I come here mainly on weekends, when my home Y closes way the heck too early (4pm vs 7pm here). I'd say that about 70-80% of their equipment is fine. Lots of free weights and strength machines. The highlight is the huge, high-ceilinged (30-40ft?) functional fitness space that features a turf area, a sled, kettlebells, plyo boxes, plyo smash balls, a do-it-all calisthenics multi-station that includes weighted pulleys, dip and pullup and monkey bars, a free hanging real boxing bag (nice angled uppercut bag that's just the right weight to make you "dance" to avoid the swing back, yet forgiving enough that you can punch it without gloves without risking a broken wrist or bruised knuckles), a pair of Assault bikes and treadmills, a Concept rower, some meh Schwinn stationary bikes (more on that later), and two full squat cages with plenty of plates and barbells. So, what about the other 20-30%, you ask? Well, their cardio machines range from so-so to unusably lousy. All the treadmills are Precor, which are a clear step down from the Life Fitness TMs most Ys have: smaller uglier fuzzy screens with spotty internet connection that can freeze up in the middle of a workout, noisier and less stable platform. The stationary bikes are a mix of Precor (typical mediocre gym bike with crap ergonomics where you feel like you're on a creaky toy bike pedaling against some barbaric pad not magnetic resistance) and Espresso (video-gaming type bike clearly designed to seduce ADD teenagers or lazy af adults) and the horrible Schwinn bikes (just as bad as most home exercise bikes, you can understand why people mostly use them as clothes hangers). Please please please can you guys get at least a few KEISER bikes? We know you can have decent taste in cardio machines because you kept your CONCEPT rowers instead of choosing some oversized gym-brand rowers which look impressive but have similarly lousy ergonomics. Oh and they have non-mechanical Assault brand treadmills which nobody uses because they are brutal on the knees, too narrow and unstable. I don't know who was in charge of choosing the cardio equipment, but that person needs to be put to work cleaning the bathrooms or something more appropriate! The other major gripe I have is their sauna --- it's spacious and new and pretty, but who in the hell decided to have only ONE row of seating? Completely idiotic, folks: did you not pass seventh grade Life Science, where they teach you that heat RISES, and that's why all real saunas have TWO levels of seating, with the 2nd one being a good 4-5 feet off the ground so that you get the full benefit of the heat in the room? Here you have to STAND on the damned low benches if you want to get a decent sweat in ... the sauna thermometer reads 170F but if you're sitting down you'd be lucky to get 140-150F, which is useless. (The sauna of the Melrose YMCA has the same idiotic mistake.) So, while I'm grateful that this Y offers me decent hours to work out on weekends making the long drive out there worthwhile, their cardio machines selection and sauna design really really need a rethink. read more

Terrible manager terrible customer service terrible experience!!! After 5 years I canceled my membership! Don't waste ur time or Money!! Classes are crap, they have young kids coaching, u have to just keep taking the same class over and over there is no going anywhere is just basic redundant classes!! The facilities are nothing exciting and prices are going up now every year!! read more

The Metrowest YMCA is a trusted, friendly, and well appointed family friendly facility for every age. The fitness center is stocked with newer machines, its' clean and well staffed. They have great programs for all ages, a vibrant childcare center and their programs and memberships are fairly priced. read more

I sent my child to the day camp during the vacation weeks for school. I was VERY disappointed that the kids in the YMCA camp aren't allowed to use the indoor playground there. That's very strange! This was during the winter, so it should have been available for the YMCA's camp as the playground is located in the building at the front. Hopefully this will be changed and I will book another day camp and change my review. read more

The pool staff are dedicated, friendly, accommodating and vigilant. Water safety and cleanliness are of prime importance to the staff. They've always stay on top of requests. There are many rules and safety regulations so sometimes it may feel like they are being picky but they are trying to ensure the pool is safe and hygienic. Swim instruction is good. Our twins like the entire staff and especially Angelica :-) Thumbs up for the pool staff! read more

Very good gym, there is a swimming pool, all simulators are working, all services are at a good level.

My kiddo was part of a swim team here briefly. At age ten she was in her third year of competitive swimming and usually had swum with the Frogs. I encounter my nightmare: The rule at this YMCA is, if your child is in a class you have to stay. Helllll no. I drop off and keep the van moving as they roll out and go to their classes. All kids sports and activities need to be drop off only. Who are all these parents who have time to sit on their butts for every swim practice? No. I use that time to grocery shop or take another kid to another gig I won't be thanked for. If you like waiting for no other reason than because YMCA is not child friendly this is the place for you. read more

Great cardio and weights equipment! Watch out for them on billing and contracts. You might think that because it is the Y they would be less shady then other health clubs in this area; alas, they are worse! So much so, that I would strongly advise anyone considering membership to pay monthly in cash, or if you must use a credit card so you can challenge billing, but do NOT authorize a bank draft. I cancelled my membership after my husband was laid off, only to find that they had restarted my membership 6 months after the fact claiming that I had only put it on hold, and by the time I caught it and fought it, I was out 4 months memebership fees with no recourse except for a lawsuit (Which I chose not to do!). read more

Recently renovated, what I really like about this gym is that it encompasses about every diversity point you can imagine. Even if you're an albino geriatric Aleutian little person doing rehab who doesn't speak English, you will feel most welcome here. It's also very kid-friendly without being kid-annoying. The yoga room is spiffy clean and the instructor is amazing. Best instructor I've found in a long, long time. I have a severe yoga crush going. I've always been able to use whatever machine I'm after, and the area is staffed, which is nice. Love the handy wipes, which people do seem to use. Serious people work out here, but it doesn't have a (pardon me) meathead vibe at all. Now I just have to go regularly. read more

This YMCA was terrific. Great pool that really makes you want to swim because it's not too cold. Nice wide lanes. Great gym for doing cardio and weights. Nice lockerrooms (separates for Men and Women, Families, Girls and Boys which seemed very considerate and well thought out). Nice spin classes (could use a few more in the schedule though). Overall, not crowded even at peak times and super nice, responsive staff. Also seems very kid-friendly though not to the extent that it would be overwhelming for adults. They even have Dance Dance Revolution that we saw kids on all the times we went, and they were having a great time. And added bonus that I haven't seen at any other Y: free wifi. read more

yay im a fan, and almost a member! so i needed a gym in the new hood and i cant seem to find one that is fair priced. i just finished (thank god) with my WOW contract, and although it was cheap, the headache and stuff that cam along with it, no more. so the Y is right down the street and i wanted to check it out. they have family plans +1 they have free daycare +1 the child has to be 10 months -1 (but seeing as our boy is a hefty 25 lbs at 7 months, whos going to know?) +1 they have a sauna+1 lap pool +1 and they even provided a discount due to financial hardship +1 -$ :( they could use some better equipment and absolutely an elliptical machine, but it could be worse. the staff is really nice and they have additional programming which might prove helpful down the road. now if i could only get that song out of my head read more

Came here today with my brother to try it out. We decided to start with ping pong. 10 minutes later, about twenty kids came over and the camp manager told us that we have to leave,because kids want to play. Really??? I have nothing against the kids, but why would I pay for membership at this place,if anyone can get me out of here without any legal reason or at least reasonable explanation? Unloyal and unprofessional staff. There are a lot of choices now in the area. Brand new" Lifetime fitness" or " LA fitness" Thank you YMCA Will never came again or recommend it to anyone. read more

Nice place to work out but a woman in there went to the lavatory and completely stunk up the place! When I went to the front desk to report the stink and the perpetrator they said they couldn't do anything because of the fact that it's rude! No it's rude that while I'm doing a stAirmaster (Karen ) is over there stinking up the bathroom with her hot snakes! I pay $24.99 a month for a nice body not a shriveled up body from that retched smell!!!! read more

This Y really seems to be all things for all people. The staff are friendly, and they have programs and programs and lots of programs. Pretty much anything you want to do, you're likely to find it. I personally love me my water aerobics. Lots of programs for kids! Adult lockers rooms are 18+ (and they're pretty strict on it) which I initially thought was overkill, but now I really enjoy. Prices are on their website (I paid ~$1K for a year family membership) and are quite reasonable. You'll find all kinds of people working out, so don't be worried that you'll stick out. There are old people, young people, weight lifters, new mothers, overweight people, skinny people (and lots of kids too). Childcare is good if your child is able to separate well from you, otherwise it can be difficult. They kind of throw all the kids in a room together and let them play. Staff are at the door/gate, but I have noticed they often spend more time texting on their phones or talking to each other than interacting with the kids. Given that they're only a child care operation and claim to be nothing else, then I guess they're doing that. There are some staff members who will play with the kids though, and I'm sure they are appreciated. read more

Awful. Dirty, ancient equipment and overpriced. On my last visit I was told "this area is reserved for a class" A old woman ran me out the area and the class hadn't started yet! See ya YMCA. Lifetime Fitness for this family. read more

Place is always busy, after 10 min on the treadmill , the instructor asked me to move because they need the equipment for a class!

I've been a member for 6 years, and I can bike here so it's super convenient. The classes weren't always so challenging but they've gotten better in the last couple years. Yoga is now free for members, not that I use it but I like that I could. I've taken Circuit, Pilates (Kelly is awesome), Zumba (Jennifer is currently the best), Boot Camp (Kristen rocks!), Cycle (ho-hum), and TRX. The cardio room is clean and well-stocked. They remove broken equipment right away though sometimes it doesn't return for awhile. The locker rooms are a bit tight sometimes but wet and dry sauna is pretty luxurious for a Y, as is the pool which I wish I used more but I don't like to share lanes, and the crowd is often aggressive seniors read more

I've been a member for a few years, but I don't think for much longer. Their membership drives mean that the place is generally jammed to full capacity. Cardio machines (especially treadmills and ellipticals) are particularly busy. But what makes it worse is that sometimes they cordon off certain machines for classes, even though the particular machines are not being used by the class! When I complained today about this situation to both the Wellness Director and to the Executive Director the complaints fell on deaf ears. They want to run the place their way. Perhaps if you're willing to go at 5 AM when they open the situation might be better. But I would try a Planet Fitness or other alternative instead if you want to exercise mid-day. read more

This was the second time I went to this Y In the past several years. I won't be going back. I'm still trying to figure out why while in the locker room after finishing my work out a small angry man with a big ego told me I had 10 minutes to finish up. At first I thought he was some crazy client but saw he was actually an employee there. When asked what he meant he just repeated I had only 10 minutes to finish up. If this is how employees at this Y talk to clients I won't be returning. read more

I'm a very lazy gym goer, so my proximity to this gym is a huge help. Pool is great and I LOOOVE these bikes they have that simulate being out side. TVs you can watch while on the Cardio machines and a wide array of classes are also great. read more

Great facility and staff. One of the few places in the area with an indoor pool. Great schedule of classes, events, and workshops.

Love this place. I like the diversity here--all age groups, all ethnicities. It really feels like a community. The machines aren't ever all taken up, at least when I go. I suppose at peak times they might be but I haven't had trouble. Staff is nice. The individual gripes I've read about here seem trivial. Really, if you want a neighborhood place where everybody can feel at home, join this Y. read more

The YMCA is staffed with friendly helpful people. The clients also seem friendly. The place is clean and well lit. I am thankful for the YMCA and glad it is within walking distance from my home! read more

I love this Y. I've had nothing but good experiences here- both in the work out areas and in classes I've taken. My one request is that they update the locker room area (it is outdated and there are removed panels in the ceiling by the changing area which always makes me feel weird). Sometimes the workout area gets packed during peak hours but I think that happens everywhere. I've taken several classes there and have loved them all. I took a yoga class with Eileen and she was great- very helpful with any questions I had and she was very warm and personable. I've taken swimming classes which have helped my swimming tremendously. I've also taken the water aerobics- fun, though the night class was crowded. And I've done personal training with Greg- he is great- always answers all my questions when I go in and helped me get diesel arms for my wedding. I'm very happy we joined this Y. All the staff at the desk and in the work out areas are friendly and helpful. read more

I've been a member here for years, and I love it! The early morning staff and trainers are simply awesome, and always have me smiling and motivated as the day gets started. It's not too crowded between 5:00 and 6:00 am, either, which is another bonus. I've taken classes here and there, and have always had a good experience - I've always felt comfortable and welcomed, in the fitness center as well as the studio for group exercise programs. My daughter gives two thumbs up for the swimming and gymnastics programs, as well as the summer camp - truly something for everyone in the family to enjoy! read more

Some of the front staff is awful. They need better staff for sure. Zero respect for customers.

great place for adults and kids.Swimming program is awsome.Soccer is so so, mostly just running around,gymnastics very disappointing, too many kids in one group,instruction is limited with very little attention to what kids actually do.Our son is 4 year old,and the other son is 2. read more

This review is for the lack of communication between the front desk and the events coordinator. I know each YMCA has a daily schedule that provides information on all of the activities and open gym times. Of course if you want to be on the safe side it is best to call in case there are any unforeseen changes. However, for some unknown reason, Metrowest YMCA has told me it is virtually impossible to communicate effectively with the front desk in the event there would be said changes. I called on November 18 asking about open gym times and the front desk was adamant that there were no special events and it was regular open gym. After driving half an hour and arriving at the gym I was kicked out because there was a Family Fitness Event being held. When I pressed the staff on this error and that I called in advance they could only say "sorry, we can't guarantee that you will be given correct information when you call" This is the second time this has happened to me. Please coordinate your events better, other than that it is a nice facility. read more

They don't care about the convenience of the members in the slightest bit. They just want your membership dues. Pool is always crowded, and lap lanes are used for lessons all the time. The gym area is blocked for classes often on weekends and holidays. Unless you are willing to come in at 5 am, you are out of luck. The director and the associate director are rude and totally unaccommodating. I have had the family-membership for 8 years, but I am getting out. read more

Wouldn't mind if they lowered the rate for once instead of raising it. I basically use it for just weights and cardio. Don't really care about the classes or the pool. Free Wi-fi is cool because I can watch netflix on my IPad while I'm on the tredmill. I also wouldn't mind slightly extended hours on Sundays, perhaps until 7:00 instead of 5:00 on Sundays. Midnight instead of 10pm on weekdays. We are paying high membership fees we should have hours that are good for everybody not just the employees. read more

Nice clean gym with enough to do for everyone. The instructors are are great. My personal favorites are Mala and Bruce! You want your butt kicked take one of Bruce's classes or even Leslie's!! The front desk staff is friendly they always say hello and goodbye to you. If you like swimming or basketball they have that there too. read more

Best gym for the price you pay. It has it all. Swimming pool, basketball court, and lots of free weights and machines.

For a YMCA, this place is more than okay. I have been a member at this gym for about 3.5 years now and have seen many upgrades in equipment throughout my time, which means they are committed to staying up-to-date. The facilities are always very clean and staff are generally friendly and attentive (aside from one or two grumpy employees). There are children everywhere, but that is totally expected when you choose to go to a YMCA. Once in awhile it will get so crowded to the point where it turns you away, but that really doesn't happen often. I tend to go right after work around 5:30 and can hop right on the machine of my choice. My only complaint is the weight lifting area. It is very small and people are on top of each other when it is crowded. You will see all walks of life at this gym, so no worries about feeling embarrassed or out of place. They have some really great membership plans, so do your research before signing up to make sure it is the best plan for you. read more

my son likes the ymca cause of the pool and gym there should be more classes for children like football and baseball. i only had one little argument with an employee a lady with glasses in the pool must be the supervisor i guess, anyways we try not to go too much to avoid any drama with members and employees. last time we going there as the gym is always packed one pre-teen yelled at my 6 year old son cause his basketball flew across them as my son ran up to get it they kid is lucky i didnt kick his ass after saying he didnt yell at my son when i saw the whole thing. also there should be 2-3 staff monitoring the gym you never know what can happen. read more

This place is awful. I just recently became a member over the summer specifically for Zumba classes - the teachers are amazing. However, there are too many times when the teachers are not there for class and they Y does not provide a substitute. They do not send out e-mail notifications if class is cancelled in sufficient time. Additionally, if you call the front to inquire about a class, they have NO IDEA if class is being held, who is teaching, etc. Also, they hold holiday events in the room many times and cancel class (like the Halloween party). I would say class is cancelled at least 15% - 20% of the time. I wanted to join a second gym as my current gym does not offer enough classes. There have been so many times I drove there expecting to take Zumba only to find out class was cancelled with no additional information. I have been a member at another local gym for 5 years and this has NEVER happened. There are so many other places in the area, I may start shopping around. read more