YWCA Uptown

I’ve been a member of the Ywca for 3 – 4 years. I’ve gone to this location off and on. For awhile their equipment was older, functioning, but still older. They have recently replaced the old equipment, which is quite exciting, however I’ve long felt unwelcome at this location. It is a place that I, personally, do not feel comfortable going for a number of reasons. The first is the environment. The staff can seem indifferent and rude. Just today when I went to the gym I left my wallet at the customer service desk, I went to ask to my wallet and one of the associate called someone for it. While that person was calling there were three different employees at the customer service desk, then an employee at the computer of the service desk was talking about me in the third person as if I wasn’t there, but I was standing only a foot away and they were snickering and said such things like. «oh he is probably mad at us, we just had it». –it was weird that they couldn’t tell me these things in person, but rather they had to act as if I wasn’t there, as if I was like vagrant passing through rather than a paying member. After waiting 5 minutes, I found out my wallet was just laying in the desk, where those three idle employees were standing. Another time during Customer Appreciation Week, I entered a ticket for a prize raffle which included a voucher and I asked an employee at the customer service desk about the voucher they told me I was stupid, how could I not know about the details about the travel voucher! Another disappointment is the locker room which they remodeled at least 2 – 3 years ago. When they remodeled at no point did they confer with members for suggestions as how to remake the locker room. and now the locker room is cramped and each changing area that is suited for 8 or more people is the size of bathroom stall.

As a YWCA member since 1989, there are a lot of things I like about the Y and its mission. However, as far as scheduling instructors, they can’t quite seem to get their act together. This morning (Jan. 27) at the 9:00 am water aerobics class at Uptown, the instructor did not show up. Yeah, it doesn’t happen all the time – but it happens way more than it should. And it always seems to go the same, LAME, way: First, you notice that there’s no instructor walking around the pool and it’s 10 minutes after the class should have started. Then, some staffer comes down and whispers something to the lifeguard. (Oh-​oh – not again!) Then the lifeguard announces to the dozen or so people in the pool, waiting for the class to start, that the instructor is going to «be late.» Then, after you’ve been exercising on your own and talking with your classmates in the pool, a half hour goes by and still no instructor. No more updates – I guess you are just supposed to assume that now, instead of being «late,» there really is no instructor coming to class (and maybe there never was). The only thing that wasn’t routine about this morning’s «cancellation» was that often it happens on a holiday weekend, when the Y has «forgotten» to make sure their instructor staffing was adequate. Also, it’s January, when the Y is typically busier, so you would think that that would cause them to pay a bit more attention to staffing. I guess not. Well, to me, Wellness and Balance means that the Y has instructors present when they say they will be. So, YWCA, we’re there to shape up – why aren’t you?

HOLY CRAP!!! They just installed a TON of new Matrix brand equipment in the lower level gym. 3 power racks, 3 cable machines, leg press, A LOT of benches… I’m missing more, but literally all newly installed two (?) weeks ago… it’s beautiful. So clean, so well functioning, so shiny… And the high ceilings are great! Unfortunately, no platform for deadlifts nor ideal open space for deadlifts. Most of the time you’re awkwardly in between the racks and benches where there’s foot traffic. Not wonderful, but you can still get the job done.
Wish there were more mirrors in the dumbbell area.
Female locker rooms are very clean. Haven’t tried the showers or sauna though.
I’ve done a few vinyasa yoga classes, they’re nice! The instructor is great, and she has helped personally correct my form even when the room is full (~25 people?).
Staff are very friendly, and always greet you/​say goodbye!
My membership is ending end of this month (I’m moving :(what terrible timing with the new equipment), and cancelling it was no problem. Just had to go in, speak to membership services and sign a form. 5 minutes maybe?

The chillest gym in the world! Lots of good classes, plenty of machines, a track, gyms, pool, hot tub, saunas, and even massages. It’s a very non-​judgemental and non-​competitive atmosphere — very different than some other places around Uptown. Parking costs 50 cents to a dollar (depending on how long you’re there), but there are plenty of free street parking spots in the surrounding neighborhood if you’re not about that life.

Originally joined the Y because it’s right down the block from my house, but it’s easily the best gym I’ve ever been a member of. The people working there are friendly and helpful. The facilities are clean and not crowded. Really love the Hot Yoga sessions with Jenna, Friday night dodgeball, and the workout machines upstairs.

I’ve tried a lot of gyms in the Twin Cities, and I’m so happy to say that I think I finally found my gym home at the YWCA in Uptown. (I haven’t tried the Midtown or Downtown locations… yet!)
I think the main thing that sets it apart from other places I’ve belonged to (Lifetime, I’m looking at you) is that it’s super welcoming. The people who work at the front desks, the group fitness instructors, the trainers… seriously, everyone. I feel welcomed, confident and motivated here. Aren’t those all the things you’re supposed to feel when you walk into a gym?
Some details:
GROUP FITNESS: my favorites are RIPPED, Body Pump and INSANITY. They also have yoga, barre, piyo, etc. I will admit that I haven’t loved the spin classes I’ve been to, but it’s not bad enough to dock a star. Some of the classes can be a little crowded, but once the workout gets going, it’s something you forget about pretty quick.
SMALL GROUP TRAINING: I’m also in Bootcamp & Gladiator, which are small group training sessions that you pay for on top of your membership. I love them and they give me just the right amount of personalized attention to get my butt moving.
MACHINES: I really, really hate using machines, so I’m not a good person to report on these. When I do use machines, there is always one of what I’m looking for open.
INDOOR TRACK: They have a small indoor track (14x = mile) which is nice in the winter and especially for people who hate to use treadmills. Like me! :)
POOL: The pool uses some fancy UV technology that cuts down on chlorine and is less harsh on the skin. It’s also a full 25 yards which I’m learning is not always a given at gyms (PET PEEVE). The Y does have a swim team, so you just have to keep a pool schedule on hand to know when there are lanes available. (Speaking of swim team, they also have a master’s swim team! Their practices are included in membership fee too.)
PARKING: I was a little worried about parking when I joined because it’s not free and I figured the parking ramp would be a disaster like St. Louis Park Lifetime’s. The parking is actually great. It’s never more than $ 1 to park and it’s pretty easy to get in and out and there’s always a lot of spots. You can also put money onto a card at a discount and just swipe a card to get in and out of the ramp. The Uptown Transit Center is right by the entrance which makes it super convenient to get to for metro transit users.
PROGRAMS: They always have fun, motivating programs to get involved in. Currently I’m doing a meltdown competition which for $ 100 gets me a small group training session, a bunch of specialized health/​fitness/​nutrition sessions, chance to win prizes weekly for completing a food & exercise journal and more. Around the holidays, the Y also did a challenge to see if you could maintain your weight. If you did, you got your money back. Or something like that.
LOCKER ROOMS: Nice, no complaints.
THE GYM GOERS: All sizes, shapes and ages are represented. It’s awesome.
ONE BUMMER: Towels aren’t included in membership cost. But I’ve adjusted to this pretty quickly and it doesn’t both me much anymore.
Anyways, this is one of the longest Unilocal reviews I’ve ever written. Which is funny because for a while I considered keeping the Y my little secret so it doesn’t end up getting overcrowded. But… I guess I will share. :)

I actually mostly attend Midtown’s location but I have been frequenting Uptown for their yoga schedule. I really like it! It is surprisingly huge, with a full-​size pool, track and 2 levels of cardio/​workout space. I prefer their locker rooms to midtown’s (they have a keyed system which I find more secure along with updated furnishings. I like their yoga schedule as evenings work a lot better for me. The paid parking may be a bummer for some but I actually wish Midtown would adopt it because their parking lot is a zoo. Tip that I just learned: you can get an electronic card loaded with money. With 50 cents a workout typically, its not too bad.

Friendly staff and the place is never so busy that you have to wait to use machines. You usually see the same people there all the time so in a weird way it’s like you’re part of a little family. I prefer this location over the one in uptown because 1) this one is close to my house and my job and 2) the uptown location is full of rude douchebags. The vibe of this location is friendlier. The locker rooms are pretty standard. Yeah the lockers might be a little old but I mean it’s a locker. You just need a place to lock your stuff up. To be honest I rarely use the locker room. I usually just shove all my stuff in one of the cubbies in the upstairs fitness room then work out. I’ve never had an issue with anyone trying to steal. This is a nice place and while the membership fee is a little high (I believe mine is $ 60) the convenience of this place for me makes it worth it. Id prefer any y over a place like la fitness. Only reason why I didn’t give it five stars is because they close so early on Saturday and Sunday so I’m forced to go to the douchey uptown location on these days.

Hey guys, doing a farmer blow in the hot tub or shower area is unacceptable!!!

This is my favorite of all the YWCA’s.
I participate in:
Gladiator (paid)
2 Hour Spin classes (free)
Adult DodgeBall (free every Friday!)
Body Pump (free)
And a lot of work out at my own pace workouts.
This is a great place to be in and find community. The staff is super and really cares about everyone who walks through the doors.
They have a nice track, pool that is cleaned by UV so it does not dry out your skin as much, hot tub, sauna, massage, every specialty class you could ever want and much more.
If you really give it a try you will like it.
AS others have said a big perk is giving back the YWCA does not grow for profit. They give back what you pay in dues to help the community.
AAA all the way!

Very nice facility. People from many walks of life go here to exercise and they have a strong community focus, thus avoiding the meat-​market vibe many gyms can possess. Super nice staff. Parking ramp. I really need to quit being a Mr. Lazybones and get back to the gym.

The facilities are clean, spacious, and there are a good variety of machines. The classes I’ve been to were all really crowded and not my favorite, but this is my favorite place to use machines. The lower level gym is very spacious and I can always find a machine close to a CNN TV. Pro-​tip: The lower level also has a better magazine selection. Also, since it’s so big with rows and on the lower level, it’s not easy for people to see/​watch you work out (DON’T LOOK AT ME).
Some people are intimidated by the crowd here. I’ve found it’s a mix. There are definitely young, uptown-​y types, but there are also older people and uncool out-​of-​shape people (raises hand) who are regulars as well.

Lazy staff, mediocre facilities.
We have joined and dropped out many times over the years. The one constant is the lazy, indifferent staff. When our kids were young we would make day care appointments — 9 times out of 10 they wouldn’t show.
These days it is just general indifference to broken equipment, canceled classes, mold in the locker rooms, etc. Not at all sure how this supports their core mission. Location is good but they continue to disappoint.

I joined the YWCA in January, and so far, this is my favorite location. It’s within a half of a mile of my home, so after my workout I can get a little extra walking in. The lower gym is huge, and I almost never have trouble getting a machine. The upper gym tends to be crowded from 4:30 to 5, but after that it’s empty and a lot quieter. Nice locker rooms, I haven’t used the pool yet because it’s always filled with kids.
The check-​in people at the counter are always really nice, especially the guy with blue hair and tattoos. The membership desk… eh. The girls working there usually seem like they can’t be bothered with you, unless you’re a cute guy, but luckily I only need to talk to them every couple of months.
If you’re using a reimbursement deal through your insurance, make SURE you check with the desk to see if you’ve reached your required number of days. I think their system is off sometimes.

Used to be a decent place to work out. I quit the gym a couple months ago after working out there for two years. I found the people that work there in the evening to be annoyingly rude. It got to the point where I honestly felt like I was bothering the desk people to check me in. The last time I was there I was having a really bad day and I was hoping a workout might make me feel better. I forgot my ID and only had my drivers license. The girl laid into me explaining, «if I forgot it two more times I have to buy new one», and proceeded to lecture me for forgetting my id even after I explained that I knew their policy and apologized… amazingly this girl wouldn’t stop. At that point, I wasn’t listening anymore, all I could see was her mouth moving blah blah blah blah blah. And, I decided I was never coming back.

I mostly joined here because it’s on my block, and that means no excuse to not go. The rest of the reasoning behind joining was that I had no chance of running into anyone I know, since they all do LA Fitness. I HATE running into someone I know when I’m done w/​a super sweaty spin class or struggling with staying upright as I swing kettle bells.
ANYhoo, what I really appreciate about this place is the instructors and classes. They keep the class sizes small, which I really appreciate. And, the instructors (at least all 4 I’ve had so far) are always really attentive, and making sure form, etc is spot on for every student. The locker rooms are also really clean for a Y.
Other than that, the equipment in the cardio spaces is pretty standard, although I do wish there were more stationary bikes (the non-​sitting like you’re almost lying down-​kind). Overall, everyone is really friendly, as expected, and sometimes it even seems like the patrons are a little friendlier than most gyms. It’s a happy place to remember that I am failing miserably at my new year’s resolutions… if there ever were such a thing.

The Y is just that, a Y!
Expect a family friendly old-​school gym with lots of kids and families. My husband comes from a family of Olympians so they like their gym to feel like a gym: smelly and sweaty with a big lap pool (they’re wrestlers who prefer swimming to running for cardio).
The pros? Down to earth, family friendly, lots and lots of equipment, no one bugs you, people are truly there for health and fitness. There are very few show-​offy gym rats. There is a big pool so if you’re a swimmer, it is probably the best option. Also if you’re just someone who likes the feel of a more traditional «gym» with big basketball courts it’s a good option for you.
The cons: it’s expensive! We pay twice as much for my husband’s Y membership as we do for mine at LA fitness and unless you’re going for the family swim facilities (at the Mid-​town Y), the facilities are basic.
Personally, I like more of a spa feel to a gym with options for lots of yoga and specialty sweat classes like Zumba and spin class. It would be unfair to say the Y doesn’t have classes at all, they do. I’ve been to yoga at the midtown Y and could tell the instructor lived and breathed (literally and figuratively) the yoga philosophy and wasn’t just the next generation off the Core Power conveyor belt but I just cannot justify paying double for what feels like no frills.
True, my gym (LA Fitness) has high-​pressure, somewhat unhelpful sales people I avoid at all cost but it’s inexpensive an allows me to get the job done and is better than the stand-​alone «snap» or «anytime» versions for safety and is more convenient for me than Lifetime.
P. S. I’ve never attended but the dodgeball pickup games could make it worth your while — if you’re into that.

I’ve been to a spotlessly clean gym with blah and blah.
And I would rather work out with the 99 percent, be treated like a person, know that my PARTNER is being treated like a person, which does not always happen, and dodge some rust. And use some hand sanitizer, oh noes. And not be given the stink-​eye for being over 20 and not a sylph.
Love.

«If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.» Friday night dodgeball (fall through spring) is really just a pick-​up game than a class, but the best thing you can do before going on a weekend bender. Everyone is pretty cool and it’s not overly competitive.
I’m surprised people complain so much about the facilities and staff. Yes, it’s not a sparkling behemoth of fitness, but it’s clean enough. The staff is also friendly and cool and no one is pushing you to pay for a private trainer or whatnot.
There are many free classes included in your membership, and some that you have to pay an additional fee. Men seem to shy away from classes, but I find them more entertaining than always running on the treadmill like some kind of hamster. Ok, more like jog-​walking for me.
Another HUGE plus is that you can put your membership on hold without paying any fees to stop or re-​start. So be a gym-​rat all you want when it’s cold out and when it gets warm, you don’t have to deal with paying fees during the summer.

Though I really only go a couple times a week and use the ellipticals, there are a lot of things to do at the YWCA.
I have a few friends joining soon and I am looking forward to delving into all the Y has to offer.
The staff is super friendly. There are always open machines, and I don’t feel intimidated going there.
It is a bit pricey, but I feel like it’s worth the extra money to go here as opposed to huge corporate gyms. Plus the amount of free classes they offer is impressive.