acac
Fitness & Personal Training
Charlottesville's premier fitness and wellness destination · Charlottesville, VA
Published in partnership with acac Fitness & Wellness Albemarle Square
Book online anytime
| Mon | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sat | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sun | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
acac Fitness & Wellness Albemarle Square is Charlottesville's most comprehensive fitness and wellness destination, serving the Albemarle County community with world-class facilities and expert-led programming. Located at 500 Albemarle Square, the club features an expansive aquatics center with lap pool, warm-water activity pool, heated whirlpool, and a signature rooftop infinity pool with skyline views. Members also enjoy the EDGE Cycle Studio, a state-of-the-art fitness floor with cutting-edge cardio and strength equipment, functional training zones, an indoor walking/running track, squash courts, and complimentary childcare in the Kids Zone for up to 2.5 hours per visit.
The club's group exercise program offers 150+ weekly classes across every modality—from high-energy cycling and strength training to yoga, Pilates, and aquatic fitness. Expert instructors create dynamic, inclusive classes designed to meet members at every fitness level. acac Downtown also houses The Spa at acac, offering massage, skincare, and recovery treatments, plus on-site physical therapy services to support injury prevention and rehabilitation. With comfortable social spaces, complimentary wifi, and café service, the club is designed as much for community connection as it is for training.
acac's specialized programs set it apart as a true wellness hub. The Dolphin Swim School uses the Starfish Aquatic International curriculum to teach swim and safety skills to children ages 3+, while Dolphin Babies introduces infants and toddlers (6 months–3 years) to water confidence in parent-supported classes. The Elite Performance Program offers small-group coaching for competitive swimmers with land- and water-based training. For adults, acac provides personal training, GLP-1 medication support programs (3-month plans with nutrition coaching and educational seminars), and Healthy Lifestyle Support to help members build sustainable habits. The club also hosts summer camps, social events, and a summer music series at the rooftop pool.
With hours from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM weekdays and extended weekend availability, acac Downtown makes it easy for early-morning regulars and after-work warriors to find their rhythm. The club's culture is built on community momentum—members who show up, cheer each other on, and stay consistent. Whether you're training for performance, recovering from injury, learning to swim, or simply looking for the best gym in Charlottesville VA, acac's friendly team and comprehensive amenities support every stage of your fitness journey.
Best for: Families seeking swimming lessons, fitness enthusiasts wanting diverse group classes, busy professionals with childcare needs, swimmers training competitively, individuals managing weight with medication support
Service area: Charlottesville, VA and surrounding areas
Why choose acac Fitness & Wellness Albemarle Square: acac Albemarle Square is the only fitness club in Charlottesville offering a rooftop infinity pool, comprehensive aquatics center with swim school programs, complimentary childcare (up to 2.5 hours/visit), on-site spa and physical therapy, and specialized GLP-1 medication support—making it a true wellness destination rather than a standard gym. The 150+ weekly group classes and family-friendly amenities set it apart from boutique studios and big-box gyms in the area.
Comprehensive Aquatics Center: Features lap pool, warm-water activity pool, heated whirlpool, and rooftop infinity pool with programs from Dolphin Babies (6 months+) through Elite Performance coaching for competitive swimmers.
150+ Weekly Group Classes: Wide variety of modalities including cardio, cycle, yoga, Pilates, strength, and functional training across all fitness levels, with dynamic instructors and flexible scheduling.
Family-Friendly Amenities: Up to 2.5 hours of complimentary childcare in Kids Zone, plus specialized programs like GLP-1 medication support coaching and physical therapy services for comprehensive wellness support.
| Service | Details | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Swim School | Starfish-certified 8-week learn-to-swim program for ages 3+ in small groups with 30-minute weekly sessions. | |
| Personal Training | One-on-one training with nationally certified trainers specializing in strength, performance, and corrective exercise. | |
| Group Fitness Classes | Over 150 weekly group fitness classes including yoga, Pilates, cycling, strength training, and aquatic exercise. | |
| Dolphin Swim School | Structured 8-week swim program for ages 3+ using Starfish Aquatic International curriculum with certified instructors. | |
| Group Exercise Classes | 150+ weekly group fitness classes including cycling, yoga, Pilates, strength training, and aquatic fitness for all levels. | |
| Personal Training | One-on-one coaching with certified trainers for strength, weight loss, or performance goals. |
What membership options and pricing does acac Albemarle Square offer?
acac offers individual, couple, and family memberships with access to all club amenities including pools, fitness floor, group classes, Kids Zone childcare, and spa services. Pricing varies by membership type and term length. Contact the club at (434) 978-3800 or visit acac.com to speak with a membership advisor and find the best plan for your goals and budget. Day passes are also available for those who want to tour the facility before committing.
What qualifications do acac's trainers and instructors have?
acac's personal trainers hold nationally recognized certifications (NASM, ACE, ACSM, or equivalent) and many have specialized credentials in corrective exercise, sports performance, nutrition coaching, and GLP-1 medication support. Group exercise instructors are certified in their respective modalities (yoga, Pilates, cycling, etc.) and undergo ongoing education. The swim instructors are trained in the Starfish Aquatic International curriculum, and physical therapists on-site are licensed clinicians. acac's team brings decades of combined experience and a commitment to personalized, evidence-based coaching.
What should I expect on my first visit to acac?
First-time visitors can claim a 1-day pass through acac.com to tour the facility and experience the amenities. You'll be greeted by a friendly team member who can show you the fitness floor, aquatics center, EDGE Cycle Studio, rooftop pool, Kids Zone, and social spaces. You're welcome to take a group exercise class, use the equipment, or swim during your visit. Staff are available to answer questions about membership options, personal training, swim lessons, and specialized programs. Bring workout clothes, a water bottle, and a lock for the locker rooms (provided free).
Who is acac Albemarle Square best for?
acac is ideal for families (thanks to the Kids Zone and Dolphin Swim School), serious athletes and swimmers (Elite Performance program, functional training zones, squash courts), busy professionals (early morning and evening hours, social workspace with wifi), individuals managing weight with GLP-1 medications (specialized 3-month support program), group fitness enthusiasts (150+ weekly classes), and anyone seeking a full-service wellness experience with pools, spa, and physical therapy under one roof. The club's culture emphasizes community, consistency, and support for all fitness levels.
Does acac offer childcare, and what are the rules?
Yes, the Kids Zone provides complimentary childcare for up to 2.5 hours per visit for children ages 6 months and older. The space is supervised by trained staff and designed to keep kids safe and engaged while parents work out. Kids Zone hours align with club hours. Parents must remain on-site during childcare and check children in/out at the Kids Zone desk.
Can I try acac before committing to a membership?
Yes, acac offers 1-day passes so prospective members can experience the facilities and classes before joining. Request your pass at acac.com/charlottesville or call (434) 978-3800. Day passes include access to all amenities—pools, fitness floor, group classes, and Kids Zone. Staff are available to answer questions and help you find the right membership option.
What makes acac different from other gyms in Charlottesville?
acac stands out for its comprehensive amenities: a rooftop infinity pool, full aquatics center, 150+ weekly group classes, complimentary childcare, on-site spa and physical therapy, and specialized programs like Dolphin Swim School, GLP-1 support, and Elite Performance training. It's not just a gym—it's a complete wellness community with spaces for training, recovery, socializing, and family activities. The club's culture emphasizes accountability, momentum, and support, with a friendly team that knows members by name.
Does acac offer swim lessons for kids and adults?
Yes, acac offers Dolphin Babies (parent-supported classes for ages 6 months–3 years), Dolphin Swim School (structured learn-to-swim program for ages 3+ using the Starfish Aquatic International curriculum), and Elite Performance training for competitive swimmers. Private and semi-private lessons are also available. Contact the club at (434) 978-3800 or visit acac.com to register or learn more about swim programming.
“The physical therapist is very good !!!! . . . but each time I arrive or depart, the reception / office is terrible. They sit behind this glass enclosure, that they open to assist you. They are almost always on the phone, so I need to wait until they are finished before I’m able to be helped. This is frequently 5-10 minutes, making me late for my therapy appointment. Fortunately, a number of times, my therapist has wandered i to the lobby and retrieved me (before I was able to check-in) . . . just so we can start close to on-time. Their hours are convenient and parking is good, and they take my insurance, so I keep going, but the check-in / check-out process is not good. 😢”
— Julie Richardson (Witten), Google Review
“I’ve traveled to most us cities and always find a gym near my hotel, so I seen quite a few. ACAC is unique in its focus and diligence to health management. Staff is excellent and members fantastic!!”
— Paul Scaffidi, Google Review
“The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. The ACAC I use is in Albermarle Square.it is spacious and not crowded.”
— Meredith Woo, Google Review
“Best health club I've ever experienced! With a friendly staff, every kind of class you can imagine, multiple locations, hot tub , sauna , warm pool& lap pool and cafe and childcare in larger clubs and a welcoming inclusive atmosphere everywhere. Worth every penny”
— jocelyn kitchen, Google Review
“Maurice makes the best burgers and smoothies in town! Hands down! I recommend the Green Detox Smoothie, substitute orange juice for apple juice for a naturally sweet taste. Add the Smash Burger with everything as a yummy treat to go with your smoothie and enjoyyyyyy... Thank me later!! 🥂”
— Michelle George, Google Review
Book online: Claim Your 1-Day Pass →
Phone: (434) 978-3800
Address: 500 Albemarle Square, Charlottesville, VA 22901 (Get directions)
Website: acac.com/charlottesville/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
Facebook: acac Fitness & Wellness Albemarle Square on Facebook
Instagram: acac Fitness & Wellness Albemarle Square on Instagram
YouTube: acac Fitness & Wellness Albemarle Square on YouTube