Very disappointed with how things were handled today at the Marblehead YMCA. All last summer and even this past week, our kids were allowed to go down the slide without issue. Suddenly today (July 13 around 1:30 PM), we were told our daughter couldn't use the slide without passing a swim test -- something we were never informed about, and something that's not listed anywhere online. What's worse is that the rules seem to change depending on which lifeguard is working. When I asked for a full list of pool rules (just like I previously asked for slide/indoor pool hours), no one -- not the lifeguards or front desk staff -- could give me any answers. The so-called "manager" on duty refused to give her name, was incredibly rude, and wouldn't explain why the rules had changed or where I could even find them. Her only explanation was, "New year, new rules." That's not an acceptable - she was extremely unprofessional, disrespectful and rude! For the record, I even called in June to ask specifically about the indoor slide and was told nothing about swim tests or new restrictions. YMCA members deserve consistency, transparency, and basic respect. Right now, that's not what we're getting at the Marblehead location. read more

Long time member using the new locker room until Men's is rehabbed. Needs a bench in the changing rooms to put on pants and shoes. Someone is going to fall in one of these rooms especially with the wet floors, as the only place to sit is on the toilet seat to get dressed. An 18" bench right outside each shower would be a big help. Also, a small shelf in the shower for toiletries etc. Also, lockers are on the small side but I can live with Thank you, Paul Girard, Nahant. read more

I only take the Zumba classes there. I am fussy about zumba classes because i have some background in studying various styles of dance, and I expect the instructors to have had some prior dance training. Otherwise, the classes are basically jumping around like aerobics. But I am so happy that the instructors there (Liz, Tania, and Cristy) are well trained in dance and offer really great classes with outstanding choreography! read more

I was going to give them a bad rating, but I don't want to deal with the Lynch mob, so I won't. I was going to say no to the stranger with candy in the parking lot, but I ended up getting in his Van. I was going to use the Loo in the lobby, but it was busy, so I had to use the Otterloo. Very interesting YMCA which was almost 99% Caucasian in terms of employees and patrons (which is a negative, obviously, as diversity is always better and I hope you agree) by the looks of it, on the day I was here, but then the North Shore is a bit like that. This is also is one of the busiest YMCAs I've ever been to in the sense of there was nothing that wasn't being used. At least they have lots of benches to compensate for the fact that they have so many people using it but still extremely busy. The woman at the front desk was not too friendly but at least she let me in without demanding identification. I appreciated that but definitely some attitudes on the way in and the people inside the gym where hit or miss in terms of their attitudes as well. A couple of nasty individuals indeed, but I have that at my gym too in Buffalo, even moreso in Houston. Great views and a beautiful location close to the beach - you can't really ask for much more than that. 4 stars only because it's farrrrr too busy read more

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Great equipment, instructors and classes to get you in shape BUT NO security in locker rooms. Even with a lock, some creep broke my lock and stole my cash! Be aware! Front desk person very blasé as though it's common. Very disappointed business manager only responds to those with praise but not those who have valid concerns. Coming up on 8 months since break-in and never even a peep from the Y! Sad. New lockers offer inferior protection so do not bring valuables with you. read more

I am basing this review off of the overall fitness experience at the YMCA. I often wonder if the YMCA is a health club or a day care center. The place is always filled with children on the weekends and it seems as though their Parents just let them do whatever they want. Also, the majority of the middle aged female women that workout there are extremely caddy! The actualy equipment is good but during peak exercise times it can be very hard to get on the equipment because there's really only 1 of each kind of equipment. I do like that they have t.v.'s on most of the exerise machines but I had to write numerous suggestion cards because they wouldn't wouldn't play Fox News on the big TV and chose to show the biased media stations like CNN, ABC, and CBS. THey finally listended to my suggestion after I said I was going to cancel my membership and they now have Fox news playing on one of the big tv's. They have a large variety of exerise classes and alot of times which is convienet and probably the one of the best things about the YMCA besides the pool. The pool is awesome when their aren't children running amuck everywhere. Parking is an absolute nightmare!!! *****Here is a great tidbit. This YMCA is much more expensive than other YMCA"s in the area like Lynn, Peabody, or Beverly and they are all affiliated. So if your looking to save some money each month then sign up at one of the other affiliated YMCA's and just use the the Lynch van Otterloo YMCA because it's free of charge and there arent any restrictions! read more

Lynch/Van Otterloo YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Marblehead, Massachusetts

Unfortunately I had to cancel my membership at the YMCA as they continue to cut back hours and staff. I don't find the facility to be clean anymore. I really enjoyed using the infrared sauna but unfortunately it is constantly broken and the door has never been properly repaired so it is not able to heat up. every time I have gone after 4 o'clock in the afternoon I am reminded at least three times that I need to be out of the building before 5 o'clock. this takes away from the relaxing aspect of coming to work out when you're constantly being reminded you need to leave the premises. I have never left after closing time since I've been a member And always and walking out before 5 o'clock. read more

Used to be good, filled with kids and bad locker rooms. Don't even try the outdoor pool when it's hot out, there are no lounges or chairs

the pool is great for kids & parents imo. the gym is complete with a gymnastics area too. gym has a separate room as well for yoga etc.

My husband and I joined before it even opened we were so excited. It started out with a bang! Pools, rock climbing, lots of classes, clean locker rooms. Most of those items are still going strong. They do have very clean locker rooms (they are secure as well). They also still offer many classes but here is where the first con comes in. They don't offer any classes in the 7am time frame. The classes either start at 5:45am or 8:30am. One is too early and one is too late. They have done a better job of offering classes later at night though (around 7:30pm). They have a ton of machines and just about every piece of workout equipment you could imagine. But at peak times, it is difficult to get on a machine and they institute a 30 minute rule (I feel like I'm the only person who follows it). An excellent point, is that I feel that all the members do a very good job of wiping down equipment after each use. One of the biggest negatives is parking. They are working on it. But, parking at this place after work is like trying to find a parking spot at the mall on Christmas Eve. My only other issue is that they seem to do things on a reactive basis. Nothing is really ever proactive. I feeling like they are only fixing things or improving after it is broken/has been broken for sometime. Out of all the gyms in the area - this Y is a great option. I would recommend it to my friends, it just has some negative qualities like most gyms you would find. read more

I love this gym - its amazing. Its definitely the best gym around the Salem / MHead / Swampscott area. A few reasons why its top notch: - Great equipment - personal TVs on many of them. All very well maintained - Clean, pristine - Friendly staff - Even when its crowded I can still find a good cardio machine - The most diverse and robust class schedule I've ever seen. There is something to fit everyone's schedule. The Spin bikes are the nicest I've ever seen and I've done Spinning at a number of different gyms - Three pools, and one has a fun water slide WOOO! - I don't have kids, but this place is as family friendly as it gets - Cafe in the entrance with free wifi - Rock wall - Boston Ballet has a program there - Personal training is affordable as compared to other gyms The reason I don't give it a 5 star rating is that its very very crowded and parking can be a nightmare. I don't mind though - what you get is well worth the inconvenience of having to spend a few extra minutes finding a spot. Just plan to leave early if you are going to a class to make sure you get there on time, especially during peak hours. One other thing to note - if you like Spin like I do, there is a two day window in advance of the classes to sign up. They usually fill up but if you plan ahead you can definitely get a seat in the class you want. read more

I would have to say this is one of the nicer YMCAs in the area, although I have heard Peabody is right up there as well. The cost increased by $1 this year for membership and I pay $67 per month for 2 adults and a child. This location houses Boston Ballet and has a huge gymnastics area. There is a cafe, a rock climbing wall, a large in door pool and a smaller one that had a water slide. They have a huge outdoor pool that has a gradual decline to enter and no stairs with a rail running on one side. There are numerous water makers in the pool which the kids love. The deep end is only 5 feet so there is no diving. They do have loungers and chairs which are on a first come basis. Right now they have a section of the patio unaccessible because they are constructing a cabana so I was told. If you want to bring guests who aren't members it is $4 a child and $14 for an adult I believe. They do (or are supposed to) blow the whistle every hour and have everyone exit the pool so they can test the water. They have at least 3 lifeguards on duty at the outside pool. The bathrooms/changing/locker rooms are located inside. The family locker room always seems on the dirty side and kinda grosses me out. I feel they could pay better attention to this one. I have taken many classes here and used the equipment and loved it... Especially Yoga. You can't beat the membership price for what you get and the staff here are always pleasant and helpful. read more

The location is great of you are local..the place seems huge when you walk in but man its cramped and crowded and the weight room is just awful. I hade high hopes but it's not for anyone serious about weights. read more

This is the only YMCA I have been to due to the convenience of the location being like 5 minutes away from my house. I love it! Very clean equipment and has a relaxing environment to it. I do think the membership prices are a bit high each month; definitely should be lowered! But this YMCA will always be my go to exercise place! read more

Very nice facility! 3 pools, brand new equipment, super accommodating staff. I had to pay $15 to get in, even as a guest of a member, but on our way out one of the managers gave us a free pass for the rest of the week. read more

Lynch/Van Otterloo YMCA - Not cool to photo people working out so here's a shot of the cafe - Gyms Near Me - Marblehead, Massachusetts

Love this y. Nice and clean equipment. Can get busy during peak hours but could be worse. Indoor & outdoor pool + basketball courts. Knocking a star since the mens locker room always has a heavy funk.. wished they cleaned the steam room more and cracked down on the nasty guys who shave in it. read more

This is a beautiful and modern ymca located up on Leggs Hill. Always busy. The fitness center is very large it is still packed, they also have good music playing and a healthy and attractive crowd. The bathrooms could use some better ventilation and cleaning. They are hot and smelly . A few extra lights in the parking lot would not hurt either. Both could be a safety issue. read more

I rejoined the Y after taking a break for a few years. I had joined this brand new facility because it was the best in the area when I first moved closer to Boston (I really miss the Fitness Factory in Nbpt!). But I had a weird experience with a trainer bound and determined to have me run a marathon (I don't even run when zombies are chasing me) and had stopped going when I was well and thoroughly demotivated (I paid money for that!). Well, it's been long enough that I don't remember her name, so after checking out the other local options I went back to Legg's Hill on the edge between Marblehead and Salem. This Y has beautiful indoor and outdoor pools, even a big slide that everyone can try out!, and my goal is to be fit enough to start swimming regularly. In the meantime, I've started the Y Fit routine and I can highly recommend yoga with Lisa. There are about a zillion elliptical, treadmill, stairmaster and bike options, and word on the street is that they're replacing some (all?) of their circuit machines. The women's locker room is super spacious, and they have a sauna that I want to try. Yep, there's a swimming suit dryer, too. The Y Fit is the best option so far for programming/tracking a fitness routine using your iphone, laptop or ipad -- though it is far from perfect. Bummer: I haven't had any problems parking, but it can sometimes be difficult to avoid muscleheads on free weights. The Expresso bikes are cool because you can check your progress on line -- but only if you're actually able to log in when you start your ride. Bonus: The views from this joint are killer! Yoga while watching the sky, blue or overcast, is at its very best here. And is there anything cooler than walking past a ballerina's tutu and toe shoes to stretch out your yoga mat in the Boston Ballet studio? read more

To start, my review is not based on the fitness equipment and group exercise classes at this facility. The place is beautiful and fully loaded when it comes to workout equipment and necessities. However, my rating is simply based on the experiences I've had here. I'm a school teacher in Boston that lives in Lynn. I have a membership at the Dorchester YMCA because during the school year, it's easier for me to go to that Y since it's closer to my job. However, during the summer, I go to the Marblehead YMCA because it's not as far as Dorchester, and it's more convenient. My first issue with this place is that they tried to restrict me from coming on Saturday mornings. They said it's due to parking issues because many of its members come on Saturday mornings. Soooo, what if I walked there? What if I got dropped off by a friend? I still can't come? They said no. So, I stopped coming to this Y on Saturdays and came a few times during the week. Just today (after sticking to this routine for over two years), the receptionist told me that I've been going to this Y more often as opposed to my original Y. And, that the Marblehead Y will start restricting "non-members" from coming as often. She said that I had been there 5 times already for the month (it's August 11th) and that soon, someone is going to stop me from coming because I've only been to the Dorchester Y 4 times. I only go to the Marblehead Y maybe 3 times a week for a few classes that I thoroughly enjoy. The instructors are awesome and I truly see results from those workouts. I don't use their pools, free babysitting, or anything else. Classes and then I leave. So, what's the issue? I don't understand this policy. Are they expecting me to change memberships in the summer when I'm not working in Boston? Do they not understand that I am a school teacher that commutes during the year and will use the most convenient YMCA in the summer? What happened to "My Y is Every Y?" Clearly, my Y is NOT every Y! When I signed up to be a member of the YMCA, I got it because of its reciprocity. I was told that I could go to any Y in New England. I thought that was perfect for me because of my traveling and commuting with work. Now, it seems like that's not the case. It seems to me that the Marblehead Y is upset because I pay less than their original members. Their members pay around $59 for the same amenities that the Dorchester Y offers. It also seems to me that they are trying to maintain a certain demographic of people attending their facility and exclude others... I don't understand what they're trying to do, but I don't like it. There are no signs or anything in their building that shows or explains this policy... if it really is one at all. I just feel that after they've seen my and my friends' faces too many times, these new "policies" started to be created. They don't have to worry about me attending their gym or recommending it to anyone anymore. read more

I feel so lucky to have this Y in our back yard. Just waiting for the tennis courts.

During last year, the fitness center never seems to have shaft member on duty to help. In the very rare occasion someone is found, seems they don't have the training to advise on using the equipment. For the last week, a Cybex machine has been broken, still waiting for a repair. As a member for 3+ years, the machines have been pretty used and torn. For the money, seems most goes toward kids activates, while the jocks rule the fitness center, not a good place for 40-65 age group. read more

I am a member of the Boston YMCA and I go to the Van Otterloo a couple times a month with my two young daughters [1 and 3]. We enjoy the spacious playroom for the kids, and the open preschool playtime in the gym. We often stop for lunch in the cafe. We always make a full morning out of our trips to this Y. read more

Great new club for the North Shore. 4 Squash courts, 3 pools (2 in 1 out), climbing wall, huge weight room and equipment room, full court bball, nice new facilities and clean. Lots of active members, too. Makes you want to work out. read more

I am a local yoga teacher and a local mother, I have to say this is the most family friendly club I have ever been to. I love that there is childcare available so I can take a few yoga classes or workout, and I also love the variety of activities available to my children. The staff is super friendly and the club is actually clean! A marvelous experience indeed! read more

Held my daughters 3rd Birthday there today and while she had fun, I was disappointed. Based on the cost of this venue, I didn't feel as if we got what we paid for. I booked a "bounce house, sports theme" party months prior which allowed me to keep in contact with both Lauren and Rene via email and phone to go over details about the day and time. I was told to drop off all the decorations and balloons the day before the party and they would decorate the space for me. I arrived 30 minutes prior to the party only to notice no decorations had been put up and when I asked about balloons they said "we don't normally do balloons". This was not the agreement we had when I put my deposit down for the venue. I spent the next 30 minutes running around insuring things were set up properly. Rene was assigned as my party planner and while she was helpful she also made me feel as if I was an annoyance. She also yelled at my daughter as well as one of our guests children for "running" in the room that I paid to rent. I should never have watched one of guests children cry because he felt "he couldn't have fun". read more

My 2yr old son loves the activities and kids club here. I love going to Zumba! It's a beautiful space too! Parking can be a hassle at times though. read more

Its a shame! We've been members for 12 years and my kids grew up here. The past year or so it has changed tremendously. Non members are let in to use the gym. The gym is also rented out to multiple basketball leagues. During open gym teenagers from other town come in large groups and play full court games in both sides of the gym. Many have threatened the kids trying to shoot hoops calling them names etc. there isn't any supervision of the gym at night. We've made multiple complaints and were not heard at all. There is no concern for the safety of members. Multiple people have had things taken. Kids that used to meet there and shoot hoops during open gym are shoved out by this crowd. My kids have tried to reserve the squash court to have somewhere to play but, are always harassed by Members of North Shore Squash who now rent that out. Members no longer have Their membership privileges because, it is rented out to others or big groups are coming in unsupervised and interfering with members being able to use gym accommodations. It has become, unsafe for teenagers to go and enjoy their YMCA. It's wrong! They will wait until something bad happens before, they change anything. We pay $100 per month for membership benefits my kids can't even use. The pool used to be great but, rules are not unforced. Kids and adults go in with long hair which is supposed to be tied back. Last few times We swam there there were all hairs tangled on our hands. It's overcrowded and somebody is always s going to the bathroom in the pool so it has to be closed. read more

Epic failure of administrative part, even after "improved" setup that opened at the end of summer 2017 and was supposed to "improve things greatly". Nobody knows anything, this place is a complete mess, starting up top with executive director and ending at the front desk. read more

This review is primarily about the water aerobics program. The facility is new, well equipped but not large enough for the number of members. I think basically they grossly underestimated the potential membership when they build the place. While they Y indicates they are for everyone, the focus is really about the kids and leaves many of us older folks out. The water aerobics program has been mismanaged in its use of the big pool when they moved to this new facility. Parking is also frustrating. read more

McWil squash courts -- state of the art; 3 singles courts, one doubles court. A friendly squash community: men/women/children, little kids to senior citizens, rank beginners to all americans; Individual and group lessons with seasoned pros; in house ladders and tournaments as well as Mass State competitive teams. What a beautiful place to play squash! read more

Too bad I can't leave zero stars! Dirty, gross, mismanaged, and the Director Brian Flynn is a complete joke. Clueless desk, rude employees, for such a nice building, it is a pit of loser management! read more

I love this ymca. I have been a member for a few years. The staff is friendly. The gym is the best part. It has such a great variety of options. The elliptical selection is great. The gym is always very clean. I have been to a lot of gyms, and this one takes it for me. read more

This is a gorgeous facility and the price cannot be beat. But I have a lot of problems. First, I repeatedly tried to get someone in the fitness office to respond to my requests for personal training. At the suggestion of a friend (who also encountered this dismal customer service), I contacted one of my favorite Spinning instructors about personal training but she never responded to my emails. Other problem is that yoga classes NOT for beginners. I left one class in the middle because it was too hard and no one helped. I now go to classes at Yoga-Sakti in Salem where they offer several classes for beginners/those recovering from injuries. Finally the lack of imagination in class offerings and inconvenient times (what about working people). But I'll keep membership because I want to take swim lessons and the pools are amazing. Let's hope I'm not disappointed again. read more

I no longer live in the area, but I still occasionally go to the North Shore to take Chrissy's Kickboxing class. It is hardcore and one of the best workouts you can get. I highly recommend her class. Chrissy really motivates you and takes you the distance. read more

Great facility ,new equipment, could use a true Smith Machine ,Inversion table and separate stretching areas. The weight area is slightly overcrowded with equipment and can make finding an area without intruding on an others area can be a challenge and almost impossible when crowded which is most the time. 3 pools and no whirlpool is kinda strange though. read more

This is a state of the art beautiful facility that wants to take you for every penny you have. My two children have year round youth memberships. Two summers ago, to my dismay, they were not allowed to use the outdoor pool without paying extra or upgrading to a family membership. Last year this rule changed that they could use the outdoor pool as part of their membership. I have just learned today, right before we headed out to use their outdoor pool with their youth memberships in hand, that each of them would have to pay $10 and I would have to pay $5 to accompany them. So $25 for one visit to the pool in a facility that we pay to "belong" to. Nowhere on their website do they disclose exclusions by membership. I was told by the front desk that an email was sent out to members which I have checked and double checked - I never got. My only other option is to increase from our 2 youth memberships ($32/month) to a family membership ($104/month). I will be cancelling what we have and won't be returning. Shame on you YMCA. read more

LOVE the indoor pool for the kids (heated!), the outdoor pool, as well. Great facility, childcare staff are wonderful. They have so many resources - open gym, open gymnastics, rock climbing, great classes - the list just goes on and on. The main fittness area is spacious and clean - love it. SO glad to have such a nice gym in the area. read more

A state of the art facility that I use 5-6 times a week. Fitness is an important part of my life and this YMCA is the best I've ever been to. The equipment is always updated, the facility always clean and the staff always available. A bargain at $52.00 per month. Anyone who gives this Y less than 4 stars is either very picky or cheap. read more

I signed up on 7/26/2017 for an individual membership. I realized that I was not able to make it to the YMCA during their hours of operation on August 7, 2017. I emailed them and requested a refund, if not for all of July and August, then just for August, as I had not set foot in this YMCA, or any for that matter. They prorated the cost of the membership and the membership fee, charging me more than the membership was supposed to be, then charged me for the whole month of August and WILL NOT refund me even the prorated amount for the amount of days that had passed in August. On a reciept I have from them, it says they charged me July 26, August 1st and August 4th and I still was not reimbursed. They are very rude while talking to them and they make every excuse in the book to not give me my money back. Then they tell me that I needed to notify them two weeks in advanced of the billing date in order to not be charged/get a refund. But my membership hadn't even been two weeks, how am I supposed to call them two weeks in advanced if my membership hadn't been two full weeks. They should be ashamed and I will never be going to this or any YMCA at all and I am going to tell my whole family, and all of my friends, who all have memberships, to go elsewhere. read more