For what it is, the Vigo County YMCA is a 3 star spot. Come on...its the Y!
I am a non-local that drops in to Terre Haute from time to time to visit family. I am an active athlete that seeks out any/all options for any/all exercise while I am in Terre Haute. The options around here in the Haute are not great or extensive, but I do believe that you do not need much in order to get active.
For an $8 daily rate (no contract, no hassle...this part is vital to what is best for me), I can go to this YMCA and use their machines, free weights, attend a class or swim in the pool. This place is not the Ritz, with shower facilities being sub-par, things look run down and equipment is dated and tired. The place is simple, basic and clean, although in need of a face lift. BUT...again, in order to keep in shape, I believe you do not need things to be fancy, you simply need the knowledge of what to do and the right tools. The YMCA provides this for me.
I have attended a few classes, including a H.I.I.T, which was basic, but quite fun, fast paced and provided me a good sweat. From body pump to chair yoga, you can pretty much find all options at the Y. Being an advanced athlete of sorts, I was in fear of not finding a good mix to push me to my normal levels. From a good stair step machine to a perky H.I.I.T instructor that kept things moving, when it comes to fitness, 50% is you pushing yourself and 50% is the activity itself. I often just need to be in the group environment in order to get me working hard versus simply working out on my own. Again, the YMCA provides this for me when I find myself in Terre Haute.
I also was given a free 5 day pass on a recent visit to encourage visitors to experience the Y. As a daily rate person and not a full fledge member, this was a great unexpected perk. If I lived here, it would encourage me to join. I believe it was part of a limited time summer program, but still a great deal.
I had difficulty getting connected to the right personal trainer for me here at the Y ( I was seeking an American College of Sports Medicine trainer and it was not that they did not have one, but the schedule to work with this person was not going to work for the trainers schedule), but they have options and wanted to help me find another person. Although I did not end up working with one of their trainers, they do have trainers, nutritionists and wellness coaches to help you out in your fitness goals.
The instructors seem welcoming and the environment seems like everyone knows one another and treat each other like family. I am always a little caught off guard at the prayer at the end of a class, but it is the Young Men's Christian Association, so to be expected.
So although not the best gym out there by any stretch, it will do just fine for what I am looking for.
Planet Hollywood or Anytime Fitness are going to be superior to the YMCA in design, layout, equipment and decor, but the YMCA allows me to visit on a daily rate and this is the most important piece to me, for I was not going to sign a contract. I don't need fancy, I just need to sweat. read more