What is the Washington Athletic Club?
The Washington Athletic Club is a fancy gym and social club in downtown Seattle. It’s not just a place to work out – it’s like a little world of its own. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Big gym areas with lots of equipment
- A swimming pool
- Places to play sports like basketball and racquetball
- Rooms for meetings and parties
- Restaurants
- A hotel
- A spa
It’s a place where you can exercise, meet people, and even stay overnight if you want.
How Much Does WAC Membership Cost?
The price of joining WAC depends on what kind of membership you want. Here are the main types:
1. Family Membership
- Costs about $350 a month
- One-time fee to join: around $2,500
2. Individual Membership
- Costs about $249 a month
- One-time fee to join: around $1,000
Remember, these prices can change. It’s best to call the club and ask for the exact price for you.
What Do You Get with a WAC Membership?
When you join WAC, you get to use a lot of cool stuff:
- Gym Equipment: They have many rooms full of weights and cardio machines.
- Indoor Track: You can run inside when it’s raining (which happens a lot in Seattle!).
- Swimming Pool: It’s 25 yards long – great for laps or just splashing around.
- Sports Courts: Play basketball, racquetball, squash, and more.
- Fitness Classes: They have over 100 classes each week.
- Personal Trainers: If you need help, they have experts to guide you.
- Relaxation Areas: After your workout, you can use the steam room, sauna, or whirlpool.
But that’s not all! WAC is more than just a gym. It’s also a place for business and fun:
- Meeting Rooms: They have 16 rooms for meetings or parties.
- Networking: You can meet other professionals at special events.
- Travel Perks: You can use over 200 partner clubs around the world.
- Restaurants: There are four places to eat right in the club.
- Hotel: They have 109 rooms if you want to stay overnight.
- Spa: Get a massage or other treatments to relax.
Extra Costs at WAC
While your membership covers a lot, some things cost extra:
- Swimming Lessons: $40 to $70 each
- Parking: Can be $10 per visit, but you can buy discounted passes
- Special Programs: Weight loss or nutrition programs can cost $800 or more
- Personal Training: Prices vary based on how often you go
- Hotel Rooms: About $200 per night if you want to stay over
- Locker Rental: You might have to pay to keep your stuff at the club
How to Join WAC?
Want to become a member? Here’s what to do:
- Visit the Website: Go to WAC’s official site.
- Choose Your Membership: Decide if you want an individual, family, or other type of membership.
- Fill Out the Form: You can do this online or at the club.
- Give Your Info: They’ll need your name, address, and other details.
- Pay the Fees: You’ll need to pay to join and for your first month.
- Wait for Approval: The club will review your application.
- Get Your Card: Once you’re approved, you’ll get a membership card to use the club.
WAC Membership Benefits
Let’s break down what you get in more detail:
1. Top-Notch Gym Stuff
- Big rooms with lots of equipment
- Indoor track for running
- Swimming pool
- Personal trainers to help you
- Classes like yoga or spinning
2. Business Perks
- Meet other professionals
- Use rooms for meetings
- Stay at the club’s hotel
- Use partner clubs when you travel
3. Fun and Relaxation
- Go to the spa
- Eat at the restaurants
- Join in on social events
4. Bring Guests
- You can bring friends to work out or eat with you
How to Cancel Your WAC Membership?
If you decide WAC isn’t for you, here’s how to quit:
- Read Your Contract: Look at what you agreed to when you joined.
- Contact the Club: Tell them you want to quit.
- Follow Their Rules: They might have specific steps you need to take.
- Give Notice: You might need to tell them a month before you want to quit.
- Return Your Stuff: Give back your membership card and any other club items.
- Check It’s Done: Make sure they’ve canceled your membership.
Renewing Your WAC Membership
If you like being a member, you’ll need to renew. Here’s what to know:
- You can keep your current membership or change to a new type.
- If you have an old membership, you might be able to keep it as a “legacy member.”
- To change your membership, email membership@wac.net or call 206.464.3068.
Types of WAC Memberships
WAC has different memberships for different people:
1. Resident Individual (34 and older)
- Pay $1,200 to join
- Monthly cost: $175 to $240
2. Resident Young Adult (18-33 years old)
- Pay $550 to join
- Monthly cost: $130 to $190
3. Resident Family
- Pay $2,400 to join
- Monthly cost: $220 to $340
4. Inside Non-Resident
- For people who live nearby but not super close
- Pay $600 to join
- Monthly cost: $75
5. Distant Non-Resident
- For people who live far away
- Pay $600 to join
- Monthly cost: $68
Here’s a table to make it easier to see:
Membership Type | Join Fee | Monthly Cost |
---|---|---|
Resident Individual (34+) | $1,200 | $175-$240 |
Resident Young Adult (18-33) | $550 | $130-$190 |
Resident Family | $2,400 | $220-$340 |
Inside Non-Resident | $600 | $75 |
Distant Non-Resident | $600 | $68 |
Is WAC Membership Worth It?
Whether WAC is worth it depends on you. It’s good if:
- You like fancy gyms
- You want to meet other professionals
- You work or live near downtown Seattle
- You can afford the cost
But it might not be worth it if:
- It’s too expensive for you
- You won’t use it often
- You prefer simpler gyms
Think about how often you’ll go and what you’ll use before you join.
How to Contact WAC?
If you have questions, here’s how to reach them:
Address: 1325 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 206.622.7900
For Members:
- Call 206.464.3068
- Email membership@wac.net
For New Members:
- Call 206.839.4795
- Email membershipinfo@wac.net
WAC on Social Media
You can also find WAC online:
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about WAC:
- 1. Why do I need a username and password for wac.net?
Your login lets you see special info just for members on the WAC website.
- 2. Do I need a login for the WAC app?
Yes, you’ll use the same login as the website.
- 3. How do I use WAC Rewards?
WAC Rewards are points you earn for using the club. You can spend them on things at WAC.
- 4. What should I wear at WAC?
It depends on where you are in the club. For working out, wear normal gym clothes. For eating at the nice restaurants, dress up a bit.
- 5. When do I have to leave my hotel room at WAC?
Check-out time is usually around 11 AM or noon, but you can ask the front desk to be sure.
- 6. Who owns Washington Sports Club?
Washington Sports Club is different from WAC. It’s owned by a company called Town Sports International.
Conclusion:
The Washington Athletic Club is more than just a gym. It’s a place to work out, do business, and have fun.
It costs more than a regular gym, but you get a lot for your money.
If you live or work in Seattle and like the idea of a fancy club with lots to do, WAC might be perfect for you.
But if you just want a simple place to work out, it might be too much. Think about what you want and how much you can spend before you decide to join.
Remember, the best way to know if WAC is right for you is to visit. Take a tour, ask questions, and see if it feels like a good fit.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is finding a place that helps you stay healthy and happy!