Limited equipment. Nice people. Good parking. Usually clean and safe. They are located very close for me which is very convenient; just wish they had more equipment read more

For a place that is supposed to be family friendly, this place is not. We joined so that our 4-year-old triplets could do swim lessons there and to use the pool to help strengthen their abilities in the water. When signing them up for lessons, I was unable to get all three of them in to one class so I have 2 on Tuesdays and 1 on Thursday. A couple of weeks ago, a lady who identified herself as the head lifeguard told the lifeguard closest to us to tell us that my son (who was waiting his turn to practice floating) wasn't able to be in the water because I was not holding him. I explained that my dad and my husband were working with my other two and I was sitting on the bleachers (typically I do get in the pool but was not feeling great that day) but could stand on the stairs with him. She said, "I'm so sorry in advance but she is coming over to talk to you." She said that I needed to be with my son in the pool (my husband and my dad were standing at the bottom of the steps at this point) - to clarify, each "step" is about 9 ft by 2.5 ft with railings that separate the 3 different sections, so they were not blocking anyone's way in or out at all. I also explained that our entire purpose in being there was to work on their skills since they are new swimmers - but she said that any time they are in the pool they need to be HELD and are not allowed to be on the stairs at all. I asked her if we were able to have them sit on the side of the pool (like they do while they are waiting for their turn in swim lessons) and was told no. I then asked her what we are supposed when it just my husband and me and we have three kids? She said that we would just not be able to have all 3 of them in the pool with us at one time or they had to wear puddle jumpers the whole time. We do not use puddle jumpers or flotation devices with them because we do not want them to gain that false sense of security when in the water and IF it is the two of us, one of us will stay with the two who aren't practicing. I explained this and also tried to explain again that we are there solely to work on their awareness around water and to teach them to swim/float. At this point, we were feeling very targeted because there every time we have been there, there are always people who are playing/waiting on the steps. The next time we went back for our Thursday kid's lesson, my dad got in the pool with 2 out of 3 kids (my husband was changing in the locker room) and my lesson kiddo went in a few steps because he just wanted to show us how he could hold his breath under water. Within a few seconds, a male walked over to us and told us that he couldn't be on the steps. Again, feeling pretty targeted since we had only been there for a few seconds. He said that my kids weren't allowed to be on the stairs because they could walk off the bottom step and cause an event where they needed to be rescued. I explained to him that my kid has a lesson and he just walked in for a second to get wet and we were going to be on our way to the lesson as soon as my husband was out of the locker room. Since he was still standing there mansplaining to me about water safety, I asked him point blank, "So, my husband and I are two people who happen to have three kids... you are telling me that we are not allowed to be at this pool unless we are holding them the entire time?" and he said that is correct and then proceeded to tell me that he is a twin so his mom had to go through this and how because of this he understands my frustration? My husband was there now so I told him ok, I get it, we joined so that we could practice water skills but since you're telling me that with our family situation, that is not possible. In any case, I need to get my son to his lesson now and walked him down. Apparently after that, he decided to continue with my husband. Two minutes later, I see my dad, my husband, and my two other children walking toward us. He told my husband that they HAVE TO put my kids in puddle jumpers and made them all get out of the pool to walk to get them. I intervened at that point and told him that we are NOT going to be using flotation devices and that is NOT what he told me -- my husband and my dad each have a kid and therefore they are not breaking any rules. He said, "well, we strongly advise they have these on". I told him no, absolutely not ONLY purpose here is to teach them to swim -- we have a pool at home that they play in -- this one is for learning. I told my husband and my dad to go ahead and take the other two back so they could work on their skills and that if he had anything else to say to me, he could wait until after my son's lesson. I realize this is a very long review but we joined the Y with the understand that it was a great place for families and that has not been our experience at all. It also isn't enforced across the board which is another big reason for the negative review. read more

This location was amazing from 2009- 2104. It was still very good from 2014- 2019. Since then it has gone downhill and there's no stopping it. If you plan to swim, hot tub or sauna, good luck. Early risers are fine, but all others are screwed. The fitness area is nice. Not overly crowded. Paying extra for the pools is foolhardy! They are hardly ever available from 1pm to 9:45pm (the old closing time), except for swim team practices! Evening hours are 4-7:45 pm, and crowded as hell. Covid ruined this facility and they cannot recover. Facility and aquatics managers have dropped the ball for four years. Join Planet Fitness for 1/2 the price, cuz your not going to get to use the pools anyway. read more

My family went to the Y all the time when I was a kid (not this one.) Sweetie has been a member here for awhile, and she and her mom often go to exercise classes here. I had avoided it, having previously gone to the rec center at my work which is super cheap. But Baby K needed a place to swim, and this works out well. We went as guests of Sweetie, cheaper for what we're doing than getting a family membership. And we will eventually sign up for swim classes, still cheaper to do than joining, and cheaper than swim schools elsewhere. We went on a weekday afternoon; I'm sure it's busy on the weekends but it was just fine for us- some other swimmers, people working out, etc., but no crowds. The pool is great, with marked lanes, a large wading area and steps, diving boards, a slide, etc. Also a hot tub and a therapy pool. We bounced and splashed, etc. I swam a little on my own. The locker rooms are great, with many showers, swimsuit dryer, etc. And we also used the family changing rooms just outside. Everything is clean and seems new, though I know this has been here awhile. Staff were super friendly and helpful. There are exercise areas, basketball courts, there's a place for daycare, etc., etc. I was very impressed. It's big but not huge. Parking is ample. Prices are reasonable compared to exercise clubs. 50 years after my first experiences with them, the Y is still a community asset. read more

Amazing staff amazing ours is even open on Sunday always clean always friendly staff and members. Great pool indoor and outdoor great hot tub great sauna. read more

Every time I come to the Y the air conditioner is broke or turned up to 80 which is everyday. This has been going on for years. I think I will cancel my membership just for this reason. read more

I re-joined the YMCA after gyms re-opened in the fall and have been making my way around to the different branches to take classes and get workouts in. Gahanna has done a good job balancing social distancing in their classes and allowing the maximum amount of access to workout spaces. There are plenty of spray bottles of cleaning solution and paper towels, and hand sanitizer available throughout the facility. If you're looking to get back into group exercise, the Gahanna Y has plenty of classes throughout the week, great for those of us who have missed group exercise over the past year. It's easy to sign up on the website and reserve a space, which eases my mind that I won't be walking into a crowded, not-distanced class - the floor stickers help keep everyone set apart from each other. Although I wear my mask during my workouts, I have felt confident the Y is keeping everyone as safe as possible. read more

Really great YMCA with all the amenities. Can always find a machine and super helpful staff.

It's a beautiful YMCA with everything an active individual could wish for. Well organized equipment, an olympic size pool, a sauna and helpful staff make this location a joy to visit. read more

I love the YMCA but there is this aqua directer and she has been very unprofessional she has threatened to kick me and my family out with her made up rules some life guards quit because of her and has been picking on me I think this YMCA could've been better read more

So far I am NOT impressed. They do NOT keep this place clean, especially the locker rooms. The women's one is filthy and has nasty stagnant water all over the floor and is dangerous! My 3 yr old daughter slipped in it trying to go the bathroom. You have to wait to take a shower or go to the bathroom because there aren't enough stalls obviously. I can only imagine what the men's locker room is like. There's toilet paper all over the floor and the bathroom is super cramped and needs renovation. The indoor pool is freezing!!!! All of the kids start shivering while in the water and worse when they get out of the water. There's only 2 bleacher benches to put your stuff and people just leave stuff all over the place or hog all the seats. There's always kids from all over the city being bused in to the Y, so it's noisy and they splash everywhere. The swim teacher didn't even acknowledge me, a parent, on the first day. She didn't introduce herself, anything. I still don't even know the chick's name! The staff never acknowledges anyone, greets anyone...I don't see them cleaning or anything. Don't even know where they are. The gym equipment looks ancient! You can tell that nothing has been done to this location since like the 90s. Step up your game Y, because I am totally not interested in ever joining one after my first experience with the Y being the Gahanna location. read more

UPDATE: Gahanna closed Clark Hall due to funding issues and the fact that the school wanted some space in the building. That really sucked. As a long time member, just about over the YMCA. I wanted to share my experiences so that people know what they're getting into when and if they join. This particular branch seems to be the busiest of the Central Ohio branches I've attended, which include Liberty/Powell, Downtown, Eldon and Grove City. I've also been to the Licking Family branch in Newark. Based on visiting these branches I can tell you that the Gahanna branch is also the dirtiest, by far. I don't know what the facilities staff does all day. They have clean towels, I guess. The women's locker room is (like some other branches, so this isn't a discriminatory statement) in dire need of an overhaul. No matter what time of year it is, the changing area is too hot. I had to stop working out and showering there before work because in the winter, it was difficult to want to put your clothes on and in the summer, just unbearable -- no point in doing your hair. They always, always, always have a problem with the humidity and temperature in there which I consider a building/ HVAC failure. Don't experience this at Powell or Downtown, which I have also showered at. If you don't want a gym that is absolutely overrun with children, avoid. If you want to use the pool in the summer, go really early and leave soon because parents let their kids run around unsupervised. The group fitness can sometimes get stale, but I admit they try to add in things or switch up schedules to accommodate people as much as possible. They have a very hard time keeping really good classes like boot camps (with people who can actually teach varied workouts) and TRX in the evening time which is a problem. If you like to cycle, cycle, cycle, do 15 different types of yoga and do BODYPUMP, you'll be happy. Some instructors are not very good, but haven't yet been coached or removed. However, overall, the instructors are very, very good there. Often the music is played entirely too loud--no one needs to burst an ear drum to "feel" the music working out. They need to better allocate capital expenditures to provide for aging equipment, especially the cycle bikes. This is the only branch where I've seen them still using the first generation Spinner bikes. No one ever wants to use them in class, so you've got maybe, 5 bikes right away that no one will use. You also have to move and set up your own bike because they don't have a dedicated cycle studio. Their front desk area has improved much over the years and are very organized. There is child watch if you have kids. I don't recommend taking any of their group fitness / nutrition classes as these have gone seriously downhill over the past few years. They used to have an actual registered dietitian and a personal trainer doing the classes. The last class I want to there was 1 person doing the class who immediately said, "I'm not a nutritionist" and commenced reading from materials about the food portion. So, then, why were we paying for the combo class? It was a rip off as evidenced by the fact that about half of the class dropped out before the end of it. I kept going because I was going to work out regardless and figured I would work out with the group. The best thing about Gahanna is the boutique studio at Clark Hall, which they will use exclusively for group fitness classes after January 2017. I'm going to have to do some thinking about whether to join a new place or not or just stick with working out near my job for a better experience at another branch. read more

This is a fairly nice community recreation center. I've only used their swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. Their indoor pool is large enough with 5 lap lanes. The area is basically clean and so is the locker room. The area where the exercise equipment and walking track is ample with lots of different equipment. For their membership price it's a good deal. read more

I love this YMCA. The staff is incredibly nice and they do their best to keep it clean and smelling good at all times. The indoor pool isn't too cold, and the pool room is very warm so you don't freeze on your way in and out. The workout machines are almost always in order and it's rare that you can't use the kind of machine that you want. Probably the best thing about the Y is their childwatch program. You can work out knowing that your kid is being looked after in a large, well lit, clean room, filled with lots of toys. We've had no problems at all with it, and our son begs us to take him. One last thing, about the Gahanna YMCA is that you see people of all shapes, sizes, ages and races. You never have to feel like you stick out because it is such an eclectic group. If you're a beginner or a marathon runner, they've got something for you. read more

One of the nicest Y's in town. New and clean facility, outdoor pool, updated equipment, and a huge, open childwatch area. Perfect for families! read more

Gahanna YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Gahanna, Ohio

Well, there isn't too much more I could ask for out of a YMCA. I come here for the fitness classes i.e. Boot Camp, Muscle Conditioning, Y-Cycling, Dance Fusion, Step & Sculpt, Circuit Training, Yoga & Tai Chi, which have all been AWESOME. I feel like my butt is being kicked when I step inside the studio and that is exactly what I want. I love the diversity of people in my classes...old, young, professionals, students etc. I also love the fact that this is a community gathering place in addition to a gym. They have great programs for the youth and for the elderly. My 88 yr old grandfather works out here 3 days a week. He volunteers a 4th day; arriving at 6am he meticulously folds over a 100 towels for that day's usage. I'm all about supporting an organization that is committed to our community and my family. It just makes me feel that much better being there. The staff is incredibly helpful, fresh towels every time you walk in (thank you Gramps) and a super CLEAN environment. BONUS: There is no annual contract. I pay $45/mo (cost for 1 adult). read more

I used to LOVE to come here & work out. I used to get on the elliptical for an hour or more, watch tv and get my work out on. **NOT ANY MORE** They took out all the ellipticals but 2. I have NO IDEA why they would do this. They were always full. Even with 20 of them, sometimes I would have to wait for one to be available. What did they replace them with? A horrible butt torcherer. After doing this machine for an hour (I only did level 4...on ellipticals I could do level 8 no problem) the next day my butt and legs hurt sooooooooooooo bad I was limping around the office like a 90 year old lady with a bad hip that had just slipped on some ice and fell down a flight of stairs. Yes, it was that bad. I choose not to go here anymore because I don't have an hour to stand and wait for an elliptical to open up and I chose NOT to put my gluteus maximus muscles through any more unnecessary pain. read more

Sorry for some of the members with children who have had a bad experience. Not good. That noted, I have belonged to the Gahanna Y since it opened. A special privilege since it is six tenths of a mile from my house. I usually run to the Y, run on the treadmill, lift weights, and run back home adding to my total distance. I think it is a fine facility and well managed from my perspective. Because of excessive use...lots of people, it occasionally gets a little dirty, but staff people work tirelessly to keep up with the crowd. I take seriously running on the tread and watching CNN. There have been occasional problems...CNN, of all the channels, not working? They also took seriously my suggestion that a few of the treadmills needed to be in front of one of the TVs tuned to CNN, and rearranged some of the work machines. Good job, and thanks! Only complaint -- protocol in the weight machine area. People don't seem to understand that with weight machines it is possible to change settings on machines--in 10 seconds, do your rotations, move away, and then someone else does the same thing, then you come back. In other words, rotations allow for maximum usage of the machines if everyone follows these procedures. That is preferable to one person using a machine until they get finished with their reps. Also, there is a tendency sometimes for people to sit down and rest or wait on one of the benches. Well, someone else might be eying that bench for their turn at bench press, or whatever. And finally, is it really necessary to make huge crashing noises when lifting weights? Other than these minor complaints, I think the Gahanna Y is a great asset to the community, a great place to go. Two pools in the summer, weight room, small, indoor track, basketball, group classes, summer camp, swim teams and a staff that takes very seriously their engagement with the clientele which represents a very diverse community. Hooray for the Gahanna YMCA. read more

Unfortunately today I had another negative experience at this YMCA. My family of 6 took advantage of the basketball court family reservations. The children were having a good time. They were playing together and working with my partner to further strengthen their basketball skills when one of the staff members came onto the court questioning whether or not my partner had a membership and accusing him of running a class. Again it was just him and our children on the court while I was watching from the side. Then as we were leaving she stopped us again, accusing him of not having a membership. We have had a membership since 2018 and always stop at the from to scan in an confirm our reservations (which we had scheduled) He had rescan his membership card to prove that he had a membership. I am not sure if the issues I have had with this particular YMCA are racially motivated, however I feel very uncomfortable bringing my family to this YMCA. I have been under the impression that the YMCA is a family member establishment that welcomes people of ethnicities, races, and religions. At this point I am not sure if the staff at this particular YMCA follow the same beliefs. I am not sure what else is expected of us so that we could peacefully enjoy the experience we pay for monthly. I am very disappointed. read more

This YMCA is amazing. Since I signed on, they have been extremely attentive and friendly. They've gone out of their way to encourage me in my weight loss. The equipment is well-maintained, The pool area is very nice. The facility is clean and organized. One of my major fears, of being mocked for my weight and lack of fitness by attendees or staff, has been completely untrue. The class I am attending, Moving Forward, is amazing. Good workout, great instruction and dietary changes. Chris and Molly have been amazing in helping to restructure my life into a more fit and active form. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it. read more

Love this place always so nice to me almost always says hi to me when I walk in every time. Pool is amazing and I live their classes

This is one of my regular Y stops in traveling Ohio on business. The face that my membership allows me to go to any Y in the country any time I want is an incredible benefit. Not to mention that the membership helps support programs youth that reap untold benefits. But I digress. The Gahanna Y is the Y of choice if I am in the Columbia vicinity. I have not had a problem getting a lane in the indoor pool which is pleasant enough. I do not think it has an outdoor pool which is a downer in the summer when swimming outside is my preference. The neighborhood around the Y is suitable for an outdoor run if you don't mind subdividing jogging. There are no trails but the suburban streets are safe if not boring. I tend to prefer more of an urban jog myself. There is a pond across the street however. The work out equipment is passable if not somewhat limited. I was able to get a good full body circuit in and the people were pleasant enough. Definitely recommend this Y for swimming but if you want a better jog, to the downtown Y where you can hook up with the Sciota nature trail a few blocks away. read more

This review is for Ymca's everywhere and especially central Ohio. Membership at one means membership at all. So that is a location bonus. Further Saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, indoor laps, weight training equipment and swimming pools. Great stuff in this place. They even have Class and Classes too. Their heritage is good to read up on to guys. read more

I've been going to this Y off and on since it opened in 2004. It has gone downhill. The pool is full of harrassing teens and folks who dont use proper attire. Lifeguards don't pay much attention and when they do whistle they don't say anything so you don't know what they are whistling about. I'm afraid to go in the gyms full of foul mouth teens. I will say that the equipment area is nice and there are a lot of programs offered. Recent experiences at the pool have left a bad taste in my mouth, however. Updated on 9/6/12: had to cancel family membership. Kids were being roughhoused in the pool by other, not-too-friendly, kids. Lifeguards just shrugged their shoulders and said "This is the worst I've seen it." Manager on duty just stood around and watched, never really reacted when told what was happening. Several annoying kids seemed not to have an adult with them, and we're clearly not in proper swimming attire. (yuck). One kid could not even keep (his?) swimming shirts up, with half his backside showin at all times. We've had enough. We immediately went in to cancel, and the manager said someone would call us within three days to discuss. NO ONE EVER CALLED ! Save your money and aggravation. Go to another gym, any other gym. Or, you could do like we are doing and start up on P90x and plan to go to a different pool next summer. As a former Y employee, I know about the four core values that the Y is supposed to teach. This branch seems to have forgotten them. read more

We love love love the Y!!!! I've been coming here religiously for 8 months and the staff, machines and service is great! Everything is clean, they have TONS to do and the people are super nice and friendly. My daughter loves going to the child watch room and the staff in there is fantastic! This is my little peace of heaven and home-away-from-home. read more

I love our YMCA! Great services provided for a nominal fee considering it's for the entire family. Swimming, working out, aerobics classes etc. We have had a membership at the location in Grove City for 5 years without a single complaint. read more

Used to love going here before I wanted to get personal trainer. Let me tell you. It was nearly impossible to get one! I sent in about 10 interest forms and receiving an email stating a trainer will be in contact with you in 24 hours. It was about 4 months before they got back to me.... I quit going to the trainer months later due to a serious knee injury. Now I am back on my leg cleared to do most workouts(some restrictions) I am trying to get a trainer again(last trainer I had schedule didn't match up anymore) the same thing is happening again... I don't want to go tain to the managers again. No trainer apperently wants my business.... Already canceled my family membership read more

I have been attending the 10:45 warm water exercise class for 10 years on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Suddenly the Thursday class has been cancelled and replaced by I Chee. I tried that class out and it's just not what I need AND the class IS NOT well attended. To get my two days a week in, I tried joining the earlier class (9:45) or the later class (11:45). They are FULL due to my original class being cancelled; therefore, I can't get in even after waiting on a Wait List. I really need the two days a week due to Fybromyalsia -- and I'm not alone. PLEASE bring back the warm water class on Thursdays (10:45) and move the I Chee to another time. Seems the instructor likes it better than most people. I appreciate anything you can do!!!!! read more

I had a terrible time getting anyone on the phone for over 20 minutes to answer 1 question which was, "Can I take a water class to try it out then pay for it if I like it?" This is standard practice in all the YMCA's that I have been. They said absolutely not. You can watch but unless you pay you cannot join. They (Maria) were rude that I asked for a manager. She (Berny) said the class has one spot open if you want it you need to pay now or online as soon as possible. She confirmed that they don't let you try out any class. How ridiculous is that!!!! And pushing me to pay right now!!! I don't think so. I was interested because of the good things I heard but there is no way (in you know where) that I will step one foot in that building!!! read more

When I first got my membership at the Y I was pleased. I liked that you could go month to month, they have an indoor and outdoor pool, however any exercise classes cost an extra fee. The outdoor pool is not that large and tends to get very busy. There's little exercise that can be done in this pool with all the people in it. There are no designated lap lanes in the outdoor pool. Only in the indoor. Also, many people get scholarships to go here which brings in a riff raff factor. I'm not wealthy by any means yet I have to pay full price. It's a bit run down. And the staff will BLAST the heat in the winter. When you are working out- this is not a good thing. Also they will not enforce their rules of no children in the fitness area. I've had to wait because children were playing on the machines. It is nice this is not a meat market and you will see all sizes and shapes, but it's not for me. I prefer Lifetime Easton where I am going now. read more

Very disappointed with swimming lessons. Totally unorganized and unprofessional. The instructors were in all different swim wear, not professional at all. The children were placed in water over their head and were clinging to the side of the pool. I use the lanes myself and know even adults are swimming in waist high water just fine. The instructor was looking around to see what everyone was doing except the students. One swimmer became distressed and all broke loose scaring not only the little ones but the parents as well. The guard on duty was holding a water bottle the entire time and had to fling it when the alarm was sounded. We asked many questions about the confusion, not one straight answer was given. We were told that if a child was 5, he or she should be able to swim the length of the pool with no problem. What?? Why the swim lessons then, did I miss something? Don't take lessons unless you can swim the length of the pool and if you are 3.5 tall , you better be able to handle water 4 or more, over your head? I have no problems with the site being clean, temp. good but where did the professional staff disappear to?? read more