Dowd YMCA — Attraction in Charlotte

I called just last week by phone to ask what time the location closes (it was during a week day) and was told , “eleven o’clock. No, eleven thirty”, by an employee.

Ended up that an employee walked up to the gym to say we had to go that the y was closing. Thats fine. But after he said it once and the six guys that were playing basketball dispersed and started leaving the court and within a next five to eight seconds after that he says, “c’mon guys” in a way as if nobody was moving. And this had to be at only a few minutes after eleven. All it takes it to say something once and people know. The seeming to be pushy part of this exchange is an issue.

After being in the locker room for about five minutes or so, what seemed to be a security person says aloud, “c’mon good brother need to get together a little faster.” I chose not to even respond and mind you it had to be maybe only seven or eight after eleven because I actually did check my phone when I finally did get my things together and it was only 11:10pm. First the fact again of pushing or rushing was an issue. Secondly, there’s no need to have just been standing there watching me to get my stuff together (especially in lieu of you all’s closing time being 11:30pm). Thirdly, due to the 11:30pm closing time I still rightfully so had fifteen min to shower and would have walked out of the building at 11:24/25. Not appreciating how this was handled.

Finally on weekdays I have watched people with my own eyes leave out of the building right at 11:30pm and sometimes even a little bit after that. It doesn’t seem at these times people were rushed out. And I’ve also left on some nights where people are still showering in the men’s lockers when it’s closing time. And the only three or four times I’ve seen this nobody was down there watching, rushing and telling people it was time to go.

Ultimately the rules are rules and times are times. Just please do make sure it’s the same all the way across the board w/o Favortism, no matter who. Male/female, nationality, like/dislike, etc…. That’s doing business.

Much...

This gym reminds me of Equinox in NYC so much. I feel at peace here because they have a cleaning crew that is on top of their maintenance like no other. Super clean especially during times like this however I agree with the reviews below that the mask requirement is pointless.

When I first moved to CLT, my home gym was Gateway where I was a part of their CrossFit tribe however since Gateway is no longer - I decided to rejoin the Dowd last month. I have been to a ton of boxes and I really appreciate the conservatve approach amongst the coaches. As with many boxes, coaches will always vary however here they are super attentive, never on their phone at all and really care that you get better.

Outside the gym rate, the membership price is relatively lower compared to other gyms yet, you definiitely get more bang for your buck at the Dowd. At boutique gyms, you are very limited however at the Dowd, I have a variety of choices from swimming, Barre, Pliates, Cycle to Functioning Training.

Participating in Cardio Dance class after work reminded me how much I missed options. I totally forgot that I was in class as the playlist was filled my favorite Soca and Caribbean tunes - I felt like I was at a party. If you are like me and you dont want to do the same routine everyday when it comes to fitness, join the Dowd - they truly have some thing for everyone.

For me, this is the best workout facility in Charlotte in terms of value, variety as well as networking. Plenty of equipment, cleaning stations, comfortable locker room's and friendly staff. While I miss my cozy spot, Gateway, I am also a huge fun of this...

I go to the Dowd YMCA almost daily and there is a man named Richard that works at the check in counter that sees me there every time I check in. I was waiting in line to check us in and my wife needed to use the restroom so I directed her to go into the locker room and I would check handle checking her in. He made a point to embarrass her and make her go to the bathroom outside the entrance (that we didn’t know was there) and I checked us in and entered the gym figuring my wife entered after me. Come to find out she was so embarrassed she didn’t even try to enter after that. On my way out I stopped and politely said, “ Hey bro. I felt you were a little bit over the top earlier the way you spoke to my wife and didn’t appreciate it. You see us here everyday and I didn’t like the way you spoke to us”

Instead of treating us like a customer should be treated he started in telling me about all the rules and wanted to argue the matter. He said I was disrespectful for calling him BRO!!!

He really upset my wife to the point that she was scared to try and enter the Y!!!

Is this how you train your people to treat customers? I get that there are rules but if there was a problem with our membership someone could have addressed it in a more humane way. I’m sorry but the way he acted was totally the opposite of customer service and I think we deserve...