Does anyone belong to the YMCA??

[JESW]

Do you like it? I am thinking of joining a place but I am not sure where I want to go. Curves has been ok, but I really need something for over-all body and the YMCA has that with the weight machines. Plus, they also have classes and a pool. The price is a bit high (not sure exactly but I know it's several hundred $$) so I would have to make sure I would use it.

Any thoughts?

Jill

 

[Beth76]

We've been members for about 3 years now. I really like it. It's much better than Curves, IMO.

 

[MagicalMom]

We LOVE the YMCA. The gym is great, we have 2 pools, tons of activities for the kids. We pay 67.00 a month for a family membership. My DS,4 also attends pre-school there for an additional 185.00 a month. He goes 5 days a week & it includes his swimming classes. We are big YMCA fans. Oh & they have free childcare too while you take a class or workout.

 

[Jennifer S]

I go three to four times a week and I NEVER worked out before in my whole life. I started going in January. I'm at the point that I feel guilty if I don't go. Our Y is brand new and in great shape. We also do all our sports and swimming lessons through them. I say go for it. I;m too cheap to pay and not go. Good incentive.

 

[kasar]

I've been a Y member for years. It was great when my kids were little, we were there practically every day for swim lessons and mom-and-me classes. Such nice memories.

Now that the kids do town and school sports, I switched to a single membership and I go as often as I can. Our Y has grown considerably in recent years and their prices have gone up but they're still cheaper than private gyms and they have a lot more to offer.

 

[Swimnoid]

I have worked full time at the Y for 22 years. Your experience will depend upon the facilities, what your goals are and the staff. We are one branch of a large metropolitan association. Each branch has its own personality. All of our branches are pretty new or at least very well maintained. I know of other Ys that are older and dont have much money that aren't that great. At our Y the staff is super friendly and helpful. There is a large variety of classes so if you get bored with one type of activity there is plenty more to try. The biggest complaint we get is that it is too crowded and there isnt enough parking. Our Y is focused on family so there is a lot to do for everyone. The Y in the next town over has certain branches who are focused more on business crowd or adults. At most Y's you can get a free day guest pass to try stuff out and see if you like it.

 

[golfgal]

I don't like our Y, personally. It is brand new and clean but they micro-manage everyone there. Our oldest wanted to use the treadmill and the running track last winter to keep in shape between Cross Country and Track season. We had to take a special class so the kids could use that equipment and the track. We take the class and then come to find out that the kids can only be on the equipment before 3:30 and after 8:30 PM. Well they are in school until 3:05 and go to bed at 8:30, that really makes a lot of sense.

A friend was doing some sit-up and had her feet on the wall and she got kicked out of the Y for vandalism, right . They claim it is a "family" place but they sure make it hard for the kids to go. We are not renewing our membership.