American Athlete Greenlake

Recommends

roxygrrrrl

Joined 5 years ago

Free Fitness Classes are a real deal.. Free Fitness classes are a real deal.

I've been to other gyms where they charge per class. Here, you can take Zumba, yoga, pilates, abs class, Boot Camp, Bodypump, BodyCombat and spinning class all included in your gym membership.

Normal equipment available for weights/pumping iron/getting cardio in when it's raining.

They have me at the fitness classes.

Doesn't Recommend

kab11

Joined 3 years ago

Overpriced, smelly and outdated.. I joined because it was close to my house and i thought it would be convenient. Overall gym has a gross musty/old sweat smell. they have a/c which they never actually turn on so it is always really warm. Also for $55/month it is not worth it. You can buy a membershio to 24hr fitness for 300 a year! I've learned my lesson, im just sorry i paid so much to do so.

i would have given it no stars if I could

Recommends

egail

Joined 5 years ago

Don't Understand Why People are trashing new Owners?. I think that is it VERY odd that people are trashing the new owners?? My husband and I joined this gym a few years ago when it was run by the old owners. It was pretty gross... dirty, smelly, old in severe need of a face lift. WELL that is exactly what the new owners did and that is why I am sooo confused people are trashing them and not the old owners. They have bought new equipment, cleaned it up tremendously, new paint, new carpets, new downstairs etc etc. They have truly done nothing but improve this small neighborhood gym that I love... it is not some scummy meat market 24 hr, or whatever those giant gyms are. I am comfortable here. I do have to agree with others one of the new owners was a little creepy... however, I have not seen him in months and he is no longer there. The other owner is a really nice guy and knows what he is doing. I don't think he is 2 young, in fact I thought the other owners were too old... things change and I like the change.

Recommends

grnlkman1

Joined 4 years ago

Great changes. This is a great place! I was so over the chain gym atmosphere and was pleasantly surprised to find this gem in the most central neighborhood in Seattle. I'm always greeted with a smile. Within days the owner new my name and I now talk to him on a consistent basis. I've even done a few sessions with him (included in membership) and am amazed with the knowledge he provided. If you want a place that is going to give you great value and treat you like an actual human this is your place.

Doesn't Recommend

meghankb

Joined 4 years ago

SUPER YUCK. dirty, smells bad....no air flow throught the buliding. I feel like i have to bleach myself and everything else when I leave there. Have they heard of MERSA?

Also most classes are not very challanging and change times all the time so you can't really get a routine going. It is not really a fun upbeat place to be. I

It needs a does of prozac and a serious cleaning!!!!!

Recommends

jooz

Joined 5 years ago

Awesome Gym in my hood. Just started working out at this gym in Greenlake, and it's pretty sweet. Pretty standard price, not cheap, but not expensive either. They have some awesome classes (outdoor boot camps, etc...), that will be cool when the weather improves - and those are no added cost. Seems like the place is run by some young guys who are interested in the future of fitness (because there's all this new wave motivational stuff going on), which is probably my only drawback.

Doesn't Recommend

GreenlakeResident2

Joined 4 years ago

Below-Par at a Premium Price. Unfortunately, this gym is under new ownership [formerly Anderson's Nautilus Fitness Center]. Above all, the prices are far in excess of what they should be, considering their sparse machine offerings, limited classes, and average facilities. Other gyms offer cheaper membership prices with far better facilities, staff support, and equipment. If the American Athlete survives as a business, it will be because there are no competitors in the area [people are paying a premium for the location], and not because this gym has a workout related competitive-advantage.

Summary: Too expensive for the limited benefits provided.

Doesn't Recommend

back933

Joined 4 years ago

New ownership is ruining a good club!. New owners can give a place a lift... but it doesn't always work like that. This has always been a friendly, no pressure place where local fitness junkies mixed w/ the neighborhood regulars. the staff offered training support for whoever needed it. No charge. Only a friendly smile and encouragement. Staff kept all the equipment maintained like new. Cleanliness was never an issue as staff was always on it. The reason i mention these items is that the new ownership doesn't seem to care if the carpet smells bad and looks dirty. They also don't seem to care about maintaining equipment regularly. I read gymrat's review and can only guess that they have a stake here.Their only other review is for 'Sound Mind and Body' which they trash. I would disagree w/ that opinion.

The members I've talked to are getting more disappointed and most are shopping for a new 'home'. I would like the new owners to get their act together as this gym is in a great spot, but I'm afraid they won't make it another year.

Recommends

gymrat2007

Joined 6 years ago

Best place to workout in the city. I've been to a couple of other places in the city and I wouldn't say that the experience was bad, it just wasn't the best.... This little gym just blew up my expectations of what a gym in Seattle should be. There has been a recent change in ownership and it has changed the entire energy of the club, everyone there is moving a hundred miles an hour to get things done, it's actually really refreshing to see an entire business with such pride in their workmanship. I've had a chance to have a couple of conversations with the owners and I find that they are receptive to feedback, and both of them seem to be pretty layed back - I would recommend this gym to just about anyone who likes to run greenlake but still wants to get some weights in.

Doesn't Recommend

TriMan87

Joined 5 years ago

Great Location But Questionable New Owners. Positives - great location near Green Lake!

Negatives - parking can be very difficult, and new inexperienced owners.

This wonderful gym now has new owners (as of mid-November, 2008). It is too early to tell what will happen, but virtually all of the staff (some who have been there over 20 years) have quit because they are going to be paid on commission ("if you sign up today, we'll throw in a gym bag!"). Only one or two of the younger ones were asked to stay on - the new owners want "hot" young guys and gals who can sell many of the services that used to be included for free in your membership. Child care has been terminated, much to the anger of many moms who joined in part because of it.

The owners are a couple of guys in their mid-20s (nothing wrong with that), who seem to think they know everything about running gyms. The current wonderful mix of ages and abilities will be changed to appearl to younger folks...I know, I know, there are a million gyms for this demographic....

I'd suggest staying away for a few months to see what happens and then talking to members before even thinking of joining...