YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo

Okay, so, let’s use a metaphor: the Kalamazoo Y is the Walmart of gyms. Like when I go to Walmart, it has everything I need and at good prices, but I feel a little skeevy going there and some of the other customers are… interesting. Also, I can’t always find what I need because it’s not in the location that makes sense.
This Y building is the most convoluted space I’ve ever seen. I think it may have been built by hobbits (though it lacks the cool rounded doorways). You have to go through closed off hallways to get anywhere, and even though I’ve been going there a few weeks now, I still worry that each hallway may trap me or dump me out in a different location than I intended.
The cardio equipment is pretty good, though I’m more of a weights-​kettlebell-​ropes-​band-​box jump type girl (wish they had more of that stuff). The weight room is far away from the cardio, making it hard to do some of the circuits I’d like to do.
The price of membership is worth the discount on classes and camps alone. There is fabulous programming for kids and adults alike, with great instructors who are enthusiastic about their jobs.
There is a great community feel to the Y, so that is a bonus. I’ve definitely witnessed people standing around and chatting for their entire «workout,» which, hey, if that is boosting their mental and emotional health, then good for them!
The Tot Spot is cheap ($ 1/​visit/​family), though it’s pretty crowded and smells like vinegar.

Love it! The kids love family swim time. They do wish there was more family work out time (they want to check out the weight equipment). Sometimes the schedule can be misleading because if there isn’t enough people the class is a no go and the schedule doesn’t get updated. That can be disappointing…