Asheville Racquet Club South

Fantastic experience: I’ve been playing pickleball here for a couple of years now, and I can say I’ve recently enjoyed it more than ever. Cenyu (pickleball director) has really made some great changes in the scheduled play, offering both fun and competitive environments for all ratings. I’ve played all over town, and think this club is definitely the best place to play pickleball in Asheville.

Fantastic experience: Great place. Great people. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Our club

Fantastic experience: Tennis club!

Fantastic experience: We love ARC South! The pickleball staff are all top-notch as well as approachable. Not intimidating to be a newer player at ARC South. Cenyu (director of pickleball) is awesome and works hard to accommodate all levels. Plus the pool and workout room is good as well. The pool has a diving board and great lifeguard staff.

Fantastic experience: If you play pickleball (or want to learn), come to ARC. There are lots of opportunities for both social play and competitive play. Recently they’ve added several fun social competitions that have made it better than ever for pickleballers. It’s easy to meet people and make new friends, and the staff works hard to give everyone opportunities to play, improve and have FUN!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a pickleball member for almost a year now and the staff does a great job organizing and setting up numerous games/competitions/tournaments for their members. Cenyu regularly goes out of her way, and truly cares, about each member. Thanks Cenyu and ARC South staff!!

Fantastic experience: Excellent club and very well managed/maintained

Fantastic experience: There has been a lot of drama in the pickleball world regarding ratings. I appreciate the effort that Cenyu Yang, the new pickleball director has done to listen to the members and is implementing both a rated open play and a self-rated open play. While I prefer the highly competitive play, many others don't want the stress of the rating system and have options. Good job Cenyu.

Fantastic experience: ARC South meets my all of my requirements for fitness and tennis. Alex Appelt, my tennis instructor, brings knowledge and passion to every lesson. I couldn't be more pleased.

Fantastic experience: Great place to watch the games, or play the games.

Fantastic experience: My friend and I wanted a wellness day to enjoy a sauna so we did a day pass and it was AMAZING. The front desk employee (his name is Noble) was very helpful and made the best shakes for us after our sauna visit. We highly recommend the Racquet Club South

Fantastic experience: Noble Keller is the single most gentlemanly and accommodating front desk employee I have ever met. 5 stars to the entire company because of him!! He answered all of my questions and walked me through everything I needed with a smile on his face. Fantastic!!!

Fantastic experience: Great location to play tennis, pickleball and exercise.

Fantastic experience: Amazing location for tennis and pickleball!

Fantastic experience: Great place, friendly people.

Fantastic experience: Nice place with friendly staff

Fantastic experience: Pickleball program is top notch! Well organized weekly games and drills for all levels. Particularly appreciate the rating system which is fair and I find lines up pretty accurately when playing players of similar rank at other clubs. You have to have an objective rating system in any competitive sport. Either buy into the ARC system and/or go get a DUPR rating via tournaments. Its no different than organized tennis or golf or chess or swimming or...whatever. Results are collected, put into a ranking system and you get a club ranking that changes with positive/negative results. Everyone is measured using the same system. Michael, Cenyu and now Gerry run a great program with very large and growing population of players.

Fantastic experience: This is the best place in Asheville for keeping fit. The facility in S Asheville is well maintained, clean, exceptional workout equipment and offers a great variety of fitness classes. The class instructors are truly wonderful. I have found them to be friendly and experienced and really care about each individuals fitness goals. If you just moved to Asheville and are looking for a welcoming classy facility to workout give this place a try.

Fantastic experience: Been a member for close to 11 years. I have many things to say about this club, all of which are positive. Let's start with the meat and potatoes of any fitness club: the fitness. There's something for everyone here. Weight lifting, strength training, cardio, yoga, it's all here. They have group classes frequently and consistently, so once you find what works for you, you're able to keep it in your routine. I'm partial to Kim's and Danielle's spin class due to the intensity and the music choices, not to mention their personalities. There's also a personal fitness room with a massive punching bag, plenty of machines and equipment, and (this is a highlight of the room) Peloton bikes. There's also a pool open from June to I think October or so. I'm not sure about specifics. Oh, and there's a childcare program. Next up, let's talk about another appealing factor; the sense of community. There's always some form of mingling in places like the lobby and upstairs lounge. You really get to know a lot of the people there, members and staff alike. They feel like family and it's nice. Someone who REALLY hammers this point home is Barbie, one of the staff members here. She's been with ARC since forever and she's a really down to earth person. She's quite social and seems to know everyone and their stories, and will always greet regulars with a wave and a "Oh hey there!". She's super friendly, and has seen me grow over the years. Another person who nails this point home is Kim Boose. She's one of the instructors here. She's very friendly and her energy is contagious! I love it! Great way to get started with the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a morning spin class. Cannot say enough good things about her. In conclusion, this club is one of the better fitness clubs in South Asheville, and if anyone asks me where I'd go first to meet new people, make new friends and get your heart rate up all in the same place, I'd recommend this place. It's a great place to go if you just moved into the area

Fantastic experience: Love the racquet club. We use private trainers, tennis instructors, kids camps, pool and it’s all awesome.

Fantastic experience: Awesome club - clay courts, hart courts pickle ball and gym. Kids programs galore :)

Fantastic experience: I have been a member for many years Love this place .

Fantastic experience: Great tennis courts indoor and outside, incredible staff, great workout classes, and definitely the place for newbies to learn Tennis.

Fantastic experience: Excellent facility. Excellent teaching pros. Have 8 new pickleball courts. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: My favorite place in the Asheville area for tennis and social gatherings. Huge fitness area, a pool, and indoor and outdoor pickleball courts.

Fantastic experience: Great for our young family. My children LOVE going to see Kayln in childcare. It’s made me so happy and comfortable. Lucky to have her there. I love the group fitness classes! I’ve gotten so much stronger and more lean in a short few months. I take classes with Kim and Danielle~ awesome leaders. Have met wonderful classmates too. Inviting atmosphere no matter your age or dynamic.

Fantastic experience: My husband and I travel 30 minutes each way to participate in ARC South’s pickleball program. We often play five times per week. There are play sessions, round robins, clinics and private lessons set up for all different levels of play. Members can also reserve a private court at no charge. The encouraging, positive pickleball staff has helped our games improve and made playtime enjoyable. (Thank you, Michael and Cenyu!) They are always professional and work to create an atmosphere of fairness. Even with large numbers of players attending some sessions we have never had a wait time of more than 10 minutes, due to the systems the pickleball staff has put in place. We also appreciate the club staff who greets us upon entry and exit each time we visit. The nice locker rooms, childcare and cold water dispensers at the courts are added benefits. In our opinion, ARC is the premier pickleball venue in the greater Asheville area.

Fantastic experience: I moved to Asheville a year ago and joined ARC a few months ago to play pickleball. Discovered Michael and Cenyu who are amazing at organizing our play and dealing with the politics of mixing play levels :). They always greet us like they know us personally and jump in and play with us if we need a 4th. They are constantly encouraging us even though some of us are way below their level of play. I have had a couple of lessons with Michael and he is so good at demonstrating and explaining technique in layman’s terms. It can be intimidating to show up with a bunch of pros on the court, but they wave us on in to join and get better.

Fantastic experience: The front desk staff always offers a friendly greeting to each guest/member as they enter the building. Especially appreciate the Pickleball staff as they coordinate so many weekly play times for each skill group. Both Michael and Cenyu are very welcoming and greet each player by name as they come on the courts. Also, they do a great job of connecting players who might not know each other. Always a pleasure to play here!

Fantastic experience: We are relatively new members at the Asheville Racquet Club and are so impressed by the quality of the staff that you have hired. We have belonged to various gyms over the last forty years in several different major cities in the United States; as well as four other clubs in the Asheville area. The team that you have put together for racquet sports and for all other features of your club is very encouraging. This includes the grounds, the clubhouse, the front desk, etc. The one we are the most grateful for is Dustin Drucker, the personal trainer that you were able to hire. We have had about five hours of instruction from him and are so delighted with our progress and our enjoyment of coming to the ARC. It doesn't take long to get stale with the same routine with weights when you look around at the other ARC equipment that is available but are not sure how to use it. We are now learning to enjoy many different ways to be in shape and to enjoy the process of learning, of challenging, and of attending ARC regularly. (We missed for two weeks due to an incidental Covid exposure, tested negative, waited the full two weeks and then came back.) Dustin Drucker has more education, training, certifications and experience than we thought possible for in a personal trainer. At seventy and seventy-six years of age, we can not recover from an inexperienced trainer's instruction that causes us damage. Mr. Drucker is clear in his instruction and can confidently modify exercises for bad elbows, thanks to racquetball, and backs, thanks to living long. He is helping us to become stronger, energized about exercising,and committed to having a long term relationship with ARC. We have had other personal trainers in the past forty years and he is by far the very best most knowledgeable personal trainer. We have seen him with a variety of other ARC members. He is versatile to be able to challenge the young jocks as easily as he can challenge my husband and I. He is a great asset for ARC.

Fantastic experience: Clay courts are in great shape!

Fantastic experience: Love this place!

Fantastic experience: The best gym in town hands down.

Fantastic experience: New member, so experience is limited, but the people facilitating membership and getting me on the court right away have been very helpful and the facilities are excellent.

Positive experience: In contrast to another reviewer’s experience, I have had a very good experience with pickleball and there has always been water; it is true that “occasionally” the courts aren’t swept, but that’s the exception not the rule. I have never, EVER seen the type behavior described below by another reviewer, and I am there at least 4 days a week for about 2 1/2- 3 hrs a day. Once in awhile when the courts are busy there is a slight delay in court assignments- more like 5-10 min max-certainly NOT an hour. Sometimes round robins get a little confusing, but that’s because people leave after the first round robin and the round robin has to be completely reformatted. That’s not their fault, it’s just part of the ladder process; it would be helpful if people signed up for the RR to stay and finish it. Constructive feedback is OK- I am sure ARC appreciates that. Personal attacks are NOT OK.

Negative experience: Nice club but mask wearing is NOT enforced by owner despite signs on front door. So, unless you are not worried about Covid, expect to see non mask wearing attendants at front desk and non mask wearing people in the lobby. You can complain to management, but the results are short acting. I have been a member for years and loved it before Covid. It is sad that simple rules are not enforced.

Fantastic experience: Excellent place to become a member. ARC offers so many activities. I always feel like home there even as a guest.

Fantastic experience: Just moved to Asheville and I had been looking for a gym that offered childcare (I know it’s a wild thought but I had to try). I’m a stay at home mama who desperately needs to work out. This is probably the nicest facility I have ever been to. I’ve visited both and while I do love both locations, I prefer the South location because it’s closer to me. I’m always greeted with a smile by Allie who was so helpful in getting me signed up for the gym. The ladies down at daycare are so nice and welcoming to my little guy! I’ve had a lot of anxiety about taking him out or leaving him places, but they ease all of it! I especially love that the gym and daycare room are so close in proximity that if I wanted to, I can take a quick peek to see if my kid was having a good time. Overall, I’m loving it. This place makes me want to stay all day!

Fantastic experience: Great place to workout, play some indoor soccer, racquetball or tennis. I get motivated thinking about ARC South

Fantastic experience: Got some nice sun. Pool wasn't crowded. Pleasant lifeguard staff. And they finally changed the music from that reggae to classic rock.

Fantastic experience: Nice club

Fantastic experience: The staff is always friendly and the facility is well maintained!

Fantastic experience: Nicely maintained courts.

Fantastic experience: I use to life guard at this place.

Fantastic experience: I love this gym. I have been a member for years and always feel supported and comfortable. They have handled the recent closures and changes with professionalism and clear consistent communication including adding great video classes and outdoor options.

Fantastic experience: It does feel like family when I walk in the door. Love this community!

Fantastic experience: Nicely maintained courts.

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere, clean equipment, knowledgeable staff

Fantastic experience: Variety of activities for the whole family. Tennis fitness soccer swimming. Clean and family friendly.

Fantastic experience: Cool place

Positive experience: It's ok. Tons of cardio equipment if that's your jam. Idiots like to do curls in the one and only squat rack though, and lots of people don't put their weights away.

Positive experience: The Asheville Raquet Club has great tennis courts and tennis instructions. The gym is large and has a lot of machine weights along with free weights. The club also has an indoor soccer field for competitive indoor soccer and leagues ranging from young children to adult leagues. There are also youth soccer training session with the club's soccer instructor and summer camps for soccer, tennis, or general summer fun. The staff is helpful and friendly. The parking lot is large and there is always enough parking. It is located in a nice area of South Asheville where there are many restaurants and other entertainment amenities.

Fantastic experience: Clean area, nice people

Fantastic experience: Great gym classes two locations .really enjoy the outdoor pool in summer

Fantastic experience: Love it here. Kim’s classes are incredible. Get to play some Indoor soccer with my kids and attend a class all in one morning.

Fantastic experience: Love it !!!!

Fantastic experience: Really fun indoor soccer league.

Fantastic experience: Love the pool and a super clean facility.

Fantastic experience: I love this gym! I've belonged about 3 years. The classes and instructors are great!

Fantastic experience: New renovations, great tennis and fitness! And a restaurant & bar!

Fantastic experience: Newly updated! They have tennis courts, indoor soccer, a gym.. Etc. Friendly staff!

Positive experience: Antiquated equipment

Positive experience: ARC has everything for the people who really want to get fit or just continue in their routine. Indoor tennis courts, huge exercise room with every machine possible, yoga room, racquet ball court, soccer field, etc. All under one roof. Members only though.

Negative experience: A/C has been broken for weeks now.... fitness equipment takes weeks/months before it is fixed. No oversight in this club...

Positive experience: Great place, lots of things to do and plenty of equipment. But it's a bit pricy compared to a gym. I only subscribe for the indoor soccer field at the downtown location and notable lack of crowds of sweaty tryhards, lol.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful Location

Fantastic experience: Love this place

Fantastic experience: Very nice club, friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: Always such friendly staff and awesome tennis pros. Classes are unique and motivate you to keep coming back!

Positive experience: Vending machines

Negative experience: Under construction

Positive experience: Nice club.

Positive experience: It has a pool

Positive experience: Nice for gym and tennis but clay courts need better attention

Negative experience: I went in to learn about gym membership pricing and no one was at the desk. After about 5 minutes of standing there the dude walks out and I ask him, he tells me 120 for just a month and presents no other options of membership. I later call and no one picks up. Then I call the one in South Asheville and ask the man who answers who says there sales manager is out for the day but he is going to patch me to his voicemail. I don't want to interact with someones voice mail. I want to talk to someone about the gym costs. No one wants to interact or knows anything. Better off doing push-ups at home. This has been an awful experience and gives me know reason to attempt to give them any money.

Positive experience: The place has plenty of space for equipment and classes. They have childcare but we stopped using it because a couple of times the girl working there had her boyfriend there as well. And last but not least every year something is wrong with the outdoor pool. This year the water is cloudy, the lifeguard said because they have not fixed the motor to the pool yet. It's been 3.5 weeks.