Club One - City Center
1200 Clay St
(between 12th St & 13th St)
Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 895-1010
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri 5:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sat 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sun 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Good for Kids: No
61 Reviews for Club One - City Center
One of Club One - City Center's Favorite Reviews
I'm a workout dropout. In the past 4 years I've belonged to 2 different 24 hour fitness locations, Funky Door yoga and the downtown Berkeley YMCA. All of which took a backseat to happy-hour cocktails turned bootie-shakin'.
That was, until I discovered Club One. Not that there was anything wrong with the other places, I just wasn't motivated to walk into a stink-fest after work or have to drive laps around downtown Berkeley to find parking.
Club One has it all: well-trained/friendly staff, quality equipment, fun and motivating class offerings including salsa and hip hop dancing, plus pilates fitball and reformer training; full basketball court, running track, lap pool and racquetball courts. In the weight room they have all the latest devices to mix-up your weight training routine with bosu balls, medicine balls, elastic bands and other things that I'm not familiar with yet. I've been going for several months now and I've never had to wait for a machine or a piece of personal space to do floor exercises. The equipment is well-placed/spaced, and the facilities are always spotlessly clean.
Best of all, there's no scene here. The majority of the members are professionals in their late 20's to early 40's who are there on a mission, and it ain't scorin' bootie, it's building one! That's the kind of energy that motivates me. That and my new addiction to endorphin's.
The only drawback may be that the monthly dues are quite a bit higher than 24 and YMCA, but it's a drop in the bucket if you actually go, right?!?
Now if I could just get over walking around naked in front of strangers (sober), I'll check out the steam room/spa.
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I joined this club a few weeks ago, despite the fact that they accepted me as a member, and I am in love!
This is no gym; it's a health club and it has everything I require and more. It's very clean, no lines to use cardio or weight machines, towel service, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, heated outdoor pool, yoga and pilates studio, spinning, basketball court... There are a ton of tvs, which make my workout go much faster.
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I've belonged to Gold's gym before (not in CA) and two University gyms... but Club One takes the cake.
The gym has every type of machine you could hope for and it's most likely very new and in excellent working condition. There are a lot of racquetball courts that can also be used for other things like jumping rope. The weight room is very big, with lots of dumbbells and machines.
For a gym, it's very clean. The locker room/ shower facilities are very clean; the staff is always making sure that things are filled and cleaned, especially during the morning hours.
I've been a member of this gym for several months now and go about 4-5 times a week (mornings are much less crowded then after work). It's in a great location, especially if you work in the Civic center.
If you're looking for a trainer, I highly recommend Chris Johnson.
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This is my gym.
I've been a member for several years now. And I love this gym. Belonged to other gyms before, but this one is my favorite.
Why?
It is clean. The cleaning staff is always around, working away. Free towel service. Plus hairdryers, hairspray, lotion, shampoo, etc.
Lots of classes. Two studios with a variety of classes from crazy-ass step, way-intense spinning, shake-your-booty hip hop (my fave), torture-like pilates, to spicy salsa aerobics.
Open and spacious. Even though it is in the middle of downtown, the place still feels open and airy (so it doesn't smell). Indoor track overlooking the basketball court. Tons of cardio machines if you like that kind of thing. Racquetball courts and a pool too.
Good location. Location near 12th St BART is convenient for me. The club also offers reciprocity with some gyms in the S. California area, and also locally with Club Sport (have to pay a little extra, but I don't do it very often).
Minus one star for the high membership fees.
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but I would assume that all the Club Ones customer service would be equal...but by far, the guys here are so much nicer than the Embarcadero one, not to mention, the gym here is wayyyy bigger than that one as well (a freaking track in the gym?! a basketball court?! sweeeet!)
Walked in, no questions asked, the guy gave me a 5 day guest pass to check things out. When I signed up for membership, registration fee was waved (although you still have to pay $25 or something).
Last time I signed up @ Embarcadero, there was no mention of a guest pass. They needed me to sign a contract and then if i wanted to cancel it, i would have to within the week-long "trial period." Oh yeah, this was in addition to a $150? $100? registration fee. Needless to say, when I cancelled within a week @ the Embaracdero center, the customer service rep wasn't too excited...and the cancellation took FOREVER to process (no kidding!)
The gym itself...gets busy but not too crazy after work, the gym is spotless...the locker room very clean...not many young people here though. Theres a small unheated (?) pool outside, a basketball court, a small track upstairs, a bunch of treadmills, bicycle-thingys, step-thingys (i dont know the proper term for those machines...), and a variety of classes. Weight room is moderate in size, I'm not much of a weights person so I can't really evaluate there.
Space wise...and if its ONE thing I'm picky about, its personal space. Space wise, this place is fairly big compared to other gyms...so I can tolerate it :) Price is a little steep, $85 corporate rate but you have lots of amenities...its up to you to utilize them :)
Since my last review, the locker rooms have been much cleaner.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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06/10/2008
I have been going to this gym for about a month now. The staff is very pleasant and the sign up… Read more »
I love everything about this gym. I've been to other gyms (in fact I used to work at one), and it is clear that the quality of this gym is far above the rest. Yes it's more expensive, but you really get what you pay for. From the big important things like the high quality of the trainers, to the little things like the fact that the bathrooms are stocked with q-tips, Club One is well worth the money, and it may actually make you WANT to go to the gym.
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Love this place! It's so cheap for what they offer. I joined a very similar club in Chicago for twice the monthly dues.
Lots of equipment and classes (which are included in the dues). Clean locker room facilities, with dry sauna, steam room and hot tub (tub is on the small side--three people feels way cramped). There's an outdoor heated pool and squash (or racketball??) courts. Lots of room to do you're own exercise routine or to just stretch out. They supply mats and pilates equipment. Massage services are available. And you can use your membership at any of the Club One locations in the bay area for no additional charge.
They offer a reduced rate for government employees and for pre-purchasing yearly memberships. I didnt pay a registration fee, but there is a $25 "processing fee," which maybe I could have gotten out of, but I didnt really play hard-ball.
The people are normal, with no pretenses, no egos, no "I'm here to show off that I can afford an expensive gym." It's a t-shirt and sweats kind of crowd of every age and background.
I got 2-free personal training sessions, which were awesome. The trainer gave me some new exercise routines to use. And there was no pressue to buy any additional sessions.
I hear Club One tries to jack-up the monthly dues periodically and that you have to fight to keep the dues from escalating, but I'm prepared for that. In any event, even if they charge a few dollars more per month I'm still paying way less than what other gyms that offer less charge (Sports Club LA; Equinox; etc).
Finally a gym I want to go to. My winter ass needs repair.
Just joined Club One on Monday and let me say I love it.
I took a Pilates class on Tuesday, best one yet. Instructor was amazing, down to business and full of surprises.
My cousin got a staff infection from a big name brand gym in Chico, gross.
Club one has antibacterial wipes in all the workout rooms so you don't have to worry about absorbing other people's sweaty funk into your skin!
They have little TV's on certain machines so I can watch Oprah in peace and not be forced to watch sports with the rest of the meat heads at 24 hour fitness.
Sure it is a little pricey for a gym, but how can you put a price on your health and motivation to work out... hm????
This gym has pretty much everything I look for in a gym. It's very clean, no lines to use cardio or weight machines, towel service, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, heated outdoor pool, yoga and pilates studio...
My fellow gym rats are pretty chill and are there for their workout. There's no scene at this place, which is perfect for me since I hate distractions at the gym.
It would get 5 stars, but I have to say that Sports Club/LA (my former gym when I lived in SF) had nicer facilities and better personal trainers and friendlier locker room staff.
I just received less than thirty days' notice they are upping my membership by $20 a month. They timed it perfectly to get another month (or two) of money out of me when I quit. They also subtly slipped it into a newsletter rather than sending me an explicit letter. Hoping I wouldn't notice maybe? So far, they refuse to acknowledge my request to quit via email, despite the fact they require either written or email notice of cancellation.
Fuckers.
I'm switching to the Y.
UPDATE: I eventually did receive a response to my cancellation, and it is only one extra month I'm stuck with (the standard 30 day notice) and that month will be at my current rate and not the increase. They did offer to drop the increase from $30 to $15 but um, my increase was only $20 so I began to worry what increases they have in store for me in the future. Plus even a $15 a month increase is excessive in my book and I'm still not crazy about the fact they snuck it into the end of a newsletter rather than calling my attention to it less than 30 days before taking effect.
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Nice facility. Staff not great.
Large open spaces, lot's of equipment, cleaner than most gyms.
The staff needs to be trained better. I had a question about my membership and I received 3 different answers. Finally some manager brought me in the back office to tell me which of the 3 answers was correct.
Half the staff is way cool, the other half couldn't give a crap. I realize most of these folks aren't in their "career of a lifetime" job, but for $95 bucks a month I would hope for a little better service than you get at the regular budget gyms.
There is this one guy who is some manager there who walks around smiling to people like he is your best bud. One time it was busy at the front desk and he was there not doing anything, just avoiding everyone's eye contact. He really had no interest in helping anyone. I've seen this trend a few times. Some trainers or managers hanging around the front desk who don't want to even scan your card. Maybe they think they are too good for that. If you don't want to help people, then don't hang around the area where everyone goes for help.
As a lapsed personal trainer, I tend to believe I have a certain eye for gym facilities (otherwise known as workout snobbery). My professional opinion is that this club one is one of the better gyms that I have graced my presence with. For those of you who are reading this and mocking me right now (you are also probably the people who don't re-rack your weights), let me tell you why...
1) There are 3 floors. Going up and down those stairs enough times, and you'll get a workout. 3 floors also means more stuff to play on.
2) Love the fact that many pieces of cardio equipment have personal televisions, even if some of those televisions are the size of a postcard. Machines are also pretty well spaced- although I do get an occasional whiff of somebody else's morning breath which REALLY disctracts me.
3) I don't play raquetball, but those old, smelly guys who take up way too much space in the morning seem to enjoy it.
4) Free clean towels that are still white. I know some folks say that you can get free towels at other gyms, but the last upscale gym I went to (not silver, but...) charged $1 per towel. Of course, you could just buy the bulk towel membership, but why should I pay for that? I'm definitely going to rip them off if I have "bought" them.
5) Good selection of weight equipment.
6) The lockers are nice, even if I do always get stuck next to the old bat who takes a decade to get dressed while I'm waiting to open my locker in such a way that doesn't decapitate her.
Cons:
1) I know that some people like to come and go as they please without worrying about the omnipresent gym staff hovering, but I would like the staff to call people out on their bad behavior i.e. not re-racking your weights or going barefoot on the cardio machines (ew!)
2) The hours on the weekend kind of stink. Can't you be open a little longer? Or open a little earlier on Sunday? Must I cut my beach/weekend/nudist colony trip short to be back by 3:30 p.m. to get in a decent workout?
3) Wish they had more Hammer strength weight machines- maybe a seated row or something. Also, wish the freemotion machines pivoted at the bottom too like the ones at Citigroup center.
4) Some of the front desk staff should not act like it's my fault I want to work out. Yes, customer service sucks. But if you hate it so much, leave.
General incessant ramblings and bitchiness:
Lady who does the weird hanging ab things- you look ridiculous.
Lady who monopolizes 6 pieces of equipment while singing along to her ipod- this isn't burger king, you can't have it your way. Let others use the bench/dumbbells/squat rack.
All the peeps who can't re-rack their weights (I know it's a theme here), if you're strong (and I use that term loosely), when you're done doing your 2 reps and slamming your weights (also a pet peeve), put the stupid things away. Your mom doesn't work there.
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5 stars for sure. I've belonged to many a-gym in my lifetime, and by far, this gym is one of the largest, and definitely the cleanest, friendliest, and best run gym I've belonged to.
The front desk staff are always very friendly and up-beat. The locker room, is a miracle of sanitariness, and believe me, that ain't easy when I've seen previous gym locker room showers infested by hair-clogged drains and cluttered vanity counters. I'm never alone in the locker room, since there is always a cleaning staff person in there.
Now to the address the reason people actually join gyms: the exercise equipment, the classes, and the training staff. They're all fantastic. There is always an abundance of exercise equipment, and to follow along with the "cleaniness theme", there are always cleaning staff walking around to wipe down machines. Plus, the TV's attached to each of the cardio equipment really helps the time fly by. I've only taken the spin class, but there are enough spin classes offered throughout the day, and I LOVE the instructors I've had (Sue, to name my favorite-ist). And whenever I'm in the weight room, I always see trainers around, ready to greet me, chat, or help me with a new machine.
I swear, this gym has never had a negative vibe in it----except for that big cry baby I saw on the basketball court once. By far, City Center is well worth the membership fee ($85/month) and the best gym in the Bay Area.
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Coffee is my quotidian pickmeup, but Club One is not far behind. It gets me going in the morning, stabilizes me in the afternoon, and winds me down in the evening.
It does it all. Sometimes not even a frisky man can do all three. And I always leave gratified.
Side note: I love working out next to sixty year old women without an inch of fat on them! It's, dare I say, motivational.
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I love Club One City Center and particularly my personal trainer, Chris Johnson. The convenience to BART is great, there are lots of machines, and the best heated outdoor pool. The machines are new and the TV's on the eliptical machines are fantastic. The women's locker room has a steam and dry sauna and a hot tub. There are lots of showers with nice soap and shampoo. The pilates room has 4 reformers and the group classes are definitely worth the price.
The fact that the snack bar was closed down recently does irritate me, not that it was that great to begin with, but it was nice to grab a gatorade or a cup of coffee after a morning workout. The super convenient parking garage is nice, but VERY overpriced if you have to come workout during the day.
Overall, this is the best gym I have been to since I graduated and was forced to leave the most fantastic gym in the whole world at the University of Miami (go 'Canes!)
This place inspires me to be a better person; better-looking anyway. Seriously, its sooo nice to come to this gym that I actually WANT to workout, if for no other reason that to give me an excuse to sit in the whirlpool, sauna and steam room.
Never mind the fact that there is way too much nakedness going on (and always the wrong people, whats up with that?); just avert your eyes and chill. And then leave, feeling virtuous for at least a few hours.
Its not the cheapest but, for what you get (tons of machines, free classes, aforementioned locker room amenities, clean towels) its really a decent deal. Afterall, aren't you worth it? : )
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I've been an on and off again member of ClubOne for the past 5 years. Here's what I like and dislike about it:
Likes
1) Great R-ball courts.
2) Running track makes for more interesting cardio
3) Locker Room is clean, well lit, carpeted and well staffed with facilities people who keep it neat.
Dislikes
1) Hours suck. The close too early
2) Free weights are not complete
3) Missing some machines that other gyms have like ab and butt machines.
4) Have had to wait for elyptical and bikes often
5) Sauna is inside the locker room and thus men only - (Don't mind me, but I like sitting in a Unisex sauna)
6) I keep getting hit on by gay guys there.
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Good:
1. clean
2. showers stocked with shampoo/conditioner/bodywash
3. towel service
4. good equipment
5. TVs everywhere
Bad:
1. dinky towels - the ones at this location are small, can hardly stretch one around my big ass
2. naked old men walking around locker room
3. gets crowded during lunch and after work
4. not as many younger people go there (more middle aged corporate types)
5. pricey
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finally. a gym i enjoy frequenting!
i've been fitness challenged throughout my life. i was the kid in high school who had to take gym because i didn't participate in varsity sports. i was that kid in gym class who had her mom write excuse notes for "cramps" on a weekly basis.
when i got a little older and the pounds started to pack on, i knew i had to join a gym. joined one in college - never went. joined one when i lived in chicago - never went. joined one in san francisco - you guessed it.
thousands of dollars later and several pounds heavier, i decided to join a gym once and for all and commit to getting in shape by hiring a personal trainer. i've been successful thus far, and i contribute that success to the decision to join club one in oakland.
i feel very comfortable at club one. members come from all walks of life and have very different body shapes and fitness goals. that makes it easier for me to focus on my own personal achievements, and not the endless rows of stick-thin barbies on ellipticals found at other clubs.
the facility is clean and well stocked with towels and nice machines. the women's locker room is especially nice. at other gyms i've never felt as though the women's lounge was a place for me to relax - it was just a place to store my purse. such is not the case at club one. i look forward to hitting the steam room for some "me" time after a training session.
speaking of training, i adore my trainer kristen! she is an excellent motivator and has given me great advice on weight loss and nutrition - in addition to being a really fun person to hang out with.
i highly recommend joining, especially if you live in oakland. it's convenient (sans the $2 charge for the parking garage), and if it can make an excuse note queen like me feel excited about getting in shape, then it must be good!
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So I've only been a member for a week now but I'm really enjoying every minute I spend there. As a new member I get two free sessions with a trainer. He's given me a whole routine that I can use on my own. I never have to wait for a machine to open up. Amenities galore in the locker room! Lotion, shampoo, conditioner, antiperspirant, combs, dryers, q-tips and fresh towels by the minute! I love the steam room and jacuzzi. Staff service is not bad. Some are really great, some are just not that helpful. While having hair dryers is a very nice plus, the combs that you can attach are not for those with thick or curly hair. Other than that, this is a great place for your workout.
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I'd much rather give this a 4.5, as it does not deserve a perfect 5/5.
Anyway, been a member here since December. They have TV's here like nobody's business, and unlike many other places, you'll rarely find one that's out of order.
One of my major gripes is that not enough of their ellipticals have both incline and resistance. so the one's that do are always busy.
I'm also dissapointed they don't have more stuff for stretching. My last gym had some amazing stuff that I miss dearly. ( I also miss the free razors at my last gym).
I am also surprised there aren't more showers. So there's sometimes a line, which blows when you need to get to work.
Anyway, this place is pretty great. and super clean.
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I have no complaints so far (obviously the membership for me is pretty steep at $96 / month), there's always a machine and plenty of weights to go around even when it does get crowded in the evening after working hours.
I usually go in the morning, so there's never a problem finding a spot in any of the classes they offer. Class instructors Joni and Kim will definately get you into shape and give you your money's worth.
As for other amenities there is a jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna in the ladies locker room. Lotion, hairspray, anti-perspirant, blow-dryers, etc. There's an indoor running track, a three lane outside heated pool, squash courts, juice/snack bar, and an indoor basketball court.
Facilities are clean, there's plenty of fresh, clean towels, and the staff in my experience have been friendly and helpful.
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To people that frequent this gym often: do you ever see full or half court basketball games going on? I'm a full network member and live in SF, I come out here on the weekends to practice and shoot and there's never a soul on the court. Can anyone tell me when they play and/or what the level of competition looked like?
Thanks!
(5 stars, b/c the court is gorgeous and the facilites are nice)
I love this place as much as it's possible to love a place that involves sweating and pain.
It's really all about the locker room. It's clean clean clean and it's always kept fully stocked with fresh white towels and beauty products - shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, blow dryer, hair spray, combs, etc. And I can't forget the steam room, sauna and hot tub (all spotlessly clean)!! After belonging to dirty World Gym in the city for years, this is truly heaven!
There are plenty of exercise machines. I can't always get on the exact machine I want, but that forces me to try something new every once in a while, which is never a bad thing.
And all of the stuff is super nice and friendly. Sometimes they're too friendly for 6:30 in the morning, but that's definitely better than the alternative.
The price is a high, but I don't think it's overpriced. It's just a little more expensive than the YMCA and a million times nicer. Just remember that it's the same price for the Club One locations in the city and this one is SO MUCH BETTER!! I love you, Oakland Club One!
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I would eat a regurgitated Cliff, Nectar or Luna bar (but not a powerbar -- gross!) off the foot pedal of any elliptical machine in this joint; I would drink a liter of water with a straw, straight out of the cup holder attached to the treadmill, and then, finally, I would lie down on the floor of the women's locker room and take an after workout nap....that's how clean it is here!
The following benefits of a Club One membership are not enjoyed at a good many other gyms which will go unnamed but are open 24 hours, daily:
1) If you see multiple blood splatters, suggestive of a sawblade accident, on the body of a cybex machine on Tuesday, it will be gone by the end of the day (the blood, not the machine)
2) If you notice a "temporarily out of use/maintenance scheduled" card affixed to a piece of equipment, it will be gone within three days (the card, not the equipment!)
3) You will not be asked via posted signs to limit your time on any piece of equipment to 20, 30 or any other bullshit number of minutes during "peak hours"
4) During peak hours you will most likely be able to perform your regular exercise routine without substantial delay
5) You will not need to go home and take a shower after using the shower. In fact, I prefer the women's locker room showers over the shower in my house because the water pressure is superior. I also dig the supplied blow dryers and other sundries and well-lighted mirrors. You can do what you need to do here in the mornings before heading directly to work.
6) Friendly, helpful front desk staff who acknowledge all members, not just their old high school / college athlete buddies
7) Low level buggin' hehavior exhibited by fellow members. (The free weight room is a comfortable place 97% of the time.)
8) Low level buggin' behavior exhibited by personal fitness trainers (at least until you want to be bugged -- then they'll bug very well)
9) An email inquiry after a month of absence, offering a free training and massage session to help you get back to your routine (yeah, it's a brilliant marketing tactic designed to hold on to your membership dues but I needed and appreciated the kick in the pants)
Also: 50 classes (from hip hop dance, spinning and 12 kinds of yoga) available at no extra cost; an indoor running track that circles a regulation basketball court below; a semi-outdoor pool, whirlpool spa, steam room and sauna in the women's locker room, and an infinite supply of clean towels at every work station. (always warm ones in the women's locker room)
I belonged to a Club One on a private campus in Scotts Valley a few years back and it was also very well run.
Complaints?
1) I miss Sunday evening workouts. 6pm closure is too early, especially during the spring and summer seasons. I'd rather spend daylight hours outdoors. 2) the additional parking garage fees.
Still, it's worth the dues. Did I mention that this gym is clean? As in I would roll out my pizza dough on one of the yoga mats using one of their 2 pound hand weights. That's how clean.
I will never, ever go back to a certain gym which will go unnamed but is open 24 hours, daily.
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I'm here almost every weekday, which makes me feel like I'm getting the most out of the expensive monthly membership. The spin and salsa classes are great, equipment is well maintained and the staff is friendly.
Sometimes it's nice just to go there to relax, an escape from the office. The pool is nice to lay by in the summertime. The spa, steam room and sauna are quite relaxing if even just on your lunch break.
Never had to wait long if at all for equipment (maybe a positive benefit of the high price?). Other members are shy and keep to themselves but friendly if you engage them or ask for a spot. It's definitely not meat market, if you're looking to meet someone I don't think you'll find it much success.
While I have lots of little gripes (who doesn't have SOMETHING to complain about?) overall, FIVE STARS.
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I'll echo the sentiments that have been expressed below: super clean, friendly staff, lots of classes, helpful trainers and mellow environment... you def. get what you pay for here!
I am here twice a week, usually on Tuesday & Thursday for volleyball... but sometimes on the weekends. I do kind of wish they had later hours on Sunday, but that's just a tiny gripe.
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My parents work out here. They are here everyday. They are in way better shape than me and probably you too. My mom can crack open a walnut with her breasts. Oh wait, no. That's a requirement to work at Hooters (tm) and has nothing to do with being muscular. Either way, the bitch is brawny.
HOWEVER, do NOT under any circumstances play racquetball with my dad. The man is good. He's good and he's dangerous. They call him, "Big Hitter" at Club One because he actually knocked a man unconscious with his serve once. No, for real. Unconscious.
I played with him one day. It was the scariest day of my life. Okay, my dad? Been playing racquetball for 40 years. Me? NEVER NOT ONCE. You think the man would have taken it easy on me. But that's just not how he is. No mercy. No fear. I gotta respect the man for pouncing on an easy kill. Especially when that kill is his daughter. And especially when it involves serving the ball at such a speed that it breaks the sound barrier and almost my nose. No joke. This is not a game. This is WAR. And my dad is the United States, you dig?
Also, he has one sworn enemy on the courts. It's some 30 year-old trial attorney WOMAN who consistently kicks his ass in the tournaments. He HATES her. you will never hear this man speak passionately about anything but if you bring up her name, he turns a bright red and starts listing off her many flaws. It's interesting that the woman has a lot in common with my mother. One wonders if it is perhaps misplaced anger. Either way, do not bring her up and do not step foot in the court with him and I think you're safe. Also, they have a pool!
God, I get more useful by the day.
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This facility is fairly unimpressive. It's nice but not superb. The service, new member process and general experience is less than desirable.
Membership Rep - Club One City Center:
"You signed up online? Yesterday? I have no paperwork for you."
Great! That's why I called to make sure you received the information prior to arriving.
"Do you want me to show you that, too?"
Um, yes. You see . . . I'm a new member and you work in membership. A tour of the facility would be a nice gesture rather than reminding me that it has free towels. (And just for reference, many other health clubs and gyms that are equally clean with comparable amenities also have free towels.)
First Use - Club One Fillmore Center:
"I'm sorry, your card isn't scanning. I have no idea why."
Great. They couldn't even get *that* right. More wasted time.
I thank my stars there is a ten day cancellation policy which is, unfortunately, the only part of this membership I found to be beneficial. So much for first impressions . . .
UPDATE (26 September):
I phoned the City Center club one day after the incidents mentioned above and spoke with an employee who almost seemed interested in the reasons I chose to cancel. Understandably, she asked that I send her a quick email so that she had something 'in writing' so that she could then process the cancellation. So . . . I did. More than two weeks later, I receive a voice message from her (Membership Services) saying that she did not receive it, adding that I had missed the deadline (which I hadn't) and made it seem as though she was going out of her way to help with some problem I had nothing to do with. Obnoxious.
Suggestion: Take notes from Crunch.
4 stars for the gym itself. The membership process is lame.
If you are serious about the gym and you really need a variety of options for your work out, enjoy a variety of classes, and don't plan to stop because you're a heart rate pumpin' calorie burnin' machine.... then this is the place for you.
The parking situation is lame, but you can buy the pre-paid booklets for a lot a block and a half away for very little $ and it works out well. The in building lot is excessively expensive and they should give Club One a better parking deal.
The cancellation and membership policy is absurd. But I can't knock them to the bottom for that.... Because: The equipment is TOP of the line, the indoor track is a very nice touch and great for a cool down if not a run, and in general I feel like it's the right place and worth the expense if you are a serious gym-naut.
This is a review specifically for the Pilates Reformer Classes and Victoria Kelly as an instructor. She is simply the best pilates teacher I have ever had. She combines an intense workout with the grace and flow of dance in the best way possible. She pushes when you need pushing and moves the class along at a nice pace.
My only complaint is that Club One needs to get with the program and have more pilates space. One tiny room is simply not enough.
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The showers are the nicest fitness club showers I've ever been to. They're almost two chambers--one to hang up your towel and prepare and another for the actual shower.
There's a friendly "we're here for our health" vibe at the club... While most people are middle aged & somewhat poochy, it's far from conservative, and it's nice to not be so self conscious about how you look.
The track is great, the machines as well, and most of them have plug-in tv monitors. The two exercise studios have a wealth of classes--you won't be disappointed, this club is well worth the money.
I showed up at Club One armed with my almost expired free 30 day trial membership flyers. I was figuring, one for me and one for the shorty. After waiting a little while for membership guy to come talk to me, he informed me that my 30 day pass I won at a Gen Art event was only valid at the Yerba Buena Club One, which according to him is "small and sucks." In all fairness it did have a map of the Yerba Buena location on it and no others. He said that he'd be happy to show me around and then sell me a membership.
I then pulled out my 30 day trial membership that I received for donating to KQED. I was immediately accused of trying to pull one over on Club One. Mr. Membership Sales Guy, asked me if I spent all day running around to different Club One's trying to get trial memberships. I was all, "Yeah, that's exactly what I do all day."
After he figured it out, he told me that my 30 day pass expires at the end of the month of which it is activated, which would be in four days since I was activating it that day. I then tried to explain to him that the really big bold letters saying "30 day trial membership," most certainly meant 30 and not 30 minus whatever day of the month it was.
I finally got my 30 day membership activated and was taken by Mr. Member Sales Guy on a tour during which he talked major crap on just about every other health club and gym I've ever heard of.
What about the actual workin' out you say? Well, Club One is nice; they even provide towels, which you should be careful not to scratch yourself on, as they're a little rough. The place is big and clean compared to other clubs. It has a nice basketball court. But for all the space there is actually not that much equipment in there.
All in all, I definitely don't think it's worth the $81 a month they charge, unless of course you really like watching TV, because they got TV's freakin' everywhere in that place.
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I took off a star for the price, even though I have to say, it is only 10 bucks more then a discounted YMCA price, and you get way way way more.
First off, I applaud ClubOne for even getting me TO the gym in the first place. They couldnt make it any easier. It's right above 12th Street BART. If i feel like hitting up the three or four they have in downtown SF, i can swing by those.
Second off, warm towels: I love you, warm towels. And sauna. And steam room. and pool. and I am a clean freak, so I really chose ClubOne for it's cleanliness.
Third off, I work my ass off all day and I really do love zoning out to mindless TV. I am sorry, I just do. When you combine mindless TV and a nice 1+ hour workout, most times 1.5 hours, I am going to be pretty happy. Running to History Channel, elliptical to Discovery Channel (i spent one hour in a very empty ClubOne last week watching that amazing Deadliest Catch show.). The time flies by, and the next thing you know, you are sweating bullets and well-informed (or not) by the TV.
Oh, and sometimes you will see Former Mayor Jerry Brown shooting the hoops and giving the ClubOne employees grief for not leaving at closing time.
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it gets a 5 because it made me go.
it has a clean nice hot tub. pool. not a bunch of blonde bitches + douches, rather a little bit of everyone.
all the towels you could ask for. never a wait for a machine
HIP HOP dance class with KIM is really good!
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I have been accused of being a gym rat, so I guess I should put that disclaimer out up front. But I think that gives me good qualifications to rate gyms. Club One in City Center is the BEST gym that I've been to in the Bay Area.
It has everything! Full-court gym (tons of basketball games, some nights (I think Tuesday) they have volleyball); tons of cardio machines (some with individual tvs, some in front of huge flat screens); an indoor track (if you're not into the whole treadmill thing); raquetball and squash; pilates reformer machines (for additional dues, fyi); a 3-lane outdoor but heated pool and of course a weight room that is well lit and pretty up to date.
As far as classes go, I have to admit, I'm not usually into them, so take this section of my review with a grain of salt. There are two classrooms and the selection is impressive: yoga, spinning, dance classes, body sculpting, kickboxing, etc. They also have some pool-based classes. The ones that I've tried: yoga (I've never been one for gym yoga, maybe that's snotty, but oh well) and kickboxing (this felt more like jazzercise to me). Popular ones: hip-hop dance and salsa (although both of these are full of veteren members, so keep that in mind); spinning.
The main thing that I like about this gym is the vibe. People respect the gym so there is a slight family-feel to it--from the members to the staff. I've made tons of friends there, and not in that creepy-gym-pick-up way.
Logistically, the location is great. It's right by BART and there is a parking garage underneath the gym (they validate). They also have spa services and a little cafe that has good and healthy food that is home-made.
For what you get at this gym, I think the price is really reasonable. They have deals throughout the year and they don't hit you with the $200 sign up fee (I think it's only $50, which is hella cheap). They have county/city employee discounted rates as well as corporate rates. Just talk with any of the sales people--they are all really nice--and they'll work with you to make it work.
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