YMCA?

I know that a few of you belong to a YMCA, and I was wondering if you would recommend it. It is the only fitness facility with a pool in my area, and I really want to swim as a workout routine.

Would anyone reccomend the YMCA as a fitness center????

I totally would! I don't know if you have a large YMCA but mine has all sorts of classes, given by certified professionals- anything from yoga to cardio to spinning to weight training... they've got a lot of machines, treadmills, bikes, ellipticals- weights and exercise balls, etc. They have it all. So yes I would reccomend it, but only if you're willing to pay around 50$ a month.

If you don't like variety- that is, if you prefer doing the same things all the time to stay consistent, the Y may not be for you. Hope that helps!

That helps tremendoulsly! I hate exercise, so I need unconventional ways to get it, and a variety to keep me from giving up- the Y seems like a perfect option, and I was already paying $40 a month for a Curves-like gym that had only the circut training machines!!!!!!

The only thing I don't like about the Y is the hours. It is really hard to get there, especially on the weekends when they close at 5 or 6. 

My all-woman Curves-type gym was only open until NOON on Saturday and not at all on Sunday- I will take any improvement on that- LOL!!

I love the Y. I have been a member since February, and have had great results. I also have really enjoyed the diverse atmosphere.

Thats pretty weird- my Y is open from 6am to 9pm... most of the time classes go from 8am to 6pm though, but the fitness room and all the machines are open till 9. And its located right downtown, across from the metro station- great accessibility for me.

Ok.. the only thing about the Y.. is its SO DAMN BUSY!! Oh my god. If you have a certain machine you like.. it never fails its always 80% of the time taken. Its up to you really. Its just nice they are open on holidays and such which is always great! They have a facility for your kids so they will watch them when you workout and it makes it so easy! All depends what you really want.

I like the Y's programs - although often as not those are an extra charge.  I like the pools and find that to be a VERY effective exercise for weight loss purposes, and relaxing and mind numbing to boot.  My son loves the kid classes too and the kid watch.  What I don't like is the regular price increases.  Every year they charge more.  I'm on a family membership, so its getting pricey.  And the place is usually packed, although if you take a couple weeks and try different times, you can often work around that.

Does the Y require you sign a contract, or is it simply month-to-month?

It is a month to month bank draft for me, and I think they are all pretty standarized. No contract!

My work started a thing at the beginning of July for $30 a month for a family membership to the Y. I haven't used the facilities yet but I've been sending my daughter to day camp there and that's really great if anyone has kids. It's give them something more to do than sit at a daycare all day and it's reasonably priced $135/week. I've been wanting to go workout there but have been really busy this summer and I've been doing it at home.

I tried out the YWCA tonight for the first time. I went to a water aerobics class which was great!!  It didn't feel stenuous but I did get and keep my heart rate up with all of the aerobic moves the instructor gave us.  At our Y, there is a really good schedule so that I can go after work and it's relatively cheap.  Now that I'm home for the night, I'm feeling that I worked many a muscle.... so it must be a good workout!

I swear by the YMCA.  I use to belong to one for many years.  Now a days I perfer excerising outside of a gym.  But if I had to choose a gym or the Y, I would totally pick the Y.  for one, when you are a member you can use any Y you want around the world.  There equipment is usually pretty top knoch. Great classes, camps, etc. Plus its nice to know that your money is going to something that helps builds communities, where as some of these gyms, the money goes strait into the owners pocket.

I LOVE THE Y!!!

not only do I work there (im not biased I promise) but I've been working out there for 4 years now.  the facility is awesome, they offer soooo many programs, and they support families (financially, crisis, etc)  I love it because I can use the pool, go wall climbing, use the weight floor, join in on a class(aerobics, dance etc), play some drop in basketball....I could go on.  I've met a lot of great people there and I really enjoy walking into that place.

Just wanted to let EVERYONE know- I am joining the YMCA today!!!! Aquacise here I come!!!!

Good for you.  Don't be like me and pay and never go :(

When I joined about 2pm in the afternoon,everybody had a hot bod and I asked the clerk if everybody looked like that.  He laughed and said the fatter people usually come after work around 4:30.