Up until a few days ago, I would have said this is the best gym I've been a member of. But it only takes one bad experience to put an end to that sentiment. I attended the most recent SB Athletic Club member celebration party, and was having a great time. They did a great job decorating the pool area with hanging lights, as well as lighted balls inside the pool itself. As my friends and I were enjoying drinks and conversation poolside, we started to feel splashes of water on our faces/arms. We quickly realized it was the lighted balls being thrown around, and just as quickly joined into the fun. (In retrospect, whether or not that was appropriate is questionable, but the dozen or so of us spread around the pool were having a great time!) As I was looking around the pool to see where the next thrown ball was coming from, I feel a push from my left side. I astoundingly looked over, and angrily asked who they were- in which I got the response that I should stop throwing the balls. I ignored him (oops) and continued with the fun with the other folks. From there, he made it clear that he was a staff member and asked me to leave. Unhappy with that, I told him I was a paying member and not a mere guest, in which he responded that I was no longer a member. Turns out this man that pushed me was the general manager Tom Horne. I did leave, and told him I would call him in the morning. The next morning, I got an email that my membership was terminated. As I was planning on it anyway, I went ahead and responded by first apologizing for things said, but also reminded him of his part in this situation as well (i.e. he pushed me). He did not deny that he did, nor apologized! After a good part of the day with both email and verbal correspondence, his only apology was that his decision stands and that he would review an application of reinstatement in 6 months. I'm sorely disappointed with the general manager and his responses. I use this great facility for rehab purposes, especially the pool for weightless exercise. Although I'm not minimizing my part in this, I am offended of the lack of acknowledgement for the management's inappropriate physical actions. Although the athletic club chooses to put on these great events with music and alcohol, it is clear that management and staff are not trained to handle it. Although once a fan of the SB Athletic Club, I am no longer. One extremely mishandled situation has lost them an avid supporter. An apology would have sufficed. read more

I came by to check out this gym and staff looked at me like I was a alien and wouldn't let me look at gym because I had my service dawg they were super rude. They didnt invite me back and were not friendly at all. My guess is they fake the funk most of the time and dont really care about members. Not to mention this gym is a rip off way over priced which is why they dont have prices on the website. They charge a $500 initiation fee. They try upsell when you come in and make it seem way better then it is. You have to pay for alot once you are inside beside water coffee but for paying over $100 a month you should be able to a few shakes or juices. It's not the money driving me away though it's the customer service, I was blown away at the attitude from all the people up front. I just moved up her from San Diego and this is the type of gym we like similar to the one we went to in San Diego where we paid 145 each my wife and I for a state of the art gym on top of the city. I just cant go back to Swell after how rude they were to me I dont know why. I think because I had my service dog and they were judging me like I wasn't good enough or fit enough. It took me awhile to write this review it was over a month ago when this happened. Just isn't cool that I can't go to a nicer gym and get good sevice. We go to Santa Barbara Gym and Fitness now and people here are much nicer and cool but it doesnt have all the stuff we want but I feel better giving my money to a good company that has good employees. Santa Barbara Gym and Fitness also has much better hours. You do not have any stuck up vibes like I encountered at Swell when they belittled me and judge me as if I wasn't good enough for their gym. read more

I am writing to report unprofessional and inappropriate conduct by Tennis Instructor Mikala Triplett, to whom I entrusted my children for private tennis lessons as well as Summer Camp programming. During this time, I paid Ms. Triplett cash directly for lessons, with the understanding that these payments would be properly recorded and applied to my Swell account statements. These payments were not reflected on Swell statements, raising concerns regarding financial transparency and professional responsibility. More concerning, Ms. Triplett engaged in inappropriate and unprofessional behavior unrelated to tennis instruction, including sending unsolicited, unprofessional messages and lewd text messages to my husband. This behavior represents a serious breach of professional boundaries and is entirely unacceptable, particularly given her role working with minors and families. I trusted Ms. Triplett with the care and instruction of my children and expected conduct consistent with the standards of a professional instructor and representative of your organization. Her actions have caused distress and undermined that trust. read more

This is absolutely the best Club in Santa Barbara and the best place to workout in town. PERIOD! They just did a full remodel, which was tough to get through honestly, but now that it is done the Club is amazing. I came across the Club on Yelp and saw the mixed reviews and had to add my 2 cents. The functional training area is great AND you don't even have to be with a trainer to use it. The locker rooms are ok and get the job done, not luxurious but not dirty either. Steam room / sauna in locker room is great but I love the Jacuzzi by the pool better than the one in the locker room. Everyone is very helpful and great service at the Club. It really is a fun place to go, I actually look forward to working out. The Earthbar has the best ACAI bowls in town, I swore by Backyard bowls but these are way more flavorful. I get one 3 times a week! Anyhow, I love it and will only go to SBAC as long as I'm here. There really isn't anything else like it. read more

I joined the SBAC when I moved to SB less than one year ago. I have been members of other clubs in Europe in the past, but I can really see a difference. This is much more than a great fitness club. Classes are at the top: spinning, yoga, pilates, master swim, boxing, bootcamp, ... I tried all of them! Small group training is an amazing workout, as well as pilates sessions in the Integrity center. And Survivor is a great challenge! You can play squash and get hints in the nutrition lectures. And on top of this ... you can meet friends and enjoy great events. I am definitely happy to be a member! read more

My wife and I have been members of several athletic clubs over the years and we discovered SBAC about 7 years ago. We have been members ever since because it was the only club we found that maintained a high quality teaching staff, high quality classes, and a wide variety of classes and times that suits our busy schedules. The club introduced us both to squash and now that is a really enjoyable part of our lives. The members here are nice, interesting and many have become friends. We build our days now around our visits to the club. There are cheaper clubs we've found, but not better clubs. read more

I have been at the Athletic Club for about year. I was reluctant to change gyms after being a loyal member of Spectrum for over 20 years. I am happy to say it was the right decision. I find the members and the staff very friendly. Jeremiah is always cheerful, helpful and accommodating. I can always find a group class that works for me. I enjoy both pools, the sauna and the outdoor space. It feels like a secluded spa. They are currently upgrading the locker rooms and the grounds a bit to make it even classier. I look forward to a long term membership. Janet L. read more

I love to spend my majority of time at Santa Barbara Athletic Club, because I enjoy playing squash. I heard there is no squash athletic club between Los Angeles and San Francisco. I enjoy doing yoga, Pilate, ballroom dance, Brazilian dance, Hip Hop, and many other interesting classes. The instructors are encouraging, the staffs are friendly, the management are attentive to the members, and the other members make me feel at home. read more

this place has gone downhill tremendously after acquisition by Swell. Gym equipment is old and dirty. Pool is over-chlorinated; health-hazard. One of original founding members of this club, my old friend Jeremy, would roll over in his grave if he can see what this club has become. Worse of all, staff is completely unhelpful and outright conceited. I'm joining The Gym in Carp, much better atmosphere. read more

Best health club in Santa Barbara. I go three times or more a week, and always feel like a welcome guest. Full service, clean, always clean. No hectic workout scene, so it feels as though you can be free to do what you like. I hear the spin classes, lunchtime lift, and Pilates are great. Yoga too. Have been a member for two months and loving it! read more

Our family loves the Athletic club. It's clean, which I am a stickler for. And it's the only gym that has child care that I trust. It has high standards and we really appreciate that. Everyone that works at the kids club is great. And I truly have peace of mind while my daughter is there while I take a class. Thank you SBAC. read more

Easily---EASILY--the best place to work out in SB. A bit more expensive than others, but group classes are light years better than alternatives, nicest weight rooms, only place with good weights AND a nice pool, sauna, steam, jacuz, super fun staff that throws awesome parties. This place is part of the downtown experience! read more

Tried it again b/c of their adversising. Having a bunch of towels around ("Full towel service) does not make up for the inferior equipment and plumbing. Certainly not a "premier world class facility". And, the place smells terrible in some areas. Feels like a high end used car sales place. read more

Nice staff, good classes and equipment. Showers and lockers are getting a 'bit beat'. Lounge chairs at the pool also need some replacement. All in all, a really nice place. I am sure they will do the improvements needed over the near term. read more

SBAC is a great place! I spend most of my time in the swell room (cross fit). Its not always crowded, however when it is crowded i want to just leave. The staff is actually top notch and make the gym that much better. read more

The member party was awesome! A big thank you to all those that put this together. Every year it gets bigger and better! DJ Fab rocked the house and the "drone" was super cool! read more

Great trainers, great classes & sparkling clean facilities. Staff Informative and efficient. Always parking. We all know what an asset that is in this town. read more

Love the Santa Barbara Athletic Club. Great fitness center...social and welcoming. My husband and I both especially love the Small Group Training classes. read more

The staff here is extremely friendly, and actually wants club members to use the facilities. The instructors for Pilates are first rate.