Fit Athletic Club

Machines are newer, but it seems no one cares to wipe down machines, and put away weights and equipment. The place is a small, so it gets cluttered when things aren’t put back. Perhaps enforce this regular gym rule or hire someone to pick up after people. Especially when you are paying a bit more for a «nicer» gym.
Speaking of paying more, they throw extra charges in your contract which was not once mentioned when signing up. A «yearly improvement fee» even though I was there for less then a year? I had to move and cancel the membership which was quite a headache. Shady business practices like this irk me, so watch out. Not a way I like to be treated as a paying customer.

I started a review a while ago that was all five stars and glowing praise for Fit, but as I revisit it several months later I can’t bring myself to give them the Fully Monty anymore. The honeymoon has worn off, so to speak.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s an excellent gym. The equipment is nice, it’s never been crowded, and the locker room facilities are adequate. There’s a nice, fenced in outdoor area with an awning that they recently expanded if you want to feel like you’re working out outside without being a total gym douche. There’s also an open space inside with plenty of equipment to do a wide variety of dynamic workouts; anything from CrossFit to whatever funky body-​weight circuit you’ve sorted out with a trainer. I don’t take classes so I can’t comment on variety or schedule, but they seem to be plentiful and popular based on observation. They also have a neat Perx program where you get discounts at certain businesses because of your membership, which is cool, and they do their best to maintain a sense of community by sponsoring happy hours and get togethers outside of the gym.
Despite the higher monthly price than a 24 Hour Fitness or LA Fitness (my rate is a little more than double what I would pay for a single-​gym membership at either of those places), there’s still a lack of basic gym etiquette by the members. Seriously, it’s a gym, don’t be lazy and re-​rack your own damn weights people. The staff does a good job of keeping things as tidy as can be but I’d honestly pay double to go to a gym that kicked people out for the general awfulness of your average gym-​goer. It’s better than other gyms purely because of the staff’s efforts, and I’m sure they love picking up nasty towels and re-​racking weights all day. That was sarcasm. The part about them enjoying it, not about them keeping it relatively tidy.
So why only 4 stars? It’s the little stuff. You have to check in up front but there are too many times where you don’t get a few seconds of undivided attention from the staff for a sincere greeting. When I was a member at 24, I always got a greeting and an «Enjoy your workout,» which I never realized I liked until I stopped getting it. I also used to get a salutation on my way out of 24 which I rarely get at Fit. I’ve signed up for two complimentary evaluative sessions with a trainer but haven’t been called back on either. On the one hand, I think I’ve been unlucky because both trainers that I’ve signed up with are people I never saw at the gym again after that date, but on the other hand I still feel left out in the cold. I’m unlikely to switch gyms for any of the above reasons, but they’re enough for me to keep my eyes and ears open.

Update, April 2016. Have added a star to my earlier review.
Fit has changed its policy, and now forbids use of cell phones while in the locker room. About time. This helps with privacy. The club is lucky they did not have an incident in the locker room. Perhaps they did.
Fit has also reinstated coffee at the front desk, (although it costs a reasonable $ 1.25 per cup). I appreciate this as a coffee addict.
Above all, Fit keeps its club clean. Although I have a free membership to LA Fitness as part of our health insurance coverage, and LA Fitness in 4S Ranch is about the same driving distance from my home as FIT Carmel Mountain, I prefer to pay for my FIT membership, and go to their facility in Carmel Mountain, because FIT Carmel Mountain employs two people full time to make sure the facility and towels are clean.
FIT is the best fitness club in San Diego that I know of. I rate the beautiful downtown facility adjacent to Petco Park as five stars, despite the fact it is a bit pricey. By comparison, I rate LA Fitness of 4S Ranch only 2 stars, despite its pretty good facilities and helpful staff, because of cleanliness concerns.

Fit took over an amazing beachside gym in Solana Beach. The gym used to be friendly and comfortable but now most of the good people are gone. In the transition, FIT spent a lot of money but nothing really improved. They do charge us 30% more per month and added tons of hidden fees. They are now charging a 30 day cancellation fee! I worked out there for 15 years and now recommend 24 Hr fitness instead.

Excellent value and beautiful gym! I love Fit and go there at least five times a week. My favorite part is probably the childcare, it has natural light, music playing, great selection of toys for all ages and they don’t have a TV blaring. The childcare professionals are extremely good with children– they sing songs, read to them and generally seem to really care about the kids they work with. It’s priceless as a mother to be able to go and work out and know your kiddo Is happy for 2 hours. I often go to a class, take a great shower and take a sauna rest. It is like a mama spa everyday! Plus the yoga, Barre & spin classes are awesome. The instructors are professional, personable, knowledgeable and fun!

Great gym, decent prices and never really that crowded! Highly recommend if you’re in the north county coastal area!

I love this gym! Great Equipment, great membership price… especially that they have a day care for the kids. Everything is super clean and management is pretty awesome with giving me free passes when a friend is in town. Not to mention… in all my experience of gyms around the world, this gym by far has the best music playing. The music selection is so good, I do not even feel the need to carry my phone and headset around to listen to my own music. You can tell the creative director of these gyms has a excellent sense of style and sets the tone and energy just right.
The only thing missing is a mini trampoline. But what a lovely extra feature that you can do stairs all the way down to the beach behind the parking lot of the gym across the street.

Love this gym. The equipment is great, the staff friendly.
Locker room is smaller than the downtown location but everything you need is there.
I really like that they carry a drink selection that includes Beaming which is great when you are on the go, or Paleo Pops and the Mustang Bars.

While the gym has been nicely overhauled, the service is awful. Scroll down to see Joe K’s review. He hit the nail on the head. The attitude here is «if you don’t like filthy bathrooms, bad attitude of staff or basically anything unprofessional we do, find another gym.» I’ve been a member here through various owners, and this is definitely the worst. It’s like dating a beautiful woman who’s an asshole. Pretty is as pretty does, and they do ugly here. And btw, getting your friends to write some good reviews is meaningless. When people come here and deal with the staff, they’ll see the truth that sadly is Fit.

One of the worst experiences that I have ever had at a gym or otherwise. I was injured twice while running on the treadmills. Both times, the power cut out on my treadmill and the two adjacent to mine. The belt abruptly came to a halt sending me crashing into the settings panel and twisting my knee. The two runners next to me fell also. While I was upset about this, the reaction from the manager Jason, was even more alarming. He said, if you don’t like the gym, then leave. He even acknowledged the fact that he knew the electrical wiring did not support the demand of the new machines. His customer service skills parallel those of a street fighter.
My fiancé received numerous unwanted text messages from one of the male employees asking her to come over for a massage at his house. He would send selfies of himself with a bed in the background. Apparently, he gained access to her cell phone number from the member files on the computer.
When I contacted Jason, the manager, he said to come talk to him in person and not to send anything in written emails. I did not receive an apology, but I was told to cancel my membership if I don’t like it.
My fiancé and I have both cancelled our memberships and would advise others to do the same.

I had no idea gyms like this existed.
Not only do they have top of the line equipment and basically every amenity you can ask for, they have a friendly and professional staff to go along with it.
I love my new gym and feel right at home when I walk through the doors!
The variety of classes keep my workouts exciting and fun. My favorite is the Ultimate Upper Body workout… I’ve learned a lot of exercises that I can incorporate into my own regimen. The TRX equipment is both fun and challenging and is making me aware of proper form in all of my workouts.
Stretching is now a part of my daily routine thanks to the variety of equipment Fit provides.
I’m so happy I was introduced to Fit Athletic and immediately cancelled my membership at my former gym!

I love the Solana Beach location. I was originally signed up in the Carmel Mountain location but I decided to switch to the Solana Beach location because it’s more convenient for me and also has more TV channels on the cardio machines upstairs!
I love this Fit because there are a ton of cardio dance and Yoga classes and the staff is really nice. I really like Chris (he’s the nicest guy there) and this one really pretty blonde lady who is always there (sorry, I forgot her name). They are super nice and give such great customer service! The difference between Fit and other gyms is the superior service. You definitely get what you pay for here.
I am a fan of doing the elliptical and I love that they have a ton of TV channels. I can watch my trashy TV like «The Kardashians» or «Little Couple» while I’m running. It makes the time fly by faster!
I highly recommend you take Stephanie’s yoga classes. I have spend a lot of money and been to several Yoga studios all over San Diego and Los Angeles and I have to say that Stephanie’s yoga classes are top notch! She’s amazing! She was the reason why I signed up for Fit Athletic because I just love her classes!
If you’re looking for a gym, stop by! Ask for Chris and he could probably give you a free 3-​day trial of the gym! You have nothing to lose!

This gym has very nice equipment and it’s not usually very crowded. They also have a good variety of group classes. I’ve taken spin and Pump it Up (cardio class). The spin class was not that great. I definitely prefer the spin only studio down the street over the classes offered at FIT. However, it’s not that it’s a bad workout I just like fancy lights and loud music.
The cardio group class was challenging. It only had three other women in it and it seemed like they went every week. The cardio portion lasted 45 minutes and then we did about 20 minutes of ab work in the turf area. I think the teacher did this completely on her own as the listed class was only 45 minutes but once I was done with abs it was over a hour. Very cool of her to take the extra time for us. The ab workout was intense. I’ve been sore for three days.
Their locker rooms have been under going renovations lately, but I think they should be done soon. The have small lockers in the lobby area and larger ones in the locker rooms all with free locks.
Private parking lot and just a hop skip to the beach!

I will always maintain that this FIT club is the coolest because of it’s juxtaposition to the beach and the fact that FIT club classes are offered ON the beach; have you ever gone for a run on the beach?!: the unpredictable sandy surface puts your calves to work!
The parking situation seemed limited, but maybe there was more behind the facility or perhaps underground? If not, there aren’t many spots to park in!
Before even going in my friend and I (on our way to the barre class scheduled that morning) saw that they have a kennel area to leave Fluffy and Fido in while you work out! Kind of different, but cool.
This gym seemed to be on the smaller side, but I’m ok with that seeing as I think it promotes a sense of intimacy between the person working out and the machines/​weights/​ect. NOW if this gym weren’t so lavish/​modern, I would say the tighter location was a terrible thing!
The ladies locker room was extremely nice! (Towels for showering/​working out are provided for you!)
The barre class was enough to make me want to cry! The tiny movements to really isolate specific muscles sent my 2 month postpartum body in shock for probably 3 days after taking the class! So next time you see a ballerina, hug her because barre makes her a beast!
On leaving (in pain) I gandered at their little food-​mart adjacent to the sign in desk and entrance/​exit: lots of healthy eats, like a really good variety!
Will I come back to this FIT club? We shall see! It’s a bit out of my way and budget, but I can tell why looking at how well-​kept everything is… and everyone that works out there is SO in shape, it’s unrealistic!

A little pricey but pretty nice facility generally. Locker rooms are cramped and in need of a serious update. Not much parking out front but ample space in back. Signup requires first month plus activation fee (pretty standard), but also a quarterly maintenance fee (???). Equipment is new /​high quality /​well maintained, and the floor is not over-​crowded.
I moved out of the area recently so am no longer a member, but in my experience this is probably the best available option overall if you’re looking for a serious gym in the Solana /​Del Mar area.

Although I pretty much love everything about this gym, my review is for my personal trainer, Jim!
Being a retired college athlete with a hesitation of working out and going to a gym again, I stumbled upon an amazing opportunity for a free month membership with Unilocal.This included a personal training assessment, which I did with Jim.
First of all, Jim is ripped! But don’t let his big biceps intimidate you, because he is one of the nicest and coolest guys I’ve ever met! Since my assessment, I’ve done a couple of personal training sessions with him, and I’ve loved them all. He has tailored each of my workouts to fit my wants, needs, and skill level. I feel so good accomplished after every session. Jim pushes me with encouragement, and distracts me from the pain with epic surf stories. I now have workouts I can do in the gym on my own, and then when I’m ready to change it up, I’ll see Jim again!
Thanks Jim for kicking my booty and getting me in shape !
On a side note, Stephanie has great yoga classes and is a wonderful instructor. She’s is so gracious and kind. And wears some killer heels

My experience at Fit was great. Overall, the gym is impressive. It is a great size and compartmentalized into sections so it is easier to focus on the workout that you are doing specifically. The range of equipment that they have surpasses any gym that I have been to before: they have top of the line equipment from climbing machines, every type of cardio machine invented (haha), and even stretching/​massaging equipment. And that is only the tip of the iceberg.
They have separate rooms for both cycle and other classes that were spacious. You can tell that they have invested a lot of thought to this gym. Chris showed me around the place on my first time in– he literally spent at least 30 mins with me to make sure I knew my way around and was comfortable with the equipment; I appreciate that kind of service.
The topper for me is the beach access– there are not many gyms that can say you can do your warm-​up jog on the beach!
The one thing I will say though: this gym can be a little intimidating. If you are having hesitation because it looks that way, I would still try it. I would ask for a tour though– this is what saved me.

Troy teaches great yoga class. Gave just right amount of time to do stretch poses.
Stephanie’s yoga class is also magnificent!
Will be stellar when bathrooms are remodeled.
It’s cool that the bikes and cardio are on a loft upstairs. It’s a bit tight on space up there, but at least you are overlooking something.
They supply shampoo, conditioner lime verbena lotion. Just bring your own hair brush and shower shoes and you are all set.

This gym is absolutely beautiful! If it’s your first time, make sure you ask for a tour so you can familiarize yourself with the facility. It’s broken up into many sections, (Stretching area, cardio which was upstairs, machines, free weights, outdoor patio with the punching bags and tire etc.)
Chris, who is one of the membership counselor– is amazing at what he does! He was the one to show me around the gym. Everything is super CLEAN and maintained very well. There were some machines that I have never seen so Chris showed me how to use some of them, which was great and he also recommended which ones to use for certain workouts.
To sum everything up this place is unique and has way more of a different feel than 24 hour fitness and other gyms I have been to in the past. The workers here are very instructional and enlightening which makes the place a lot less intimidating and more welcoming. I didn’t get a chance to take a class yet but that is definitely something I would join and take advantage of.
I’m super excited to be using this gym! Thank you Unilocal and FIT CLUB!

This is the best luxury gym you’re going to find in North County, Fit as a local chain, just will not allow that part to be a debate. Fit is the Maserati of San Diego gyms, and they’re clearly not aiming to be another 24 Hour Honda. If you enjoy the product that the other guys are putting out, and waiting in line for your dirty machines, by all means stay there. I however, am inspired by Fit’s ability to make Maxim Magazine a reality on the floor, the immaculate machines and the fact that everyone employed by this establishment are actual health professionals.
I can’t help but to giggle at some of these reviews. You see, Solana beach is not terribly progressive, tends to cater to an older crowed and basically fights change. It’s not surprising that people are complaining about not having free coffee. It’s «expensive»? Too bad it’s half the price of Fit Downtown SD, Equinox, renaissance sports club, any other luxury gym in the state and less than half the local’s week’s lunch budget. I mean really… And for the record, Jason, the GM is the most mellow guy in the establishment.
Moving on. I’ll be staying with SAN DIEGO’S VOTED #1 NEWEST GYM IN THE COUNTY.