Club Vibe -- If You Join It, Will You Go?

YOGA. AB CLASSES. PERSONAL attention. In some ways the fitness clubs in downtown Seattle don't differ all that much when it comes to basic services and exercise trends. Even the cost tends to settle, for most, between $40 and $50 a month (though some also have initiation fees).

But there are usually a few features that might attract some people and drive away others. A few impressions after a recent jog/limp from one club to another:

Fitness Ltd. Training Center (Westin Building, 2001 Sixth Ave., lower level; 728-1500). Compact (7,200 square feet) and rather worn, but with a comfortable, family atmosphere for its 500 members.

Gateway Athletic Club (Key Tower, 700 Fifth Ave.; 14th floor); 343-4692. Upwardly mobile professionals get mobile while going upward, where they overlook downtown and Elliott Bay. 25,000 square feet, 1,100 members. First-rate staff and equipment, including 25-yard pool and a special "power room" for no-glitz lifters. Apropos, dues at the high end, $55 to $105.

Metropolitan Health Club (1519 Third Ave.; 682-3966). Free-weights oriented, for body builders, power lifters and general lifters. 9,000 square feet; 3,000 members. A bit ragged around the edges, which actually reinforces the un-trendy atmosphere.

The Seattle Club (north of Pike Place Market, 2020 Western Ave.; 443-1111). Long the yuppiest club downtown, now probably second to Gateway. 56,000 square feet; 2,300 members. Short court for basketball and volleyball, 20-yard pool, four courts for racquetball and eight for a nationally known squash program. Membership includes use of Bellevue club. $99 a month. Many workouts begin and end with a sprint - between moving cars across Western to the Market Place Garage.

Seattle Fitness (formerly Sound Conditioning Club, 83 S. King; 467-1800). New owners emphasize collegial, supportive atmosphere, long-term gains, lifestyle changes. 1,000 members, 16,000 square feet, including rooftop sun deck and paddle-tennis court.

Seattle Women's Health & Fitness (Medical Dental Building, 509 Olive Way, Suite 204; 292-0900). Working women just want to work out. Low-key staff also targeting those over 55. 1,000 members, 12,000 square feet. Fees as low as $26 a month.

1201 Nautilus (Washington Mutual Tower, 1201 Third Ave., Level 4; 583-8848). Natural home to those training for the annual Cystic Fibrosis Stairclimb up the building's 54 stories. Also daily launching pad for 300 to 500 waterfront runners. 900 members, 9,000 square feet. Handy next-door neighbor: Elliott Bay Physical Therapy.

The Vault (former Seattle Trust bank building, 808 Second Ave.; 224-9000). New name and location for the 2,000-member Princeton Athletic Club in the basement of the Smith Tower. Completion scheduled for July; planned 30,000 square feet (the old site has 10,000), 65 cardio machines. Potentially classiest interior of the downtown clubs: 22-foot ceiling, plentiful oak and marble, cardio machines in an open balcony - and a whirlpool in the old vault. Predicted favorite circuit training stop: steak dinner at the Metropolitan Grill next door.

Washington Athletic Club (1325 Sixth Ave.; 622-7900). More accessible than its reputation: Sponsors can be found for new members who don't have connections; initiation fees ($450 to $1400) often are halved with coupons (and paid by corporations); monthly dues are $41 to $57, though conditioning areas cost extra. Squash, racquetball, handball, 25-yard pool and the largest in-house basketball program (31 leagues) in the country. After-school and weekend children's-cum-babysitting programs. Overall, 21,000 members (including non-resident members) and 310,000 square feet (including hotel and restaurants).

World Gym (Convention Center, 825 Pike St.; 583-0640). Formerly Cascade Athletic Club, which was one of three chains that the attorney general took action against last year for sales and advertising tactics. I encountered no hard sell, though, on my anonymous visit. 35,000 square feet including 75 cardio machines and a women-only section; 8,000 members. Lowest rates (after enrollment, $29 a month, $19 after 12 months).

YMCA (909 Fourth Ave.; 382-5010). Nonprofit, family-oriented community organization has surprising variety of options for its 2,600 members, from pick-up basketball to swimming lessons to weights and 40 cardio machines. Part of the workout is navigating the maze of equipment and facilities: 90,000 square feet spread over four levels.

YWCA (1118 Fifth Ave.; 461-4868). Funky fundamentals. Eight cardio machines, a Marcy weight machine and free weights, plus an 18-yard pool. Aerobics room serves some time as child-care center. Must join the Y ($25-$50 a year) first, but part of the dues and facility and class fees helps support housing and job-search programs.

How to select the right club? It's pretty much like choosing home equipment or recreational activities. Regardless of the bells and whistles, if it's convenient, if it's somewhat enjoyable, you're more likely to go.

Molly Martin is assistant editor of Pacific Magazine. Send comments to On Fitness, Pacific Magazine, Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111, e-mail mmar-new@seatimes.com or call 464-8243.

Club Rights

For a brochure on your rights when signing a health-club contract, call 1-800-551-4636.