YMCA of Greater Seattle – University

This place will steal your money. I was charged $ 48 for membership despite having cancelled. They promised to refund the money, but it has been 4 months and I have yet to receive it. I have called them over 20 times and they always tell me the check is on the way or that someone will return my call. Pretty criminal if you ask me.

All they need to do to make this place nice is bulldoze it and build a nice new facility there. The only good part of this gym is the cardio area which has some decent modern equipment. The weight room equipment is all ancient, and the men’s locker room is just old and gross looking. It is also the only YMCA around that does not provide bath towels.
The only reason I go there is because my family belongs to a different one and this one is closest to my work.

My experience there was great. The staff are easy-​going, knowledgable, helpful and friendly to all. Everyone who comes in feels comfortable. It’s conveniently located in a very busy neighborhood. They do have a fair amount of free parking on a first-​come-​first-​serve basis.

This is a nice gym that is close to my house! Location is great — next to some restaurants so you can eat after your workout. However, the place seems a bit old and can get smelly at times. If you are looking for a standard gym this is your place.
PROS: Good equipment (standard treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, urgs, stretching room, locker rooms, weights, also classes), really nice staff
CONS: Gets smelly, looks old, charges initial fee

I live in the neighborhood and am a YMCA member, but after trying to use this Y, I’ve found myself starting to drive up to the fancy Shoreline one instead. I don’t expect them to magically transform this old, small building into a new state of the art Y like Shoreline, but… it does seem like they’re not trying.
The room with cardio machines seems fine, if a bit crowded. But I personally go to the weight room, and here that is where the problems lie. It’s in the basement, and was decorated on the theme of ‘low-​budget David Lynch’. Just sort of grimy and creepy, low ceilings, odd cramped arrangements, antiquated equipment. I’m pretty sure the squat rack was built from scrap metal by a guy who *kind of* knew how to weld. And some evil person positioned the bench press bench perfectly so that if you use it in the late afternoon, the window above sends a terrible concentrated glare right where you head and eyes have to lay.
The clientele is not the Y’s fault exactly, but the weight room is a small space to share with some pretty annoying regulars. Gnarled-​looking guys in their early 50s who always lift weights in their jeans and normal clothes and just leave their backpack on the floor next to the machine where you can trip over it; loud-​talkers bothering people around them; one particular rude older guy who incorrectly believes he can lay exclusive claim to multiple machines simultaneously for the entire time he is present. There’s irritating oddballs in every gym, but with a small cramped space like this Y’s weight room, you really feel it.
This is not to say I’m bothered by the occasional presence of homeless folks on the days this Y offers meals to them. On the contrary; that I like. A gym that also serves it’s community, doing difficult work like helping the homeless of this corner of town, makes me feel good about my membership fees. There’s a reason I choose to belong to the Y instead of some globo-​gym, and their orientation towards serving the entire community, is a big part of it.
I still occasionally hit this Y when I need the convenience. The exercise programs seem decent and I really appreciate the childcare offered. I don’t know how the greater Seattle area’s YMCAs structure their finances, but if you use a few locations it starts to seem like the University one is not getting the same support as the others, and could use some help.

I wanted to update my review and say that the director of the University Y did call me and we discussed my concerns and he said that Y was aware of the issues raised and was going to make a real effort to address them. A good start and much appreciated

Friendly smiles and warm greetings, this place is full of amiable people.
The University District YMCA is located on 12^th and 50^th. It’s not the biggest center but it does offer what it can with it’s capacity.
There are quite a few programs here for adults and older. The YMCA encourages people of all ages to have a healthy and active lifestyle. From morning, afternoon and evening programs, you can find one that you feel most comfortable in. If not, you can also take advantage of their gym.
The gym has a basic cardio room with a line of treadmills, adaptive motion control machines, ellipticals, cycling machines and stair masters. It also has the rowing machine and the rope pulling machine. Most of the treadmills have a touch/​TV screen but unfortunately TV does not work here. On the bright side, most of their machines aren’t of super old quality. The cardio room also has a lot of fans that rotate. You can turn them on as you please and you can feel that amazing, cool breeze as you sweat. There are stations of body towels for anyone to use and an additional basket where dirty ones can go. Paper towels are used to clean off the machines with some sanitizing spray provided.
There is also a weigh room on the lower floor that offers a variety of machine weights as well as a set of free weights. Full sized mirrors are placed on the walls. The weight room is not as big as most gyms or the IMA from the UW, but it is enough to get you through most of the major muscle groups.
Near the cardio room is a stretching room provided just for pre/​post workout stretching. This is a nice addition that most gyms do not provide. It has a full size mirror along with yoga mats, exercise balls, free weights and resistance bands.
The locker rooms do have saunas. I have heard these lockers rooms are a bit on the smaller size though. There are other large rooms used for select programs and get togethers.
The staff here are always so friendly and they do their best to make sure you are enjoying your time here. They always check on the towels, make sure things are restocked and that machines are kept sanitary.
There is also a child daycare for parents who would like to workout while their child is supervised. Asides from the gym, the YMCA has many programs for youth and adolescents, especially during the summer. It’s a great place to volunteer and/​or work if you’re interested in helping the community/​work with kids.
Healthy & happy, that’s what the YMCA loves to see.

The staff is about the only great thing at this Y. It’s the same price as all the other Ys but it is half the size of the others (if that). There is only 1 bench and 1 squat rack and there is usually a hipster spending more time talking than lifting and hogging the machine you need. All of the treadmills sound like they are going to explode when someone is on them. It’s so loud that even earphones can’t even drown it out. The rowing machines don’t actually adjust they just stay the same resistance no matter what you set them on. Their classes for spinning and things like that are far, few and in between. On multiple occasions they would cancel classes just an hour before with little or no explanation. Since its the Y if you’re poor they will give you a discount so if you fit that category then it’s worth it. If not they charge $ 50 a month and there are multiple gyms in the Seattle area that are cheaper with better facilities. But the staff is very friendly and that will get you 2 stars.

I love the university Y! The staff is super friendly, and welcoming. I mostly go to the yoga classes. All the teachers are kind, accommodating, and considerate of all experience levels. Whether you are new to yoga, or have been practicing for many years, you can find a class that is a good fit for you. Plus, membership is very affordable! Especially in comparison to other yoga studios.

I’ve never felt more comfortable in a gym than I do at the University Family YMCA and I’ve been a member at many different gyms. The staff is all wonderful and extremely helpful, as are the other members. I feel like I meet new friendly people daily. The classes are fun and challenging no matter your athletic ability. The financial assistance is amazing and I am so grateful for it!
My most favorite thing about this gym is the child care. I started dropping my son off at 6 months of age and the staff was so inviting, caring, and entertaining. Often I go to the gym just to give my son time to be in the child care surrounded by tons of other kids having fun and I know that he’s in good hands.
Don’t let the small size, lack of pool, or old building trick you into not using this facility. The community of staff and members plus services offered make up for all of that.

The University Y offers many different workouts to fit your mood, needs and fitness goals. You want to show up and conduct your weights workout? Check. You feeling Zen and looking for your yoga fix? Jubilee and Bev are there for you. Maybe you need a run or a climb but not feeling the world outside? Hop on an elliptical, treadmill, rower or bike.
The space may be small but it’s packed with equipment and machines to fit your exercise choices. The class selection covers all age groups and fitness levels.
I wish the place had a pool and easier parking, especially during the busy times but it’s a city venue with a community feel.

I am reviewing this YMCA based on its potential given its constraints (i.e. no space for a pool or extra parking – though those would improve it significantly!). I have never felt motivated to give a «gym» 5 stars for almost anything, but the Y earns 5 stars in nearly everything. I actually enjoy just walking in the doors – there is literally positive energy and vibes bursting out of them! In over two years, I can’t think of a single negative experience that wasn’t self-​inflicted. Staff are genuine and real. Members, for the most part, are considerate, respectful, and unpretentious. I can attend a new class whenever I want, and feel totally welcome. And the childcare is out of this world for a gym. Outgoing and responsible young adults who actually engage your kids. Yep. It’s small, it can get crowded, but the hustle and bustle is actually energizing instead of draining. Wow. And p. s. there are definitely more than 5 bikes for the biking class. :) They are usually stored in the room where childcare takes place in the morning – you probably just have to drag one out.

Here’s why I love this YMCA: It’s the first gym I’ve ever belonged to that just feels good. Everyone is so friendly and down to earth. It’s small, family friendly, community oriented… can you tell I love it?
Other things — lots of classes to choose from that are included in your membership — Zumba, Step, Spinning, Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing and more. The instructors are warm and welcoming and really care about you! They are fun and energetic and encouraging. There’s nothing intimidating about these classes, but you WILL get a good workout! Really, I go for the classes. Every now and then I go to different gyms to try out different classes and instructors, and it just makes me more grateful for my University Family Y!
The cardio room is great — lots of elipticals, stationary bikes and treadmills. You’ll always find something available there.
Childcare — Okay, the childcare here is FABULOUS!!! Really, it’s downright magic. The people that work there are fun and engaging and get to know each kid really well. My kids LOVE going to this Y. My 2.5-yr-old cried today because she didn’t want to leave! There’s no TV dominating the space, turning the kids into zombies. Instead, it’s a huge room with tumbling mats and equipment for kids to run around and play on, an art table for coloring, lots of books that the caregivers are always happy to read, snack time while stories are being read. I can’t say enough good things about this.
Finally, over the past four years that I’ve been a member here, I’ve lost 22 pounds (my goal was to lose 16!), and I’ve lost it steadily over time, which is the best way to lose weight. I look forward to coming here and seeing all the friendly faces, getting a great workout to start my day, and feeling confident that my kids are being well taken care of. I just haven’t had that experience to the same degree at any other gym. So that’s why I give it 5 stars. If you’re looking for a bigger, fancier gym, this isn’t the place for you. But it’s definitely the right place for me.

I feel comfortable at the University Family YMCA as it’s not overcrowded by loud, muscly people, just regular folks who want to get a good work out. The cardio room is small, but they cram a whole lot of machines in there; I almost question if I’m going to bump into someone on a treadmill and take them down with me. Hasn’t happened yet so I must be doing something right.
I wish they had a few TVs on the walls to help me bide time while I get bored on the elliptical but I guess the high (ish) membership fees don’t quite cover that sort of thing?

I absolutely love this place! As a front desk staff member of the University Y, I could not be happier working for any other organization. The members are amazing, the staff are amazing, and even though the facility is not the most glamorous place you will ever see, it has everything I need for a full workout. I also take advantage of the group exercise classes that are included with the membership, including cycling (spinning) classes and turbo-​kick (kick boxing type class).
I love coming here because at this facility it’s no «fashion show» or «dress-​up contest,» the folks that come here to work hard and change their lives by excercising and living a healthy lifestyle, regardless of what they look like.

This Y has a very friendly and professional staff which tries its best to honor class commitments by supplying substitutes when regular teachers don’t show up. Larry, who works the desk and runs marathons (not at the same time) is a HILARIOUS and excellent teacher and occasional sub. You can talk to him about anything from base 2 math to Chinese.
(His latest joke: «How do you keep a turkey in suspense? …I’ll get back to you on that!» Is that a great joke or what?)
This dependability results in people taking classes who are more committed and who form bonds with instructors and other students. My wife and I attend classes every day of the week and now feel that we’re part of a supportive network of similarly-​aged members. Yes, we sorta lean on each other. And our monthly pot-​lucks are outrageous.
The small cardio room is full to capacity with working equipment, but there’s almost always a vacant machine of some type available for a workout. Step carefully around that guy going 30MPH on the rowing machine.
Kid’s Gym childcare for the young ones is well supervised and includes rest, snack (who doesn’t love goldfish crackers?) and story time breaks from tearing around on the mats.

I love this Y, the staff is amazing. Its not a high end gym, but the classes are very good and the teachers are helpful. I spend my time in cardio room and i love it. Another good thing, is that they have free daycare for your kid. My son loves it there, the teachers are very involved!

This is not the West Seattle YMCA, so people expecting high class and tons of amenities will be disappointed.
That being said, I very much like it here! I managed to be late, walk into the wrong class, SET THE FIRE ALARM OFF, and lose my keys all in a row and everyone was still SO nice to me!
The women’s locker room is small, but people are more demure than other gyms. BYOL.
The cycling class only has 5 bikes, so show up early or you’ll end up looking around the giant room with a small cluster of bikes all in use and be sad like me.
The cardio kickboxing class will murder you. But if you like sweating a ton while listening to Brittney at 60 decibels before death than this class is for you! I love it, it’s a great way to improve coordination!
The private lot is super sweet, but sometimes crowded — and make sure you get a parking pass!

Oh Y… I do love you… u-​dist Y, it’s kind of a love hate thing. I LOVE the Y and the peeps that use the Y, there’s all kinds of us there unlike some fancy shmancy places where everyone has matching outfits to their H20 bottles and heart rate monitors but unfortunately the u-​dist Y is rather tiny. I continue to go because it’s close to home but I miss the downtown Y days… so much bigger and the hot tub… oh, but ya, the whole downtown thing/​no parking/​tons of people is kind of nice to avoid at the u-​dist Y.
Not to mention as always the staff are super warm and welcoming and there is parking if ya need it.

For the price, I’m a happy camper.
The majority of their classes are free if you are a member. They have a wide assortment ranging from cycling classes, yoga, kickboxing, pilates, etc.
I’ve taken their kickboxing class, which is more like a tai-​bo class and woken up the next day unable to move.
I’ve placed my account on hold throughout the summer but my accounts get reactivated on Thursday! I’m excited to take the Zumba class which is now being offered at 6pm instead of 6am. :)
Good move, YMCA!