The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College

I was short on time on time during the day, missed the pool hours at EMU so my options were either take a day off training, or try out a new facility. I chose to give The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College a try. For a 1-Day pass, it's fairly steep at $10.00, but it was worth a shot. I had briefly toured the facility a few months ago when I was thinking about a gym membership with better hours than the University. I only looked at the pool and asked about the water temperature. I didn't consider it a good facilty for what I was going to use it for, only the pool and perhaps some weights. My impression of the pool was to be expected... it's no Jones Natatorium, that's for sure. The rest of the facility is VERY nice, too nice for me!

Pool: 5-Lane, 25-yard, 5 Feet Deep, light saltwater, 82 Degrees, EXTREMELY cloudy water (bad filters apparently), no digital clock?!, One Keifer Analog clock. Non-regulation backstroke flag placement (Health Risk!). 103-Degree 15 person hot tub on deck. There is also a "warm-water pool" which is even warmer, and shallower, if that's possible.

Locker Room: WHOA! 50" plasma TV and couches, user-programmable locker codes, complementary: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Shaving Cream, Lotion, Baggies for wet bathing suits (I know!), 103 degree 10 person Hot tub in the locker room, private shower stalls, actual corded hair dryers, and one free unicorn per visit! (I made that last part up), they seem to have it all, and it all looks REALLY nice.

Weights: State of the art everything, I was impressed, they went all out. I'm actually surprised the weights don't lift themselves with this much luxury.

Other Amenities: They have the typical spinning and pilates classes available. Running Track, Full size basketball court, free wifi, fitness store on site

Conclusion: It was a good $10.00 experience. The locker room reminded me more of a Luxury Country Club than a fitness center at a community college. For just a pool visit, $10.00 a session is pretty steep, I'm used to $4-$6. A guy I talked to on deck said he paid $60.00/month as a Washtenaw County Resident. It's expensive in my opinion, but you get a lot for your money. It just happens to be more than I need since I made the leap a few years ago and actually started buying my own shampoo. They have a "virtual Tour" of the facility which is a digital video of the building, it's interesting: