, pool, 3 studios, a women-only section...I could go on. I think it's great they have so many studios. There are a ton of classes to choose from; you are bound to find something you like. I haven't ever been in the sauna (I'm claustrophobic) but it's nice they are there for those who enjoy it. The pool is large and I love swimming laps here. I haven't used the rock wall but would like to.
this review is long overdue, i`ve been a member of all-star ever since they first opened. ^_*
pros:
- it's pretty spacious, inside and outside. they have plenty of parking except sometimes in the evening, it gets kinda busy, however not busy enough where there's no more machines. that's for sure.
- probably the only gym that i've ever been to that has a women's only area. not that there is anything wrong with working out with other gender. ha!
- they have cable on their tv! oh how i remember those days when i craved watching those reality show, so i`d head to all-star to workout and used them for their cable. hahaha. they even have an older model big screen tv in the women's locker.
-in the womens locker, they have real hair dryer for us to use. they used to have hair curling iron, but i guess they don't have it anymore. it's probably because some woman probably walk away with them. oohh and i just found out that they have a clothes iron in there too. swwweeet. even though i don't utilize it, it's sure nice to know that it's here.
-they also have a digital scale. ^_* most gym i've been at, they don't have that. they have the dr-kinda-scale.
-the classes rock! i love taking the pilates class, but those classes can easily fill up quick. out of all the gym, all-star offers the most class than any other gyms.
cons:
-all-star is much more expensive than other gyms, but it's probably because of everything else that they offered.
-*wishful thinking* i was hoping that maybe once in a while, they have come kind of promotion for hiring personal trainers because their fees are kinda outrageous.
-it would be nice if they have more variety of machines in the woman's only area such as the stairmaster, that would be cool.
I love this gym so far - I joined about three weeks ago. There are always fresh towels and I've never had to wait for a machine - even during rush hour. I also like the lounge area -it's a nice place to hang out if I get done early and have to wait for my boyfriend. Why not 5 stars? The snooty girl at the front desk who snaps her gum, acts too cool for school, looks consistantly bored and never ONCE has made eye contact with me, even when I've greeted her. Maybe the peroxide has been slowly asfixiating her brain cells... Other than that - great gym!
I love this gym. I'm used to 24 Hour Fitness in the Bay Area, and it pales in comparison. First, the gym is never really crowded. Even if I stop by at 5pm, I never have trouble getting on a cardio machine, or the weight bench of my choice. Second, the gym is pretty clean. Third, the personal training area always has the newest gadgets.
I think the first thing that made me decide to sign up for this gym was its location. It's right off of the West Seattle Bridge, so it's not too far from Downtown, and it actually has parking! The parking lot gets full in the early evening, but there's plenty of street parking. I've been with a personal trainer since I started there, and I like their relaxed attitudes. The women's-only part doesn't have nearly as much equipment as the main part does, but it's still pretty decent. I love the yoga instructor they have on Wednesdays there (Manda)-- her guidance is very clear and detailed so you never feel lost. The only thing I don't really like about this gym is that sometimes when there's a class going on in a 2nd floor studio, the 3rd floor will shake and it'll feel like a little earthquake! It can be very distracting, but it doesn't happen all the time. They also recently set up a massage therapist there, and is also in the process of opening up a juice bar.
