Blue Ash YMCA

Okay, this is not an upscale facility, but it’s a Y! What I love about it is that the rates are reasonable. We pay about $ 94 per month for a family. They have an indoor pool with warmer water in the main building, and another indoor pool in a separate building. If you want to swim laps, go to the other building! It’s the Ferris bldg. and is great for laps. The main pool has more kids classes so I am always wondering what else is floating in the water. The Ferris pool is used by the swim team, water aerobics, and lap swimmers. Yes, the locker/​shower room is old, but it’s okay (and I’m pretty picky). People are nice about sharing lanes if they are all occupied. In the summer, the outdoor pool is sometimes available for lap swim with 50m lengths. That’s pretty rare!
I’ve also used the workout area with the typical cardio equipment, machines, and free weights. I think they have a pretty decent selection. Plus, they have spin classes where the instructors are very helpful. Enjoy the TRX classes too!

An older facility, could do with a renovation of the locker rooms, had plenty of treadmill and nautilus equipment, no small towels for the runners though, beware of the age limit of the super small free weight area (13 and older?), there’s a grouchy older staff member that’s forgotten it’s a family facility and takes his job a bit too seriously, other than that a nice place, I would return for a workout when in the area.

I do like this YMCA. The staff are great and it has new features in the newer buildings. However, the main building is really rundown and it’s time for a remodel. But, it does have everything you could want. Indoor and outdoor pools. a separate kide pool. Saunas, locker rooms and showers. Basketball, tennis, and racquetball courts. A kids club hangout and a baysitting area. Lots of studios with a wide range of classes including a state of the art cycling studio. The main building and main pools just need an upgrade.

This is your typical YMCA facility, pool, fitness, racquetball, track, basketball, etc. This location is getting 4 stars for the staff. Being in the area for work purposes and wanting something better then the small limited fitness area at the hotel I contacted the YMCA. They provided free weekend passes and a great temporary pass option for myself and crew, hard to find a fitness location that will do that type of thing ;)

It’s an ok facility. I remember when I was younger, it was a lot bigger! They used to have roller hockey and basketball courts in the back, but now its all gone! Its mostly just a pool and large exercise area now… if you want a good gym, head to Countyside YMCA in Lebanon.

I both love and hate this Y. We have a family membership and I give the kids classes and programs a 5+ star rating. I use the equipment and also give that a 5 and my wife does some spinning, etc, and I would also give that a 5+. The people in the facility are also very nice (both the workers and the people that come), you would never feel like a meat-​market or fashion show there.
However, their actual facilities leave something to be desired. Their pools could use some serious updating and the men’s locker room is horrible. Is this 80’s gym class all over again with 1 huge shower?! Also, why don’t some of the old men put a towel or clothes on when they walk around, kids don’t need to see their nakedness in their faces! Let’s get some individual shower stalls and the naked men can be naked by themselves and leave me/​my kids out of it.
Additionally I mentioned towel service to them as I always forget my shower or workout towel (heck I’ll pay for it) and they said they can’t because they’re too large — nonsense, I went to the Y in DC, which has 5 huge floors and more members and they have it. At $ 85 for a family I am close/​equal to the cost of Urban or LA Fitness, if I didn’t have the use for kids classes I’d be gone for better facilities that are even closer to my home. Upgrade the facilities and I’d give it a 5

This is always among the most up-​to-​date Y’s in Cincinnati. They never really do an overhaul; they just regularly cycle in new equipment, aerobic and strength training. It also features quite a large workout area, with ample room for free weights, leg cages, stretching, and checking out attractive bodies. Possibly even your own, thanks to the mirrors.
It will never be as high tech as Urban Active, but it will always be a place with a lot of families and lower cost.