The Friendly Neighborhood Gym ! I do my necessary circuit work here- cross train with Stair Climber and Rowing Machine too. And use the Letterman Pool by The Palace of Fine Arts. The Memberships here work at all the facilities in San Francisco. Not 5 Stars- due to space limitations - and it can get crowded. Would advise getting a Membership here ! read more

I really liked this location since it's so close to home and it's usually less crowded than the Stonestown location. However, after my visit today it will be my last time coming to the Richmond District location. I was in the locker room texting when a staff member came up to me and asked me to use my phone outside of the locker room. Of course, this took me by surprise as I've been coming here for the last 3 years with staff members coming in to use the locker room restroom and never had anybody tell me to do this before. Anyways, this new staff member explained to me that having my phone out in the locker room could make others uncomfortable since every phone has a camera on it. I asked her if this was a new policy. She explained no it wasn't and that she was a new director and wanted to ensure the rule was enforced. Although I felt it was a bit unnecessary to enforce this rule, I'm not one to argue against the rules of an establishment. So my issue wasn't really with having to follow this new rule, but moreso with how the director handled the conversation. I was simply asking her questions because I was surprised about the rule being enforced, I never tried to argue with her, I only expressed my surprise as this was my first time hearing of the rule. She seemed to get a little irritated that I was asking her questions. She told me multiple times, "It's really easy to just go outside the locker room." As someone who has experience working in customer service, it's not the brightest idea to talk to your clients using condescending/infantilizing language. Of course I know it's not that hard to use my phone only outside of the locker room. And she kept repeating herself as if I was trying to argue with her that I should be able to use it inside, which I never did. To the new director, I would highly recommend using a more empathetic and respectful approach when you're telling your patrons about this rule. It's "really easy" to tell people, "I know it's kind of annoying, but we really value the comfort of all of our patrons. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience! Thank you for your understanding." So easy, right? And please try to work on understanding that people will be surprised when a policy that wasn't enforced before is suddenly now enforced. Anyways I added one extra star because the other staff members have been kind to me. read more

This YMCA is a small building. It was renovated...ellipticals and weights..not much..it's a community building..hosting a run and senior events..kids..and who else? strangers? The desk people are random and don't finish conversations when prompted...Asian? Strangers? New people? I want to go to the 5k this September..it's in the Presidio too...small old building and strangers..a sauna? read more

There's nothing wrong with the gym of itself. It's a little small. My issue is with the food program is supposed to be for the needy. I made a comment a few months ago about the hypocrisy of it. Got a response from someone who seemed completely void of knowing what's going on in their own facility. Either they do know and choose to gaslight me. Or they're so clueless about what goes on under their nose. The food distribution program they run in the back is not for white people. They don't say it out loud but it's obvious by their actions. A woman running the program was so rude and condescending to me when I asked about getting a dozen eggs that I would never accept even if offered now. The issue is the way they come across like they're trying to help low income people when it's just the opposite. Keep​ read more

Kudos to the Staff at the Richmond YMCA especially Tony and all they do for our seniors' program. We just went on a field trip Mill Valley and Sausalito. My first. Food from Angelina's. Our teachers are super amazing! Classes are full pretty much all the time. Our lunches and extras are bonuses! Thank you Chrissy, Lisa, Theresa, Megan, Sally and so many more. read more

I was visiting a friend in San Francisco and went to a yoga class at the Richmond YMCA on Sunday morning. Megan is an amazing teacher, so full of joy and knowledge! Such a great class! I highly recommend taking her class, if possible. It was challenging but I loved it. And the front desk staff were very welcoming. Great class, great Y! I also found out she's a personal trainer! read more

Been going to this location for over a year now. It's been great until recently. They just got new equipment which i was excited about. But the new equipment is dangerous. I was worried I might get hurt just off how they felt on my body while using them and it happened -- knee and groin. I'm getting an MRI in a couple days so we'll see. If you are remotely attuned to a gym you'll feel it the second you get on them. Horrible knee pressure on the leg extensions. Knee/Back pressure from the leg press. The lat pull downs position the bars too far in front of you so you actually have to pull backwards instead of down. etc etc etc They are ergonomically unsafe. I've been lifting/working out for 25 years and never have I felt so much pain from machines. They may work for all the geriatrics who are doing 10-15 pounds, but if you are an athlete or even a moderately fit person trying to get a good work out, watch out! I dont know what kind of cheap deal Life Fitness cut them for the new equipment, but I anticipate a lot more of upcoming injuries. For the love of god bring back the old equipment. Id rather be safe than use these effed machines. read more

Love it here! The staff, classes, and instructors all great!!! I appreciate the variety and times that work great with my schedule.

Though this YMCA is limited on space, the classes, sauna, and towel service make up for the tight space. During peak hours, you have to sign up for the cardio machines and the weight room is usually packed. However, I sometimes take the weights up to the rooftop, which is empty when there are no classes up there. Alternatively, I can usually find a spot in one of the studios to do my own workout. There are kettlebells, jump ropes, weighted balls, TRX bands, and dumb bells for those who want to create their own workouts. The free towel service (which is not available at all YMCAs in SF) is great! Makes it easier to shower at the YMCA before I head to work. The women's locker room also has 4 hair dryers for those who would like to dry their hair before heading out. read more

YMCA at this location is great! Great community and with amazing staff who will answer all your questions if needed. They have different space for your gym workout need! They also have many different class that you can attend as well! read more

I love the Richmond District YMCA. It is so utterly unpretentious and un-fancy - which is exactly the atmosphere I want when I am sweating it out to the oldies on the elliptical. The equipment is in good shape - although it is not all state of the art, it meets all your basic needs. I have been going there for years - sometimes not as consistently as I should, but in my latest fitness push, I have come to appreciate this place even more as I have begun to avail of their excellent group classes. Staff is friendly and teachers are enthusiastic. The Y also gives back to the community via several food bank drives and other charitable works. This aspect makes it an even more integral part of the neighborhood. read more

Richmond District YMCA - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

Would be nice if it was a bit bigger and had newer equipment. However, it is very convenient, clean. Would recommend as a cost effective GYM with a neighborhood touch. read more

Richmond District YMCA - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

I am a life long Y member. This is not my home gym but I use it when in SF. It is a small facility but has everything you need. The staff are great, the facility very clean. read more

Why close early on a non-universal holiday - only schools and banks close everyone else has to work - I just walked 14 blocks to see this - very disappointed - why discriminate against those that still need a PM option to exercise? What's the point of opening and then closing at 3? Lame read more

Richmond District YMCA - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

A great gym is a fraternity of torment: Big men (and sometimes women) pushing their muscles and themselves to the max, to failure, to the brink of exhaustion. Its a place for camaraderie, for steroids (Caveat: I've never taken any myself...although I know a guy...), and for the triumph of a great lift. An awful gym is High School: Hordes of teenagers rampage about, bathing in axe body spray, screaming and Snapchating on their cell-phones, not re-racking their weights (side note: my perfect woman would re-rack her weights after every set [and because I'm enjoying this fantasy immensely, willing to spot me]), and grunting pitifully as, in their haste to BENCH PRESS 135 BRO, drop the bar on their necks, necessitating swift removal, elective surgery (I would generally suggest amputation of the affected area...although that may be a bit draconian), and the immediate revocation of their parenting licenses. How about a place like the Richmond District YMCA? It doesn't really fall in either category, but its the gym I've needed the past few months: the people are incredibly friendly, the facilities are clean and newish, and there is plentiful cardio equipment for those who are into that sort of thing. I've enjoyed talking to the staff (Tony, Antonina, and Steve especially) who have always seemed happy and genuinely friendly (no matter how early or late it is), and have never been at a loss for a spot when I need one. Its a neighborhood spot which has been a great escape for me, no matter how stressful everything else has been, and a fantastic place to work back from some injuries (note to everyone: dead-lifts with bad form are...well...deadly). Not everything is great: the facility is on the small side (which means it can heat up rather quickly on a warm day), the weight room only has dumbbells up to 100 lbs (not a problem for me at the moment, but here's hoping it will be!), and the squat rack could use an upgrade, but overall, I can't say I'm at all displeased. Four Stars. Extras: Sauna AND Hot Tub available! Lockers can be rented for 5$ a month. Discounts for Young Adults under 25 available (of which I am elegible, at least for the moment). The rooftop garden is an awfully nice place on a warm day. read more

Not flashy like the City Sports club at Stonestown, or as cheap as 24-hour fitness. But this place is a neighborhood gym that is never busy. It's so small that only 3 people can use the exercise mats at a time in the main room, but there are so few people there that it's never been an issue for me. It's also a bit cramped in the weight room when I want to use the aerobic steps, but I always make space. I've always had a free elliptical, whether I go in the morning or after work. The people here are mostly elderly folks in the neighborhood. It's definitely not like Stonestown where the young people go. But I kind of enjoy this since it means I won't end up chatting with my friends. I wish the classes were more accessible on the weekends or at nighttime. Many of the yoga, core conditioning and zumba classes are during the daytime in the middle of the day, really catering towards the elderly retired folks, which is good, if you don't work. I pay $41/month. The activation is $99, but if you join during the promotion like I did, it was only $1 for activation. Just a heads up to look out for it, because they do offer those discounts. read more

The only two things I like about this gym: nice equipment and free wifi. Other than that, this place is meh. If you are joining the gym purely for cardio, then this is the spot. However, if you weight lift and like to use machines, then you should try your like elsewhere, like 24 hour fitness. There's barely ANY room in the weight room. I can't imagine going there during peak hours. It's just really cramped and no open space. Also, there are a lot of young people but also tons of older people who come here. Many of the older people tend to zone out on the machines and end up staring.. which is a little awkward. After coming to this gym, I've come to realize, I rather more space, more machines, more weights over nice equipment yet tiny, cramped areas to work out in. I also think for the space and limited equipment, that membership is quite expensive. read more

Friendly, small, surprisingly adequate and dense, in terms of the variety of workout you can get done here, YMCA. But no one seems to ever be using the machines at the Richmond Y. It almost feels awkward sometimes to be working out because no one who goes to this particular YMCA works out. I guess it's cooler to just sit around and stare rather at a gym than working out. Probably some Richmond hipster trend. read more

It's the only gym in my area that I can walk to. I wish so much that it were better... It's way too expensive, $65 per month for hardly any equipment and not enough ventilation. You can get your membership at Bayview and pay a little less, but it's still way too much for what you get. I used to go to golds for $30-$35 and it was awesome there. The ventilation is horrible in the cardio / weight machine room. There are fans in the ceiling, the old folks tend to turn them off all the time which is annoying, there are a couple windows near the floor that open, but basically with the way the room is shaped the hot stinky air just recirculates. Come on, it's simple physics people. It would be so much better if they would replace the window tops so they could open and let the nice air from outside circulate. Also, it smells like baby wipes because of the children's room with the door perpetually open. It's truly disgusting (besides the old people smell, the baby smell could be taken care of easily but they don't) The equipment is seriously lacking. They have a few free-weights in a tiny room, I like to use the machines. There is only 1 circuit in the middle of the cardio, and all of them move in an uncomfortable way. My previous gyms had multiples of similar machines with different angles, this only has 1 machine for each muscle group, and nothing for glutes. There are no machines with free weights at all. It's impossible to get anything done when other people are at the gym, even with me going in the middle of the day I have to wait for what I want to use. The cardio equipment feels loose sometimes and there's something about the way the ellipticals move that always makes my foot fall asleep, which never happens with other machines. There are no stair-masters either, just the weird ellipticals that don't have a full stride length in them. The regular ellipticals are also lacking in stride length, I go all the way to the maximum stride but want to stretch a little more and I can't. I'm not talking about their machines aren't new, I could care less about that or about being able to watch something on a screen (I wish you could turn the screen off or dim it though), the machines are just cheap, uncomfortable and unkept. They don't feel right. They pander to their community programs and old people way too much. There is a new room that is for stretching and has some TRX stuff in it, but often it's taken over by old people getting free food or playing games. Since the only other option is to stretch on the tiny platform in the cardio room if the studios are in use, it makes it so there's only enough room for 2 people in the gym to get some stretches on at a time. They don't spend money on upgrades it seems, they supposedly retrofitted it recently, but all the same crappy machines are there and they just made the community room a little nicer. What about the people that pay full price for this crummy little gym and never get any new equipment or at least some little fans to move around with you? There has to be plenty of money in this "non-profit" gym for some upgrades. They could remove the nasty baby room and expand the room that people actually want to use (the main tiny stinky workout room) I kept thinking I would get back into going to the gym, but this gym seriously bums me out. I've lived all over the country, and it's the worst gym I've ever been to. I canceled and am just going to do yoga at home and go for hikes. If this was a $25 gym it wouldn't be so bad, but when it's priced like a nice gym it's extremely lacking and gross. read more

Very friendly staff and extremely helpful in answering any and all questions you have about the facility and the different summer camps/classes they offer for the kids. After picking mine up at the end of the day 'pretty pooped' would be the sum of it, and was happy to yap about all the activities experienced throughout the day. I would have loved to give a 5 star rating just based on all they offer and do with the kids at their summer day camp, but there was unfortunately a mishap with the afternoon snacks one day in which I learned that peanut butter was given to a child with a peanut allergy. Now that's something they should've never messed up on. With so many kids nowadays with peanut/nut allergies why would they even offer these with so much health risk at stake? Is it that hard to keep a facility peanut/nut free? Tisk. read more

Closed Saturday and Sunday because who ever heard of people wanting to work out on a weekend, or so they think?!? Closed evenings, because no one wants to work out after a long, stressful day at work, right? Closed Monday 12/26 - January 2 because apparently I'm the only one who goes to the gym when there are fewer work demands. I guess I can take a bus to one of the other gyms instead of walking to the neighborhood Y that I joined. Yeah, that's convenient. read more

DANGER! DANGER! WARNING! WARNING! The Day Manager and staff at this YMCA location in the Richmond District are toxic and completely unprofessional to say the very least...... Recently, I re-activated my Y membership at this location. I specifically use this facility in the early morning hours to shower up prior to work. Since I re-activated my $85.00 monthly membership, here are the negative experiences that I and other YMCA members have been forced to experience.... 1. There is a floor drain in the men's locker room. That drain cover was missing. I waited for a week hoping that the front desk staff would have managed this safety situation by acquiring a new drain cover plate, but they did absolutely nothing. The drain opening is pretty large so if someone walked over that drain their feet could be easily caught and injured. After repeated requests the front desk staff finally (two more weeks later) had the janitorial team resolve the safety problem by installing a new drain cover. 2. Next. There are multiple paper towel dispensers on the wall in the men's room. One of the locks on one of the dispenser's was broken. I reported this discovery to the front desk staff again, a week later..... the lock was not fixed but just re-inserted into its mating hole. As a result, the cover to that dispenser continued to open by itself when someone would obtain a paper towel from that dispenser so the remaing stack of paper towels would fall out all over the floor. 3. Next. On more than one occasion, I discovered that the other paper towel dispenser was completely out of paper towels which is at 7:30am in the morning. I notify the front desk staff. They seem suprised and then re-stock that dispenser while us YMCA paying members have to wait..... 4. Next. Someone (staff, I presume) decided to move the used shaving razor bucket from one wall to the opposite wall in the men's room. After that action was completed, it was discovered that the person responsible for that change, installed the bucket backwards which meant that the lid could not be opened to insert used razors. The front desk staff was notified AGAIN. The bucket was positioned correctly after two more weeks of my initial report to the front desk staff. 5. Next. The other towel dispenser in the men's room was not dispensing any paper towels even though the paper dispenser was completely full and the huge rools of paper towels was easily viewable inside of the dispenser. The front desk was notified and then actually fixed it at the time of my complaint. 6. Next. The next day, that same paper towel dispenser dispensed about 1/2 feet of paper towels and stopped working again even thoough there was a large amount of unsed paper towels still available for us paying YMCA members. At this point, I decided to not notify the front staff and purposely waited for another Y member to discover the problem in the hope that they would report it to the front staff. The next day it was working again. 7. Next. Recently, this Richmond District YMCA closed for 4 days from 3/17 tbhru 3/20. Their desk signage stated that they were closing for maintenance. During those 4 days that this memer YMCA was closed I happened to drive by the location multiple times and discovered that the building was completely dark, locked up tight with no human activity at all. Now, I am wondering exactly what "maintenance" was completed because no visual changes were readily apparent when I came back on 3/21. 8. Next. On 3/21, I returned to this YMCA San Francisco Richmond District location on 3/21. The front desk staff had a posted sign at the desk stating that there was no hot water. For fear of beeing diasppointed for the 8th time in two months, I didn;t even ask the staff why there was no hot water and just left the building out of shear frustration. 9. Next. On 3/22, I returned to this Richmmond District YMCA agaiun and discovered that the no hot water sign was still present at the front desk. I asked one of the sataff members why was there no available hot water and she said that someone was going to come today and check it because apparent it was some type of "natural gas" problem. 10. Next. I attempted to contact YMCA Corporate and lodge my formal complaint against this San Francisco Richmond District location but Corporate will no longer take any accountability or responsibility for the operations of their locations nor do they provide any support at all to ensure that their valuable $85.00 a month paying members receive a "normal" consistent positive experience because Corporate refers us member back to each individual location which is completely unacceptable....... Jeez, It is obvious that Corporate's business model is to take our money and completely abandon us paying members which we are then subjected to these horrible completely unavoidable out-of-control experiences as detailed above..... read more

If you lift weights, this location is absolutely USELESS! I've been countless times over the many years I've had a YMCA membership (I usually go to the Embarcadero location which is AMAZING) trying to get a weekday workout in. I think I've been able to actually workout in the weight room maybe three times over the years. The room is so small that you can't fit more than five people in the room at a time and have it be effective. They spent months remodeling this location a year or so ago and for no conceivable reason, they decided to keep the weight room the same size (t's maybe 12 ft x 12 ft). However, also for no conceivable reason, they opted to add a room right next to the weight room that is basically empty. There are some TRX bands and kettlebells in there and that's it. You could host a 15 person yoga class in here, there is that much room. Instead, it remains empty at just about every hour I have been in this location. Why it didn't occur to anybody to extend the weight room into this empty room that is hardly ever used is totally beyond me. This is one of very few gyms in a largely residential area and they had such an opportunity to improve their offerings for all the members in the area, instead, they opted to keep cramped quarters. If you want to do cardio during the off hours or sit in an empty room surrounded by kettlebells, this location will work fine for you. But if you want to use the weights, find a membership elsewhere. I have gone and left no less than 15 times over the years. Today was my LAST attempt. read more

Clean! With towel service. Very basic gym. But convenient if you live in the neighborhood. I've gone from 24 hour fitness to city club to crunch and now transferred to this gym simply because of the short distance. read more

Not into seeing your entire high school at the 24 on Ocean? Me neither. This Y is slightly weak but perfect for me because I just need the basics. If I'm going to the gym, it's strictly just to do my thing and get the f out of there so I can engage in slightly more exciting activities like reading a book or going out. Richmond Y has the general goods, a main room with about 20 cardio machines and some basic weight machines - just enough for no major lines, 2 mini rooms for stretching & ab stuff & whatever else you feel like doing in there, 1 medium sized free weight room with all the dude stuff (bench press and etc), plus 2 group exercise rooms, oh and a lil hot tub. Do NOT come to this gym if you're trying to scoop a hottie. The guys that go here tend to be in either in the little asian boy middle school range or the high-waisted sweatpants grandpa age. The upside is that there are no meatheads to bother you by oogling at you til you feel uncomfortable or annoying you by asking to "work in". However, there IS this weird germaphobe lady that comes in with a camoflauge print hat with ear flaps and rubber kitchen gloves.. siiiiiiiiiiiiiick work out gear. See ya there, you can use one of my guest passes! read more

The place is friendly, clean, and up to date. It's tiny, however-- the weight room has one squat rack, one incline bench, one regular bench, a Smith machine, and dumbbells. It fills up incredibly fast, and what qualifies anywhere else as "not busy" turns into a big mess really quickly here. I only come in for weights, which means the day a dude has "a warm-up and five sets" of bench presses in the only squat rack on my leg day is the day I'm cancelling my membership-- $42 (the financial aid price-- can't get cheaper here) for one location at this size with this kind of thing going on is way too much money. If lifting is your thing, try somewhere else; or at any rate, don't depend solely on this Y. read more

Tony was a very warm force in getting me to sign up. He sold the gym as a very community-oriented organization. A "we'll say hi to you by name" type of place. That shines through. I see a lot of the same people and feel like I "belong" for all intents and purposes. A lot of the people I see, I sometimes wish I didn't, which is how I know this place is just like having a family. It's a small, but useful space. There are enough machines that you're never without something to do, but it might not be your first choice. The mat area is incredibly limited. I wish there was honestly another room just for mat space. The weight room is also small. If there's more than three of you in there, you might as well just become friends because you'll be touching anyway. This is why I never use the weight room. The locker room is adequate, but sometimes older women will just chill on chairs and block your locker. Whatever, though. They've worked hard. They deserve an hour long, topless break. The classes are really good and the teachers are incredibly attentive. Take advantage of the small class sizes and ask questions. Also, they have a sweet parking deal where you can park across the street for free! read more

The Richmond YMCA definitely feels like a community, or dare I say home. Being a Richmond district native, I went to the Y as a snotty nose little kid for year long preschool (don't think exists any longer). As a post collegiate, I went to the Y for exercise with the intention to lose those pesky pounds I gained in college. For a few years, I neglected the Y and joined and worked at other gyms whose names will remain nameless. I've since come to my senses and now I'm back with a vengeance...going pretty regularly with my boyfriend. Staff is friendly. Other patrons are respectful and you definitely feel like there are no judgments. Machines are standard and I feel like I never have to wait more than five minutes (if even) for anything. I love the treadmill's little read out where it simulates your run around a track--it entertains me when I don't have my music or magazine. I go and see high school acquaintances, my best friend's uncle and women that know my mother--you can't get more close to home and community than that. Even if it wasn't a hop, jump,skip away from where I live, I would still consider going...it's that friendly and warm. read more

*BEAST MODE* RAWR! *pumps iron* *pump* The Richmond YMCA is my alternative gym to the Stonestown YMCA, When i come here its usually cuz of convenience or to work out with my good ole buddy Mike. This YMCA is closer to where i live but the facilities are smaller than my usual Stonestown YMCA. This YMCA is another example of a great community based gym where anyone can come in a workout. Being only a member of the Stonestown YMCA, I still need to pay 5 bucks to get in each time. Best thing to do go workout with a buddy and use one of his/her guest passes ;). Their weight room is tiny but still has what you need to put in a good workout. There are mirrors all over the place so you can watch your every bicep curl and check yourself out all you want ;). My only complaint is that the room itself can get a little stuffy. They have two fans and windows but with too many bodies in there it can get bad. The Cardio/Machine area is very big with a lot of updated machines and a nice little area for you to do some ab work and stretching. Time to get in shape for Summer people! Go Workout! read more

Affordable, open late, tons of group classes, and unpretentious - everything I ever wanted from a gym. They have a rooftop garden where you can stretch or do free weights (you just have to bring the equipment back where you got it, duh), dry sauna, whirlpool, cardio room and did I mention a great variety of group classes with great instructors. The class sizes are small, I attended a spinning class with just 4 members there! Awesome and roomy! After having the misfortune of beloning to 24Hour Fitness, this YMCA is a welcome change. read more

I do not like this gym. It's over-priced, crowded, small, too few machines, classes suck unless you're 85 years old (rock 'n' low anyone) and it is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive for what you get. I cursed this place every time I went until one day I walked up and there was a long long line of hungry elderly folks waiting for their boxes of free food. So yeah, the gym sucks, but they do provide some valuable services to the community. What has 24 fitness done for anyone lately but try to sell you worthless overpriced vitamins. ALSO, it's 5 blocks from my house so that means I work out often and dont have to drive or park to do it. that's a huge bonus. I think it's more of a 2.5 star place, but you cant do halvsies so I gave them the benefit of the extra half star for their good citizenship. Yeah, also the staff are super friendly and helpful... ok now I feel like I dick. maybe this place isn't so bad after all. read more

Great neighborhood fitness center. They have a limited amount of free parking spaces behind the building and across the street. Good staff.......especially Troy, he's the coolest membership director ever! Great classes, and private training for a reasonable price. Nice selection of cardio machines, weight machines and free weights. Very convenient for Richmond neighborhood dwellers. read more

Although this gym would be awesome because it offers a variety of workout machines, it is very disappointing during the busiest hours. There is a signup sheet for the machines when it is busy, however I found that people don't seem to respect the system. I have visited the gym while it was quite busy and full a few times now, hoping to use a treadmill. By the time a treadmill became available and I wrote my name down on the otherwise empty signup sheet, another person had always gotten onto the treadmill without signing up. It would be great if the signup system were actually enforced and members didn't have to wait around hoping someone would finish with the machine. read more

I have such mixed feelings about the Richmond Y. Let's break it down: :) -Local -the crowd is a bunch of normal folks, so I can work out and not feel judged if I'm tomato red -A fair variety of classes (for a Y, not for a regular gym) -Friendly Staff -Hot tub (I've never used it because all I think of is bacteria water but It's nice to know it's there) -Often not crowded, always can find a locker for my stuff :( -Expensive for what you get. You can buy a 3 year membership to 24 hour fitness for 300 bucks versus the cost of this gym (and I have financial aid to boot and it's still expensive!) -Hours sort of suck. On the weekends they don't open until 7:30 and close at 7pm. That seems really early to close for a gym, especially compared to other location -Hours on the weekdays are crappy too, they don't open early enough for me to go before work/class unless I choose to shower there which I wouldn't do because, again, bacteria totally freaks me out read more

Nice little neighborhood gym. Communal spa and hot tub; with a small freeweight room and separate cardio and weight machine area that is about twice as large. Towel service an every friendly staff. I wish thy didn't make you sign in if It is not your home gym. Bring a lock if you would like to use a locker. Can be busy during peak hours and on the weekends read more

Sweetest treadmills ever. It has a dock that lets you plug your iPod in and use the touch-screen on the machine to scroll through your playlists. I joined this gym straight away without really thinking it through, however. Plus side: they have great equipment, a super nice staff and I have never had to wait for cardio machines or been hit on by skeezy muscle men. Down side: I have not been hit on by skeezy muscle men. I forgot that one reason I've loved going to big name gyms in the past was because there was always that potential to meet hot guys. I'm a little bummed in this regard, but at least I feel comfortable enough to break a good sweat at the Y and go makeup-less with little worry. read more

You know you may have to reevaluate your life when people only know you by your addictions and poor life choices. I moved into my neighborhood in February. In the span of four months I have managed to really be a "regular" at few different establishments. First, there was Peets. "Medium coffee Rebecca?" Awwww. Sweet right? Makes you feel a bit fuzzy. Then... the bar. "Hey, Rebecca. Haven't seen you in a couple days, whats new?". Okay, kinda sweet. Like Cheers right? Everyone loved that show. People sing the theme song in hopes they too will go somewhere where everyone knows their name. It gave me that "neighborhoody" feel that I was looking for. Then.... 711. "Camels, right. Saw you crossing the street, got them out". F* Me!!! That is where I draw the line. Not cool. Caffeine, booze, smokes. So, for personal satisfaction, health... and some vanity, I have attempted to change this. Well, actually mostly for principle. I cant be known in the hood, for my three bad vices. So, I have joined the gym!!!! Not ready to cut back on the booze or coffee, but perhaps its about time to kick the smokes, ehhhh?? I joined the Y last week. And guess what??? I think the people at the front recognize me! Next time I go in I am going to ask them if they could say "Hi Rebecca" when I walk in. You know ... for principle. I don't need a big place to work out. I need the basics. 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes to blast my pecs. This place is small... yes. But is perfect for me, as I don't get overwhelmed. I go a bit later in the evening and have never had to wait for a machine. I am not a fan of commitment..... so isn't it perfect that I don't have to sign a contract!? I could quit at any time, but I think I am in it for the long haul. I even cut back on the smoking. My 711 buddy said he missed me the last couple days!!! Was wondering where I was. The YMCA has what I look for in any neighborhood establishment. Friendly, small and familiar. It feels like a little community. I had an insta-connection with it. I used to dream about going to the bar all day at work. Now, I dream about going to the gym as soon as I get off..... then to the bar. Its a stones throw away from my house. The closer the gym the more likely you are to go regularly, I am just lucky that such a great little gym is the one closest to me. I have officially just added a new addiction that people in the hood can know me by...... and it's one that won't cause a slow and pain-full death!!! read more

aHHHhhhh I LOVE this place!! After only working out at ridiculously crowded college fitness centers, this place is like a breath of fresh air. After living close by here for a year, I decided to join. I always told myself that I would never join a gym because I hated the crowds, the working out indoors, etc, but I realized that I needed a routine that was not dependent on the weather. I joined this Y and immediately got hooked on their spin classes! Heidi (Mondays), Jesse (Wednesdays), and Maria (Sundays) are AMAZING. They really kick your ass, but it's quite a fun ass kicking. The classes get full at certain times of the year (after New Years for example), but everyone always gets a bike. Give this place a chance. You'll love it too. read more

So it's small and more pricey than my 24 hour membership was. NOT a problem since it is 4 blocks away from my home, the staff is SUPER friendly, I have all the cardio machines and weights I could need, and it's CLEAN without those random downtown bums wearing jeans and stuff. For some reason no matter what time I go its full, and only once have I left cuz people were OBVIOUSLY ignoring the time limit postings (on every wall may i add) but look, once out of how many times? Not so bad. Plus you don't have to "pay" for towel service and I have a handy dandy key ring-membership card to keep on my keys. I also like the little cubbies for storing your extra sweater in when you don't need/want a locker, and the hand spray and sanitizer all over. Yay! read more

I've been working out at YMCAs for 25 years - I've never had a membership to a private gym for any real length of time. I like the Richmond Y, it is convenient, inexpensive and friendly. Good if you're like me and hate group exercise and only want your cardio and your cybex and to be left the hell alone. Not so good if want stripper pole aerobics a la Crunch or are trying to find a date. The only drawback to me is that the hours are really short. (Edit - I should say it's inexpensive for us since we have a family membership, so if you cost it out it's less per person. If you are single you should join with a buddy and call yourself a family. 75/2=37.50 vs 55.) However, if you're under 26 or over a certain age, you can go for around 40 a month. read more