Although there is, of course, the annoyance of certain children and such messing around in the gym (which I can't blame on the gym itself), the gym is very neat and organized. However, the only complaints I have on the gym itself, is that: 1: there is only 1 flat, incline, and decline bench press, which creates a problem (especially on the flat bench press) with everyone trying to use it. 2: the amount of chlorine in the pool is very high, although it is understandable due to the nature and the amount of people that go there. 3: This only applies to this one older lady who monitors the weightlifting area occasionally, but I consistently see her peering disgustedly at the young men as they talk to each other or work out, and she'll sometimes interrupt or intrude upon somone mid set to yell at them about some minuscule thing. Although I don't really see her anymore. read more

This place is ok. The biggest problem is that it's quite unsanitary. Seems to me this is mainly due to having no towel service (which they discontinued during COVID and never brought back, despite raising the monthly fees.) People don't have towels so they use paper towels to dry off. OR (and this is sanitation issue) people use their own towels then leave them in locked lockers. so the locker room (men's) constantly smells horrible, like body odor and mildewing clothes. There are other concerns with this place, but this is the main one. I think it's poorly managed. read more

Really crowded, surly people, crummy machines. Locker rooms are old and dirty. The pool has SO MUCH chlorine, it irritated my eyes and sinuses. The smell lingers on my skin for several days despite showering immediately and using chlorine removal soap. The staff is super unhelpful too. Nobody gives you a friendly "hi" or smile or nod even when you try to be a normal person and acknowledge them as you walk past. More importantly, registration and cancellation are very frustrating experiences. Their website didn't work when trying to register due to a past YMCA registration I had in the system from over a decade ago. And forget about cancelling - it's like trying to get someone at the DMV to respond to you. It's taken 3+ phone calls and 5 unanswered emails from me and I'm about to call my credit card company Agree with the other people that the sauna is not hot either. If I didn't need pool access for awhile due to physical limitations, there's absolutely no way this is worth the value of $99 a month versus going to blink fitness. read more

"Steve I." said it best. In February, in the steam room, I got a tick on the top of my head. Because: (1.) Turning down the temperature of the sauna was an "easier fix" than replacing the malfunctioning alarm. And (2.) Had a towel been under my head... The machines at Dodge YMCA provide the best opportunity to catch-up on X, TikTok, Messenger, texting, email -- the football game -- And I [have to] "play the bad guy" and ask, "When will your video be finished?," and they ALWAYS -- ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS! -- "have one more rep to do!" And WHEN they FINALLY DO get off the machine -- three people are ahead of me, . . .so I ...find that I do not stay an extra hour just so that I can have THE workout [I want] that is THE reason for having a membership. I have no reason to have a membership. And multiply the above experience by three times each visit -- and is it any wonder that "UGGGHHHHHHH" is the permanent feeling, thought, and association that overcomes me when I imagine Dodge YMCA. I thought it was a temporary thing. No. It is not temporary. It is permanent. They DID [FINALLY!] get the camera out of the ceiling in the bathroom-- ( -- how many years did THAT take? -- ) In the middle of the day, the sauna and steam rooms are closed for no reason at all -- [it does not take thirty minutes to hose off a bench -- ] And how many times have I been stopped from using the sauna or stream room, or actually told to leave the sauna or steam room --  THIS IS MY MEMBERSHIP. THIS IS MY MEMBERSHIP: "NO SAUNA, NO STEAM ROOM, NO TOWELS, NO MACHINES" IS MY EVERY-VISIT EXPERIENCE. "NO SAUNA, NO STEAM ROOM, NO TOWELS, NO MACHINES" IS MY ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP. If only emails to leadership had served their purpose. Steve is right. YMCA did this to themselves. read more

Wonderful value, great instructors and lots of classes to choose from. Highly recommended

Clean, limited equipment, gets crowded after 3:00PM. Not a weight lifters gym, more of Community Center catering to all.

Wow, I really liked this place precovid. Unfortunately, the Dodge Y has become an absolutely awful place. I finally went back for the first time since Covid and the place is a shell of itself. First: they took away towel service. There are no towels at any YMCA locations anymore. No amount of wipes are going to clean the extra perspiration dripping off people and from what I noticed, very few people had their own towels, and I find this to be highly unsanitary! I wouldn't mind bringing my own towel if this was a barebones gym that cost $25 a month but my current monthly expense that accesses all the YMCAs in the area was (notice I said was) $114/month, if you want to join just the Dodge Y it's still $84/month. All of that money and you can't provide towel service???? That brings up problem number two! The Dodge Y is not helping out the return to normalcy, their hours are absolutely atrocious! This may come as a shock but lots of people are going back to the office and your 6:00 am to 9:00 pm hours don't cut it, and on weekends...forget about getting up early and getting to the gym first thing in the morning. The Dodge Y has decided that the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm is all you need. Once again, what am I (was I) paying all of this money for? It's a shame I have to write this review but they have done it to themselves. Raised prices, taken away hours and services to the point where I had to cancel my membership. There is no way I can justify all of that money per month! There are so many other options that are both high end and barebones. Within 400 feet of the Dodge Y is a Blink Fitness and a Planet fitness. These gyms are basic, you may have to bring your own towel but both of these places offer proper gym hours of 5:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekdays and 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on the weekends. You can also be member of these gyms for $25 to $30 per month and with that savings you can use that money to put towards classes at Orange Theory, F45 or the soon to be open Barry's on Montague street. There are also some high end options in the area like Equinox or Chelsea piers if you'd like to go that route. It is a shame that I had to cancel, if they bring back towel service and normal gym hours I'd come back. However, If you're looking for a gym in the Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Downtown Brooklyn area YOU SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM THE DODGE Y UNTIL THEY GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER! Fix it Dodge and I'll be back! read more

Courteous, young, upbeat staff eager to assist. The Zumba classes are popular. In the summer Zumba moves outdoors and it is free to the public every Sunday in Brooklyn Bridge Park which is a hop, skip, and a jump down Atlantic Avenue. The cardio machines, treadmills, and spin bikes work with your choice of the Fox, CNN, or those housewives of wherever. Multiple machines are available. This is one of the few YMCA in Brooklyn that offer towel service free to all members. Instructional Swim on Saturdays are popular among young families in the area. Lap swim and family swim is also available to all members Blink and Planet Fitesse are within walking distance, but they can not compete with the pool or the group exercise classes like palates, yoga, and spin. I'm impressed by the ladies lockeroom on the 2nd floor, because an attendant is always present to keep it clean and the locker rooms are clean and comfortable. Discounted memberships are available to municipal employees and those in need of financial assistance. Four stars because there is a waiting list to rent a locker on a monthly basis. But when I walk in I feel a sense of community as I see friends and neighbors take advantage of the services provided by one if the oldest non profit organization in the the country. I love it here. read more

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This branch has gone down hill since the pandemic. They had to be pushed to open their gym past 3pm on weekends. Unreliable lifeguards and staff. As I write this no swimming available this Saturday afternoon.. Also, no reason for the steam room and sauna to be closed. Nothing to study, let people assess their own risk. Totally behind the eight ball in all aspects of the pandemic response. Awful. Move on. read more

Started training with Malcom Milton, a Master Trainer. Had a torn achilles and he's introduced me to many exercises to strengthen the leg and ankle now that it's healed. I fit the elderly category, also recovering from an illness that's weakened my upper body strength. He's helped rebuild it with a variety of exercises, taking my infirmities into consideration. Highly recommended. Stan F read more

This gym is really is the best in terms of what you get for your buck in the neighborhood. It is so spacious, modern, clean....has all the equipment, space, full basketball court, 6 lane 25m swimming pool, at the best price. Equinox and Chelsea Piers is no comparison (visited all of them). This combined with friendly staff, members and all they do for the community makes them hands down the best gym in the neighborhood. read more

I have been going to this gym for about two years now, This gym is really nice. It offers variety of classes exp belly dancing, yoga, and my favorites spinning and zumba. The staff are very friendly. The cleaning staff are spooky the men always stare the women down undressing them with there eyes like they never seen women. lol read more

This gym is too small for how many members there are. No matter what time of the day you come, it's packed to the brim. I have been here at 7am-7pm and every single time I'm here I have to wait in line for machines or there are giant groups of 12 year old boys having a meet and greet. Besides that, every single lady in the locker room makes laps around the entire room completely naked. I leave the gym in a worse mood then when I entered. It's absolutely miserable. read more

Even though the customer service here can be inconsistent, overall I am a fan and am glad that this is available right in my neighborhood. I take a lot of the group exercise classes, and though the teachers and offerings don't change very often, I've found the 2-3 weekly classes that I do like to attend. The pool is a great resource, but as others have noted, it can be overwhelming to determine the optimal time to go if you are adult wanting to swim laps. In general the younger check in and other staff are eager, pleasant, and willing to help - but there are some very attitudinal long timers at the membership desk who I actively avoid if I have an issue. Overall for the comparative price to an Equinox or Chelsea Piers type facility I believe you get value for your money here, and a great community environment. read more

I enjoy this facility. It is always kept clean and the staff is very courteous. Any issues are quickly resolved. Good job everyone!!

I enjoy working out here. I love visiting in the morning and seeing happy workers greet people. I ask them tons of questions, and they gladly answer all of them. I enjoy many of the group exercise classes. One of my favorite is Zumba, but it is taking me a while to master the dance moves. It is a lot of fun! Thankfully, this Y also has sanitizing wipes for to wipe down the machines after use, freshly cleaned towels, and also free weights(not that I use them unless for a class). I think they have a lot of working ellipticals and treadmills, and also a stationery bike. Some ellipticals have television built into them if you are interested in getting your fitness on. I have to say that there are other gym equipment apparatuses, yet I have no idea how to use them. I heard there is a Y Fitness program if you need someone to help you with a workout regiment. I think the staff is friendly and most of the time very helpful. The instructors are awesome. I have not met one that I did not like. If you want to go to spin and zumba, then get there early! I keep arriving on time, and it is not enough[minus one star]. The locker room is full of free lockers. :) This is great. Hunting makes me sad especially when I get to class just on time. I do enjoy the cleanliness of this facility and most frequent gym users are nice and greet each other before and after class. Most exercise enthusiasts will even stay after and thank the instructors personally and also ask them questions which most will answer. I love it here and would come back again! I had a free day pass from a friend and then decided to sign on. If you sign on before 10/7th, then the joining initiation fee will be waived. read more

I have been to this gym multiple times as a guest ($20 each time) in over 2 years, prior covid. Prior to covid, the gym itself isn't too spacious but you will get everything you need done. With covid, I can't imagine it has space for distancing. When i was a guest there, I mainly use the swimming pool for an hour accompanied by some weight machines. Since their reopening after covid, they have not allowed guests and that is understandable. They make you buy the membership which is also understandable. But for someone like me with swimming as a priority, the Y App is complete useless and a lie when it comes to scheduling for my lap swims. First of all, they only let 6 people in, every 30 minutes (used to be 45min). You go on the app and join one of the 6 spots 48 hours before going. However, with multiple experimental attempts trying to schedule, the slots get filled instantly as soon as they allow you to reserve. So let say I want to go at 8am lap swim on Wed, I must reserve a spot on Monday exactly at 8am, not a second less/more. As soon as the clock turns 8:00, all the spots have been fill. I do not know why or how, but I have tried this multiple times. You may think if you join the waitlist, you will get a spot once a spot opens up. NOPE! it doesn't. Once you get an email notifying you with an opening, the spot has been taken by someone else. There is simply no way to reserve a spot. Therefore, if you are like me, wishing to use the swimming pool (more than the other things), find another gyms. I also got no reply from the Y's customer service when I emailed them about this. I guess it makes sense. read more

PROS: The new director seems to have had a profound impact on the Dodge Y and we have rejoined. The newer staff hires are so professional and courteous (some veteran employees here are still comedically rude and passive-aggressive.) Clean, new, working equipment; great light; free WI-FI, Child-Watch is again a great service now that it is restored to its previous location after much member-feedback and the new leadership stepping in; mostly a quiet peaceful atmosphere, financially still a great deal. CONS: sometimes exercise classrooms leave door open and music is blaring when you workout near them, long lines at front desk, usual suspects can be loud and territorial in the locker rooms...that's all. Much happier here than before. Keep it up! read more

I am leaving the dodge YMCA after a year. This gym's not such a deal if you start to hate it. Most unbearable was the 20 min+ wait for anything at peak hours. It's hard enough to make time for the gym - I don't want to spend half my time in line. And god help you if you need anything from the staff. The customer service staff is unvaryingly mean or incompetent. George, at the membership desk, does this thing where, when he's had enough of you, he speaks softer and softer, to the point that you can't hear him. I know it sounds crazy, but other people tell me he does it to them, too. And Noel is just an abusive screamer/crazy interrupter. Lady, I'm just trying to get a locker. This week the last straw was the kids in the locker room. There are a LOT of kids and families here, and that's OK. But getting undressed with a six-year-old boy looking at me all googley-eyed is decidedly not OK. read more

I was a member of this gym from May 2013 through June 2014. I cancelled my membership for a few reasons. I joined the Dodge Y because I had been a member of the Downtown Syracuse YMCA for two years and I enjoyed it immensely. Though the building was older and the machines left something to be desired, the classes were awesome and the instructors allowed members to workout at their own level. The locker rooms were always clean with benches to sit on as you changed, and also had huge clock faced scales to measure your weight. Fast forward to the Dodge YMCA. It's a fairly new facility with beautiful machines. The locker rooms are not so clean let alone the bathroom stalls in them. The scales are the types you see in a doctor's office. The floor above the ground level is always steamy, uncomfortably warm, and the smell of chlorine permeates throughout as though the gym doesn't know how to regulate the climate to be different from that of the pool area (at the Syracuse Downtown YMCA, you couldn't even tell they had a rather large indoor pool until you stumbled into it). The towels shed all over you which is even more apparent in spin class under the black light, yuck. The classes are anywhere from intimidating to unstructured. If you've ever taken a very structured/well-choreographed Zumba class and then tried Alma's Zumba at this Y, you will understand what I mean. I did enjoy Alma's spin class however. Every yoga class I took was ridiculously cramped (a larger room should have been used but never was). Rather than allowing you to listen to your body and workout (ex. Kettlebell or Mat Pilates), some instructors do not workout with the class and instead walk around and "push" members who have not asked for it, making the workout one where you are going dangerously beyond where your body's current level. This was unheard of at the YMCA in Syracuse. Instructors led the class by their example and form providing strong structure for each member to try to achieve. Several times, I called the number listed beside the personal training promotion in the Dodge YMCA book after I initially joined to inquire about signing up, after I first joined and never received a response. I was realizing that I did not enjoy this gym as much as I should by comparison to the Y in Syracuse and was not visiting as often as I should. I received a call in March 2014 notifying me that my rate would increase by a dollar when a new year of membership began. I said that was fine. (Note the rate of this YMCA was about 150% more than what I paid in Syracuse). However, when my new year started, I was over-charged by $15 instead ($70 in total). I received a discount as a city employee but had been bounced up to full rate. When I visited the gym to ask why this occurred, I was told that I had to renew my discount each year. I was astounded by this. Why would I have to renew my discount each year if the membership itself did not seem to require any such renewal. This seemed to be a devious business practice and was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. Although the front desk tried to convince me not to cancel for about 45 minutes, I cancelled regardless. This proved to be providence as a Blink Fitness opened closer to home several weeks later and I was able to get in on their $1 pre-grand opening sign up. I have since purchased and began using workout DVDs to match the classes I took in Syracuse (R.I.P.P.E.D and Zumba and Coach Nicole's 28-Day Boot Camp). Currently I would not recommend this location of the YMCA. read more

As if it weren't bad enough that literally every person I interacted with while I was a member was beyond incompetent, they are also thieves! If you believe that you have canceled your membership to this godforsaken institution, you may want to think again. Today I discovered that, despite the fact that I canceled my membership a year ago, they have been charging me every month for a year - to the tune of nearly $2000. When I called today to inquire about this, they had no record of it. YA THINK? Your membership staff barely has 5 firing brain cells between them and, EVERY time that I have had to deal with them, they're busy chitchatting with each other and generally not paying attention. So now it's MY problem that your dysfunctional and incompetent staff didn't give me a receipt? THINK AGAIN. We'll see what a lawyer has to say about this. RUN, do not walk away from this horrid institution where the staff are rude, incompetent, and just generally pretty stupid. And, hey, if you do take off running, at least you'll get some exercise. I'll be busy suing the daylights out of this hellhole. read more

I've been going to this gym since I moved to Brooklyn a few years ago. If you are looking for a gym with a pool in this neighborhood, the YMCA is pretty much the only option. Membership costs: The membership price increases every year by a few dollars. My boyfriend and I are currently paying the family membership price of $138 / month (that's $69/person). We also joined in January when they waive the joiner's fee (they do this every single year in January). If you sign up in the middle of the year, the fee is a bit much. So overall, it's been a great deal. Pool: The pool gets crowded during certain hours but it's still useable. Almost every time I go (and I've been at all hours and almost any day), I end up having to share a lane with 2+ people. When you get in really early (before 6:30a) or really late (after 8p), you might get lucky and only have to share the lane with one other person. I think the one time I did not have to share a lane for the 40min I was in the pool, it was the middle of the day. Other amenities: There is a steam room and sauna I think but I've never used it. They don't look very inviting...The locker room and showers are pretty clean. Towels are included. Soap usually. No shampoo, condition, or lotion. I normally bring my own toiletries. Gym facilities: I don't spend too much time on weights or cardio equipment, but they have all the basics. My boyfriend complains about the limited number of equipment available though. He seems to spend a lot of time waiting for the weights to free up. He normally goes after 7p. During peak hours (after 5-6p), I've had to wait for treadmills once in a while, but usually not for long. Before 8a, everything is pretty much available. The treadmills all have TV screens...I don't think all the ellipticals do...and I believe the bikes do. I'd have to double check that. Customer Service: The service here has always been great for me. I've never had issues with guest services. I dealt with them when I signed up for the membership, when I picked up my 5 free guest passes (all members get 5 free guest passes to use for 1 year. the 1-year period starts from the day you pick up the passes), and when I had to update my expired card. Every time they were nice, patient and efficient. (Yes, EFFICIENT customer service in BROOKYLN exists! I'm so used to the ridiculously inefficient lines at Target, Pathmark, Costco, etc.) When a line starts to form, a second service member will come in to speed things along. It's an amazing site, really. Classes: The ONE time I went to a yoga class, the instructor didn't show up. And the substitute instructor was ok. It was a extra relaxing class, but it wasn't exactly the yoga I was looking for. I haven't returned for a class since. I have been meaning to though. They do offer a lot of classes though and it's nice to know there are options. The spin classes sound really intense/awesome. If you're used to amenities at NY Health and Racquet or Equinox, this location will NOT fit you. If you're used to NYSC or Crunch, this might be your spot. This gym is a great deal primarily because of the pool and the price. It's also a convenient location for me. I usually run outdoors along the East River and this is a nice stop along the way when I suddenly decide I want to hit the weights or I want to throw in some other workout routine. It's worth checking out. read more

I strategically decided to join this gym for a couple reasons: 1. It's reasonably priced - my room mate and I joined on a "family plan" (no questions asked!) and pay about $45/month each. We got an additional discount just because we had health insurance - be sure to mention this when you join! 2. It's conveniently located on my commute from work in Midtown to home in Park Slope - so no excuses about it being "out of the way." 3. It's close enough that I can walk home, add a little umph to my workout, or take the bus home if my ass is too beat. 4. It's big, has enough cardio machines that I've never waited more than 5 minutes (and I go at peak hours). 5. It's unpretentious. Since I'm definitely not the most athletically-inclined person out there, this was important for me to feel comfortable working out and not surrounded by a bunch of meat heads. I've been going since January, and I really do like this gym. It's always clean, and they even have wipes next to all the cardio machines so you can wipe your shit down when you're done (respect, people). Lately the sauna has been a little off, but whatever. The only thing... There's a whole lot of naked happening in the locker room. Maybe I'm naive, or even immature, but I wasn't expecting that. Who puts a t-shirt and earrings on BEFORE UNDERWEAR? And really, ladies, 2 words: bikini wax. read more

I joined specifically for the pool. I am about to cancel my membership since the pool is wretched. There is almost no etiquette, with the breast strokers who are afraid to put their head in the water for some reason swimming in the fast lane. The lifeguards don't care to enforce any etiquette. Only after 9:00pm do you have a small chance of getting in a decent workout. The pool and air quality are also disgusting. I get sick every time I swim. I sneeze for days, have a runny nose and feel like I got the flu. I think they chlorinate the hell out of the pool since it has a lot of pee, and the combination is toxic. If you swim for exercise and value your life, I recommend swimming at any other pool or potentially the East River. read more

Okay, so: - Today, I picked up not only one but two towels that were laundered but smelled like old cigarettes. - One of the employees at the front desk once asked, "Is this you?", pointing to his computer screen of another Asian woman's membership picture*, as I was walking out the door. Um, no. (*We did not look alike. At all. Really.) - Sh*tshow on weekdays between 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., when the kids' classes end and the 9-5 crowd arrive. It manifests itself in the availability of the machines and in the women's locker room, which gets loud and muggy. (Hi. I know the acoustics are intriguingly bouncy, but don't let your child shriek-sing for five minutes or I'll push it into a locker.) - Really stuffy. Is there air conditioning in the general space? I can't tell. It's those big windows, but it was sultry in the winter too. Minor hiccups, and uncontrollable annoyances aside, I like this Y, enough to round up the 3.5. It's affordable-- especially if you catch the no-joiners'-fee months (usually January)-- and offers a variety of classes. Ask about discounts if you're a student or if you may qualify through work; my membership, with Dodge as my "home" Y, I'm given 5 guest passes and a certain number of visits (10?) to other NYC Ys per year. Big pool-- which alone is worth it-- but avoid rush hours. You're allowed more than one towel, and before today, my towel(s) had never smelled anything but regular. I usually take spin or use the elliptical-- the machines have a media component (catch up on BRAVO! run through some trails, digital passersby for verisimilitude!) and overlook the basketball court or Court Street. Spin: bikes are already set up in the room (unlike 14th St, where it's DIY). I dislike the current studio, but supposedly the class returns to the regular room (now a children's activities space) at summer's end. I've never been on the wait list, and I try to arrive 15-20 minutes before the 5:30 class or half an hour MINIMUM for the 6:30; weekend mornings, maybe 10-15. I do have a preferred instructor, although all have been helpful with seat adjustments and technique questions: I avoid The Mouth Breather, but her class is popular so it's just me, and I'm going to get the name of The Bore because I don't want to do reps to techno for 25 minutes. Step class packed like the proverbial sardine can. Zumba, too, although Monday night classes are in the gym (more people, but more space). Participants are respectful of each other-- compared to another "women-friendly" gym, where clients yelled at each other and the instructors (you're taking up too much room, this song sucks). Instructors cater to a general level, but will explain the moves, or you can watch the regulars. read more

After a decade I finally quit this Y.. I am disabled and walk with a cane..I was literally pushed by several young men who are part of a community program.. This Y had fallen so low from when the Y was established a long time ago..rude incompetence.. People working out with free weights in restricted areas..so many health code violations..they are so ignorant they do even know They are committing violations..on the weekends it's a free for all.. Anything goes.. In many ways this Y is a microcosm of what's happened to NY.. Which is why so many are running from the city.. Sad read more

terrible customer service, i always see someone frustrated with the staff while trying to figure out basic membership things. The worst is the grumpy / hard to understand older guy from the islands (no offense to anyone from the islands). He is so unenthusiastic and unclear when dealing with basic membership requests or questions. How is he in that type of people facing job when he is the worst communicator? Please don't leave anything unattended for even minutes at a time it will get stolen or throw away. I have had 2 swim caps, 2 swimming goggles, and a bathing suit all thrown-out after leaving them in the locker room for as little as 12 minutes...i am not exaggerating people. The staff has a policy of throwing out personal items left for more than a few minutes. I have walked out and realized I left my bathing suit on a hanger and 20 mins later come back to fin that its gone?!!! They say people steal items but c'mon this has happened more than once. The men's bathroom attendants are super unhelpful and rude. dont go here!! read more

OK maybe I'm just rating my feelings for the YMCA but I love this place and I love its mission. When I was a kid I was in a YMCA sponsored group with my dad called "Indian Guides" yes it was not PC and yes probably the dads just did it to squelch their Squaw's demands that they have more child time but it was great. My dad's Indian Guide name was "Big Beaver" I was "Little Beaver" my brother was "running Beaver" I never asked my mother's name for unfortunately it was very paternal...... However I think before Indian Guides ran its course fathers and daughters did take part together but I digress.... Yes its true Monday, Tuesday and at peak times its quite busy here but show me a gym that isn't. I don't feel guilty when I don't go because I know the $ I put here goes to great causes like giving teens a place to go and shoot hoops. The Karate class my tween takes is great! The Y is well worth the money! read more

Yes! Yes! Yes! I just recenly joined here--forgoing my friends' peer pressure to join NYSC instead. I loves it!! The facility is nice, and there is a PLETHORA of classes--literally all day and all evening (compare it's classes on their website and NYSC's. The Y literally has more than five times the classes!). AND the equipment has more than FORTY cable channels on it! The staff is also very nice, and the ladies' locker room is clean. Nice, nice people. A very good vibe. All of the above make you actually want to work out. Two esctatic thumbs up. read more

This is my gym. I feel like it is one of the friendliest gyms that I have ever been a member of. They are always trying to just make it better. The hours are great. the staff is always helpful, even if there is an issue between member. They will try to solve it professionally. The trainers there are there to help you. I might not go as often as i should, but I can't see myself joining any other gym. the trainer will always answer you're questions and give you advice, for FREE!!! It's a great family gym, great rates, and so much to offer. the pool is really nice, the machines as well as the whole facility stays clean. There are wipes to wipe down the machine before and after use. towels for sauna, steam room, shower, gym, and pool. It's a great place. This Y is cool. read more

I can watch Food Network AND burn calories-fine by me!! Membership here is worth it. It's affordable, and the gym is housed in a newish building. Steam rooms, b-ball courts, swimming pools, and elliptical/treadmill/stationary bikes outfitted with TV monitors are just a few of the amenities offered. I would avoid going during peak hours-weekdays after 6 pm. Machines fill up quickly, and the wait list is disorganized. Take advantage of a variety of classes like Capoeira, yoga, belly dancing, punk rope and spinning. I honestly haven't tried them yet because I'm too preoccupied with vicariously eating while working out. read more

I don't really understand why no body knows how to answer the phone here... 1 star for city quality gym with private gym prices. read more

LOVE this Y! Maybe this is because I came here from the worst gym ever (Ballys on Tilden), but the Dodge YMCA is great. One thing I did not like in the Spring was that it was a little too warm in here for me (before I started working out), but I mentioned it to someone at the front desk and he was so helpful and offered to change the temperature a bit. Awesome! Anyway, this Y is new, clean, and the people are friendly. Best of all (for me at least) there are TV's on all the cardio machines! This makes the time pass quicker than listening to your ipod. (Downside, there are always a few machines where the tv is not working properly and no one wants to use the machine because we refuse to exercise without being able to watch Top Chef simultaneously). I have not tried the classes, but plan on giving them a try soon. Also in the evening it gets very crowded. And you often have to wait for a machine. Lucky for me I am a student and can go to the gym on off-peak hours. Usually if you go a little later its not too bad(around 7/8). You can do some of the weight machines while waiting so you don't waste time. The 12 week program was great. I really saw a difference and quickly shed those winter pounds. I think I just needed someone to tell me what to do and set up a routine for me. Otherwise I was just randomly wandering the gym and doing machines with no real plan. There are kids everywhere, running around, sometimes screaming so that can be annoying, but it's a Y - so its to be expected. The only time I get frustrated is when I see a child on a weight machine just pretending to do something and goofing around with his friends, I'm not sure whether to ask to use the machine or wait until he's done goofing off. ::sigh:: Usually they see me and just get up on their own. 4 stars. (minus one star for small cardio area and non-working tvs) read more

Since I live across the street, this gym was kind of a no-brainer when I decided it was time to get serious about getting my ass in shape. Aside from the convenience of its location, this YMCA has clean facilities, a great selection of classes, and a decent amount of machines packed into a relatively small space. All the employees are friendly and so far my only gripe is that they close pretty early on the weekends, but hey it's a lot cheaper than NYSC so it's hard to complain! read more

I've been going here for 3 years or so and it's been on steady decline. I'm finally canceling my membership. 1. I started coming to swim but the pool was super gross and kids would "have accidents" in it every weekend. The staff started telling me "you shouldn't swim in there - it's gross" so I stopped. 2. Then I started using the elliptical and treadmills but they're always crowded and about half of them have problems with the TV, resistance, and/or incline. 3. There's always problems with the sauna too. So basically everything I do there has become a hassle and when i've asked if this or that is going to get fixed I'm usually laughed at. The attendants in the men's locker room are rude and don't do anything. An alarm goes off in there and just keeps going for hours because no one comes in to turn it off. $66/month is not that cheap. I'm going to pay an extra $10 and go to NYSC (which allows you to go to any club for free on off-peak hours). read more

I've been coming here regularly for a couple of years and have minimal complaints. I do cardio and weights and am happy with those facilities. The treadmills, some of the bikes, and most of the elliptical machines have tvs on them which I like a lot. I have never used the pool because it seems like every other person I see in the locker room is going swimming and I know it's not that big, and I don't really want to deal with the crowds. The only time that there is a wait for cardio machines is during weeknights in January, which is funny and typical and usually tapers off by late Feb-early March. The steam room and sauna in the ladies always work and are clean. They replace the shower curtains in the locker room often and it's always clean. There are always an abundance of towels, even the small ones needed for your workout. There are multiple hair dryers in the ladies as well if that's your thing. My only real complaint is the recent ladies locker renovation: they doubled the amount of "large" lockers so they are half the size as before. It's not that the lockers are too small, it's the crowding. It's hard to deal with the post-shower situation when someone has a locker right next to yours and you have to move somewhere else mid-lotioning. I'd say this happens about 1/3 of the time, maybe less. read more

It's the beginning of the year: thus, time to start telling myself that I am going to eat health and workout. And the Dodge YMCA, with the low cost and no initiation fee, feeds my optimistic view of my new gym self. The nitty-gritty: -All memberships are month to month. -No pressure... at all. -For January, they are running a special of no initiation fee (normally $150) -Monthly cost's are found here: http://www.ymcanyc.org/index.php?id=296 -The facility is beautiful and new. -While it can be crowded during peek hours, it is not so crowded that you cannot work in with someone else on a machine. -Employees are incredibly friendly. -There are plenty of daily use lockers (bring your own lock), and overnight lockers have a year or so waiting list. read more

Today was my first day and so far so good. Can't wait to go back tomorrow. The staff: So far everyone has been extremely kind and helpful from the front desk, to the towel service, trainers, EVERYone. Always smiling and patient. Patrons: No problems here either although I went at an odd time of day so perhaps I missed the whole screaming kids fiasco I've heard about in other reviews. Everyone has been extremely friendly thus far. Overall atmosphere: Yes, it is extremely humid, but I actually don't mind it so no opinion here. I thought the yoga room was a bit loud. You can hear and feel vibrations from other areas of the facility. Also, I thought the floor in this room was quite dirty, little hairs and dust all around my mat, but Jane the instructor was a pleasure take her hatha yoga class for an easy intro to yoga. Locker room: Overall pretty clean. This is no equinox so it's definitely not the prettiest locker room but keep in mind you're not paying equinox prices either. Also had no problem with the towel service. The first shower stall door does not shut properly, you need to really pull the door into place but that's about it. DON'T FORGET YOUR SHOWER SLIPPERS! Conclusion: excellent bang for your buck. Friendly staff and patrons, great location, wde variety of classes for all levels, good condition gym equipment, SAUNA, STEAM ROOM, pools, child care and more! read more

This is my gym. But for one reason only. The BELLY DANCING class. The belly dancing class is wonderful. I have been doing it for two years now, and I have become dependent on it. It is my love, my motivation. It-and all other classes offered at the gym (which is quite an extensive list, found online if you care to look, but includes pilates, yoga of all kinds, circuit stuff, muscle training, zumba, african dance, hip hop, blah blah blah, etc)...are at no extra cost to members. The gym itself, I am ambivalent if not slightly negatively leaning toward. Here is why: -Too many children running around at all times -Extremely long waits at rush hour (at other times it's fine) -AC/heating systems are messed up (as someone else mentioned, the circulation sucks) -last year there was a stretch of time where I couldn't use my favorite machine cuz it was out of order for legit like 9 mos. WTF. That is unacceptable. -Lotsa ugly lady nudity in the locker room. lol. That is my asshole aside. Why I like it: -There is a rather good variety of machines, and many have TV's, which are quite requisitite to my unimaginative mind. -they give a decent number of guest passes -Again, the free classes -I never feel intimidated in the weight room since there are so many hipster men who are skinnier than me there! haha. read more

God forbid you need something from the behind the desk staff. They sound, look and act as if they're doing you a favor: nice enough to drag themselves to the end of the shift, but no real enthusiasm to you. Let' say their attitude reflect the environment: nice, but a little cold. not completely comfortable. I suggest the management to find a way to motivate them a little bit more. Not to mention, there is an overweight guy, to use an euphemism, that truly doesn't make you feel like exercising. I mean who selects the personal? It's like putting old people in dance clubs or in bars. Absolutely legal, but perhaps not exactly on target? By the way, with the family membership, you can't have kids using the machine if under 12 years old. Not even if supervised by parents. Really? Other than that, the gym is nice, no smile, but being New York, we'll survive. read more