YMCA of Greater Toronto-Brampton

This is a very nice gym with lots of natural light. The track is awesome and the equipment is new. The pool has 2 lap lanes and a cool toddler area with a water squirting umbrella. They have a kids climber area, which really needs better lightening, its fabulous for active kids. I have not tried the wall climbing yet, but I am eager to give it a go. I feel like it could use a coffee barista and lounge area in the main lobby. Lots of parking.

Great place. I used to go to Goodlife, but once we saw what they offered families, it was a good switch. I like that they have an indoor running track — being a runner myself — which is especially useful in the winter, or even just as a better alternative than a treadmill. Otherwise, fairly standard gym area and never too crowded. There’s also a pool, which you won’t have at most other gyms. I’m personally into group classes since they keep me more motivated and interested than working out alone on a machine. Some really good classes and teachers. The only downside at times is if you just have a so-​so teacher, since they’re given license to plan the class. That can be an upside too if you have a really good teacher, but sometimes with other teachers you may not feel as challenged and/​or feel a muscle group wasn’t really targeted (at Goodlife, they have standardized classes which doesn’t really matter who’s teaching). I do enjoy that the group classes have a true ‘group’ feeling to them, and people will talk with each other. There’s also a good balance of men in the group classes, so it isn’t awkward like it often was a Goodlife in that sense.
A huge value is having the family pass. The big payoff is once your child reaches 3, then they can be in child minding for free during your workout. The kids have options like a 2 story play structure, rather than just being a daycare-​environment room. Most of the classes are included in the membership too, so our son has swimming lessons and multi-​sports at no extra charge. This was the main reason we chose to join.
Downside is the change area. It’s very much like a public rec centre rather than a gym or a club with tiled floors, showers which take 2 minutes to get hot water and so on. There is a ‘plus’ area, which is more of a club environment. It has a steam room and whirlpool. I’d really love these, but it’s literally a couple hundred extra dollars a year which is too much right now with a young family. Other gyms like Goodlife have a sauna for everyone, so I don’t really like having to pay what is standard for most others. Only reason I can’t give a 5 star, but I do really recommend this place.

The staff is great. Not packed like downtown toronto. The classes are great too. Very clean as well. Lots of parking in the back.

Excellent daycare
Excellent staff in every area of the YMCA

Fitness is important for a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can burn calories and allow the body to stay active. Fitness/​exercise can strengthen a person’s immune system and prevent sickness. YMCA or ‘The Y’ as it is commonly known currently has a great recreational facility located in Downtown Brampton. The facility provides many ways to stay active and meet different people. The Brampton facility is a great location for sports, working-​out and swimming.
The Y contains a gymnasium for different sports and activities. Equipment for different sports (hockey stick, soccer ball, goalie nets, etc.) is provided. Specific sport programs, run on time schedules weekly, are organized and set the gymnasium playing the scheduled sport. Open time slots are available for any sport or activity to be played. The programs have different age groups. Preschoolers are aged 0 – 5, Children are aged 6 – 12 and Youths are 13 – 18. The scheduled programs have a wide variety of sports to play. Other programs include martial arts (Aikido, Judo) and Yoga/​Dance. Rock-​climbing is available on specific time schedules. Outdoor tennis courts and soccer fields are available to use. Toddlers and children also have day care programs and offer summer camps. The gymnasium contains an indoor play center and games room for children and toddlers. Every program is an opportunity to interact with new people and stay healthy.
The exercise and weight room provides different work-​out and exercise equipment. Each equipment is focused on a specific muscle or increasing cardiovascular. Also, a track circles the exercise room is available for a small warm-​up or cardio/​endurance training. Trainers are available to help teach or help with any exercise and to accomplish a goal.
The swimming pool is great after playing a sport or a workout. There are programs and lessons available to participate in. The swimming pool is large and is good to swim laps or play games. The changing rooms are average and the locker is small. The life-​guards are friendly and the instructors are helpful.
The service at ‘The Y’ is friendly and responsive to your needs. However, the parking is disorganized and the location is easy to find.
The Y is a great recreational center to start exercising and meet new people. I recommend this to everyone venturing out for physical activity.