In-Shape: Capitola

I am really getting tired of cleaning up your gym for you. Why do I have to re-​rack all of your free weights for you? I come in here twice a day and find myself cleaning your gym up as your trainers sit on their butts and watch. I’ve only had my membership for a week and I already want to cancel. The palm sized pile of pubic hairs in the steam room yesterday was the crowning blow. I feel like I’m working out in Tijuana.

When I first toured InShape I was impressed and excited to start. I will review every department. Skip to the one of interest ;-)
PERSONAL TRAINING:
I paid cash, in advance for a better rate only to be given the run around. Maybe the run around Is what they consider training. God knows I’ve burned enough calories «running» from office to office trying to get this fiasco resolved. So, long story short, I paid for a package. I did the intake twice (1hr each) because people kept quitting. I’ve had two personal training appointments both of which were canceled an hour before we supposed to meet. The personal training managers promised to resolve the issue, assured me this wasn’t supposed to happen, and PROMISED repeatedly to call me. He never did; when I called or went in to talk to them, I found out he quit! Enter manager number 2 and repeat process. A couple more promises of a resolution and a follow-​up call from various new people whose titles I don’t remember. It didn’t happen. I sat in the GENERAL MANAGER’S office (the general manager!!) where she sent an «email» to a «manager» telling him to refund me in the form of a check (I did pay cash after all) and ASSURED me that she would follow-​up and call me. She was REALLY sorry I didn’t get call backs and that «shouldn’t» happen and wasn’t the norm. It has been MONTHS since that conversation and guess what? No check and NO call! Negative 1 star! Save yourself the headache and forego the personal training! I would quit the gym all together if my daughter didn’t like the child center so much.
FRONT DESK:
I really like walking in and seeing genuine smiles. If they have lots of clients at the desk asking questions they still make sure to reach to the side to scan your card or make the scanner available so you can get in fast. Some members on Unilocal have complained about no towels at the front desk. I have been a member for 2 years and have only had to wait for towels once. I wish they weren’t so rough but at least they are there (2 sizes. 1 for hair. 1 for body). So 5 stars for the front desk.
CHILDCARE:
This is the best childcare facility I’ve seen in a gym. I have always been hesitant to leave my child in any childcare facility for 2 reasons. First, there are so many abuse horror stories. Second, my child is language delayed and on the spectrum. I don’t want her to be treated like a defiant child who needs discipline when she is simply over-​stimulated. She would also have a hard time telling me exactly what happened if she was upset (she’s able to now but not 2 years ago). To ease my concerns I did 2 pre-​visits and found the center in order and happy kids both times.
The area is a mostly an open space with lots of fun things to do (Xbox, coloring, etc.). There is a corner with some visibility problems… there is also a live feed camera that plays in the Genetal Manager’s office. I spoke with staff and the childcare manager about Autism and let them know my child’s diagnosis before leaving her there. They were so helpful and understanding. My daughter loves the child care center and asks me to take her often which in turn forces me to work-​out. 5 stars for the childcare and 4 stars for the room (1 corner lacks visibility). Note: There is a 2 hr. limit for childcare. They WILL come looking for you!
LOCKER ROOM:
While the bathrooms are generally clean the showers always have left over hair in them. There is no garbage in there to clean up your own hair instead of washing it off your hands. I have long hair and shed a LOT! If you want to be considerate of the next person, you have to trudge half naked with a wad of hair hanging from your hand into the next room. I’m not surprised people don’t bother. I do because I think it’s gross but in this situation I don’t hold it against people who don’t! There is a cement floor. While it may be easy to clean, it is a safety hazard. They have mops for you to clean up the water you left behind but again, do you want to be the mopping nudist? I don’t! I almost did the cartoon-​like banana slip once. You know where your legs slip straight out from under you and you hit the back of your head? In this case on cement! 3 stars.

Disappointed in this place. When I joined I was told I have an introduction appointment with a personal trainer to help me get started. I was super excited. I can’t seem to get a response from anyone. I keep leaving messages and even have left messages at the front desk when I’m there in person and have explained my frustration. I was told again this morning someone would get back to me today. It’s now 9:00 pm and I have the feeling nobody is going to call me back again.. You guys need to figure it out.

I was in town for business and worked out at this gym a couple of times. Spacious, great variety of cardio equipment, weights, machines, stretching areas. It was never busy and the facility was clean, the staff was helpful. If I lived in Santa Cruz I’d get a membership here, give them a try.

Easy to get in and out, no lines or confusion on the floor, took a body pump class that was fun a lot of props I also like to swim and usually don’t have to wait

UPDATE
They made it right! Cannot ask for anything more! Thanks. Feels good to work out here and I’m happy. Thank you to my trainer and the rest of the staff that took the time to hear me!

The gym itself is ok, but the customer service was horrible. I signed up for a year and then was talked into adding my boyfriend on a trial basis. They said that I could get him removed from my membership easily. I ended up paying $ 40/​month extra for him for quite a while before they would remove his membership.

REALLY BUMMED about this gym. I have been coming to this facility for years. Even before when it was Spa Fitness, I actually worked in the childcare area at Spa Fitness for a year. There was always great customer service and reasonable rates. I had a lapse in my membership while they were transferring to new ownership and doing remodeling. April last year I signed up here again and was really excited. I did a 1 year contract and my monthly rate was $ 46.99. I initially thought this was a little steep, but I still wanted to join. I went in yesterday and let them know that my 1 year contract is almost up and I’d love to continue here however I can no longer afford the $ 46.99 per month and was really hoping as a loyal customer it could go down a bit, seeing as my contract is up and I want to keep working out here. I mentioned to them that 2 other gyms I looked into we’re both around $ 28 – 30 per month and that I don’t want to switch but I might have to purely based on cost. The facility is really nice and they have great machines but I don’t ever use the amenities (pool, classes, etc.) The member services guy told me I have ONE option, and it is to pay a $ 79 enrollment fee (even though I’m not enrolling I’ve been enrolled and payed this fee already!) and doing that would bring my monthly rate down to $ 39.99. He proceeded to tell me, «that will save you $ 84 this next year!» And I told him it wouldn’t because he’s asking me to pay another enrollment fee so really it saves me 5 whole dollars in 12 months! He responded with, «oh yeah I guess it’s not that much. Sorry that’s all I can do for you!» Really InShape? That’s the best you can do? Kind of insulting really. I emailed the corporate office hoping for a better response and they were of no help and were even worse. I would’ve stayed at this gym for years as I live really close but I will be switching after this month, paying $ 17 less per month, supporting a local gym and not dealing with a corporate business who only cares about getting the highest price out of you and can’t even provide good customer service. Bye InShape!

So here I find myself once again. Believe it or not I’m not one to get online and slam a business. I tried to do it the professional way. And what I mean by that is, I emailed management about the following issues. That was a week and a half ago and I am yet to receive a response. I left my home email and cell phone number as well.
So here goes. Once again the hand sanitizer that sits atop a stand apparently broke. It’s been gone for well over two months! Anyone who visits this gym knows that most (who care about hygiene) utilize this upon leaving the facility after a workout. Some use it prior to, as well as after, a workout. Being present illicits a response from the general public which ultimately results in people using it which subsequently decreases infection rates.
Well over a year ago I wrote quite a lengthy email, to the proverbial powers that be, supporting my request for the said portable hand sanitizer stations. I was very pleased to receive a response stating that they would implement them in the very near future. But, to see them in place within two weeks was awesome!
Well the ‘Anex’ side has been without one for two months. I’ve emailed management and witnessed front desk staff (on both sides) write down my complaint/​request to have it replaced. I mean, I’m not asking them to drain and redo the pool (which is in dire need of being done) I’m simply asking them to provide this so that every member isn’t exposed to a myriad of diseases.
Fact:When in place, hand sanitizing stations decrease infection rates amongst those who use/​frequent the region.
My other issue, which I’m sure EVERY member could echo the same complaint, is the nasty toward that are left with a cleaning solution on stations throughout the facility. Granted, the blue cloths will become went over time. But it seems no matter what day and what time I frequent In-​Shape Capitola (main/​annex) those blue rags are SOAKED. I have literally seen 25 to 35% of your clients go over and grab it and return it to its proper place without utilizing due to the fact that they do not want to touch that filthy rag. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to view that in extrapolate that people are disgusted by the condition of the rag that their supposed to use to keep the equipment clean.
To dove tail off of the aforementioned details, the annex side rarely if ever has clean white towels for customers. What’s sort of comical is the big sign that they have posted right in front of the desk when you check-​in. It states that free towels are provided and that members are expected to utilize them to keep the equipment clean. Well that’s all well and good when there are towels provided! Now I’m not busting you know what, but you have to hold up you end of the agreement. I pay dues and in return I should expect certain things. I mean you’re the one that posted the sign. It’s almost comical. If it was once in a while, I would totally get it. People get busy, you have to do laundry maybe there’s a sick call.
However, with the gross soaked blue clothes, empty spray bottles of disinfectant coupled with the lack of clean white towels and zero even toilet paper it’s clear that there is a massive amount of complacency when it comes to In-​Shape Capitola especially on the Annex side.
So I welcome a call back. To reiterate, I’ve already emailed management and provided in my personal email as well as phone number and even membership number.
Membership #-M220464

I’ve been a member here for years. Back when it was SpaFitness. I miss that local vibe. The turnover and changes have not been for the best.
I never go to the main gym where they did most of their renovations. Sure that locker room looks really nice; but the annex side is a disaster! They did absolutely nothing to that side (why was it closed for so long when nothing was done to it?) Half the lockers don’t have the locking part so people just put their stuff in with no lock. Hopefully people don’t steal anything for their sake. The locker room floor is disgusting and when it’s wet, it’s slippery as hell! I fell one time because it’s so slippery! NOT COOL! There is NEVER anyone at the front to check you in, so who am I suppose to complain to when I fell? Someone said she was going to tell someone and I’m like who are you going to tell? There’s no one around!
I can’t comment on the staff because I never see anyone working. Once a month — maybe. And I go regularly.
The classes are so not convenient. Do you not care about people who work for a living? Make classes start at 5:45 like they used to so we can get there and not walk in 20 minutes late. I have to drive across town and cannot make the 5:30 class with Dave that I liked so much. Sorry Dave, I miss you!
We pay a lot of money every month and there is never anyone at the front desk (on the annex side). Like I said I never go to the main side. I just don’t like it over there. I hate the parking structure. I hear there are NO cameras so don’t be fooled thinking your car is safe.
The only reason I still go (besides my contract isn’t up yet) is my wonderful trainer Shelly. I love her. She is absolutely fantastic. She knows what she is doing, is friendly and always there for me. She needs a raise damnit!
I try not to pay attention to the men. They drop the weights and make all kinds of noises that I really don’t want to hear. Gee, maybe that weight is too heavy for you… think about it unstudly dude with the gigantic shoulders and tiny legs, lol!
I would love to use the pool but the chlorine is obnoxious! You can smell it a block away and it sticks to you for days. It’s gross!
Oh yeah, that sanitizing spray and blue towels… eww!
Get it together In-​Shape! Corporate just doesn’t work well in Santa Cruz/​Capitola.

I want a towel when I check in. They have not had them at the desk during my last six visits. It’s a gym for goodness sake, why wouldn’t they have towels?
Additionally they have sanitation spray in holders around the gym, but you are expected to wipe your equipment with these little blue towels next to the sanitizer. They are often soaking wet and I know they’re not replaced often. Wiping up your sweat and then putting the towel bank for a hundred more people to use is nasty, unsanitary and during cold and flu season — dangerous.

I have been a member for about a year now but really started utilizing the club when I got a personal trainer, Chris. I’ve been working out with Chris since November and it had been the best decision I’ve made. He pushes me to meet my goals and I’ve been seeing changes in my fitness and strength. My body fat has decreased. He is also very understanding with my schedule as I am a nurse and on call. I would recommend him to anyone who wants a great trainer. Chris pushes me to my limits but never past, he is always correcting my form and teaching me along the way. He also gives me nutrition tips and workouts when we aren’t together to help keep me on track. I have no complaints at all and am excited to see what the next few months will bring with Chris as my personal trainer!

This review is mostly about the trainers in particular Chris with the salt and pepper hair. I’m currently training to go into the Air Force and his methods are spot on. I’ve been working out with him for a few months and have greatly increased my strength. His workouts are innovative and always different, I am always having fun, and the time passes too quickly. Chris is incredibly professional and it is obvious he puts a lot of time and thought into each one of his clients, and their goals and needs. I have worked out with trainers in countless gyms all over the country including Austin where there are some of the best and Chris is hands down the best I’ve had the pleasure to work with.
As far as the gym goes the staff are friendly and the equipment is working and mostly new. There isn’t much more you could ask for in a gym.

Nice gym. Sauna and cold plunge are a plus. Outdoor exercise area is great. Would like to see a larger kettlebell selection, I mean how much are a set of kettlebells?
Place is clean, people are nice. Highly recommend the personal trainer named Nate Jackson whom works there.

This gym allows membership to some male predators. Some guys sexually harass young women. Even if you say «I’m here to work out» they don’t get the hint! They do not have a «women only section» like they used to, when it was Spa Fitness, so it’s impossible to work out without being approached or stared down by these creeps.
But, according to two women I know, there is one particular guy that belongs to this gym — and he is described as outgoing, & friendly, but he is a drug dealer, a pill pusher selling Percusset & Norco! He has bragged of «having a lot of pills.» And he has access to hundreds of people at In Shape.
So if this guy is «friendly» to you, don’t consider it flattery! He is sniffing around for people he can give or sell his pills to! Let the management know if you feel uncomfortable! Listen to your your instincts! Call the Capitola Police if anyone offers to give you a Norco or Percusset! These are highly addictive & dangerous drugs.
I have informed the Capitola Police Department about this guy, since he lives in Capitola Village.
One last suggestion. DO NOT agree to have «convenient» automatic payments if you do decide to join.
If you do not want to renew your membership, and Call to STOP automatic payments from your account, they will tell you, you «HAVE TO SEND A LETTER VIA «REGISTERED MAIL» requesting they stop withdrawing funds! It’s a very clever way to get a week or more of payments from you!
They do not disclose this verbally to you when you join, so BE AWARE! Weeks will go by before you can get to a Post Office — & that is weeks of extra funds out of your account! It’s OUTRAGEOUS!
Our community has a lot of small independent gyms in the area, we should patronize the local business, not some company headquartered in Sacramento!

Don’t expect them to have towels for members. Last 10 visits none available «come back in 15».
Update: they called and said this was fixed, gave me a month off. Low and behold it’s still at about a 25% shot that a towel is available. It’s such a small problem that is easy to fix. Makes no sense.

I don’t have anything bad to say about this gym… I mean I joined 2 weeks ago and so far I have really enjoyed it. It’s for sure the nicest gym in Capitola/​Santa Cruz. The staff seems to be really nice, the locker rooms are clean! I think the only thing that sort of sucks is the fact there isn’t like a faucet to fill your water bottle. I mean there are water fountains and you can fill up that way, but it’s slow and sort of inconvenient. Other than that, I am glad that I made the switch to this gym & don’t plan on changing!

This gym grosses me out! Apart from «looking» clean it really isn’t. For the price there should always be people cleaning the gym and equipment so my hands sent black after leaving. Plus this place smells like Crap and not at all sanitary. The bathrooms smell moldy as well. There’s no air conditioner… I’m sweating my face off because I’m exercising and because it’s so hot in here with everyone sweating. Gross. 1 star is for the size of the gym and another star is for the outdoor workout area.

This is a pretty good gym but they make you pay something like $ 5/​mo for towel service. At least five times I’ve been in now only to be told there are no towels so I’ve had to complete my workout by wiping sweat on my gym clothes.
Why am I paying for a service I can’t use? And secondly how much do those skanky cheap ass towels cost the club anyway? Clearly their priority is money over customer satisfaction.
Club one fitness in Scott’s valley knows how to do this the right way — cleanest gym I’ve ever been to. Pity I moved from there to here.
EDIT: June 28 — Towels mostly provided on entry. On Saturday afternoon (typically empty gym) there was none, and was told a 25 minute wait was the best to opt for. Again, why should I pay for a service that I can’t use. It’s easier to just wash my own damn towel. Oh yeah, and the mens bathroom in the other smaller gym stinks like somebody died in there. You need to get someone to look at the plumbing in there.

I was a personal trainer in San Francisco for about 12 years, and I worked in a number of very well-​run gyms and private facilities. In Shape has decent equipment and tons of space, but it’s ridiculous that in 2015 they still have ancient, barely working manual paper towel dispensers with which you must go through contortions to get paper towels out, negating the fact that you just washed your hands. (They also have not yet upgraded to hands-​free faucets.)
I can think of no business where it is more important to have hands-​free washing facilities than a busy health club, where by definition sweaty, dirty people are handling the same equipment day in and day out.
Come on, get your act together on this one important (from a basic hygiene perspective) component of your facility and I’ll give you a few more stars