Magnuson Athletic Club

The club is clean and bright with natural light. Awesome views of lake Washington. Great variety of equipment and training programs. Smaller club allowing a cool community feel.

I do give the gym credit for being clean, good cardio and weight equipment. Where the club fails is bad customer service. The staff hardly says boo to you when you walk through the door, this includes the operations manager who should set a precedent for his staff. I don’t need them to have a conversation with me, but a hello or goodbye. The staff sits there and looks at the computer and never looks up or they’re texting.

TL: DR — The MAC has the basic gym amenities and classes. It has a fabulous view and great parking. People are overall very friendly and encouraging. It’s not forthcoming with its member agreement and some of its policies are more creepy than classy.
I just recently joined this club. It’s on the smaller end, but it has most of the amenities I was looking for. There’s no steam room (at least for women) and there is no pool or hot tub. The cardio machines are located on a mezzanine with a fabulous view of Lake Washington and that view, along with abundant parking, is largely why I chose the MAC over the SAC. The mezzanine also overlooks the children’s room, so if you have a child in the care center, you can spy on them. The lockers are functional, but they don’t offer any shampoo, conditioner, or hair products like some of the other gyms do. They do offer free towel service. You can’t reserve lockers and have to bring a padlock with you.
The biggest concern I have had is that it was challenging to get a copy of the contract. I knew from reading other Unilocal reviews that there would be equipment charges, and the operations manager told me about those charges without any prompting from me. That said, when I came back a few days later to sign up for a membership, the front desk staff and I were talking about the comments on Unilocal and the staff person said, «Those people should have read the contract!» I agreed, but pointed out that no one had given me a contract to read yet, so to be fair, the company should offer the contract so people can read it before signing up. He didn’t say much about that, but proceeded to help me sign up. He had me sign a cancellation policy for personal training services, a liability waiver, and an EFT consent form. No contract. He pointed at the forms I was signing on the computer screen and told me what they were called, but didn’t give me a copy to review. He had me sign on an e-​signature pad. When I asked for copies of what I had signed, he didn’t know how to print them out and said that he would email them to me. I told him that would be fine and went to work out.
After my work out, I returned to the desk because the email had not arrived yet. At first he said that I would get the email in the morning, but I asked to receive a copy right then. He then figured out how to print the documents and gave me copies. I still didn’t have a contract. When I got home, I had an automatically generated email from MAC telling me to stop by the desk and pick up a member agreement. The next day, I went to the desk and asked for the member agreement. After some confusion with the computer system, they were able to pull up that document and provided me with a copy. The only issues of concern to me in the membership agreement are that they reserve the right to take photos or videos of you without your consent (which is kind of creepy), and they reserve the right to sell your information, including your phone number, to third parties. When I was talking to my husband about that part, he asked if our prior athletic club had that in its contract, and I told him «The WAC is too classy for that.» So, that’s my comment about that part of the contract — it’s just not classy.
Finally, the cancellation policy, according to the current contract, is that you have to cancel in writing with at least 30 days notice prior to the end of your current term. So, since my membership just began and it’s a year long commitment, I have to cancel in writing no later than mid-​October of next year. There are some special circumstances for death, disability, and relocation.
One great thing that the MAC has for it is that the members and instructors seem genuinely friendly and positive. I did see one staff person looking patently disinterested in a member’s questions about her work out routine and what to do about prior strains, but other than that everyone has been very nice and patient. I have seen class instructors encouraging members in the hallways and when I took a Zumba class the instructor was upbeat and positive through the whole class. After the class, other members introduced themselves and were friendly.

Over priced and hidden fees. When I signed up, they didn’t tell me about the hidden twice a year fees. They also make you sign all the documents electronically and do not offer to give you a copy.

This is what gives health clubs a bad name — «In order for you to cancel your membership you will need to write a brief letter stating that you wish to cancel the membership and have it notarized. «
Notarized!!! Really!!!

I initially joined to take advantage of the wide open free weight space. A few months into my membership, management decided to redesign the layout, isolating all of the free weights, bench press, etc in one small corner of the huge space. It was now a crowded workout area in which I had to wait often and maneuver around numerous members. Not the experience for which I initially joined.
I attempted to cancel and requested any early cancellation fees be waived. They directed me to the contract language and would not acknowledge any responsibility for an unannounced and unwelcome change to the the layout, saying they were entitled to do that whenever they wanted. In my mind, any business who has to direct a dissatisfied customer to the contract to squeeze another $ 300 out of them isn’t deserving of my business. Recommend avoiding this gym.

Great gym… It’s clean, wide selection and plenty machines and equipments to do circuit training. I never have to wait for a machine. The best gym I have been to.

I used to love the MAC. I joined the summer that they opened. At that time, I was told that childcare while you worked out would be free. This quickly changed after I joined, though I did not care much. I did not use this service; however, I was annoyed that they change was made without notification to members.
Fees, fees, and more fees. In addition to your membership fee, there are regular equipment fees that are charged. When I first joined, these fees did not exist. And I was given no notification when they were added. But I enjoyed the facility, so I put up with it.
With a busy schedule, I have not had time to use the gym, and so want to cancel my membership. I have called twice to so this. The first time I called, I was told I can done over the phone, but that it is easier to do in person. I agreed. That was 3 months ago.
I called again and was told that I have to come in in-​person to cancel my account. They will only do it over the phone for «medical reasons». Upon asking why, I was told it is their policy as they have parts of the form they need to fill out too. I then asked if they could fax or email the form so that I could fill out my portion ahead of time. Again, I was told it is against policy to do this. I was considering rejoining when my schedule allowed, but I will not.

WOW is all I can say. This place is absolutely amazing. Clean, friendly, safe, efficient. Katy (one of the managers) gave me a great tour of the facility AND answered every question I had– she was fabulous! The best gym experience yet.

Awesome facility! Affordable childcare, new and clean equipment, tons of space to do your own circuit or workout with a trainer. I never have to fight for a machine or weights. Overall, best gym I’ve ever worked out in.

I absolutely love working out at MAC! The equipment is awesome because its so new and functional. There is a lot of space to move around here and work out in many difference parts of the club including an upstairs area that overlooks the Lake. I have been working out with a PT named Dustin and so far he is one of the best I have ever come across. He seems to really pay attention to your needs and ability on that particular work out day. So if I’m struggling, he pushes me only so much and when I’m not he pushes me more which I really appreciate and I have been able to loose weight following his training routine. I highly recommend Magnuson Athletic Club.

For only a few dollars more than Prorobics, I now receive: functional, newer equipment, clean and modern surroundings, a view of lake Washington, free and ample parking, expert instruction and training, nice but not intrusive camaraderie, day care for kids, basketball, and fabulous trainers. No comparison. Compares favorably to Pro Club and WAC, but at much more reasonable cost

This review is for the Bouncy Houses.
PROS:
They offer longer hours than other bouncy locations, multiple times per day.
Fairly cheap at $ 9 for one child.
They have a place to put your stuff.
CONS:
No one but the parents monitor the children inside the bouncy houses. I didn’t see one workers checking on anything during the hour we where there, the houses clearly say on the front not to allow children in unless there is an attendant present so they are definitely lacking there. Good thing we watch our child like hawks.
Most of the houses are extremely run down, having a 4 year old we’re basically forced to go into the houses with our child. I refused to let my child go back into one of them because it barely had air in it and there where 2 older boys fighting inside, they where kicking and hitting each other and blocking kids from going past until I came along and told them to take their fighting outside. The stairs in that particular house where so worn down that I had to lift my 4 year old up to the top, at some points in that house my foot was touching the ground (I’m not chunky either, 120 lbs.). A real feeling of panic set in half way through the house.
It’s basically an all ages place, 4 year olds mixing with 10 year olds isn’t fun for either of them. The younger kids hold up the older kids which leads to a lot of pushing or kids trampling each other to get by.
Many of the parents of the older children sit back and chit chat while their kids are completely out of control, fighting each other, pushing, playing games inside the houses to the point where they won’t let other kids pass by them and saying nasty things to each other.
They offer alcohol. This probably leads to the lack of parenting. Don’t get me wrong, I like to enjoy a cold one but NOT when I’m supposed to be a parent.
We didn’t like the movie theaterish snack display at the front desk, filled with some of the worst snacks available our child immediately wanted candy and a neon colored slushy.
I won’t be going back for the Bouncy Houses, the other areas looked very nice. There where kids playing soccer games and they have a large selection of fitness equipment in a huge building. Jump Planet in Bothell is definitely a safer place for younger children to bounce and enjoy themselves without getting brain damage from the other kids, they offer play times for age groups which is 10 times better than just letting everyone in. I’m very surprised that they allow this crap show to happen everyday, it’s just a matter of time before the houses collapse or a child gets seriously hurt. Use caution if you plan on taking children under the age of 6, you’ll want to monitor them the whole time or even better go to Jump Planet.
I considered soccer lessons for our child at this location but after the bouncy experience my confidence in their classes and overall leadership skills dropped.

This is the first gym I have joined in my nearly 40 years on this planet and I really love it. It’s a beautiful space, I have never had trouble getting to use the machines I want, the staff is friendly and my children (ages 2 and 3) absolutely LOVE the MiniMac childcare. I’d say at least half the time they get to go to the inflatables and the other half they do other activities with the MiniMac ladies like playing ball or coloring. I’ve done a couple of the classes and my favorite is the Bootcamp, Sara is a great instructor and it’s a great workout. They do offer some corporate discounts and other specials so if the price seems high, you can see if there is anything else they can offer you to discout it (I found out my company is one they have a discount for and find the price totally reasonable!)

I have had a great experience at magnuson athletic club. I took advantage of a great special for their annual membership which made it much cheaper than many other gyms in the area. The facility is beautiful. It has new machines, great view, clean spacious locker area and showers.
The staff is pleasant and helpful– they told me which classes to try first and what to move up to… I took the KUT class– which was hard– people in this class are in super shape– a little intimidating but inspirational too.
I worked with William when signing up who was very accommodating and friendly. The whole front staff is courteous and helpful.
The fact that I can choose to have a beer after a workout and/​or watch my girls play soccer is just a bonus!

Too expensive. Extremely hard to find. And won’t honor prices previously quoted. I’m sticking with pro robics.

So I finally got down to MAC. Looking for a new space to workout on the point, and I found it!
Really great facilities, amazing location on the lake, and lots of choices for class that don’t include Les Mills coma-​inducing predictability. The KUT class fired me up!
Check it out.

Facility is great — equipment is up to date, clean, low membership so never over crowded, some of the staff on the floor were very friendly. But it doesn’t make up for very poor membership experience and awful management. Couple examples:
1. After enrollment I was overcharged on my monthly dues for consecutive months. Sent an email (encouraged to do so in fact) which was never respnded to, nor acknowledged that it was ever received. Finally called and it was adjusted appropriately. I only mention this because I subsequently had the need to email several other times for servicing needs, none of which were acknowledged or returned. Rather odd when you publish your email address on your site and enourage members to interact with you, particularly for servicing needs.
2. Somewhere around month 5 of membership I got a charge mid-​billing cycle for $ 35 bucks. I called (after email futility) and when I explained I had an odd charge the person asked «oh was it for $ 35», which it was, she then said «yeah that’s an equipment charge. It was in your membership contract. Is that ok?» Uh, can I say no? Clearly from this response it was a common call they were getting from members, and since she was asking if it was ok, I’m guessing if you’re the type of member that makes a big enough stink they will waive it, which I didn’t. If it’s in the contract so be it, but it was never pointed out, and I’m guessing other members felt the same way. And — why not bake this «equipment charge» into the monthly membership dues for all members, like every other gym?
3. I recently moved out of the area and canceled my membership. The MANAGER I spoke to was less than friendly. I explained my situation and that I liked the gym but it was too far away. To which he said «well your billing cycle is tomorrow so you will be charged for the next month. you need to give us 30 days notice. it’s in your contract.» Awesome, nice lead. Didn’t realize my gym was as strict as renting a house when it comes to leaving — to which he repeated, «it’s in your contract». I should add that the salesperson upon joining the gym expicitly told me it was «no problem» if I had to cancel due to moving out of the area — you usually have to provide us with documentation but we’re really flexible, just let us know and we’ll end the contract. No mention of 30 days notice.
You might think I’m just complaining because I didn’t read my contract well enough. You’d be right. But I’ve belonged to many gyms in my day, and none of them have had the stipulations listed above… and even if they did, I’ve never had the kind of poor membership and management handling I experienced here.
Hopefully this helps someone who does decide to join to avoid the pitfalls I experienced. Good luck.

I am a member at MAC (going on three months now) and am almost totally happy there.
To the reviewer who was disappointed by the children’s offerings, I feel I must defend MAC on your comments: I was told up-​front that there was no guarantee that children left in the care of Kids Club would go to the inflatables– It’s something they do if and when they can. I respect that they decide when to visit the inflatables based on the staff available and the kids in their care. My toddler needs plenty of 1:1 attention for safety at the inflatables, so I don’t want them going unless they are able to be there for her. The inflatables can be a total war zone for the littler ones! The Kids Club is clean, well-​stocked and much nicer than the kid rooms at other gyms I toured in the area. I was also clearly told that Kids Club charged a per use fee. No surprises there.
The gym is clean and not nearly as chaotic as the new 24 Hour Fitness on Northgate, my second choice. Yeah, you pay a premium but in exchange you get a cleaner, classier facility and fewer people working out around you. They don’t hammer obnoxious music into your skull, the machines are state of the art and it’s never too busy. Plus, I’ve yet to encounter a creepy, leering, overly pumped meathead (a common negative for us ladies). The locker room is someplace I would actually take (and enjoy) a sauna and a shower.
I usually just do cardio followed by strength training. MAC has enough cardio machines unless you go at the peak time and absolutely MUST have ONE SPECIFIC MACHINE. There are different conditioning stations above and beyond the usual free weights and machines, which makes for nice variety in my workout. If membership increases much I do hope they will add more machines, as they’ve said they will. For now, the machine to member ratio is just fine.
My one complaint is about the classes. When I signed up, this was something I was really excited about. But a few classes have changed times or dropped off the schedule entirely. Many classes are only offered during the day on weekdays, which is fine for the stay-​at-​home-​mom set but a problem for those of us who work. Options before and after work hours are seriously limited and the online schedule is often WRONG, leading me on more than one occasion to show up for a class that wasn’t happening. I hope they add back more classes as membership increases.
Other than that, I am very happy at MAC! Hope this feedback helps someone out there trying to decide!

OK, I feel weird giving them 3 stars because it’s such a «blah» rating, nothing great nothing bad. However in this case there’s allot of good and one SIGNIFICANT bad which to many may not even seem that bad. Let me preface this review with saying that I live in LA and am only here for one week. I didn’t have to pay for a full membership so this is strictly a review of the place itself not the cost.
The place is beautiful, the facilities are clean and the staff is helpful. I love how big and open it feels but I have to say it does seem weird that they sell beer and slushees by the children’s soccer area. Maybe so the parents can relax and/​or get tanked while the kids get hopped up on sugar and play soccer with sticky red mustaches? I don’t know, I don’t have kids.
The Zumba class is rad and the teacher is fun. I was probably the only twenty something in there while the rest of the class was roughly 50+ so I wasn’t sure what kind of a work out I’d be getting. My expectations were absolutely exceeded and I was drenched in sweat by the end of the class. Those women are troupers!
Now for the bad. I used to teach yoga in LA and my guru is a 50 something who has been practicing for years and taught me the safest and most effective ways to teach all levels, all styles and all body types. By no means am I saying this makes me any sort of authority on yoga but I can confidently say the Body Flow class this gym offers is not safe to ALL levels. In theory the combination of yoga and tai chi sounded great, but you can’t watch an instructional dvd and call yourself a yoga teacher let alone safely teach a class full of students ranging from young fit yoga enthusiasts to senior citizens without safely modifying the postures. I’m not going to get technical about each thing she did that was dangerous, but lets just say that while I was in a pretzel the poor woman next to me was in no way capable of doing 80% of the postures the way the teacher was instructing us to do them. The modifications she did use were alright but she never offered a block, a blanket or a strap to help anyone OBVIOUSLY struggling. She never even instructed anyone to take a child’s pose during the more strenuous postures or transitions. So the woman (who I might add just so happened to kick but in the Zumba class!) was untimely exhausted and most likely straining parts of her body that she could seriously injure if she continues taking these classes the way they’re being taught. I was struggling so desperately with wanting to go and help her with some easy modifications but I felt it wasn’t my place and that it would be disrespectful and disruptive. I was so frustrated the entire class, I could hardly get anything out of it at all. At the end of class I just grabbed my things a left while hearing the woman tell the teacher she felt like she couldn’t do any of the postures. The teacher just replied with, «Keep coming back! It takes a few times for your muscle memory to kick in. «
I wouldn’t want my muscles remembering ANYTHING that teacher taught her.