Proteus Athletic Club & Gym

🧊 Cold Plunge 🔥 Traditional Sauna

📍 12171 World Trade Dr, San Diego, CA, 92128

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⭐ 4.1 (123 reviews) View on Google

What Visitors Say

What Visitors Liked

✓ clean sauna facilities✓ well-kept sauna✓ good locker rooms and sauna✓ clean women's sauna✓ friendly and helpful staff✓ clean and well-maintained facility✓ high-end equipment✓ ample squat racks✓ great selection of free weights✓ no ego atmosphere✓ positive community vibe✓ outdoor training area✓ turf area for functional training✓ well-stocked fridges and snacks✓ ample parking✓ helpful personal trainers✓ organized and clean locker rooms

What Visitors Noted

• women's sauna not working properly• no cold plunge or hot tub• unethical membership transfer practices• false charges from previous gym• shady data collection• poor communication about changes• broken equipment• dusty upstairs area• separate fee for pool use• unclear personal training inclusion• strict cancellation policy• higher price point⚠ mixed feedback on cleanliness⚠ mixed feedback on staff

Cold Plunge & Sauna

This gym provides separate sauna facilities for men and women, which members consistently describe as very clean and well-kept, even during busy morning and afternoon hours. The women's sauna is noted as a good locker room amenity, though some members report it has not been working properly for a while. Gym members appreciate the cleanliness of the saunas and the surrounding bathroom areas. A notable absence mentioned by members is a cold plunge or hot tub, which is identified as a missing feature that would enhance the recovery offerings.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Proteus Athletic Club is widely praised for its positive, no-ego, and focused environment. Members describe a welcoming community where everyone is there to work hard, creating a motivating vibe without obnoxious behavior or tripods. The gym fosters a sense of a second home, with friendly regulars and a respectful membership base that includes both younger and older individuals. The overall energy is noted as positive, with a strong focus on fitness.

Staff

The staff receives frequent commendation for being friendly, helpful, and personable. Specific team members like Josh, Jake, Gordon, Kristen, and Anne are highlighted for providing excellent service, accommodating unique schedules, and offering helpful exercise techniques. The personal trainers, such as Aliaksandra (Aleksandra), are recognized for their knowledge, professionalism, and ability to create effective, varied workout sessions. The front desk and management are generally described as contributing to a great experience.

Additional Amenities

This facility offers a comprehensive range of high-end equipment, including numerous Technogym and Matrix machines, ample squat racks, dumbbells up to 120lbs, and dedicated deadlifting equipment. Members have access to an indoor turf area for functional training like sled pushes, an expansive outdoor athletic field, and conditioning equipment including Assault bikes, rowers, skiers, and a self-propelled treadmill. Other amenities include well-stocked fridges, protein snacks for purchase, clean towels, and a pool, though note that pool access may require a separate fee. The gym is typically kept clean and organized, with some isolated feedback about dusty areas or broken equipment.

What Reviewers Love

  • The gym is celebrated for its clean facilities, particularly the saunas and locker rooms, and its extensive, high-quality equipment selection.
  • Members consistently praise the positive, no-ego atmosphere and the friendly, helpful staff who create a strong community feel.
  • The venue offers unique amenities for a San Diego gym, including a large outdoor athletic field and an indoor turf area for functional training.

Amenities

Saunalocker roomsshowerstowelshigh-end gym equipmentsquat racksfree weightsindoor turf areaoutdoor athletic fieldassault bikesrowersskiersself-propelled treadmillpoolfridgesprotein snacksparkingLocker Room

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the membership include access to the pool?

Some members report being informed that pool use requires a separate fee, contrary to initial information given during sign-up.

What is the policy regarding membership transfers from other gyms like BXNG Club?

There have been member reports of automatic membership transfers and charges from a previous gym (BXNG Club) based on a clause in the original agreement, which has led to disputes and refund requests that management has typically refused.

Are personal training sessions included with membership?

Some members mention being offered a number of included personal training sessions upon sign-up, though follow-through on this inclusion has been reported as unclear.