Praise for the Pismo Beach Athletic Club

In a previous Hub, I wrote "Losing Weight at Fifty-eight," and I mentioned the Pismo Beach Athletic Club, but I didn't really give the PBAC its entire due. That gym was an essential part of my losing weight and becoming more fit, and I so admire it as a business for its success and for what it offers its customers.

The PBAC appears to be especially well run. It is supposed to be open at 5:30 am on weekdays, but the doors are always open before that. All of the employees (Jim, Richard, Heidi, Jennifer, Isabella, and Chad are the names that I know) are friendly and helpful. If one of the exercise machines breaks, the next day it is fixed. There are constantly housekeepers keeping the place clean. The main exercise room is on the second floor, and you have a view of the Pacific Ocean and the Kon Tiki Inn, which, along with the gym is owned by Henry, who is often at the gym. It is restful to look at the ocean while recovering between sets. Sometimes I have seen hang gliders and very large kites in the sky from the gym.

They have all the usual machines, and just recently the cardio bicycles were replaced with new ones. Although I didn't know there was anything wrong with the old ones, the new ones do run more smoothly, so I guess it was right to replace them. One of the large rooms for classes just had a new poured floor installed that is not only more comfortable but also more hygienic. I once asked for a Bandaid, and even their adhesive bandages are first rate, the kind with fabric.

The hot tub is emptied and cleaned twice a week, and I often see employees checking it for the proper chemical levels. I asked once about it, and the employee told me that there is an automatic monitoring device, but they check it manually often just to make sure that the automatic device is working properly. There are also a steam room and sauna. The indoor pool is large and kept at 82 degrees. A spinner for wet bathing suits is provided along with complimentary plastic bags for wet clothes and towels. Four indoor racquetball courts and outdoor lighted tennis courts are also available. There are water aerobic classes along with many other classes that are included with the dues. Massage, at additional cost, is available there, but I have never used it.

There are no free large towels, and I think they have chosen to do this because it keeps the locker rooms neater. You may use all the terry washcloths that you wish. There is simple green cleaner to spray on a cloth and then to wipe down a machine after you have used it. The showers are large and stocked with a liquid soap. Many people put locks on their lockers, but I don't, and I have never had a problem (nobody wants my clothes or Timex watch).

The arrangement of the machines, free weights, areas for floor exercises is well done. Occasionally, I've seen something be moved or turned around, but usually it goes back to where it was originally. A few days ago I was at Scolari's Grocery Store in Pismo, I saw Henry carefully going over the bananas that he was getting for the gym and for the inn. This is indicative of the care that he puts into his business. You can get bananas, a frozen yogurt protein shake, power bars, and coffee at the gym, but I have never tasted any of those items.

When I joined, new members were entitled to a free session with a trainer. If you join, you should absolutely do this. Hamed Niknamfard met with me, and I am sure his demeanor, guidance, and encouragement were instrumental in my ultimate gym success. In the previous Hub, I wrote about how friendly the patrons are. They match the employees.

Except on July Fourth, there is always plenty of parking, and you'll appreciate the spacious parking spaces. There are bicycle racks, and it is well lit at night. Childcare is available. I truly do not know what they could do to make it any better.