A Welcoming Fitness Community
The Vanderbilt Club is a locally owned health club in Norwood, MA built around fitness, family, swimming, wellness, and community.
For nearly 25 years, local residents have come to The Vanderbilt Club to work out, take classes, swim, bring their children to swim lessons, use childcare, meet with trainers, and stay active in a place that feels personal and welcoming.
We are not a large corporate gym where members feel like numbers. Our team gets to know people by name, helps new members feel comfortable, and creates a friendly atmosphere where families, students, working professionals, retirees, and seniors can all feel at home.
how The Vanderbilt Club Began
The Vanderbilt Club’s story began long before it became the full-service health club members know today.
1983
25-year-old Susan Young began her fitness career as the manager of Racquetball International, located at 45 Vanderbilt Avenue in Norwood. At the time, racquetball was one of the fastest-growing fitness trends in the country, and Racquetball International was part of that boom.
The neighborhood club was a popular place for local members, with ten racquetball courts and a bar where people could socialize after playing. Courts filled up early in the morning, and the club became a familiar gathering place for fitness, recreation, and community.
Early 2000s
The racquetball craze had started to slow down. Susan saw the shift happening and understood that the club needed to grow beyond racquetball to continue serving members well. With foresight and hands-on experience, she helped move the club toward a broader fitness model by adding fitness equipment and bringing exercise classes into the schedule.
2002
Racquetball International and subsequently Mad Maggies became The Vanderbilt Club. With the financial backing of Jim Shane, Susan Young helped transform the business into a full-service health club built around fitness, affordability, fun, customer service, and a welcoming environment for all.
The Vanderbilt Club celebrated its grand opening on March 2, 2002.
present
Susan Young continues to lead the day-to-day vision and operations of The Vanderbilt Club. With more than 40 years of experience in the fitness and health club industry, she has helped shape the club into a place where members of all ages can work out, swim, take classes, bring their children, and feel part of a local community.
More than two decades later, The Vanderbilt Club continues to serve Norwood and the surrounding communities as a full-service health club focused on people, consistency, wellness, and connection.
Our Mission and Values
Our mission is to provide a welcoming local health club where members of all ages can improve their fitness, enjoy the water, build healthy routines, and feel supported by a team that cares.
We want every member to have access to the programs, amenities, and personal support they need to stay active.
value
Quality fitness and wellness options without unnecessary fees or pressure.
consistency
Nearly 25 years of serving the Norwood community with care.
community
A welcoming club where every member feels seen, supported, and included.
safety
Trained, certified staff committed to a safe and supportive experience.
support
Friendly help with classes, programs, memberships, and getting started.
Visit The Vanderbilt Club in Norwood, MA
The best way to experience The Vanderbilt Club is to visit in person.
You can stop by during business hours, take a tour, ask questions, view the fitness areas, see the pool,
learn about swim lessons, and review membership options. No appointment is required.