I love the Y and appreciate the amenities available to the community. I have only one concern and it is that lifeguards do not enforce their basic rules for lap swim. In the last month alone, I have experienced 3 incidents where someone just suddenly appeared in my lane, in front of me while I was swimming. When swimming freestyle, you generally are looking down and if someone is suddenly in front of you, it is difficult to stop in time to avoid a collision. On each occasion, I questioned the person to ask, "where did you come from, how are you in this lane?" All of these swimmers seemed oblivious to the rules, 1: You enter at the deep end only, not in the middle of a lane from an adjoining lane. 2: You make visual or verbal contact with other swimmers when entering their lane and communicate if you're circle swimming or parallel swimming. 3: You never enter in the middle of a lane. I live in fear of a collision because I have 4 small plates holding my cervical spine in place. But the concerning thing to me, is where are the lifeguards. They are literally sitting and watching and never instruct these scofflaws. What are they doing? Another example was the woman doing a backstroke in the "Walking" lanes, literally colliding with bathers and continued even when she was asked to move over to a swim lane by others. I'm just going to say, an accident is bound to happen unless they clean this up, soon. Perhaps it isn't a responsibility of the lifeguards to monitor for these incidents, but I got scolded once for being "too fast," for a slower lane. Made me laugh because I hadn't swam in 5 years and felt it was appropriate for me to start there. So, I know the guards are monitoring something. Let's just hope nothing bad happens, I guess. read more

Horrible staff, front desk terrible should get new employees for people with experience in customer service

I went there today at noon, specifically to swim. The Pool was completely closed although it was scheduled to be open until the Y closed at night. The reason was there was an accident. You can have a milti car accident on a hwy and it will not close the hwy for seven hours! The pool staff is horrible. They took away my swimming for SEVCN hours! Contact Bernie Miles the CEO. AND the gym will be closed for days near the end of the month.!! Are they reinburseing me for this? Who do these people thng they are, with MY Money? read more

I only went to sign up and was feeling completely embarrassed by the person I was with. To the point that I never plan to enter the establishment at this location again. 1 of the staff that showed us around was nice. The other staff seemed indifferent or unbothered. read more

I have been going to the YMCA for several months. Please add more recumbent bikes and fans. Often there are only one left when I get there in the mid afternoon. It gets warm and two fans are not enough. Otherwise, I am very happy with my membership. read more

I love all the group classes they offer especially their yoga. All different hours. The women's sauna is perfect temperature and never crowded in the afternoon. read more

Honestamente Creo que es un gran gimnasio y tiene muchas actividades incluidas. Vale la pena. Amo la clase de Zumba!

Minding my own business in the hot tub, watching a youtube video (with headphones on) disturbing absolutely no one... and some aggro lifeguard comes over and shouts at me "OK SIR, ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE USAGE AT THE POOL, JUST LIKE THE LOCKER ROOM, YOU NEED TO PUT THAT AWAY NOW" in the most abraisive ass tone. Like "excuse me, no phones is policy. Sorry about that" would have worked just fine. I left low key pretty annoyed, especially considering the locker room is an absolute dumpster fire and theres 1 bench press. Kind of regret this membership read more

The YMCA locker rooms have a wall mounted deodorizer that automatically sprays a synthetic chemical scent into the air. The citrus peel deodorizer that the YMCA uses is synthetic and very unhealthy to breathe, especially for people with allergies or asthmatic symptoms or chemical sensitivities. These chemicals shouldn't be inhaled by anyone; but everyone that walks into the locker rooms is subjected to that and has no idea what they are inhaling. 67-64-1 Acetone Solvent 68476-86-8 Petroleum Gases, Liquefied, Sweetened Propellent 112-27-6 Triethylene Glycol Solvent 64741-65-7 Naphtha (Petroleum) Heavy Alkylate Solvent Carrier The YMCA is supposed to be about the betterment of people in spirit, mind and body. There are all natural wall mounted deodorizers that the Y could use. I have mentioned that to them, and they don't bother. read more

How do you folks feel about people entering a jacuzzi with their flip flops or shoes on. Gross right? I haven't seen any other Ys allow this. I got yelled at by the lifeguard for asking that this guy take his shoes off before he got in. Imagine all that street crud, not to mention that you have to walk through the bathroom to get to the pool and jacuzzi. I'm doing going in there. read more

As a Senior Advantage member supported by Kaiser, I have rejoined the Marin YMCA, after Covid, only to discover that they have added approximately 3000 new members and NOT increased their facility size. So now many of their classes have a LOTTERY system to get in them with a 48 hour window to go to their website and click exactly 48 hours to the minute to be successful in getting into that class. The room only holds 14 people so you can imagine trying and failing to get into the class that you want. This has been so frustrating that I have decided to drop the YMCA when I find another gym that also has classes. Exercise is necessary, in some form, for all of us and to have over taxed their facilities by increasing their membership by more than 50% to make up lost revenue is defeating their creed of being a community service organization. Look elsewhere if you like group classes and even if you want to use the equipment. You may not be able to get into to the class or must wait for the equipment. read more

I have been to a lot of gyms in my life and have been a part of the marin YMCA for almost two years. But it has really gone downhill lately in several ways. One, it has gotten significantly more crowded. Not just at peak times and days, all of the time. Parking is atrocious and often means I have to carry my toddler over a half mile because it's unsafe for him to walk near the busy road. Two, the people that attend this gym (not the staff) are extremely cantankerous and difficult to deal with. The last 3 times I have been to the gym, someone has been verbally aggressive with me. This last morning, someone cut me off of a parking spot I was waiting for for ten minutes. Last week when I was stretching, a lady started yelling at me for being too close to her. It has become a hostile atmosphere and highly unpleasant to work out in. I do love the childcare which well miss. But it is just not worth it. We cancelled our membership today. read more

Given the limited affordable gym options in Marin, Marin YMCA is worth checking out. Sure, the Marin YMCA is a little small and limited in terms of equipment and space. Plus, from other reviews, this particular YMCA got a little more crowded after the facility in Novato closed. However, for all your basic needs, Marin YMCA has got it. To list some of the different workout facilities: variety of weights and machines, basketball court, treadmills, stationary bikes, racquetball court, basketball court, pool, and group exercise rooms. For those who are still COVID wary, they do have some of the equipment available outside. If you need, they do have lockers available to store your belongings. The lockers even come with the built-in locks so you don't even have to worry about bringing one. Depending on the time of day, the facility can get a little crowded. Morning hours and around popular group classes are generally to be avoided. This can especially be an issue with parking since the parking lot is small. I have seen several people park on the nearby street and walk over. Still on the fence about joining? You can ask to take a tour of the facility and see if the gym fits your needs. The staff has been pretty friendly and seems to make an effort to get to know everyone. Overall, Marin YMCA is not perfect, but can serve your basic gym needs. read more

The facility itself is decent. Gym is well-equipped, but always crowded. However, some of the staff is quite rude. I had an uncomfortable run in with one of the lifeguards today (white lady, brunette with long hair -- I believe her name is Dolly). I had to take a bathroom break in the middle of my workout and left my headphones in with my phone in my pocket. Apparently this is not allowed... Dolly saw my headphones in and started to yell at me "NO PHONE USE IN THE BATHROOM". I said sorry and tried to explain I was coming from the gym and had just left my headphones in. Dolly proceeded to yell at me at an absurd volume: "WE HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF YOU'RE ON A CALL OR NOT". I apologized and told her I understood, but that there was no need to yell. She rolled her eyes and said "JUST DON'T HAVE YOUR PHONE IN HERE". What exactly should I have done with my phone and headphones while using the bathroom? Left them on the machine I was using at the gym? Ironically, I later walked by the sauna to see if it was in use and saw Dolly texting by the shower/sauna area... (isn't this worse than what I was doing?? Or does this rule only apply to paying customers??) Anyways, thanks Dolly for giving me one more reason to avoid the gym!! read more

Total lack of oversight on Open basketball court days and times. The allowance of adults to play full court games during this time - my grandson being rundown by players then a near run into me. This happened 3 more times when we were there... and witnessing staff encouraging these games at full court. Again, this wasn't during adult times. Only reason why we joined this gym - limited days and times for these opportunities, but just poorly managed. It's an accident waiting to happen... we are just making sure we are not the accident. read more

We've been members of this Y for three years, so it's time to write a review. Unfortunately, the only reason we belong here is because there's literally nowhere better in Novato to work out. We used to belong to the Bay Club in Corte Madera, but it's too far away, too expensive and just not the same place it used to be. Back to the Y. I guess there's only so much you can hope for. They don't offer group fitness or yoga classes in the early morning (besides spin- which is OK but not great). And overall the yoga offerings just don't do it for me. There are only 2 Stair Mills, and one of them is almost always broken for months at a time. People seem to love the Y for the pool, but I am not a swimmer so it doesn't mean anything to me. The locker room is OK, and they just brought back towel service so I don't have to bring my own anymore. But I would not want to shower and get ready there. The showers are kind of lame and it seems like there are many days with no hot water. I never see anyone cleaning when I'm there, but I do see staff kind of hanging around and not doing anything. Again, it's the best option I am aware of in Novato but if something better or new opened here, I would leave the Y in a heartbeat. read more

Recent schedules that aren't posted online. Monday - Friday it closes at 9pm and Saturdays and Sundays it closes at 5pm. read more

Marin YMCA - Court schedule 7/8/2023 - Gyms Near Me - San Rafael, California

Was a member here for a few years. Found the staff to be helpful and usually responsive + attentive.

Wish I could give more stars but honestly this location is pretty bad for how much the membership cost. It's always overcrowded which makes it hard to get a decent workout in. The parking is so bad you have to park on the street and now that you cant park on both sides has made it even worse. It's always super hot and stuffy with little to no airflow and staff not turning on the fans. Like every thing in Marin county this place closes super early. read more

Thank you ymca for including my disable students at your facility. There are no other gym like this: acceptance, inclusion, patience, courtesy, respectful to individuals with disabicities and elderlies. YMCA has proved that their facility is embracing everyone. KEEP UP A GOOD JOB. read more

Great place with friendly staff, clean facilities, and a welcoming community. The variety of equipment and classes keeps workouts fun and engaging. Highly recommend the YMCA! read more

Hello, I am wondering if anyone has children enrolled at one of the after school programs? Specifically San Ramon elementary school? My family and I just moved to Novato and I need after school care for my kids so since they attend San Ramon I of course checked out the YMCA which is located right there on the campus. I did a drop in visit because I couldn't find a current phone number and I was shocked to see the chaos and out of control children who were yelling so loud I got an instant headache. I wouldn't enroll my dog here let alone my children. Kids were throwing things across the room and some were standing on the furniture then jumping onto the carpet. I saw 2 staff (a women and a young man) trying to get these kids to stop with this behavior but it didn't seem to be working. I'd like to think I came on an off day and it wasn't always like this but I'm not sure because I only went there this one time. If anyone can offer any insight to this program I'd really appreciate it. Thank you! Jane read more

I've rediscovered Marin YMCA- through great exercise classes. They make modifications in most classes to include people trying to get more fit. Some gyms there is a wide gap between low impact and high intensity. Most high impact instructors, not all, make modifications and I'm told before long you'll be doing burpees again. Low impact barre is so hard on my body but mixing up with cardio intensive training makes this gym work for me. Hoping they can keep these classes going till I get in great shape- so far so good. read more

There are too many members for the number of machines Also members sit on machines and play with there phones. You spend more than half your time at the gym waiting to get on the machine. Either increase the number of machines or reduce the number of members. A 20% increase in membership could solve the problem. read more

I'm a member of the Y. There's so much to say about the custermember service. There so helpful caring and makes you feel so welcome. I come in and do my work out then go to the pool,hot tub and the hot room , shower. I have lost 114 pounds Walking out of the Y I feel like I came from a 5 star Spa. read more

Marin YMCA - This is me. - Gyms Near Me - San Rafael, California

Every time I walk into this establishment to work out, I think of the Village People. In the late seventies/ early eighties, they released the Gay- pickup song "YMCA," which was actually used by the Republican party until it was discovered the real purpose of the song. I am getting off-topic, I do apologize. For the better part of three weeks, I have been "stuck" at home with an adorable kitten. This establishment is well-run with fantastic personnel. The only thing about this place I am not crazy about is that I am not allowed to wear my glasses whilst in the swimming pool. I am utterly blind. There are no real complaints, save for the vending machine. More times than not, I have inserted my money and gotten nothing. Just be wary. I really like a few of the machines, but am sometimes driven crazy by former users leaving the machine and/or its seat soaked. read more

I am a member of Marin YMCA. I love to spin (cycle). They had a great room and instructors for spin. The YMCA in the area of Hamilton closed. The Y remodeled and we lost the great spin or cycle room. Now they have placed the bikes in a small room, with 17 to 20 bikes in it. The bikes are situated such that It is impossible to get out and walk around the room. It is a disaster waiting to happen. In case of an Emergency you will not be able to get out of that room because it's so tightly put together. God forbid if there is fire in that room we all be dead. Many people have complained but management is not listening to their needs. Therefore, if you like to spin don't join this club. But I have to say they have great instructors who care and do a great job. Today when I took a spin class, I noticed a change in the spin room. They have fewer number of bikes Its still hard to get around but it has improved. read more

Marin YMCA - Gyms Near Me - San Rafael, California

Lap swimmers, This pool is about the only game in town for Winter indoor swimming. Unfortunately they allow the recreational swimmers and pool walkers to take over all lanes. And since they allow only circle swimming, it.s impossible to get your pace, rhythm and heart rate to your target. There are many members who swim in lanes but are clueless about common swimmer practices..such as you get in the lane that most closely matches your ability...or you don.t stop suddenly read more

I am currently an active member at Marin YMCA. The incident happened today Sunday 9/18 during 12 pm to 1:15 pm in Gentle Yoga Class. The instructor put her knee under my genitals while moving her knee up and down against my private, to correct my pose. I stopped and left the class. I reported the incident to a staff. That was not ok, I was and am very upset read more

Been members for five days and had a phone stolen. Pathetic. Don't need this kind of stress.

Love this gym ! Staff are friendly , pretty clean areas including bathrooms. Gym is small though and gets crowded especially mornings , but overall great place to workout ! read more

Great, friendly staff. The "Y" has a new feel...like... a "health club" setting. (Nice new carpeting, and a large central space, in the locker room.) The pool and the hot tub are still the best way to rejuvenate! Just wish we could go back to the evening hours for those who work! read more

always really packed with a younger crowd after 5, full basketball courts are amazing, swimming pool is okay, and the sauna is nice as well,but you can't beat the prize five star read more

YMCA in San Rafael is the Best and affortable compares to other gyms. People are so friendly. The facility is so clean. Checking membership prices all of the gyms here in Marin county, YMCA got The best price and affortable for people that are on fixed income. Join YMCA in marin, you would not be disppointed. read more

This is a great place for family and friends. That staff is friendly and the Executive Director really takes care to ensure customer happiness, advocating for the community and housing Youth Court. It's a clean gym with swimming pool. It accommodates all aspects of the community and the hours are comfortable. read more

beautiful facility that is clean, safe, they have good classes, at reasonable prices, the staff is very friendly. i however won't go on weekends anymore. just way too crowded. I go weekday mornings and do my workouts to help me get a good start to my day. read more

When I was going here yrs ago, it was FANTASTIC. Space to workout, fans always on, space to stretch , clean working showers, nice quality towels... now it's the COMPLETE opposite. Night and day. The price isn't conducive to the facility. Period. It's expensive and the congestion is really uncomfortable. At this time the only positive for me is it's near my work but sometimes the thought of how packed it is makes me not want to go - and no one needs to add the faculty to the list of reasons not to work out I want reason TO go YMCA? Not sure I'll last the year here unfortunately - we'll see. I was literally bare butt to bare butt in the dressing room the other day... that's how packed it is. Not 3 feet of privacy, literally. And the women's dressing rooms could use a little TLC and update. Like I said, we'll see - the employees are friendly and the equipment works well but it's not really worth the price as I've yet to check out the pool because it's always packed. I'll give it a few more months though. read more

Positives: The Marin YMCA has a great staff. Everyone from the folks at the front desk, the trainers, the swim instructors and lifeguards is friendly and encouraging. The facility is generally pretty clean and undergoes a deep cleaning every year which helps. The equipment is modern and kept in good working order. The pool is beautiful with a high ceiling that makes it feel light snd airy, and helps defuse chlorine - more or less. The newly repurposed outdoor space was creative approach to crowding - nice work by the staff. The cost seems fair relative to the alternatives, 24 Hour Fitness (cheaper with a great location, but no pool, not clean) and the Bay Club (ridiculously expensive for a gym and a very weird vibe - ewww!). The YMCA serves a diverse group and seems to to do a good job of providing something for everyone Not so positives: Following the closure of the Hamilton facility the Marin YMCA has become very, very crowded; pool, exercise and weight rooms, and I hear the cycle classes too). The exercise and weight rooms are tight with a lot of equipment in a limited space. My limited understanding is the facility cannot be expanded due to parking constraints. If true, that sounds like a problem that could be overcome. Towel - singular and not good quality. The policy is understandable as an easy way to keep costs down. However, the Embarcadero YMCA provides 2 towels of good quality. How do they do it? The mens locker room (and I would guess the women as well) could use an update as was done at the Embarcadero YMCA. Oddly, the mens locker room is never crowded. Perhaps cut it in half and gain some space for other uses? read more

I've been a member since 1997. They try hard here. Always upgrading equipment and the rooms. Just refinished the mens locker rooms with new showers & wall & floor tile. Place is always clean and fresh smelling. Big indoor lap pool with 5 lanes and free swim frolic area for kids. I agree with Christian's comment about the parking lot. It is a nightmare. Park out on the street to avoid dings in your car. My family membership dues are $126 month. The running joke that I tell is; "Why do they call this the Young Man's Christian Association (YMCA)? Look around at the crowd. it should be re-named to the Fat Old Jewish Ladies Club (FOJLC - "Fudge Lick"? - Oooo, disgusting)." This place ain't a hang out for beautiful young bodies like at 24 Hour Fitness, Inc . Expect to see lots of geriatric wrinkles here at the Marin YMCA - Scary! read more

Prices are steep but overall ok gym. Pool Is great , great classes for kids (at extra cost), sauna, and basket ball courts. Gym is a bit over crowded since the closure of the Novato YMCA which sucks. If you are the type of person to go to the gym in the morning or early day you will be fine. Going at night will be a nightmare. This gym will get better ratings if they lowered the price. read more