YMCA

A unique blend of chlorine, sweat, and laundry soap mingle to produce the characteristic YMCA scent. It will be the first thing that greets you upon entry… even before the employees at the counter. I have been frequenting both this south side YMCA (and the downtown branch) for several months now, and have accumulated a number of observations.
YMCA tid bits to be aware of:
–People who actually sanitize their machines are bordering on being the minority. A pre-​workout wipe down is a must
–The rates are pretty fair and lower than other places in town
–They offer a student discount
–There is NO yearlong contract commitment
–The mid morning crowd annoyingly has a number of ladies who feel the need to get gussied up just to exercise. I can’t take their efforts seriously… It seems that they are merely trying to be seen. But hey, maybe you could find a date at the Y too!
Early to mid-​mornings mean an influx of elderly, middle aged women, and rippling meat heads. Frankly it is overcrowded, and I often have to compromise my workout routine due to lack of availability on the machines. However, this has forced me to try out and even like other exercises and otherwise overlooked equipment. For many of these morning frequenters, the YMCA seems to be a significant source of social engagement. After their workouts, the elderly (and likely retired) spread out in the common space on the main floor as they leisurely sip coffee and chatter away. This activity coupled with the bible phrases and «inspiration» on the wall too closely resembles post church gatherings for my comfort. But once you escape to the second floor, the churchy crap will be a distant memory.
Afternoons can bring a real mix of people… College kids, older crowds, and those people whose day doesn’t begin until noon. Beware of the lunch hour though as overcrowding will again occur as people sweat away their lunch break. Late afternoon is actually my preferred time to hit up the Y because it is least crowded, and I can usually catch an episode of No Reservations while I get physical.
Evenings draw in the post work crowd. These people typically don’t lolly gag since they are trying to cram in a workout session to an already overflowing agenda. You should probably just stay out of these folks’ way as they sometimes get a little maniacal about their routine. The last hour of operation is usually the least crowded, and the easiest to get around in. It might not be the best time for the body or your schedule to work out, but the lack of crowds make this twilight hour pretty appealing.
The weekends are a mix of everything. Peak times are of course in the afternoons on Saturday and Sunday.

All in all, this place is A-​OK… not amazing, or incredible. But hell I’m on a tight budget, and the Y provides a decent enough of a workout space for me.