YMCA-Tampa Metropolitan Area

If you work or live within walking distance, then it’s a fantastic place where you get a lot of value out of your membership. I work downtown so this location is very convenient. However, since this location is right in the middle of downtown, parking is somewhat of a hassle. When reading this review, keep in mind I only went during my lunch break.
PROS:
–Les Mills Classes
–Group classes that cater to the lunch time crowd (1 hour classes that start at 12 or 30 minute classes 12 and 12:30pm)
–Membership allows entry to the 2 YMCA locations downtown, including the group classes at both locations
–Friendly staff
–Free lockers per visit
–For a gym of it’s size, there are a lot of showers so you never have to wait
–Inexpensive in comparison to other YMCA’s
–Lots of membership specials (refer a friend, waived membership fees, etc.)
CONS:
–Parking
–Small gym & somewhat limited equipment
–During lunch, the «floor space» is used for group classes making it hard for those who just want to use this space to do their own workout

I work in the building, so this YMCA location is a no-​brainer for me. They have a class schedule that is pretty convenient for people that work downtown too with 45 minutes yoga classes during the lunch hour and spin starting between 5:30 and 5:45 after work. They also have 6am classes for those of us that are insane.
The employee/​volunteers that work the gym are friendly and so helpful and the gym always seems clean.
Some of the equipment seems outdated but the treadmills are new and have TVs which is the best.
They are always added the newest Les Mills classes and sometimes they’ll preview some new stuff to see if people like it and there is interest. Many of the classes have regular attendance so if you want some new friends and positive accountability, this is the place.

I joined because they offer Les Mills classes and I was grossed out by the Lifestyles in Hyde Park. They had a back-​to-​school special for which they waived the joining fee if you brought in school supplies to donate to Metropolitan Ministries. They start their classes a little too close to getting out of work, but I’ve been told that they set up the equipment for you. I’m looking forward to trying it out and updating my review.
Parking in the hourly garage across the street is free after 5pm.