Once my son joined the YPAC YMCA team a year ago, I signed up for gym memberships for us and the swim team for him as a package deal. I can't remember details other than the difference was negligible to do both and it made sense. I've gently eased myself getting back into working out. I used to train hard, 5+ days a week. Let's just say it's been a glacial progress getting back into a routine; I need to improve. Presidio YMCA is a great gym, not too crowded and it's clean. And with my son now working out 3-4 times a week before he trains with the swim team, I don't have an excuse not to go more often. Fitness goals.. read more

Presidio Community YMCA - Entrance on Funston in the Presidio - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

The gym and pool are nice. However, I have been trying to cancel my membership since February 18th and no one seems to listen. I submitted a cancellation request online on February 18th and heard nothing. In April I called and was told that my membership was cancelled, but refunds would take time because some board had to approve them. Today (May 21) I received an email from Thomas Jacobs telling me that I have a past due balance for the month of May. I would advise not going here. read more

I joined the Y a few months ago and have been checking out different locations across the city. Gym area: pretty decent, most equipment is old, but there's a good selection. Parking: There is a large paid parking lot. It's $2.50 per hour and you have to pay from 10am-5pm daily. The tap to pay part of the payment machine was either broken or not set up, so coins were still required. You also have the option to pay using the pay-by-phone app using a credit card. read more

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No complaints other than the management is out of touch with this facility, and that they run out of towels. A gym that runs out of towels is unhealthy and quite frankly unheard of. read more

@Mital @ymcapresidio: Pleeeez put some more weight benches in this gym It gets too crowded for a whole community to be sharing 5 benches Thanks read more

Presidio Community YMCA - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I visited the YMCA Presidio around a year ago. Today was my second time, and this was because the location I normally attend (Chinatown) is currently closed for a few days due to renovations. I was aware that today, being Labor Day, I had to make sure I knew their schedule. The website said "Holiday Hours September 2: 2pm", I was surprised right away, because it didn't specify anything about a different schedule for the pool; it was strange because for most YMCA's locations, pools tend to close 15-30 minutes earlier than the rest of the facilities. They have listed on the website the hours both for the pool and the gym; so since for Labor Day it only said 2 pm; I didn't think much of it. I had completely forgotten that the pool wasn't at the same address than the gym so I went to front desk at 1:00 pm and asked for directions, doing that plus walking to the actual pool took me around 15 minutes. Which was fine, because I had planned a 35 minute swim. As soon as I entered the pool's front desk I wasn't greeted, instead I was received with a "just letting you know, you'll be kicked out off the pool in 15 minutes". I was surprised and said "why?" to what she replied "well, because we're closing at 1:30 pm." She said this with the most condescending tone, and I told her that the website said that they were closing at 2 pm completely dismissing what I had just said, she repeated "just letting you know, we're closing in 15 minutes, you have plenty of time". Not sure in which world does 15 minutes is plenty, (let's also take off 5 minutes to properly change into swimming attire) unless that's all she can handle when swimming. I was really mad and ended up leaving, I didn't see the point of staying. I shouldn't be surprised that the staff at Presidio is rude and entitled. I went back and informed the staff at the gym's front desk, I told them that coming from the Chinatown facility, I'm more than aware that the pool always closes earlier than the rest of the facilities, but I decided to trust the website. I want to make clear that this isn't the main problem, set aside that it was a mistake from whoever posted on the website, I understand this can happen to anyone. What is not right, is the way I was "received" at the pool. She could have said the exact same message with a different delivery, on top of the commute I had to do, plus the fact I wouldn't be able to get a swim session; the last thing I needed was a rude and patronizing receptionist. Do better. read more

Presidio Community YMCA - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have been a member for over 20 years! I use this facility 2-3 times per week. So, I can truly speak from experience. My assessment: 1. Pretty convenient location inside the Presidio. Now, however, you have to pay for parking. Not a good thing. And, they will ticket you if you don't pay! 2. The facility is basically managed by very young people, in their 20's. They seem helpful, but they are not paying attention to what is going on in the gym. I have had over the years several arguments with other "members " who don't follow the rules, ie, no use of cell phones while using equipment, wipe down equipment after use, etc. This is very frustrating! They have "coordinators" who are supposed to monitor each of the gym rooms, but, trust me, there is no monitoring. If you have a problem with a member, you're basically there to deal with it yourself, not a good thing! When I've had an issue, I go to the front desk to let them know. Then, maybe, they'll deal with it. They seem to turn over managers, and they are either not around or in their office. Not a good thing! 3. There have been several remodeling efforts of the facilities over the years. Overall, I would rate the gym studios and equipment a 3. 4. I don't use the sauna or showers, as they're not very clean. Largely because "members "are not considerate about hygiene. The sauna, is dirty and old, I wouldn't use it. A lot of the equipment is really meant for men. So, as a female and petite, it's hard to utilize some of the equipment. I have made suggestions to the staff to adjust some of the equipment for women, but, nothing has ever been done about it! 5. I think the group classes seem beneficial, as they are usually full. I have used their personal trainers; highly recommend Susie N. She's been there for years, and is pretty knowledgeable. Overall, for what you're paying for membership, it's OK. Nothing outstanding about this place. Wonder if this facility has a board of directors overseeing how it's run? If not, put one in place. It could be an outstanding facility for its location. Personally, I use it for its convenience. I also utilize outside trainers for pilates, etc. So, I'm not totally reliant on the Presidio Y for my overall fitness. read more

The most outrageous customer service I have ever had to deal with. I work inside the Presidio, so I thought this location would be great for some mid-day workouts. I was wrong... the gym itself was nice, but the lockers are very poorly maintained, and I ended up checking in once and then wanting to cancel my membership. Apparently, you have to write to the manager for that because they hope you are too lazy to do so, and they get to charge you a few more months. Well, I did...right after checking the place out, and here we are 2.5 months later, and I am still not cancelled and charged twice. I have emailed their "manager," Katia H., 3 times now, and I have called the club more times than I care to count to try and talk to her, and nothing... not even an acknowledgment of my emails or a call back. About 10 days ago, I went in, and she was there. She had the audacity to tell me that she got my emails (OK, so why didn't you reply then), and I was going to get a cancellation email confirmation and refund by the end of the day. I asked if I could get it in writing for her there and then, she replied that she cannot do that, and I have to wait for the email. Well, no email came that day, and so far, they have charged me $172.00 without ever using the facility. Today I received an email saying they are increasing their membership prices, and my charge would be higher next month. I called again today and was told she is not in the office. When I asked when she would be in the office, I was informed that she is in a meeting all day... I will most likely have to cancel my credit card, and no gym membership cancellation should ever be this much work or take 2.5+ months You do with that information what you need to.... Good luck, everyone! read more

Don't join if you are a serious lap swimmer. The lap pool is for kids and lifeguard training, not for serious lap swimmers. Peak lap swimming time is on the weekend and weekday evenings because most paying members have to work. But lap swimming isnt available at night until 7PM and during peak weekend hours, the lap pool is sometimes used for lifeguard training and kids swim lessons. For example, last sunday, two lanes were roped off for lifeguard training and two lanes were used for swim lessons- leaving only two lanes for lap swimming at 12:30PM Also there isnt anybody taking control of the lanes during peak times so you often have slow novice swimmers jumping into fast swimmer lanes which ultimately causes chaos, arguments or for the fast swimmers to have to leave the lanes. Also I have been hit by swimmers that get into my lane without telling me that they want to circle read more

The issue with this gym is poor management at the central YMCA SF office. I enquired about getting a personal trainer but didn't hear back from anyone for a month. Eventually a lady at the front desk gave me the direct email to the new coordinator for personal training, D'Von, and after a few days he got back to me with an online form to fill out. After filling it out, I still hadn't heard back from him, and when I asked him if the process was always this slow, he replied: "I have told you to respond to my previous email once you have completed the Jotform. This would make sense why I haven't responded to you yet. Apologies if this may have been confusing for you." At this point, of course I'm not going to hire a YMCA personal trainer, but I am going to cancel my membership entirely. When I raised the email to three separate people in YMCA's management, none of them got back to me. So YMCA went from having me as a paying member that was looking to hire one of their private trainers on a weekly basis to losing me as a member entirely simply because the main office has staff quality problems and a very beaurocratic processes. As for the presidio gym itself, the team is nice, and it is in a pretty location, but men's lockers are really bad ( like the ones in public high school long ago), and unfortunately the gym is dependent on the quality of the main office. While the monthly subscription is relatively inexpensive, the hourly rate for personal trainers is still very high so if you are interested in that, I would avoid this gym entirely given my experience and that this is a city with a lot of very high qualiy trainers at other gyms for roughly the same price. read more

First time visiting this YMCA. Note that the pool is actually located in different address (1151 Gorgas Ave). Nice gym with plenty of cardio and free weights. There's also a cycling studio. The basketball gym also has balls you can borrow. There is paid parking lot in front ($2.50/h), but not enforced according to the staff. The pool has around 6 lanes and also a hot tub. Rec swim closes 4:30-7pm so not the most convenient if you wanted to use it after work. Nearby free parking on Lyon street. The locker room is quite small and not much seating. Make sure to bring your own locker. Overall, not a bad, no-frills gym for the city, but prefer the Peninsula location more. read more

Decent facility with very good people. As a normal gym I would give it a 3 star rating but knocked it down to 2 stars because every year they close it for 8 days for no real reason. Only gym in the country that I know about that does that. read more

DO not come here if you have a disability! I have tried for over a year to speak with Wendy Tomita-Yu, the Healthy Living Program director, for this YMCA about this Y's lack of any cardio machines for disabled people. I have written to her a number of times offering to donate funds to buy a new Nustep seated elliptical machine (an $8,000 offer) and she has not returned my emails I have also spoken and written to Stacy Nabe, who shares the Healthy Living office with Wendy, with no follow up. Next, I spoke with Frank Zawilla, Membership Coordinator for the Presidio Y, and he wrote back suggesting that there isn't any floor space at this Y for one more piece of equipment. Finally, tonight I went to Letterman Pool and the accessible pool lift isn't working. I was told there is no time estimate to fix it because the battery needed for the lift is backordered. And to ad insult to injury, I waited 40 minutes for the only accessible shower to become available! read more

The Presidio YMCA is a pretty laid low facility and it's an understatement to say it has great amenities and a positive community behind it.

Swam at the Presidio YMCA pool and used the hot tub. A day later I developed red bumps on my back... initially thought it was bed bugs but realized it was from the pool/hot tub after the bumps kept growing (I was continuing to swim) and we found no signs of bugs at home (and no one else in our household had it). Fair warning to be careful of hygiene at this location. read more

Presidio Community YMCA - Folliculitis from Presidio YMCA hot tub or pool - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love this location. Also love the Richmond location. Our classmates watch out for each other and the instructors are super good.

1 star so I can get someone here to respond. The pool temp is extremely uncomfortable. Today was the last straw. I've mentioned this to several staff there and their answer was, it's cold so swimmers can go fast. I'm sorry but none of us are breaking world records in this pool and I would like to swim in a comfortable temp than keep my olympic hopes alive. You would only enjoy yourself in this frozen lake if you were a cadaver. I felt my heart freeze this morning. To tell you a bit about myself I used to be a runner. I loved it, ran half marathons, 5k's ect. until my knee gave out. Then I gained a lot of weight and was pretty much depressed. A friend recommended swimming and it changed everything, my life, my attitude. I want to feel motivated to go to the pool and swim laps and give it my best. At this moment all I feel is dread, I don't feel motivated coming to this pool. And It feels like no one cares that I am asking for a more comfortable pool. There was one occasion the pool was at a decent temp and the door lady said it was a mistake. It wasn't to me. It made my whole day. I hope whomever is in charge of this branch takes a honest consideration, it's hard to stay motivated to come to the gym, and if your pool is a frozen lake it is even harder. read more

The Presidio Community YMCA is a fantastic asset to the Presidio community. The staff here are amazingly helpful. The strength training area is easy to use and not overly-testosteroned so you can stay comfortable lifting lower weight. They have a huge number of cardio machines of every variety. You never have to wait for a machine if you go any other time than after work. This YMCA also features tennis courts! Bring your racket. In fact, they have four different tennis courts called the Fort Scott Courts, the Infantry Terrace Courts, the Bowling Alley Courts, and the Ruger Courts. Ask at the front desk and they will show you where they are. This facility also features a large child care center. Bring the kiddos! read more

Presidio Community YMCA - Fantastic cardio and machine room - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

Its nice to be able to go to the Gym, and know that the space is Clean, that the Machines Work, that a Fresh Towel is waiting, that the Facility is being Well Kept, and that its not crammed with people every hour its open. 1st. Parking is Pay 10am - 5pm, at $1.20 per hour or $7- for the Day ,, That might seem annoying, BUT it also means the Gym does not get huge crowds during the Day. If you can suck up the fee it will result in gym equipment that is easy to access. 2nd, The staff is friendly, but not obtrusive, and with 3 Areas to Work Out, a nice mix of Aerobic Machines, a Large Basketball Court, and 2 Spaces for Classes most members will find their needs fulfilled within the main building. There are many more things via this YMCA, such as the Nearby Pool, a Variety of Classes, and even a nice place outside to leave your dog. For me its a civilized Gym option. read more

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I went to the Cardio Tennis event tonight for the first time. Held at Infantry Terrace tennis courts. It was led by Rich. There were a good 6 people there and that was a good number. We warmed up and then did 2 vs. 2. I thought there would be more zany tennis drills that mixed up the pace. I don't like competing for points right now. Too much pressure. It's $8.50 for Cardio Tennis(YMCA member). The Presidio YMCA offers this tennis event. Overall it was a great experience. I felt like I had a fun workout. Everybody was nice or pleasant. I am so happy that there is a place to play tennis in the woods...just like in the suburbs you grew up in. The weather was perfect at night(breezy). read more

Definitely one of the nicer & bigger YMCAs in San Francisco! Plus that there is a private lot with plenty of spots, but parking is only free after 5 pm! I still park and take my chances. Staff here are super friendly! Cardio room has a really nice back drop and serves as a nice reminder you're in the beautiful Presidio! read more

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Excellent personal training sessions with a Robert Fong. He's great to work with and goes out of his way. Highly recommend.

Ok, it's time to change my tone about the Presidio YMCA because not only have they made some significant changes but, I think I was missing what makes this place special, community. Sheesh, you'd think someone in community management would be more sensitive. My b. Positives of this place start with the people behind it. They are always lovely and it's not their fault that people hang around the machines too long. Secondly, they have made some upgrades in the cardio and locker rooms and they look good. It's not knock your socks off but, you get what you pay for. There's always plenty of parking and you get to breath in the nature around you! I'm not sure you can say that about any other gyms in sf. the ability to run through the park to this place sets it apart. If you're a frequent traveler and want a quick no frills workout, they ymca is a great option. I utilize the properties in nyc when I'm there and it's the best gym deal in town. read more

The Presidio YMCA has been an essential part of raising my son in the City- I cannot say enough how much I love it and the staff. (This actually also goes for our local neighborhood Richmond Y which I use regularly). When he was wee it was the Childwatch (love them), then swim lessons in the little pool (never unnecessarily extended to make $- its all about get those kids water safe and swimming ), summer camp (best ever was Mountain Biking with the kids riding across the bridge to the Marin Headlands , up to China Camp, to Maclaren Pasrk, GGPark, thru the Presidio; also the YMakers session), now YPAC swimteam. For me I use the cardio room & the pool- everything is clean, no super frills. I never take classes so can't comment. Sometimes registration for camps can be frustrating but it always works out. Can't beat the gorgeous location and the chance to breathe. Love it. read more

"Military gym open to civilians" New Year New You, right! Well if you're looking for a gym, this place is pretty solid overall. Growing up in a military family, I'm no stranger to bare bones army gyms. Annnnnd it's super weird that they converted this one into a Y. But surprisingly it's not bad and they've done the most with the space here. Based in the Presidio, this gym has a separate Pool and extra basketball court a few blocks away. That court is verrrrrry long though as it's built to military specs. Equipment wise, they have everything you need (for the most part). But it is rather small, so you'll need to wait on most things. You can try coming at different times and late evening is fairly free. The locker rooms are cramped, but not much more they can do. It was recently renovated and the lockers themselves are fairly decent. Classes are good. I've taken a few HIIT classes and they're solid. Instructors sometimes vary, but the classes still go on. There's a decent variety of classes to boot too. They also have various leagues if you're interested in that. I've tried the basketball league and had fun. Protip: Check to see if your employer offers a discount on a membership here. You can also just do a free trial to see if you like it. read more

I was racially-profiled at this YMCA. I used to work for the Presidio Trust and I had a random free pass to use the space for free. The person at the front desk acted as if I was attempting to sneak in; like I had printed this free pass on my own computer, or some other scam they decided to conjure in their head. Additionally, when I reported it to the Director (because I knew her from work interactions between the Y and the Presidio Trust), she was dismissive and referred me back to the culprit. Ultimately, the person that profiled me profusely apologized and offered me more free stuff to make up for the problem, but at that point, whom would feel welcome after that? I did not. If you look at the Y's Bay Area leadership team, I can understand why there are problems with racial profiling and insensitivity to Black people; they only hire white leadership, save the Bayview. Anyway, I would not recommend this location. Additionally, the Point Bonita YMCA is almost like an exclusive club in which no people can utilize the space unless you are in cahoots with the white leadership, who runs the Presidio and Point Bonita collectively. Sad state of affairs. read more

I only went to the pool for the aqua basic strength. The instructor Jacqui Fiels was excellent. She would let her students know if they were exercising correctly or incorrectly . It was a great workout. The ladies locker room was clean and a lot of clean towels . The staff was friendly and helpful. read more

It kills me to write this, but the Presidio Y's decision to gut the tennis program starting 1/1/24 is a deal breaker for me. To go from a $6 court fee per reservation to $50/month on top of the monthly gym fee -- while blocking general membership access to prime evening reservations so they can lease the courts to USTA teams (teams that include non-Y member players, btw) -- is mystifying. I kept my Y membership during COVID to support the Y, and then continued with it solely for tennis. When USTA started infringing on evening court access, I wasn't happy but I also wasn't paying for court time I couldn't get. Now, they want me to effectively pay for eight court sessions a month that I'll never get to use...because there's no availability. If you don't play tennis, it's a great facility, but this bizarre change in tennis court membership is enough for me to be done with the Y. It's a shame. read more

I used the Sauna at the Presidio YMCA and got Pink Eye the next day. The showers smelled like someone had done No.2 in there. The stench was so bad. There is an older heavy set Caucasian employee there who was extremely rude to me for not wearing shoes while I was stretching in the excersise room. What a horrible vibe and a dirty place! read more

One thing about the SF YMCAs is that they really focus on families and community. That being said, this Y is no different. Stacy whips my family's butts into shape at her Bodypump class. However, beware that although one of her classes start at 7:10am on a Sunday morning (sheesh people, what ever happened to sleeping in on a Sunday morning?), her class is filled to the max by the 7:05am and the YMCA opens at 7am... You do the math. In other words, you have to get there early or you might not be able to get those 2.5 or 5 lb weights for your bar bell. You snooze, you lose... Luckily for me, my mom is an early bird and can get me there so that I can grab that prime spot in front. Once the class is over, I feel them endorphins rushing through my body, bringing a smile to my face happy that I did not sleep in on a Sunday morning. For those that like to sleep in, the pool provides an amazing, relaxing, and yet energy-exerting experience. I have been fortunate that during most of the hours I have been there 9AM-4PM on weekdays and weekends, I have had to share the lap with at most 2 other people. It's almost like having your own private pool. But, please keep this secret on the DL. Additionally, the Y offers other classes such as Spin, Bodyworks, and Zumba. However, for those young-and-in-their 20s, it might be best to hang out at the 24 hour Fitness, Club One, and Crunches of San Francisco instead. I find these classes are not quite as challenging and intense as the ones that I took while at UCB at their rec center. However, for those baby mommas, THERE'S CHILDCARE TO WATCH OVER YO' BABIES AND TODDLERS WHILE YOU TIRE AND TONE YOURSELF OUT EVEN MORE as if watching over a toddler wasn't tiring enough. There's also classes designed to keep your pregnant body and cravings in check. See you there! read more

Very disappointed with the unprofessionalism. Dropped off a financial aid application. Only to get it back full of coffee stains and told to deliver to another YMCA. No call or email in two weeks to let me know to pick it up. read more

I love the Presidio YMCA. It's well laid out, clean and not pretentious. The Y Kids option is amazing if you have children and want to be able to exercise (i.e. not go insane watching said children) without worrying about your rugrats getting into trouble. The staff is super helpful and you can't beat the location. The pool is separate from the main building but is a nice walk and *huge* by San Francisco standards, if a bit chloriney. But I'd rather smell like chemicals than get giardia. read more

My second favorite pool in the city behind the Koret Center. Great speed breakdown for laps, good division from the water runners (which btw, is WAY harder than you think and only slightly as emasculating as having your former synchronized swimmer girlfriend nearly drown your pathetic ass with crazy upside down exercises) And while one review wrote that the pickup water polo game players on Wednesday were here fourth "con" on a pro con list (that for the most part I wholeheartedly agree with), it's the best, and perhaps only, legit water polo spot in the city unless you pretend to be a St. Ignatius Sophomore. read more

Basics covered. This YMCA has all your basics covered - a indoor basketball court with several hoops, a stretch room, weight room, and even yoga classes available! If trendy gym membership is not your thing, YMCA is a great place to get an affordable deal. I especially liked the treadmills and ellipticals with their own tv screens. Parking is available. read more

YMCA Gyms are close to my heart since its the gym in my home town. I attended their summer camps, later worked at a YMCA, and they escalated my fitness levels to new heights. This facility is immaculately clean, beautiful basketball court in main facility, moderately sized cardio room, smaller weight room. However, YMCA's hours aren't very flexible, (10pm on weekdays, 7 pm on weekends), and you can't go from location to location without having to pay a guest fee. read more

This is probably the cleanest YMCA I've been to in a while. The front desk staff isn't that knowledgeable but refs and players drop knowledge for them. read more

FOR THE BUSINESS OFFICE: I guess post pandemic the business office people have become more apathetic? There was a problem with my automatic monthly payment last month and one month didn't get paid. Instead of notifying me and giving me the opportunity to rectify the issue, my membership was straight canceled. Sad!y, I wasn't aware of this until tried to reserve a spot in a group ex class I regularly participate in. When I called to find out why I was not able to make the reservation, the AWESOME rep (who had to dig around in the system himself to find out why because nothing alerted him right off) told me about the cancellation. I have been a member for over 20 years, as well as volunteered there, worked there as staff, and led group ex classes. I've also stuck with them through this pandemic, with them regularly deducting the monthly payment from my bank account. Now this ONE payment has a problem and they don't notify me or anything, but just drop me, WITHOUT ANY NOTIFICATION! I didn't even receive notice of the cancellation! When I called the business office to communicate my discouragement about this, the young woman's response was, disappointingly, typical. The I-couldn't-care-less, "it's the computer system" demeanor and reply. Thanks to the professionalism and supportive understanding of Jeff at the Presidio branch (who I give 5 STARS ), I immediately took care of the payment and, subsequently, had my membership reinstated. What did I learn?: Make sure you pay them on time. Because for all of their community outreach talk they'll drop your a$$ in a minute if that money ain't paid. They've seemed to have subscribed, literally, to the "cancel culture" attitude. So be aware! read more

So, here is the skinny on the YMCA Pool @ Presidio. Pros: 1st, parking = free and fast 2nd, pool is clean, people are friendly, lanes are wide for swimming in circles, swimmers are polite and follow posted etiquette signs 3rd, Jacuzzi is not a creepy experience even though it is co-ed 4th, they have locker locks for borrowing in case you forget yours 5th, they have a separate kids pools, which is fantastic 6th, if you swim during the day you get a sense of being outside because of the glass ceilings, you get a glimpse of trees and sky as you come up for air and / or catch your breathe. 7th, they have plenty of flippers, kickboards and other various props for you to get your aqua workout on 8th, I once dropped my membership card in the parking lot and someone returned it the next day! Cons: (mostly I'm just being fussy) 1st, sometimes three showers aren't enough in the ladies locker area. 2nd, sometimes when you are swimming and you get out your towel is nowhere to be found 3rd, sometimes the Jacuzzi is full up and you have to wait 4th, when the young water polo players are on one side you could get hit in the head with a ball - happened to me twice. 5th, sometimes two life guards seems like overkill . . . but, maybe I'm just self conscious about my less than perfect swimming form. 6th, because it is family oriented sometimes mothers will have there young little boys in the ladies locker room. Not too much of an issue but what if they are like 6 years old? When is a little boy no longer a little boy? When he is staring at you in a towel hoping it will drop to the floor? Hmmm... read more

I like a gym where I can park, get on a piece of equipment without a ridiculous wait, not pay $3 for a gym towel just because I forgot mine, wont make me sign a 3 year contract just to get a reasonable rate, includes use of the tennis courts in the price (which you can also reserve very easily), has a pool and will give me a fitness coach for free. In addition I get a discount just for living in the same neighborhood as my gym. Minus one star for the huge mirrors on the wall in front of the treadmills and ellipticals....no one wants to see themselves sweat, and minus one star for not having the sparkle of many of the other gyms in town while the monthly rate remains the same. read more

Watch out: when you want to quit, they charge you for up to SIXTYEIGHT (68) additional days from the day you cancel!! Here is how they make it work: You're on a monthly plan, and they charge your credit card for the full month in advance on the 20th of the prior month. On February 21 you decide to cancel and you tell the YMCA. They ask for 30 days for a cancellation--but to cancel the automatic charge, not membership! So they still charge you on March 20 (30 days), and you're effectively forced to pay through April 30. That's a 68 days cancellation notice. Sneaky, uh? It's VERY shoddy. Consider this before signing up. Unfortunately this taxpayer-subsidized entity (it's a non-profit) doesn't have the good sense to avoid deceptive business practices. Sources: personal experience, membership policy at http://www.ymcasf.org/presidio/what_we_offer/for_adults/membership_for_adults#contentTab_638-tab read more