I didn't renew my membership--this is an addendum to the review. The pool is awful, so chlorinated (despite their protests) that it killed my sense of smell and bleached out my swimsuit. I would steer clear. Ok I joined. It's expensive, but for a family membership (we paid for a year) it's reasonable, I guess. I haven't belonged to a gym in a long time, and I do appreciate the pool, but it's very chlorine-y smelling despite their insistence of saline. It also annoys me that there are some classes that are hard to work in, for me. Why does everyone else want classes at dinnertime? Or 6am? Also, all the places you can swim around town seem to have happy fun nekkid locker room time, which I am not into. I do like the steam room but I just can't stomach the nekkid jacuzzi. I really like the women's locker room though since there are change rooms, so you can have a little privacy, but it bums me out that if you swim and then want to work out (or vice-versa) you have to drag all of your stuff several floors. And the pool locker room doesn't have changing booths (but their showers are more private) I wish they would give out slightly bigger towels for the pool area too, but we just bring ours. We are not overly large people and their towels don't quite go around you. I've taken a belly dancing class that kinda went a bit fast for me (I'm rusty, haven't taken in 10 years) and the "ecstatic dance" class was --er-- weird, but it wound up being more fun than I expected. I like that they have cleaning solution for the machines, but not everyone uses it. Sigh. I also like that there are tv's and you can plug your own earphones in if you want to watch (but mostly I have my ipod) and that they don't allow cell phones. I might think about upping them a star just for that... read more

This is such an incredible gym. Open 24 hrs Monday through Friday works great for me since I work nights. The staff is always warm, respectful and welcoming. Always ready to help with anything they can. Not to mention I feel very safe here. It's not your average meat market of a workout environment. Great selection of classes and training options too. I love their pool, plenty of space to do take a swim even if you're not an avid swimmer. Their month to month payment plan option is perfect. read more

This gym is great! The staff are all super friendly, the facility is clean and well maintained (albeit a confusing floorplan), there's a plethora of classes to choose from, and might I add, it's open 24 hours a day. There was NO pressure to join, new members are treated to an array of perks, and the fee is all inclusive (yes, that means equipment and towel service). After a dismal tryout at LA Fitness, OAC came through in a clutch. 5 stars!!!! read more

This is a best in class club, from the professionalism of the staff, cleanliness of the venue, quality of amenities (love the family pool), service and responsiveness of the front office, and intention of keeping the member enrollment to a certain number so it doesn't ever feel crowded. I truly felt like I was in a resort and spa. I wish there were more locations in WA. I highly recommend OAC to anyone (singles, couples, and families) and wouldn't say that about other establishments. The one thing that I wish would be different is offering more parking for members. Parking in Ballard is tight, so I understand the situation. read more

Just joined this club and am generally happy overall, with one reservation. The positives are a nice staff, attractive entry and common areas, and the top floor with a timbered equipment room with views over to the channel. Also nice locker room (men's). Not so great: the lack of a clean, unique stretching area. The one they have, located on a mid-platform level in the back of the building (among aerobic machines, looking over to the racquetball courts) is a joke. Small, dirty, with loose equipment lying around, and hemmed in by machines, it's not conducive to one of the most important things you need to do at some point in a workout session, which is stretch. This whole area in general is kind of dowdy and not the cleanest. It's kind of weird, since the rest of the club is much nicer and better maintained. So for me, that part of the club doesn't appeal, but the rest of it is really nice, and the staff is very friendly and professional, so there you go ... read more

My wife and I have been members for 8 years now! I love that I can go almost any time of the day or night, and find a machine, or a free weight bench, or a class to get me sweating. Everyone who works here is great, the trainers really want to help you achieve your goals, and the clientele are also usually pretty friendly. 2 pools, multiple different types of weight training equipment, more elliptical machines than fingers and toes, and all sorts of great classes. The best gym in Seattle! read more

Overall it's a gym- its pretty spendy but you do get the plus of a pool, hot tub and sauna. I can always get a seat in spin class and that adds value for me. One of the major plus to this gym is that it's not over crowded. Thankfully they have been renovating the gym over the last year because the previous look left something to be desired. The gym is getting modernized and is much prettier in the updated portions. One other little quirk is that the up stairs cardio room overlooks Ballard ave and in the summer you can smell BBQ when the windows are open. I always have mixed feelings about that. read more

Excellent, thank you. When I called several weeks ago and explained my situation, I was told that was not the case. Thank you for clarifying. Once Seattle is moved to phase 3, I will be restarting my membership. read more

I started back at Olympic last month. I worked with a trainer for my first month back, which was extremely helpful to get me back on track and in a routine. Now they have the club open for "open gym" use for only $15 per hour. They have made a lot of positive changes to keep everyone safe and distanced. They are only letting a limited number of people in at a time. The club is gigantic and the maximum capacity is clearly posted for each room. I've basically had the place to myself every time I've been in. They shut down for cleaning and disinfecting after every open gym session for a half hour. Classes only have up to five people. Disinfectant cleaner and hand sanitizer is in every room. I love the place and I'm so happy to be working out again. read more

Although the club is definitely older than your LA Fitness or the like, the customer service is great and the facility is awesome. I love the crazy layout and appreciate the many amenities, such as the steam/sauna/hot tub/tanning, even if I don't use them all. **Stay out of tanning beds, people!!!** :) Parking on the street can be tricky, but once you join, you get a parking pass and it eases that trouble. Another plus- they are 24-hours M-F which is nice for people with awkward schedules or early risers. read more

top notch! I've been working out here (swimming and weights) with my son for 4 years. Friendly personnel, clean facilities, and really cool ambience (in an old, well remodeled building). read more

The weight room is back to usable again--the New Year craziness seemed to settle down by March/April. It's still busy at times, but at least now I can get my workouts done without too much hassle. I'm still longing for more space, though. They've added 6 Zumba classes, too, which are too much fun to seem like exercise. They're not overcrowded yet, either, though a few seem to be getting close. read more

I have been a member with OAC for a little over a year. Pros : treadmill, elliptical, and StairMaster have individual cable televisions you can plug your headphones into. The gym is 24 hour and open most holidays. Free classes. Hot trainers. Eucalyptus steam room and standard sauna. Month to month membership/no contract. Cons: The place is p-a-c-k-e-d from like 4-7. You literally cannot get a machine. the pool is small. They give out towels but are kind of sticklers about only taking 1. Parking is a drag during peak hours. The ventilation makes it so it is very hot in the summer and smelly when somebody doesn't wear deodorant (I literally have to leave the room). This gym is really the biggest bang for your buck at around $60 and full amenities. I recommend the ab lab and cycling classes. If you are considering buying, now is the time as they are expanding the pool and other things this year. read more

Reunited and it feels so good! I loved OAC when I lived in Ballard 6 years ago, but now that the remodel is done I love it even more. The staff as always are very friendly and helpful. The locker rooms are always clean and the new pool is fantastic! My only wish is that it was saline like the downstairs pool. I havent taken advantage of any of the classes yet, but I am looking forward to that. I wish some classes were offered a little later in the day as I commute from work in Bellevue and cant always make it there in time. All in all, the gym has a lot of bang for your buck and I am so glad I moved back to this hood! read more

Beautiful facilities, top of the line equipment and a fair price. Layout of club can be confusing and parking is a little tough. Small price to pay though for any outstanding athletic club. read more

Been a member now for three years. Thinking about leaving. The noise of the place has started to become excessive. Trainers all seem to be talking loudly to their clients and mostly about personal stuff. They seem to mostly talk but there is little working out going on. Racquetball courts are incredibly noisy. The noise from the courts is obnoxious, both from the balls being smashed and/or players screaming at each other. I realize it is a f-ing gym and not a library but the lack of consideration for others is unbelievable. Lastly rates went up recently. I think the gym and racquetball courts were redone. That is great if you use them which I don't. The equipment I use (treadmills) do not seem to have been updated since the year 2000. Recently have had to wait for treadmills because many are broken. Plus video and sound quality sucks on many of them. Want to leave but starting over at another gym sucks. read more

Seems they don't want new members? I went by at 8am while I was getting an oil change. They said the membership person would be there at 9. Great, went back at 9 and told two others before me and to write my name and number down to get to talk to someone in an hour or two... welp, oil change is done and I'm out and not going to be a member now, I guess. Seems there could be a better system... How is there no one else that has info? read more

I would give this gym five stars if unicorns existed but they don't. This is the consummate example of a health club. The interior was well designed and the facilities immaculate. The men's locker room extremely clean and both saunas work perfectly. This place is not for people on a budget but you definitely get what you pay for. My personal favorite is the indoor cycling. They really got it right here. The teach indoor "cycling" and not spinning. Spot on for you cyclists out there. read more

I've been here a few months now, and I've been going pretty regularly. Yay for me! I did the complimentary personal training session with Dave, and he was good. Showed me how to use weights and do circuit training. After that, I was able to do it on my own, and I could feel the results immediately. The group exercises have been good: - Zumba (Judith wasn't so good, Daniel is really good) - belly dancing (sort of fun, but not much of a work out) - boot camp (expect to get tired and sweaty and sore the next day, but you can go at your own pace and no one yells at you for being slow) - kickboxing (this class is really intense...) Overall, I'm satisfied with my membership at OAC. There's a variety of things to choose from and I'm happy with the facilities. read more

This place is great! I just signed up for a membership about a month ago and I'm already a fan! Here are my Pros and Cons: Pros: - Showers! I was surprised to hear that some gyms in the area don't have showers on-site! - Hot tub IN the women's locker room!!! This alone should make you want to sign up! - Towel service. It's nice not having to lug around towels when I go to the gym. - Free classes. Most of their classes are included in the membership, which I love! I don't have to pay extra for Yoga or Spin classes (although there are some specialty classes that require a minimal fee). - No waiting for equipment. I usually go in the mornings & sometimes at night, but I have never had to wait for a treadmill or elliptical machine. I sometimes lift weights, too, and have always found space. - Free parking in Ballard. - 2 pools! This is a huge plus! I hear the lane situation can get a little busy and I think you have to sign up for a lane and a time, but it's a nice option for those of us who'd rather do a few laps. - Premium locker rooms! You don't have to bring your own lock, there are both a sauna and a steam room in the women's locker rooms, plus the showers are plentiful and you don't have to stand around for them. I also like the private women's workout room in the back of the locker room. It's nice doing my stretches without the fear of some creepy guy staring at my ass. Cons: - The towel service is great, but you have to grab your towels when you first walk in. There are no towels in the locker rooms. This can be a HUGE inconvenience when I forget to grab my towels. Walking down and back up 2 flights of stairs after a strenuous workout isn't fun. So, don't forget your towels!!! - They promote their gym to be 24 hours, but it's actually not. They're open 24 hours a day during the week, but on Saturday and Sunday evenings they're closed for cleaning. - Some areas of the gym are a little outdated, as well as some of their equipment, but it's still a lot better than what you'd find at some other gyms that are the same price. read more

Number one reason I joined this gym: the staff. Every time I've gone and visited a gym I've received the longest, most annoying sales pitch to get you to join all of their programs. Not the case here. I went in, asked for a trial, was given a quick, friendly tour, and sent on my merry way to work out. Then I went to join, and same deal, sign on this line, get your parking pass and off you go to work out. It was so refreshing. The facilities are nice, nothing spectacular, but well maintained and clean. They have a wide variety of cardio equipment and I've never had to wait to use one, even during peak hours. I have yet to try out the pool, but have heard good things about it. Overall I'm extremely happy with this gym and would recommend it to anyone looking for a more laid-back workout atmosphere. It's friendly, affordable, open 24 hours and right in the heart of Ballard! read more

This is by far the best gym in Seattle. My husband and I go here and we love it. We are always greeted with a friendly smile when we arrive and when we leave. We had a wonderful experience from the beginning when we signed up with Melissa. She was super helpful and knowledgable about every amenity the gym has to offer. She really made us feel comfortable as new members. I feel like I can reach out to her if I ever have any questions (which has never been the case at other gyms I have worked out at). The gym itself is beautiful and extremely clean! There are never machines out of order and I can always find one available any time I go in to workout. You can't beat the price for everything the club as to offer: classes, swimming, childcare, parking etc. I'm so happy we decided to join this gym, and would recommend it to anyone who lives in the area! read more

Six months ago I probably would have given this place more stars. However they are cleaning house and a lot of the front desk staff that have worked there for years and made the place feel welcoming have left! Front desk definitely is not as friendly as before. And their cleaning staff is hit-or-miss. Most of them are so kind and friendly. However there was this one lady who yelled at me about picking up my towels. I was just sitting in the hot tub. I didn't leave any towels on the ground. And then she continued to go on about how rude it was that people didn't pick up their towels. Look I get it! But I didn't leave my towel so why are you yelling at me? They don't have any aerobics classes for working parents in the evenings and they are mostly focused around weight training. Yoga with Will and Alex is great and so is Zumba with Daniel and their child care is top notch and hasn't changed much. But honestly that's the only reason why I stay. Even our long time swim instructor left. read more

I have been a member of OAC for almost 6 months. I do like their facility and classes especially yoga. The instructors are experienced, very kind and motivate their students well. The changing rooms are always clean which I appreciate. My kid takes swimming lessons there too. The private swimming teachers are experienced and great, but those who teach very beginners in group lessons are inexperienced. Most of them don't know how to deal with kids. The reason why I give only 3 stars is that their customer service is unbelievably awful regardless the great facility. Almost all of them working at the reception are rude and should not be working there! Quite a few friends of mine who have been a member of the gym complain the same thing! They don't greet their customers and working unhappily. Last week when I went ask a question regarding the gym to one of them, she yawned and looked so bored of being there while I was asking...unbelievable. I would give 5 stars if they train or fire the lazy receptionists:-) read more

Excellent for families! Kids always have a great time in the family pool. We have been dedicated members for 5 years now.

I'm a fan. They have tons of equipment and I've never had to wait to use a machine. I love the kickboxing classes most of all. But the step, ab, and spin classes are all awesome too. The air doesn't flow very well, but they have lots of fans for that. And the whole place is a bit maze-like at first, but isn't pretty simple once you've walked around a few times. All in all, the place is great. read more

This is club simply the best health club ANYWHERE in Seattle. It's spotless, well maintained, beautiful and inspiring to be in and staff is top notch. There's a reason why people have been members here for 30+ years. In fact, there are often families that span 3 generations working out together! This club is as good as it gets. No other health club can match OAC. read more

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The best place in town. This place could be perfect, epic, 5 stars but parking is kind of limited in Ballard. If you walk or bike, you are all set to enjoy paradise but if you drive and want to take a class arrive early since parking gets complicated during peak hours. Street parking is only for two hours and parking enforcement is very keen. The place is awesome 2 hours is not enough for me. My kid is older now but kids korner used to be wonderful, neat, clean, organized. A+ I wish they had a family room by the pool but if your kiddos are 6 and younger you'll be fine. Zumba with Daniel is so fun and very authentic. Check it out, try it and chances are you'll love it. read more

Success Story! When I became an Olympic Athletic Club member in Ballard 20+ years ago, my children were very young and I sorely needed a place to work out. After dragging myself to the pool the first day, I started small and began swimming 30 minutes once a week. I hoped to find the long lost national competitive swimmer inside me that was MIA due to (ahem) a few extra pounds. OAC soon became a comforting escape. The good news is the former swimmer did emerge and after regular workouts, I just competed in the 2016 U.S. National Championships for masters swimming. I also qualified for and swam in the 2014 World Championships in Montreal. Thanks to OAC for this success story! I was able to swim at weird hours like 10pm after my kids were asleep, plus the club met my needs in many other ways. To be honest, I've been hesitant to write this recommendation because I know the membership will grow due to the gorgeous renovations and new pool. However, I'm so grateful to OAC that I've decided to overcome my own selfish desire to keep the pool to myself and let others know about this fantastic resource in Ballard. One more thing: I volunteered to tell this story. : ) read more

Don't waste your money. Seriously! The club is dirty, women's locker room is always full of hair everywhere, dirty towels and the hot tub NEVER works (after waiting almost a year if not more for it to be "properly coded" for Seattle). They have THE WORST customer service. Machines are always dirty too. Oh, and parking is difficult. They have signs saying that they have added parking, but that parking lot has been theirs for 10yrs now. NEW? read more

Well I was a member here for about 5 months and finally had enough. The problem? The people. 4 times over this timespan I walked up to an empty piece of equipment only to have somebody run up from a conversation they were having or another piece of equipment to tell me "they were using it". Seriously? One guy even tried to pick a fight with me. Ridiculous behavior from grown adults. I know there isn't much a gym can do about its members, but there are some things they could work on to make it less of an issue. First off, I know it looks super elite to spread out all the workout equipment in the weight room, but this means less equipment, which means people are going to act just as they did and try and hog everything so as not to have to wait. Second, yes there are rules signs that no one ever reads telling them not to hog equipment, but why exactly is the staff all sequestered to the front desk? They don't say hello or goodbye (most of them) or really even acknowledge anyone on their way in or out. I was the first to say something most of the time. So really, you need 3-4 people at the desk to answer phones, fold towels, and swipe cards? Seems like a waste of overhead. Why not have them walking around, racking weights, being present and engaged with your member base? It's not that easy and I don't know what I'm talking about? I was an operations manager at gyms for 10 years. I have a wee bit of experience in the industry. And don't get me wrong, it's not the staff members at the desk to blame. They are just doing what they have been taught to do. Come on management. Why not bring your service standards up to your renovation standards? Third, why is the only air conditioned area at the front desk? Do you know why they find a correlation between ice cream sales and violent crimes? HEAT. It may make your members less agro if they didn't feel like they where on fire. Yes, it's an old building, but you could at least put some shades on the giant windows. I shouldn't be sweating before I even start. I will say your maintenance team and porter team do GREAT work with the equipment and cleanliness. They are the ones getting the extra star. So if you like an endless stream of stroller moms in the way who use a gym as a social gathering place to get away from their kids, middle aged men with egos that don't allow them to share, and young teenage guys who enjoy watching TV and texting while sitting on equipment, maybe this is the gym for you. As for me, I find it to be a good representation of "the new Ballard": a little soulless and incredibly pretentious. read more

Freaking Capitalist Pigs ! They went and remodeled their gym into a fancy, smancy yuppie haven complete with freaking chandaliers and big mirrors and spiral staircases and new lockers and then they KICKED me OUT ! That's right - these enemies of the proletariat, just cancelled the Silver Sneakers Program that many seniors rely on for their life-blood of exercise. Not a word from these freaking 1%'ers - not even goodbye and thank you. I got a letter from Social Security telling me that as of March 1 - I'm history at Olympic Athletic Club ! NOW - they want me to PAY to go there ...like 55 bucks reduced rate. IT WAS FREE - you greedy sons of *******'s ! It's looks real nice there now - but it feels a whole lot stupider ! Nothing has really changed exercise wise. New Machines seem cheaper and the new locker rooms are nicer ...but just as crowded as the old. The old machines are really not kept up very well ...about 1 in 5 of the ellipticals [my favorite !] ... the TV don't work ...or the headphone jack ...or the heartrate monitor. I don't know how these people can look at themselves in their new big mirrors ! PIGS ! I gibs it 3 stars anyway . -2 for the Pig thing. read more

I bought a year-long membership here several months ago and regret having committed for that long. It's a decent gym, but it's really not worth the price tag. PROS: - The pool is amazing. Saltwater, rarely full, well maintained. - The locker room/sauna/jacuzzi area is the nicest of any gym where I've been a member. I can't say I care very much about this aspect of the gym, but it's quite nice. CONS: - As others have mentioned, the layout is really funky. I also feel like it's unnecessarily hot in here, which makes running on a treadmill even more painful than usual. You're only allowed to open the windows when it isn't raining, but hello, it's Seattle, why would you ever run on a treadmill if it wasn't raining. - I find the classes incredibly underwhelming. I've tried the majority of them at this point, with the exception of the ones that cost additional money, since I'm already paying a lot for this gym membership, and I haven't been impressed. I go to classes to get motivated and energized, and that just doesn't happen here. - The front desk attendants are NOT helpful. They're perfectly friendly, but can't be bothered if you lose something or need something additional. - It's too pricey for what you get. I'll miss the pool, but I will definitely not be renewing my membership when it expires. read more

Melissa M., thank you for commenting. This is what my contract with the Olympic Athletic Club says: "Applicant will have the option to renew at the same annual rate that he or she originally paid for his or her Prestige Membership." OAC honored this contract for five years and then chose not to honor it this year. I do not see where the confusion is. Furthermore, I did not get a cover letter with an explanation and the increase in the rate was 41%, which is hardly marginal. read more

I am writing an update to my previous review. I want to say that I am very happy with the OAC under the new ownership and with the major renovation. They have made this a five-star athletic club, with excellent equipment, trainers, and classes. I really enjoy their spinning and Pilates classes, to name just a few. I do wish they would add morestate of the art equipment for their Pilates's class, but the instructor, Char, is phenomenal, The front desk is always courteous and helpful, too. Bottom line, the new OAC is a fantastic addition to the Ballard - Fremont neighborhood. ------- My husband and I had been members for 5-plus years. We loved the laid-back atmosphere, the offered classes, and 'mostly' friendly staff. When we found out that some of the new members were getting offers at significantly lower rates, we asked someone in membership about it, and we were assured that this false. The funny thing is that one of the people who received this incredible discounted rate was a neighbor. However, member ship insisted that this was not true. Hmmm... Then we were offered a discounted rate "For Life" because of how long we had been members and the fact that we were not using the gym very often. We said great! When we went to sign the new contract, the $$ was written down incorrectly, and we asked for it to be corrected. We were assured it would be fixed. Naively, we believed them. It wasn't. When we came to renew a year later, we were not given the promised rate. And when we reminded them of the promised rate, we were told it was not true, AND we had no documentation to prove it, even though we both had been told this. Bottom line, management is not trustworthy. read more

I have been a member for a very long time and I use it frequently. The new amenities are nice, but I find a lot of the machines on the second floor have issues that aren't being addressed, I.e., the earphone ports don't work, the rubber on the handle of one machine has needed replacing for months, there are no fans available and even though it is usually freezing in there, I still need a fan. I used to enjoy the club a lot more, but now I can NEVER FIND A FREAKIN PARKING PLACE! I avoid peak times, but it is stilI really hard to find a spot, I guess they are opening a new lot some day, but they have been saying that for months. Also, many of the classes are often packed so its hard to get in unless you get there early. The pools are very nice and I would like the water aerobics but even those classes are pretty full. Maybe they should schedule a few more classes? The gym is empty much of the day, maybe something new like badminton or pickle ball or ? Those wouldn't really need an instructor, which may be part of the problem. There are quite a few of us "more mature" members and they do offer senior classes. However, a lot of us are not ready for those yet and would love to see some other alternatives. Anything but the current 4 hours of basketball. I can't help but notice that several of the 5 star reviews seemed pretty similar, listing all the new amenities, etc., they seem a bit "scripted"? read more

There are enough bad reviews about: mystery pricing, rude staff, and most importantly a rude owner that I have lost interest in joining. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for an owner to be rude to a customer, take the higher ground ASSHOLE. OAC can cycle people through all they want but at some point the good old fashioned rule of "treating customers like Gold" applies and, from a marketing standpoint, is far cheaper. Provide excellent service in a well maintained facility and you don't need to constantly look for a new supply of customers - yes, even in the fitness business. I learned that in Business 101. I will go where I'm treated well and the business is run on the level - even if it may cost me more. read more

I checked my records to confirm that I have been a member of Olympic Athletic Club (OAC) for 10 years. There have been lots of changes since 2007, but the basics that made me a believer in this gym are the atmosphere, the pool, the wide range of classes, with expert instruction, and the friendly members. Many of the teachers I have gotten to know over the years have taught at OAC on a long-term basis. They are quite friendly, passionate about exercise and make working out together a very positive experience. These teachers enjoy what they do, so this positive energy flows to the group. It's always been such a win-win situation. It doesn't hurt either that OAC happens to be located in one of my favorite neighborhoods. Ballard is hip, fun and there are dozens of places to drop in for a drink and a bite with friends after working out. Parking is an issue in this popular neighborhood, and I wouldn't go back over and over again if I didn't think it was worth the effort, and let's face it occasional hassle to find parking. Years ago, you were rewarded with a free two-hour parking space at the conclusion of searching for a spot, but fast-forward to the present and the City of Seattle will be collecting funds while you park, unless you luck out and get an OAC-approved parking spot, for use during gym visits only. OAC went through a major remodel a few years ago, but I adapted without much if any complaints as the final result was a significant up-grade, including a second adult-only lap pool, new men's and women's locker rooms, new carpeting, light fixtures and overhaul of many workout spaces. Again, it was the basics I referred to earlier that were the glue holding together my love of OAC. Over time, I have shared my positive experiences with many and have encouraged then to check out the gym. For me to arrive at a feeling of disappointment is saying a lot as I have been an OAC supporter for 2 months shy of a decade! What has made me arrive at my current state is a negative experience with a teacher who didn't make me feel welcomed, encouraged or supported. I left the gym with a negative feeling, and I must say this in an unusual but noted experience. I'm sorry to say that I will be looking elsewhere for yoga classes and feel letdown. I got this undeniable feeling of a teacher who is uppity and an asshole. This sort of behavior is a dramatic departure from anything I have previously experienced, but my experience can't be overlooked. So begins my search for new places to take yoga classes in Seattle and maybe I'll find it well worth the effort to expand my options. Meanwhile, I'll continue other classes I enjoy at OAC as long as my experience continues to be a positive one. read more

I loved Olympic Athletic when I first joined, but there are a lot of negatives. There is almost NEVER parking, they have been building a new parking structure for months that was suppose to be ready in February - still no word. My biggest complaint is that they upped my fee 10 dollars without sending a letter - making it a pretty steep membership fee every month and was just not worth that much. I cancelled my membership when they cancelled the evening zumba classes with no warning, I love the teacher and found it to be a great workout. It's definitely a nice gym with friendly staff, but not my favorite. read more

I've been a member for almost six months now and I have mixed feelings. My wife and I bought a year membership upfront and received three months free, which was a big chunk but saved a lot overall. The gym is a bit like a McMenamins hotel (if you've ever been to one). It's an old hotel that has been turned into a gym so there are workout studios, weights, and machines scattered throughout the place. It's a neat set-up. Definitely better than the typical meat-market warehouse gyms with dozens of machines all lined up in one room like something out of a scary sci-fi film. The downside is that the building has poor heating and cooling. In the winter the staff opens windows to cool things off, which tends to lead to freezing cold workout rooms (More than once I've had to lift weights with my winter hat on). Now that it is warming up in the 70s and 80s the room with treadmills is like running through a swamp in the deep south. Unless you have a fan directly on you, expect to get dehydrated pretty quickly. On the upside, this gym has about anything you would want to do and unlike some gyms, it's all included with your membership. There are a few specialized classes that cost extra, but not many. There's all the usual machines and weights, there's basketball, racket ball, yoga classes, spin classes, all the popular dance/ workout type classes (which I've never done, but look entertaining), the staff has always been friendly with me, and despite the parking being scattered all over Old Ballard, I've never had a problem finding a spot (and your parking pass gets you a good parking spot if you go to the bars in the evening; wink, wink). One major con for me is the pool situation. It sucks. Period. All around. I joined primarily because my old gym didn't have a pool and I was starting my training for a summer triathlon. Be forewarned: A) The pool is only 18 yards long. If you're a swimmer, you are aware that this is about 7 yards shorter than a short course swimming pool, so learn to love flip turns because you'll be doing a lot of them. If you're training for anything swimming related, go elsewhere. You have to do two extra laps per 100 yards, and you've barely gotten your momentum going before you're turning again. It's impossible to get into a flow and even if you can, you're only allowed 30 minutes at a time, which brings me to my next point; B) Good luck getting a lane. I've gone at 6AM; I've gone at 6PM, and about every hour in between trying to find a time of day where every lane is not full with people on the waiting list. It doesn't exist. Be prepared to wait, and be prepared to get kicked out of your lane at exactly 30 minutes. If you swim at a race pace, you might get half of a decent workout in before being forced out by the next in line. C) For some reason the staff refuses to put all the lane lines in the pool, so it gets a bit turbulent. Not a horrible thing, but it would a more pleasant experience on everyone if the staff spent two minutes putting all the lines in for lap swim. I've written several times to request that they do this, but have never received a response. Fortunately, they are building a new building attached to the current building which will have a new pool. I can only hope it's a standard length and allows people time to do a full workout. read more