Calhoun Beach Athletic Club

This will be my last month of membership here. Calhoun Beach Athletic is one of the more expensive gym memberships in town (at about $ 150/​month for an individual adult) but you definitely couldn’t tell that by entering. There is a dated feel to the facility and many issues go unfixed for months. My theory is that since the club has so many grandfathered memberships and complimentary memberships for the apartment renters in the attached building, there is insufficient reserve funding in the operating budget — but that’s just a theory.
The staff and other guests are very nice. The fitness area is up to date and not very crowded and the parking is indoor and free. Those are the good things about it (and most should be considered table stakes).
The unfortunate issues are:
1) Lower level locker rooms and studios flood regularly due to a water table issue and causes studio closures and large fans everywhere to avoid mold issues. This happened again this weekend 1÷18÷16.
2) When extra busy, even though the fitness area doesn’t look full, day lockers and and hot water are not available.
3) Many facilities close for months without any reopening date given. Men’s whirlpool has been closed for over a year and the steam was closed most of last winter. The steam was broken this morning (1÷19÷16) and one can only assume that it will be down for while.
Outside of that, the club lacks certain amenities that other clubs have at this price point. Snack /​juice bar, indoor racquet facilities, updated locker rooms, etc.
Some folks are very loyal to this place and I imagine that it’s because there are a lot of regulars that enjoy going for the social aspect of it. I can’t see it drawing in many new members until they bring it up to par against their competitors. I truly hope they do.

I recently had an amazing massage from Mary Jenn at CBC. She did some deep tissue work that was intense but effectively released some knots I had had in my neck for oh, perhaps 20 years. She was personable, compassionate and genuinely concerned about giving me what I wanted in a massage. I have been receiving various kinds of body work for decades and she is one of the best in town.

«Aldrin is a MASTER!». I feel SO grateful to practice YOGA with him. After yoga teacher training at age 47, I searched globally for another teacher that met me where I was. I am 3 weeks into my membership at CBC. Before I discovered yoga, I enjoyed other areas of athletic clubs and plan to do so again. But for now, I highly encourage you to try YOGA with Aldrin.

I have been a member of the Calhoun Beach Club (CBC for short) for 2.5 years. I have nothing but the best things to say about the facility and the staff. Over the years I have belonged to a number of fitness locations across the US and the CBC had the most to offer and was easily the best value. The best facet about the CBC is the staff. Everyone there is genuine. They are not nice to members because they have to be. The amenities of the CBC are incredible. I felt like I got so much more than what I paid for. I am moving to the west coast and will greatly miss the CBC.

I truly like being a member at calhoun… Free parking and child care, nice staff and amenities, location, clean in general, classes, nice décor, great history… nice! However, I have noticed that when something for over a year!!! The whole gym is lovely and upscale until you pass the girl’s sauna… then it all goes downhill. Pick up the rug in front of mirrors… smashed tile. Use a shower… handle breaks off… Go in the soak tub… broken tile… half the showers are out of order… steam room tile, gross condition… you NEED to fix broken equipment, it is a liability. The whole place is gorgeous, but that small area is awful… the General Manager really needs to make it a priority… I don’t understand it, and all of this has been the same since for over a year. Also, I love this place!!! But… I have slipped the other day on the broken tile… and I have told 3 members about the tile and nothing has changed so I was hoping that a review would make a difference… it is not my normal first place to make a complaint. CBC is so great, it would never stop me from coming here, you should join if you are thinking about it…

This historic building is perfect for a reception-​type event. The upstairs ballroom is spacious and elegant with a veranda that overlooks Lake Calhoun. It’s glorious.

We love this place. Yes, definitely a little overpriced, but worth it. Love the atmosphere, always clean, very helpful staff and great classes. The pool is amazing in the summer and the indoor pool is great and never very crowded. Would definitely recommend it.

Matt at the desk is there to greet you and he WILL remember your name.
Best yoga instructors in town — Rebecca and Susan are my favs!
The pool is great in the summer, although the new Urban Eatery doesn’t staff the pool as often as it used to.
Another review said it’s rarely busy — very true and I value that.
Free wine after Thursday yoga… nuff said.
I only wish they would keep their dues more competitive with other gyms around and not be so stingy with the guest passes.

Oh, let me count the ways that Calhoun Beach Club has disappointed me. I’ve been a member here for 6+ years, and for the life of me, I don’t know why I pay this kind of money for a gym like this.
This establishment is by far clean. When I’ve accompanied friends to Lifetime or even LA Fitness, their locker rooms shine and can accomodate many people. CBC has lost their edge completely when it comes to upscale locker rooms. The showers are nasty, and I wouldn’t touch their steam room or spa if my life depended on it.
Not to mention the poor treatment of the members. I’m sorry — but it used to mean something to belong to this club — that hopefully by paying top dollar, you received top personal service. This is no longer the case. You are merely a number. I pay over $ 300+ for a family membership. I would like to think my money is going back into preserving the club and when the summers finally heat up in MN, the pool will be available to members. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come in and see, yet again, more water damage to the walls, carpets and other facilities. Countless treadmills and ellipticals are «Out of Order». There have been more than one occassion that I arrived at CBC to find it completely closed due to water damage.
I will be actively looking to change gyms and cancel my membership to the Beach Club. If you are at all mystified by the exclusivity of this club, and want to be a part of it — save your money. U’m sorry to say, It’s really not worth it.

After a bout with scabies in my college gym, cleanliness became the most important feature when choosing a place to sweat out my toxins. I was willing to pay top dollar. And any of you who’ve suffered the horrible itch and bumps, probably would agree.
Now, this place isn’t cheap, but value for money, I think it’s the best gym in the city… ok, ok, in the strictest sense of the word, maybe not the best gym (I’ve heard the Firm is quite good), but it is the best workout club. Why?
1) It’s super clean and it’s well appointed. 2) It isn’t in anyway a meat market 3) Free parking in Calhoun Beach Club 4) It’s rarely, if ever, busy 5) Offers good assortment of classes like spinning, cardio, yoga, and Pilates – but if you’re really into the latter two, then it’s best to go to a specialized studio 6) It has both an outdoor and indoor pool, both with non-​children hours, including weekends 7) with membership, you are entitled to 6 hours of free daycare a week while working out. That pays for itself!!!