When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College
Why The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College stands out as a versatile and welcoming fitness facility ideal for meeting up with friends, pursuing health goals, and engaging in community wellness. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this center provides a wide range of services and amenities suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It features state-of-the-art equipment for strength and cardio training, spacious group exercise studios, and a salt water lap pool for swimming and aquatic programs. The center offers diverse programming such as Pilates Reformer classes, personal and small group training, swim lessons led by certified instructors, and therapeutic massage therapy, catering to both casual exercisers and serious fitness enthusiasts. Beyond physical fitness, the center supports overall health through medical fitness programming, virtual fitness classes, and fitness assessments using advanced BodyScript™ analyzers. Members benefit from full-service locker rooms with premium amenities and access to an indoor track, gymnasium courts, and wellness programs tailored to individual needs. With its mission to create a healthy environment engaging students, staff, and the local community, the center is an excellent gathering spot that combines expert guidance, modern facilities, and a supportive atmosphere for friends to connect while working on their wellness journeys.
Here's what people think of The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College
As of recent, The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College holds a 4.4-star rating based on 197 reviews.
User reviews of The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College reflect a generally positive experience, with an overall rating of 4.4 based on nearly 200 reviews. Many users praise the center's modern facilities, variety of programs, and knowledgeable staff who provide personalized support such as tailored training plans and fitness assessments. Positive feedback highlights the convenient access to diverse amenities including the salt water pool, group exercise classes, and wellness services like massage therapy. Members appreciate the inclusive environment that welcomes varying fitness levels and fosters community engagement. However, some negative reviews mention occasional frustrations such as restrictive staff policies or interruptions during workouts, as well as limited weekend or holiday hours. A few users have reported less-than-satisfactory customer service experiences at the front desk or concerns about center accessibility during busy times. Despite these occasional critiques, most reviews conclude that the center offers valuable resources and a comprehensive approach to fitness and wellness. Overall, the review consensus suggests that while there is room for improvement in customer interaction and operational logistics, The Health & Fitness Center remains a well-regarded and effective facility for fitness enthusiasts and community members alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Waleed Baker
Great facility but absolutely terrible management, Dawn Lyons specifically who is the center director, she has no idea about customer service. I was a regular and the front desk always waved me in so I assumed they checked me in but they hadn’t been. Dawn was working on this particular day and I was walking back to the locker room and she screamed at the top of her lungs after she looked me up in the system “YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE HERE” …. Absolutely insane. It was a simple situation of a new card with a new expiration date but I hadn’t been notified the months I was coming in, a simple update but I paid the past due balance and cancelled my membership, can someone culture this woman to how we conduct business in civil society, I wonder if I was white if she would have done that? She always treated white members better.
Alexander Ball
My first day at the gym I was so excited to use the heavy bag. Every gym I've been to before with a heavy bag always lies about its availability and when it disappears it stays missing for months with no accountability or care about getting it reinstalled. I was so disappointed when I showed up and I heard the heavy bag just disappeared and they didn't know when it would be back? I thought this place would be different; then came Shannon and Jen. Shannon explained to me it would be resolved soon and not to worry. Me, informed by my past heavy bag traumas, didn't believe him. He went and got Jen and not only did she assuage my doubts, hook me up with a guest pass, she called me later that day to say she confirmed the parts are on order, and called me a couple days later when it was reinstalled. Immediately I see where my dues are going: facilities, staffing, and customer service. I look forward to kicking the hell out of this heavy bag -- way cheaper than a therapist. Thank you Jen and Shannon!
Grace Love
My recent experience at Washtenaw Fitness was very disappointing. Carrie at the front desk was rude and dismissive, which immediately set a negative tone. Even after being told her approach came across as nasty, she showed no apology or effort to correct it. This matters because the front desk is the first point of contact for every member and guest. A gym isn’t just about exercise; it’s often where people come to release stress, find motivation, and improve their mental health. A kind approach can uplift someone; a harsh one can do the opposite. I encourage management to take this seriously and provide additional training, because professionalism, empathy, and respect at the front desk are not optional: they are essential.
Braden mason Fishing
I had an extremely frustrating experience at the WCC gym on April 7th. I was stopped and told by staff member Corinne Kuala that I wasn't enrolled in PEA 115 and had been using the gym "illegally" all semester — something I was completely unaware of. Despite being flagged every time I scanned in, no one notified me until it was too late to fix the issue. I explained that I’m on a scholarship that would’ve covered the class and had no reason not to enroll if I had known. Still, I was pressured into paying $156 for a membership on the spot, which felt unfair and aggressive. I’ve used the gym regularly, followed a class schedule, and got to know the staff — only to be treated like I was doing something wrong. I’ve requested a refund and filed a complaint. Poor communication and handling all around.
Donovan Golden
The Employees were extremely rude to me today! I decided to head to the pool with my girlfriend and her brother ( it was her brother’s first day at this gym). Upon going to the pool, I see an employee (Linda) chase down two women and begin to grill them on their pool attire in a more than harsh manner. I didn’t know the exact situation but it seemed real rude and wrong from my point of view. Later I was in the hot tub showing my girlfriend’s brother something on my phone and the same employee approached me with the same rude and harsh behavior. She yelled, "YOU NEED TO PUT THAT AWAY NOW! RIGHT NOW! PUT THAT AWAY OR IM GOING TO GO GET MANAGEMENT AND YOUR GONNA HAVE TO GET OUT ." I was embarrassed, yet I put the phone away and told her there’s no reason to be hostile, we didn’t know. She said she wasn’t being hostile, but all 3 of us could agree she was really hostile. After that she came back and said we need to get out of the hot tub, it’s 5:26 and we need to be gone and off of the poop deck by 5:30 (maybe because they were closing the pool at 5:30). My girlfriends brother asked if she was kicking us out and I said "no they probably close the pool at 5:30" to which she responds "NO, YOU NEED TO BE OFF THE POOL DECK BY 5:30". We get up and proceed to leave. I still wanted to go to the steam room in the locker room, however my things were still in the pool lockers. I asked my girlfriend if I am expected to grab my things from the pool lockers and then walk through the lobby wet while carrying my belongings to get to the men’s locker room. The same employee (Linda), walks over and says again "YOU NEED TO GET OFF OF THE POOL DECK NOW, ITS TIME FOR YOU TO LEAVE… ACTUALLY GIVE ME ALL OF YOUR NAMES, IM GOING TO THE FRONT DESK ABOUT YOUR BEHAVIOR." She spoke to nobody else in the pool in this manner except us. I told her I felt like she was harassing us, so I will go up to the front desk and tell them what’s going on back here. I asked for her name and she covered her name tag, but I saw that it was Linda. She rushed to the front desk, grabbed a manager, and 3 minutes later she brought a manager to the pool locker room as I dried off. As I tried to talk to the manager about my experience, I felt as though even she was dismissive of my complaint and probably didn’t file it as she was supposed too. " I began to tell her about the treatment we received when we had our phones out, how she rushed us out of the pool at 5:26, and I tried to tell her about the way she spoke to me as I was leaving the pool deck, but the manager cut me off quickly. She said "she’s just reinforcing rules". I’m no stranger to rules at a gym, but I’ve never been talked to in such a manner by any employee at that gym other than her. I was blatantly disrespected 3 separate times in front of my peers at the gym. I told the manager that I understand there’s rules but it was simply how she kept approaching us and her aggressive speech that made me feel harassed and targeted. That manager said "well just remember to be respectful, she was just enforcing rules, drink some water, sit down, and just take a minute to calm down". I wasn’t even angry, I spoke softly to this woman the entire time and just tried to tell her what I went through. She asked me "do you want to make an official complaint or did you just want her to let the head manager know what happened because I have a lot of work to do and I don’t really have time to deal with this." I said I want to make an official complaint of the entire story. She said "okay, we’ll just calm down like I said, drink some water, sit down, and try to relax." I said " Maam im okay, I’m calm. I just feel disrespected and would like to…" and I can’t make this up guys but she literally walked away from me mid sentence 😭. Hands down craziest experience I’ve ever had at a gym!
How to reach The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College
None
Website: None
Why The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College with your friends? This location offers a unique combination of high-quality fitness facilities and a welcoming, community-oriented environment that makes it ideal for group gatherings. Whether you and your friends are fitness enthusiasts or just starting to explore healthier lifestyles, the center’s inclusive vibe ensures everyone feels comfortable and motivated. The social aspect of exercising in a group setting can greatly enhance motivation and enjoyment, turning workouts into fun, shared experiences rather than solitary routines. Additionally, the center’s extensive offerings cater to a variety of interests and fitness levels—from energizing group classes to relaxing aquatic sessions—providing something for everyone in your group. Choosing this center for a meetup encourages positive health habits while fostering social bonding, making it a productive and memorable way to spend time together.
Furthermore, the center’s location at Washtenaw Community College adds to its appeal, offering easy accessibility and a safe, clean environment. The Health & Fitness Center boasts a stellar reputation with a 4.4-star rating from nearly 200 reviews, signaling strong community approval of the quality, friendliness, and value the center provides. For groups looking to combine wellness with social interaction, this facility is much more than a gym—it’s a vibrant community hub that supports your collective fitness goals while providing a space to connect.
What kinds of group activities are available at the Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College?
The center is well known for its extensive group exercise programs designed to meet diverse fitness needs, making it an excellent venue for group meetups. These classes include options such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba, cycling, Group Power, arthritis therapy, and pool aquatics. Each class is led by certified instructors who are passionate about creating a motivating and supportive atmosphere. This makes it easy for groups to jump into classes regardless of experience level, as instructors provide guidance that ensures everyone can participate safely and effectively. Group exercise fosters camaraderie, and the variety of classes encourages groups to try new workouts together, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
Additionally, group exercise classes are included with membership, allowing your friends to explore many different types of workouts without worrying about additional costs. The classes run throughout the week, with schedules designed to fit busy lifestyles. Whether your group prefers early morning sessions, after-work classes, or weekend workouts, you’ll find times that work for everyone. This flexibility coupled with the diversity of classes means your meetup can be tailored to your group’s preferences, from energizing cardio sessions to calming, restorative yoga.
What other facilities does the Health & Fitness Center offer for group meetups?
Beyond group exercise, the Health & Fitness Center offers a wealth of other amenities that make it a perfect place for gatherings. The facility includes a spacious 75,000-square-foot area equipped with state-of-the-art cardio machines, strength training equipment, and resistance training zones. For groups interested in strength or endurance training, these areas provide plenty of space for everyone to work out simultaneously without feeling crowded.
Aquatic facilities are a standout feature here, with both saltwater lap pools and warm-water pools available. These pools are perfect for group activities like water aerobics or simply relaxing together post-workout. Aquatic exercise can be especially appealing for mixed-fitness groups because of its low-impact nature and gentle resistance, ideal for people with joint concerns or those recovering from injury. Lifeguards are on duty during set hours, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all aquatic activities.
The facility also offers personal training and fitness assessments, which could be arranged for your group to enhance motivation and progress tracking. This can be a great way to introduce a professional edge to your meetup, helping all members to set and achieve realistic health goals.
Why is the Health & Fitness Center an ideal place for a social and fitness community experience?
The Health & Fitness Center embraces a community-focused approach that nurtures both physical health and social bonds. Its welcoming atmosphere and supportive staff help make everyone feel included and valued, which is important when coming together as a group. The center isn’t just about individual workouts—it encourages social well-being through shared experiences. Friend groups or family meetups here quickly become fun and interactive events rather than just fitness obligations.
Moreover, the center runs various courses through the college, such as the Health and Fitness Experience class, which supports member involvement in physical fitness education and personal fitness planning. Such opportunities create an educational edge, enriching your group’s knowledge about different workouts, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies, enhancing the overall experience.
Flexibility in scheduling and a broad array of activities ensure that your group can find common ground in fitness while socializing. After workouts, there are open lounge areas within the facility, providing a comfortable place to relax, chat, and recharge. This makes the Health & Fitness Center not only a place to improve health but a community hub where lasting memories and friendships can grow.
How accessible and convenient is the Health & Fitness Center for hosting group meetups?
Convenience is a critical factor for any group meetup, and the Health & Fitness Center excels here. Situated on the Washtenaw Community College campus in Ann Arbor, the center has easy access and plenty of parking, making it simple for everyone to arrive without hassle. The facility’s hours are expansive, opening early at 5:00 a.m. on weekdays and staying open until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with slightly shorter hours on Fridays and weekends. These extended hours provide ample opportunity for groups to meet before or after work, or on weekends, accommodating varied schedules.
The center’s membership options also allow for flexible and economical access, ensuring that large or small groups do not feel burdened by costs. Beyond the physical location, supportive features like certified instructors available for all classes add a layer of professionalism that assures safety and effectiveness in workouts, important when working out in groups.
Additionally, communication is straightforward, with readily available staff via phone or online contact forms to answer any group-related questions or facilitate special arrangements. This level of customer service helps groups plan meetups smoothly and make the most of their visit.
What benefits does group fitness at the Health & Fitness Center bring beyond exercise?
Hosting a meetup at the Health & Fitness Center offers more than just physical fitness gains; it also contributes significantly to mental and emotional wellness. Exercising with friends encourages accountability, making it more likely that each attendee will stick to their fitness goals. The social component reduces feelings of stress and isolation, fostering an uplifting environment that boosts mood and energy levels.
Participation in group fitness classes or shared workout sessions also helps build teamwork skills and strengthens relationships, contributing to a sense of belonging. The inclusive nature of the center ensures that no matter your fitness background or ability, the experience is positive and encouraging.
Moreover, being part of a fitness community increases overall motivation, helping members push beyond perceived limits in a safe way. Group meetups here are about having fun, supporting each other, and celebrating progress, which can transform exercise from a chore into a joyful social event.
In summary, The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College is an outstanding venue for organizing meetups that combine social interaction with comprehensive wellness activities. From diverse group classes and state-of-the-art equipment to a supportive community atmosphere and accessible location, it is well-equipped to offer an enjoyable and enriching experience for friends and families alike. With its excellent reputation and variety of options, this center provides the perfect setting to rally around health, friendship, and fun.