★ 5

Its a very decent YMCA all the staff are very kind, very approachable. Everything is on-line like schedules and classes makes it super easy to sign up. A bit more expensive than a regular gym so to get your money's worth definetly use the pool. You will be paying way to much if you go as a guest so definetly get a basic membership and add what you need to that. I went because it was very close to me on Mass Ave in Cambridge across from City Hall. Definetly worth a look! A half block from the 1 Bus and 2 blocks from the Central Square Red Line T Stop. Walk up Mass Ave and when you pass the large post office building you're almost there. Kind of easy to miss the YMCA the first time. Also there's a ramp entrance on the side. I was pleasantly surprised how nice they are at the YMCA

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★ 5

Nice ymca

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★ 2

This is a wonderful gym except for yoga classes with Saundra - i have taken a few times and it has been the worst classes i have ever taken in my entire life, i frequently do yoga on my own, at yoga studios as well as other ymca class's. She is rude, impolite and an unhelpful instructor. She shouts at you when you are doing a move wrong instead of tapping you on the shoulder and quietly correcting you which is what you are supposed to do as a yoga instructor, she belittles you if you ask the wrong question and she creates an uncomfortable and anxious environment which is quite literally the opposite of what yoga is. I thought I caught her on a bad day the first time but its been more than once, my friend had the same experience too when she attended a class. Unfortunate.

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★ 1

Staff is.lavking in intelligence or responsibility. I guess this is what you get when government funding is involved.

I was told memberships are city wide.when I signed up at Huntington. I decided to check out Cambridge - first two times I got in then the third time girl says I'm not in the system so it's on me to handle that (not sure how). Then she decides to call Huntington and they don't pick up.durimg business hours so sorry sir, that's on you too. I say I'll just pay for this next month at Cambridge Branch right now (a.week before my membership expires) but first I ask what guarantee I have that this same thing eint happen when I want to go to Huntington (they have better saunas, but Cambridge has better work out areas). She just looks at me and shrugs.

The manager checked in with us at some point because she knew something was wrong, but soon as she heard I was willing to pay for their mistake she was happy with that explanation and left.

I feel a blond joke coming on, but non of them were blond..

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★ 5

Great place to work out.

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★ 5

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★ 5

love the cambridge ymca!!!! have been a member since 2004. friendly staff, great classes with enthusiastic instructors. check out spin, zumba, and bollyx!

Edited: Love, love, love the Tai Chi classes taught by Eileen and Zach, two 7th generation Tai Chi masters who trained under Mike Yu, a 6th generation Tai Chi Master.

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★ 1

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★ 5

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★ 1

Staff was 0% helpful as a new member and no one has been able to help me in cancelling my membership. Save your $ to all the other better YMCA's in the area.

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★ 5

fair price for a good gym. Good facilities and equipment.

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★ 5

It's an awesome caring place

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★ 5

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★ 5

Wonderful community, excellent coaches/trainers, and welcoming environment.

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★ 1

I’m torn, because the staff here is lovely, there’s enough equipment even during busy times and they used to have a $39/month membership for students! Which was affordable and appropriate.

They recently stopped offering the student membership and the prize now begins at $59!
I was not notified of that change and I also think that 60 bucks per month is too much for a student’s budget.

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★ 5

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★ 5

I would highly recommend this place if you live nearby. Affordable membership fee, amazing group classes, fantastic swim classes for kids, friendly staff.

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★ 5

Best environment I’ve seen from a gym! Very large and great assortment of equipment including, many benches, lots of free weights, lots of cables, hack squat, smith machine, and Olympic lifting room. Great people and staff who listen to the gym-goers. Can be crowded at some times but definitely tolerable. Love it here!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Love this gym! Good amount of equipment, and more open floor space than many gyms. Staff are very friendly.

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★ 5

pretty solid. right off central. used it for treadmill during snowdays / gym equipment at times.

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★ 5

Great gym and pool! Staff are always helpful and welcoming.

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★ 5

Nice facilities in a central location with very helpful staff

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★ 5

I mostly want to share this review to address what I think are inaccuracies in other peoples' reviews. I've been working out for 4 years and recently moved to Cambridge and I can say this gym has all the equipment I need for every workout I do (the only thing they don't have is the lying leg curl but they have seated leg curl so just use that one). I like that it has a separate stretching room.

Other reviews say that some of the rooms are loud but that's expected if you go to any gym. You can wear noise-cancelling headphones which really helps. Someone also mentioned they play the song Closing Time every day. Maybe that was true before but it's certainly not true now. Another review said that it gets crowded but to be honest this is the least crowded gym I've been to (I've worked out at very different times and it's still less crowded).

Finally, I like that they have a boxing room and they also offer boxing classes. I can't recommend the pool because I don't swim and some reviews mention the schedule is crowded which is probably true.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I was in Cambridge for two weeks on vacation, so I got a monthlong membership at the YMCA so I could maintain my regular training schedule. Here are a few thoughts as a "visiting member":
*I appreciated the variety of workout areas and equipment at the Y. I train for powerlifting normally, and I needed a place that would have all the necessary equipment for the workouts my coach sent me. The Y had everything and then some.
*The environment felt comfortable and like a safe place to work out. Nobody was aggressive or scary. Gym-goers were generally polite and considerate. Front desk staff were exceptionally friendly.
*My only mild complaints were that the temperature and wi-fi connectivity could vary significantly from room to room. I appreciated the fans in the free-weights area and brought my own little fan as well. (Us Californians are kind of spoiled with our dry heat, though, so this is likely a personal issue!) And for the wi-fi, it was good to have access in some areas rather than none.

The YMCA does a nice job of providing hospitality, a solid fitness environment, and flexibility to us out-of-town visitors. It can be hard to find good gyms that have all this and don't cost an arm and a leg.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Great weights setup for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, or bodybuilding. They took old racquetball courts and just filled them with power racks, barbells, and dumbbells. Cardio equipment is pretty busy at peak hours. Overall the best value gym in the area by far.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is low key Staff is always friendly always as they should be ..Other places there rude and don't like there job.. This place they want to work there ..Maybe it's something in the air ...5 star all the way

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★ 3

I recently visited Cambridge YMCA and overall had a decent experience. The staff were friendly and welcoming, always ready to assist with any questions or concerns. The equipment was well-maintained and varied, providing ample options for a full-body workout.

However, I was disappointed with the cleanliness of the locker rooms, specifically the sauna and steam room. The tiles and surfaces were not properly cleaned and had an unpleasant odor, and the sauna was not operating properly during my visit. This negatively impacted my overall experience.

In conclusion, while the staff and equipment at Cambridge YMCA were great, the lack of attention to cleanliness in the locker rooms was a drawback. I hope that improvements will be made in this area to ensure a more enjoyable and hygienic experience for members in the future.

Source: Google

★ 4

Love this gym! Classes are great and offered at a variety of times. Staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. There should be equipment for any workout you want to do. My only complaint is that the hours are less than ideal compared to before the pandemic. I believe this gym used to open quite early and close late - now on the weekends it's only open 8-4 and it closes at 9pm on weekdays, for the same cost of membership as before.

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★ 5

Lots of character and plenty of good equipment. They recently changed their schedule and now close at 9pm M-Th which is very nice! Solid place to work out with a friendly staff.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great experience snd highly recommended! The front desk staff helped me get setup in just a few minutes after giving a tour of facility. Gym machines are new and very well maintained. It can get a but crowded right after work hours but the size can surely handle it. The personal training staff is awesome as well. I got 4 classes from Chorobi Sagna and it was totally worth it. He helped me get better at my workout and also made a plan for me for next few months!

Source: Google

★ 5

After the Harvard gyms effectively closed during the pandemic, I finally checked out the Cambridge Y. I am a veteran of too many sports clubs to name in Boston and Cambridge over the years. For someone now well beyond his prime (and likely others) this is the best! The exercise equipment is ample if not elaborate, the indoor rubber track undersized but easy on the knees, the pool while not the full 25 yards not too cold and most often with at least a lane available to share, the locker room and showers clean and ample, the staff invariably helpful and friendly, and the monthly cost, including a locker and two clean towels, very reasonable and the best around. I’m sure there are many classes and the like available, but I’m more than satisfied as is. I think so well of the place that I even make a modest charitable donation!

Source: Google

★ 4

One of the best gyms in Cambridge, with ample space for a workout, a big cardio area, heated swimming pool. Going here for the last five months, the trainers are also good.

A couple of feedbacks, the gym closes at 8:00 pm; I feel it’s early compared to other gyms around; also, on weekends, it gets closed at 3:00 pm, so I had to take two gym memberships if I have to hit the gym at late hours.

Be prepared for hunting metered parking spaces. Overall a positive experience apart from the two stated sissies.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 3

They close way too early and blast Closing Time when it's time to leave every single day, which is absolutely obnoxious. You will come to loathe the song if you go in the evenings. Also overpriced and the pool is too full. The building design is strange and terrible. No noise reduction wall panels, so some of the lifting rooms are piercingly loud. Staff is great, and there is a sauna and steam room, so cheers for that.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 1

I wanted to join here because of the pool and it’s very close to my house. I don’t feel save walking down to it now. Drugs are being sold between the Y’s location and the Post Office. I’ve been harassed and followed from that area. When I tried the gym, I also didn’t feel comfortable in the changing room and the pool schedule I learned, made it almost impossible to be able to use the pool. They also house homeless people and they use the showers. Which is what made me extremely uncomfortable in the locker rooms. I’m transgender, so safety in locker rooms is my number one concern when joining a gym. I wanted to use the pool, but it’s 100% not worth putting my safety at risk. Do yourself a favor and go to another gym!

Source: Google

★ 2

It's very unfortunate that The Cambridge YMCA has taken it upon themselves to disallow YMCA members from other gyms the ability to use their facility. They have been telling me for months that they have just not decided when that would be, leading me to useless weekly phone calls to check the status of their decision. It was never like this before covid and they have taken their precaution overboard. I did not wish to use my leverage as an employee for another branch but even when I told them this they said that I would still not be allowed, then saying that they could make an exception once or twice. I live on the area but am employed so thus have a membership with another Y. I do not know if what they are doing is even okay with the gyms policy as a whole.

Source: Google

★ 2

If you want a gym membership for swimming take a close look at the pool schedule for times they have available for your age group, and the days and times of day its open. The pool is old and small and most of the time the schedule is jammed up. Absolutely NOT worth the $60 a month.

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★ 1

This Cambridge YMCA does not accept other non-Cambridge YMCA memberships

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★ 5

very friendly staff, Nancy was super helpful getting me registered!

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★ 1

Not apart of the YMCA organization and they do not honor a standard membership, need a special membership strictly through them

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★ 5

I absolutely love this place. The staff is wonderful, facilities well kept, and it's very affordable. Most of all the Cambridge Y has character. It's scrappy and democratic with a strong sense of communal identity you don't find at bland, fast casual 'luxury' fitness chains.

Source: Google

★ 5

Really lovely low key gym. Not crowded, I’ve gone various points in the day though never after work hours. Super super clean. Friendly staff constantly cleaning everywhere. Wipes everywhere and hand sanitizer. Lots of space and variety in equipment. Definitely can meet most workout needs. City Parking lot near by and street parking. Membership is affordable. Masks must be worn at all times except swimming and seems everyone does this. I feel safe here. Thank you Y.

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★ 1

Variety is alright, but staff is very rude. Expect to be treated like a nuisance especially by the teenagers wiping down the machines. Surprised they still have jobs!

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★ 1

Banned for shadowboxing according to staff. I think it was because I wasn't happy during paper showing when they asked for ID after 7 years of boxing there, been a y member my whole life. Banned for "being loud" when asked about membership. Talked to CEO and asked not to come back, she stands by "Brina's decision"

UPDATE: They tried to ban me from ALL Ymcas, which is out of their power. It's really sad that the director of this location is so unprofessional and has not only decided not to hear my side of the story, but also overstep her power in a few different ways:

1. As a Y member, I am able to use all facilities. Being kicked out for shadowboxing in a gym type area (the boxing room) and told I am not permitted to work out in that area is a breach of my membership.
2. Blindly and without listening to my side of the story (I contacted them, as I had been wronged) telling me she sided with her staff or a girl named "brina" whom had just started working there. I hadnt had a problem there in 6 years of boxing there. The boxing coach said I did nothing wrong.
3. Putting on my file that I wasnt allowed in any ymca because of a disagreement one time on one day.
4. Even telling me to not use their facilities was inappropriate, as my membership was valid.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 1

The classes there have been cancelled multiple times a week, and I had no notification of those cancellations until I arrived at the gym. So unprofessional.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great selection of gym equipment and helpful staff

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★ 5

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★ 5

Love it

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★ 4

Lots of variety - u can do boxing, swimming, cardio to aerobics, stretching and athletics

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★ 1

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★ 5

Gym is nicer than I was expecting. Gets crowded at normal gym times, so nothing shocking there. Recently got new weight lifting equipment including several Rogue racks and barbells, better than many commercial gyms in the area.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 2

I have no problem finding my way through their,not that bad, good gym very well clean..
My only problem, is that they stopped sparring for the boxers/use to be well known for boxing gym/ymca, other then that love the weight room. They fixed alot of stuff..

Source: Google

★ 4

This is a great space to get plugged in with your community. The staff that I met were friendly, except for the lifeguards. The pool is small, but sufficient for getting a good workout.

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★ 1

One of the woman at the front desk had an aggressive attitude towards me when I asked to terminate my membership. Keep it cool girls!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Arguably the best gym in the whole Boston area---both in terms of value AND equipment/classes. For about sixty bucks you get unlimited classes (boxing, yoga, zumba, spinning, general fitness, etc.), an Olympic lifting room plus functional fitness room (unheard of at Planet Fitness type fluff places), well-equipped weight room and cardio room, a half-Olympic pool, a full sized basketball court, sauna, and (extra of course) personal training. Best of all, since they are a NON-PROFIT not a greedy shameless money grubbing corporate chain that's constantly trying to raise your rates, upsell your membership plan, or push overpriced personal trainers on you. And if you ever decide to cancel your membership (there is no sneaky contract full of fine print legalese) they will do so exactly when requested, instead of using an "independent billing company" to continue auto-charging your credit card as long as they can like all those chain gyms! My only regret is that the nice friendly staff are not allowed to go up and correct your crappy/dangerous form unsolicited, but you are of course free to ask and they are always happy to help. :)

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★ 5

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★ 5

The YMCA has a after school and if it's summer time there's a summer camp.

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★ 4

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★ 5

a very useful place for people

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★ 5

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★ 5

Good location and facilities between MIT and Harvard University.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Only go for the weight room which has everything I need. Two sets of dumbbells and lots of barbells.

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★ 5

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★ 1

Great classes and teachers! But filthy and disgusting place.. Not sure what's better for your body: exercise or catching some diseases

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★ 4

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★ 1

Swimmers: avoid this overbooked, inconvenient pool

For a swimmer, this is not a good choice. Lap swim times are severely limited, and in the morning window of 6:30 and 8:45am it is difficult to find a lane without at least two other swimmers. Further, individual lessons frequently block off lanes. The 20 yard pool is older, and divided into narrow lanes. Outside lanes (against the pool edge) are especially narrow. Several times I struck my hand against pool equipment jutting out from the side, and once I struck a woman who was re-grouting the pool as I swam (no joke). There is no suit centrifuge. The long, narrow locker room with showers at one end minimizes the advantage of renting a locker. I now commute an extra mile to swim elsewhere, and it is in fact more convenient.

Note that I only swim, and this may be fine location for other activities. The boxing room especially looks cool.

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★ 3

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★ 4

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★ 4

excellent gym, lots of classes. reasonable prices.

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★ 5

Tremendous fitness legacy oozing from the walls - established in 1844. I show up to honor and get in line with solid history. Just seeing the old boxing venue is a clue to what fitness was all about back in the day...

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★ 3

Could use some renovations and upgrading for the membership amount people pay.

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★ 5

What on earth are these people complaining about? This gym is the best and really cool too.

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★ 5

Hard to see any problems here. There are machines of all types, a pool, free weights, etc. There are also racquetball courts. There's always space to do whatever I want. And nobody harasses anyone else. It's cheap, and the locker rooms and workout areas are clean. Some people complain that it's hard to find your way around. That should take you a few minutes to figure out.

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★ 4

Fantastic experience. I don't know how all these people keep getting lost - there are ample signs everywhere. They've updated some equipment and I believe they are updating more. A great throwback type gym that has all you need and none of the fluffy stuff you don't.

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★ 2

It is such an old fashioned building with very confusing design. I spent an entire hour locating the locker room and the cardio room and only half hour doing exercise and then I cannot find my exit again. The front desk person give me the instruction for direction, but her instruction was wrong and misleading. So, you can try it at your own cost but I don't recommend it.

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★ 5

It is deceptively comprehensive in workout offerings, rustic, and I love it!

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★ 4

Decent gym for basketball games.

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★ 4

The Y is HUGE! It has most of the equipment you need. It has a full pool and boxing gym. the only complain I have is that it is closed Sunday. Just when I have the all day free, I cannot work out!

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★ 4

I just got my swim in and I swim with my family here every week. I also use the rowing machine and treadmill. I sit in the sauna and there is much more to see and do. This is the YMCA for me and my family. Oh, I forgot to mention, we also play racquetball and basketball. Come join us. We would love to see you and your family.

Source: Google

★ 4

This is the closest gym to me. For an additional $10/month you have assess to unlimited yoga classes and they are all good. It's not fancy at all and it is a maze of old buildings but offers just about all the basic equipment and classes you would need, plus a small pool.

Source: Google