Townlake YMCA — Attraction in Austin

nice location and clean gym.

was approached today by Sean Moreau, a personal trainer, when using the leg extension machine downstairs to which he opened the conversation with a passive aggressive “do you time your rest intervals?” implying that i had been using my phone for too long on the machine. i didn’t even realize he was a trainer until later because of how he opened the conversation, i had thought he was someone trying to bother me. i had been on the machine for 7 minutes when this happened. not to mention the moment i sat down at this machine i noticed this trainer staring at me at hence decided to pretend to not see him and go on my phone. honestly i haven’t had such an odd experience until today and it was very disappointing. he proceeded to say that i should minimize the time on my phone since there is only the free weight leg extension machine downstairs and then the one upstairs (as if i don’t know?) in any case, there was no one waiting for the machine and if someone needed the machine and asked normally like any other person how many sets i have left, i would have been HAPPY to wrap up my time on the machine. and no, the trainer did not need the machine considering he was training his client through an upper body session.

and yes, i am aware of the no use of phone signs downstairs…to which i have to say perhaps we have a different philosophy of business. this location always has stairmasters, treadmills, and other machines that are out of order in addition to being a centrally located gym in austin. minimizing phone usage implies that the members are inherently causing machine shortage problems at this gym instead of internally reflecting and re-directing to what the facility and staff themselves can do instead of outsourcing the issues to members that pay for this gym. both the signs and now the actions of this personal trainer comes off as passive aggressive, as well as demonstrates a lack of accountability. perhaps starting with timely machine maintenance would help during peak hours, followed by more efficient floor planning, etc. would be a better route as trying to stop members from using their phones is certainly an interesting business choice to...

I joined this gym for the low rates and the true month-to-month membership terms (no join fee). The membership also gives you access to all participating YMCA locations nationwide which is a huge perk.

This location has a good amount of machines, free weights, and barbell racks. I wish there were open-stride ellipticals that allow you to adjust the incline in addition to resistance, but the ones they have are fine. Most of the cardio equipment is Technogym brand which theoretically allows gym goers to track their cardio stats between various machines, which I haven't tried.

Availability of group fitness classes is a nice aspect. I've only tried a few classes and they were fine. As part of my membership at Townlake YMCA, I tried a HIIT class at a different Austin YMCA location, and the instructor was teaching with an injury. While I was looking around the room there seemed to be a lot of really bad exercise form that the instructor wasn't addressing.

If you're more used to a conventional gym, this may not be your vibe. The "community" thing comes with some aspects I found unusual.

I'm not used to other people trying to use a weight machine that I'm on in the middle of my workout. There are even signs on the wall saying it's expected YMCA gym etiquette to let other people swap out with you on a machine between sets. Personally I don't feel comfortable with this - I sanitize before and after I use a machine and I don't want to share it with a stranger in the middle of my sets.

Also, the level of friendly chatter amongst participants during some of the fitness classes I've attended I found weird/distracting.

There are also a lot of signs everywhere condemning phone use on the machines. I can understand not wanting people to take up space on the machines while texting for 20 minutes, but I know folks like me use an app to plan /track their weightlifting workouts. So far no one has come down on me about this, but the ubiquity of the signs stresses me out.

I guess there are different flavors for everyone! I may not be a YMCA gal. But for now it certainly serves...

Around a month ago, I was sojourning in Austin for the purpose of viewing the celestial phenomenon: the Total Solar Eclipse. I was looking for a YMCA to exercise at since I am a member of one back home, but unfortunately, my “home” YMCA recently joined the chain and thus doesn’t have its nationwide portal properly configured yet.

However, despite my failed entry attempts, Townlake YMCA staff were very cordial and understanding of my issue. Instead of directing me to purchase a one day pass, staff allowed me to enter completely free of charge—on multiple occasions.

Heightening my satisfaction with this particular Y was the fact that its surroundings are absolutely prepossessing and that it is situated in a very convenient location: it is practically right on the Colorado River and on the outskirts of downtown. In addition, the facility is one of the best I’ve ever witnessed, boasting new equipment and a fun-to-navigate layout.

I will definitely be returning next time I visit Austin; though, I am not sure if I will do so anytime soon, considering the city’s growing homeless and crime problems… At any rate, this gymnasium thoroughly impressed me and significantly enhanced my...