This place is really good, but it could be great. Our daughter is enrolled in swim lessons and the instruction has been great. The pool is fully renovated and the facility is lovely. As for the other parts of the Y - they are fine, but need a facelift. The weights and machines are plentiful but the gym area could use new flooring, new equipment, fresh paint, and a deep clean. This is such a highly trafficked facility, I truly think they need to think about doing a big renovation. The sauna here is great and always in working order and I am impressed that they have free childcare on site for those who busy parents who want to workout. The staff seems lovely - I would love to see a push to renovate or build a new YMCA in this area. read more

The staff has been vert cordial and helpful. The facility seems very clean for what equipment I have use, cant't speak to the pool. The size of the strength and cardio area is compact but I haven't had to wait for any machines or equipment. It's cozy. Seems to be good value for what I need. read more

An important community resource highlighted by a year round indoor pool. If you have kids, consider a membership and swim lessons. The cost of membership compares unfavorably with the lower cost local gyms, so if you don't need the pool, this may not be your best bet. read more

I've been attending the YMCA for years now I've gotten to know the staff and also build relationships with them. I've always seen it as a safe space for me especially cause I'm a mom and I work full time and also am in nursing school. YMCA has been apart of my support system for me so I'm still able to be active while juggling everything. On sept 5th I was doing yoga stretches with my son I was told months prior I was told it's okay if he's with me as long as he's not messing with the equipment (he usually goes to the kids room but today it was closed). while we are doing our stretches a woman named Laura loo comes up to us being extremely rude saying he cannot be on the floor and we need to leave I tell her "the staff told me it's fine if he's here as long as he's not doing anything to get himself hurt". She says "well who told you that because I will have to report them to management" while I cannot remember everything she said verbatim, while speaking extremely aggressively and defensively she's talking AT me instead of to me like a normal human being. I said "okay we'll just leave" she proceeds to just stand over us in acts of intimidation. I tell her "you can go away and you don't have to stand over us while we're getting our stuff" she says " no I want to make sure you leave" in this moment I felt extremely uncomfortable. Because I was not being treated like a costumer. I pay entirely way too much money to come here for get treatment like this. I don't want to pull the race card but genuinely believe she would have not done this to anyone if they simply looked different than me. Her tone, her attitude, was uncalled for. I respect policy and would never purposely disobey it. it's not what you say it's how you say it. This encounter was truly disappointing she held no compassion to speaking like that in front of a child. Something needs to be done about this because her character does not reflect what YMCA stands for. read more

My first disappointment was with the indoor pool today. The bottom and sides of the pool are full of green algae. The water is cloudy. My second disappointment is in the women's shower area. There is visible mildew and a musty smell. Just isn't clean like the rest of the locker room is. read more

I still love the YMCA! From the beautiful woman that greats you at the front desk to the staff members that I encounter daily are all awesome! When I began my exercise journey at the Y, I only participated in swim aerobic classes with Erin, Kathy, and other amazing swim aerobic instructors. Since the pool closed for cleaning, I had the pleasure to experience Frances K Yoga/Chair Yoga classes, which are incredible! I left her classes feeling balanced, flexible, happy, relaxed, and centered. Now I'm hooked!! I just have to arrive early at her classes, because spots are limited! When the pool reopens and Instructor Erin (my best aerobic swim instructor) returns, I don't know how I'm going to balance two of my favor instructors Erin and Fran's classes. I think their classes are happening at the same time. I'll definitely figure it out, because I can't miss their classes. Thanks Fran and Erin for making my body able to move freely! You guys are amazing!! read more

I have been going to this YMCA in Alexandria for seven years. I love every part of the Y. From the workers, trainers, and cleaning staff. The workout equipments are plentiful. There are numerous classes to include biking, yoga, dance classes, etc are fun. There is a large swimming pool that appears to be well managed. Locker rooms are spacey and well maintained. If that is not enough, there is a childrens' nursery and after school program available. During COVID when safe to reopen the staff members were diligent to keep us all in a clean, protected environment. read more

I've been a member at this Y for almost 6 years now and am bewildered by all these negative reviews? Not taking away from anyone's truth, it's just definitely not mine. My wife and I have always had positive experiences with this Y--it's less than a mile away from our place and has everything we could need to work out. It can get crowded sometimes, mostly downstairs where the free weights/benches are, but people are nice and you pivot when necessary--not a big deal for people who work out regularly. There's usually plenty of open space upstairs for floor work and a good selection of kettlebells, dumbbells, Bosu balls, medicine balls, etc. The staff -every single member- has always been great to us. And they are so sweet to the many little kiddos who attend their programs or swimming lessons. Re: price, there are other options that are cheaper but the Y in Alexandria has been an excellent value for us. It's a perfect gym for the people it serves: busy professionals/parents and longtime community members who want to stay healthy and strong. It's not intimidating with huge dudes throwing weights around and grunting, or women in full makeup with cute sports bras and perfect abs. It's mostly just real people of varying levels of fitness working out. There are absolutely nicer and larger facilities that you can AND WILL pay more to join, but esp if you live in the area, please check this place out. Again, I'm not taking away from anyone's experience, but did want to share ours to offer some more perspective. read more

The YMCA is conveniently located and reasonably priced. However, the staff is disorganized and often rude. I've had Y employees lose paperwork I submitted, not once but twice. And when I've asked questions at the front desk I've had people argue with me, dismiss me and/or act like I'm bothering them by asking them a question. I've always loved being a member of YMCAs--I've been a member in 3 other cities (outside Alexandria), but this is the worst service I've ever experienced. I've put my membership on hold and will be going to a different gym for a few months--maybe forever. I really wish this Y would improve their service. read more

This review is specifically for the child watch facility at this YMCA. When we first joined a few months ago, I noticed that the childcare staff were not engaging with the children and some of them were even on their phones while they were supposed to be watching the children! I called and complained to Kiara Holloman, who supposedly is in charge of the child watch program. She assured me she'd address the issue. Today when I picked up my son from child watch the three staff members were all lounging in the chairs on the side, zoned out, and one of them was on her phone. I immediately told the front desk staff and emailed Kiara, who isn't there on the weekends. But I'm pretty frustrated and am looking for alternative gyms because the staff obviously doesn't care about the kids and the leadership hasn't taken any effective actions to put a stop to it - or better yet, hire people who care. I have two young kids and having a gym with childcare is a great perk but I expect a certain standard of professionalism and care. They don't need to teach my kids their ABCs I just want them to get off their phones and actually play with the kids. read more

Staff is friendly and the locker rooms are always being cleaned. Only thing I wish is that the pool hours were longer and that there are more lap lanes. Also, really want that sauna back open. read more

Even with COVID protections and limited people working out, the previous bad behavior is back. Folks get on machines and camp out for 5+ minutes, doing multiple reps and texting. There is an argument for multiple reps so only one wipe-down is required, but not to the extent that other patrons can't get to the machines at all. Sadly, there is no apparent guidance and the staff is clueless. Been a long time member and only answered one survey question. This facility could be really great with enlightened and engaged administration and some leadership. read more

Not many weights here, always have to wait to workout on certain equipment, too packed at night so don't even bother going, way overpriced and their holiday schedule is ridiculous. Who opens late on Christmas and New Years Eve? I can understand closing early, but seriously for $89 a month, why do you need to open late on the day of each eve? read more

Very clean. Staff, especially Lamar and Aaron, are friendly and helpful. New equipment and locker rooms.

Well...it was not a pleasant experience. I have been a member at the Y off and on in different states and it was always a positive, if not perfect experience. I went to the Alexandria location on a guest pass to gauge if it would work for me and I was not impressed. The front desk staff ruined the experience. There were two people working reception and I was the only one there at the moment. They ignored me and allowed me to stand directly in front of them without even an acknowledgement. Finally after all that fantastic awkwardness I had to force the issue and was treated gruffly. Totally inhospitable and borderline hostile. Not sure what the problem really was, so that is left to ones own imagination. Oh, the facility was otherwise decent and clean, but regardless I'll never darken their door again. read more

The fact that I get a free membership to this place from work is a major plus. That being said, this is a very nice gym. No you probably won't see a lot of "the beautiful people" here. You know the type, the people that get on the treadmill for 15 minutes and stop because they start to sweat. If you want that, then go to a trendy gym. The monthly fees are a bit steep (so I hear) at $60 for an individual and $80 for a family. But you will get full access to a great pool, full gym, basketball court, indoor track..... Friendly staff and location to Alexandria are also key. read more

The review for a YMCA are going to have a wide range of perspectives because of the varied nature of what people use them for. If you're comparing this YMCA to other YMCA's, as a local (subsidized) community focused organization that prioritizes social activities over fitness, then you'll be happy. If you want the YMCA to be the local crossfit gym or Golds, you'll be sorely disappointed. The staff that works at this YMCA (in Del Ray, Alexandria) is friendly and courteous. The equipment is well maintained, if dated, and usually accessible even during busy times. (This location does get VERY busy) The classes are popular but not overflowing with individuals, and they do a good job of providing classes and kids events. It's not expensive, and it has plenty of parking. I love the people here and the sense of neighborhood/community. The facilities are exactly the same as they were at the YMCA in Newport, RI, so I don't expect more. This would be a five star review if the equipment wasn't ancient. read more

The front desk staff were helpful and friendly, the equipment is clean and well managed. It's a nice facility, with reasonable membership pricing for our family. read more

This Y is pretty good, I only go there to swim however so this rating is based on the pool mostly. There are four lap lanes when the pool is lap-swimming only, however the lifeguards don't enforce the LAP ONLY time and allow people to do water aerobics in the lap lanes even when lap swimmers are there. Very annoying. The pool is pretty warm so you get hot when you're doing laps. You'll see swimmers who don't know what they're doing and don't know how to circle swim or smack you when they cross the midline of the lane. The lifeguards don't manage the lanes well when it's busy. Don't go weekend afternoons when the pool and locker room is overrun with children not being watched by their parents, jumping on the scale and running in the showers. I really appreciate the towel service and the front desk people are always really nice. Parking is easy and always available. The guest fee is cheaper than other area YMCAs. For real swimming, go to Washington-Lee. Otherwise this is a great neighborhood pool. read more

Alright place. The membership prices are steep for what you get ($95 for a couple, but its walking distance for us so we suck it up. The place is nice that it isn't a meat market and the staff is really nice. However, the equipment is very limited, there is often a wait on the cardio machines, and the classes aren't the greatest. The pool was a big selling point when we got here, but I gave up trying to do laps b/c often there are only two lanes open for laps which are over crowded and the rest is free swim for babies. As you can expect, crapping in the pool is frequent.... I would still give it 4 stars b/c its close to me and has a great staff, but now for their machines they had a problem with comcast and got rid of the cable. Seriously? read more

The staff is friendly, the gym area is decent sized. Upstairs there are cardio machines and exercise machines, the free weights are all downstairs. There's a good sized swimming pool available, and half of a basketball court with one rim to shoot on. They offer yoga classes. and stuff for kids too, I think. They have saunas and private showers as well, next to the locker area downstairs. Not going to blow you away but it has everything you need if you're looking for a good workout. Equipment is all up to date and the cardio equipment has tv on the monitors. read more

Decent gym. I like the cardio equipment and how close it is to home. The staff is also very friendly. There could be more 10,12,15 pound weights downstairs as there is only one set of each. Therefore, a lot of waiting for weights in the downstairs area. Also the cardio equipment could be cleaned and dusted. Free daycare! read more

If I could give zero rating, I would. I went to take adult swimming class in YMCA first time and I wasn't a member. The lady in front desk told me that the first class has already started today but it's possible to get into the class. She also suggested that if I take the membership then I will get discount on the swimming class, which I thought good. I filled out the admission form and gave my credit card to pay for the membership and the swimming class. When she is done with the transaction, she saw the swimming instructor coming toward front desk, then she introduced me with him and told him that I am going to join the class next week, then the instructor said the class is full and suggested to wait for the next class. But when he heard that I already paid for the class he said he is gonna check and let me know by next day if he can put me in this class. Then the front desk lady was pretending to be sorry and she said she should've asked the instructor before the transaction. She assured me to hold the transaction and call me by next day if anything available, if not then my credit card won't get charged. And also told me that if I don't get any call from her, it means no seat available and my account will be closed. Well, I didn't get any call from her next day. About 15 days later, I got notified from my bank that my card was charged for the membership of YMCA. I was so disappointed and went to YMCA to ask why my card was charged. I met the same lady at the front desk and asked. she said YMCA shouldn't charged the card. Then she asked me to talk to a guy name Aaron who handles all the refunds. When I explained Aaron he told me that, refund is not possible but If I want I can take the private swimming lesson and he should be able to discount the amount they've charged from my card. At that point I thought I am not gonna get my refund, why not take the private class and use my money. So I paid rest of the amount for the class. Aaron had me talk to the instructor(Arthur) who will take my class and made the schedule for the class next week on Friday at 8pm. Next week I went to take my first lesson on time, and was waiting at the waiting area near the front desk. The class supposed to started at 8pm, I waited until 8:45pm for the instructor. In between I asked twice at the front desk about the instructor (Arthur)but they said instructor is not answering his phone. I was feeling so stupid and dispointed again. Then the front desk called Aaron to handle the situation and he was apologising and was telling me that the front desk forgot to inform instructor about the class. Then he requested another instructor (his name probably David) who was present that time to take my class. He teaches small kids not adult. He wasn't very helpful, he spent most of the time just talking dos and don'ts. He also told me that it's hard to learn swimming if it isn't leaned as kid. However, I finished my lessons 5 out of 6. On lessons 5, the instructor took me in deep water, at that time I didn't even know how to float in the water, I sunk and the life guard came to get me out of the water. I felt like the instructor wanted me to scare about swimming and not continue the lesson. Then he went to vacation for a week and didn't make the schedule for lesson 6. Overall my experience was very very bad with YMCA. They don't care about customer but money. The people at the front desk are not professional. They are fraud and lier. I wouldn't recommend anyone this place. read more

For children I would like to give it 1 star because it has a pool and that's it. My son is overweight and I wanted to sign him up so he could exercise, it's walking distance to my home. Everything was fine until we started then I was told he could not be on the floor and use the treadmill and etc. So basically the only thing he could do was swim. They offer kids class on the brochure but I was told there was nothing scheduled, that was 3 months ago, still nothing scheduled. For adults it's great, love the classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings but again I joined to help my son. Everyone talks about kids being overweight but no one is helping to do anything about it unless I get a personal trainer which is very expensive. I guess only adults should exercise. read more

People working the front desk are beyond rude. Instructor didn't show up for class... and it's not the first time. Complete and total waste of time/money. I would recommend saving your monthly fees and going to other gyms. read more

Overall I really like the Alexandria Y. It's always clean. The staff are all really friendly and if you go frequently they know your name. The membership fees are a little steep. We pay $98 per month for myself and my husband but I feel like we really get our money's worth. If you are looking for some place that you can just work out for 30 minutes on an eliptical and leave then this place is probably not for you. The area where we get the most value is the classes. My husband and I both practice yoga and we go to the Sat morning class with Wendy and the Tuesday evening class with Loraine. The yoga instructers here also teach at Mind the Mat. If we were to take the same amount of classes at the yoga studio (about 16 classes per month between the two of us) it would cost way more. I personally care more about the quality of the teaching than the setting so I get my money's worth in the yoga classes alone. They also have a lot of other group classes. Spin, Zumba, step, weights, you name it. I also really like that they have FitLinx for the weight machines. The system keeps track of how much you lift and your settings for the machine so you don't have to write it down. it's certainly not the fanciest gym but if you take advantage of all they offer then it will definitely be worth it. read more

I joined the Y because I wanted to be able to give my children a place to go where they had both free things to do and affordable classes on the weekends and weeknights. I love the swim program and the Friday night parents night, $5 to watch my kids for 3 hours, and my daughter LOVEs it. But, what they can do a better job with is COMMUNICATION. I had a question about a charge to my account and had emailed for days with no response, until I decided to just go to the branch, my question was answered within 5 secs, but, it was not met without attitude, unjust, in my opinion. Also, when I email on other issues, it takes entirely too long for a response, maybe they need a community engagement intern or something. read more

Horrible nightmarish experience with the membership department. Apparently my membership had not been cancelled as I understood it had been and they went ahead and referred me to a collection agency instead of just picking up the phone and communicating with me. Decent place other then the financial department. Don't waste your money if you have another place you are considering. read more

I wish I could give the aquatic instructor a different rating than this Y, as he was fantastic and was able to teach me how to swim after many years of trying and failing. He was patient, flexible in schedule and in 1 month of lessons, got me from wading in a baby pool to being able to go scuba diving on my honeymoon in Hawaii. If you're looking for swimming lessons, I highly recommend. That being said, from an administrative point of view, this is the worst and most unorganized office I have ever dealt with. After placing our account on hold back in March, we were erroneously billed in April. Since then, I have spent almost 4 weeks trying to get credited the money that we were incorrectly billed. My initial call they had identified that they had our signed paperwork on file. However, after my third call, the same person I spoke with advised that they could not find the paperwork. My call last week I was told that everything was taken care of, although they couldn't exactly give me the date of when everything was going to be processed. I called today, as it's now been a week and a half and nothing has changed. One person in particular on their accounting staff is rude, unreliable and lazy. I continue to call and have remained polite despite her inability to process a simple piece of paperwork. She has never called back as she said she would, and she does not know how to treat customers over the phone. I've confirmed my account is now on hold, but I wouldn't be surprised if we get billed for a second month and have to go through this process again. read more

I like to come here for the logistical convenience. The workout equipment is okay to get around to every body part but it is not quality stuff. It is exactly what you would expect from a YMCA. The pool is often crowded but if you know what time to get there, you may beat the rush or be able to get some lap time in. Personally, I would rather go to Chinquapin or Lee District if time allows but if not this will do in a pinch. Staff is always helpful and the place is maintained well. Lock up your stuff though, some people here tend to have sticky fingers. read more

Awful DO NOT GO! old equipment and horrible trainers. Management is lackluster at best. Lazy staff, my husband needed a new card and the front desk never gave it to him, just let him go workout. So I guess they will let anyone go workout with that policy. Also you can't read or even touch your cell phone. The gym staff will interrupt your workout. When I asked why since there are people using tablets at the gym, I was told its the size of the phone.....I guess lol. It is annoying when people are on the phone talking at the gym but reading an article??? If the trainers where as good as they say they wouldn't be fat and working at the YMCA. For the cost it's a disappointment it was just close. Unless you like gyms with a very very old crowd and rules that are ever changing this is for you. But if you like to workout go to LA Fitness or WSC. It's a better deal in the long run. read more

After returning the YMCA now a couple of times I have a much better understanding of the Group X programs including spin/cycle. It is important to note that your group fitness experience is entirely based on the instructor and the time slot you choose. I am increasing my rating because I have come across some great instructors at the YMCA. read more

I have been a member since about oct2018 so not that long. Mostly joined because they had good prices for kids activities. My kids have done basketball, ballet and Karate. I am most impressed with the karate and ballet class. The instructors are very good and work well with the kids. The basketball program also has good instructors o just wish they learned on a full court and also extended the "game" portion for more than one session. I hear a lot of good things about the aquatics program and I am going enroll my kids in that next school year. They have also have great family activities for Xmas, Halloween and kids health day. The Friday night parents night out is also amazing. For five dollars they keep kids for 3 hours and kids go swimming play games get pizza and watch movies. My kids love it even if I don't have a place to go they enjoy going and hanging out. I just started using the gym for myself and have been impressed with the equipment condition and seems to be enough so you don't have to wait. All in All we have had a good experience and it has been well worth the money read more

I go to YMCA National Capital and Alexandria. Alexandria is a newer facility, other than that both offer awesome cardio classes. The instructors are great and the music selection too. I burn anywhere from 350-600 calories per a 45-55 min session. I had a concussion from an at home injury so they were kind to put my membership on hold for a few months while I recovered. Also, there was a mix up with payments and the Membership Director took care of the error right away. Great customer service and Excellent Instructors! Fun workout, you don't even know you are working out and the time flies by with the these classes! I will say that my rating went from a 5 to 3 star because Zumba is a really popular aerobics class that I really enjoy and well as others. Yet when I started going to the Alexandria campus this summer they had 3 weekday evening and Sunday morning classes, which was great. In the fall, the Zumba classes went to 2 weekday evening and Sunday morning classes and in the winter it dwindled down to 1 weekday evening and Saturday middle of the day classes. I'm not going to Alexandria anymore. I can't believe that there are not any Zumba instructors that can teach more than 1 day a week in the evenings and inconveniently in the middle of a Saturday. Also, the classes are packed for Zumba but not as much for the other aerobic classes. It just doesn't make any sense to not have more Zumba classes available for the 8-5 working crowd. As of next week I will be going to the Arlington campus as they have 3 weekday evening Zumba classes and a Bollywood class, which I have been looking for at a YMCA facility. This is great! I'm looking forward to the change! read more

First, I went there because my GF wanted Yoga back in her life. That class was cool and I enjoy it. The 2 stars are due to the lack of a real gym. You know, for basketball, volleyball, the fun stuff the "Y" did before it got sucked into the "kiddy party" and low rent weight room vortex. How could a "Y" gut a gym and turn it into two crappy spaces? Easy, turning it's back on it's historical mission, loss of vision and too many rug rats (and Mommy's deep pockets) at a place for "young men". read more

The people are VERY friendly. I'm a crossfitter. I'm utilizing a free 3 month membership that my apartments give me at the start of the lease. Figured it was free so I'll go then hunt for a crossfit box. It doesn't have everything, but its enough to get a good workout as long as you know what you're doing. If you go there and complain that you can't get a good workout, you might want to ask about their personal training. Very close to home. Very hospitable. read more

We just joined the Y last month. So far my husband and I have been very happy with the gym. The classes are great and the instructors I've had so far are really nice. It's super close to our house. Never too crowded. The price is a little steep, $100 per month for my husband and I, but that seems to be the going rate in the area. Otherwise, we are really happy we joined. read more

I'm not a big gym person, but I do go here about twice a week to lift weights and do core conditioning. This is a very popular place for families on the weekends because of the pool. The pool is a major plus, esp. for runners who want to cross-train. The Y recently added some new equipment, which is nice, but, really, who needs to watch television while running on a treadmill? You can't get a really good workout if you're more tuned into "The View" than your heart rate and breathing cadence. read more

This is a well maintained facility. I never use the weights in this facility, but the cardio equipment is nice to use. They recently upgraded several of the machines, including all of the treadmills and some of the recumbent bikes, which means for newer, well functioning equipment. They also have a wonderful selection of fitness classes, including step, pilates, and yoga. The instructors are knowledgeable, although you'll find that each has their own style of teaching. The price for this YMCA is a little high for what you get, which is access to weights, cardio equipment, swimming pool, and free access to classes with a full membership. For the full membership, I pay around $78/month for one person, but I do not mind the higher cost since I like the location and cleanliness of the facility. read more

We came to the YMCA over thanksgiving break because my daughters coach wanted her to swim while we were on vacation. The facility is clean with a wide variety of things to do. The equipment is in good shape and the pool was exactly what she needed. This isn't some swanky gym but it got the job done. I have to give kudos to the man working the front counter in the early mornings - he was exceptionally nice and he made the 6 am workouts a pleasant way to start the day. read more