Markham YMCA

It was in this grey building that I learned the meaning of «feeling the burn». Shortly after falling prey to the notorious freshman 15, I decided it was time to try out this trendy exercise thing. The YMCA was one of the only gyms in Markham a few years back so that was where I went for a couple of years until LA Fitness opened up.
The price: With the family plan, it wasn’t bad. Even at the «premium» level with access to the «premium» lounge, it was around $ 122 for two adults and any number of dependents under 21. But once you’re 22, you get the boot. And that was me. Suddenly I was paying close to $ 60 a month and that was the time I decided to get out. However, I know that if you’re still in school or have financial problems, you can negotiate to have your fees reduced.
The courts and pool: are huge! In the courts, they host their classes and activities for kids (sometimes they bring in a bouncy castle). They can fit over 100 people easily. I’ve personally never participated in their classes but I know people who have. They seem very well organized with trainers that know what they’re doing. The pool is clean and decently sized. There’s always a lifeguard on duty.
The weight room: The equipment recently got upgraded in 2013. The space isn’t very big but it’s adequate. I love the little studio in the middle where people can just stretch or lay out some mats and do their own thing. The Y has a good amount of exercising «accessories» which were very helpful (back rollers, skipping ropes, rods, balancing half balls, etc). The best part is arguably, the track. Not many gyms have this and it was a fantastic feature.
The service: the Y hires a lot of high school students and volunteers, which is great for the community. This is a community centre so don’t expect anything fancy.
Parking: Adequate! The lot is very big and you’ll never be left without a spot because you can always park at Unionville Go Station next to it. (If you come while a popular class is happening, be prepared to do this).
Issues: 1) One of my biggest issues with the Y is that the weight room is very open. You have a lot of parents bringing their kids up there. I understand that sometimes it’s hard to get a work out in for parents with young children, but there should be a better supervisory system. You have kids playing around in the weight area where people are lifting very, VERY heavy weights. I’ve almost tripped over a few times because they are running in and out of the track. YMCA needs to put more measures in place to create a safer environment for both the people working out in the gym and for the kids.
2) There have been thefts, petty and more serious. One of my friends had her shampoo and conditioner stolen right off the table. Another friend actually got his locker broken into and phone stolen; someone brought their own clamps and destroyed his lock.
3) The change rooms are kind of gross. The floors are covered in wet hair and the lockers are really old and rusty. With so many people coming through, it’s kind of expected. Bring flip flops.
Overall, I have a lot of memories with this gym. Despite its flaws, I still have an attachment given all the hours I’ve spent there. I think that particular area is becoming over-​saturated with gyms now, with the Pan Am gym across the street and the new Goodlife opening up on Enterprise. I will always have a soft spot for the Y though, even after all these years. Thank you for teaching me the swole life.