As a veteran member, I feel like I am qualified to comment on Dee Y.'s review, ranking the central YMCA as sub-standard --
Claim 1: Downtown YMCA lacks quality and sanitary environment for a healthy work out: No it doesn't. There are multiple, easily-spotted stations throughout EACH workout area equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers, disinfectant/anti-fungal spray and paper towels for wiping down machines. All that to say: there is one near the grouping of cardio machines, one by each grouping of weight machines, one by the free weights, and each studio has a station. I've never found one empty. Or low, for that matter.
Claim 2: First of all, just to get to the building you have to enter through a toll parking lot because it is inside a park: No. The lot is protected, and you DO have to take a ticket and pass through a gate to enter the lot because it's adjacent to the Spokane Arena (where parking is not free, and as a result, event parking is frequently monopolizing street parking in the immediate area. The YMCA facility is not inside a park. It is three full blocks south of Riverfront Park, further separated by the river. Parking is free for members. There is 2 hour time limit for free parking, but I have never actually been asked to pay.
Claim 3: Once you get to the YMCA parking lot you'll find it very difficult to find a spot. I visited during the weekday and it was still full because there are less than 20 spots.: FALSE: I actually looked at the parking lot on Google maps and counted 94 spots. I am here EVERY DAY by 5:30, and have had minimal trouble finding parking. Usually when I show up after a class has started. There is a rush at that hour, and you have to time it carefully to snag a spot. The closer to 5:30, the easier it is. There is also additional free parking at the Spokane Arena if you ask for a pass. It's very easy.
Claim 4: Once you enter the building the stench of mildew, like Goodwill, will overwhelmingly disturb you and prevent you from enjoying the guided tour: Are we talking about the same YMCA? This facility is bright, fresh, breezy and airy. I have never experienced any such "stench" here, with the exception of entering a toilet stall too quickly after someone else.
Claim 5: All the facilities are "hidden" and we were lead around the stairs and dungeon like hallways. Again, Are we talking about the same YMCA? The one with the two-story, vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows? The 50,000 sq. foot facility? (not including the 30,000 sq foot YWCA) If you look at ANY pictures of this facility, I'd challenge you to point out even ONE 'dungeon-like' hallway. Just one!
Claim 6: Despite the various offerings of facilities none of them are beyond mediocre: Did you actually attend any classes? I'd be interested to find out which offerings you experienced and who the instructors were. EACH class (Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, TRX, body Pump, the list goes on.. the schedule is on the website) has several instructors to allow members to find the best style. I didn't love all the teachers, but don't fault the facility .. instead, I kept working to find a great match and ended up in classes I LOVE and the body to prove it.
Claim 7: the pools are especially hard to digest. They were kind of green colors instead of Olympic-blue: ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THE SAME YMCA?!? The aquatic facility is nationally renowned for being state-of-the-art. There are FIVE options in the aquatic building: Lap pool, therapy pool, a children's play-structure with lots of fun climbing and splashing activities, a hot tub, a dry sauna and steam room.
Claim 8: I can't imagine working out here on a regular basis: Evidently not, since your profile photo is a cupcake.
Claim 9: initial start-up is $97 and monthly draft is $47 if you're a single adult. $104 if you're a single parent with kids, monthly is $54: Current (2013) starter fee is $108.00, and includes your first month's fee. The monthly draft is $58.00 for a single-parent family, including all children at no additional cost. Membership fees cover access to all scheduled classes AND free child watch. It bears mentioning that they also offer a sliding-scale to allow everyone equal access to the facility. The fact that fees have increased by three dollars in three years is a testament to their efforts to keep costs low.
Conclusion: "There are many local gyms who offer cleaner facilities for a less fee and I'll take my biz over there."
Good. You sound like a self-centered jerk. Based on previous reviews, it seems like you are always looking for the worst experience possible. I gladly pay $105 monthly, because it's the Y. I am proud to support the outreach efforts of this great organization and all they do. Evidently, you don't care to contribute to improving OUR community. I think you'd do well to steer clear of the YMCA. read more