Cincinnati Athletic Club

Overview

• The Dave Herche Cincinnati Athletic Club (CAC) is a historic athletic and wellness facility in downtown Cincinnati, renowned as the nation’s oldest continuously operating athletic club, founded in 1853. It combines comprehensive fitness amenities with exclusive sauna and spa facilities, including a high-temperature sauna (200°F), steam room (160°F), hot tub, BlueCube cold plunge, and red light therapy, as part of its wellness offerings.
• The overall atmosphere is distinguished and exclusive, fostering a professional men’s community for fitness, business networking, enduring friendships, and social events. With a storied history hosting four U.S. presidents and prominent figures, it provides a sophisticated, timeless experience beyond a typical gym, emphasizing preservation of its architecturally significant building.

Features & Amenities

• Fitness Areas:

  • Full-size basketball court with shooting return machine and weekly pickup games (Mon, Wed, Fri).
  • Three-lane heated lap pool (marble) for swimming.
  • Suspended indoor track for jogging/walking.
  • Workout room with strength machines, free weights (up to 100 lbs dumbbells), Smith machine, cable crossover, and core benches.
  • Power lifting room (Klonne Room) with deadlift platforms and heavy racks.
  • Functional fitness/HIIT studio for CrossFit-style training.
  • Two racquetball courts.
  • Boxing room for cardio/skills.
  • Indoor golf hitting room.
  • Cardio equipment: treadmills, bikes, ellipticals.

• Wellness & Spa Facilities (key focus for sauna enthusiasts):

  • Sauna heated to 200°F for deep heat therapy and detoxification.
  • Steam room at 160°F for muscle relaxation.
  • Hot tub with jets for recovery.
  • BlueCube cold plunge at 42°F for ice-free immersion therapy.
  • Red light therapy panels (Platinum LED) for recovery and skin health.
  • Swedish shower and warming room.

• Other Amenities:

  • Annex Yoga Studio with complimentary daily classes (open to public for fee).
  • Lockers with daily laundry/towel service.
  • Café (Put Ya to Sleep Café by Chef Jeff Davis) with organic meals and meal prep (Fuel 4 Champions).
  • Bar with Friday happy hour (5-8 PM).
  • Coworking spaces, board room, Living Room lounge with TVs.
  • Social games: pool, table tennis, darts.
  • Overnight guest accommodations.
  • Shoe shine, dry cleaning, on-call masseuse.

Services

• Training: Twice-daily group sessions by trainer Brad Klonne; private personal training.
• Wellness Services: On-call massages, red light therapy, cold plunge, yoga classes.
• Dining & Social: Nutritious breakfast/lunch, meal prep, evening bar/happy hour, networking events.
• Member Perks: Complimentary laundry, towels, yoga; shoe repair/shine, dry cleaning.
• Public Access: Tours of ground level and basketball court (Thursdays 2-3 PM); yoga studio open to public.
• Preservation: 501©(3) Foundation for building maintenance; tax-deductible donations.

Pricing

• No specific pricing details are provided on the website for memberships, tours, yoga drop-ins, or services.
• Contact via form, phone ((513) 241-0096), or email for membership info, tour pricing, and inquiries. All contributions to Preservation Foundation are tax-deductible.

Location & Hours

• Address: 111 Shillito Place, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (downtown, historically significant property).
• Phone: (513) 241-0096.
• Operating Hours:
  • Monday-Friday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
  • Saturday-Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
• Public tours: Thursdays 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ground level & basketball court).

Notes

• Unique Aspects: As a men’s athletic club with 170+ years of history, CAC stands out for its blend of elite fitness, advanced spa recovery options (sauna, cold plunge, etc.), and social/professional networking in a preserved landmark building. Unlike standard gyms, it offers hotel-like stays, chef-led organic dining, coworking, and a sense of legacy/community. The Preservation Foundation ensures ongoing maintenance, welcoming donor support. Ideal for serious athletes seeking comprehensive wellness in an exclusive, non-coed environment.