Northwest Family YMCA

The YMCA is a wonderful community pillar here in the Town of Greece. I have been a member since I was 16, and am now 30. The benefits of a Y membership are endless, whether your a single individual or married with children the cost compared to the value garnered is a no brainer. People are living longer healthier lives and this is a benchmark of the YMCA. So don’t wait join today and feel the sense of community as your bettering yourself and family!

Signed up for my first Triathlon this summer and brushing up on my swimming with swim classes. Never knew how many things I did while «swimming» which were with bad technique.

The YMCA is probably the most well-​known gym in the US. I like the Y, and I find this location among the better, from what I’ve seen and heard. It is clean, it has a pool (a few, actually), and offers some other services that others don’t. Also, it’s in the middle of Greece, so you can’t beat that location!
However, I have some mixed reviews about the organization as a whole.
It is a clean facility with reputable people. It’s never overly crowded and they usually have any machine, exercise program, and facility you’d want. They also offer a great range of facilities and exercise programs. They have something for all ages and all fitness levels. there is a kid’s place, and they often have kids activities. They also have a camp nearby, which I believe is available for teenagers and younger. Their several pools are also nice, and their locker rooms are always clean and spacious. It would be nice if they provided locks and towels (especially given the price of membership). They also offer consultations and personal training for people who request it. I talked to some people for a little while, but I didn’t think they told me anything that common sense or high school gym class didn’t tell me. They also don’t have a large variety of sports or activities, so make sure you check to see they have what you want before joining.
THE PRICE IS BAD! For about six months at this gym, you could have purchased a lifetime membership at most other gyms. The prices are terrible. They’re so high, I’m surprised they stay in business! When I see people who joined the Y, I ask them «why?» I’m not being cute, I really wanted to know. Most people are getting a joint membership or getting in free, like their parents go, so they go for free. Also, they’ll try to get you to pay a sign-​up fee. Do not pay it! All fees are negotiable, and a $ 200 starting fee is unreasonable, especially when it costs you $ 50+ a month. All other gyms in the are about $ 10-​$ 20 a month and are more accommodating (and many of which have no sign-​up fee). In addition, you have to pay for other services like joining certain classes. Also, does it bother anyone else that they make people pay higher amounts if they feel you can afford it?
THE HOURS ARE BAD! The Y was almost never open when I could use it conveniently. They open at 5:00am (or something) but close at 10:00pm on weekdays. If I become available around 9:00 or 9:30pm, this doesn’t really help me. Also, they close around 5:00pm or 7:00pm on the weekends. Seriously? Isn’t that when people want to work out? Also, they will often close facilities, and sometimes their entire branch, without notice. A few times I went there to go swimming, the pool was closed. One time the entire facility was closed. Don’t expect this to reflect on your monthly bill. It’ll still be full price. Also, the Y will offer a myriad of classes. Likely, none of the ones you’d like to take will fall at a time you can do them. Watch out, too! Some cost extra!
I think the Y is great for kids. Their membership doesn’t cost much, there’ are a lot of activities, and they offer camps (which can be pricey).

The YMCA is the perfect place for families. I worked there 25 years ago and it was one of my favorite jobs. Now that I’m a parent I see it from a parents point of view. My kids were enrolled in the summer program and they are still talking about it and begging to go back. The counselors are well trained and friendly. It’s just a great place to be!