Ohio’s Hottest Club: The Wembley Club’s Remarkable Story

Sticking with the same workout over time can make you better at it over the years, but for many, this approach leads to boredom, and worse, burnout! Joining a fitness social club, with different workout events and classes, is the way to go. Imagine going to yoga first and then having a game of pickleball. Not only that, but a fitness social club encourages members to get to know each other. Making friends and being exposed to people from all different backgrounds no longer has to be difficult, as you have the space intentionally built for socialization.  

The Wembley Club offers all of these and more. In fact, it celebrates its success in becoming the most well-loved, family-friendly fitness and social hub in Northeast Ohio. Now, the club offers various activities for all ages, from fitness classes like yoga, spin, boxing, water aerobics, and TRX to pickleball, swimming, and tennis. 

Its journey is a story of resilience and visionary leadership. The Wembley Club was dilapidated and nearly abandoned when David Barr, the current owner and president, bought it. Seeing its potential to become one of the premier hubs in the area, he decided to expand its offerings beyond tennis and swimming and improve the quality of its services.

The Wembley Club now offers over 80 fitness classes per week. Members can enjoy spin, various styles of yoga, barre, boxing, TRX, boot camp, pump, HIIT, water aerobics, and more. Kids wouldn’t be left out as the club offers extensive kids’ fitness programs and youth athletic training.  

The facilities for the fitness program are world-class. The yoga room incorporates the earth, such as stone, water, and fire elements, to create a serene environment for practice. The group fitness room has cushioned flooring and over 2,000 square feet to host multiple classes. Moreover, there’s a cycling theater where enthusiasts can immerse themselves in riding through beautiful scenery. 

Tennis at The Wembley Club is even more enjoyable now that it offers lessons, leagues, and casual games. The club offers programs for every skill level, so beginners and experienced players are welcome to join. Wembley is unique in offering cardio tennis as a complimentary membership.  

In addition, the club’s aquatic program includes open swimming, swim lessons, water aerobics, and parties. There’s no need to worry about the seasons changing because The Wembley Club has a convertible pool open to the elements in the summer and covered by a giant dome in the winter. 

Pickleball lovers are bound for a fun time because the Wembley Club boasts Northeast Ohio’s most active year-round pickleball community. There are regular open plays, tournaments, and lessons for all levels. The Wembley Club’s staff do an exceptional job integrating new members into pickleball games and other activities with a welcoming atmosphere.  

To accommodate its expanded offerings, The Wembley Club converted two tennis courts into a state-of-the-art fitness wing known as The Arena in June 2022. It spans over 15,000 square feet and is considered one of the premier new fitness facilities in the country. David states that the combination of top-notch facilities and numerous activities has enhanced the club’s appeal and attracted some of the best instructors in the field.  

Fitness director Colleen Ryan has greatly contributed to the club’s success by building a strong and dedicated team. Colleen, along with earlier director, Ali Hively, have recruited around 25 instructors—a significant increase from the limited number of instructors present when David Barr took over. 

David’s inquisitive management style has been equally pivotal for The Wembley Club’s turnaround and ongoing success. Acting like a business scientist, the president constantly tests what works and what doesn’t without any preconceived notions. “Our open-minded and collaborative approach helps us to adapt based on our members’ needs and preferences,” he says. “I also make sure to nurture a culture wherein every staff member’s input is valued, and employees have the freedom to implement their ideas. We have so many brilliant people on our staff, and I learn from them every day.” 

Besides employing this unique management style, David has led The Wembley Club to navigate the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The club managed to bounce back quickly once it reopened in May after a mandatory two-month shutdown in early 2020. The outdoor pool became a popular attraction, and the club implemented measures to ensure members’ safety while exercising. This ability to maintain member engagement during such a period is immensely noteworthy that David and Colleen were featured in Club Business International’s January 2021 issue, where their ability to connect with members despite the odds was highlighted.  

Still, what The Wembley Club prides itself in the most is the sense of community it fosters. “Our club isn’t just a place for fitness. It’s also a social hub where members can easily make new friends. We’re like that theme song from the TV sitcom Cheers, ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name.’ If there’s a perfect way to describe our club, it’s a place where we merge exercise and fun,” David emphasizes.