Peninsula JCC

I wish I lived near here again. With all the new and vast amenities to stay fit mentally and physically, this is definitely worth visiting.

My family has been in this fitness center for years. Lots of amazing programs! I could list all sorts of great things about the center, experienced instructors, interesting youth sports, convenient spa and farmers market in center…. But the only thing I don’t like is lacking wifi support. I could use cell phone to check things, but no way to use laptops to work there.

Major complain on female receptionist by the door who NEVER smiles, who looks like you owe her a thousand dollars if you ask her questions, who when you ask for directions, only tells you half of the story… How did she even pass the interview???
Even the security guy is more friendly and helpful then her.

First off, disclaimer: I only used the center’s gym facilities to work out — I have never used their pools, spa services, or reading room so I cannot comment on those. I paid $ 70+ as an add-​on member (main member pays $ 110+/month) for one and a half months and then had to terminate my membership. What I got out of it just was not worth it.
The pros: the work-​out equipment was pretty complete — I had everything I needed to do a full set. I’ve never gone in during peak hours, but after 8pm on a weekday and in the morning/​evenings on weekends, the gym is pretty empty and you don’t need to wait for any equipment. In addition, their trainers are very friendly and will come over and correct your stance if you’re doing something wrong.
The cons:
the cleanliness — while it’s not as bad as 24 hour fitness, the women’s lockers definitely needed more cleaning. There’s hair everywhere on the counters, the showers are gross (used wet towels left INSIDE the stall and clumps of hair on the floor) and no matter which locker bank you went to, there was always the very strong smell of FEET. It’s disgusting.
the clientele — not really the gym’s fault, but still something to take into consideration. There will be ladies of a certain age who sit and take up the entire bench in the locker room with their towels laid over everything the entire length and will not move out of your way even when your locker is directly in front of them. I’ve also seen people cutting their TOENAILS right there… enough said.
the holidays — just to note, this is a Jewish gym so there are definitely more days out of the year that the gym will be closed than your regular gym. In September, this meant two weeks out of the month when I wasn’t able to go as some days the gym was closed and others when it closed early at 5pm (which no one with a regular work schedule would be able to make). There is no proration or reduction of gym member dues.
the staff — some people manning the front desk are unspeakably rude, including one certain guy called Armando.
the classes — I never tried any of their classes, but I wanted to point out they are not included in your membership, so no free classes.
Also, if you’re like me and just want to get in and get your work out done, you might also get annoyed by how many children are always in the locker rooms, yelling and running up and down the lockers. They’re there every weekday, every weekend, year-​round (or so I’ve been told).
In sum, if you just want a gym to work out or take classes in, you’ll find better places for your money. This may be a great place as a family community center where your kids can swim, play basketball, etc., but not so much if you’re a working professional who just wants to work out in peace.

The only thing I suggest is to open up the yoga or downstairs studio room for more than just late night hours for us. We need a nice big room during the late afternoon as well to work out in. These are the only places that have hard wood floors and mirrors with enough space provided for our personal types of exercises. Other than that, it’s pretty good!

ripoff city, 189 a month for a couple! wowza guess the techies love it here. The locker rooms are a disaster with screaming naked kids running around everywhere. The weight area is ok but they need more equipment for the price.

This is my local gym and I couldn’t be more happy. After going to other gyms like fitness 24, I’ve really learned to appreciate the cleanliness and availability of machines at this gym. I’ve gone various times of the day and I have never had to wait for a machine.
I haven’t used the pool in a while but from what I remember as a kid, it’s crowded during the weekends with little kids and families. The locker rooms have ample amounts of lockers and showers. There is also a steam room and sauna!

We are off to a great start, very excited about our new membership. Staff very helpful, cheerful and friendly. Thanks to our member associate Elizabeth Hall who walked us through joining with a personal touch and remembered my mom from a month earlier. We are thrilled to join!

The facility is very nice. I am a network JCC member, which means that I pay extra each month for the pleasure of going to the various JCC’s in my area. Today, I went to the PJCC and presented my network card. The front desk attendant looked at me as if I had leprosy. She directed me to the next desk — presumably «Guest Services». The woman treated me even worse and sent me over to membership. The membership person smiled until I came over and asked her for help. She rolled her eyes and frowned at me. «I’m about to have an appointment» and she tried calling another person to shuttle me off again. When she could find no one else, she rolled her eyes again and said, «I’ll do it,» when a heaving sigh It was as if I asked her for blood. She continued to frown at me and pretended not to hear me when I thanked her.
I am always impressed with the level of service at the SFJCC, Palo Alto JCC, and Marin JCC — what was it about this facility? I watched for awhile, and everyone else was treated quite well. Could it be that I am a person of color — and the only person of my particular color in the facility today? I was polite and was patient.
It left a bad taste in my mouth, and worse, was observed by my children, who also wondered why we were treated so poorly.

Other than the WiFi never working at a place you’d like to relax at and do some work.
The pools are the main reason I’m writing this review.
Now I used to swim outside constantly when it was salt water. But that stopped when they changed the salt back to the harsh chlorine they use in the indoor pool.
I used to be in paradise outside looking at the palm trees but now my eyes burn and my skin too, thanks to the highly used chemicals.
Saying so it’s still not as bad as the indoor pool…
The indoor pool is filled with chlorine, gallons and gallons. I can’t get a good swim indoor because they either always have lessons, or I get people’s flem and hair stuck on my goggles… i mean it’s so highly chlorinated that my eyes burn just from walking in the place.
So no THE FILTERS don’t seem to work.
Not to mention it’s FREEZING INDOOR.
The AC is on the FANS are on and the WINDOWS are open…
Rediculous, no wonder why every germ infested kid is coughing and sneezing. Not to mention SHIVERING with purple lips.
Not to mention if your in here more than a few times a week you’ll probably get a chamical burn, or a terrible cold.
The outside of the pool is so DIRTY & MOLDY!
The water fountain has MOLD and RUST all over it.
OH and don’t even think about WALKING in the pool. I’ve CUT MY FOOT multiple times on tile and other miscellaneous things just hanging out on the bottom of the pool.
I feel bad for the employees there that teach in the pool for multiple hours at a time. Always shivering and looking upset but trying to smile for the kids.
With what seems to be a small break…
When It comes to complaining about the pool being too cold they never have anything to say. Nor do anything.
Just some excuses…
The aquatics department needs a serious change.
When it comes to the locker room, everyone gets all worked up over sharing a bench, A flippin bench…
I can’t even put my things down half of the time so I put them on the floor, then other member’s complain about how it’s not my house & to not leave my things on the floor…
I hope this review was helpful.
I would stick with the rest of the facility if that’s something your interested in. When it comes to finding a pool you’d be better off going to a cleaner & respectable pool.

Did the spa treatment there because it was a gift from a friend… I really really enjoyed it! I believe the lady who I saw is named Cina. SHE WAS AMAZING!!! thank you so much… I left with my face smelling nice and cleaned ! And by mind and body felt very relax to all her nice claming words ! I was a hott mess when i walked in. Again thank you thank you god bless your heart Cina!!! I hope that’s your name!

Based on Unilocal reviews and my search for a quieter, cleaner, and well maintained gym facility – I finally joined this gym and am so happy I made this choice. It’s a beautiful, airy building with lots of great amenities, including onsite facility and housekeeping staff that seem to be there around the clock to keep the place well run and clean. The gym clientele are mature, family-​oriented, seniors, some high school and college aged students – no annoying loud music playing overhead, excess loud talking or slamming of weight machines. Cell phone use is allowed in the lobby but not workout areas, wi-​fi is accessible. I like how the cardio room is separated from the weight training room. The women’s locker room is clean and well maintained, there’s an abundance of clean towels and antibacterial wipes everywhere. Lots of community based activities for children and adults – it’s more than just a gym facility.
Overall an enjoyable experience and well worth the money!

FINALLY after 7 months of wandering around work out merry go round HELL I found a place where I feel at home and do not want to slap the person working out next to me. I got to say for as large as San Mateo is I am shocked at the sub par work out facilities available in the area.
I am going to get to the nitty gritty here… This center is a great place to work out — they have great cardio equipment and offer quite a few classes including TRX (for additional charge) and Pilates. This center is CLEAN I mean clean and I know since I have made a rounds of all the gyms from 24 Hour to the ol mighty Equinox which in my opinion is HIGHLY overrated and was not that spic and span when visiting. The staff here is super friendly and helpful — bonus that my child will begin swim lessons here next week. The monthly fees are not cheap but you get what you pay for and I would rather pay a few bucks $$$$$ more for a gym/​center I like to work out in instead of a gym I loathe. WiFi s good most if not all cardio machines have their own TV. s and the place does not feel like your in a dungeon of sweat because of all the awesome windows.
Keep in mind that this is technically a community center with a work out facility so you have many events happening throughout the year that call for closure at certain times/​dates so this is not a 5 am to 11 pm or 24 hour kind of work out place.
*Note this is not a «pick up» gym. Not the super young trendy crowd gym. You have many families with kids, active older adults and mommies who try and get in a work out before getting back to life and screaming toddlers. It seems to me that this place will probably get a little crazy during the summer months when the kids are out of school.

This gym is luxurious with all the amenities you want in the woman’s locker room. The listerine, location, hair dryer, etc. the facilities are nice and with tv on the elliptical. A lot of machines.
A lot of activities for family and Jewish culture like sabbath every Friday. I attended a photography forum hosted by some senior Jews.
The bad thing is the swimming pool is always being occupied by some classes and hard to find a lane to swim unless you are willing to go outdoor swimming during winter.
It’s also very expensive. Single is $ 105 per month.

This review is for the summer camps and kids classes, which are terrific. I really appreciate the love, care and enthusiasm they give to each child. The counselor to kid ratios are low, which I also think is great… plenty of adult attention and things run very smoothly. Highly recommend any of their kids programming. We have enjoyed art, dance and kids fitness classes there.

Man! I was really impressed by this place. I walked in and BAM! Right off the back, the front lady introduced herself and said welcome and asked if there was anything I needed. Great facilities. Nice weight room, indoor pool, basketball court. Even the locker rooms were stocked and had blow dryers. Lol.
The area was VERY clean and made me want to work out just cus. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone that is around the area. The only problem is the cost. Its a bit $$$. But hey, you want that body, you gotta dedicate.
I remember a guy named Casey. Wasn’t sure what his last name was but he was extremely friendly. Did some personal training, gave me a tour AND we ran some 5 v 5 basketball together. This guy was AMAZEBALLS! Im glad they have people like him working in the center. He definitely made my experience there 10x better with his over-​the-​top customer service! Thanks!

I know it’s silly to harp about this when talking about a gym, but…
THE FREE WIFI IS HORRENDOUS.
My wireless network is far superior. The only reason I mention this is because they keep saying they have free wifi, which would be great if it worked! It’s so bad that I can’t even stream any video (Netflix, Hulu) on my tablet during my workout. I can’t even stream a podcast.
The gym is inexpensive enough that it’s really a minor issue. But I guess I don’t understand why it seems so piecemeal. Yes, there are TVs at all the cardio machines, but why are there so few channels? You already pay for the services, it just seems like a given that you could just as easily offer more.
Also, I love some of the massage therapists and the aestheticians that give facials. But the placement of rooms is right next to the indoor pool and the women’s locker room. If you go during peak kiddo time, be prepared for screaming children right outside the treatment rooms.
I also have good things to say about personal training services. There’s even TRX hookups outdoors, so you can bring your workout outside. I will say they’re responsive to (some) changes, though.
And I can always complain about people with bad gym etiquette, but that’s not unique to this gym. At least there are anti-​bacterial wipes to help you clean up before AND after yourselves…

I like this gym for its outdoor pool. It has been slightly chilly over the weekend (i.e. walking to and out of the pool). But the pool temp has been properly kept and maintained. Pool is rather clean as well.
Gym is also very decent. You have a good variety of choices. I like the treadmill that come with TV screen to keep you entertained while exercising on the machines.
One complimentary personal training session was also available when first sign up. They also have constant promotion over personal training sessions.
We tried the basketball/​badminton/​pingpong room and noted the sharing equipment is in very bad shape. There were two kind of usable badminton bats available and the others were totally worn out. For pingpong paddles, there was only one usable paddle and the other is missing handle. Basketball needs to be refilled more frequently. But the space is great and can see us enjoying it with our own equipment.
I didn’t get a chance to attend many of the group lessons. Only managed to attend one yoga class and didn’t find that too exciting (probably because I used to only do hot yoga).
The spa services are also okay. I tried the facial, and several massage sessions. They are pretty decent and reasonably priced.
This place is also very family/​kids friendly. Many choices for little ones too and have a childcare centre. Would recommend.

Gorgeous gym, great staff, new equipment, nice locker rooms and an amazing pool.
But definitely geared toward those under 18 and over 40.

A few years ago, my family began looking for a place where my wife could work out and the kids could swim (I already had a free gym at work). Our first stop was the Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood Shores. After hearing the price, then picking ourselves up off the floor from sticker shock (after smelling salts were administered) we went to JCC, having heard good things from a neighbor. The price was right; the club was impressive, and the wife & kids joined up right away.
This is a large, beautiful, modern facility with several pools, indoor basketball courts, weightlifting (free-​weight and machine), cardio equipment rooms (with top-​of-​the-​line equipment), plus instruction rooms for yoga, pilates, aerobics, etc. They even have spa services like massage, facials, etc. Free wifi is offered on the premises. On most weekend visits I tag along with the rest of the family, paying a very reasonable $ 10 guest fee per visit.
There is also a small café serving mostly snacks, sandwiches, soups, bagels, as well as sports bars and drinks. (
)
My only nit about JCC is the somewhat cold, windy location. It can be 85 degrees and calm at home, but here in Foster city, it rarely feels like swimming weather. For that reason, we almost always visit the indoor pool, (
) which has at least 50 percent reserved for free swimming, including a nice, large, roped-​off shallow end for the little kids and toddlers. Lifeguards are watchful and very friendly, and keep a basket of extra (i.e. «lost») goggles and toys for the guests to choose from.
Locker rooms are modern and clean, with towel service, wet and dry saunas, plenty of shower space, and customizable combo locks for lockers. (There is even a small couch area w/​widescreen TV in the men’s locker room) And for dads with daughters like me, they even have private family changing/​shower rooms, with lockers, near the pool.