I believe that the Berkeley YMCA is an important part of our local community. I work pretty closely with the director and he is very involved in creating a Teen Center (building donated by PG&E) and he is working on a jobs program for high school students at the same time. I know, this is not what you all think of as YMCA programs, but these kinds of programs are absolutely integral to both the YMCA and our community. I remember as a kid that the YMCA in my hometown was a place to have birthday parties, it was where I learned how to swim and where I played basketball (when I was not good enough for my grade school competitive team - I'm over it). It was one of the places that was a big deal in my life as a child. We had sleepovers at the Y and I met a lot of friends through the YMCA programs. Now, while my wife goes to work out and can speak more eloquently about the struggle to get a bike for the cycling class or the crowds on weekend mornings or the insanely tight swimming lanes. My interaction with the Y is simple. I take my son to swimming lessons here and I can't wait to take my daughter as well. Eli loves the kindergym and every time we go for swimming lessons we have to leave time either before or after swimming to play/climb/throw balls/etc. at the kindergym. They do a lot with a little and I am glad to have them in Berkeley. read more

Man, what can I say that hasn't been said already?! This place is wonderful. The staff are friendly. The equipment is in good condition. The people are real. You can work out without being bothered (which is a double-edged sword--there are so many attractive women but I don't talk to them because I, like everyone else, respect the unwritten rule that you just don't do that--but so tough!!). I've only begun to make use of the classes, but what I've gone to have been great. I've had minimal leering guys in the sauna like at other gyms (not that it hasn't happened, but it's minimal and you come to expect it--maybe that's why I've learned not to bother women!) Join. You'll love it. read more

I've been coming here for a year now and I have this gym to thank for keeping me on track with my workouts. I love taking classes, so this is the perfect gym for me. Here are some highlights: Classes: TONS of classes each day. Hip hop, yoga, aikido, step, kickboxing, body sculpting, Pilates, world dance, spinning, etc... for people at all levels. They often hold more focused workshops about specific topics like the Bosu ball, Feldenkrais, resistance bands, etc... Instructors: they are great! Very welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly. Towel service: yes Weight rooms: there are 2 weight rooms. One is coed; the other is for women only. Pools: there is a main pool for adult lap swimming & classes; one for children (I think); and a deep water pool. Cardio room: there are 2 cardio rooms with a sufficient number of machines (treadmills, ellipticals, step machines, bicycles, etc...) Gym: I see basketball and volleyball games going on at night in the gym. Staff: Generally very friendly and helpful. Child care: I think so Parking: in the evenings, 2 hours of free validated parking at the garage next door. A great cross section of Berkeley comes here; there is a great sense of community. You have to love a place where, in hip hop class, you have a perky high school student to your right, and a 60 year old grandma to your left, grooving to Justin Timberlake. Five+ emphatic stars! read more

This is as good as it gets. Sure, this place doesn't have the new, trendy feel of a boutique fitness studio or a newly built facility, but what it lacks is easily made up for in a sense of community and genuine support from the staff. How I would compare the Y to is a small town or small liberal arts college. I won't forget the first time I came here, it was like I walked into a set for "Cheers" where pretty much everyone knew everyone. It felt like a community I wanted to be part of. Best of all, there is a separate weight and cardio center for women. There's really no other place like it. Also included in the membership is the THREE free training sessions offered by an experienced trainer. I would highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity. I've been a member of two gyms prior to this and at most I received one personal training session. So, just that they offer three sessions is great. If you're a woman and want only a female trainer, please request Nancy. She is just beyond amazing. Why? Because she understands how the body works. As a biology major, I was impressed by some of the things she taught me. One thing she taught me was the importance of cooling down after cardio to allow blood to recirculate back to your upper extremities; otherwise, you can pass out. With each session, you are given instruction to some of the exercises recommended to your comfort level (noting any injuries in the past). The three sessions include: cardio, weight training and core/stretching. Each session is anywhere between 30-45 minutes long and a trainer shows you how to do each exercise. I loved how well informed I was about each exercise. It was fantastic. I come back knowing exactly what I need to do. Apart from the training sessions, the facility is huge with three stories with different rooms dedicated to different types of exercises (i.e. cardio, weight training). Best of all, they offer many different types of classes. There was one room for cycling and another for aerobics. I've taken the zumba class a couple of times and I love it! I also took a yoga class. I have yet to try the pool, but I joined less than a month ago and there were so many things I've already gotten to try. Included in the membership is three passes for guests offered every calendar year. So feel free to take a buddy with you! There's so many more great things I can say about this place, but I don't think there's enough space. If you're just curious, I would recommend trying it for a day and seeing what I mean. So happy this place is a 10-minute bike ride from where I live. read more

BEST YMCA in the USA Super clean ! There is always someone cleaning on almost every floor. It makes sense right, we go in there to sweat. They have the best finishes for any YMCA, tiled floors everywhere, beautiful lobby, amazing pools (there are three,) and fantastic equipment. The cycles have interactive tv's that can sync with your smart phone, pretty cool ! I LOVE the management here. I am disabled and had a minor fall in the lobby due to a small hazard. It upset me, and I told the director Albert. He had a crew work overnight to fix the problems. Overnight the same day ! I didn't expect that kind of immediate action, or concern for my safety. It is the second most accessible YMCA I've been to, (The San Rafael YMCA is totally flat, one story, no steps or grades, and smaller - so it wins by a small margin.) The Berkeley YMCA is home to many walks of people. Some of the members can be kinda goofy, like all Berkeley people. I do like the Oakland YMCA's members better then Berkeley, but the actual facility is top notch. The entire staff is empowered and dedicated which makes it a healthy environment for everyone there. That is the whole point right: Mind Body Spirt Come to the Berkeley YMCA and feel better ! It's a healthy place with happy people. Chris read more

The price of the YMCA is $65 a month. The price of UC Berkeley's RSF is like $64. I chose the Y because it had a "heated" in door swimming pool. The pool was not heated and was also dirty. Choose the RSF. read more

Only got a membership for the summer while I came to visit family for the summer. I am so sad to be leaving this gem of a gym. They have something for everyone here and for an affordable price. I particularly love the fact they have a separate women's only fitness center equipped with cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, and a stretching room all upstairs. I'm also a huge fan of the sauna and steam room! Oh, and towel service. God, I'm so sad to be leaving this gym. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for something affordable with great amenities. read more

After coming from 24 hour fitness, the Y is like the difference between your first apartment, and your first adult home. The YMCA is clean, runs well, and the people who work out at the Y, while not quite as amusing to watch, are mature and not creepy. They offer a lot of scholarships so it can be afforded by all. I was told that every year you had to reapply but they simply put me back on the scholarship without questions. I love the pools (although after a year I have yet to use them), the women's gym, and the classes. This YMCA is so big, I am still discovering things. Also, validating parking on weekdays is a plus. You know you want to stay at the Y-M-C-A.... read more

It's not perfect, but if you are a new mom it's a great place to be able to work out or just relax, read a magazine and take a shower in peace. The child watch area allows you to leave your children in very competent, caring and well trained hands for up to 2 hours. My kid has been going since he was a 4 months old and the staff all know and love him. It's also super affordable! -The cardio equipment and weights are in great condition and there's always a constant stream of staff cleaning up. -The locker room area is great for relaxing. Some days I come just to sit in the sauna and to be able to shower and do my make up without the din of toddlers running amock. -The kindergym is an awesome place for the little ones, especially when it's too cold or rainy to go to the park. There are special hours just for little guys (under 3) so they can have free reign without fear of being trampled by the bigger kids -Great diversity of classes for adults and for kids, swimming, kickboxing, yoga, meditation Insider Tip: If you arrive before 10:30 am you can park in the adjacent garage for $1 per hour when you get your ticket validated read more

I can't say enough about hos great this place is. It was my fist YMCA ever and might very well be my last. I recently moved to Sonoma County and checked out the one in Santa Rosa. Let me tell ya: apples and oranges. Don't get me wrong, Santa Rosa wasn't horrible, but compared to Berkeley, it might as well have had a different name completely. Suffice to say, Berkeley is much more modern with a clientele that is there more for fitness, health and learning. Other YMCAs are much more of a place to take your kids, after school youth type programs. Berkeley was made more for adults in mind. Honestly, it has everything you need and has a sliding scale to make if reasonable for people like me. I miss it already but I thought I'd give it props that were long overdue. I was a member for over 5 years and I still would be if I lived there today. read more

Best gym in Berkeley. Membership is expensive but it is completely worth it. The workers are super friendly and kind to gym-goers. The pool is awesome and never crowded with people. The women's locker room is well-maintained and really decent! The showers are several notches better than those at 24 Hour Fitness. Never a wait to use machines either. Numerous cardio machines to choose from. Darkened stretch room in a separate area. Validated parking if you park in the garage. read more

Weightlifting and cardio review here. Free weight room has two squat racks and a smith machine, but I really wish it had power cages instead so I could bench to failure without a spotter. Two flat benches. No spare Olympic bar for barbell rows, but there are fixed weight barbells in 10 pounds up to 100lb iirc. If you want to do barbell rows in odd or heavier weights you'll have to borrow a bar from one of the stations on the other side of the room. Treadmills are older. No fancy schmancy ipod connections or built in fans like the Oakland and SF Chinatown Ys. But there's plenty of cold air circulating in the treadmill room. Front desk staff are friendly, and the locker area very clean. Just blocks from BART. And post-workout gelato. read more

Not bad! I've heard some complaints about YMCA gyms and this is one of the first and only ones I've been to. The Hotel Shattuck I stayed at down the street offered a complimentary 3 day pass for their guests here and that was so necessary because the gym at the hotel was pretty much nonexistent. They offer a part of the gym that was women's only, which is great for those who are self conscious (but there is no reason to be!). I had no issues finding equipment and it wasn't crazy crowded. There were 3 deadlift platforms plus a smith machine! They have the round Rogue plates, which are difficult for me to set up because they don't have any handle to grip and carry. But it's good because they're not hexagonal and roll evenly when doing deadlifts. There is a lot of cardio equipment, and I like that some look out a window. However, they lack the curve treadmill but I guess those a relatively new. Considering the location is in downtown, this gym is surprisingly big and has everything one needs (except aerial equipment...but I have yet to find a gym that has that) to get a good workout. read more

I've been a member for about a year now, and I love coming here! People at the front desk always greet you, are friendly, and solve any issues. I find the weight room is great past 7 or 8 on weekdays, since most people clear out by then and it's easy to move between exercises/machines without having to share or accidentally get in someone's way. There's also pickup games of volleyball on T/TH nights and some great classes (but unfortunately, none after 7 PM for those who get back later) And, even though parking costs $1 now in the parking garage, it's still a great bargain! read more

I absolutely LOVE this gym. It offers so much to keep you motivated and encouraged to stay active. Not only does it have pools, great exercise classes, new cardio equipment and weight machines but... There's a whole gym JUST FOR WOMEN! I recently discovered a large cardio room for the ladies beyond the amazing stretch and weight room areas. I was shocked and amazed when I finally wandered in its direction. The staff is incredibly nice, and always helpful. The equipment is clean. The classes are fun and challenging. And they offer financial assistance to reduce the monthly membership cost. Also, they have a good parking validation system throughout the working week. The only downside is their weekend hours (7am-7:30pm), but I'm sure this is for the wellness of their employees - which I appreciate!! Thanks Downtown Berkeley YMCA! I've enjoyed every minute of it. read more

I've been using Berkeley Y about 3 years now. I think it's a very good facility. When I just signed up in 2015, the place is quite dated, but recently it has gone through a few renovations and is much modern now. The classes have quite some variety. Whatever activity you choose, I'm sure there is a class for you. Of course the main reason we choose Berkeley Y over Oakland one is the kid activities here. The paid child care facility is much better in Berkeley than in Oakland when I visited them. The swim classes for kids are excellent and very reasonably priced. My kids love them. Although recently they do have a shortage of swim instructors and we got multiple cancellations right before the private lessons started. But hopefully they will hire more people to get it sorted out. We also like the kids' camps they organize. Members get a quite pretty good price reduction for camps. The swimming pool for Adults is quite good. (They have 3 pools). But it is always very busy even if you arrive at 8:30 in the morning here. They separate the lanes by speed which is good. On the mornings where there are aqua gym lessons the numbers of swim lanes are reduced and it is pretty loud with the music. It's important to consider this if swimming is the main reason you go to a gym. There is also a women-only gym on the second floor I've never seen in other places. I use it quite often and liked it better than the general one. You have less selection of the machines here but the air is fresher I would say. Also the parking is quite convenient. It is right next door. You can get 2-hours-for-$1 validation if you leave the garage before 9:30am or get in after 4pm. Consider it's Berkeley downtown and parking is generally very expensive, this is really a great feature. One star less is because of ventilation. Many times we arrived in the afternoon. The smells in the hall, in different rooms, and in kids' play gym are really not pleasant. read more

I liked the YMCA when I was a member there. I canceled my membership because I went back to school and my school offers free gym membership. This is a great place to swim (multiple lanes, not so crowded, in-doors if you are into that, and shallow pools that are beginner friendly). Plenty of interesting group classes. Good cardio machines too. I did a cycling class one time; definitely very intense. Membership rate is moderate, and you can apply for financial assistance if you are in need. Cons: I can't testify to their weight-training section because I didn't pay attention to it. The changing room/shower could certainly be cleaner. Sometimes the gym is crowded. In general, I like the Berkeley YMCA - I think that it offers a more cozy, friendly environment than commercial gyms and that is important to me. read more

I LOVE this gym! Yes, I admit it- I've strayed. I occasionally wonder- what if I'm missing something? What if those other gyms are better/ cleaner/ prettier? But I'm back at the Berkeley Y in an instant, when I realize how good I have it here. Towel service. Lots and lots of cardio machines. The guys are out of luck, but we women get to choose whether we want to exercise co-ed or not. Diverse! It doesn't seem that diverse until you go to other gyms. The Berkeley Y has young, old, skinny, fat, wheelchair bound, tattooed, pierced, dreaded, English-speaking, non-English-speaking, pink, brown, black... you name it, they have it. Actually, fewer African Americans than I'd expect. More whites (both US-ian & Euro), Asians, and Hispanics, as far as I can tell, but I'm bad at identifying races. What everyone has in common is that sort of East Bay middle class melange feel (which I love) and an interest in exercising. If you want beautiful people, this is NOT the place for you. Although you do see some suicide-girls types. (For those of us who love tattoos the Berkeley Y has a lot more eye-candy than a normal gym.) Your hip hop class will be full of people whose native accent is far from hip hop- we're talking Asian grandmas and Ned-Flanderses. I haven't taken very many classes so I can't review them, but I know a lot of people love them. The staff is helpful when you can corner them. Sales pitches are the farthest thing from their minds, I promise. The front counter people usually say "hi" when they see you. (Unlike the Albany Y folks who, as soon as I walked in, looked at me like I had laid a steaming pile their dinner table. AND you had to pay extra to use their towels. Hmm. Possible connection... But, I digress...) The best thing about the Berkeley Y is that I go there at all. I NEVER used to exercise, and I hated gyms. (The couple of times I bought gym memberships I showed up maybe four times and then never again, the experience was so ghastly.) After 2 years I'm still going to the Berkeley Y at least 4 times a week, even if just to use the treadmills. Downsides: It sometimes smells like BART. It's not cheap ($62/month!). The swimming pool lanes fill up and the lifeguards don't limit how many people can be in each lane. I've given up on swimming. read more

Oh, the humanity! I have never seen such a diverse group of people actively participating in their well-being for such a reasonable amount of monthly membership fees. This place oozes motivation and recreation. It's open long hours, and there is a mind-boggling array of classes and well-maintained facilities to choose from. 3 swimming pools! Wet and dry saunas! Two fluffy hand towels per person per day! Bring a lock for day use lockers, and take BART if you can, since parking is tight. It's directly across the street from the main post office, and a block away from the public library in lovely downtown Berkeley. There's a good juice bar around the corner - hang a right on Shattuck. read more

Friendliest gym I've been to. You'll see kids, teens, adults, and seniors alike working it out together. Definitely gives off a very community vibe. If you're a beginner, take advantage of the free fitness coaching sessions. I definitely recommend asking Dennis to draw up a routine that fits your exercising needs- he is as knowledgeable as he is personable. Also, go to Ujam classes on Wednesday nights! It's a combination of cardio and hip hop, but with more unf than a lot of other classes I've been to. Tess, the instructor, is amazing and her energy is enough to get you pumping all the way through. For the weight room, there's often a rush at around 8am and 4pm. Thursday seems to be the least crowded day! Apply for financial aid for membership! read more

women's gym. A+++++++. the sauna is lovely after a good workout and stretch session. -1 star because the low income price is still a little pricy. $38/month... I've heard 24 fitness is like $15/month? but i still love the y. read more

This gym is my heart and soul when it comes to burning up my oh-so-many calories. I love that the facility is huge and that it holds a variety of activities for one to choose from. For the gym rats who have enough discipline to craft their own workout routines, there are numerous treadmills, stretch rooms, and weight-lifting machines. There are about 3-4 pools (all heated) for those who love to swim as well. As for me, I love love LOVE all the group exercise classes that are offered here, especially U-Jam with Amy and Antoinette and Body Sculpt with Kim and Carah. It's also great that there's a women's gym section for those who are more self-conscious about their weight-lifting forms and/or abilities (or the lack thereof). Since it's located in the heart of downtown Berkeley, it's frickin' amazing that they also offer a parking garage validation (located right next to the gym) for only $1 per 2 hours (M-F after 4PM, and before 2PM Sat-Sun). What else is there to love? Towels, Filtered water stations, spacious and bright mind-and-body center room, friendly staff, access to all the YMCA's in the Bay Area, you name it. I'm thrilled to be a member and I'll definitely continue to be one for many many more years to come! read more

The Berkeley Y is a great place. I've been a member for perhaps 7 or 8 years now. The staff is very friendly, the place is clean, and they have a wide variety of classes and activities. The nautilus machines are mainted well and their cardio machines the same. The men's locker room is always very clean. And the children's daycare seem's top-notch. In fact, the only slightly negative things I can say is that they just got rid of the racquetball court which I really enjoyed until a couple of injuries kept me out of the court the past year. Also, I have had a couple of unpleasant experiences in the men's sauna. Basically there must have been an agreed upon day and time or something to that effect when gay men could come hit on other gay men. Basically a few guys were touching themselves and watching each other. And when others like myself were innocently lying there with our eyes closed! Disturbing to say the least! I'm not prejudiced towards gay men or women in the least, but to me that sauna is a place of refuge that I can go and have peace and quiet. It felt like a violation to me. Anyway, this has only occurred to me twice and I suppose that twice in 8 years or so is not too bad. This is the only reason I didn't give the Y 5 stars. read more

The Downtown Berkeley YMCA is the bomb! The staff is friendly and helpful. My family and I have been members of the YMCA for over 18 years now. There's never been a time when the staff was rude. The people at the YMCA are pretty chill. Most of the staff over the years has been and are great, but the 3 best that I've come into to contact with are Kathy, Daniel, and Alex. Among the 3, Alex is my favorite because of his great personality and big smile. I hope that this review helps. read more

I can't imagine going to another gym. Many of the members are spectacular people; authors, musicians, known artists - a mix of people who could afford the Claremont, but choose the YMCA because of the sense of community - and - people of all backgrounds and creeds. They have a whole floor that is just fro women, so that I can exercise more privately. They also have three pools and a whole slew of awesome and affordable kids exercise, dance and swimming classes. Their Childwatch is great. my son has been going there for years, he is now old enough for the Kids Zone for older kids, and still enjoys the big friendly Kindergym - between the top floor and the ground floor they have thousands of square footage worth of kids play spaces. Did I mention their great dance program, made up mostly of Latin dance. Their yoga program is awesome with 5-6 maybe more classes to choose from every day in all different levels. It has been a great way to meet like-minded people. Enjoy! read more

Joining the YMCA has changed my life. It's only a block from my office, so I can work out every day. I applied for financial aid, and it was so worth it. All of those facilities for $30 a month? If you don't make a lot of money, definitely apply for the financial aid. The women's gym is lovely. The swimming pool, when it's not crowded, is wonderful. You can work out and sauna and shower and IT IS SO AWESOME. read more

Good and bad. The adult pool is WAY too chlorinated: Zero ventilation. The women's pool locker room smells of mold (carpets--why?). Kid's classes are quite expensive, once you add in the cost of membership and the classes themselves (both community membership or regular). We enjoyed a toddler swim class there, and that pool is very nice. There is a wonderful women's gym on the upper floor that is laid back, with plenty of space and open windows. That locker room is lovely. If you just want to swim, I recommend the Berkeley (or Oakland, or El Cerrito, or soon to be Albany) Public Pools: All outdoors, and much cheaper. read more

Need to get working on project feel/look good and live in the Berkeley area? This gym has just about everything you'd want to fulfill your exercise needs! Swimming pool, yoga rooms, basketball courts, weight rooms, cardio machines galore, it has it all! It can however get packed around after work/school hours, but I truly never had trouble finding machines to get on. Sure, I may not get my first pick, but there are so many options that it's alright because I can still get a solid work out in. This gym is unlike any other I've been to before but that's probably because there are a lot of kids running around in the hallways. At least when I get to the area I spend in most, they aren't there so it's fine. I like how clean the gym is. I always see someone cleaning the machines off, sweeping the floors, and the staff is always smiling. Kudos to that! :) read more

Unfortunately, though the Y has a beautiful facility and good classes, I decided to stop my membership because they stopped making the Childwatch a priority. The Childwatch has been understaffed for the last 4 months, and many Sunday mornings my daughter and I were turned away because of a lack of staff there. This never was a problem in the past. I'm not sure why it became one now. The staff there are great, but they are overworked, and when too many people show up for their allowable staffing ratios, they have to turn them away. For many years they were willing to take care of my developmentally delayed daughter, although she exceeded the age requirements (developmentally, she met the requirements.) After I complained about the above lack of staffing, they decided not to serve my daughter there anymore. I want to applaud them for the many years of extending their services to a disabled person. Many staff members there represent the highest standards of care for children. Thank you all - you know who you are!!! Big hugs!!! However, if the administration had maintained their former good staffing ratios, they would still be able to serve her. I hope this review will help them revise their policy. read more

I love this gym. It's bright and clean, lots of space, good hours. I mostly use the women's gym, which I love - I don't go at peak hours, so I don't know how it is then, but I never have to wait for machines. The stuff is super helpful - as a member, you get a couple of free consultations. Both Nancy and Kathleen in the women's gym have been great when I've talked to them. nancy helped me create a routine that works for me and continues to check in with me when I run into her. classes are all included in the membership cost - all sorts of yoga, dance, workouts, etc. And I get financial aid so I don't pay full price. But even without...I looked at other nearby gyms and they were nowhere near as nice. I recommend taking BART there if you can so you don't have to worry about parking - it's only a half block away. read more

I've been using the Y for decades when they remodeled it a few years ago - and since then it's lost almost all of it's friendly, neighborhood flavor. It does have super nice facilities, so ignore my opinion if you really don't care about that. They say at the new Y that they have to be strict because of 'security.' Funny, the old, easy-going Y had no problem with security. I went to the seniors 'tea;' the other day at the Y, and the age group was about ten years older than I, who am in my mid-sixties. Except for one woman, who was delightful, the rest couldn't be bothered with anything - they were lackluster and bored throughout the hour I was there. I hope things pick up at the Y - it used to be and could be a vibrant place. read more

Downtown Berkeley YMCA-- the only gym that I will buy a membership for and rarely ever visit. This is a very nice facility, especially considering it's so massive and located right in downtown Berkeley. I also like that they are a community partner and offer lots of youth and teen programs. I have been a member for about the last four years, and while I don't take advantage of my membership as much as I should, it is a great gym. I've taken classes here, some I've loved more than others, but that is more of a comment on the quality of the instructor than the facility itself. I recommend getting a pass in the Chinook Book and really checking it out for yourself if you are thinking about going. One downside is, it does get crowded. It seems like certain classes are very popular (like spinning) and your days become structured around the availability of the classes you are into versus being able to dependably drop in at certain times and take a class. They've done some significant renovations over the last few years, and I think they have done a great job. I love the dedicated women's gym, and I really like their pool facility. read more

YMCA!! Young man, there's a place you can go...... Ok. Just kidding. I love the Y. It's pricier as health clubs go, but it always has a pool. Berkeley has two large pools, which provides plenty of room for laps. Most of the classes at the Y are free. I like their Monday evening Kundalini yoga class. I've also tried their meditation, tri-flow yoga and hip-hop classes. The weight training room is unpretentious and well-equipped. If working out next to early 20-something hotties sometimes gets you down, you'll feel at home here with everyone from your skinny teenager to buff grandpa. But what I like most about the YMCA is their committment to community and health in general. It isn't all about looking good, but feeling good too! And despite the name, the Y is for everyone. Non-male, non-Christians are just as welcome as anyone else. read more

I LOVE THE Y! I am there for one to two hours daily. I love being there. I used to workout at 24 Hour :(. I am SOOOOO glad I made the switch. Have to admit that I have not seen ALL of the facilities. Something I should do very soon. But, the facilities I have seen are amazing. The cardio rooms, weight rooms, and women's locker room are all amazing. LOVE IT! read more

The Berkeley Y is great but parking is attrocious.They also should open at 4:00 am instead of 5:00 am for those of us that have to be at work at 6:30am. They have great programs for kids and seniors. read more

A great affordable gym, the YMCA has everything you need to start working towards your fitness goals. Whether you want to swim laps, shoot some hoops, take a spin class or weight train, the YMCA has you covered. I really enjoyed coming here to work out while I was attending school nearby & if i find the time again I'll definitely sign up again read more

I don't like the gym, but I sure do like the Berkeley Y. Getting financial aid is a slow process, so apply ASAP. Once you get it, your rate should be pretty reasonable (as a nonprofit drone, I was paying around $30 a month, which is half off). Here are a few of my favorite things that make it fun to stay at the YMCA: 1. Staff - across the board awesome. Don't know how they keep such great people around, given the crappy pay. Thanks for caring, guys! 2. Women's gym - I admit it, when I want easier access to cardio equipment and fewer funky sounds and smells, I go upstairs (when I want to feel challenged to lift more while grunting, I head for the co-ed) 3. Kids' stuff - affordable child care, and also a fun space with a mini climbing wall and bounce house. Your kids will beg to come to the gym! 4. Classes - I've only taken the free ones, and across the board, they've been good. I like the transdance, pilates, and funk classes best. 5. Sauna and steam room - 'nuff said read more

I am very happy with YMCA basketball practice and classes. My son now is going to YMCA for more than a year and is part of bowl hawk team in YMCA. He is progressing and liking it very much. Thanks to the coaches. read more

Berkeley Y has just about everything you want (and a little of what you don't). The women's gym is a wonderful place to work out quietly and comfortably, and it's usually not nearly as crowded as the universal facilities on the main floor. However, the eliptical & treadmill room is stuffy and there aren't any TVs in there. Still, they have every machine and piece of equipment you need; plus it's clean, convenient, and the staff is always friendly. I think the monthly cost is totally fair for all of this. My biggest gripe is that this place is always so crowded, kids are running around everywhere, and you often have to dodge strollers and toddlers just to get from one place to another. read more

Recently started using this particular branch of the YMCA again after utilizing the RSF at UC Berkeley. I have been a member on and off of the YMCA for the past 35 years amongst this branch and the ones in Oakland and San Francisco (Embarcadero and Chinatown). This branch is where I learned to swim when I was a sprog! I had a very recent unpleasant experience at this YMCA a couple of days ago. I shall explain. The Mother and I came to workout at the YMCA. As we were leaving, I was halfway out the gate when The Mother called me over to choose some fruit that was available in a bowl near the towels. An obnoxious and rude young man who is an employee asked me if I entered through the gate. I tried to explain that I was on my way out when my mother called me over. He did not believe me or The Mother. He asked to see my ID. Man, I muttered a blue streak about it. I could not find the card. He then asked me to write my name down. Fine, so I did. Well, he checked and did not apologize. He then goes into this schpiel about how the YMCA is for families, there are young children, and all that dribble. Excuse me, I am not a pedophile and not a child-snatcher! If anything, if I do see children too far from their parents, I corral and return them to their parents. I did not appreciate being accused of entering through the wrong gate and excuse me, the YMCA is a place for families--a safe place! For cry F-word sake, I was with my mother. One of the many reasons we come to the YMCA is being a safe place for families in the community. The Mother made a comment about people on a power trip. I narrowed my eyes into the famous Chiara Gladstone glare at the obnoxious and rude employee and said (making sure he heard me), "Well, he messed with the wrong person." And if I ever see him again . . . . When I got home, I did make a phone call to complain about this obnoxious employee's attitude and conduct towards me. Unfortunately the person I wished to speak to was out until the following week. The person I spoke with was of no help though they did understand how I felt. And after going into the same dribble as their obnoxious colleague, they did promise they would look into it. Yeah, right! I hung up very angry and dissatisfied. I am going to speak the person in charge when they return and are present for me to give them a piece of my mind. It would be a real pleasure to point out that obnoxious person to them and let them know I did not appreciate their attitude and insinuation with their desire to be on a power trip and wielding it. As a result, I am now very uncomfortable coming to this place to workout because of obnoxious, power tripping employees like that unpleasant one's accusatory treatment of me. So much for coming here to relieve anxiety and stress only to induce more--it is a stress-fest because of power trippin' front desk staff. So much for customer service. Hashtag: This is not my Y . . . . read more