YMCA of Greater Vancouver

This review is only based on their gym and pool facilities. The gym would get a 4 star review itself. There’s basically 2 big rooms: one with cardio machines, weights, and some weight machines, and the other one is solely weight machines with a huge variety. Actually, I’m not sure if it’s a «huge variety» because that room is mostly populated with guys and I haven’t really spent much time there myself. They have a number of cardio machines for about the ~10 times I’ve been here, I’ve never had to wait for cardio machine (which is too bad as I have no excuse to rest). There’s also a nice area with mats for mat exercises/​stretching.
As for the pool, I’d give it a 3 star because it is very small and not very family friendly. Kids would not have a good time in this pool because there are no slides, no toys, no water balls. It’s a pretty boring pool with lanes and probably the reason they only need 1 lifeguard. Also, the lifeguard never seems to circulate the hot tub area, sauna, or steam room. I have to say, their steam one is one of the best I’ve been to because there’s actually full of steam (unlike Hilcrest’s) but sometimes it may be just a tad too strong. One thing that other pools need to learn from this one is investing in a bathing suit dryer/​spinner, which I find very useful!
The change rooms are tidy and clean and someone constantly checking/​cleaning. Compared to other facilities, they have completely dry floors and they request that you dry yourself off in the shower area first (which is a pretty small space). This is to prevent injuries because I noticed the facility is used be a large number of seniors. (But it still seems to be senior-​friendly at other community centres where they use a hose to clean the floors).
They have so many other programs and activities such as ping pong tables, basketball courts, line dancing, and fitness classes that I have yet to try. So there is bound to be something for everyone at this facility, but not everyone will enjoy the pool.

I’m a regular at this gym. I come here Monday to Friday. They are open from 5:30am to 10:30 pm on weekdays. And 7:00 am to 9pm on weekends. They have great hours so they are pretty much always open for my busy schedule. And they have a lot of equipment so you are never waiting to use a machine. I recommend going in the morning because it does get fairly busy at night… Over all a great gym!

I’ve been working out and swimming at this YMCA for the past three months. The facilities are well-​maintained and offer a good variety of fitness options. Unfortunately it’s just not big enough to accommodate the membership numbers.
The pool can be a nightmare to swim in as inconsiderate users don’t pay attention to the lane signs (if you’re just going to be chit chatting at the end of the pool, don’t hang out in the fast lane) and have no concept of swimming up one side of the lane and back down the other. The number of times I’ve been kicked or smacked in the head while trying to do lengths is ridiculous. And the hot tub is a joke. It’s always packed with people (mostly dudes) who just sit and stare at the people trying to do lengths. It’s annoying and intimidating.
The gym itself is great during off-​peak hours (early mornings, weekends and sometimes Friday nights) but is awful after work. There’s just not enough room for the number of people who are trying to work out there. And the vast majority of people in the gym are youngish guys who are too focused on doing bicep curls, checking themselves our in the mirror and chatting with their friends to realize they’re taking up valuable space that other members want to use. The proximity to Langara College seems to attract a disproportionate number of guys who are looking to impress the ladies. Seriously dudes, get over yourselves.
I’ve only attended one fitness class at this facility and was pretty disappointed. It was a yoga class that was obviously intended for beginners but didn’t state that on the program. I’ll definitely be going elsewhere for yoga classes.
If it wasn’t for the decent membership price and proximity to my home, I wouldn’t keep going to this gym. But I’ll take it for now. I know the YMCA is a good organization and is doing great things, but they might need to start limiting membership numbers at this facility as it’s getting unsustainable.

This review is based purely on my experience here for my trial membership, as I visited my sister in Vancouver (so I have no comment on pricing as I didn’t have to worry about that).
Facilities are good, with a good amount of space in the weight room. Weights and machines all seem new and in good shape. At the time that I went (around 9 in the morning) the weight room was busy but not crowded at all. There also seem to be lots of other space for activities such as cardio/​ping pong/​basketball/​swimming/​squash, etc.
Staff seem generally friendly and competent. One thing that I’m not a fan of is the fact that towel service is not free, which is a little annoying. Ultimately, I think it just encourages people to not wipe down the equipment after they use it.
Otherwise, great gym and if I ever move to Vancouver (a very real possibility!) I would consider being a member.

2 week pass for new guest in January.

Here’s the deal. I like the YMCA because I am affiliated and get a free gym membership.
Honestly — this facility is small and outdated. I wish they had pool like Hillcrest! I find the Vancouver Y’s focus more on other fitness areas and lack pool space.
I have only participated in classes here and they’re usually fairly packed. Get there early and remember to sign up before the class! (Your spot number is on the ceiling, but most people seem to ignore it.)

I used to be a member here, and sometimes will drop in to join a friend for a workout. This place is great if you have a family or like variety. It has a swimming pool, basketball courts, tons of ping pong, squash courts, and an entertainment space for kids only (with computers and TVs). The staff members are always friendly.
There is an initiation fee for $ 50 if you join, and then a monthly fee of somewhere in the neighborhood of $ 50 a month depending on the category you are in. Also they have a robust financial aid program if you qualify that will partially subsidize your membership (you’ll need ample proof and documentation here). Also, you will know that you are supporting a non-​profit community based organization, which is always nice.
For a YMCA, they always get the latest and newest equipment. Somtimes pieces won’t even seem that old before they are replaced with a brand new one. Unfortunately, it can get packed up in the lifting and cardio area during high times. The changeroom floors, simply as a function of the numbers of people who use them, aren’t always clean. I also feel bad for some of the female members there sometimes, who are often the object of awkward not so subtle attention from the younger male meathead members (unless that is what they wanted in the first place).
That is the other thing. Kids and teenagers. If you don’t mind them around the gym acting stupid (or they might be your kids) then its fine. I do mind kids, so I prefer to be at a gym where they don’t loiter. Also watch your stuff, and bring a lock for your lockers, because I have lost many things here. If you leave say, your heart rate monitor behind, don’t expect it to be in the lost and found the next day, it is as good as gone.
Anyway, a good place to be if you are budget conscious, and like to engage in a variety of indoor sports.

LOVE this gym!
Professional, friendly staff
Great equipment
Affordable prices
And none of that «Nightclub Gym» type of attitude.

I am so glad I joined this Y! It helps that it’s right beside my new workplace, but I love the Y for a number of reasons.
1) The classes
After work on weekdays I can do spinning, kickboxing, step, yoga, and BOSU conditioning drop-​in classes, with no cost outside of my membership.
2) The equipment
My old gym at a community centre just had a couple of TVs for everyone to share, but the cardio machines at this Y have the individual TV screens! Now I can watch all the Food Network shows I want while I work out. Bonus points for actually having a bunch of barbell equipment and squat racks/​cages — barbell strength training is the best. (I just don’t know where exactly I’m supposed to do my deadlifts… Will ask someone next time I’m there.)
3) The pool
I haven’t been yet, but there is a pool!
4) The price
I have the young adult (up to 35) membership, which is $ 45 a month. Totally reasonable price, and I like that it’s set up to charge my credit card automatically. I don’t have to think about it! But I like that the Y acknowledges that people will have different levels of disposable income at different times in their lives, and accommodates that. They also have negotiable prices if you really can’t afford access.
5) The people
I love the dedication and attitude of all the fitness class instructors. My instructor last night, Tom, is hilarious and loves to talk about tv shows and Lady Gaga while we’re kicking and boxing our calories away. So much fun. I can’t imagine that sort of attitude at any other gym I’ve been to.
I just wish there were better classes around noon on weekdays. It’s all stuff for seniors, which is great, but there are young folks who would also like a good workout on their lunch breaks!

Awesome Langara facility for young and older!, however, it’s bursting at the seams! We need a bigger, improved facility here! Perfect place for children extracurricular activities and afterschool programs.
Great staff and support people at this family facility.

Practically adjacent to Langara College, this place is the unofficial body building go-​to for students. Its proximity guarantees youth as well as more family-​type folks from the area. The vibe here is a bit cruise-​y for my liking and they’re a little inconsistent when it comes to the maintenance of their equipment and machines, but the prices are reasonable, which bodes well for the poor student lifestyle.