Liberty Athletic club is more expensive than most if not all other gyms in Ann Arbor, but I find it worthwhile, especially for families. The decor looks a bit dated compared to say the newly constructed L.A fitness - but the facilities are quite comprehensive - I use the strength training facilities, my partner makes use of the included fitness classes, and my kids love the indoor play area and pool, and great outdoor pool / recreation area during the summer. Great place to host birthday parties too. Hard to find this combo anywhere else. I also find that Liberty being independently owned leads to better service than I experienced at L.A Fitness and Planet fitness - the people who work at Liberty have often times been around for years and seem to care more. If you are a solo adult, the extra cost might be harder to justify. But for our family, this is hands down the best fitness club in Ann Arbor. read more

My husband and I have been members of Liberty Athletic Club for the last year and I have nothing but great experiences so far. In the last year they've been renovating quite a bit to update the spaces, equipment, etc, which has helped the overall vibe. They started by painting and reflooring the main workout room and are currently renovating and updating the indoor lap pool and hot tubs/saunas. The locker rooms are clean and the lockers are easy to use. The workout equipment is in great condition and even during their busiest times it's easy to get a treadmill or a bike. Plenty of TVs and things to keep you occupied with as well as you're huffing and puffing along. They have a few rooms for specialized classes--group fitness, spin and yoga. Now, I've only done the yoga classes so I can't comment on the others but the yoga classes I've attended were good (restorative yoga). I've always felt a million times better coming out than when I went in. There's a lot to do for families too. With a big kid's complex with a play area, rock climbing wall and indoor water park for fun during the winter months (also open in the summer). The outdoor complex is awesome and open Memorial to Labor Days. To be honest, this was the selling point for me. They have a few lap lanes for adult swimming (yes there are only two but I never had a problem getting a lap of my own this summer and I went several times a week) a bigger "play" area in that pool for the older kids/teens, and a splash/smaller pool for kids with a nice water slide. The outdoor cafe area has beverages, smoothies, frozen yogurt, and a few hot items for lunching. There's a small playground and even a few holes of mini golf in the complex as well. Plus outdoor tennis courts, of course. The club is big on tennis and they have a ton of courts inside as well. Plus classes, teams, and more. I feel like there's always a tennis club gathering when I'm there. There's a small indoor cafe as well with snacks, water, smoothies and such. They close around 7:30pm every day so it's more for lunch or a post-work pick me up before your workout. They have a small spa area upstairs with pedicures and massages. When you join you get a coupon for either or so I booked one and splurged on another. Great solitary environment. I had a beautiful pedicure and one of the best massages I've ever had. It's just a little pricey to do often, but if I could I would. It's definitely not a cheap membership, but I get a generous stipend from work for a fitness membership which covers most of the cost. If not for this I'm not sure I could swing it. But since I can, I try and make the most of my membership. read more

Liberty Athletic Club - Gyms Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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2.5 stars. Touted as the premier fitness facility in Ann Arbor, I was eager to check out Liberty Athletic Club when a friend offered to bring me as a guest. I had heard rave reviews from some people, and couldn't wait to see for myself what all the fuss was about. On a recent chilly night, we made our way over to warm our hearts by getting them pumping and our souls by catching up. Some of the highlights include a huge tennis facility. If you're into tennis and want to play year round, this is probably the club for you. Other than that there is a fantastic indoor pool with a water slide, which would be great for those with kids who want to keep them active and amused no matter the season. As far as the stuff that I like and look for, there was a decent amount of cardio equipment and weights, but some of it looked older. There was a nice hot tub and a lap pool that was kind of small. The sauna was broken, which was a bummer (my friend said it has been broken for several months already) and the women's locker room was closed, so we had to change in a family one. The group classes are pretty good, as I got to go to one while I was there and enjoyed it. It was difficult to find out how much membership costs (I couldn't easily find rates on the website). But I know that it's over $200/month for a family based on what one person told me (she was bragging about being a member and kept mentioning the cost) and there's a several hundred dollar initiation fee -- ouch! I guess if tennis is your thing and you have the funds to spare, this is probably a great club to join. While I'm glad I got to check it out, I'll look elsewhere for a regular place to work out. read more

Facilities excellent; front desk staff are sometimes just plain mean. Outdoor lap pool, outdoor hot tub and children's play pool are superb. Nice childcare and wide variety of aerobic and strength machines. Indoor play pool and lap pool are always clean. At the holiday season, management always sent members a "gift" of a guest pass for a family of four. I loved bringing friends. Front desk staff previously accepted these certificates, regardless of the year they were issued. Yesterday one of the staff suddenly refused to take a previous year's certificate. How would you feel if someone mailed you a gift and then snatched it away? It's the occasional meanness that brings the overall experience down. read more

Just an update to Liberty Athletic Club. We are no longer members of LAC... Mainly due to lack of customer service. If you have any questions or issues that you are trying to resolve, forget it. I have called about certain items and most times calls are not returned. And when they have called, they have left messages but when I try to follow up, nothing! It is like once they reach out to you, they are done with that issue. One positive about LAC: Tennis instructor Dan Goldberg! read more

Excellent for workin out for the entire family!!! They have a day care and a indoor and outdoor water park.. Awesome read more

Liberty Athletic Club - Awesome water park!! - Gyms Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Awesome gym. We moved recently from Canada and this gym has been like a second home to myself and kids. All of the classes I have attended are awesome - and all of the kids camps and classes are great too. The facility with the indoor and outdoor pool are fantastic and all of the staff are friendly and helpful. I recently started doing TRX classes and personal training with RJ and it is absolutely amazing. I've been able to achieve fitness goals that I never thought possible, while my kids enjoy playing in the AH-MA-ZING daycare facility with a GIANT play area rivaling any play-place I've ever seen. My current favourite class (next to TRX) is Kathy's spin class. Her beats are amazing and I'm dripping sweat 5 minutes in. Well worth the money! read more

We have been members for about a year now. I love Liberty in many ways. For example, the childcare is first rate and I love the outdoor/indoor year round pool. But, I do find the price given the general space a little high. The machines are okay, but many could use upgrading. The classes are very good, but given the price I don't want to have to pay more for some of the options. read more

Very condescending staff and mediocre facilities for an obscene price. 350 dollar starting fee (non-negotiable) plus 90 dollars per month, just for an individual. No they don't tell you this on the website. Apparently it's to keep the riff-raff (read: budget-conscious) out. If you are a snooty rich person or like snooty rich people you'll love this place. If not, think long and hard. read more

A disclaimer: I'm a bit of a gym/work-out snob. You can usually find me in a Equinox gym, Pure Barre or a power yoga/martial arts yoga class in Santa Monica. I'm still getting used to the fact that no one in the Midwest wears yoga clothing out for a weekend brunch. So, I just moved into the area and a friend recommended this gym to me and described it as "upscale" and full of amenities. So I had very high expectations. I came for a tour with another friend who was visiting from out of town (also a work-out snob), and we were pretty disappointed. The actual gym equipment seemed updated and clean but the general environment appeared downright depressing. The lighting was on the dimmer side which provides a more sedative effect. The indoor pool had minimal lanes and appeared slightly dirty and old. The actual classes were nothing to sweat over (literally) and I felt that the vinyasa yoga class was glorified stretching and the fit barre was equally not intensive (I did not sweat, I did not feel any burn, I did not shake and I probably burned 10 more calories than I would have if I was watching TV). The bars are also not stationary and you share the bar with a few people. Which is fine but there's nothing holding it down so while you are using it for support, so are 2-4 other people and that creates massive instability. The clientele within the classes were older, however I also attended these classes on weekday and in the mornings. The more younger crowd seemed to populate more around the exercise machines. What makes or breaks a gym for me are the classes and unfortunately, Liberty did not meet my expectations. However, if you have kids and enjoy playing tennis, they have a awesome kids section and indoor tennis courts. Don't quote me on this but I believe the initiation fee was around $350 and the monthly membership is around $100-ish. There are no discounts even if you are affiliated with UM. This definitely is cheaper than what I paid for other gym memberships but it was still not worth it for me. It was definitely a upgrade from my tour of the UM North Campus gym (which I have equated to an "insane asylum") but a downgrade from the more affordable Washtenaw Community College gym. Unlike a previous reviewer, I did not find any of the staff condescending and they were definitely more than helpful. Parking was also a plus. read more

Extremely steep membership sign up fees and monthly membership also steep, I don't think its worth it personally. $600 initiation fee for family plus the membership cost.. thats well over $700 wow. ridiculous! read more

This is truly a great place for individuals and families. After a few months, I've discovered it's much more then just a gym, they provide spa services, child care with excellent staff, outdoor and indoor tennis facilities, spin and group classes with good instructors, indoor and outdoor water parks and separate pools for lane swimming. Our membership included two sessions with a personal trainer and this was very helpful in getting started. read more

My husband and I have been living in Ann Arbor for about two years and in November or December discovered that despite having weights and an elliptical in our basement, weren't getting nearly enough exercise. After doing a little research, and being aware of the price for a membership at LAC, we decided to check it out. Ann Arbor has a few gyms, including a YMCA and trendy-looking place, both of which are downtown. Liberty is out on the west side of town which enables the facility to be large and provide ample parking. The club offers everything you need for an effective fitness regime whether you're already an athlete, looking to maintain your current health/fitness, or get in shape/lose weight. There is a huge selection of cardio equipment both on the main floor cardio area and in a more small, quiet area back behind the track. There is also a small track (around a quiet floor exercise/free weight area, group fitness studio and basketball court). There are spin classes offered in a separate room (try Saturday mornings with Chuck - he's great and the music he picks is highly entertaining) and a quiet room for stretching and floor exercise. Each membership comes with two free personal trainer sessions. While it's a little intimidating in theory, these two sessions have been incredibly valuable to someone like me who hasn't exercised regularly in years. After the first session I felt incredibly confident in my workout (which was more than just riding a bike as I had been doing... I was seriously flawed in my view of exercise). I immediately started using what I was taught and at our second session the trainer reviewed what she'd taught me so far and then added a few things. After your two sessions there is a deal where you can get three sessions at a reduced price to be used at any point. I strongly recommend taking advantage of this - it's a great way to check in or review something with which you're not comfortable. While I haven't tried it out yet, Liberty has an indoor pool. There are also two outdoor pools - an Olympic and one like you'd find at most nice hotels. I also haven't tried the spa or the tennis courts yet, but plan on using both although we usually prefer to play tennis outside when we can. There is a small snack bar area with soup, food from Arbor Farms, and smoothies (tried my first yesterday and it was great). LAC is near perfect and for those who cringe at the price, just remember: you get what you pay for. Knowledgeable trainers, a wide selection of classes, functioning equipment (not like most gyms where there's an "out of order" sign on several pieces of equipment for months on end), a good location. Too good to be true? No, it has a few minor flaws but nothing that would stop me from being a member. First of all, the "no cell phone" policy needs to be enforced. Several of us have iPhones and use them as iPods... I know that I put mine on "airplane mode" so that I can't make or receive calls or texts. Others choose to talk on the phone or, my favorite: walk the track or use machines while texting. I find this rather annoying and unsafe. If you're going to have a no cell phone rule (which I definitely like), enforce it. No one is so important they need to be connected while working out. The other rule that needs to be enforced is the one involving children. We've only really seen this during school breaks and on some weekends (when parents can't get daycare?) but it's frustrating to have the 12 and under set running around, jumping on and off of treadmills, chasing each other, etc. Some teenagers need to be reminded that swearing like a sailor, while I do it too, should be toned down in a place where others might not want to hear it. All in all: worth every penny if you choose to maximize and learn what LAC has to offer. I can't see us ever ending our membership - it's truly first class. read more

The staff are so warm and welcoming. I avoided joining this club for 17 years and feel like I've now lost 17 years of my life! It's so big and there's so many places to work out. I almost feel like it's a playground. If you can go to so many different parts of the club. Sometimes I worried I might see someone if I wasn't in the mood for chatting but seriously you could hide in any of the nooks and crannies of this place :-)They're set up so that they have exercise equipment everywhere if you don't feel like being in a crowd or if you do! And there is really something for everyone here, whether a sport or swimming or work out or relaxation or steam room or spa.it makes it perfect for families. When the kids are younger child care is great and now that our kids are older they're working out independently with us. Love the new member personal training they offer. I have heard that they might want to try some loyalty incentives for their long-term members. And that would be my only feedback. Its beyond worth every penny. Just make sure you go. read more

They will nickel and dime you to death. They charge you extra for the more conveniently located lockers, they charge you more to use massage packages that you bought as a member because you quit before you used them, so they make you pay more, as you are no longer a member. I do not recommend this gym. I imagine them holding weekly meetings titled, "How to get more money from your customers without providing more services" read more

After looking at all the gyms in Ann Arbor, we selected Liberty about 4 years ago the same week we moved to Ann Arbor. Liberty is a fantastic gym. It is especially a great place for families as they have many classes, camps, group sessions, etc. geared toward children. They also have a day care service where your child can play while you are working out. While there are many classes, group exercise, etc. for adults too, I have only tried a few as I tend to like to work out on my own or with a trainer. However, the one class I took, boot camp, which is a drop in group exercise that is free, was great and at good times throughout the day. My husband and I still use the same trainer who did our free training sessions 4 years ago, Mark, and he is very knowledgeable and a good personality fit for us. They have many experienced trainers suitable for all personality types. They have a very wide range of equipment and free weights and many different areas to choose from when working out. I have never ever had to wait to use anything. They have indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts, a steam room, whirlpool and saunas and I have used them all and they are all clean and usually in working order though sometimes people put water on the rocks in the sauna before it is hot and that breaks the sauna. They have a family changing area and men's and women's changing areas. All of which are very clean and in good working order with plenty of towels. They have an excellent spa too where you can get full body massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, etc. I have used it on occasion and love it. There are no issues with parking and parking is free. While it has social aspects, it is not a Country Club. So, if you are looking for something more akin to a Country/Social Club or aren't really into fitness, it probably isn't worth it because you will end up not using it frequently enough to justify the expense. But, if you are the kind of person who will use it several times a week and want a nice environment to work in, it is for you - especially if you have children because they will love it too. read more

I love this place. Have been a member for 10+ years. Extremely friendly staff. They have all the facilities you could want (sauna, steam room, tennis courts, basketball court, spa, daycare). They do a great job at maintaining all facilities and equipment. They have tons of equipment and it's never as busy as a lot of the more budget-type gyms I've been to in my life. read more

It's a nice, clean place to work out but LAC lacks tennis programs for women. Massages at the spa are also mediocre. The best part about Liberty is Dan Goldberg who's an exceptional teaching pro. read more

Great gym. Moved here from nyc and have been very happy at this gym. I am used to crowded gyms and very used equipment. I Toured all other gyms in the area and they are awful. Only downside here is the signup few but that was months ago and have forgot about it. The outdoor pool is what sold me. Byob and tan all day there. read more

I simply had a great time here, it's one of the best clubs I've been to. The biggest reason for this has to be the conversational, respectful, and very amicable staff. Everyone from the wonderful woman at the front desk to the attentive yet friendly lifeguards aided in increasing my overall experience. I highly recommend this club to anyone looking for a calm and jovial time. read more

I went to Liberty in search of opening a new membership. My aunt is a current member and raves about their children's day care, and the fitness classes. I am a member of WCC Health & Fitness Center, and currently moved much closer to Liberty so I went in there for a tour with great interest. My aunt told me about the "friendly" staff, and that I would be offered a day pass to try the gym out. Ya know, like all gyms. That's the real selling point, one day to try the place out. Well, I came out the day of the solar eclipse, and that's what all the staff was more interested in then telling me about their business and poor customer service. The woman who gave me the tour, I believe her name was Kathy, gave me a simple pointing "here's that, here's this" tour with little to no details or explanation, and literally not trying to sell anything to me. She was not at all charismatic or even friendly, and had a stand off attitude like I was just a student that couldn't afford their facility. I asked her about the classes offered and how many different classes are offered, and the answer I got was like she didn't know, and to find my answers online. I had my gym bag with me, and in my gym clothes, and I was never once offered a day pass to try the gym out. I was forced to buy one. The lady who gave me tour walked me through the locker rooms, didn't show me where anything was, so I was kind of lost, and also didn't explain how to use the lockers, therefore I locked my items out by accident. So besides the poor customer service, and overall friendliness, and everyone more focused on the solar eclipse than someone trying to give them money and business at their JOBS, I still wasn't overall impressed. The facility is clean, tennis courts were big and nice, the children's day care was nice too, but the fitness is NOT worth the money. You will find better and more workout equipment at planet fitness, or my gym WCC Health & Fitness Center. I couldn't find the wipes/spray to wipe down equipment anywhere, it wasn't easily accessible, and again I wasn't shown where anything was. Please save your money and go to WCC Health & Fitness Center. MUCH MUCH friendlier staff, MUCH cheaper, BETTER quality, they have a gym with basketball AND volleyball and even more classes than Liberty has to offer. There is also tennis courts there too. Sorry LAC, I wanted to like you guys. read more

I'm sorry, I find it puzzling why this place costs so much. It is very dated, dusty, dirty, smelly and it's been like this for years. Though under construction - I didn't cough just in the areas directly affected by open construction but also in kid areas. Not "the athletic club" you envision for this type of expense or title. Honestly - under these circumstances - I wouldn't join even if it was free. You work out to feel and be well not pick up asthma and such along the way. Yes the new paint and flooring might help otherwise but this place has a long way to go. The good part here is - the staff is very nice! read more

Great place! Best club in the area. Have had a family membership for about 20 years and have worked out at least once a week for every year. My kids learned to swim on the swim team and still work out three. So does my wife. Great classes. Great personal trainers and staff. Lots of different options to keep fit. My wife and daughter trained for their first triathlon there. I highly recommend it. My life would not be the same without it. read more

As a longtime member of Liberty, here's why I think Liberty is the best fitness and athletic facility in the Ann Arbor area: 1) Facilities are well maintained and receive regular updates 2) Equipment is well maintained and replaced when new or better is available 3) Extent of facilities and equipment include indoor and outdoor tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, four or more types of resistance training equipment, rowing machines, treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, spin bikes, mag bikes, fan bikes, recumbent bikes, indoor basketball court, indoor track, and multiple private instruction rooms. Spa, multiple locker rooms, showers, saunas, healthy cafe, reception area, and several staffed customer service desks 4) Staff includes many credentialed personal trainers, as well as trained class and individual instructors 5) Classes galore. Check out the course offerings on their website for the current listing, which is constantly evolving 6) Membership fitness programs and challenges for weight loss, flexibility, and strength 7) MyZone facility, offering in-club workout data monitoring, as well as electronic journaling through the MyZone company, accessible by phone app of pc. 8) Kid camps, classes, private lessons, and daycare Liberty is a family-oriented club that is attractive and fun for people of all ages. It is a welcoming fitness club with phenomenal offerings. It is locally and lovingly owned. I highly recommend this facility. read more