Maryland Athletic Club

Negative experience: We joined MAC for a trial membership as it was a convenient stop between our home and school. Within less than a week, we regretted our decision. - showers in the locker rooms don't drain - people are busy recording themselves on the workout floor (with tripods) and don't give a damn about other patrons - people are using their cameras in the locker rooms - towels have actual holes in them and even those are gone before 10am - bathrooms stalls are often not stocked, stalls are blocked off for weeks - workout machines such as bikes and treadmills don't work. There's no signage when they are out of order. - the pools are crumbling and lined with rust. When reaching out to staff about these issues, our first inquiry was completely ignored. We followed up with the Hospitality manager whose responses included: "Oh, they thought someone else would respond." So…the buck stops…somewhere else. They said in order to use things like the spin bikes, we should use the MAC app. There's no signage explaining this anywhere. When we asked about machines that genuinely appear out of order, we were told their Regional Sales Manager should be in town "next month!" and is really good at troubleshooting those issues. They said they "try to keep the ratty towels available for emergencies". Ok, so every day is an emergency, and you still run out. The bathroom issue was addressed as "we have parts on order" and "we're trying to stay on top of it." They didn't address the pools crumbling, or that there are privacy violations with people taking video and photos not just on the floor of the club, but in spaces it specifically says cameras aren't allowed. The overall sense we got was there was no accountability for these issues. They're happy to collect your membership fees, nod when there's issues, and blithely continue business as usual. TLDR: avoid MAC unless you like being fleeced. Services are not as advertised.

Negative experience: This gym is mostly empty aside from older folks post-Covid, and it’s not hard to see why from their management practices. If you are young and/or remotely mobile, stay away from this place. They will not honor any cancellation agreement if you need to leave Baltimore for work/school/travel etc. I was signed up under false pretenses (Heather lied about how soon I could cancel) and even after being forced to pay 3 *full* months (no prorating is available! they will lie about this when you sign up) they are still attempting to charge me now for a *fifth* month despite numerous emails and calls. Would never recommend to anyone. I’ll be filing a Better Business Bureau complaint as well – read some of the horror stories there before signing up!!

Fantastic experience: Nice warm pool, nice showers, free towels to use.

Negative experience: When you stay at the Hilton Garden Inn or Homewood Suites attached to this gym you are told you can use the pool and that children are welcome. When my friend and I brought her children to the pool, we were followed around by a worker (maybe the lifeguard but he didn't have a whistle or anything lifeguard-identifying) who asked us twice if everything was ok, and sat by the pool and just stared at the kids. I get it if you're a lifeguard you need to watch kids but he didn't even check on the other 2 pools for the 40+ minutes we were swimming. He also seemed to be talking to himself, which maybe he was on the phone? But if you're on the phone, I don't feel like you should be doing lifeguard things. Overall it was just really awkward. We felt very unwelcome and tense. If you don't want kids, fine. But then make that a policy. Don't get weird and hostile when they're around.

Fantastic experience: The staff is always super friendly. Yes, this gym is expensive, but if you take advantage of the pools and classes, the cost is more than reasonable.

Fantastic experience: Was a member for more than 3 years until I left Baltimore last year. One of my favorite gyms I've ever been to - very spacious, usually not crowded at all, good equipment, clean, nice facilities, friendly and professional staff. Also had Jason as a personal trainer for a while and he was great. Price-wise, the MAC is more than a lot of gyms, but I found it was reasonable for what you're getting (weightlifting and cardio, pool, steam rooms, squash courts, good equipment, etc). Never had billing issues; I paused my membership for a while at one point and obviously canceled when I left the city. No issues either time.

Negative experience: Exceptionally underwhelming gym. Compared to other gyms in the area the MAC lacks the breadth of equipment found at a run of the mill Planet Fitness. If you enjoy squash, swimming, and paying an exorbitant in membership fees it's the gym to join.

Fantastic experience: The Maryland Athletic Club is an absolute gem! From state-of-the-art facilities to top-notch trainers, it's a fitness enthusiast's paradise. The variety of classes cater to every interest and fitness level, while the equipment is always impeccably maintained. The atmosphere is inviting and motivating, making every workout a pleasure. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this club has everything you need to reach your goals.Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Love this gym! The people who work here are super friendly, high energy and always willing to help. Especially that front desk staff. It’s a great place for working out or just relaxing in the sauna or hot tub.

Fantastic experience: I have had a lot of great memories at the MAC over the last few years. I love how different the different areas of the gym are - from the yoga studio (where I have also practiced my own dances when there weren’t classes going on), the squash courts, group fitness area, the weight area, pool, etc. I have always felt welcomed here and I love the classes (shout out to Erlease’s body pump class and Eleni’s spin class!) and sauna / hot tub specifically. The staff here are so flexible and helpful (especially Ashley) and so communicative (eg for changes or updates for the club). I definitely recommend checking them out if you’re looking for a gym.

Fantastic experience: This gym has one of the few lap pools in Baltimore that is cold enough to do a proper workout. :) Also has a great sense of community — staff and lifeguards are super friendly and it is easy to make friends here.

Fantastic experience: The MAC is excellent. The staff is always very helpful and the facility itself is top notch. It is well maintained and is a very comprehensive gym with pools and plenty of equipment and space, never feels too crowded.

Fantastic experience: Has everything you would want in a gym!

Fantastic experience: Great staff, pleasant atmosphere, everything you need for your best work out. The pools are relaxing and energizing all in one. What a gym!

Fantastic experience: MAC is very good place for individuals try to get into gym. They have well trained trainers. I myself have utilized PT sessions and they have been fruitful. All other amenities and service are top class.

Fantastic experience: best gym ever! friendly staff, clean and tidy facility.

Negative experience: The MAC presents itself as a comprehensive fitness facility, boasting amenities like a pool, weight room, sauna, and classes. However, beneath this facade lies a disappointing reality. After joining and getting a personal experience, I was shook to see that the sauna and pool revealed signs of neglect, with visible rot and rust that detract from the overall experience. The condition is so concerning that one can't help but question the safety and cleanliness of the facilities. It's surprising that management has allowed these issues to persist, especially considering the steep monthly fees charged and leveraging the pools as a selling point. The restroom facilities often fall short of basic cleanliness standards, and the availability of towels is unreliable at best. Many patrons have resorted to bringing their own towels to avoid disappointment especially during long weekends. Despite these drawbacks, the gym does have some redeeming qualities, such as a friendly and accommodating staff, minimal crowding, and ample parking (though the parking machines are prone to glitches 2 days out of 7 days). Overall, while the MAC gym has the potential to be a fantastic gym, but it requires serious remediation efforts to pricing and addressing the glaring shortcomings and surprisingly toxic facilities such as the sauna and pools. I unfortunately can not recommend them to anyone.

Fantastic experience: The MAC is an amazing gym! It has plenty equipment so you aren’t waiting for other people to be done. The fitness classes are also super engaging and great workouts! Highly recommend getting a membership.

Fantastic experience: Been a member since 2021, have nothing to complain except appreciate the MAC for giving me everything I need to reach my goals

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to the Maryland Athletic Club for about three years now, and have loved the experience! The facilities are spacious and well equipped, and environment inspires me to get a good workout in. There are separate areas to run, lift weights, attend classes, and I even used the mirror space one time to record and choreograph a dance :). In addition to all these areas to work out, I enjoy relaxing in the sauna and also checking out the several pools and hot tub! I would highly recommend this gym and their facilities to those in the area!

Negative experience: Should be renamed MAC - THE SLACK AND WE DO NOT WANT BLACKS NOR ARE YOU WELCOMED. Poorly managed too. Always out of towels at the pool, the members do not know that it is 2024 and Sharing Lanes is no big deal, TODAY at swim facilities. The hot tub is down a lot. Either for "maintenace" or " the motor broke down." Why not do maintenance at night when it is closed?

Negative experience: I was a member at the MAC for a year. The pool would often need to be shut down due to issues. The machines often were broken, like the bikes missing a pedal. Overall, this place is not worth the over $100 cost; you're better off supporting another gym.

Fantastic experience: We've been members for a few months and have had a great experience with the MAC so far. I was looking for a family/kid friendly facility with an indoor pool and couldn't be more pleased. We have both a toddler and an infant. It was extremely difficult finding a place in the city that could accommodate our needs at a reasonable price. I highly recommend Heather if you're looking for an account rep. She was extremely helpful and really worked with me to tailor a membership package that worked for us. Staff is always friendly as well.

Negative experience: PSA: I was inquiring here for a membership and they were extremely pushy - borderline rude. The next 2 weeks I received annoying text and phone calls where they kept trying to sell me a membership that did not meet my needs. I only provided my number because they said they needed it for a call back and wouldn't proceed with my questions regarding membership without them.

Negative experience: Buyer Beware! I approached the staff about cancelling my membership due to some physical concerns beginning in August. Why would I keep having recurring charges when I have not used the gym since July? Why would I receive a fee up until November??? It’s easy to get a membership, but cancelling is shady and circuitous. There are much more affordable gyms. The pool was out of order for months and the membership payment process needs review. This was not a good experience at all.

Fantastic experience: Great facility and great staff! Just joined!

Negative experience: Predatory billing

Negative experience: The gym itself is okay-ish, but their billing is borderline fraudulent. They randomly started charging my card again several months AFTER my membership ended. Even after written assurance that they would stop billing me, they continued to charge my card. Update - they claim my membership was placed on a leave of absence, not canceled. No, it wasn't - they confirmed cancelation via email. These people are extremely unethical. Find another gym - Merritt, Movement, and even LA Fitness are better options.

Negative experience: The gym itself is nice and the staff are professional. Be aware of their billing practices. I was charged for an extra month that I am unable to use, which is very disappointing for an otherwise nice gym. This was after I provided notice that I only needed 3 months of membership when I signed up. Additionally, they charged me at an increased rate because apparently my signing rate was only good for three months. Would not recommend. Additionally, the gym will not stop soliciting you, even after repeated requests.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to the MAC for a little over a year now. I did personal training with Jason for most of that time. Jason is awesome! He turned my workouts up to a whole different level. I learned a lot, got encouraged to keep working through the muscle burn and to give it my all. You get your money’s worth with the personal training; they make every minute count. I always looked forward to going to the gym when I had a session, which cannot always be said when it comes to going to the gym. The MAC and the personnel are wonderful, and I cannot say enough good things about the place. Great equipment, great workout, all around a good vibe. Shoutout to Heather as well, she gave me the initial tour of the gym and made me feel like part of the MAC family from the start.

Fantastic experience: Very nice and complete gym...... It has pretty much everything that you might need to exercise

Negative experience: The gym is amazing, but the front desk staff seems annoyed, and doesn’t have any manners, nor wants to acknowledge anyone who has been waiting in line for a long time

Fantastic experience: Fantastic facility. Has all of the necessary accoutrements. The salt water pool is awesome! Very clean, friendly staff, and it's never too crowded.

Fantastic experience: The MAC-Harbor East is the best place to work out. The training, pool and shower areas are neat, clean and well maintained. Even on the busiest days, the MAC never feels overcrowded. The staff and trainers are the best around. From the office to the front desk to the personal trainers and instructors, you are made to feel welcome. The group classes are fantastic, and timed to meet the constraints of a busy life. The Personal Trainers encourage you to set and meet goals, constantly pushing you to the next level. The innovative mini clinics and MAC blast boot camps are a great way to jump start into a healthier lifestyle. I challenge anyone to stop by the MAC Harbor East, take the tour and see for yourself.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful facilities in a beautiful location! I recently moved out to Baltimore and this was my second stop as far as looking for a gym. They start out by getting to know you and they don't just stop when they know what you need from a gym (what equipment, facilities, etc) I met with Sherryl and she is excellent! Her approach of describing the gym to me was very different than anything I have ever dealt with. Not pushy at all and all of the information she provided and how she provided it was what convinced me that the MAC was the gym I wanted to be at! They go as far as wanting to know your individual/personal goals and they really want to help you achieve these goals by offering different resources within the gym. Not a typical gym at all. I was not expecting to be so excited about a gym membership.

Fantastic experience: I am a MAC member for a year now and I really like it specially after the new equipment was brought in. The staff is very friendly and always looking for the benefit of the client. It is very clean and shinny, I personally like it, it gives a healthy look to the MAC. The group workouts vary. I am sure every one can find a workout they fit in. They also have every level difficulty -never feel afraid to join, you will get the help you need. They also have nutrition advice and several other classes. The swimming facility is nice and it also includes a variation of classes and workouts. I find it a complete gym with everything you need.

Fantastic experience: I love the MAC! Good gym environment - clean, lots of equipment so you never have to wait, plenty of trainers and staff to assist. Pilates and yoga classes are excellent, too.

Fantastic experience: I love that they have a pool. Good amount of lanes, plus a splash pool for kids, a therapy pool that they do work out classes in which is a little warmer, and a hot tub! Get your swim on people!

Negative experience: Hated it.

Fantastic experience: Very clean ,more than enough equipment, pools are warm employees are very friendly always looking to help you

Fantastic experience: It's always a pleasure to get a workout and swim in at the MAC!!!

Fantastic experience: Shoutout to Noah Mendelssohn and the team at the MAC on Presidents street in downtown Baltimore. My husband i are daily lap swimmers desperately looking for a swim before our sons wedding on Sunday. Noah and the MAC team quickly responded, we got a stress relief swim and we’re able to enjoy this wonderful milestone in our sons life! Thank you team MAC!

Positive experience: Great gym and swim facilities but it’s a pity some members are so inconsiderate about leaving the locker room as they found it!

Negative experience: Hey this gym is really not worth your time, your money, or your trust. I was charged for 2 months after canceling after a trial membership! Their facilities are nice but this type of predatory overcharging is just disgraceful. On the plus side it’s relatively clean and quiet. Go somewhere else if you are shopping for a good gym do NOT choose this one.

Negative experience: No Not Sign Up For This Gym! It’s a SCAM. It has a nice facility but they will keep changing you for another month even after cancellation. I should have read the others’ warning reviews before signing up.

Fantastic experience: It's much larger than I thought it would be. It has everything you could want in a gym.

Fantastic experience: This place is amazing, it has more then enough room even with social distancing it's perfect. If I had to say then this place and social distancing are made for each other. More then enough rooms to exercise and feel safe and not have to look at people or be near them. If your a swimmer the pools will be perfect for you. Boxing more your speed they have that as well. I implore you to go even during covid world.

Fantastic experience: I was in was unable to move my neck and back well and the team at the Elite PT Hooked me up with electro stimulation therapy and some TLC shooo! I'm omw I just got into a car accident and I know where to go !

Fantastic experience: I love this gym. I’ve been to several in Baltimore and others across the country and in other countries, this gym is my favorite. The staff are so friendly and ready to help, the gym is so clean and fresh feeling, the towel service is phenomenal and my favorite is the salt water pool and salt water hot tub plus the sauna. I get to look forward to working out every day instead of dreading it. So happy I joined and while joining had a really great conversation with Jason who is like the gym host. Very impressed in all aspects including the free parking. Thank you very much!!!!

Fantastic experience: As the local restrictions seem to be easing up over the next couple of weeks, I wanted to commend the entire MAC team on how they've adapted since March of 2020. I'm not a big app-user normally, but their app has made it incredibly easy to plan my gym time. I've used the club more since August of 2020 than I had in the previous year. And since they're basically the only people I saw each day, the team has made me feel like a VIP each time I come in. I primarily use the pool, and registering for a lane has been real easy (except for when I forget to sign up in time). the aquatics team has been great. Hoping that we can start sharing lanes again or bring back Masters swim soon though!

Fantastic experience: I did not give this studio 1 star. My apologies to the owners of this space. This must've been a technical era. My visit you the space was a very nice experience with kind and knowledgeable staff. This studio deserves 5 stars.

Fantastic experience: This is my favorite gym that I've ever belonged to. No creepy dudes trying to talk to you and the staff aren't pushy about promoting their specials/offers etc. The classes are wonderful and the people are great!

Fantastic experience: I didn't understand perfect until I went there... I know... I know the saying about nobody's perfect... however this Gym makes you want to be just has great as they are!!! Seriously...

Fantastic experience: Excellent

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff !!! Makes me wanna always be there !

Fantastic experience: If you're trying to get fit, this is a great place to start!

Fantastic experience: Great place to work out.

Negative experience: Do not sign up for this gym. As many have complained previously, they make it very hard to get out of a contract. I signed up for this gym some time in 2009 and cancelled in 2019. Ginger Apodeca from accounting claims I never cancelled when I have proof stating otherwise and her resoluation to customer dissatisfaction was telling me my past months ( I cancelled ) have gone to collections. Great way to treat somebody who has spent 10,000 on your gym and made it very difficult to cancel. I would avoid at all costs.

Negative experience: Very very bad customer service

Positive experience: Pros- 1) Luxurious, calm and not crowded. 2) Intermittently they run offers such as- the one time joining fee of $299 will be waived, you will receive $200 worth of credits in your account that you can use towards some sort of a training at the facility, $20 will be waived from the monthly membership fees for the first month or if you join mid month, the fees for the remaining days of the month will be waived off. 3) Some hotels in the area will let you use this facility for free if you are a hotel guest. 4) For $177 a month (per couple), you can use any and every item that this facility offers such as gym, yoga, squash court, swimming pool, Pilates, etc. 5) The facility has an indoor/covered parking garage in their basement. MAC validates the parking for max 2 hours per visit. 6) There are multiple fitness options available. For example- they have one pool for babies and moms, another for lap swimming only, another for both lap as regular swimming and a jacuzzi. All their pools are indoor, heated and salt water (not chlorine). Moreover, you do not have to carry your own towels or kick-boards or floatation belts, they have everything that you can use for free. You do not have to pay for using the lockers, it is free for day use. There is a fee if you want to want to use it overnight. 7) They also have an option for day visit for a fee, if you want to just come for one day. 8) Their pricing is on par with Merritt Club Canton, so I did not find MAC’s basic membership fees expensive. 9) The staff is friendly. Cons- 1) Mandatory lock in period of 3 months, which means that you have to pay upfront for 3 months membership. 2) They are pushy. For example- you will be told that their offers are valid if you join right away. That might either force you to join or walk out. 3) Coaching fees are not included in the membership fees. For example- if you want to learn yoga or swimming, you will have to pay extra fees over and above your membership fees. So, beware of this one. 4) The facility is very small. For example there are 3 swimming pools next to each other. The pools are not deep. The max depth of the lap pool is 4 feet and the lap/regular combination pool is 6 feet. 6) Since their membership fees include all types of fitness options, you do not have the option to pick and chose the ones that you are interested in. Which I think is such a waste of money. For example- I want to join their gym. I don’t know to swim. Yet, I have to pay for everything even though I might not use them at all. I wish they had a pick and choose option, I would have joined right away.

Fantastic experience: First, name a gym that has heated, saltwater pools. Two, MAC has Elite Physical Therapy, LLC., inside the facility. The staff are excellent. Parking is free for up to two hours. Just grab a ticket before you head back to the upper level garage. Who offers that in Harbor East? Without giving away too much, because you should really check it out for yourselves, but it's a really fine facility, located in the heart of Harbor East!

Fantastic experience: Best gym in the City!

Fantastic experience: Great gym

Fantastic experience: Best gym in the city

Fantastic experience: Great place to workout.. beautiful facilities and helpful staffs

Fantastic experience: Awesome! Great pool, clean facilities, very friendly staff (including my favorite man with his English accent) and a real good vibe in the gym!

Fantastic experience: Place has EVERYTHING!!

Fantastic experience: Everybody at the Mac is friendly and wonderful. From the management to front desk! I joined last month and I love it. I was gifted to training demos for joining and it was the best thing ever. Tiffany Fowler is one of the personal trainers and that who I was paired with for my demo. She’s knowledgeable, kind, patient and damn ( can I say that here? Lol) good at her job! Anyway, Mac is clean, gorgeous, and spacious. I dig it.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful Gym! Very Clean.... Amazing helpful loving staff.

Positive experience: I have not being in the place in four years so don't know if it has changed much.

Fantastic experience: Прекрасный спортивный комплекс. Разнообразный тренажёры, сауна и бассейн.

Positive experience: I used this gym as a hotel guest but I overall decent size gym for a city great pools. Equipment is well maintained and even during peak hours it wasn't to packed

Negative experience: I was part of the MAC for about 5 years, signed my cancellation letter to end my membership back in May. However, I was entered into a new contract without my signature for a different amount. I started calling the MAC since July 3rd, finally received a call from GM on July 9th, after a total of 10 calls. Who told my that he has approved my refund. On July 15th, I still have not seen the refund, so I called the MAC again. They told me to contact their corporate accounting. After talking to corporate accounting, they told me that they have not received any communication regarding my account. So we are now 2 weeks since I first started contacting MAC regarding a refund for a service I did NOT sign for, and still have not received any refund.

Negative experience: Closed early with no warning july1st. No signs on doors explaining this or apologizing for it.

Negative experience: I have been a member at MAC harbor east for over 10 years and each they find reasons to charge my credit card an extra month when it comes to cancellation. Otherwise the gym itself is fabulous and consistent.

Negative experience: Older gym equipment. Need to upgrade.

Fantastic experience: Great gym with free access guests of the hotel

Fantastic experience: Its my gym and therefore I want it to be perfect but I feel like they wait too long to fix the equipment once something breaks and their steam room hardly ever works. What's worse they blame it on the members that the steamroom keeps breaking. Opening and closing the shower door does not break the steam room guys.

Fantastic experience: This is the best experience I've had at a hotel EVER ! and to top it off the GM was helping with breakfast with such a great attitude... He's definitely a Servant Leader and the staff was AMAZING! I can't wait to come back

Fantastic experience: The salt water pool is amazing. Hundred times better than normal chlorine pools.

Fantastic experience: I go multiple times a week, the staff are friendly and willing to help in anyway they can. they have a kids club where you can put your child in for up to two hours, just make sure to call ahead (you can call the front desk and ask for the kids club). the regulars have become like family. it can be intimidating if you're just starting out, but all you need to do is ask for help and there are so many friendly faces willing to help

Fantastic experience: A bit pricey, but is low-key, not crowded and has childcare.

Fantastic experience: I love my gym! It’s a chill environment with indoor hot tub, pools and sauna.

Negative experience: "New management" and new employees should work on their customer service skills. I have been going to the MAC over the summer months for over 10 years and loved the gym, personnel, instructors, location, just about everything about the place. This summer I have noticed a decline in the environment and an increase of fees. I think next summer I'll find another facility that appreciates having me as a client.

Negative experience: Still trying to collect money from my dead husband after his extensive illness. Scum of the earth, money grubbing con artists.

Positive experience: Fantastic gym

Fantastic experience: A bit pricey, but is low-key, not crowded and has childcare.

Fantastic experience: The pool is wonderful -- only salt (not chlorine) pool in Baltimore City. It's heated, too!

Fantastic experience: Gym with all the features.

Fantastic experience: Good

Fantastic experience: Clean, properly equipped and close to my house.

Fantastic experience: Best place to workout

Fantastic experience: This club is well worth the price! The facilities are immaculate and upscale. The saltwater pools are amazing, and the personal trainers are the best in town. Awesome group classes that do not cost any more $....something you need to watch at other gyms. And, THE PARKING IS FREE, which for a downtown club is a really awesome perk :)

Fantastic experience: Family friendly Pools , offering child care while you work out.

Fantastic experience: Very huge and clean gym with every thing you need

Fantastic experience: Great facilities, nice staff, rarely crowded

Fantastic experience: Great amenities and great classes included with memberships. My daughter loves going to the kids club!

Fantastic experience: The membership cost isn't cheap but the facilities are really nice. It's always clean and the staff is welcoming and helpful. Lots of free group classes if you're into that.

Fantastic experience: I love the staff. Make sure you check out the website. Call for any questions. There are great guest passes. The Amenities are worth the trip!Any different types of equipment!

Negative experience: THEY WILL SLIM YOUR WALLET BEFORE YOUR WAISTLINE! Do not sign any paperwork beyond the basic membership. Participation in personal training or additional classes will just tack on additional "memberships" that are difficult to cancel. This place is a scam. And corporate won't help when you complain of the misleading invitations to participate in additional programing. They are in on the fraud.