The YMCA

I LOVE this facility! I started out at the east side YMCA, but that place is a bit of a freak show-​everything from the barbell dropping barbarians to the lady on the elliptical machine who sounds like she’s orgasming for the entire 45 minutes she’s on that thing.
I needed to make a change, so started attending the Y in Sun Prairie. New, clean, no obnoxious dudes making a racket (or ladies), I never have to wait for equipment and the place is extremely tidy. The staff members are helpful and friendly (they are at the east side y, too… to be fair).
Anyway, kudos to the Sun Prairie Y.

I’m used to inner city YMCA’s that charged too much, had broken equipment and looked like they could use a new coat of paint to add to the 20 layers beneath. With all that being said… this YMCA has renewed my faith! The Village People can once again song loud and proud and I won’t change the station!
Sure, it’s still pricey but they are accommodating based on your income. The facility is beautiful, modern and very clean. The staff is beyond friendly and everything you should expect of «Y» staffers. They have programs for everyone young, old and in between!
If you’re looking for a place the whole family can enjoy… this is definitely it!

One of the first things we did as a family when we relocated to the Madison area was to join the YMCA. I am so glad we did. Moving to a new location with small children in the middle of winter is a recipe for disaster. Joining the YMCA saved my sanity.
Childwatch is included in a basic family membership. So is access to the pool and kiddie pool area. We have taken advantage of these amenities weekly. The Childwatch staff go above and beyond to take care of your children. I have found them helpful and thorough with my children. I felt very comfortable leaving my 2 month old with them.
The new Northeast facility is kept up well. The pool is clean and well kept, which after belonging to another gym with a pool, I know that isn’t always the case. There is new equipment in the lifestyle center, most all of the bikes, treadmills, etc… come with their own personal T.V.
Saturdays are busy, that was the only day I needed to wait for equipment. And, the pool is closed to the public for swim lessons, much to my daughters disappointment.
The staff have always been helpful and freindly. Overall I am a fan of the YMCA — Northeast!

The YMCA has undergone a new PR/​marketing campaign and revamped its image. When I moved to the area, I was on the look out for a gym. The YMCA allows you to have a month to month membership, after the initial sign up fees. For a family plan, it’s rather competitive, and some health insurance groups will reimburse you after a certain number of visits (generally 60 – 100 visits per 6 months).
The pool is rather nice, there’s at least 2 – 3 lanes open in the evenings. It’s a very family friendly place. Compared to the West and East Side in Dane County, and other YMCA’s I’ve been to around the country, this one is fairly newer and hence has modern looking facilities and a lockerroom. They also have kids and family friendly social activities.
What’s also nice about the YMCA is that it has national networks of YMCAs, so if you are traveling, you can visit and usually it’s free of charge. I’ve seen other YMCAs with a rock climbing wall, but since that isn’t why I joined anyways, I’m happy with what’s offered at Northeast YMCA. Now, if only there were a coffeeshop nearby …