The Valley Athletic Club

Kelly Tower

2022 Update: We are still members and it seems things are a bit better. Most of the staff is engaging and pleasant. I havent gone back to the indoor swimming pool since the experience mentioned below. The place is hit or miss when it comes to customer service. The owner needs to invest in some service training programs for his employees. I've struggled with keeping my membership, but until someone else builds an equally competitive gym (with all the amenities), with better customer service, we are stuck with one option. Poor service examples and rude experiences include being told, three times in a row, by three different staff, to put my phone away while recording my child swimming after receiving staff permission to do so. I stopped after the first staff person approached me, even after explaining how I had asked and received permission, but they felt it necessary to explain to me the err of my ways two more times, in case I hadnt gotten the clue. It was embarrassing and still really ticks me off. Showing proof of marriage to my husband so we could have a joint account was the biggest ordeal I've ever had when it comes to account services. Pluses: The front desk staff is generally kind and friendly. The CAC staff are friendly and professional. The gym is clean and tidy. Maintenance staff are incredibly kind and hard working. We will continue to have our membership and expect the level of service provided. I am hopeful that some of the changes in customer service continue to ensure a consistent positive experience.

M. Goudy

My son takes tennis lessons here 2x a week and has learned so much in a short time. The tennis pros are very good and they have a great program for youth of all skill levels.

Cassandra Horn

We love VAC! It was recommended to us by a friend and we recommend it now. The facilities and classes are great!

Mark Barrett

You can get better value for your money at other gyms in the area. If you don't need a pool, try Whetstone. If you need a pool, try the YMCA. Heck, sign up for both and you won't be paying much more than the Valley charges. A few negatives in particular stand out: (1) The facility prioritizes programs for children, especially in the swim area. Instead of having swim lessons start immediately after school, they run from 4:30p to 6:30p--right during the peak time for adults to swim after work. This wouldn't be a big issue if it just impacted the family pool, but they also close half of the indoor lap pool. They also close the outdoor lap pool during the colder months (I don't know why, since it's heated and fully usable year round). This means that every member who wants to swim after work crams into the remaining three indoor lap lanes. (2) They have, by far, the highest membership fees in the region. However, that money doesn't come with many amenities. If you want a towel service, they'll charge extra. If you want a locker, they'll charge extra. If you want to bring a guest, they'll charge extra. Sometimes it just feels like members are walking dollar signs. (3) Their hours still haven't returned to pre-COVID-19 availability, much less the 24 hour access that a lot of gyms in the area offer. Their cafe is open again, but closes at 6p--right in the middle of their peak traffic. To top it off, they'll be increasing their membership dues again in 2022 even though they still have reduced hours. (4) Like most gyms, during portions of the COVID-19 pandemic they allowed you to place your membership on hold. Unlike most gyms, they charged for the privilege of not paying them. I found this very problematic, because during portions of the pandemic they had very limited hours and programs compared to what they originally sold, but still expected you to either pay full price or a "holding fee." (5) Management isn't receptive to feedback. Instead of at least humoring you, they'll just say that if you don't like something you should find another gym. Fair enough, but before you pay a large enrollment fee know what you're getting into.