Swell Athletic Clubs

Beautiful facility and amenities, the females at the front desk are always so friendly and say hello, however I have not had one positive experience with any males who work here. I walked in and there were three of them at the front desk, one named Kyle, and they just stared at me even made eye contact with me and didn’t even greet me or say hello. Not a friendly vibe when the individuals who clean the bathrooms are more friendly than the actual employees… All in all, facility is great, employees need a quick lesson in professionalism.

I've been a member of SBAC since 2017 and the facilities and class offerings have improved year after year. Some of the negative reviews mention old and outdated equipment. I'd say those reviews are old and outdated. Nearly everything has been refreshed recently.The multiple workout areas offer plenty of space and I've never felt encroached on by other members. Sure, there are times when it can feel busy, but that's any gym during prime time.The staff is always friendly and happy, and a shoutout to Miles for always welcoming me by name.The monthly membership isn't cheap, but the value is there if you use the facilities. Cleanliness there has never been an issue for me and they have staff who disinfect and wipe down the equipment all day.Another review mentioned that this place is being overtaken by people outside of their social class like hipsters and millennials... calm down lol. It's a friendly place for people to work on their fitness goals and have a good time doing it.

I have always debated joining swell but after a week of joining their classes and using their facilities, it was clear that this is the place to be. While the equipment isn’t 100% it is the truly the experience that sets this place apart from the rest.

Who do these gyms have on their sales staff? Why does it always have to be someone that has absolutely no customer service skills or really any idea what they are even doing? I'm shocked at the lack of communication, the rudeness of the management, and the actual offering that this club has for such an exuberantly high price. If you're going to charge that much, maybe invest in hiring sales and management that actually knows what they're doing and how to treat a potential customer. Stop your bait and switch schemes and maybe hold a staff meeting or two so everyone can get on the same page. AWFUL.A word to the wise: don't complain and let them figure out who you are or else they'll tattle on you to your employer. CHILDISHLast thing... Way too much chlorine in the pool and hot tub... You should fix that. It's like a bleach bath. YUCK

I am a member and I just want to start out by listing the positives of this place— the people that work here are SO sweet and the place is always incredibly clean. Their facilities staff are incredibly hard working and kind and do an amazing job keeping the place looking great.I am a bit disappointed in my experience here for the following reasons:-Price. This place is far too expensive for what it’s worth. And upcoming price increases are upsetting especially when previous members aren’t locked into a deal as we missed MANY facilities that were not open due to Covid yet continued to pay full price.-Facilities. From no laundry service during almost all of Covid, laundry machine breaking, and facilities like jacuzzi and spa seemingly constantly closed, it is definitely something to improve upon when you’re paying roughly $2,500 a year to go here. No nice products in locker rooms (for this much I’d be expecting high quality name brand products, not stuff that gives me allergic reactions)-No enforcement of mask “policy.” no one wears a mask. Even at the height of Covid. Not only that but people are constantly up in your six feet maskless which is frustrating when you work with high vulnerability individuals. Also a bit saddened and disheartened by the way upper management treated an elderly woman who was inquiring about the mask “policy,” per the Independent.I will continue going but primarily because this is the only facility within walking distance with a steam and sauna and an amazing array of athletic equipment ! But to emphasize again- high quality employees that give 100% to make this place beautiful.

The athletic club is by far the best gym Santa Barbara has to offer. The space is large and has everything you need. There is a great turf area for functional training, squat racks, well maintained machines, a pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, cold plunge and towel service. They have tons of fantastic classes included in your membership and a small group training hiit class or Pilates for an additional fee. There is a complimentary coffee and tea bar as well as a smoothie bar and beers on tap you can buy. The space has a pool tables, plenty of seating, and outdoor lounge chairs making it possible to come and hang out after your workout or get work done remotely. Additionally, they offer Theraguns for recovery. If amenities and community are important to you in a gym this is the spot to come.

Swell is a great facility with loads of training options for athletes. What makes it special are the people who work there. Jess, who set up my membership, is so sweet and helpful. Eric is also a great guy and was really accommodating throughout my membership period.The gym has a turf area which is really useful for dynamic moves. The squat racks are high quality and overall the gym is in great shape and not crowded. There’s also a nice lounge area where you can do work. A nice little touch too is there are Hypervolts to help you get loose.I definitely recommend this as one of the top gym in Santa Barbara!

Was visiting SB and went to Swell. I went to the Killer B class and it was awesome. They have a knowledgeable trainer, provided a workout plan, and the circuit style blew away my typical workouts. So much better. That said, I am coming back off of a long break and I was nervous it would be too hard. The beauty of the Killer B program was I was able to do it at my own speed and difficulty level. The Swell facility itself was great. Used to sauna, the steam room and the ice bath. Great gym space generally but the Killer B space and program is awesome.

Save your money if you want relaxation and respectful people. You will not find it here. The place has become a hangout for hipsters and entitled millennials. We recently cancelled for this reason and others stated below .1 - Big decline in member quality in 2019.New members do not respect private spaceof others.2 - Newer members have turned club into a personal space for themselves. Last Thursday three people on phone in hot tub area. Signs clearly state NO CELL PHONES.3 - Members treat hot tub/pool area as party zone. Loud conversations, sales pitches, pick up lines, music on cell phones etc. are the norm now.4 - If you're looking for solitude and relaxation in hot tub, forget it. Staff does not police club rules or posted signs. People simply ignore the rules as if it were there own house.5 - We paid almost $300 per month for a higher level of clientele.That has has changed dramatically this year. Wife and I no longer look forward to being around our own social class of people.We are DONE with this place...

So clean, not just your average gym. You can sit and read, have a smoothie, lie out by the pool along with every workout option you can think of. Friendly, professional staff, great layout, great views. Not snobby, very comfortable. I'm joining.