Mission Valley YMCA

This review is for the basketball class for kids 5 and under. This program is truly amazing and managed by the inspiring Coach Tina! First of all, Coach Tina is no joke… I took my son there early the first day and met Tina… She was shooting hoops and nailing them every time… I had more fun watching her than my beloved Lakers… So let’s just say the kids have a talented coach and she’s the real deal! So the big surprise… Coach Tina has a way with the kids so that they learn the fundamentals of basketball while teaching them the concept of TEAM through the exercises and drills they perform. My son and the kids absolutely love this class! Every session has been fun and my son even learned to SHARE and take turns. I just about fell out seeing my son share his basketball with another kid prior to class… The other coaches are also amazing. They all have the patience to help each child excel and have a positive approach to developing kids. I’ve even picked up a few parenting skills through watching them manage 4 and 5 years olds! I really love seeing my son happy and will become a member as all of the parents and people I’ve met have been truly amazing. Very family oriented, caring, and fun! Did I say my son learned to share and take turns? Lol! Thank you Coach Tina!

Recently, the Y replaced all of the weight room equipment (Precor) with flimsy Cybex equipment. They also crammed it into a small area where it is so close it is dangerous. The plate loaded equipment is in the walking area causing people to be smacked with weights and covers up exit signs. Now I know the Y does not employ the best and the brightest, but how about a survey of what people want? They decreased the weight machines and devoted half to an «adult jungle gym» that is seldom used. It is like the room full of incline machines that are never used, but lines to use the elliptical equipment.
Sadly, they made an 8 yr commitment. Someone needs to be replaced.
Looking for a good gym — this is not the place.

This Y offers summer camp for children, and that’s what I’m writing my review for.
One star is all they deserve. Extremely overpriced for the value. You will pay deposits before the summer camp begins to secure a spot, but if you don’t pay for each camp a week ahead of time, they will charge you a late fee.
Also, while you’ll pay more here than many other summer camps, they don’t even provide food for the children, other than one small snack. If the price was affordable I would understand, but it’s expensive so it really peeves me.
Then come to find out that my son, who was supposed to be in surf camp, only surfed 2 out of 5 days because they didn’t have enough surfboards for all the kids! I didn’t pay almost $ 300 for a surf camp that my son barely got surf at all in!
Half of the staff is nice, the other half is moody teenagers. I highly advise against their summer camps.

Nice atmosphere! Group exercise variety is amazing. Maryann, Chad and Kong are the best! Clean, nice parking area and not expensive membership.

I have been a member of the Y for years and use the Friars Road as my primary workout location. After today, I’m looking at other options.
I was attempting to attend the 9:15am Body Pump class, which is quite popular, I am aware. The policy is to hand out passes 30 minutes ahead of time and when the class before ends at 8:55am, you can set up your stuff, along with a giant mass of others doing the same thing. People don’t wait in line, are rude and just want to get a spot. Frequently, one person will be setting up numerous set-​ups for others, when they are not even there yet. It is also supposed be one pass per person, but several people at the front desk hand out more then one for a «friend who is on her way». Why have a policy at all when people do what they want and there is no enforcement?
Today, I did just this per their policy, got my pass for class 30 minutes ahead, waited for the previous class to end and then set up my stuff… Weights, bar and step with a mat. I took my pass with me and left the room to put my stuff away in the locker room, which took about 6 – 7 minutes overall. When I returned to the room, at 9:13am, my stuff had been discarded and someone else was in my spot with NO pass. I asked where my set-​up had gone and they said I wasn’t here so someone else took it.
I addressed this with the front desk and the group exercise coordinator, all of whom were quite nice, but basically told me I just need to be there ahead and wait for class to start. Waiting for 10 – 15 minutes in hopes my stuff won’t be moved and my spot given up with my pass IN HAND is a waste of my time and ridiculous. They flat out told me they know people go in without a pass but it’s «too hard for he teachers to control». Way to look out for the members YMCA. Why even hand out a pass?
I am so disappointed in the lack of organization and the mass of people, which seem to be what this particular Y has become, just getting people in. Their classes are SO incredibly busy, everyone is always frustrated and scrambling to get a spot, people move in herds like cattle, it’s really become more of a hassle than anything else. Who wants to arrive 30min early for a pass, wait for the room to open, set up, and wait some more?!? It’s like this for spin classes as well and it’s just not worth it, which is sad because this used to be a great gym.

The management completely ignores the members.
I sent an email suggestion about the fitness schedule in June. Nothing back. In July, I sent them an email asking whether these emails go directly to a junk folder. Nothing back. A fuss was made in person in September, and I met with Chad, the fitness director. He apologized over and over and assured me they’d look into my request and that any email to him would be answered. It took two emails to him and a phone message to get an email back that my request wouldn’t be acted on after all. I quit. So it’s cheap. Still not worth it.

Way too overcrowded. No matter what time of the day you come it’s nearly impossible to get a lane to swim at. Forget about sharing a lane, you’re lucky if you’re circle swimming with less than 3 – 4 people at a time!
Also, the gym is so small for how many members there are here. Typically you’re waiting 5 minutes for any machine or dumbbell you need. The pool water temperature is always very cold. The men’s bathroom is absolutely disgusting with pubic hairs all over and around the TWO urinals they have.
Overall this YMCA is not kept well and it is dirty and very overcrowded.
I wish someone would build a modern/​clean gym with a lap pool near Downtown. I hate coming to this Y and only do so because I enjoy swimming and it’s logistically a pain in the rear end to workout at one gym and swim in another.

I’ve been a member here for probably about 6 months and I’m so glad I joined. There are 2 gyms one for cardio and one weight lifting. The cardio room is nice and there are always machines available. A plus is that on each cardio machine there are personal tvs, iphone plug ins, and can browse the internet.
There are alot of cleaning stations and an abundance of staff to help you if you have any quetions or need any help.
The locker rooms are clean and have individualized showers. My favorite part is the bathing suit dryer machine.
One of the reasons why I joined the Y was for the variety of classes they offer. Classes everyday, at all times, and of all different styles. Cycling, yoga, zuma, bootcamp, stretch, water classes are to name a few.
The other main reason for joining was for the pool access. I am a big swimmer. I’ve been kind of disappointed with the pools here. There are usually just a few lanes open for lap swimmers and they are always full everytime I go. I tend to shy away from swimming just because it’s difficult to get a lane.
Theres a café in the lobby which makes the best kale smoothies ever! They also a variety of other snacks, smoothies, and acai bowls.

The Y sure isn’t like it used to be. State of the art equipment, lots of variety of weights, cardio, classes, stretch room, indoor pool, and outdoor pool. I’m going enjoy my membership!

I think this is the nicest YMCA I’ve ever been to. The moment you walk in the door, you feel great. They have a juice bar and a grab and go section that sells Cliff Bars or travel deodorant (if you’re like me and forget to pack things, you’ll be thankful for the small stuff they carry!). The locker rooms are clean and the floors are always being mopped dry so you don’t slip. The lockers are super awesome because you don’t even have to bring your own lock! Just set a number combo and presto, you’re done. If you forget your combo, a staff member with a master key can help you unlock it. Showers are clean as well with new modern tiles. There is also a swimsuit dryer!
I haven’t tried any of the workout equipment since I mainly go here for the pool, but I’ve peaked inside the rooms and everything looks modern. There’s a dedicated spin studio and a studio for Gravity classes which I eventually want to try. I think they charge extra for those though.
The pool and jacuzzi are great! 10 lanes, 25yds. They provide fins, kick boards, and pull-​buoys to borrow if you don’t have any of your own. I’ve gone here at random times throughout the day and I’ve always managed to get my own lane or split one. Not crowded enough to circle swim — thank goodness! Water temp is great, especially with the recent heatwave we’ve been having

I have been a member for a long, long time. It is a lot nicer than it used to be, since it was updated. I like this Y because there is no gym scene here (at one point I also had a free membership through my job to an LA Fitness which was such a scene!)
I was sad to see the Hazard Center location close in 2014 because that is where I went for all of workouts, and for the mind/​body classes. I was a little disappointed in the City Heights facility because it seems more of a community center than a gym that I can use. But it’s a nice addition to that neighborhood and I’m sure an asset to those in that area who use it. Nice place for kids in that area to go after school.
I’m also a little sad there is no longer a sauna in the MV gym.

I had to write this review for everyone who is like me and really dislikes going to the gym!
I don’t usually like gyms because I just don’t feel comfortable. It can be intimidating! I did the free trial, and I am so excited to get the full membership to the Y.
It’s a really nice focus on WELLNESS, not just fitness. They portray fitness as a path to wellness, and this is so much more in line with the way I view it.
I have taken a few of the classes, and I have really enjoyed them all! The people taking the classes are so friendly, and the instructors themselves are also invested in teaching you about living well. In my cycling class today, the instructor DREW OUT on a whiteboard exactly what was going on with our muscles as we took a rest, and how our bodies respond to increasing intensity (think lactic acid build up). That really sold me because it showed me that they not only want us to get in some exercise but to be excited about it and invested in ourselves.
I go earlier in the morning (around 5:30am) and there aren’t any crazy crowds. The classes are full and there are many others walking around, but the basketball court is usually open! It gives me the chance to practice without feeling like the whole place is watching me!
At the end of the day, I am very excited to start my full membership, and they are just making it so easy for me to want to be there. It’s so great, please do yourself (and your future self) a favor and check it out! It’s also SO CLEAN! Thank you for that!

I’ve been a member of the YMCA for a long time off and on. It was the first gym i joined around 15 and now its my gym again. I really like the facility upgrades and the site itself!
The down side during the summer are the summer camps! The drop off and pick up hog up the parking lot and the extra staff hogs up the gym on week days. But i get it and i can live with it for now.
Another thing i dislike is no sauna or steam room! That is my favorite part of the gym.
On the plus side the equipment is new and i constantly see the staff walking around checking out the machines or wiping them down with disinfectant.
I like going to the YMCA because the crowd is a little older and thus more mature. I work across the street from the YMCA and have no excuse to go every day after work but 5pm is a tough crowd and usually a large one.
The new café they opened up is cute and sells good foods and always smells like peanut butter! I always see people grabbing smoothies or food to go! Good addition!
The weight room always smells like pickles for some reason and I’m a fan of pickles but its a little over whelming.
I do think this membership is worth the money!
Best times to go weekdays are right in the middle of the day or after 7:30pm!
Any time after 7 on Thursdays.
Any time on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
Although Saturday and Sunday mornings are busy.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization committed to helping people and communities to learn, grow and thrive. By being a member, I feel involved in helping to bring lasting personal and social change for our children while I work on getting fit.
I really like everything about this gym, there is lots of parking available and the gym equipment’s are all up to date, the floor classes are awesome, there are 2 huge pools and they have swim classes and activities for all ages. The staff are friendly and very helpful.
So why not 5 STARS? It gets so packed; I feel the whole San Diego is in there with me every time I go. All the cardio machines are occupied and the lack of ventilation at the stretch-​room next to the cardio room is a turn-​off.

This gym is nothing short of an elderly home and a fanatical following of pool-​going patrons. The actual gym itself is generic at best with an abundance of «Walmart Greeter» helpers walking around and peering at everyone trying to exercise.
I have been in the gym since I was a kid, I worked out on Navy ships, cruise ships, gyms overseas, gyms in the middle east, gyms all over San Diego, and managed a gym. I have NOT, however, found a worse set of customer service representatives than this establishment anywhere on the planet. This particularly pertains to the front desk attendants and management. The trainers themselves leave most people alone and go about their ways.
I have been complaining/​commenting via email, suggestion box, and verbally about how HOT this gym is. For the elderly, it is perfect, just like Tampa, FL in July! For some reason, the staff believes the gym thermostat must be set to 78 degrees (F) with the temperature roughly around 74 degrees (F). Welcome to Sweatville. If you are actually trying to workout, you might as well call and have an ambulance on standby so they can wheel your dead body out once you die from a heat stroke.
Did I ask to bring in a small fan and keep it away from others and out of the way as to avoid it being a trip hazard? OF COURSE! That was the first thing I asked. NO. NO personal fans or fans will be allowed for checkout. Except for that one that little old lady brings in for herself. She can have that. But you, you athlete trying to train, no, you get hot air, not only from the ventilation but also from us (the employees)! :)
Fortunately, I will be leaving this gym in the fall, but currently I am stuck with this place and its never-​ending lack of air circulation.
I just wonder what it actually takes to get something changed at this place…

I came here as a guest and am surprised by my visit!
The facilities were nice and clean and everyone was so friendly. It was so easy checking in as a guest. All they needed was a photo ID and you signed your name on a few lines.
There are plenty of lockers there for you to use. I liked they have a policy that you can’t use your cell phone or cameras in the locker room.
I attended a cardio kickboxing class and the instructor (Jenna, I believe) was excellent.
Seeing the other studio rooms, there’s tons of equipment for cardio and weights and the pool looks really nice. There’s a lot of activities going on and there’s plenty of parking.

A great little gym. Rarely crowded (even at peak hours) and recently remodeled, it makes going to the gym just a little less stressful. Each cardio machine has its own TV with cable. The weight room is large enough to never have to wait very long for any equipment. They have two pools for lap swimming.
I’ve also taken many of their classes and all of been great. I love their indoor cycling classes because their new bikes make it so easy to keep your workout accurate and consistent.
The locker rooms are also very nice. Every locker can be set with a new combination every time its used, so you don’t have to bring a lock or worry about checking out out. Just go straight to the locker room.

Joined a friend to hit up the Y this past week.
Maybe I am just used to the permi-​sweat odor of 24-​hour fitness gyms but I must say i was BLOWN AWAY by this place.
Yes, they have great air ventilation which is what I noticed first… but they also have pretty much anything you’re looking for!
Cardio machines like crazy, spacious locker rooms, pools, multiple studio for classes, a juice bar & more!
I was really impressed. I am definitely thinking about switching my membership over from 24 after this visit. Great facility & very family centric.

I have been a member of the Y for about 3 years now. The Mission Valley gym is probably my favorite location.
CARDIO:
They have a TON of cardio equipment. And it’s REALLY nice cardio equipment: personal tvs, iPod/​iPhone plug-​ins, and you even have the option to browse the internet.
The cardio equipment (bikes, ellipticals, stair masters, treadmills) all have workouts built into them. So if you want to a certain type of workout (HIIT, long distance, heart rate) they have it all set for you.
FREE WEIGHTS:
It isn’t the biggest free weight area I’ve seen, but it is really nice. It’s enough equipment where you don’t have to wait forever for what you want to open up. All the weights and benches are kept in really nice condition.
CLASSES:
They offer a TON of classes. I love that they have bootcamp 4x a week at 5:30 am. Really helps me get my heart rate up and get some cardio into my routine. They have cycle, pilates, Zumba, bodypump, a MILLION different yoga classes, stretch classes, low impact classes, swim classes, TRX, etc… and they are all throughout the day– I love that! You can look at the schedule and there’s always something going on.
–They have cleaning stations EVERYWHERE! I mean there’s always one within an arm’s length away from any piece of equipment. It’s not like 24 Hour Fitness where there’s one in the whole freaking gym. And everyone wipes down the equipment here. It’s clean and everyone pitches in to take care of the equipment and keep the gym pretty. Weights are put back in the appropriate place– no need to go on a treasure hunt! It’s nice to see that everyone cares about everyone else’s experience there.
–No dbags here! It’s a very family friendly area, and everyone respects each other’s workout time. You don’t find people having pointless conversations while not using the equipment. You don’t need to worry about people trying to strike up a conversation or get your number. I LOVE it. I feel comfortable and not like I’m being thrown into a lion’s den every time I come in here.
–There’s two pools: one indoors and one outdoors and both are heated!
— The locker rooms are awesome (well at least I can confirm that for the women’s one– I’ve never been in the men’s lol). You don’t need to bring a lock, as all the lockers are equipped with built in locks and you can customize your own 4 digit code.
— There’s a café inside as well so if you’re working out in the morning, forgot breakfast– then no biggie, grab and go!
–They have a designated ab/​stretch room which is awesome!
–This gym has so much that other gyms don’t offer, there are so many options and opportunities to switch up your workout.
— Overall, I have nothing but great things to say about this place! I love being a member here.

If this YMCA were a bar, it would be Cheers. Everyone in this place knows each other, and is beyond friendly. The sense of community is much stronger here than at your typical gym.
I was really impressed with the diversity of the group exercises classes here, they have everything from «sit and be fit» to boot camp. I love that they offer TRX, barre, BOSU and cycling. Soon they will also be offering gravity training. Most of the classes are well done, but as with every gym, some are better than others. Each of the cycling instructors is different, but there are enough of them that there should be one that fits your style. I just wish they would all turn the lights down, I hate cycling in the light!
The cardio room here is the most impressive area of the gym. They have all brand new equipment and have several different models of each type of machine. The elliptical machines here are super fancy, and have enough settings that you never get bored.
Parking is usually a breeze and there is never a problem finding an open piece of equipment. Some of the cycling classes fill up, but they give out passes thirty minutes in advance so that you can secure your spot.
This is a good gym overall, and a great gym for families. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a variety of fitness options at an affordable price.