- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Almaden Valley Athletic Club
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Gyms, Trainers [Edit]
5400 Camden AveSan Jose, CA 95124
(408) 445-4900
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
36 reviews for Almaden Valley Athletic Club
36 reviews in English
-
Review from John J.
San Jose, CA
10/22/2010
I joined AVAC because it was near my house. The exercise equipment is always clean and there are always clean towels available. The pool with the palm trees reminds me of being on vacation. It seems like I always run into someone I know and it's not a huge facility with hundreds of stairmasters etc..
The staff is always super friendly and there are many good programs for children and adults. They have onsite fitness trainers, pilates, and many other classses. The massage therapists on site are the best and rival or beat any salon. I had major back issues for years that are now under control by Miki, through massage and streching.
I usually try to come during the day or weekends and there are never any problems getting on a machine. I have been a member since 2001 and would never consider another place to work out. -
Review from Co-op M.
Saratoga, CA
5/21/2012
I've been a member of AVAC for several years now and for the most part, I'm satisfied with the club an amenities in general. Good gym machines, lots of classes offered, good variety of activities, polite staff, etc.
I did only give it 3 stars however, but I do think that the tennis program has been struggling for some time now. It seems like every time they get a good pro in there to start building a strong juniors program. They replace him and the junior program goes in the toilet. I guess it should have been a huge sign back in the 90's when they built a second pool over the top of two of their tennis courts. The swim school has always been more important to Joe (owner) and the tennis program has suffered ever since. More recently, they had a very dynamic pro in there who was great with the kids and the program was starting to build up again. But surprise, surprise....he is gone now. Further proving that the owner cares nothing about the tennis program.
So if you are looking for a regular gym with a pool and classes, this is the place for you. If you are looking for an excellent tennis program, take your business somewhere else. There are many, many other good options for tennis clubs in the valley. -
Review from Zach O.
Los Gatos, CA
12/15/2011
This review is based on a tour of the club and use of the fitness facilities once. Overall it's a nice club but with a few minor inconveniences and annoyances that made me select another similarly equipped one.
Some things I liked:
- Membership team was helpful and responsive. Staff was friendly and there was no obnoxious hard selling.
- 10 day trial
- Tennis facilities - plenty of courts and programs
- Jacuzzi inside the locker room
- Large outside pool area with a jacuzzi (there is also a separate building with a swim club that may be separately managed)
- Set your own combination lockers
- Run of the mill cardio and weight machines that you'd find in a kazillion other clubs
A few other things I was not crazy about:
- Limited companies with whom a corporate discount is offered
- The 1 year commitment and renewal fees (with the tennis membership).
- Pricing overall was above market average (in my untechnical estimation)
- Only 1 stair master machine which is limited to 20 min sessions
- Towels are not in the locker room, one has to get them from the front desk
- Communal showers
- Layout of the fitness area felt crowded - cardio and weight machines feel and look like they're crammed together like sardines, although the gym was not very crowded when I was there on a week night around 8pm. The free weight section is fairly small but was also not crowded.
- Parking was confusing (there are at least two lots with different entrances) -
Review from Shannon N.
San Jose, CA
7/27/2011
Unlike some of the other Yelpers have commented, I only had friendly encounters with the staff here when I did a 10-day trial. Lori in the membership department was very friendly and seemed sincerely interested in my health. Overall, the club is nice - good sized locker room with handy set-it-yourself combination lockers and a great jacuzzi in the ladies' locker room. Towels are ridiculously tiny. A good amount of cardio machines plus a ton of different weight machines. A big outdoor pool, which is often packed with kids during the summer. Parking can definitely be a challenge.
For me, I'm a big group exercise person. In particular, I love the dance classes - Zumba, hip hop, etcetera. Most of the dance classes here are taught by Stacy, and she's got a unique style. Her classes are packed, and she speeds up most of the songs (no, I do not want to work out to the Chipmunks...), and honestly, I really didn't care for her choreography. But a lot of people clearly love her, so it's definitely a personality thing.
I really enjoyed the cardio dance class led by Leslie, and even the Zumba Gold class was interesting, with Becky. (Zumba Gold is more low-key.) I took a t'ai chi class (I was less than half the age of everyone else!), and a water fitness class too - Sandra really put the cardio into that class and it was enjoyable.
All the kids kinda got annoying at times (especially in the pool) - in particular, when a mom dropped her kid off in the waiting area right next to me and just left her there, and the kid made me clear off the table for her. I am not your nanny.
Overall, a nice club but too expensive for me to join and I prefer the dance instructors at Club One and 24 Hour Fitness. -
Review from Laurie J.
San Jose, CA
11/2/2011
Sorry Almaden Valley Athletic Club but I have to rate you 2 STARS.
The best thing about my visit was Brandie who took the time to show my sister and I around the facility and the tennis courts. I'll admit, we were impressed! Unfortunately when we were shown the membership program, my sister and I -who legitimately live together - were told we aren't family and don't qualify for the "FAMILY" rate. We would have to pay for 2 single memberships, I spoke with Brandie on a couple of occasions and no one seemed to want our business there except for her. So....we took our business elsewhere and got a club membership in Los Gatos for less money! We weren't asking for much AVAC...........we ARE "family ".......you just rubbed us the wrong way! -
Review from Michael W.
Morgan Hill, CA
10/24/2011
Walking into AVAC at age 38, I was a bit shocked to realize I had actually belonged to this gym when I was 15 years old. My meeting that afternoon resulted in my being hired as AVAC's newest Personal Trainer, and I couldn't have been happier.
At least this is what I thought at the time. The following year I was assigned a new client, and long story short, that wonderful lady later became my wife.
I'm now a husband, a father, and own my own business. Do I think of AVAC as more than just a gym? You bet!
Lot's of parking. Great staff. Excellent facilities. -
Review from Lisa N.
San Jose, CA
7/23/2010
I joined AVAC because there is a nice pool and it is open to children. I was impressed by its exercise rooms which are very clean and nicely maintained. Not that I have used any equipment as my real love is group exercise.
Enter Stacey's Zumba class. First, I have to say this was the most exciting development in aerobic classes since being away from the gym for a long hiatus while raising my young daughters. Hers was the 1st class I ever took and it kicked my butt. Whoever thought shaking your booty for an hour could generate so much sweat and exhaustion while being so enjoyable throughout. Being married to a man who requires a few drinks to even approach the dance floor, this was nirvana. I get my dance fix and a great workout that does not require a partner or bar drinks! Plus, you still get to wear clingy lycra. :-)
Stacey's class hooked me and thus began my Zumba quest. I was like a zumba party girl, signing up for trial passes all over the valley and paying by the class. But, I always come back to Stacey's class and enjoy it the most. She keeps it exciting and fun with new and varied choreography all the time. She is a former ballerina and competitive cyclist in excellent shape which I'm sure is the reason her routines are so catchy, danceable and physically challenging/intense.
A final word about AVAC. I like that it's a nice, family oriented club. Although cliquish, I overlook it because of the extensive workout classes and kids activities. -
Review from Jim D.
San Jose, CA
7/2/2011
Pros:
-Classly looking tiled shower/steam room/indoor jacuzzi area.
-Use your own combination lockers eliminate the hassle of carrying around a key. Fairly clean locker area.
-Wide range of work out equipment.
-Professional class of cliente.
-Country club look to the facilities.
-Friendly staff.
-Even at the busiest time of day equipment access is quite good.
-Snack bar for drinks and small meals. Nice place to relax after working out.
Cons
-You've got to like small children because they are all over the swimming pool outdoor area with their soccer moms - including playing in the outdoor jacuzzi.
-Wiping down the equipment and making sure the locker room areas are routinely cleaned up doesn't seem to be a top priority. I didn't see a dedicated staff person assigned to do so.
-Parking is an issue. I've wound up parking on the street a half block away several times. Soccer moms stop their car blocking traffic in the parking lot while they wait for a parking spot to open. You get stuck waiting behind them and can't back up or move forward.
-Fairly pricey even for a basic membership.
Seems like an appropriate place for professional families and the upscale retired crowd. If you're a 20-50+ year old single business person this may not be the right setting for you. -
Review from Gabriel D.
Valley Glen, CA
6/27/2007
To follow suit of someone else, in terms of a disclaimer, I'm switching to a different athletic club tomorrow.
My family has also been a part of AVAC for longer than I've been around. For the longest time, I thought that it was a very good place. Then I finally got inspired to get into shape, and as such, started actually going.
To start with the positives, the gym is extremely clean. I've never been to an athletic club where employees are cleaning stuff while I'm working out. I have to give them credit for that. Likewise, the variety of machines is good, save for the lack of cross-trainers (Which everyone wants to use).
Now onto the negatives. Much of the staff is very nice and helpful, while those who seem to be managers (or hold some power) don't make you feel welcome at all. I will spare any details, but the person I'm assuming to be the supervisor on duty did a little more than annoy me this morning.
Also, for me personally, I don't like the atmosphere in AVAC. While I was going at 5 in the morning, there were people who looked like they showered and did their hair before going to the gym. I do the weight machines every other day, and I only had a few minutes until I had to leave for work- Unfortunately, a primped lady was sitting on my last machine carrying on a conversation. She managed to sit there, pretending to start her workout, for almost 5 minutes. Finally I asked if she was going to use it, and of course, pointed words were exchanged as they walked away. It is a very uninspiring place for someone who actually wants to work out, and I'm not paying the steep monthly fees to listen to this lady talk about how many people stare at her chest.
All in all, if you enjoy a clean establishment for something penciled in to your social calendar, where you can talk for hours without breaking a sweet and get a cold beer, or glass of wine afterward, AVAC is for you. Otherwise, there are other places that offer similar (if not exactly the same) services, where the fees aren't as steep, and where you can actually work out. -
Review from terry h.
San Jose, CA
8/27/2008
I was once a member of AVAC and was treated horribly by the staff and when I wanted to quit, they basically told me I had a contract and couldn't. All they had to do was to cancel my contract, how hard was that? Now I have used many opportunities to tell others about my experiences at AVAC and several have NOT joined. Word of mouth can be good and bad, in my case it was bad. Plus, there is no parking here and it's always a hassle trying to find an open spot.
It's also true that people don't come here to work out, they come here to socialize and drink. For someone who likes to go to a gym, workout and not talk to anyone, AVAC and I just aren't a mix. I want to go, get on a machine, exercise and go home. I'm not at a workout facility to make friends, get dates, look around, pick up. But AVAC is full of those kinds of people.
Now I am at Club One - Oakridge. It is much more to my liking. Plenty of parking too. So take my advice and avoid AVAC. There, more bad word of mouth for AVAC. I feel much better about saying it all again on yelp. -
Review from Silvia C.
San Jose, CA
7/24/2008
My daughter takes swimming lessons at AVAC. I have good and bad things to say.
Good things:
- Beautiful, swimming pool
- Good swimming teachers
- Most front desk people are nice and friendly
- There is a really nice area with chairs for parents to see their children while they are in class
Bad things:
- No parking available nearby. The AVAC parking lot is exclusive for club members and swimming school attendees (who also pay their very high fees) are not allowed to park anywhere close to the facility. One has to park in the back at the church (when allowed) or on the street. It is VERY inconvenient.
- The girls dressing room looks clean overall, but the restroom itself always has a very stron urine smell. I have never seen any cleaning people around while I have been there.
- While most of the time the front desk people are very nice, once in a while you get a person that has extremely poor customer service skills. It seems as if it were a burden to assist you and they can care less if you just leave without being helped.
- Unfortunately you cannot see the fees or sign up online. You have to call or go in person.
- They put my child in a class level that seemed to be very advanced for her. At the end she did not get an 'achievement ribbon' while the other kids did. I believe she should at least have received a 'completion' ribbon to acknowledge all her hard work. She was sad and discouraged In this aspect, I love the Little Gym where they make every child feel accomplished just by the fact that they have given their best.
I hope this helps. I pretty much stick to AVAC because I haven't found a similar alternative for my child's summer swimming lessons, but overall I am a bit turned off and as soon as there is a better option I will leave.
I hope this helps
UPDATE:
Two months after review above, the Customer Service Manager at AVAC sent me a very thorough email addressing each one of my concerns. I was impressed and I give AVAC credit for that. I am sure that such kind of follow up will help them gain and retain customers if they keep it up.
UPDATE 2:
My daughter now takes her summer swimming lessons at Club One and I am very, very happy. I probably won't be back to AVAC any time soon. -
Review from Melanie M.
San Jose, CA
7/24/2007
Want to go for a workout and then nullify it with a nice beer and a bagel with lots of cream cheese? Feel like paying some stuck up people a bunch of money every month? Well then this is the place for you!
Don't get me wrong, the people that work out there are perfectly nice. They will sit on the machine you want to use and chat with you forever. -
Review from Dan M.
San Jose, CA
6/2/2009
I agree with Greb E. below! AVAC is way too expensive for what is being offered.
My family and I have been members for over 6 years. We go on a regular basis but are finally fed up with the price increases! Two increases in less than two years is enough. I am all for keeping healthy but to raise rates during difficult economic times is not smart business.
I am now on Yelp to see where else to get my fitness on! -
Review from Karen V.
San Jose, CA
1/2/2012
I have been a member of AVAC for about nine years, and despite the high cost and the frequent rate increases, have stayed there because it is very close to my house and I have made friends there. I like the facility, the cleanliness, and the wide choice of workout equipment and classes. What I don't like is the fact that something like 8 out of the last 10 times I worked out there they had no clean hand towels; for the price, they should ALWAYS have hand towels available. (I am a runner and really work up a sweat; for years they gave me two hand towels upon my request but a few months ago started only allowing one if they happen to have clean ones). Parking is an issue, but I don't know how they could get around that without building a multi-story parking structure on the property.
-
Review from Chris C.
Union City, CA
11/14/2007
Special Review by the Man with the Iron Stomachs Fiance
I am reviewing the Adult Swim School; I do not have experience with the athletic club or with the Children's Swim School for that matter.
Wow! I am impressed. I took two sessions here last year, one with Peter, and one with Steve. I went from death grip "No way am I swimming at all" to a regular fish! Can you believe it? I have to admit I am very proud.
I had been afraid of swimming all of my life. Ever since my kindergarten teacher pushed me into the water and told me to figure it out. Well I finally showed her and now I can swim. I can swim, I can swim, and actually I love to swim. I went snorkeling in Hawaii.
Thank you Peter & Steve, I owe you big time!
If any of you yelpers want to get over your fear of swimming this is the place to come. The prices are reasonable, the people are friendly, they have working friendly hours (i.e. evening classes) and they have a pool heated to 90 degrees- perfect for wintertime swimming. I dock a star though because the parking kind of stinks, make sure not to park in the church parking lot when it says not to or you will get a ticket. Also there are tons of children and it can get a big loud. -
Review from Juliya A.
Cupertino, CA
9/10/2010 14 Check-ins Here
My son has been coming here on and off since he's been 6 months old for swimming lessons. We have been coming here consistently for the last year, he's four now. Every one is really friendly, the teachers are really nice. It's a really clean place and they have the scheduling system down. They are really good at teaching kids to be comfortable in the water, I'm just not sure how great they are at actually teaching kids how to swim.
In summary, the facilities and price is great. Teaching kids how to swim - questionable. -
Review from T O.
San Jose, CA
9/21/2011
Great family oriented club. I like the friendly staff and variety of offerings.
-
Review from Perry W.
Los Gatos, CA
4/10/2009
I went here as a guest of member and was not all that impressed. The staff at the front was friendly and helpful. We arrived in the mid afternoon during the week and the gym was already packed. All the cardio equipment is tightly packed and filled people working out. I did manage to get on a treadmill after a 10 minute wait and then the elliptical machine. The weight machines and the free weights all seems crunched together as well. There is a nice stretching area on the second level. I did not get a good look at the group exercise room, but there was a class going on that appeared inviting. I was impressed by the newly remodeled men's locker room, which was clean and spacious. I also like the snack bar area, which has salads, sandwiches, drinks and coffee and a few tables to eat, drink or socialize.
This gym seems to specialize in families with kids, seniors, tennis players and swimmers. I'm sure if I was into swimming or tennis I would offer a more positive rating, but from a cardio and weight-training standpoint this gym is not for me. The parking can get crowded if going there during peak hours. -
Review from rick y.
Fairfield, CA
7/20/2006
I've been a member here for a year. As a disclaimer, I am switching to a neighboring club next month.
AVAC is a large athletic club that offers a variety of memberships. Basically, they fall into either the fitness (no tennis) or tennis membership categories. Monthly dues for a couple fitness membership was $110/month. However, I understand that rates may not be the same for everyone.
One of the nice things about AVAC is that they offer incentives for bringing your friends on board. Most recently they gave out a free month of membership. They have also given $5 off your monthly dues.
The men's locker room is usually clean, except when certain members decide to throw their towels on the floor or benches rather than in the hamper...which is easily accessible. The shower, sauna, whirl pool area is also a good size and I never had to wait for a shower.
The equipment in the weight and cardio areas are in good condition and many of them are no more than a year old.
One of the challenges I found with AVAC is that evenings can be particularly crowded. When the club is crowded I often had to choose between waiting for the stairmaster or to hit the rowing machine (whic is not popular).
There are a lot of classes that are included in the membership and a few that are available for an additional fee.
AVAC has two pools and a jacuzzi. The larger pool is a good size and it is heated. In general, I really like the pool facility. It was just remodeled this summer. There are quite a few tables to place your things or to sit at while you wait for your friends and family.
The downside came for me a few weeks ago. While swimming with my goggles on, I noticed that there was a large amount of sediment at the bottom of the pool, including paper of some kind. Time to leave the pool!
The staff can be friendly or oblivious to your presence. There were a few times when I informed the staff about broken machines or problems in the locker room and nothing was done about it. It definitely isn't Cheers, "where everybody knows your name."
I don't think its intentional. AVAC is a very large club with a large number of members. All in all, this is a decent club to work out at. It's clean, most of the time, and is in a good location. -
Review from jenna r.
San Jose, CA
8/10/2009
I really love this place.. My children love it too. The swim instruction is so amazing.. This is my sons 3rd visit and he's already comfortable putting his head under water. Lisa and Carl are awesome! Keep up the good work guys...
-1 star for the prices! -
Review from Raylene R.
San Jose, CA
3/20/2010
Love this gym! I've been a member since 2005 and have been super faithful since late 2009. It is so clean, very well equipped with many type of cardio machines, weights and the staff are very helpful and friendly. Soon as you walk in you get your workout towel and shower towel if needed. You have your private lockers no need to bring a lock. The showers, sauna, hot tub and pool are always clean.
People who attend this gym are a mix in ages but it is nothing like 24hrs Fitness it is bit more grown up. Cost they are bit pricey but what you receive is almost worth it.
I attend Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center for physical therapy and use the gym there and the difference are day and night.
Go check it out! -
Review from Sabrina H.
San Jose, CA
9/25/2008
My 4-year-old godson took the summer swimming lessons at AVAC and now continues to Fall lessons. I like the indoor pool and most front desk people are nice and friendly. However, I dislike the fact we wouldn't know the teacher's next session schedule until a few day before class start. I told them that I prefer to have my kid stay with the same teacher but I felt that they actually discourage me to stay with the same teacher even when our time is flexible. It's hard for kids to learn a new skill while also learning a new teacher's teaching style every few months.
I am looking for a similar alternative for my godson's swimming lessons and I plan to leave AVAC as soon as I found one. -
Review from Steve S.
San Jose, CA
2/3/2011
Let me qualify my review by saying that I don't use the pool. The pool area seems very nice, and if I were a swimmer, my review would probably be higher.
I joined on a 90 day trial membership. I only use weight room and cardio. This area is adequate. Not a lot of free weights, but plenty of machines/cardio equipment. If all you are interested in (like myself) is the weights and cardio machines, you can get much better facilities for cheaper at Golds or 24 hour. If you are a swimmer, then you will probably love AVAC. -
Review from Wade P.
San Jose, CA
2/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
We had AVAC do swim lessons for our son. The place was very orderly and the teachers were very good with the kids. I would definitely take him back for more!!!
-
Review from Stef D.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/8/2008
I heard AVAC was being bad-mouthed on Yelp and felt obligated to write a review myself. Our family has been members at AVAC off an on for years. AVAC is the best blend of cleanliness, regular people who work out there, nice staff- even if the front desk is young!- AMAZING class schedule (they even have classes you can do with your kids and classes for your kids to do themselves), and really great upkeep. They always have the newest machines (I'm in love with the Wave) and I feel spoiled when I go to the gym and can watch my own movies while working out and then have a steam after. Does this mean I want to drink beer and not sweat? No! It means I need those distractions and rewards to keep pushing myself. If you're a self discipliner that can work out around meat heads without feeling self conscious and without rewarding yourself with a nice steam, great! Go join 24 hour fitness and stop coming to my gym and complaining! Half of what makes AVAC so great is the people who go there. Rarely do I hear people complain about AVAC and when I do I want to roll my eyes at them. No gym is perfect, and if you can find one better the AVAC for about the same price or less, PLEASE let me know. I don't think one exists.
We've been to Right Stuff, and Club One, and even Courtside. You can pay more, you can pay less, but this place is the best for your buck. If you want an expensive exclusive snobby club, go to Courtside in Los Gatos. If you want a bunch of meat heads and teeny-boppers go to Club One and Right Stuff. If you want all women go to Curves. But if you're a normal well adjusted individual who wants cleanliness, every day people from all shapes, ages and sizes, from the glamorous to the grandparents with little kids thrown in, AVAC is for you.
Many people have commented that the front desk and cafe kids are young and sometimes caught up in themselves. Let me tell you this happens at EVERY fitness place I've been a member of. Do some research. Go see all the different places. See what they charge and what they give you. Nothing beats AVAC that I know of.
Oh on a side note, if you're a swimmer and you hate mornings and kids AVAC is not for you. Over summer the place is an amazing place to bring the little ones, but I always see one of two disgruntled swimmers who didn't come in the morning before the kids are allowed in the pool. They aren't allowed until 11am.
Bottom line, AVAC is the best family friendly "Club" aka "really really nice swanky and fun gym" in the area for the price. -
Review from Kristi B.
San Jose, CA
11/7/2008
I **LOVE** AVAC and my kids do, too! We have been swimming in the swim school for over 6 years (three kids) and I have been a regular AVAC member for almost 10 years. The club is clean, extremely well-equipped and friendly. I love that every piece of cardio equipment has it's own TV! Really helps to pass the time if you forget your iPod! They have a wonderful pilates room as well. I have never had anything but positive experiences with the management and staff - they have always been very accommodating.
When I decided to dive back into fitness after my third child was born, I was so grateful they had daycare - then I was even more grateful when it turned out my daughter loved to be in there! It helped me keep my mind on the workout and not on whether she was crying and unhappy. My two older kids love the daycare as well and ask to go on a regular basis...which keeps me working out for sure! I joined their Fit-4-Life program, a 12-week program to help improve your health and fitness. The first year I lost 36 pounds, and this year I have lost another 12 or so. It's really helped to keep me on track and accountable. I highly recommend it!
I love my trainer, Jackie Vail, and I love her classes (bosu ball core training, functional fitness). I really look forward to going there and challenging my self in new ways. They also have a fun cardio tennis program and the time goes so fast!! My oldest has tennis lessons through the Jr. Tennis Academy and has really enjoyed that.
The outdoor pools are great in the summer, if sometimes a little bit crowded; and my kids have loved the indoor swim school pool. My oldest started when he was three, and he, too screamed and cried his first couple of lessons, even though he LOVED the regular pool. But I kept making him go, making him try, and by the fourth class he realized it was going to be positive. He did great from that point on, and is an excellent swimmer now. My middle son is currently enrolled and loving it! The staff is sensitive to kids and understand how to get the kids distracted from mommy and focusing on the pool. They are expensive, but there are never more than 4 kids in a class, so your child gets a lot of one-on-one attention.
I think you can't go wrong with AVAC - there is a social element to the club that is really positive, and it is very family-friendly. You can get cheaper clubs, but you really do get what you pay for. -
Review from Winnie C.
Los Altos, CA
11/6/2008
We took our daughter (3 years old) to her first swim class here. She loves it! So far the teachers are supportive. Right now they're trying to help her be more comfortable with holding her breath longer under water and opening her eyes. After the half hour class, they all get to go take nice warm showers which the kids seem to love. and the teachers have a very brief moment before the next class to give parents an update on their childs progress.
I do agree that sometimes the service at the front desk can be better. But that all depends who is there at the time. -
Review from pardees p.
San Jose, CA
4/1/2009
i mooched off my friend aydin's family membership here for a while, starting in high school...those were the days. Very clean and full of useless machines and other perks for people that like paying way too much for a gym membership. now that i've downgraded to the ymca, I miss the steam room and jacuzzi here. can't say I miss all the fat naked old guys...they are more abundant here than in any other locker room i've been in my entire life. I also remember this place as being a haven for trophy wives.
-
Review from Melissa B.
San Jose, CA
7/17/2009
I have been a member of several different gyms in the Valley since 1983. I left AVAC at one point because I was a starving college student and recently returned. After having done "the tour" of the local gyms both large and small (one being a private training facility in Los Gatos with very personalized attention), I can say that AVAC is a beautiful place to work out and I couldn't imagine leaving and going elsewhere. I have been elsewhere--Gold's Gym, Right Stuff, etc.
Like others reviews state, it is kept very clean and it's luxurious. But luxury, as a few of the reviewers stated, is not their top priority particularly in tough economic times. Price is important to them and they find value in the gyms that offer lower prices. They don't belong at AVAC as you will never see a sign out front advertising "$19.00 a month" memberships. AVAC is competing with Courtside in Los Gatos to offer top of the line facilities and they do. If you want to pay less than $80.00 a month for a gym membership don't go to AVAC, it's not for you.
It's designed for and caters to a more upwardly mobile clientele and for those who choose to pay for it, it's worth every dime. -
Review from Just R.
Arnold, CA
2/17/2010
My daughter went there for years and now is one of the top fly swimmers at the age of 13. Thanks to them the basic and advanced trained Helyn my daughter become who she is today at Almaden Swim and Racquet Club 4 stars
-
Review from sam w.
San Jose, CA
1/27/2011
I can only comment on the club's swimming program for kids. This is a great place to take your kids for swimming lessons. The water is super warm and the instructors are good with my kids. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because their lockerroom is a bit small especially for the volume of kids using their facilities during the weekend and it is hard to sign up b/c they never pick up their phone, and finally if you miss a lesson, they don't allow any make up times.
-
Review from Lien T.
San Jose, CA
10/26/2010
this is a great place to introduce kids to the water. the swim teachers here are all very good with children. the only thing is that it'll cost you an arm & maybe two legs. if you've got the cashflow, I highly recommend taking your kids here for weekly lessons.
-
Review from R A.
Palo Alto, CA
1/22/2010
Great swim school for children who are fearful of the water! After trying three other schools and visiting three other schools, AVAC has the right combo of teachers and facilities. It is very clean and the staff are great. I would give them five stars if the bathrooms weren't so cold after you get out of the warm pool! Totally worth the drive and money.
-
Review from truthurts C.
San Leandro, CA
6/28/2010
I went there for some Tennis Classes and I must say that the instructors were extremely patient (I lack hand-eye coordination). I came out of there feeling like I could potentially become a better player if I applied myself. There was no undue pressure. I liked the encouragement and constructive criticism that the instructors esp Bret gave. I'll def be back!
-
Review from V P.
Los Gatos, CA
2/4/2008
I have been a member of AVAC since the summer and love it! My daughter is making new friends and enjoys the kid yoga class. I love love Zumba and yoga there and am looking at adding new classes. I have never done that before in my life. I love the family atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff. I love the fresh towels and clean ladies room and showers. I also love the quiet when I work out! I had never been in a gym that didn't have pounding music when I worked out or blaring tv's. I am sorry others have written bad reviews but check the place out yourself before you make judgements on someone else's bad day.
-
Review from Joanna D.
Castro Valley, CA
11/21/2009
The swim program here is amazing! I started my daughter in the baby class at 6 months, and by 10 months she was able to swim short distances from the edge of the pool to me with her face under water. We relocated to the East Bay and had to leave AVAC, and the other swim schools we've been to up here don't move kids along in their abilities anywhere near as quickly as AVAC does. I'm sad we can't go there any more!
