Sebastien Augustin Director, Membership Sales and Engagement is very unprofessional and does not have the decency and respect to reply to an email within a reasonable time. I sent an email to him on September 25, 2025 regarding a membership question and no response, I followed up with another email on Setpember 28th, 2025 and still to this day no response. He is clearly incompetent and was most likely a DEI hire with no real credentials. This is my first and last interaction with this location. read more

Rockway YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Queens, New York

Very clean gym and staff is friendly especially Sebastien . In 2026 , I would like to see more Yoga classes added to the schedule.

This is a great ymca. Staff is sweet. Crowd is friendly. The machines are well maintained. Everyone who complains about this ymca is a bitch-ass hater. Be grateful for the last great social institution in America read more

Gym is clean and well maintained. I've been to gyms throughout the city/country and the YMCA is among the best. I truly don't understand the bad reviews. Love this place. read more

Lady with the cheap blonde mop wig acts and talks like she owns the gym, very rude, disrespectful and condescending. The new manager guy is very inconsiderate as well. I have been paying a family membership for a long time and I do not even attend regularly. Because of staff attitude and terrible manners I will take my money to Planet Fitness which is significantly cheaper. read more

The staff is horrible! Heed this warning and the other negative warning I was too ignorant to acknowledge, this gym is bad! Like really bad! First let me explain how YMCA customer service work. There isn't a customer service team or headquarters that you can call to resolve your problem. All customer services are dealt locally. Meaning if you have a problem with your YMCA location the only way you can resolve it is with that same YMCA location. No dedicated non bias phone number to call to help you with your problem. You can't even call other local YMCA because and I quote each YMCA has there own policies to follow. It would make sense to have policies such as that but this location abuse that fact! You can call multiple (and I have) YMCA that will tell you they can resolve your problem with ease. This location in particular would lie and would even go so far to have another employee impersonate the role of being a manger. Too incompetent to realize that you're a regular and have spoken to the manger before and know how he sounds! Honestly the staff is horrible because to them everything is personal and they pick and choose when they want to help you or not. Second the staff are the only creeps at that gym! If you're good looking and have a physique they would follow you and continue to stare at you. You can't even use the stair machine because they would stand behind you and stare at your entire session! The only time you ever see one of the staff in the gym area is either if they're training a individual(usually these staff members aren't trouble makers) or if someone with a big butt is at the gym. Their presence come off as very creepy and I feel sorry for the individuals they harass. Now I can't lie their are some good staff members that work at the gym. Maybe there are a few bad apples that need to be remove but if these bad apples aren't held accountable for their actions then the entire gym would be viewed as bad apples! If you have a negative experience at this gym please let your story be heard because you're not alone! Rate your experience accordingly it's the only way to hold this gym accountable for our negatives experiences! read more

Gym is fully opened now. Masks are optional for gym goers if you're vaccinated. There is no more social distancing either. All of the machines are up and running. My wife attends the classes and they do cap those at I believe 15 people. Not sure what is going to happen once the mayor's vaccine mandate kicks in. read more

This YMCA is terrible and I would assume all YMCA's are like this. The staff is terrible and annoying and gets in the way of doing your actually goal of using the gym. There is always something wrong with whatever stupid system they use to sign people in. The only reason I haven't changed gyms is because this is the closest to my house and the gym equipment is actually good and the people who workout are cool. I know they also treat there staff awfully. Safe to say the YMCA is the most glorified gym in America and I hope I can die seeing them all out of business. If you are a regular gym goer or know anything about common decency you will know this gym is awful. The only thing keeping me from not going to planner fitness has to be my pride. read more

Terrible gym. Hours are terrible. Full of children. Staff are super rude I was there yesterday and one of the children was cleaning/ brushing the floor straight into my face while I was working out. When I said something I was ignored. I already canceled after theee days of being a member. I'd rather drive. read more

Normally, I have a peace and a zen visit when I come to workout or use to do yoga here. But, on the 1st day of my swim class 3/7/21 I was treated like a criminal who snuck in to undress, use my locker with a lock to steal a day in the gym. I've been a member for some years now. I had 15 minutes to spare and already anxious I have a phobia/fear I'm trying to conquer ever since I had a friend drown when in high school. I lost my trust for the water. Dee (a woman with a one letter name apparently?) Stopped me at the desk and said my card wasn't registering. I told her I would be late for my class can we handle it after because it comes off my credit card automatically, so I knew it was an error on their part because I had just been there a week prior with no problem during the week. Reluctantly, and begrudgingly with major attitude she brushes me off and away literally with her hand. I'm extremely nervous now even more on edge. Another woman Heidi who's apparently in an upper position (let me know) and appoaches me while I'm on tbe edge of the pool trying not to feel like I might die with a piece of crinkly paper and her outside shorts (very unprofessional looking btw) B lines for me, "WHO ARE YOU?" She's now rushing out instructor who was kind and patient and this Heidi comes back only to me now. What's your name?. I can barely hear with my cap on mind you. He was gonna let us stay on tbe other side, but apparently her 3 toddler students take precedent over his 6 or 7 struggling full price paying adults.. We get out because she said we had to even though there was a few minutes left just tacky. She comes to me again (only me) I dont have you on my list and asks my name again. How is she only coming to me I'm confused how do you know it's not someone else here? Dee sent her obviously but their both playing games now. I told her my name 3 or 4 times now she want ms me to spell. It didn't even look like there was anything on the paper. Why just me again? She says well you won't be let in again and then said I HAVE A NASYY ATTITUDE in front of the entire room. But, a minute ago you were so worried about your class of 3 toddlers. I went back to the desk to try and reason with Dee and explain to her about my anxiety and having some sensitivity. It went from bad to worse both of these women accused me of having attitude and I'm the one being harrassed because of their ego. I PAID FAITHFULLY THROUGH OUT THE PANDEMIC CLOSURE when there was an option to opt out with no complaints because I didn't want the gym to close. SUNDAY THERE'S NO BOSS AND IT SHOWS. Super turned off and annoyed. HORRIBLE 1ST LESSON DAY! Thanks Arverne YMCA I ABSOLUTELY HATED MY 1ST DAY read more

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The worse customer service regarding the cancellation. Sebastion assisted me and canceled my membership on 1/7/23, but I still was charged for February. When I called at 6:10 pm on 2/2/23 to 718-215-6950 asking to check my account, the operator hung up on me. read more

The place is always packed, especially the gym. The gym is small, and there isn't enough equipment to go around. The locker room is cramped and smells dingy. I expect better amenities for a place that charges $70 monthly. Unfortunately, it's the only gym in the immediate area. read more

Beautiful facility. Went there for early voting, but got a tour of facilities for exercise. Has two great pools. Changing rooms as well. Plus more! You should check out what they have to offer! read more

Fantastic classes impeccable clean facilities the staff has helped me try to obtain my goals with utmost courtesy and professional knowledge. read more

Okay I'm giving 3 stars now because I've only done a tour of the facility but I'm definitely not new to YMCA's nationwide. Yes, there was a lot of people and yes I did spend some time there waiting (I didn't join yet my cousin and her family did) but the crowd control was effectively done by the staff. They did a great job building this facility but I dislike the open pool area as soon as you walk in. The kiddie pool looks very inviting and playful. There were plenty of lifeguards keeping watch and parents are expected to stay within arms length. The lap pool was tiny compared to some of the Olympic size pools I'm accustomed to seeing at other YMCA's. There's a men, women, and family style locker room areas (mainly for mom and kids). The gym area is a decent size but also not the biggest I've seen. Still wasn't impressed but then we take a walk upstairs...tuh!!! This Y was designed for fitness. Tons of ellipticals, stationary standard bikes and spin bikes, treadmills facing a nice outside view, weight lifting machines, plenty of benches...I was happy! The upstairs is very spacious. I'm looking forward to possibly giving it more stars when I use my first buddy pass I haven't joined because I'm a bit cautious given the area of what type of people may frequent this place but the staff seem to have a good handle on making sure it doesn't get infiltrated by vagabonds (yeah I said it and that's being nice). read more

Rockway YMCA - Spin bikes in the upstairs fitness area - Gyms Near Me - Queens, New York

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The sauna and steam room still aren't open also they close at 3 pm on the weekend. None of this makes sense, why do you require a vaccine yet enforce masks in the facility. You're charging regular prices yet the hours of operation are cut down and the sauna steam room aren't open, I'm guessing for no other reason than the fact that they can hide behind covid and save money not opening up the sauna steam room. read more

I just joined this location after using up my 3 guest passes. I have to say I disagree with the reviews. The supposed overcrowding must have been a result of the hype around the brand new facility. I haven't experienced this in the gym or in the fitness classes. In fact I've been there on several different days of the week including saturday and have never had a problem. The change room usually has between 1-5 people in it at any time. Always more than enough room in there, as well as the steam and the sauna room. The fitness center is packed with cardio and weight machines, there's a ton of variety for whatever you are into. I've taken some of the classes as well and I love them. There's plenty of room. And very clean. As far as the "kids" running around everywhere, yes there are some teenagers and kids but they're harmless and at least they're spending their free time engaging in something beneficial. They're never rude or loud really. The employees are super nice and helpful. There's plenty of parking and it's right next to Stop and Shop so it's really convenient to pop in after the gym to pick up groceries. You can cancel at any time and they don't charge a cancellation fee. I checked out the other big gym in the area and it cannot compare either price wise or facility wise. I really have nothing bad to say. I'm very happy with it. Rockaway needed this very very badly. read more

This gym is great. All of the people who have helped me behind the counter have been nothing but pleasant and accommodating. I usually go mid-day so I never have a problem getting a cardio machine or weights. It would be nice if they considered opening a womens weightroom during all hours, but usually I just head into the studio room. The womens restroom attendant leaves the place looking flawless The classes are great, but the sauna is what really won me over in comparison to other gyms. - 1 star because they don't have a towel service, I've never been to a gym that doesn't read more

I registered early in the year and so far it's been good. The facility is really clean and they maintain it this way. It does get busy some days but the people are usually considerate. In case you need help, there's staff located upstairs that are able to assist you with the machines as needed. The pool is great and the sauna and steam room are excellent. I'm taken back by previous reviews about the area and concerns with safety. Not any Joe Shmoe can just walk in and do something crazy. The area is fairly quiet and safe. Crime can happen anywhere, even in the upper east side so don't let that hinder you from joining. The only negative is the amount of available parking in the parking lot on the weekends. I usually park across the street. This place offers residents and anyone with a membership a place to exercise and unwind. I think it's a great addition to Rockaway. read more

I come here routinely and it's more than just a gym. Members can find themselves greeted by courteous staff to start with. It's pretty affordable and family plans are a plus. You will enjoy full gym facilities along with an Olympic swimming pool, family pool with water slide (both indoors), family, male and women locker rooms accompanied with showers, steam rooms, and saunas. To top it off they have an indoor full basketball court. They do have classes, and a day care as well. The only things I would say I didn't like that they do not have towels for members, you have to bring your own. Also, around peak hours good luck finding machines. read more

have been a member for about 2 years- unfortunately they cannot tweak their covid appointment software causing a lot of stress, and anxiety among members. No one wants to help with the issues and clearly there is an easy fix if they would only listen to the members- put my membership on hold until I see they are here for ALL member. read more

This is one poorly maintained facility. I would never go back to this location and would advise others to look elsewhere for fitness options where you can pay less and find friendlier staff. read more

Nice clean facility.. Support your local community. Nice clean pool, gym, classes and polite staff. NYC employees get a 20% discount of the membership. read more

Just signed up a few weeks ago. The gym is super clean and the staff is extremely kind and helpful. I love all the amenities the facility has to offer including but not limited to a swimming pool, multiple group classes and child day care. The locker room is up kept nicely, along with the showers and restrooms. Very pleased with this membership. read more

This YMCA should be ashamed of themselves they charge a lot of money for one, why because of the dirty beach a block a way. You go to any other YMCA in the tri-state and their prices are very reasonable. I thought I canceled my membership clearly I didn't they went ahead and charged my CC. I called Eric Rainey and he clearly did nothing he said "sorry you were misinformed but no refunds" I'm not sure where he works besides there to give up $65 just like that. I'm not under any circumstances letting them get away with this. I'm taking this to the higher ups. I work to hard to give these people my hard earned money. He even said I see you haven't been to the gym since January and you still feel it's okay to take my hardworking money. Not by chance Mr. Rainey you will give me a refund, you haven't heard the last of me. read more

The people who work here are a disaster. I try to sign up, but had a balance from another YMCA for some summer program my daughter didn't attend. They said my account could not be activated. I made sure to handle the other Y's account. However, for 6 months Rockaway Y was changing my checking account. I called repeatedly to ask them to reimburse my account and stop charging. They promised me the accounting was going to take care of it. We are now 6 months into the drama and my account still being debited. read more

Very clean gym. It's new so it hasn't been trashed so far and hopefully it continues to be this way. I come here often enough to safety say that I have yet to find the cleanliness standard sub par. And they have parking! Boy, I was so happy that it is not a struggle to find parking just to workout. Huge kudos. They also have a nice variety of classes, I've tried Zumba, Yoga, Spin and Pilates. Zumba by far have my favorite instructors...those two ladies can whip some ass into shape. Weds night Zumba is super fun. Wasn't a fan of pilates nor the Vinyasa class taught my this male instructor. Asides from the great classes and parking, equipment is pretty awesome too. Tons of cardio machines and a well rounded weight collection. Like most gyms come on the weekends because this place can get pretty busy during peek hours but I've never had a problem getting it in here. Location is in a very up and coming part of RB. Some people say hood, but I don't see it. My least favorite part of this place is staff. They aren't rude but just lifeless. When I sign up I had to force myself on them that I wanted a membership, like they didn't want to do any work. They really don't greet people and just stare as you walk in. Also, if you take Weds night Zumba there is a creepy guy who just stares at the class periodically...not sure if he works there but if he does than he should get fired. Way to make people uncomfortable. read more

It's been a while since I worked out. Had everything I needed to get back in "shape". Id recommend it to anyone who needs a good work out and it even has a pool and a sauna. read more

I joined this place because it's closed to home and I'm in love. Super clean, state of the art cardio equipment and lots of weights. Spinning classes is also awesome. The staff is respectful and helpful. I would definitely recommend this ymca to people to join. Thank god for this gym because cyber zone down the way is horrible and the staff is unfriendly. read more

Very nice facility. It's clean and better than anything Rockaway has ever seen. Purchased an annual membership for myself and my mom. I usually go in the early AM and/or weekends and haven't had the experience (recently) with large crowds. When they first opened crowds were out of control (that was expected). Locker rooms and fitness equipment are clean. This facility was desperately needed in Rockaway and I'm glad they did a good job building a high quality facility. read more

Loving the y lately other than a few people with attitudes zumba classes are great! Michelle and lisa are awesome teachers !!!! Everyone behind the counter has been helpful and i am loving the lockerroom so clean and nice! read more

I was surprised to see some of the other reviews that were less than stellar. I found quite the opposite. The branch is very well designed and plush with amenities. The great pool speaks volumes. The staff is very well trained and informative. And the locker rooms are some of the best in the city. This YMCA is exactly what the Rockaway community needed. As such, a lot of people have rushed to sign up. And that's a good thing. I haven't, however, found it to be overly crowded to the point where it's problematic. Either way, with an organization like the YMCA of Greater NY, I'm sure the branch experience will only improve over time. read more

The YMCA of Rockaway has lots to offer. The gym it's self is beautiful, the pool itself are beautiful. Most of the staff is helpful and the classes are very good especially the Zumba which my daughter loves.. The only knock is sometimes it's extremely hot inside the gym, with temperatures around 75 degrees which makes all the equipment very sticky and gives you the feeling as soon as you leave you need to jump into a bath of alcohol to kill the germs.. read more

I have only taken a tour so far and the facility is pretty neat. I haven't joined yet based on some reviews, so I thought I check it out for myself with a few guest passes. I will be back to give my full review. read more

The quality of the facility is amazing, the equipment is state of the art, the staff is friendly and helpful and if I were to give the Rockaway YMCA a star rating based on these criteria, I would rate it 5 stars. Unfortunately, as many others have posted, your experience may vary depending on the time you visit the facility. My morning workouts have been most serene, in a nice quiet , clean, gym, with respectful and friendly members. Evenings however, are filled with loud, rowdy, members and many others on guest passes, who have no respect for the facility or the other members who would like to exercise. It's a shame that for the first time, a facility as this Y is built in the Rockaways, for the Rockaways, yet our own neighbors have no class or appreciation for something this great. I will continue my membership but will only visit during the morning hours. I have not taken any group classes yet so I am unable to comment on that. read more

My name is Thanisha Mitchell. I was excited to join today. I was a previous customer from Planet Fitness which I decided to cancel. I saw this gym offer more to clients pool, class, more equipments, sauna, steam room. I feel that this gym fill all my expectations. Thank you to Brian to sign me up with my Friend Christina Suida. Brian has a very professional attitude towards us, and his customer service was superb. He make us feel like we were buying a home and it was worthed to be there. I mean the guy got some sales skills. Awesome guy, I am glad I join. read more

Updating my review. They have gotten somewhat better. Still on the fence about this place but I will keep giving it a try.

Fantastic gym to go to. It's brand new, spacious, and clean! The staff can sometimes be unprofessional from the front desk personnel to the security guard flirting with the ladies. read more

This YMCA should be ashamed of themselves they charge a lot of money for one, why because of the dirty beach a block a way. You go to any other YMCA in the tri-state and their prices are very reasonable. I thought I canceled my membership clearly I didn't they went ahead and charged me full fee called Eric Rainey and he clearly did nothing he said "sorry you were misinformed but no refunds" I'm not sure where he works besides there to give $65 free, but I'm not runner any circumstances letting them get away with this. I'm taking this to the higher ups. I work to hard to give these policies my hard earned money. He even said I see you haven't been to the gym since January and you still feel it's okay to take my hardworking money. No attorney chance Mr. Rainey you will give me a refund read more

I love this gym friendly staff / environment and cool classes it's definantly under control and they have zumba I give it 5 stars a must try.. its also very clean compared to planet fitness. read more