The Capital Athletic Club

 

9

50

Karla F.

Sacramento, CA

Although I do really like working out at CAC due to the great classes, less amount of people and tons of amenities, I have to say that I am not a fan of the hours. Considering that I am quite a night owl, going to the gym at 6AM to get my work out in is nearly impossible because I'd just fall off of the machine and die. I sometimes wish that the club would be open to at least 11PM, stay open later on Saturdays and actually be open on Sundays.

My favorite class at the CAC is Spin w/ Richard - hands down, the best spin class EVER. I like Richard's smooth tone and how he doesn't want you to "destroy yourself" and to "work out at your own level" unlike a lot other screaming instructors. I know this seems a bit silly, but every time he says, "Don't forget to breathe" I think, "How did he KNOW??" Killer work out and I manage to unwind. Crazy.

I wish I took more advantage of all of their great amenities such as laundry, shoe shining and more. However, considering I live a block away, I don't really see the need. Not to mention, my shoes don't need shining! One of these days....I will get a beer here. For some reason though, I can't bring myself to do it!

If you are seeking a social and club like atmosphere, this is your place.

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Elite '08

64

180

Paul C.

Sacramento, CA

The Capital Athletic Club is really a five star place - but they almost lose a star because of the snob factor. It's not really their fault - they are trying to be "elite" and they have it nailed pretty good.  

That said - I spend $100 a month to go there and I have a cheap plan. I've been going for well over a decade and as long as I work nearby (one block away) I'm staying put.  

A $100 a month!!! WTF??? you say?   Well believe it or not it's a pretty good deal.  They do your laundry, shine your shoes, have as many free towels as you can use (usually warm from the dryer), have ultra nice men's and women's jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas.  In the locker room there's shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, q-tips, even aftershave if you want to get your groove on.  Everyone has a personal locker and there are tall lockers to keep your pants wrinkle free in while you work out.  There are multiple classes running morning, noon, and night - great spin class, great yoga, step aerobics, etc.  For sports there's pick-up b-ball and several handball courts.   There's a very nice lap pool if that is your thing.  There are free trainers that help set you into a program, give you a spot on the weights and stuff like that.  You can get a massage, get your BMI done, get a tan, all that stuff.

Upstairs is a large aerobics machines room - with ceiling mounted tv's and fifteen types of ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, etc.  In the aerobics room upstairs there are several more, plus rowers, climbers, gravitons, etc.    Downstairs is a large weight room with several benches, squat machines, several free-weight racks and all that.  There's a big nautilus circuit room next to it with twenty or so machines.  

On the weekends there's stuff for singles - bike rides, runs, ice skating, dances, wine tasting, the list goes on.  I've been on three or four and they are very laid back - although many members are competitive.   There's a hair stylist and a sport-shop in the foyer.  

Then there is the star factor - several legislative people from the Capitol are regulars, out-of town sports teams come in - for example one day I worked out next to Spreewell and Ewing.  Ewing is a big guy.  I use to see the newscaster Carol Bland working out every day and then see her on tv that night.

If you are dripping money they get even fancier - they have "executive" locker rooms with free sports drinks and large wood paneled lockers and a keypad lock on the door to keep out the riff raff like me.  

Every year they shut down for the first couple weeks in August and refurbish the whole place.  They keep everything in nearly new shape.  If a machine has a problem tell someone and the next time you are there it is fixed.

I particularly like the spin classes - they have a variety of instructors who are either trainers or sometimes semi-pro - Robin's Monday noon class is the best - if you want a workout these people give it to you.  So, yes it is expensive - but unlike many expensive things, CAC has good value for what you spend.

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2

5

Phae B.

Sacramento, CA

I was originally introduced to the CapitalAC through a coworker and a free 2-week pass she gave me. It pretty much sums up everything you'd want in a gym and a social life.

The CapitalAC has convenient hours (5:30-10pm--although they close early on Saturdays and are entirely closed on Sundays, which is a bummer for folks that live close by), convenient location (right near work/lightrail downtown), an impressive array of classes (which are usually small and personal) and activities (including racquetball courts, a pilates machine room, and wine-tasting weekends to Napa), friendly/helpful staff, incredibly well-maintained machines and premises, spa/sauna/hot tub in locker rooms, and my necessity--the lap-pool (with a swim-coach available 4 days a week for questions/technique instruction, etc). You also have access to a personal trainer every 6 wks for an evaluation and to set up or revitalize your exercise programme which, when I decide I will stick to a schedule or not be injured, will be great.

The major downfalls for the CapitalAC are the price ($85/mo for basic membership), which I can justify for awhile with my current dink status; and the lack of younger members which, in my opinion, entirely eliminates the meat-market feel I've encountered at almost any other club. I've always felt comfortable and amicable with other members here--I'm just not about to forge new outstanding friendships, either. Which is just fine, working out is a personal thing for me anyway.

If you're wanting a health club offering more than your basic 24-hr and you're willing to delve a little deeper in the pockets, I absolutely recommend the CapitalAC.

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0

27

Juju B.

Oakland, CA

I used to live in Sac and was glad to move to the bay area.  The *only* reason I might move back there would be for capital athletic club.  It is pricier than other gyms in the area but you pay for great staff (really helpful in developing a work out routine) and clean facilities.  Also, the "meat market" aspect of gym experience is completely non existent here.  Loved the sauna, steam room, and whirlpool.  This place was never packed to where I would have to come at a certain time or wait for a machine.  Plus, in the summer heat, the lap pool is a godsend.

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