Oshman Family JCC — Attraction in Palo Alto

Outstanding place! Just started going to this gym recently, and have been absolutely delighted by the following:

Respectful signup: I connected with Matt over email and he responded to my questions quickly and kindly, with full transparency over pricing, benefits, etc. He even provided me with a no-obligation trial week and -- unlike at other gyms -- never nagged or pressured me.

Month-to-month billing: No year-long commitments!

Clean, comfortable, safe environment. Never once had an issue getting access to equipment, getting into a class (no RSVP's needed except for cycling classes), hitting the shower, or really anything at all. This is the only gym I've seen in my life that's blissfully not-crowded even during peak hours! Oh, and convenient, safe covered (garage) parking, too. With badged access and visible security guards on campus, I always felt protected here.

Incredibly convenient. Don't need to bring towels, mats, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, hairspray, etc; everything is right there for you. Even the lockers have built-in touchpad-locks!

Amazingly-welcoming community! Not only did class instructors warmly welcome me when I first jumped into their classes, but so did fellow group-exercise classmates, even when I was clearly joining a class full of regulars. No one is judging anyone here; it's clear that respect is the default.

Huge variety of equipment. Pretty much anything you could want cardio or strength-wise, it's there. Even high-end bikes by Peloton and Keiser, the best-of-breed rowers (Concept 2), etc. And again, never a wait (!).

Also great class variety. Two kinds of yoga, Pilates, Zumba, other dance classes, even pool-based classes. And every instructor is clearly passionate and engaged. Oh, and class music volume that'll get your energy up but won't shatter your ears -- THANK YOU!

In summary, this gym is a rarity; it's a welcoming oasis where you feel like you belong and you ENJOY going...

Reasons why I love the Palo Alto JCC. The quality of this place has made me excited to come work out!

a) Secured parking with valet parking options

b) Locker rooms are So so much more cleaner than other clubs - there's cleaning personnel all the time, in the locker rooms

c) Steam room with eucalyptus oil

d) Indoor pool with water slides and features and child-friendly depth

e) Small towels for working out

f) Media electronics at treadmills/ellipticals are outstanding

g) Body lotion, conditioners, deodorant, hair spray, etc in women's locker room makes it more convenient to shower and get ready

h) Optional locker rental and laundry

i) Children's Books, play areas outside the Cove

j) Excellent book choices and play equipment inside the Cove

k) Weight Loss classes and the variety of small classes

l) Caliber and qualifications of trainers - most have degrees related to field

m) Locker rooms have electronic locks so that locks are not necessary

n) The caliber of Children's swim classes

o) Customer service orientation of staff

p) Food and drink availability for purchase

q) New member and annual specials

r) Rewards program

s) Close proximity to my work

t) Kind attitude vs arrogant...

A very nice, modern facility. I haven't explored the whole place yet, but what I have seen it's great.

I joined mostly to use the gym and pool. The pool is better than the ones at any other health club I've toured -- six Lanes and rarely crowded. It's outdoors but heated, so I don't yet know what it will be like in the winter. There's also a big indoor pool for kids, with a slide and other water features.

The gym has a huge number and variety of cardio machines. All the usual kinds of treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes, plus rowing machines and "arm bikes". There's also a decent selection of strength training machines and lots of free weights, TRX's, balls, mats, etc.

The locker rooms are a bit small if lots of folks are changing at once, but otherwise nice. They provide towels, and the lockers have electronic locks on them so you don't have to bring your own. There are 4-5 places where you can dry your hair, put on makeup, or whatever. There are ~8 shower stalls (one handicapped), a sauna, and a...