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March 2024 by Robert M.
Their Membership Manager ( trust me he won't let you forget it) is quite an overbearing, arrogant individual, with absolutely NO sense of customer service whatsoever!! After approaching the front desk area of the club, I asked a young woman there behind the counter that I'd like to cancel my membership. After asking me 3-4 different times if I still wanted to cxl my membership (maybe the train them to keep asking, hoping you'll change your mind), I asked for a manager & that's when Mr James showed up. He immediately told me to stop being rude to his membership person or he'll call security on me. Well, after telling him that all I did was keep saying "I'd like to cancel my membership for several times", his response was "YOU ARE CANCELLED!!!" and threw my contract back at me. Now who was the one being rude here? After reviewing all of the bad reviews left by other disgruntled people, I just wanted out. I managed to talk some sense into the manager and got him to sign a "resignation" form, freeing me of this terrible place. He acted like this was the only athletic club around, but much to his dismay, there are plenty of others. What an absolute waste of time & effort. Will NEVER return!!!!! Robert
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February 2024 by Dave M.
So much room for improvement. Lots of employees, always on their phone in the office. As pointed out, it is dust bunny heaven. Looks like they never ever vacuum and mop. Same equipment has the same chucks of hair under them. Gross. Equipment is NEVER wiped down, gross. Typical government run operation as no one cares. Their answers are always passive aggressive as to the condition of the place. I wish we had nicer gyms in the area.
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July 2023 by Google user
I recently rejoined after taking a break from the pandemic. The facility is amazing, and I had forgotten how much I missed going. I want to give a big shout out to James who helped make the re-registration process easy. He’s an excellent representative of the facility and has been incredibly welcoming.
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May 2023 by Jpom
I have had multiple issues with billing since starting at this gym. My first negative experience was during Covid. They shut down the gym and then tried to charge me for those months that I couldn’t even use the gym! Then there was the cost of parking, $45 per month I believe, which they are no longer allowed to do. My most recent billing issue is that my card was declined for the first time, due to me cancelling it. I was charged a 25% fee. After speaking to the front desk person, I was told that the only way to get the fee removed was if I have a letter sent in PDF format from my bank stating that my new card is active. The gym had already charged my new card for that monthly membership plus the fee, so obviously, it’s in service! There is no direct contact info for billing either. I can’t consistently give money to a place that so obviously has no regard for its members. On top of that the hours of the gym aren’t great. Cancelled, and went elsewhere. Should’ve done it sooner.
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April 2023 by Darvin Scott Smith
I love the pool but it's kind of a drag to have to sign up the day before... The website could be a little bit easier to navigate as well.
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April 2023 by stephen stclair
Country club atmosphere,clean pool,great staff and people!
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February 2023 by Paul O.
We loved this place when we first joined years ago. Top notch equipment, always clean, and wow, the swimming pool!Since the pandemic, however, they've drastically cut hours. They are only open until 8:30pm on weekdays (which is "okay" I suppose), but are only open until 2:00pm(!) on Saturdays and Sundays. We think that is crazy.And so the problem is this: What good is all the nice equipment and facilities when you can't use them? I think it is the difference between three stars and five stars myself. If the facilities were open until 6:30pm on weekends, it would be a wholly different review.
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January 2023 by Carol M.
Beautiful facility but management is the worst you can imagine. They must be supported by CSM, tax payers money because with that management they would be broke otherwise if not fired. They have been charging my credit card for no membership. Money greedy be crooks beware.
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October 2022 by Dan Moon
Nice gym facility but they need a lifting platform for Olympic lifting and deadlifts.
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October 2022 by Laura Oliver
Updating my previously 5 star review from 2017.Since the district hS taken ownership, ot has been nothing but disorganization and miscommunication. It seems that with the amount they charge for a membership, they could train front desk employees to be polite and courteous and tell them what is going on in the group exercise classes. The floors are dirtier and more slippery than ever and they've really changed the quality of the towels. I swear I could scratch myself with a towel! They also charged us for parking permits and then realized they had no way of enforcing them. The only reason I stay is because Linda Dehoff works here.Love it here. The staff is great and the availability is great too. It's a great community. Downside is lack of Olympic weight lifting equipment, only 1 squat rack, no sauna. Great group fitness classes and great personal trainers. I can't wait until they have massage.
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August 2022 by Molly S.
This is basically an ode to Megan Pham, who has been my trainer for about 8 months now. I joined SMAC because I was in a lot of pain due to horrible posture coupled with my scoliosis. I had no experience in gyms past cardio machines and honestly didn't know how to exercise outside of team sports. Megan has transformed my body. My back hurts less, I stand straighter, and I'm nicely toned to boot. Most importantly, I have a much better relationship to exercise due to her encouragement, knowledge, and pure passion for what she does. Megan is so good at her job that I encouraged my mom to start training with her too. We are very different in age, body type, and fitness goals, but my mom loves her too. When it comes to the facilities, I'm a gym novice so I can't compare too much. However, the facilities are clean and I rarely have to wait long for a machine. Only one guest has ever spoken to me. He was hitting on me in a way I didn't like, but when I told Megan about it later she told me that if anyone does anything like that and I tell a staff member, they'll kick the creep out. Every other guest has been kind and courteous, and if I need help lifting/moving something, someone always helps immediately. Almost every guest wipes down machines and equipments after use. The staff has been nothing but nice to me. Someone always welcomes me when I come in and wishes me well as I walk out. I would agree with other reviewers who state that the gym attracts an older, more refined, not as athletic crowd. I don't mind. I feel safe and no one bothers me. It's clean and quiet and I don't feel judged if I'm lifting light weights. If you're a powerlifter, SMAC probably doesn't have the vibe you're looking for, but for a casual or novice gym-goer, SMAC is perfect.
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July 2022 by Em
Great service, reasonable pricing for students, and a wonderful view! Plus, they open very early, have pool access and a multitude of classes to choose from.
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June 2022 by Kenneth Boothby
Just awesome, pretty clean and friendly employees. Strongly recommended!
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June 2022 by Shannon S.
Everyone I have talked to at this gym is ridiculous. My favorite was when I sent a message to the services director and didn't receive a message back until 4 days later after I had sent 2 follow-up emails and a phone call. When I called I asked the man on the phone why we are still forced to wear masks and he replied " we are still in a pandemic" is this why I see the staff wearing the masks around their chin and some of the instructors in the classes taking it off all together. DO NOT JOIN THIS GYM it is a total WASTE OF MONEY!! the staff is a joke. There is a reason there is a 300 + membership fee they need the money upfront because people will quit. I should have read all the previous reviews before joining this crappy gym. I'm not sure if it is the fact that the school district took over or what but it is not worth it at all. if you are going to spend that kind of money just go to the pacific athletic club at least they have their stuff together. I will definitely be voting this year more carefully in the San Mateo election. Still not heard back on my refund request. I will be disputing it with my CC company. I hope your crappy service is worth all your terrible reviews and loss of business.
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May 2022 by Mike Alandt
The hours of operation are horrible and it’s very difficult to get swim lanes. I can’t believe they are closed on Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM and 7 PM every other day. $75 a month seems ridiculous for the hours of operation and availability of swim lanes
