FAILURE TO SECURE THE SAFTEY AND WELL BEING OF A MEMBER On Sunday Feb 8 2026 a severe weather warning is in effect around 6:52 pm. It's 11 degrees outside but with the wind it feels like -2. Just before this branched closed up at 7pm I received a call from my daughter explaining she had locked her keys in her car and asked if I could bring her spare. I explained I was on my way but she needs to stay indoors until I got there. Sub zero temperatures plus post work out sweat, winter jacket and minimal clothing make her chances of exposure to the elements increasingly hazardous. However, she informed me the front desk staff insisted she could not stay indoors after 7pm. My wife called the front desk and pleaded to keep her indoors and out of the freezing cold but was rejected. I then called and pleaded and then insisted on her safety and I to was also rejected. We were only asking for a short grace period. We were asking for the well being and safety of a current member and only for a short period of time. I was told by this uncompromising and inconsiderate front desk staff member that "insurance doesn't cover that.." and they were "..done with this conversation.." at which time they handed the phone back to my daughter and said to her that I "..was being an Asshole" and loud enough that I could here the insult over the phone! I call this a total disregard of compassion, professionalism and respect. I call it a total disregard for the safety and well being of another human being. read more

The Y rocks, from the staff, to the classes and the equipment. They keep the place clean. Machines are rarely broken. They offer different kinds of memberships. They have an indoor pool and outdoor pool. However, the membership only covers the indoor pool. The outdoor pool is extra. The cycling room is nice. They have an indoor track, which I love during rainy days or summertime when it's too hot to be outside. Since they've reopened after the Covid 19 shutdown, their hours have changed, so check before going. They have small classes for every level. They now have classes online. Overall, I enjoy the Y and will continue to go there. read more

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Love the staff that teaches my girl in the science lab class and the hip hop class. The kids zone staff were all nice and friendly too.

Not perfect but no gym really is. I gave this a 5 star because the process matches the product. It's a great facility with really nice staff. I wish the sauna was bigger. It gets a lot of use from members. But after attempting a tour of lifetime fitness just down the street I came to adore this YMCA all that much more. read more

I recently joined and I'm thrilled with this place. They have soooo many classes and the instructors are great. They gave classes beginning at 5am and running thru evening, and availability for all levels. I haven't tried the pools yet but they look great. This place is clean and well run; my only regret is that it took me so long to get around to joining! read more

The Amber Y is one of the nicest I've been too. They have pretty much thought of and accommodated everything. They have lockers with cell phone charging cables built in. They have separate locker rooms for families, minors, and adults. Theres also small self locking lockers right by the weight room for your phone and keys. There's 3 indoor pools and 1 outdoor. There's a nice rubberized indoor track as well as a lengthy outdoor running trail. They are extremely kid oriented with free day care while you work out, which includes room for small kids as well as lounges with video games for older kids. As a YMCA of course they offer a full catalog of classes for kids to include swimming, karate, dance and sports. They frequently host community events with free food, games, activities etc. The gym is medium sized and well kept. Its never been overcrowded all the times I've went. The pricing is great for families considering all the things that comes with it. But for a single person you'd probably get a better deal at a regular gym. For quality, completeness, and price, the Ambler Y is a great spot for all families in the area. read more

Berry clean and not crowded perfect family setting staff very friendly that I signed my whole family up found my new past time to go to when there is nothing else to do read more

I signed my special needs son to a program while on holiday break, the Camp and Program Director,Brandy told me that I need to pay in advance to the one day program, I drove there and paid the $5 cash. She doesn't notify me until less than 24 hours before the program that due to the lack of interest they are canceling the program and that they would just credit me for future events.I emailed her and explained I don't want a future credit I want the $5 she insisted I pay ahead of time, she then tried to trivialize it by saying they don't give such small cash refunds.The amount of money isn't what pissed me off it was the way that I feel taken advantage of and who dismissive she was about someone else's money. read more

I think this must be the flagship location for the area. Everything is new and many advanced options at this location. They have a massive pool area, both indoors and out. It includes different zones for different levels of swimmers, including a wading pool area. They have slides indoors and outdoors for more experienced swimmers. They put a ton of money into this location, it is clear that they have a lot of money in a rich area to put this phenomenal location together. read more

pool maintenance continues to be a problem. Whirlpool has been in violation of board of health guidelines for over a week. Lap swim times on schedule has been reduced to keep people like me from complaining about the lack of attention to pool health. read more

We moved from Collegeville area to Ambler in July 2011. Although not a member, I had visited the Spring Valley Y on a few occasions. It is almost identical to the Ambler location. We moved here and joined the Y after a tour and discussing the cost and the fact they were in the process of building a pool outside (like Spring Valley). Although the cost for Ambler is about $8-10 more a month than Spring Valley, we justified it with the difference in childcare cost. At Ambler, it's included in your membership, but at Spring Valley you pay $1/hour. Being pregnant with my second child, I figured Ambler worked out to be a better deal. These are the reasons I'm rating this beautiful facility with 2 stars: I recently received an email stating pool memberships are now available for purchase. WHAT???? They are charging the members (who already pay top dollar for their membership) $400 to use the outdoor pool. $800 for non- members. This was not conveyed to us at the time we enrolled. The children's classes are almost impossible to get into. I've been a member for almost a year and my daughter has gotten into swim lessons twice, but the first time, we had to go to Abington because Ambler was full. I try enrolling her first thing in the morning on the day enrollment starts, but most classes for 3 year olds are usually already full. I enrolled my daughter online for camp this year. I paid $50 for a deposit and the remainder was supposed to come out at a later date. We had a change of plans, so I called to cancel camp and they said I had to come in to fill out a form. I went in and they said I would lose the $50 deposit. I asked if they could put it towards a class or swim lessons and they said "no." REALLY??? The place is gorgeous and new, but next to impossible to work out in the mornings when my daughter is in preschool. It's packed. I haven't tried going any other time because my schedule doesn't allow. On a good note, the dance teacher, Dana, and the swim instructor, Caitlyn, are awesome with the kids. They seem to genuinely like what they do. Too bad it's so hard to get into classes with them. Guessing we'll be canceling our membership in the near future. $97/month is a lot to pay to not have use of the entire facility. read more

Do you guys know how good you have it? I belong to the Durham, NC YMCA but love to work out at this Y when I'm visiting my in-laws. Granted, I've never gone when it's been really crowded, but I can't imagine it's *that* bad. The place is huge! The machines are amazing. When I visit, it's like going to a YMCA of the future. I can watch whatever I want on my personal treadmill TV, and it's loaded with amazing exercise programs that I actually want to do. No more manually changing the incline and speed every few minutes! Besides the machines, the best thing about this place is all the natural light! It's a building of windows! So I feel less guilty about exercising in an air conditioned space instead in the great outdoors because I can actually see the outside world. This is the future. read more

I occasionally visit here when I'm up at my parents house. It beats the hell out of the Columbia North Y on North Broad, which is my usual spot. It's like Chuck E Cheese v. Six Flags. No competition. It's crowded, certainly, but hey, what gym ain't these days? If you go at off-peak hours, you're fine. Plenty of cardio machines, weights, and even an indoor track. I'd like to see them add a few more benches for the free weights and a free towel service. For the money we pay, that's the least they could offer. It's a non-profit for crying out loud! The pool is top-notch. If you're training for triathlons, it's crucial. Get a good soak in the hot tub after, and be sure to avoid looking directly at the old, hairy balls that prance around the locker room. read more

I really enjoy working out at this Y. In my opinion, the best time to go is during the weekday before 10:00am or after 8:00pm, if your schedule permits. The parking lot gets a little crowded as the day progresses. You don't quite notice it inside because there are so many things to do. This place is like an inexpensive country club, but my comparison may be off base considering I've never been to a country club. Okay, let me stop digressing. The indoor track is nice and much easier on your legs than running outside. Thirteen times around the track is equivalent to a mile. If you're a parent with a child in a stroller and you like to go for walks/runs, but it's too cold outside, the track at this Y allows strollers. The workout area contains great updated cardio equipment and a nice free weight area. The area with the benches is a little tight, but it is manageable. Let's talk about the pool. Man oh man. The pool area is like a mini water park. The slide has to be the best in the Greater Philadelphia area. The locker rooms may be the only area in this Y that has not been updated, but it's functional. There's not much needed. There are many classes offered here. It literally has something for everyone. If you're new to working out, you can come here and not feel intimidated because it's such an inviting atmosphere. I should also add that they recently opened a juice bar area, which is great if you want a post workout shake. read more

Wow, what a huge and nice gym! All equipment is new, the rooms are huge with big windows and tall ceilings. Since I always go to Lansdale YMCA, I figured I'd try this one out since now our passes work at both places. There is also a mini Bryn and Dane's, aka healthy fast food and snacks. I tried a couple of the classes and they were pretty good, the body combat and spinning. The cardio room is HUGE, and there is also an indoor track. There is also a nice weight lifting area. I love that all TVs have all the channels, that is a huge upgrade. The pool is also nice, but Lansdale's I think is much better. Whatever you need to work, this gym will have it! read more

This gym is the bomb. It has the feel and class offerings of a fancy sports club, yet the kindness and welcoming atmosphere of a normal YMCA. No sales pitches or "free personal training sessions" here like at all the other corporate chain gyms in the area. The classes are pretty great, they replace the equipment regularly, bathrooms and locker rooms are clean, and I honesty think this location greatly improves the sense of community in the area with the events they have going on. I will keep going here hopefully as long as I live in the greater Philadelphia area. Thank goodness for ya, Ambler YMCA! read more

Its the best gym in the area which may not be saying all that much when the competition of a bunch of dirty LA Fitness. The place is brand new with a pretty fantastic indoor pool and quality cardio and weight area. They are in the process of building an outdoor pool which will be available to members for what I'm told will be a pretty hefty surcharge. If you have kids the Y will be your best option to get them involved with sports lessons. From swimming to basketball the directors here really take pride in putting on quality programs and I can attest that my daughter loves it. 2 hour daycare per day is also a nice perk for those of us who need a break from the litter once in a while. I will say this... The Ambler YMCA is only a year old. Community centers often do not age well. Equipment wears out or breaks and often does not get properly maintained. Floors, locker rooms and heavily used areas show their wear quite rapidly and if they are not replaced make the place look run down and worn out. The real test for this place will be when the time times to start making repairs. Will they make the investment to keep the place spotless or will it go downhill? Only time will tell. In the meantime as soon as they build a Lifetime Fitness in the area we'll all jump ship because that place is the gold standard of gyms and since moving to Ambler from Scottsdale, AZ we're counting the days till they decide to expand to this area. read more

I'm adding two stars because the staff are friendly and helpful, the child care room is amazing, and the swim teachers ROCK (my 4yo nearly has his front and back stroke down pat thanks to private lessons with Miss Angela--money well spent)...Admittedly, I realized how good we had it after visiting the Hatboro Y...which, in turn, reminded me of the one we used a few years ago back in Queens. Not much to complain about when you compare it to other YMCAs. And even just the lobby...a super useful space, and everybody uses it to settle their kids, wait for people, have a snack, work, study...I've actually put my kid in child care; invited a private language instructor to teach me at the table; and had dinner afterwards that I brought in and warmed up in the microwave for me and my little dude (who's already had his fun time and shower for the evening). Oh, and they have COFFEE now. (Not recommending the pumpkin spice.) And the sheer number of classes, most of which are free with membership...I've posted all the schedules on the side of my pantry so we know what we can do a few hours before we decide to go. Yogalates...on my list of things to try. As well as cross train boot camp because my husband says I won't last the hour...I'll die trying. Tip: Don't try to lap swim on Thursdays, especially if kids annoy you. And don't take your kids to swim on Thursdays. It's a big lesson day. read more

Exercise! New equipment and new facade! The Ambler YMCA is better then ever! The best fitness center in the area. Three pools for those who like to swim laps and watch the kids whisk down a 2 story water slide. A state of the art hot jacuzzi and dry sauna will relax your muscles. My two concerns are the locker room size and the absence of racquet ball courts. There are plans of an outdoor pool and more! I am looking forward to getting back to shape at the YMCA. read more

Lots of facilities. However, far too expensive for individual membership. Staff does little to help in gym, members camp out on 5 machines simultaneously to create their own "circuit" blocking out all machines till they finish, camp out on a single machine for 10-15 minutes web surfing, whirlpool is frequently dirty with mold on edges. Management isnt paying attention read more

This is an excellent facility. The only reason I'm not giving it a 5 star is because it's very pricey. So many machines for cardio, I'm never left waiting for one. Even if the parking lot is full. The weight area is incredible, anything you could possibly need for a good lift. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Track upstairs. Free classes. And a friendly staff! read more

Now you can look online at my other reviews and see I don't come on here just to complain about things, I really don't. But I recently attempted to sign my daughter up for swimming lessons. Here's what happened: 1. I searched the YMCA programs online, and found one that fit our schedule. The website said you could obtain a membership online AND sign up for classes online. Registration for the class began on a specific date, so I had to wait to move forward. I set an alert on my phone to remind me to sign up ASAP so the class wouldn't fill up. 2. I attempted to sign up at 7 AM the morning registration opened. The website would not let me purchase the class or a youth membership online, although I tried for about 10-15 minutes, thinking surely I was doing something wrong... 3. I called that morning and was told you can not purchase a "youth" membership online, b/c kids could try to sign themselves up without parental consent. OK, that makes sense. I wish the website had pointed that out previously, so I could have planned appropriately. (I'm not sure why it's even an option on the website?) I was told to come in to sign her up. OK, not super convenient, but OK. 4. Dragged both kids in the rain to the YMCA the next day to sign up for the membership and swimming lessons. After spending about 15 minutes there with paperwork and answering questions, I was told only people with "Family" memberships could sign up at this time. I would have to wait for it to open to people with only "youth" memberships. Surely, they could have mentioned this over the phone when I had called? And even if they forgot, there was nothing on the website saying it was restricted to certain groups? 5. Returned to the YMCA, again dragging my daughter back in the rain, once and for all, to sign her up now that the "magic date" for mere mortals with youth memberships had passed. Cash in hand. We have a file there as my son signed up for camp. The file was MIA, I had to fill out everything again to move the process along. I also had to fill out an automatic withdrawal form with credit card info, even though I asked if this was necessary . . . I had cash in hand to pay for the whole thing and we were terminating the membership after the swimming lessons (there was a termination form to fill out). But fine, I'll give you my sacred credit card information even though this makes no sense, and I already gave you this same info for my son but you can't find it. So we do all this all over again while my kids patiently wait. They tell me apparently, unbeknownst to me the other day when I was in, my daughter had been signed up for a youth membership so that was actually all set. And guess what. After all of that, the class was now FULL. (If I had known she had a membership set up, I could have signed her from home online, the second the magic date came for youth memberships came and maybe would have had a chance of getting in.) Now the guy working there could not have been nicer, really. He tried to find other classes to fit our schedule, but the only other one was at 6:30 and my daughter goes to bed at 7. And if you are a mom who works and takes care of kids with varying schedules, it takes time out of your day to do these things, I literally feel like I spent at least two hours of my life on this. And all I really wanted was some water safety lessons for my daughter. She was obviously disappointed because she was very excited about swimming lessons. I had another odd experience signing my son up for camp, Now, again, the people at the desk could not have been nicer, but no one knew the details of the camp we were registering for. You're dropping hundreds of dollars on camp and entrusting these people with your children, but no one has the knowledge to answer your questions? The woman at the desk tried, she really tried, and she was so sweet, and asked around and no one knew the answers, They were all out of pamphlets. She gave me the number for the guy in charge of the camp. He never returned my call. read more

I really, really wanted to love my daughters swimming lessons experience since it is our local Y and we were considering joining if all went well. Unfortunately, it was a terrible experience. She was enrolled in Swim Basics Stage 1, Water Acclimation. I understand that there are 5 kids to a class, and some of the kids in her class had behavior issues so she received less direct instruction than she should have, but I am a teacher and the directors of the program should have adapted and put another teacher in the class (kids were 3-5 years). Things weren't totally terrible, just bad, until the last week. There were THREE kids that showed up the final week and my daughter received a total of FIVE minutes of instruction in the pool from the instructor for the entire WEEK. The instructor spent the entire week focusing on the other two boys. My husband and I complained, and all the director said was "interesting" and that the instructor normally gets such positive reviews. We will not be returning. I should mention, we did complain about halfway through the program about her lack of instruction and that was when our daughter started receiving noticeably less time in the pool. Our daughter has excellent behavior and just sat there politely while the teacher focused on the other kids, but she noticed that her teacher wasn't paying any attention to her and it made her very sad, which broke my heart. She told me the teacher didn't think she was a good swimmer... I suggest looking somewhere else for swimming lessons. read more

Been a member for over a year now and couldn't be happier with my ambler Y, especially with their new added section. Plenty of cardio machines--I've literally never had to wait for one, and good weight section. Windows all along fitness center side keeps things nice and bright. If you're looking to just walk, the upper track is good as well. Yoga with Nannette is my favorite, which she has Tuesdays, Thursday's and Sundays, but if you're more into Les Mills, try body pump with Lynne. All of the staff is incredibly kind and friendly and willing to help. The only problem I've ever encountered at the gym is people talking on their cell phones while on cardio machines. But hey, I just turn up the volume of my music and tune them out because that happens anywhere aNyway nowadays. You won't regret your membership! read more

Great facility. Lots of state of the art equipment, excellent pool. Fun classes. It dies get very crowded on weekends.

Buy far the most elaborate gym I have ever had the privilege to be a member of. My new favorite thing to do pickleball. clean, new, friendly ,close , love it . still can't believe it is a YMCA. read more

This YMCA rules!!!! It's as nice as a country club and has any amenity you could possibly want. The regular gym area is always clean, has tons of machines and a nice lay out. What I use this gym for mostly is the classes, however, because I do most of my cardio outside. The classes are great, the equipment is clean, the gym is nice and they are usually not too crowded. All the bathrooms and locker rooms are clean and big and the building in general is just very nice. I love love love love this Y! read more

I was a member of the YMCA for over twenty years and decided to look at other facilities when I converted my membership from a family plan (approximately $108/month) to an individual ($64/month). I found that a number of local competitors were offering individual memberships that were less than half the YMCA monthly costs. In addition to significantly lower monthly/annual fees, local competitors facilities have superior equipment, better locker rooms, and innovative training classes. I continued my training at a local club that costs $42.00 month, resulting in a savings of over $22.00/month. read more

Wow, very impressive facility. This may be the nicest Y I've ever been in, and I travel for work and have used several up and down the east coast. Commenting on the fitness center, the cardio and weight room. Very impressive selection of high end equipment. Someone else commented on the size of the change facilities. Yes, they seemed rather small when I first used them in fact that is everyone's first impression. However, I've not yet seen them crowded. Maybe that is because there are separate change rooms for men, boys, women and girls, and a family change room, five in total. So like a multi-lane highway the usage gets spread out and just our lane seems empty. Just my idea, I've only been in the men's room. The facility is architecturally pleasing to look at, from the outside and inside. And the fitness center has glas windows on two sides, looking out on the "campus" parking lot and the nice, new lobby. I wish this was my home Y. read more

Left this fitness center to go to the new Lifetime in Fort Washington. Can't even compare the two. On a basic level , Lifetime is much cleaner, has much more equipment and everything works, and the Locker rooms are spacious and spotless. In comparison, the Y was filthy at night, take weeks to repair basic equipment, and the numerous front desk people would rather deal with people on the phone than those in front of them, or simply ignore you. Also Lifetime is open every day until Midnight, and the Y closes much earlier, and every Holiday. Except for missing Jane's Sunday morning spinning class, there is no comparison, the professionalism at Lifetime to the amateurs at the Ambler Y. read more

I can't review all aspects of this brand new facility; we've just been there for my daughter's swimming lessons. What I've seen, though, is fantastic. The building and grounds are beautiful. There are four pools (I think) so that classes, lap swimming, sports and kid playing can all go on simultaneously. The kid's pool has slides and fun spraying things. The instructor we had was competent and friendly. We walked through the weights and cardio room and found a ton of high quality equipment. There's also childcare, basketball courts, and multipurpose rooms. I believe there's an indoor track upstairs, but I haven't had a chance to see it. I've only gone on Saturday; I'd like to know if it gets extremely crowded at peak times. Anyway, this place is a big step up for the Y and you should check it out. read more

Not organized at all. The swimming dept is run by a bunch of kids and they don't care if you waste your day by not scheduling trainers for lessons. No apologies nor do they care. No stars. read more

I love this YMCA branch! I have my daughter takes swimming class here. The teachers are professional and graceful !!! And the faculty is so beautiful and clean!!!! read more

I loved the old Ambler YMCA. Sure, the building was old and the fitness center was small. But it was very well run, and it was affordable. The new Ambler YMCA is a beautiful building that is expensive and very difficult to use. The fitness center and babysitting are impossibly busy. My two children are not allowed in the same room in the childcare. The wonderful "family active center" of the old Y, where I could workout in the same room as my small child, no longer exists. Instead, my kids have to be 5 to use it! The outdoor pool cost is as high as a swim club, yet has none of the extras that a swim club offers (a snack bar, playgrounds, any shade at all). The membership fees get higher every year. The swim class cost more. I think it is so sad that this wonderful "community center" is no longer affordable for many of us in the community. read more

I am a great fan of this place . My family and I go to family swim time 1-2 times a week. It's clean , the staff are very nice. Can't wait to go again . The kids love it read more

I go with my friend that has special needs so we both get in for free becuase we go to the special needs swim. The people that work there are very nice to me and my friend. We just say we are here for the special needs swim and they let us go right in. The pool is clean and warm(sometimes). We have a great time when we go there. It is very good. read more

A great place...clean environment. The "Y" has very clean equipment, very nice pool areas, and a nice staff. They also have assisted individuals with low income (You need proof of tax returns). Overall, we have had a great experience there. read more

This place is the bomb diggity. It's beautiful, everything is new and the pool, hot tub and sauna are my favorite. They have classes but I haven't attended any but the equipment is nice and new and each piece of cardio equipment has it's own TV. nice free weights, track to run on and mostly nice staff. There was one youngish staff member who was pretty snotty to my 14 year old son ( "could you NOT pull on that, that's NOT how that piece of equipment is supposed to be used) but I had a word with him and he seemed like he would either be nice next time or just avoid us all together........fine by me. I still love going and now they put a Bryn and Danes quick take out food place in the lobby. If they had rooms I'd stay. Overall it really is great. read more

Best YMCA location in the Philadelphia area. If the maintenance of the equipment does not impress you, then the staff certainly will. If you have kids and no sitter, take them over to the kidZone and your children will be well taken care of. Great programming too. read more

This place says its for families. But if your kid is under 7 years old, you will have to get into the pool with him or her, during free swim, even if the child has passed the swim test. All of the rules has made this place an annoyance. We are taking our business to the summer swim clubs. read more