i have been going to this ymca around 1-2 times a week for the past year or so. i think it's awesome and i've really relied on it. it's definitely not perfect, but it's helped me out in so many ways first of all, they provide financial assistance based on income, and i only have to pay half the amount for a membership, which REALLY helps me out and keeps me here bc gym memberships can get so expensive fr!! there is literally no better deal than here--i'm never leaving i am SO grateful for their kids zone. i wish it were open for more hours of the day, but i understand only being open for the times with the most traffic. as a busy, working single mom, it's really a big help that i can drop off my kiddo at the kids zone and go work out. it gives me the space and time i need to recharge and focus on myself before i go back into mom mode i will say that i feel like the kids zone might be understaffed or at least the staff members who ARE there usually seem exhausted. i feel like there's usually a LOT of kids there, so the workers aren't able to carefully look after each kid, which is understandable, but they frequently text/call me during my workout to say that my son is being too rowdy, and i need to come and either talk to him or just stop my workout and take him out completely. it makes me wonder if it's true that my son just purposely pushed another kid unprompted and needs to leave right away or if something happened that could have just been a teaching moment from the counselors there. i feel like, with so many kids, the staff probably aren't able to really take their time with the kids, which definitely makes sense but it is sort of frustrating to have to suddenly cut my workout short bc a of call from the kids zone. the kids zone is great tho there's a separate area for babies and toddlers with all sorts of toys, and there's a bigger area with bigger fun equipment for the bigger kids. i often see the workers holding the tiniest babies, which would make me feel good as a baby mom (my son is 3 y/o now) i will say that the general atmosphere and the vibe of the people at the ymca is mostly old people, tired and burnt out adults (both members and staff), or hectic families with children. i've been to other gyms that were full of young people who looked like they had a lot of spirit for their bright futures, and there was a lot of positive energy in the air, and this does not feel like that haha. if going off people's energy around you is important to stay motivated to work out, this might not be it for you there is something about the people here... a lot of times, there's someone on the stationery bicycle who's watching a video with the volume way up, or someone's on the stairmaster and talking loudly on their phone, or they're making distracting grunting noises on the weight machines. at one of my other gyms, there were signs on the walls about gym etiquette that i wished were here :( it's fine if you have your headphones in and just ignore everyone tho i love that there are so many different classes and events for kiddos and families either for free with a membership or with a reduced price. it's so much easier registering for different kids programs here than having to hunt them down one by one and drive all over town i have also tried a lot of the fitness classes, and i have to say that literally all of the teachers have just not had a very encouraging attitude. some of them are very get-in-and-get-out, some are very strict and hold you to a high standard, and some have an intimidatingly dark sense of humor. i've had some other fitness instructors in the past for various classes, and i really like the energetic, positive, encouraging, uplifting fitness coaches. here at the ymca, i've done chair yoga, pilates, tai chi, barre, and strength training, and literally all those teachers just did not seem happy doing their jobs. i will say, though, that the kids basketball coaches were awesome. maybe they just save all the excited, positive teachers for the kids programs i also think it's great that there are so many programs for active older adults. there seems to be a good community of older folk here, and that's cool to see mmm i think that's all my thoughts haha read more

This YMCA location continues to struggle, I stopped in the other day to simply get a photo of the pool schedule? I looked around, searched high and low, went to the front desk and they said, sorry you have to look online. Then today I got this notice that they're closed, unfortunate but I hope they work out their issues, it's a great facility with a lot of great people working there. read more

Bellevue Branch YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

Prices are reasonable for family membership and the YMCA is definitely more family-oriented, but if you're single or you're looking for a joint membership with a spouse, there are better fitness centers to go to that would be a better fit. Mainly a lot of kids in the gym, pools, running around, etc. Locker rooms are also pretty small and nothing spectacular but you get what you pay for. I would look for another fitness club if you don't have a family. read more

Lots of group classes like line dancing! Staff is friendly. Not too busy in the aerobics or circuit rooms.

This review is for group swim lessons for 4 year olds. I am so disappointed in these classes. They've had a few cancellations, which has disrupted the consistency, which is key for first time swimmers learning to get comfortable in the water. And with 7 kids per class, that means the teacher tries 3-4 moves per class. Each child gets once chance, so if they're not ready or nervous, they get skipped. So in 30 minutes, they only get a couple of instances to try and learn and get comfortable per class. They spend most of the time sitting on the edge of the pool waiting for their turn. read more

Similar to another review here - extremely underwhelmed with the level of swimming instruction, and downright pissed off with the response to my complaints. Anna the aquatics director does not know how to interact with customers. I signed up for the Y specifically for swimming lessons for my kids and after a single class, it was clear this wasn't going to work. One not very competent instructor, working with one student at a time, means each child only gets to practice 1/6th of the extremely short 30 minute class. The rest of the time, they freeze their little buts off standing by the ledge. You'd think with such a short class time they'd be sure to start on time. Not quite, which brought time per student down even further. I asked for a refund of the prepaid month of classes, and the exorbitant sign up fee which I only paid in order to take classes (hundreds of dollars). Anna the aquatics director refused saying it is against policy. When I asked who I can speak to about policy she said it was here. I asked for her superior, again, just her. Apparently she's the boss with no one above her. She was unsympathetic and not understanding with no willingness to find a compromise. Apparently once they have your money they're not interested in providing a positive experience. I'll be steering clear of the YMCA, and recommend my friends and anyone reading this do the same. read more

This is definitely an older Y comparing to other the Y on the eastside but the staffs here are friendly. The swimming pool is smaller than Newcastle's and lacks the family recreational pool. It is overall clean and convenient. The parking lot can get pretty crowded on weekends and evenings. read more

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Decent YMCA in Bellevue. They have a basketball court that also doubles as a pickle ball court, a swimming pool, free weight room, and machine weights along with cardio equipment. They have all kinds of classes along with after school camps for both kids and adults. The facility isn't new but the staff are friendly and I have enjoyed working out here in the past. read more

This YMCA sits in the the quieter part of Bellevue where the impression YMCA are for the elderly folk rings true. The gym is small, you have to constantly wait for an arm or leg machine to become available, and the olypticals and treadmill are positioned in funny angles to account for the tight spacing in each of the work out rooms. There are two work out main areas in total, the weight room and the cardio room and aside from that, there are a few studios that tend to be open for stretching. There seems to be a lack of equipment in this location, no free weights, no foam rollers, no yoga mats in the studios, it seems very much like bring your own equipment and see what you will get out of your workout. Staff is friendly and there are a ton on site. Classes are meager and the schedule for the classes are mostly for housewives or late gym goers. read more

If you are looking for a swim instructor, Colby is one of the best ones at this location. He will actually get in the water and show you the "correct swim form". He is soft spoken, gives your child the individual attention he/she needs. I definitely recommend him! read more

I've been a member here since 2008. I regularly use the cardio equipment, weights, and pool for laps. I've also done a few classes but not now. I also sometimes go with my kids. The only thing I don't use is the basketball court. I've been to abound five of the Seattle area Ys including downtown Seattle, Northshore, Samsamish, Coal Creek. Bellevue was the original for me, is closest to my house, and is the one I go to most regularly (except maybe for lap swimming). Bellevue is an older facility dating from before the area had grown, I'm guessing circa 1970. It is outdated and small compared to the other Seattle area Ys I've been to. Not that they don't have good classes and you can't get your workout done. I have seen it and might get the gumption to try it - both the folks playing pickle ball or badminton seem like they have a lot of fun. The weight room isn't that big and can get crowded at peak hours so you can't get to the equipment you want to in a timely fashion. Cardio I can generally get what I want, but at times I'll have to switch to a non-preferred machine. Try to be flexible. All the other Seattle Ys I've been to offer more and bigger weights and cardio areas. The pool can be empty, but pick your times. I'm a medium-fast swimmer. I've been there where two kids are getting trained by their mother in the slow lane, and waders forced over to the medium and fast lanes or generally just hanging out. There can also be a colorful characters like the dude who does the strangest sideways stroke like water ballet and wears a bright Speedo. There are four lanes. The downtown Seattle pool is the smallest at three lanes, and I've been in a lane with five people clockwise swimming there. But in Seattle people generally know how to do it. For swimming I generally have started to go to Northshore, which has six lanes and two are designated for walking or classes (at least at the times I go to). The showers and locker rooms in Bellevue are the worst of the Seattle Ys I've been too. Small. Wet. Showers almost immediately adjacent to the toilets (not to get scatological). In my experience, what I do, my rating rational is: if Samammish and maybe Coal Creek are 5s, Northshore 4 (actually a 5 for me, but comparatively lacking family pool stuff), Seattle 3, it puts this one at a 2. And I don't think of that as that bad in this case - I still go there because it is closest, I can get it done, and also because they can't really fix it unless they rebuild it. But it is in what is now pricey Bellevue. read more

I have been a member at the YMCA of middle Tennessee for over 40 years and currently not happy with how they are treating their members. I am very sad to say this as this place has been a stress reliever in the past but not anymore. read more

The staff is very charming and helpful as to the gym equipment and overall tidiness off the place just above and beyond you should really come here. read more

If you need to take swimming lessons, do not waste your time and money there. In my experience, we had six adult students in total. Our teacher was a high school student (I have nothing against it) but all of us agreed that she doesn't know how to teach swimming. At the end of the lessons, none of us can swim. LOL I wrote a letter to the manager after my second class and told her I'd like to change a teacher, the answer was no : ) She promised to talk to her though. As we can see nothing changed after. They have very causal management system as well. The only thing front desk always asked was just my name. After quite few times I can tell they remember my face. One morning I arrived before the class starts, a dude from front desk I met for few times suddenly asked for my ID. I told him they never did it before so I don't have it with me. If it became to be required from now on, I can bring my ID next time. He insisted I can't get in without my ID??? I had to call my husband to bring it to me. That wasted 15 minutes out of 1 hour class time for me. I looked a little mad and the other women in front desk mocked me that I should arrive early. So it was my problem :) Hubby also told me he saw a dad with a kid had the same problem there, they had to go home and bring the kid's ID back to them. Such an amazing place :) read more

Only Y around me with a sauna. Love the deep pool as well! Check in is always a breeze.

Ron is the best at the front desk. Nice looking guy real smooth and polite. Ron stay here don't go back to Alaska not unless I'm there lol!

Horrible customer, talk back and yelled at you. Not being helpful and said the manager will call back but basically you know that it will never happen. Hangs up on a customer is never acceptable. We've been members for many years. Disappointed! I would say avoid at all costs! read more

I really loved going to this Y. The people there are just awesome. They are practical, friendly, and knowledgeable. I first went in there at 5'3" and 310 pounds, and nobody blinked; the coach that I was paired up with (who had awesome scars on her knees which somehow I found very comforting) had absolutely no attitude about me being so fat and taught me how to stretch using a chair, something nobody else had ever done and which was not only fantastically successful but easy too. I had my gastric bypass surgery and went back to the gym two weeks later. Cathy (my coach) didn't miss a beat and she challenged me every day as I lost down to 134 pounds. She was my biggest cheerleader and she kept the workouts really interesting for me by mixing it up, having me do things I knew how to do already in harder ways, and keeping the goals in my mind when I got frustrated. I can't say enough good about her. She was nurturing AND tough, which you don't find often in a single personal trainer. The facilities are good. They are not PRO-Club posh, but it's also $50 a month for a single-parent family, which was about 20% of the same membership's cost at the PRO-Club. I don't need no stinkin' juice bar! I also felt more comfortable at the Y; it's a great mix of families, big and small, old and young, all colors, and lots of different languages being spoken... the PRO-Club was so Microsoft white it was kind of blinding. They work hard to keep things clean and working. Sometimes you might wait a minute or two for a machine during the busy times. I just did something else while I waited (treadmill while waiting for elliptical, etc.) so I didn't really mind, but if you were OCD about following a program in a specific order, you might be annoyed. Their kids' programs, single-parent family programs, and senior programs are outstanding. They have family dinner nights too which were great for meeting new people. They offer an incredibly wide variety of classes and lots of them, so you're sure to find what you like on a schedule that will work for you. I especially loved the fitness and toning class they had for big women. It was friendly, challenging, and productive and the instructors were really good about bringing each move to every woman's skill and fitness level. I really feel that most of the people who work at this Y CARE about the people who attend. I don't think that's true of many gyms, and it really helped motivate me. read more

Bellevue Branch YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

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Very rude front desk assistant! We got the 7-visit free trial and received the confirmation email. On the second visit, the front desk guy said he couldn't find us in the system and asked us to pay for the visit. We were okay with paying and were filling the paper form, but we wanted to know why this happened (in case we missed something or there was a misunderstanding) and that guy got very impatient and never answer our question straightforwardly. This trial ended up as a quarrel, he kept interrupting us speaking and conflicted himself all the time in his sentences, maybe he was pretending to know things he doesn't know but couldn't make a consistent story! So we decided to leave. Rudest assistant I have ever seen! So messy and unprofessional! It was not a complicated situation at all. Even claiming himself worked there for a year. Is that to proof something? Lol, so funny! In terms of the facilities: Cons: this location is quite small everything is very very old No hair dryers Pro(s): No extra towel fee Family friendly Overall, you can get much better facilities and services for the price. I would recommend pro-club if you need a family style gym, 20x larger and much better facilities, with large kids playground with many games and different aquatics games every weekend. read more

Did a walk through with my wife as she just joined. I was actually quite surprised on how nice this particular facility was. The biggest advantage is that this membership can be used at any YMCA's which I think is huge especially if you're into the adult programs where classes may or may not be held at a particular location. The price is also not bad either. Please inquire if your company or if they're having a special to avoid enrollment fees. If you're not too pretentious, then this is a very good option. read more

I guess you can't guess what I did in the month of January--Join the YMCA, after all it is that time of year to get in shape.....I must say I felt a little dumb joining at this time of year-but super glad that I did. I am very impressed with the facility, the staff and the people that work out at the Y. They are very friendly and you don't feel like you have to buy your workout clothes from Nordy's. There are many different classes and the instructors are very good-willing to correct you so that you don't get injured. The indoor track is small, but a great way to walk or run during the winter months. They offer family zumba as well as adult classes, nia, step, yoga to name a few. No reason to ever get bored at the YMCA as if you are sick of one form of exercise, there are many others to try. Best gym I have been at! perfect for individuals and great for families. read more

Saw signs around town and even in the YMCA parking lot advertising free joining fee. Went in and talked to a man about the costs, facilities, and classes. He pointed out the joining fee. I said there are signs outside and all over town advertising the free joining fee promotion. He said that the offer ended last night. I asked about the sign on one of those foldable frames in the parking lot outside right then. Crickets. He didn't offer a tour, or a free 3 days pass. Nothing. I guess I don't fit the demographics worthy of the Y. Very unwelcoming and very shady not honoring the signs currently in their lot. read more

This branch is small and older. If you've been to the new Sammamish facility and then visit here, you'll be disappointed by the equipment and overall facilities. That said, it's pretty clean and the equipment is rarely down from what I've seen in the last 2 years. The weight room gets pretty crowded in the evenings, which gets annoying for me - I get all anxious that I'm in people's way. Not super fun. The track in the gym (upstairs) is nice when you want to get in a walk or run but don't want the hamster-like qualities of using a treadmill. The gym is also pretty nice - my husband enjoys playing basketball during open gym hours. The cardio room is kept nice and cool, and it is pretty simple: Treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes. There are TVs on the equipment to help keep boredom at bay. Classes are nice - I've only taken a few, and mostly just Zumba. The instructors are fun and keep a great energy going. Childcare is okay. Over the last winter, my daughter seemed to catch a cold very often after going to childcare while we worked out, but who knows if that's from the kids zone or from just being a year old. The staff in the kids zone are overall pretty good. There are only a couple that don't seem to be a good fit for working around crazy high energy kids. Several of them remember my kiddo and are always friendly, which I really appreciate. All in all, it's good enough, particularly if you need decent childcare. I've read terrible things about many regular gym childcare offerings, so I'm happy to stay here. read more

I am ever so grateful for the Nia and yoga teachers in at the Y, especially Randee Fox and Rosella Venti and Fearon Brown for the joy and energy they bring to me though Nia. Yoga classes are also top notch with Rachel, Dorothy, and Lunda and the Kickboxing is great as well. So grateful for all the Y has brought to my health and well-being. Truly, it is terrific! read more

This gym isn't for everyone, but it's perfect for us. This isn't a 20-somethings singles dating scene. It's a big gym with plenty of machines, a pool, large weight room that's not too busy, and a full size basketball court. Most importantly, they have child care for much of the day with a huge playset and a separate room for toddlers. This is the best feature a gym can have, and our monthly dues cover it. Great deal. read more

I always felt comfortable at this Y, but the cost is screaming children in the changing room, small towels, dirty locker rooms, showers and bathrooms, machines left in poor repair, a very expensive cost, and a draconian cancellation policy. Unless you are signing up with a family or at a reduced rate, find another gym. read more

They have good reason to call it a "Family" YMCA. Its unpretentious, kid-friendly, with clean facilities and competent and cheerful staff. The gym accommodates a full size basketball court that can be split into two smaller gyms by a partition. There is a good mix of scheduled sports activities (including basketball & volleyball) as well as open gym times for kids and adults. The gym floor is nicely maintained, smooth and polished with good grip. The free weight room is a bit disappointing - small, with a rather meager selection of weights and equipment, compared to other gyms and to the downtown Seattle Y. If you're thinking about joining and want to give it a try, they do allow a full refund of the monthly membership fee within your first 30 days. (The initiation/joining fee is NOT refundable, however.) read more

Everyone has different needs from a fitness facility. For me I think it's the sense of community that is missing from most but clearly present here. The staff are warm and friendly, the weight room is tidy and well stocked, and the cardio and circuit equipment have their own dedicated space. Membership is easy and so is the parking. I spend a lot of time in the gym itself and the equipment is always readily available and other users are willing to meet, chat, and make a new friend. read more

I am relatively new to this area and in recovery from a long illness. By no means do I consider myself "old" no sure what that means! I utilize the pool 3 days a week and do cardio in the water. One of my grand daughters took swimming lessons last summer and received her green band in no time. The instructors are absolutely wonderful with the little ones. The pool is always well maintained clean and safe. The showers and changing rooms are by far the cleanest of any I have ever worked out at. I find the comments about waiting for machines and only for the elderly a very unsubstantiated statement. I also find it an insult to the wonderful staff that goes out of their way to help everyone. If you need recognition of your looks I suggest a smaller image conscience environment. I do and will continue to sing accolades for the Bellevue YMCA! Mary Beth Jackson read more

This review is strictly for the office staff. I am not sure why companies think it is appropriate to have non-native speaking people be their sales representatives. These people are the face of your company. We need to be able to communicate effectively. I am not talking about accents here. I spoke with a lady there about swim lessons and I simply couldn't understand alot of what she was saying because not only did she NOT know the information, but her sentences were not formed correctly. I simply wanted information and our conversation had to take twice as long to decipher what she was saying. read more

After attending many gyms in the past, I was expecting this one to be a meat market filled with body-idoling snobs. It wasn't. The staff actually know my name and I'm always greeted. When I join a workout class, I'm warmly welcomed and invited in. The pool is sufficient and at luke-warm temperature. The machines are well-kept. They have a track above their gym which is great for walking. There's a good variety of work out classes including great water aerobics for low impact. I really like it here. read more

If you are a lap swimmer you will hate this place. Parents and kids don't respect the designated lap swim lanes and the life guards do nothing about it! read more

The price is too high for just using the Gym or pool. Maybe for some people it's a good fit but not for us. Otherwise clean and nice.

Don't waste your time. Front desk staff was unhelpful. I understand the Y was closed but I was under a tight deadline. They could not tell me how much fitness equipment (ellipticals) they had on site or give me any info. I usually always support the YMCA (Brooklyn, Cincinnati, Chicago), but I won't be supporting the Y in WA. Talk about Seattle freeze! read more

I've been a member since 2008 and I am so happy that I invested into getting a gym membership! This place was the footstone to getting me into great shape...definately love the location which is super close to my home....size of the gym is perfect and there is plenty of equipment...semi private so there isn't always tons of noise and such and the people are generally friendly....love coming here to lift weights and running pick up games =] read more

I've been a member here for 9 years, and much as I would like to say I love it I'm afraid I can't. There is a really awesome weight machine downstairs that I like to use but is totally taken over by the over 60s enjoying their social time. I don't want to come across as mean-spirited but if you want to be social, fine. If you want to work out, again, fine. I have many times asked if it's possible to cut in and do a quick set, and the reply is always the same - no, I'm using this machine, despite the fact that the next ten minutes is still devoted to chat time!! I hate to sound like a whiner, but it is very uncomfortable in that room. Having spoken to many other members, it seems I am not the only one who has this issue. read more

Front desk staff is very friendly and open to questions. Facility is clean. Free weights weight room is small, but uncrowded (yay!). Parking is a little tight (literally. People park HORRIBLY & the spots are a little small). Voted best yoga in bellevue too! Way to go Y! read more

This is a nice YMCA. The locker rooms are not gross (this is a big deal for me) and there are a lot of families who go here. I don't have kids so I am not as interested in the programs for families (these seem great). There are some adult classes but these are not quite as good as the classes you would find at a nicer gym. They just aren't rigorous enough for my liking. I can never work up a good sweat. The cardio rooms are pretty nice. There is a decent magazine selection and if you bring in an fm radio you can watch the TV's that are usually set to CNN (there are also a limited number of personal TV's). If you join here you are automatically a member of all of the gyms in the Seattle area. This is great for me because I work in Redmond but live in Seattle. Membership is $50 (ish) a month but there is a first time extra $100 fee to get things started (for individuals). I think that is kind of a lot. Sometimes this can be waived or cut in half depending on your job or the day so make sure to check that out. All in all the gym is reasonably clean and reasonably new. I just wish the classes were a little better. read more

This is a basic YMCA. It is pretty small and there is only one of the type of elliptical I use (Precor AMT-- there is no wheel on the back so you can control how wide the strides are) so I was disappointed. Not many of the cardio machines had televisions, attached. The women's bathroom was disgusting. I would give this place 2 stars, but it does get the job done if you are not picky like I am. read more

By far, the best YMCA I've been to. I've lived in many parts of the country and each time, have had YMCA membership. My experience with the Y in other areas have been sought of meh, blah. However, upon joining the Bellevue one, I've been wowed from day one. Their child care is fantastic, and keeps me at ease knowing while I break a sweat, my kids are being well taken care instead of sweating about worrying about them. Their youth sports program, is just perfect and reasonably priced! It's headed by an ever-smiling gentleman named Joey, who goes far and beyond to ensure the kids are enjoying their time while being active and learning new skills. Their director seems like a wonderful person as well who just approved an employee's request to start organic gardening at the facility which is amazing! My experience in the lobby has been nothing but wonderful. Everyone from the employees to the guest is so welcoming and nice. I've made many friendships by just sitting in the lobby for a few minutes after a workout and while enjoying their free wi-fi. The gym is OK, I've seen better ones, but ya know, it's effective. It has enough equipment, I've never gone in and found it to be full. The weight room is on a different floor which is a bit of a downer, but not much of a big deal. This YMCA is amazing and I've had many experiences there that almost moved me to tears. One of them was when I signed up for parents' night out. I had signed up for my two children, costing $30 that night. While the event was scheduled to be 3 hours, my kids were picked up 20 minutes after arriving. The next day I went in, a gentleman (I forget his name) pulled me to his desk. He told me he wanted to reimburse me the $30 I had paid. I told him I was OK with paying since I had signed up and it wasn't the YMCA 's fault that my kids left early. He said he felt bad that I had paid so much when the kids didn't even stay. I gladly accepted with much appreciation. Now I ask you, what company in this day and age would do such a thing without a customer complaining? Love the YMCA Bellevue!! read more