I have been going here for about 2 years. Love the atmosphere, the staff - everything.

Very cool center w a lot. Nice staff. They have a pass system for travelers but no way to pause or just do a hole punch card. That keeps me from returning. If I lived here I'd reconsider tho. The missing star is for travelors lol. read more

I like the location and the staff are friendly. Prices are higher than average. This place isn't too crowded except for right after the new year or on peak hours. This place really really really needs to get a face lift and they should update some of the equipment as the equipment must be 40 years old. Lots of rusted metal, chipped paint, and cracked pleather on the equipment. I am considering leaving this gym mainly due to the deteriorated conditions. Currently undecided if I will stay or go. On one hand it does the trick for a work out but on the other hand it's an eye sore with the poor lighting and very old equipment. read more

I don't get how this place is in business. Lack of choice for gyms in the area I guess? UCSB kids who don't want to drive a bit further to escape their crowded campus gym? Who knows. You walk in and feel like you're in some old motel lobby. You get a tour from a really bubbly girl who acts like she's your BFF and super interested in your life, then you go into the gym and just...wow. First you get blasted with the stench of an adult Chuck E Cheese. If you've ever been to a gross gym, it's THAT smell. You always recognize it and can't forget it. No matter how many times you breathe in and out to adjust, your nose never gets blind to it. Just constant nasal assault cause they're too cheap to hire proper cleaners. The machines are super old and decrepit; it's mostly all fossils from when Arnold was probably in his prime. All the machines are basic metal bars with gray paint that's worn out and rusted over the decades. For those who want to become more built like me, there's a whopping TWO bench presses. Oh yeah, and I hope you like a co-ed dry sauna, so you can't even get naked, or even shirtless, without feeling like a creep. So it's basically a Cancun simulator; you sit in the steaming heat fully-clothed with a bunch of randos and pretend you're having a good time. But best of all? It's like $129 a month, WITH an initiation fee of $50. That's how much F45 or some other boutique gym costs per month. Yeah. Look elsewhere. This place is a joke. Bonus points for the 180 attitude shift the workers give when you don't want to buy a plan right after your complementary workout. I knew the niceties were fake, but glad to know the workers like their jobs as much as I did the gym. Cool. read more

Been coming here for a while and still getting good service and great quality workout.

I recently moved to Goleta and joined Goleta Valley Athletic Club. What a wonderful gym. Excellent and helpful staff; all the equipment you need and an airy and spacious environment. It is also so clean. I would highly recommend this gym. read more

I joined GVAC 18 months ago after having two children back-to-back, my health was in terrible shape, I was 30 pounds overweight, eating primarily processed foods, and had no energy to keep up with my kids. When I decided to finally put my health first, I signed up for an annual membership with personal training 8 times per month. With Anaya as my personal trainer I was able to reach my goal weight in only 3 months, but most importantly I've been able to keep the weight off and get stronger by building muscle. One of the things I love most about the gym is the body composition scanner, this tool is so accurate and helpful in tracking my weight loss progress and results. I also really enjoy the group fitness classes and ending my workout with 15 minutes in the sauna. This gym has it all, friendly staff, excellent personal trainers, a clean facility with upgraded equipment, and plenty of indoor and outdoor space. I recommend this to anyone at any level in their health journey from beginner to advanced, you will feel welcome here. read more

Guest review 9/21/24 Saturday 400p. Day pass 30$ Interesting gym with fun stuff. First off, Everything in Santa Barbara is expensive, including the gym. On a Saturday afternoon, not much is open and golds gym is 40$ !!! For a day pass. So I gave this gym a try. It does not disappoint. It's quirky and a well balanced LOCAL gym. Love supporting those. The two employees at the counter were delightful. (One was British and the other went to uc Davis) It has everything that you hope for in a full size gym. Lap pool, free WiFi, wet and dry sauna, free weights and machines. Parking is good too. It even has a rock wall, racquetball, an indoor basket ball court and a few pieces of equipment outside. (I don't know if it has kids care.). This gym is both very open floor plan, well lit, and has elite amounts of mirrors. If you're lifting, you can look at yourself. The amount, variety, and quality of the free weights is all above average. The spacing of equipment, weights and cardio is spot on too. The one spot there is room for improvement is the amount and variety of cardio equipment. (I like a 20 minute bike ride to get my pre-workout in me. On a Saturday afternoon, availability wasn't an issue, but premium hours it might be.) read more

I think this gym is great. There are little to no staring contests here which is what is usually the case at Gold's gym. I only lifted weights and used the treadmill but the machines and free weights were clean. They also have a pool which I wanted to swim laps in but each time I got done with weights the 4 lanes were always full. So if you are going to swim you should just go do laps. There is also a few racketball courts, a jacuzzi, and a steam room along with a women's and men's locker room. read more

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Wow in town for work and looking for a place to workout. This place is full of themselves and was asking $30 for a day pass!!! Never have I have I been asked that much for a day pass! From the looks of the pics it's nothing special too.... Travelers look elsewhere! read more

I've been coming to GVAC for about a year now and I love it! I've been a member of my fair share of gyms in Santa Barbara but none compare to GVAC. The monthly price is a little on the pricier side but with all the amenities this gym has to offer, the price is definitely reasonable! This gym has two levels and the overall layout of the gym is great. Majority of cardio machines are upstairs including a spin room. Downstairs is primarily weight machines. All equipment is up to date and in very good condition! The gym has a sauna, locker rooms, an outdoor pool, studio rooms, an indoor court, and a cafe. Staff is friendly and welcoming! I love the hours as they are open early on weekdays. I wish however their weekend hours were earlier in the morning. The overall enrollment process is very simple and quick! I really enjoy how they have a great selection of workout classes to choose from on a daily basis. They have great HIIT workout classes, dance classes, etc. You will definitely build up a good sweat but will have tons of fun doing it! Something I really appreciate about this gym is the cleanliness! The staff ensures that the environment is cleaned thoroughly. ** They recently just reopened this gym and they put into place a lot of COVID precautions which I definitely appreciate! Some things being; touch free temperature scanner right when you walk in, masks must be worn prior to checking in and out, each GVAC member gets a personal disinfectant spray and towel for each gym visit. I feel like this ensures the gym equipment is being disinfected before and after each use. GVAC has also put gym equipment outdoors with tents in order to ensure that members are still able to use equipment with social distancing rules in place. All machines are spread out and feet away from each other. There's more areas with hand sanitizer. Water machines not being used to prevent the spread of COVID. I feel safer knowing that I can still get a good workout in with all these precautions in place. Thank you GVAC, keep up the amazing work! :) read more

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I've had my gym membership at GVAC for almost four years now, and I absolutely love it. I got it my first year at college here in santa barbara and have been going ever since. It's so nice being able to come into a gym daily that's always open, never really crowded and I can just get in and get out. The outdoor area with the turf is a great addition because I can go out there and stretch/cool off after a long workout. the pool and hot tub are obviously amazing and I will even go workout In morning, and go back at night to relax in the hot tub. i've quite literally referred all my roommates to GVAC and they all love it as well. overall, it's just a nice place to be, staff is friendly and all the separate rooms make it very comfortable to workout in. not to mention the sauna, which is so nice and is a must after every workout. gvac will always have my heart read more

Goleta Valley Athletic Club - pool / hot tub - Sports Clubs Near Me - Goleta, California

Best gym in SB/Goleta area. Price is competitive with other higher end gyms. Plenty of space both indoor and out to get a workout on. Multiple squat racks (4+) which helps especially at busy times. Staff are friendly. Ive been a Golds member and a Y member. This is a great gym for people who like to lift weights/power lift. They have workout classes but not a lot to choose from and not many options times. They have most of all the good lifting equipment you could want. read more

GVAC is a gem! The entire facility is sparkling clean, and has done an impeccable job of modifying in the COVID world. They are very diligent about no touch temperature checks upon arrival, and even have personal sanitizer bottles and towels for the equipment available for each workout. The pool area is readily accessible and very well maintained. Jeff and the rest of the team really go above and beyond! You can't go wrong here! read more

The worse gym ever. They say their pool is heated; which is not. Their billing department doesn't seem to know how to communicate with the customers at all. Place could use better way of putting their classes together. Too bad there is no choice to put a No star review here. read more

As a long time member here I'm thankful for the location and vibe. The addition of weight rooms they've had over the few years has been great. The upstairs machine section is great. I think their idea of having machines up in the second floor is brilliant since it keeps the room quiet and mellow. The outside part of the gym they kept after the first major COVID wave is extremely cool since working out inside can sometimes leave you nauseous. Over the time I've been here they have improvised and added a few major things , like the 3 Olympic platforms and extra weight room. The management has always been great and kind with me so that's a huge plus. Now to the things that kinda have me somewhat annoyed. The benches and seats in the major weight room that's upon passing the cycling bikes are all old and unstable which can obviously cause injuries, accidents, etc. As great as the outdoor gym is, it seems like it never gets cleaned or maintained. The tents are sometimes covered in spider webs. Those webs ar also in corners of the main building which is somewhat unsettling. The t bar row machine outside got broken and now is pretty much useless. Man, I miss that machine :( They don't update the quality of some of the equipment. It's not state of the art and for the $$$ this place gets I kinda expect better. Some accessory handles are just rusty and old. Overall, this gym has been good to me but it does have its flaws that should be able to be fixed considering this place shouldn't have any problems with money and top of the line maintenance. read more

Ridiculously expensive for the quality of the gym. $100 a month and only one bench press rack- makes no sense. Smells bad a lot of the time and hours are very restrictive for a gym of that price. Closes at 6 on weekends. read more

Nice place steam room nice and hot sauna nice swim pool very clean locker room and bathroom needs remodeling

Always the best! I love love love GVAC and if it wasn't for me moving I would be there for many more years. The equipment is always the best, the staff is incredible and everything is always clean. I never had to worry, not even when COVID hit. As a girl, I'm always personally really worried about joining a gym and the "vibe" but I never ever worried here. I felt comfortable and always used GVAC as my "me time"space. If you are looking for a trainer BLAIR is the BESSSSTTT! He listens to what you are looking for, treats you like an individual, and pushes you to be your best. I already miss them! If you are thinking of joining, DO IT! read more

Come on in work out in the safety of the fresh air poolside. Great variety of equipment. Super helpful and friendly staff and patrons!

Normal looking people there, not perfect bodies as They try to get in shape. Have been going there long enough to know the place, all are great! Just a few people I deflate, just because I like to. All the equipment is updated , and not out of date!I I enjoy the classes That I take as I am challenged every day, and now I say Now I need a date! read more

I love the layout, I went for my first time today and didn't expect it to be split up like that. It's multilevel and consists of smaller rooms rather than one big weight room like I expected. It makes it more private, but proximity to IV means a lot of frat guys anyway, but I was only bothered at the very end when I pretty much finished my workout anyway. read more

I've been a member here going on 8 years. My dad has been a member here for 15+ years. It has everything I look for in a gym plus much more. Staff is helpful. The equipment is up to date. Plenty of classes. read more

I've been a member for GVAC for 7 months and have loved it! There's a great variety of rooms, equipment, and fitness classes to help you with your fitness goals. The gals at the front desk are kind, but not always helpful (which I understand, it's difficult to have absolute continuity without a full-time person at the counter). Be patient and let them know what's going on & they'll be able to help ya! Grab a locker for your time at the gym by bringing your own lock, therefore saving you money & from dragging your stuff throughout the gym. The women's locker room has toilets, sinks, showers, PLENTY of counter space (with hair dryers, hair spray, deodorant, and lotion!), lockers, and a steam room. Rarely crowded or overly busy (unless you're coming in right after 5pm). The steam room in the locker room is awesome, especially when it gets really warm (though I wish it was cleaned more often!) and the sauna is convenient (though it's slightly odd because it's co-ed!). The classes are awesome. I personally love the restorative yoga on Sundays and the Tues/Thurs 45 min lunchtime spin class (s/o to Gabbie who kicks our butts every week with her awesome spin skillz). There are SO many classes, and it was a huge plus to me to join a gym where I could attend any class, any time, at no extra cost. GVAC also offers personal training 1:1 or group sessions (at an extra fee) and a separate personal training area. The machines/weights/open spaces are well laid out so there isn't too much crowding. The main traffic jam area is the room with the weight benches, so I recommend strategically adding that to your workout during low-traffic times. There is only 1 Olympic platform for more variety in your lifting, so I suggest having a back-up workout plan if that's taken. I enjoy the functional fitness room downstairs, right beside the racquetball courts. It's an open space with mats, kettlebells, foam rollers, jump ropes, medicine balls, platforms, etc. I am able to quickly get my workouts done in here, and they almost always have enough space for me to workout. Great place overall, and super convenient to get to! read more

Used to go to this gym before I moved, now I only use it when I am visiting. This gym is the hidden gem of Goleta, no, scratch that, the hidden gem of all of Santa Barbara!! The gym staff & owners clearly care about their customers and try to keep the gym in the best shape it can be. When I visited recently, they had upgraded significantly, and added machines that I wish my gym back home had. Rarely ever crowded, the benefits of having a membership with this gym are ENDLESS!! If you are a student contemplating whether the price is worth it - I would 100% recommend this over the RecCen. 1. You don't have to fight for bike parking, nor do you have to pay. 2. It is a quick ~5 minute drive from IV. 3. It is not outrageously packed ever!!! When you sign up for a membership with this gym, you become part of a family. The managers, sales team, trainers, front desk employees, welcome you in and make you feel at home. It is a safe space full of wonderful people that help and encourage you to reach your goal. It is a judgment free zone! I miss this gym everyday and look forward to future visits. P.S. You should try and take one of every class! They are all so amazing! I still can't pick a favorite! :) read more

Hands down best gym in Goleta and Santa Barbara. Staff and management are very professional and offer a great experience from the moment you sign up. The front desk crew is always in a good mood and greet appropriately. GVAC is continuously improving their equipment with the latest HIGH QUALITY machines. Each room is catered to have you meet your physique and training goals- GVAC has it all. Cycling, free weights, platforms, cables, classes, pool, trainers etc you name it. I always recommend this club to anyone in the area! read more

This gym is way over priced. The equipment simply does not match the amount they ask for. The pool and jacuzzi are what make this place, the weight room is simpler outdated, old flooring and machines. Just simply not enough to justify $90-$100 a month. The staff here are also snobby and act arrogant and rude when you try to set up your cancelation, trying to bad mouth other gyms in the surrounding area. Terrible look. Aside from the pool there is really nothing to write home about. The vibe and environment is just too flat for me and not very motivating. I would highly recommend The Void or Gold's if you're looking for nice state of the art equipment without paying extraordinarily high membership dues. No pool, but I'd rather go jump the ocean anyway! read more

I've been a GVAC member for years. My fitness interests and goals have changed over the years and the club has met all of them. I primarily weight lift, but I've done racquetball, swimming, studio classes, and personal training. There is a lot of weightlifting equipment, a lot of space and always clean and organized. I've never had to wait for a squat rack. Since they've reopened after the covid shutdown, a lot of equipment has been moved around to create additional distance and they offer personal sanitizing spray bottles and towels to wipe down touch points. It feels safe and clean. I really like that some stuff is now outside under big tents surrounding the pool. I hope they keep that setup even after covid. If I were to state one bummer, is they used to have fresh food items prepared in the cafe. They stopped doing it a year or two ago -I'm guessing it wasn't a money maker. I do miss it though because it was so easy to get a workout in and grab lunch on my way out. read more

Both David and Jeff are total professionals. They answered my questions patiently, gave me a great tour of the club and explained the membership options with zero sales pressure. The club is older but it's obvious the owners make it a priority to keep it well maintained and very clean. I'm looking forward to my membership. read more

The moment I started training here, I knew it was meant to be. Only when you're gritting your teeth, sweating all over the equipment and when the burn is so deep in your glutes you can't take it, is when you know this gym is more than a gym, it's a place of worship. A synagogue of shred, a basilica of biceps, a cathedral of cut, a chapel of chest, a house of bodily prayer, a sacellum of supplements, a mosque of muscles, a parish of pump, a sanctuary of swoll, a shrine of steel, a temple of triceps. This is more than a gym, it is a Mecca of aesthetics. And the only thing that completes this journey of muscular development is my lifting partner. We walk into the abbey of this tabernacle like lions hungry for one thing: being das yoked. JOIN THIS GYM!!! read more

I double-love this place! I was so sad when I moved away. Besides gym stuff, they have racquetball, indoor basketball, an outdoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, a rock climbing wall, and cold beer on tap!!! The best part is that it really is a club and not just a gym. Did I mention they have cold beer on tap? I know, I know but sometimes we would go just to have a few pitchers poolside during the summer. The place was always clean. The staff was nice. It was totally affordable. The food is even good too! Oh, GVAC. I really miss you ;( - [small tear] Auf. read more

Really spacious and clean gym that's never overcrowded. Staff is friendly and helpful

I have been going to this gym for over 2 years now. I love everything about this gym. From the equipment to the pool. The equipment was always clean. And there is always a machine open. The classes are wonderful too. I love the lunch time classes, because it's a nice little 45 minute escape from work. I'd also highly recommend the ripped classes and spinning. I've taken every type of class offered here, and they are ALL excellent. Seriously. The instructors are FANTASTIC!!! And they make an effort to get to know your name. Plus, they remember your injuries (if you have any) and help you work through them. Best. Gym. In. Town. Period. read more

I was a member for 6 years. Thought it was a nice club not "chainy", with modern (not state of the art) equipment, classes, small everything though. Occassional broken machine and not too many of the same machines. After 6 years, got a job and didnt continue my membership because the job was offsite. Turns out within 2 months I was scheduled several days in Goleta thus tried to re-up my membership. I talked to front desk and they went through the new membership process, even though I was a returnee. This included paying a registration fee in excess of $100. I asked to talk to the manager. She stated it is policy. You would think after being a member for 6 years that their was some aspect of customer respect or loyalty. Nope, just snobbery. I did not renew on my principal. Know what you are in for. As a business owner, I would never treat my customers this way! read more

Gvac. I mean where can I even begin? Gvac is not your regular get in and get out gym where there is no sense of community. Gvac is an outstanding property that makes each and every one of their members feel at home. During COVID they have gone above and beyond to make the environment safe and friendly for everyone. With plenty of sanitizer going around never once have I been worried about my safety while working out at GVAC. It id thanks to their outstanding team and superb management that I as well as the other members feel safe and welcome. I would recommend GVAC to anyone looking for a gym in the Santa Barbara area, as with gvac you are getting so much more than just access to weights. -max read more

I come here fairly often out of convenience. It looks nice for a gym too. They keep it clean and the people are nice. However as you can expect, at 5pm this place gets pretty crowded and I find myself often waiting to get a bench or machine. read more

Given the circumstances this place has done a great job of setting up an outdoor gym.

They are taking covid seriously but also giving us a great space to work out. This gym has every single piece or equipment or machine you need and a great atmosphere. The staff is super nice and the location is awesome. read more

I really enjoy going to Goleta Valley Athletic Club. They have a wide variety of weights and machines to work on, and it's never so crowded that you can't find a nice space in which to work out. The facilities are well-maintained, and there are plenty of relaxing activities to pursue in between workouts. In addition, the classes here are excellent. I've attended both the Tuesday and Thursday stretching and foam rolling classes, and they're both excellent. read more

Thumbs up on this comprehensive gym. Lots of solid equipment to get the job done. The place is clean. Wasn't crowded when I went.