acac’s mission is to improve lives through health and wellness. Every program, class, and service we offer is built on connection—between people, their goals, and the communities they live in. We believe fitness is more than a routine; it’s a way to live your best.
The History of acac
In the heart of the 1980’s fitness boom, founder Phil Wendel opened the very first Atlantic Coast Athletic Club—today known as acac—in a small Charlottesville, Virginia shopping center. His vision was bold and refreshingly inclusive: build a health club where everyone feels welcome, supported and inspired to move.
More than 40 years later, that vision is alive and thriving. Still proudly family-owned, acac has grown to over 14 club locations across Pennsylvania, Virginia and South Carolina and serving thousands of members every day. acac redefines what a fitness club can be—placing equal emphasis on wellness, longevity and community, and intentionally supporting groups often overlooked by traditional gyms, including older adults, physically inactive individuals, and children.
Through trusted partnerships with local hospitals, physicians, and healthcare professionals, acac seamlessly bridges fitness and healthcare, offering medical services and specialized programs that help members move better, feel stronger and live healthier lives.
And while wellness is at the core, acac doesn’t hold back on cutting-edge athletic performance or variety for athletes. Members enjoy top-tier equipment, a robust schedule of group exercise classes, and programs designed for every age and ability. Flagship clubs elevate the experience even further with on-site physical therapy, expansive indoor and outdoor aquatics amenities including rooftop pools, full-service recovery centers and spas offering both therapeutic and aesthetic treatments.
At acac, everything you need to get moving—and keep moving—is all under one roof.
The acac experience
Explore what makes acac more than a gym — from our welcoming spaces to our programs that inspire community and growth.
Every acac club is built around people — members who motivate, a team who cares, and a culture that celebrates progress together. From fitness challenges to community events, we foster connections that go far beyond the fitness floor.
With classes and amenities for all ages and abilities, acac meets members where they are. From personal training and group fitness to youth programs and senior wellness, everyone can find their fit and thrive.
We believe fitness and health are inseparable. That’s why we pair strength and movement with mindfulness, recovery, and nutrition — supporting every aspect of your well-being for lasting results.
Our team brings heart to every interaction. Instructors, trainers, and team are dedicated to helping members reach goals while making every visit positive, personal, and empowering.
Our core values
At acac, our values guide how we serve our members, support our teammates, and strengthen our communities every day.
People First
We live by the Golden Rule. We value respect, honesty and integrity. We genuinely care about people.
Community
We take an active role in our community. We are good corporate citizens. We give back by dedicating our time, energy and resources to make a difference in the lives of others.
Consistent Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality in everything we do. We strive to exceed the expectations of our members, guests and the community in every interaction.
Continuous Improvement
We are always looking for better ways to do things. We actively seek opportunities to learn, grow and improve the quality of our services and delivery. We never rest in our efforts to build a better organization.
Have Fun!
We love what we do. We celebrate our successes. We see every day as an opportunity to share our enthusiasm, passion and positive outlook with everyone we serve.
Bring your passion to a team that puts people first.
Centered in community
At its core, acac is about community, both inside and outside our club walls. We are proud to give back to our club communities through donations, sponsorships, and contributions to local events and non-profit organizations.
Our 30 days for $30 campaigns have donated over $1 million to various non-profit organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, Special Olympics, local animal shelters, Boys & Girls Club, local fire & rescue squads, local food banks, UVA Cancer Center, One Love Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and more.
acac will always remain committed to the people and various organizations that help make each community a place where we’re all so proud to live.
acac in the community
At acac, community isn’t just where we’re located—it’s who we are. As a community-centered organization, we give back through partnerships, programs, and outreach that support fitness, wellness, and healthy living in all its forms. From working with local healthcare providers and schools to supporting charitable initiatives and community events, acac is committed to strengthening the well-being of the neighborhoods we call home—inside our clubs and far beyond them
See some of our recent outreach work here!
Grand Slam in Greenville!
We had a grand slam of a time at the Greenville Drive baseball game! It was awesome connecting with some of our amazing members and chatting with the local community. acac and the Greenville Drive truly make a winning team!
Eagles Autism Challenge
Our acac Eagleview Team hung with Swoop and the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders after a fun weekend raising over $2,500 for the Eagles Autism Foundation! #flyeagles
Feeding Our Community
Thanks to the generous support of our members, our Short Pump team loads up several cars worth of food donations to benefit the Henrico County Food Bank to help local Short Pump residents facing food insecurity.
The acac Racers!
acac Main Line members and team members join forces to secure the trophy at the final installment of the Radnor Run, benefiting the American Lung Association.
Fitness that fits your life at acac
With state-of-the-art training spaces, premium recovery amenities, and classes for every fitness level, discover how acac can help you live your best.