Hands down, this is my favorite YMCA in the entire city. The pool here is easily my favorite of all time--the best one I've been in since getting back into the Y. My routine is all about trying to get there early enough to claim a lane in the deep end out to 7 feet. Watching some of the regular lap swimmers tear it up makes me wish I had their stroke, but just having access to a pool this clean and well-kept makes the morning drive worth it every single time. The rest of the facility matches that same standard: The Weight Room: Best layout and setup of all the branches, hands down. Downtown is cool, but Clay Road really nails an environment built for every fitness level, from beginners to people moving serious weight. The Facilities: Right on par with downtown and Augusta in terms of quality and upkeep. The Staff: Tops across the board. Friendly, welcoming, and leagues ahead of the attitude you run into at some other locations. If I'm picking where to put in work, Clay Road wins out every time. 5 stars without hesitation. read more

Executive director Ricky Hernandez is an incredibly incompetent manager. I was on a machine that has multiple workouts taking one minute breaks (timed) in between my sets when a lady who had been taking up 3 machines at a time asked to rotate with me in between switching machines. I was sweaty and do not like sharing sweaty seats with strangers (I clean the machine before and after to avoid sharing sweat), plus I had seen her hog multiple machines at once. I told her no and she was incredibly entitled and rude. She then went to go get Ricky to get me to rotate with her and he was accusatory from the start. He immediately went to a "I'm the boss" mentality and told me that I need to be more respectful to the lady without even bothering to understand the situation. He escalated the situation immediately while being ignorant to what was going on. As manager, I would expect him to at least try to deescalate matters before picking sides. Instead, he tried to tell me what to do and say, when it was the other party who had been rude to me from the start. I got his name and as I was leaving he was yelling stuff at me about how I needed to act. I do not appreciate such false and inappropriate statements being publicized to the rest of the members and staff. Ricky needs to be retrained on basic client treatment. Truly baffled that such a boorish and tactless man is in management. CLIENTS BEWARE, this is the man that the owners refer you to when you have a complaint. read more

This facility is well kept and maintained by the staff. Also the community is quiet and friendly. Most of all from the time the facility opens until it closes there are staff members who will help to make sure everything is clean and safe. read more

I have probably have been going to this gym for a year now. For Hoopers and Gym Rats. I totally recommend I got recruited to a AAU team because they have scouts This gym is top tier. Front desk people are chill basketball court is amazing to gym has the best equipment also a great playground for the kids GO TO THIS YMCA!!!!!! read more

I've been coming to Duncan YMCA since Harvey closed the Cypresswoods Y and was pleasantly surprised at how much better I can exercise in the warm pool as a senior! Safety precautions are good to prevent slippery wet floors and shower stalls have grab bars. I now prefer to drive the extra 20 miles to come here rather than go back to Cypresswoods for those reasons and the warm pool of course. The staff has settled in after the pandemic sorted everyone out and are friendly and engaging to provide a great experience for everyone. A happy member of the Houston YMCA since 2008. read more

Clean facility! Not too crowded at 8 AM! 2 DL platforms Right off the beltway and easy to get to read more

Appalling service at this YMCA. I called to enroll my 4 year old for swim classes. I was advised there was a lesson at 5.45pm on Mondays and to come a bit earlier to complete membership and then go to class. Duly arrived on Monday at 5.30pm only to be told there was no class and I had been advised incorrectly. My 4 year old was in tears. However there was a Wednesday class at the same time and we could come back Wednesday. Wednesday comes round and we return only to be told the class was full and yet again I have a crying 4 yr old. The front desk remembered me coming in on Monday and them asking me to return on Wednesday yet would not fit me in the class. This was of course after they sign me up for membership. 4 year old is crying again. I will never ever recommend this place nor use them again. I was advised Saturdays were available.... I didn't believe them. read more

Life guard staff is no bueno. Only helpful & friendly one was Aiden. The others seemed too scared to be authentic lifeguards. It's kinda sad. Looks like we will stick to our home location YMCA (which recently joined a few weeks ago). read more

for god sakes clean the basketball court floor it's so slippery makes me want to not go

Not bad. I've had a great experience with the business thus far. My children prefer over another and so that type of remark makes me a proud mother. Customer service based on my approaches have been pretty outstanding. I appreciate the communication the staff have with the children (particularly with mine). Thank you Duncan family staff and keep it up! read more

This is the worst place ever, I was asked to leave the pool three different times in different days. I haven't done anything to be treated this way, I was swimming in my lane nicely and not in touch with anyone. These people are so racist and rude, the manager was so disrespectful and all she did smiling and did nothing towards the situation, she didn't even apologized for what happened!!! What kinda customer service is that?! Also the machine are so dirty even during covid, place is too small, my apartment gym is bigger. You have to wait in line to get your turn. This place is terrible, save your money and don't go there. read more

This place reached an all-new LOW yesterday. 2 female members went to fisticuffs almost at the swimming pool. This at 5 am on Tuesday 7 September. Let's go to the generic worn out excuse shall we? Covid. Yeah covid. This facility has 2 pools. One pool is called the "recreation pool" and believe you me, the water in this pool is HOT. And this pool is small. I get it, it's for water aerobics or whatever they do there. It's not for me so I don't pay attention. The other pool is the lap pool. 8 lanes 25 yards long. It's for lap swimming. No it's not. It's for water walking. Management at this facility had this "wonderful" idea to just shut one down and use the other. Seems they're "understaffed" now with lifeguards. So in an effort not to bellyache and point out the problems, I'll help with a solution - hire more lifeguards. Novel idea huh? You're telling me in a city of 4 million citizens you can't find lifeguards? To be fair, the recreational pool IS open. They alternate the schedule now. 5 am The lap pool is open - the recreation pool is closed. 6 am The recreation pool is open - the lap pool is closed. So you get it now...the rest of the day it alternates. A long long LONG time ago (way back in July 2021) these 2 pools opened simultaneously. Yes! That's right! Both pools were open! AT THE SAME TIME even! So now the old Covid excuse comes into play. It's the generic catch all excuse of 2021 have ya heard? Don't get me wrong - prayers to those who have the virus - certainly won't diminish that. I've had it also. God be with them and give 'em strength. In the meantime, Y you have a business to run. So get in the business of hiring a couple of lifeguards. We pay a membership. Are you telling me you run out of money? Seriously? ALLLLL those previous years, you have no money built in for emergencies? What type of stewards are you? Since this is a "Christian" organization - aren't we to be good stewards of our resources? And the poor lifeguards. It's not their fault. Unfortunately their forced to become referees. If you dear reader have nothing to day at 4:45 am on a weekday, head on over to this YMCA. You'll swear you've seen a "boarding pass" line in front of 2 glass doors waiting to allowed inside. Most are swimmers. It has gotten THAT competitive. We have to jockey for position to get a lane. And now there's more water walkers than lap swimmers at 5 am. Oh and you say, "well just go over at 7 am to swim." People have to work. Back to the fight....2 female members. I can understand English and Espanol. These 2 were fighting in a language I do not comprehend. Racist comment? Hardly. I'm just saying I don't speak or understand that language. Catfight!!! read more

The most unprofessional gym in greater Houston. They lie about their membership to get you to come in then tell you a totally different story after you've driven to the gym. Don't waste your time. If I could give negative stars I would. There's far too many gyms in Houston to tolerate such un professionalism. read more

Really nice for what I need...as you walk in...the staff greets you with a friendly, "Welcome to the Y"...that's an A+ in my book...the workout area isn't quite the biggest...but the equipment is all up-to-date and always kept really clean...they have personal trainers that are there to assist you with questions you may have...and to guide you with different workout programs you may want to try...the pool area is also pretty nice...it's separated into different sections...and at times they provide different classes and activities for each section...but my favorite area is the basketball court...if you go around noon time on Tuesday and Thursday...you're sure to get 3-4 games under your belt before you leave...and it's all about exercise and fun...never any drama...finally the cost is easy on the pockets...and I pay far less here than most of the big name gyms in the Houston area... read more

Brenda & John Duncan YMCA - The basketball court - Gyms Near Me - Houston, Texas

I am a city wide YMCA member and visit 3 different Y's on a regular basis. This YMCA is a little bit old and dated but that is not the reason for the one star review. The reason for the bad review is the lifeguard staff at the pools. There is more than one that has a bad attitude. Maybe this is because the overall atmosphere at this Y is less friendly than others. Based on the way they regiment the pool times it seems this negativity may be coming from the top. So if you are thinking about a Y membership don't limit yourself to this location. There are way better Y's. read more

Its a gym. For the most part all I need is a power rack, dumbbells, barbells, and a bench. They have a nice swimming area and sauna. They have plenty of cardio machines but only two bikes with no backrest. Oh yea they also have personal TV's on each of the cardio machines. I would suggest getting their early in the morning because most of the equipment is open. Its a different story from 6-8pm. Crowded with noobs. read more

Brenda & John Duncan YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Joined for swim lessons for my two young kids. For less than half the price of a swim school for ONE child, I got a week of swim lessons for both. Shawn (or Sean?) was a wonderful instructor -- patient, kind, professional -- and the progress in my 5yo, in particular, after just a couple of lessons was astounding. Would recommend booking consecutive days rather than one class/week. Love that this location offers that option. read more

Updated as of 09/2018. The overall promptness, knowledge and efficiency could use some work at front desk. Signed my daughter up for swim lessons with them - 1st instructor was horrible. No water safety, breathing techniques or any basics covered in first lesson. Thought it was a good idea to have small children who cant swim jumping in deep end on a pool noodle. Negligent, unsafe and just silly. Pulled my daughter mid "lesson" and spoke with Director to switch teachers to someone competent. New instructor has been great! read more

A perfect place to workout. I been going here for years. A great atmosphere, relaxing and a great facility. Everything you need in a workout ( wellness) center. Free weights machines swimming, steam room. Basketball courts. The cost is more than other gym that always have some special but it's totally worth the price at the y. If you have kids they have plenty of classes and also child watch while you work out. Just a great place. read more

I live in Missouri City, the Clay Rd YMCA is a good 25-30 minutes from my house on the Beltway. I make the trip up, because they offer the Les Mills class that I wanted to take, CX30 and Body Attack (my local YMCA only offers Combat and Step) and it's worth the drive. I don't know where these crowds are that everyone talks about, but I guess I've only done group exercise classes, in assigned rooms, so wouldn't have seen them. Indoor pool - which is a huge plus! The classes aren't over crowded, and the instructors (Vicki, Juli and Sally) are all kick-ass, supportive, friendly and encouraging. They are wonderful instructors and help keep motivation up when you feel like you're going to keel over from the exercise! I really like Clay Rd, it's easy to get to, clean, quiet (when I go, which is normally mornings!) and the classes I've tried are great! read more

So far, I'm diggin' on this Y. They've got an indoor pool, basketball courts, plenty of machines (treadmills, cross-trainers, elliptical, bikes, etc), weight equipment/machines, several classes....lots of options. So far I've tried boot camp with Richard which was ridiculously hard, and Bodypump which I liked a lot. I'll probably try more Les Mills classes. The weight and stretching areas get to be a little small when it's crowded. If you're hoping to do jump squats, burpees or anything like that you may just want to go outside. That's the only real negative that I can think of right now. The front desk staff is really nice, the gym is holds convenient hours for full time workers, the parking lot is huge....so far so good. read more

Despite the shiny new fitness equipment and large pool, something's missing. After going here for almost a year now, it clocks in as 'average,' though I'm having trouble detailing my likes and dislikes.... here goes: Likes are easy enough - new equipment and plenty of variety of free weights and weight machines. Large pool with free lanes generally available (never had to share with more than one person) Dislikes - no large cable cross, crowds, noise, inconvenience of location, cost Solid gym, but nothing endearing. I prefer the dingier, quieter atmosphere and facilities of my old Y to this one. read more

I have been a member of the Duncan YMCA for about six months. The facility is clean, well-maintained and the staff is unobtrusive. I use it for swimming. I can make reservations to swim and if I did, when the pool is closed, such as for a chlorine problem, I have been notified before I left home. There's nothing fancy about it but it is quite serviceable. It looks like the exercise equipment is functional and I often see people working out on the machines. During Covid they ran on limited hours. They appear to be opening back up. read more

Clean and cute place for families! Been looking for an affordable place to take my son to go swimming and for lessons. The staff was super helpful and friendly too! read more

Very nice staff and they keep it clean. I only use the workout room but they do offer classes, swimming and different sports on the basketball court. Parking isn't an issue but I normally walk to this location. They also have tables and chairs in the lobby for people wanting to relax. read more

The other reviewers have already said it: the crowds here are overwhelming and detract from an otherwise pleasant experience. The rates are good enough to make this somewhat bearable, but honestly, what is (not) going on here? We've personally talked to mgmt about this to no avail. Huge groups come in without swiping their membership card, and the younger members tend to hang out on the equipment as if it were a playground. Granted, older members are just as guilty of not using the equipment properly -- cell-phone-free zone anyone? Do enjoy the personal TV on the machines (don't have cable or satellite at home, so this is a way to watch new stuff!), although this isn't by any means a unique feature. read more

I just moved in the area and I was told by the school that my child attends that this YMCA have an on site after school program for the kids so I contacted the director of the program who told me to come in and fill out the paperwork to have my child attend therefore that's what I did. When I got there the Hispanic girl at the front desk was hella rude for no reason and stated that the director said I couldn't sign my child up anymore, I asked to speak w/her but was told she's in a meeting supposedly and there's no longer space available like wtf I literally called an hr before arriving just to be spoken to rudely as well as wasted time/gas. This place needs to get there shit together, not a good look. read more

Front desk representative seemed to lack knowledge and basic customer service experience. My husband was trying to have a simple conversation about suspending his account since he will be out for work over the next 1 month. Perhaps she did not understand, she did not bother to, and vehemently said that she could not do anything about it.. even after he had been charged. When he requested to speak with her superior, she then ignored him continously and when he continued on, she said "I'm done with you, you can leave the premise"... Husband then said she cannot be done until the request is properly tended. He also said that if customers don't pay, she won't get paid. This got her so riled up that she said she will call the cops.... Seriously??? But of course, husband is black... That would "make sense". She ended up calling her superior when he insisted... And superior minutes on the account about suspending it. read more

I've been there many times and i don't like it. The pool, you can smell it at the parking lot, and the pools are dirty. Especially the warm ones. Kids pee in it, and throw up in there, it's just disgusting. The restrooms are ok, there is hair everywhere though. I really don't recommend going unless you like going there then go. read more

I've been taken adult swimming lessons since June and I've met a few wonderful swim instructors at the Y. Special thanks to Fidel, who's also the swim instructor for my kid, can always explain and demonstrate the strokes in detailed manner and spot on where you need improvements. On top of that, he is very encouraging and always motivates you to do your best! Also to Freddie and Meg, new but very promising instructors. read more

Staff is friendly and helpful :) gym is a bit small for the free weights but there are a handful of treadmills and a bunch of other cardio machines, but I go there for the pool mostly. Always clean and well kept, so is the ladies locker room. Ample parking too, so that's a plus! read more

It's unfortunate that I have to say this as I've been a member with the Y in Houston for as long as I've lived here which is over a decade. I can honestly say that this is one of the worst ones. Since I don't frequent the swimming pool this is not necessarily a great benefit for me but can see how others love having an indoor pool. However the staff are not knowledgeable with the happenings in the facility. For example the gym has a schedule, as many special groups and events occupy it. Unfortunately the staff aren't aware of the frequent changes of schedule or its availability. Additionally, the gym is frequently occupied with leaving little availability for open use to its members. There are other members that would like to use the basketball court as well. If you'd like to use the basketball court often, then don't go to this Y as chances are it won't be available read more

Love this place!! They offer Les Mills classes and loads of normal nice people just wanting to work out. The child care is fabulous! They know my son by name and he loves it there so much that even on days where I am feeling lazy and don't want to go exercise, I am forced to because my son begs me to go so he can play with all of his friends! I love the swim coaches, swimming instructors, and the group fitness classes are exceptional!!! So much fun!! I've lost 20lbs going here and plan to keep it up!!! read more

I've been a member of the Greater Houston area YMCA for a long time. I've frequented Trotter, Katy, McWilliams and now this one. This is a smaller Y but has a nice work out area, large indoor pool and a good sized youth sports program. It is a family friendly environment and the staff especially the early morning crew is very friendly. Had some contact with most of their directors and they are great. Not a fan of the Child Care director....only thing keeping it from 5 stars......Overall a good Y. read more

This is my rating for pool only. A group of us use pool a 5 AM (It is usually dark at that time) and I/we know about safety when lightening occurs however we do not understand closing the pool when lightening is seen in sky and storm is over the gulf or in Galveston or far north. The life guards go out and watch as no a sound of thunder can be heard. If storm goes around and misses Houston the pool reopens at daylight as lightening can no longer be seen. This is an indoor pool and there are ways to measure proximity of electricity in air. read more

My wife and I have been members for about 4 years. She will come in during the week and we both come in on Saturdays to the gym to do the stationary bikes and weight machines. Saturday mornings the gym is not very crowded and generally easy to get to the machines we want. I've lately added in the spin class run by Mat on Friday or Saturday mornings at 8:30. It's a great workout. Mat is really good about telling you what is coming next, what gear to be in, and how long each segment is going to last. I was like may people initially intimidated by spin class, but there is no need, its not Olympic athletes in there, mostly just a bunch of people trying to work on their health and stamina. At 65 I am one of the older people in here, but I am coming along at keeping up. Been to the class 6 weeks and really enjoy it. We had a substitute one time, Shawn, and she is no slouch either, good class. If you come to spin class do get yourself the padded riding shorts, or bring a towel to put on the seat (very hard seats) or you will be very sore after 50 minutes! Don't let that dissuade you, come on out. read more