I used to go to this family YMCA location, known as the Don Wheaton YMCA. It's the newest one in town, and thus has the newest gym equipment. I was never one to work out much, but this gym made it fun and easier for me.
They have a public indoor pool, basketball court, and childcare centre on the main floor. The pool is rarely busy, so my boyfriend and I went a lot in the summer during the extremely hot days. You have to check their pool hours though, because they have a specific schedule for it to accommodate public swimming with family, lane, and member swimming, along with their aqua-fit and aqua jog classes. The basketball court is usually quite busy, with people either shooting hoops or playing badminton if the nets are up.
The gym is located upstairs (there is elevator access), where there is also a studio room for pilates and yoga, and a walking/running track. If you're using the track, make sure you know what day it is because they alternate the direction each day (you don't want to run into opposing traffic!).
The gym is fantastic, and my favorite part of the whole facility. I usually spend my time doing cardio, because all the machines there -- ellipticals, treadmills, those bike thingys -- have individual tv screens. So you can watch your favorite show while you're burning calories! It actually made working out more fun for me, and it distracts your mind from the burning sensations in your muscles.
Of course, they have weights and resistance training as well, with the usual big mirror where people can admire their muscles bulging. The fitness staff are always on hand, so you can ask them for help if you need it. They also do personal training, if you feel you require it.
Bathrooms are accessible everywhere, and are pretty clean. The changing rooms are spacious and have plenty of lockers. Of course, I can only vouch for the ladies' locker room, but it's one of the better ones I've seen. They supply a hair dryer and skin moisturizing lotion at the grooming table, in case you forgot yours. The changing rooms are also very roomy.
Membership at the YMCA is pretty pricey though, so I haven't been able to afford to keep coming here. They do have drop-in and punch-card passes available, but if you go to the gym a lot, it's better to get the full membership. If you just want to try it out, go to their website and print off their free 3-visit pass, and see if you like it before you buy. read more