Effingham YMCA

So I don’t frequent this particular YMCA like the others in the area, however I think that it is pretty good. It is VERY small, so if you intend on lifting, you might want to look at another YMCA as this one is very limited as to the type of machines and amount. Whenever I come here it is very early in the morning and of the small amount of people there I would say 98% of them are on the cardio machines. I cannot speak on peak times since I choose to come here in the early morning on my way into work. The staff however is extremely friendly and accommodating. I have not been to any classes and honestly won’t be able to attend due to the time that I arrive, so I cannot speak on that. But the machines are in good working order and around the facilities are clean for the most part. I say that because I use the female locker rooms and it just appears as though the showers need a little bit more attention in regards to wiping them down better (random hairs, etc… and with me being there that early in the morning I highly doubt that someone came before me and showered but it’s possible). Anyways, I would recommend to family and friends.

5 stars why not? 1^st off great experience when you go to the pool on a Saturday afternoon and there are not only any kids running around unattended, there are no kids at all. Lol, the lifeguards could give my kids private lessons for the next hour and a half. We could have our own private pool party. Quick RSVP and get over here ASAP! Pros and cons of no other kids. My kids have to play with each other or fight with each other.
The front desk lady and lifeguard let me know that the weekends are the best time to avoid the crowds at the pool. I know our home pool is most definitely packed.
This pool does not have any bells or whistles like the other pools we have visited. No slide or spray park. No bbq area as some of the other Y’s have as well. We changed in the locker room then walked through the hallways past front desk to the outside pool. I did see their are bathrooms (and maybe changing rooms) and showers.
The locker room was smaller and they have a co-​ed steam room. A nice park bench in the locker room to take a break on.
This Y seems clean just smaller and definitely arranged differently than others I have visited. Membership does have its benefits. Which Y is best? Who has the best outdoor pool? Depends on what your looking for. Quiet and personal is nice though. My kids could have brought all their bath toys and we wouldn’t of had to worry about sharing them.

Had the most unpleasant phone experience with the manager. Very rude and generally unhelpful. Will definitely taking my business elsewhere.

Wow! A tacky laminated message taped on every cardio machine? Is that really necessary? What a turn-​off! I felt as if I were working out in a high school gym. We had all kinds of messages and demands taped everywhere in an attempt to maintain order among a bunch of rambunctious teenagers. Here’s the message that was posted on every cardio machine: «Cell phone use is prohibited in the fitness area. You may take your conversation to the hallway or locker room. Thank you for your cooperation.» I’m a 40 year old educated professional. I do not need to be told where to take my conversation. I have my cellphone to listen to my music. You will not find me chatting on my phone while working out and I have never seen this take place in any of the YMCAs that I’ve frequented. I have been in almost every YMCA in the 757 and this is the only facility that has these messages taped to the cardio machines.
I have never witnessed people talking extensively on their cellphones in the workout area. If this does happen, all that needs to be done is for the attendant in the workout area to simply remind that individual to refrain from holding conversations there. This should be done in a professional manner, of course. It is as simple as that. A sign in the cardio and weight area with a simple message «Cell phone use is prohibited in the fitness area.» is all you need. Don’t insult our intelligence by adding where we can take our conversations and placing these messages on every machine. How ridiculous! These tacky messages taped on the cardio machines need to be removed. I don’t want to look at that every time I check my status on my machine.
If cell phone use is a serious problem at this facility where members are chatting away on their phones as they workout, then enforce the message by monitoring the cardio and weight areas more closely. Don’t punish everyone who uses the machines by having these messages constantly in their face as they workout. It’s annoying.
Another suggestion: If you happen to be on the phone and notice someone is waiting to be served, please kindly acknowledge the person or ask the person on the phone may you please put them on hold for one second so that you can request additional assistance at the front desk. When I entered the facility, the attendant was on the phone and I waited close to 5 minutes before she acknowledged me. So, I picked up my Happy Birthday email for my gift and said, I’ll come back after my workout. When I returned to the front desk, the attendant was on the phone and again, I stood there and waited. She was friendly and she did apologize for the wait. Unfortunately, they were out of the Happy Birthday gifts. Oh well, I’ll simply get it from another Y.

Had a great greeting from the staff this morning. The woman that runs the front desk in the morning. Man does she rock. Always, always pleasant. And always says good morning… She had some very informative info to share with me about one of the programs that’s offerd at this location which was very helpful. People like her sets the bar very high for other competing fitness centers… In closing I thanked her and she said sure no problem we care about our members. And ended it with a very warm hug… Lovvvveee it!!!

It has been more than a minute since I was here last, and maybe there Was a Reason.
Today’s Yoga group with Mrs. Ruth was a nice return experience, until Zumba Bulldozed in.
Carry over or not.
Where is the Professional Courtesy?
NOT HOT

Oh I am so loving it here. It is never packed in the weight room when I go. I frequent here between 4pm and 7pm daily. I think a lot of ppl participate in the group excercising classes. The parking lot is always full, but I rarely see the people. For this to be a YMCA and traffic I have seen here compared to other locations… this is the life at this spot! I am usually in and out within an hour. I have never had to wait to use a weight machine or free weights here. I so love it! Did I already say that…