Westlake Recreation Center

We have been members of the Westlake Rec for years. It is a great facility for so many reasons!
1) the aquatics area– more than just a pool! There is a lap pool, diving pool, warm water pool, 2 slides, a lazy river and a kiddie pool that has zero entry. It’s a great way to visit a tropical climate while it’s snowy in cleveland (they keep it toasty and warm in the pool area!).
2) the group exercise classes– we personally love Insanity, by teacher Liz Simon! It is Wednesdays at 6:30 and really an awesome workout. We enjoy the upbeat teacher who keeps us motivated, we love the good music and we also love how the workout it always changing. So it’s never a dull moment. That hour flies by!
3) the exercise machines — I personally like the treadmills, but there are ellipticals, nautilus machines, rowing machines, etc.
4) the birthday parties! our kids have had their birthday party here, and it is a really fun experience for all!
5) the facility is extra clean (especially the locker rooms)
6) open gym! We love to go and shoot hoops every now and then :)
Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

This review is specifically for the workout facilities.
Firstly, not much equiptment is there in comparison to other gyms in the area (for example, boxing bags).
Secondly, they have a rule on the board for the dress code which states that «members must wear a shirt» with no other specification.
So, when I went in wearing a sports bra that covered my upper body and left my midriff bare, and was intended to be worn alone, I was told by an employee that it was unacceptable. A girl who was nearby that heard told me that they told her the same thing because a while back «two ethnic men were offended by it» and now they have to enforce it. Oh, in America I thought women had the freedom to wear what they want. Silly me! So, I complained to management and told them that unless they changed their wordage as to what constitutes a shirt, I’m wearing my workout gear and I would appreciate if they didn’t harrass me anymore… and they didn’t after a few times after I had complained; however, the rec center and its prude and pretentious patrons can rest easy now that I patronize a different gym in the area that doesn’t shame women.

So, believe it or not, I actually do more than eat, drink and be merry…
Sometimes, you have to pay the piper… and Westlake Rec is certainly a decent place to may a «payment»:)
I’ve been coming here for several years, and it’s always been a good experience. From stairmasters to treadmills, nautilus-​style machines to free weights, the Rec has a good, balanced workout room that’ll keep you busy and work off those extra pounds. Not only that, but they have year-​round areas for all your exercise and recreational needs. Their pools are the best in the area, all indoor and year-​round and they even have a water slide and fun area for the kids.
Outside, there are sand pits for volley ball, a large hill for sledding and winter entertainment and an outside walking track for those that want to exercise and also enjoy nature.
There are also standard and family style locker rooms for changing, as well as indoor basketball courts which serve multiple function as well as an indoor running/​walking track upstairs.
All in all, the Rec is a great place to «Recreate» yourself into a better shape… so you can go enjoy more food, like me:)

I love the Westlake Rec Center for our family! The pool is a family favorite and my husband likes the men’s open gym basketball. Nice equipment too. Just one request, please clean your family locker room more regularly.

So, I’m working the pec deck, y’know. Feeling the burn. Workin’ the pump. iPod crankin’ some early John Phillips Sousa. Classic. Fully in the zone. Stackin’ plates. Rockin’ the parachute pants, wife-​beater, red, white and blue sweatband. When all of a sudden, out of nowhere… What the…
Up walks this total tool, Irish lookin’ guy, all cut but still built like an Amish broomstick. «Hey, I’m running for Vice President and…»
Uh, no no NO, Brah. When The World’s Oldest Buff Dude is in mid-​set, you do NOT interrupt. Repeat. Do. Not. Break. The. Zone. He backs off, as do the twelve black-​suited dudes with earbuds and aviators. Final score: Unilocaler one, Candidate zip. And that’s all she wrote.
(Looking forward to Wednesday 7 November, when this stooge will be hired full-​time pimping P90X. The world will be a much, much better place.)
«You have the courage to tell the masses what no politician told them: you are inferior and all the improvements in your conditions which you simply take for granted you owe to the efforts of men who are better than you.»
— Ludwig von Mises (in a letter to Ayn Rand)

Westlake rec is real nice. In the summer, usually filled with emptiness, the machines are almost all open, free weights are easy to get it. This is a great alternative to overpriced Urban Active. I love the outdoor area to work out, especially when it is 75 plus degrees outside.
Only downfall is that they only have 1 decline and 1 incline bench.

The Westlake Recreation Center is great for the whole family — there’s something for everyone.
Adults will find a 13,500 sq. ft. fitness area packed with free weights and a variety of cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, etc.). Also available are a selection of Group Classes including Zumba, Spinning, a Cardio-​Core Blast, Yoga, Belly Dancing, and more. You can purchase monthly passes to the scheduled classes or some offer a ‘pop-​in’ rate that lets you take part in the classes when your schedule allows.
Kids (age 10 – 14) have a designated area upstairs called the D.E.N. Youth Fitness Room where they can use a variety of weight resistance machines and weights with an adult instructor available at all times. Also available is a D.E.N. Jr. Class for 7 – 9 year olds to teach young ones a step-​by-​step approach to a structured exercise plan.
Fun for all ages includes a large gymnasium and an indoor swimming pool. The gymnasium houses 3 full-​size basketball courts where a variety of youth and adult leagues play their games. Open gym changes from month to month (check the Rec’s website for details) but there are always a number of times open. Also inside the gymnasium (on the second floor) is an indoor track. The indoor pool consists of 5 pools, including a lap pool, a diving well, a children’s play pool, a lazy river and slides. A selection of swim classes are available for youth members. Outside you will find beautiful landscaped grounds, a large pond, and a path for running, biking, walking, or rollerblading.
Those of you trying to sneak in a workout while caring for a little one will love the Tot Giggler Room, which is a safe environment for your little ones with a friendly and professional staff that keep the kids entertained while you workout. The Tot room is open to children ages 6 months to 9 years. Hours are available Monday-​Friday 8a-​12p, Monday-​Thursday 4:30p-8:30p, and Saturday 8:30a-12p.
Yearlong memberships are available for Westlake Residents and those working in Westlake — which is a great perk. Something important to note — once a member, you can always renew even if you move out of the city limits.
All in all the Westlake Rec is beautiful, well-​kept, and staffed with wonderful individuals. I highly recommend it!