Foster City Athletic Club

Antiquated squeaky falling apart equipment, stinky locker rooms with no ventilation, dirty sauna, unfriendly unprofessional management/staff, greedy owner unwilling to fix broken equipment in timely manner, it's hard to find a time slot when all machines and weights/benches are not occupied by instructor-lead groups (or pay additional $$$$ to join a group), deceptive/misleading contract cancellation policy, constant feeling they are about to go out of business. Bad, bad, bad. more

Please read before you sign up! more

We moved 25+ miles away from the gym while under contract. CA law states that health clubs should refund the membership fees in such a case. Since the clause was not covered under the FCAC contract they have to honor CA law for health clubs.\r \r We have sent numerous certified emails, called 10-20 times, and paid personal visits an equal number of times. However FCAC keeps coming up with excuses. I would warn people to avoid this gym and never sign a contract with them. more

I agree with the person who had the contract problems with FCAC. They in fact set up many hurdles in their contracts that are unethical and unfair to their members. \r \r Some members like the club, but if you happen to not like their services/facilities and jump too fast in signing their contract; they will screw you over in the long run. \r \r They seem nice, but be careful, they're not seeking to run an ethical business. more

Sure, the staff appears friendly and the equipment is decent, but not that great. The main problem with FCAC is exactly what another reviewer discussed, which is the fact that their contract is unfair and their business practices deliberately sets up hurdles for you in the event something bad happens to you and you need to get out of the contract. Furthermore, the contracts they use do not adhere to california civil code; so be very aware that the contract the make you sign is tricky. Pros: facility is decent for the membership price Cons: unethical contract terms and unprofessional staff more

This gym is coming around. There is new management and friendly staff. The classes are terrific. Terry and Kathleen know how to make you work but the hour just flies by! After just 3 weeks of class I saw a real difference in my body. Pros: month to month contracts available more

I have been a member for 5 years at this private athletic club. I like the friendly low key atmosphere. For a club this size there are numerous classes with enthusiastic committed teachers. My favorites are Diane's Body Sculpt classes and the Power Yoga Class. My husband likes the energetic spinning classes and racquetball. more

We had a terrible experience here and wouldn't recommend this gym to our worst enemy.\r \r They try to lock you into their contracts and will lie to your face. When we realized that the gym was full of lousy, decrepit equipment we asked to cancel our membership.\r \r We were told, "When the contract expires your membership will automatically terminate."\r \r Yes, we should have known better. Now we do. Three months after our contract expires, we realize that we're still being charged. \r \r We call them upand they flout the fine print in the membership agreement. To cancel, you have to give the gym 30 day NOTICE (what the heck, is this a rental agreement?) in written form. \r \r Further, there is a $100 CANCELLATION FEE (!) even when you're out of contract!\r \r But it gets worse. You can't drop off the letter notifying them of your intent to cancel at their establishment. They require that it be received through CERTIFIED MAIL (another $10).\r \r This business has mastered the art of decept more

We had a terrible experience here and wouldn't recommend this gym to our worst enemy. Pros: Not many... Cons: TERRIBLE SERVICE with EXPENSIVE & LABORIOUS CANCELLATION FEES more

I've been a member of this gym for the last 4 years. The facilities were upgraded with new machines and renovation, so they are quite nice. Yes, the volleyball court is small, but not much you can do about it due to the size of the overall gym. I heard that the owner is a complete brute and that is reflective in the staff. I have only met about 2-3 staff members who are friendly. Yes, what the previous reviewer said regarding cancelation is true. When you want to cancel, they make it very difficult for you. They demand that you send a letter by certified mail and that you pay for a next month invoice even if you discontinue using their gym. In regards sending the letter by certified mail, my contract only states that I need to notify them in writing. With all of the new gyms opening in the area, this gym really needs to learn about customer service. Pros: Nice neighborhood gym Cons: Unfriendly staff, poor overall customer service more

Group/class schedule is limited. Only one room for group excercise and a small room for spinning and pilates. Machines and equipment are maintained nicely. Locker rooms are small. They offer childcare at a VERY reasonable price. FCAC seems to be less expensive than some of their competition, but I think you are getting what you pay for. With the new PJCC and Golds Gym nearby it's hard to compare...but FCAC is just ok. more

This place doesn't have a swimming pool, so they have most likely lost out to the PJCC lately, but they do have a sauna, they have GREAT aerobics and spinning classes, top notch trainers, and all the equipment you would expect at a gym (elliptical, stairmaster, bikes, free weights, treadmill). There are racquetball and basketball courts. They have a massage therapist in house for an additional fee. The childwatch is friendly and the rate is great (only $1/hour for a maximum of 2 hours daily). PROS: $1/hour childwatch (limit 2 hours) CONS: no late hours, no pool more

This place is horrible...the basketball/volleyball gym is not even big enough for an elementary school size game! The weight machines are old and worn out and the free weight room smells awful. It's usually stuffy and hot in the workout room and the people including (some of) the staff are stuck up and snobby. It's way overpriced and you don't even get what you pay for. Plus if you try to quit you have to send a certified letter and pay for 30 days after you quit......that is absolutely ridiculous! more