Oakland YMCA — Attraction in Oakland

I signed up on line and when I arrived at the gym, two front desk ladies were having a conversation and I was just standing there waiting for their attention. I decided to say hi how are you I’m new here sorry to interrupt your conversation but can someone help me?

They replied with an upset face as if I was interrupting their private time.

I was smiling and being very positive the entire time and one of the front desk ladies asked to take my picture then gave me a key fob and brush me off to continue having her conversation with her co worker. I said oh ok thank you so much have a great day to which no one replied anything back and pretended I wasn’t even there. Not even do you want a tour? It took me 10 minutes to find the locker rooms.

Besides that is a big facility and the members are polite and tons of equipment available.

Basketball court pool huge locker rooms. Plenty of showers lots of strength and cardio. FYI there was no music playing over the speakers so bring your headphones.

Like the gym vibe from the members.

Update as of September 2023

Locker rooms need to be updated. No gym has their lockers zip tied anymore. This was during pandemic stages. Lockers are all rusted and old with mildew inside. Floors are dirty with brow fungus. The cleaning of the machines have gotten better. The staff needs to work on welcoming guests in. Not us walking in and having to loudly say hello so they can react to your presence. Don’t get me wrong they are nice people when you get to talk to them and friendly but there is no welcoming presence. Members are friendly when they see your face on a regular. Trainers are helpful with answering questions and giving device. Main toilet in men’s always dirty having most guys using the toilet by the showers which is always clean. Locker room floor always trashed with paper. Staff walks by and doesn’t pick trash up unless is someone of management. I myself had to pick up trash from floor because it was just too much.

This can be improved. Once again staff is super friendly but does not welcome people in as we walk in like...

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I really enjoy being a member of this YMCA location. The gym has an excellent range of facilities — sauna, pool, and a great variety of activities and classes. Its convenient location is another big plus. The community here is very nice and supportive, and it makes working out much more enjoyable.

I especially want to highlight the amazing instructor, Ankur. After attending one of his classes, I immediately decided to join this gym. He’s professional, motivating, and brings great energy to every session. I highly recommend him!

However, I do have a few concerns. Sometimes the front desk staff can be a bit unfriendly or dismissive, especially when they seem unsure about class schedules. Instead of handling confusion with patience, they occasionally speak in a rather disrespectful tone, suggesting that I might have checked the wrong schedule, even when it turns out to be a mistake on their end. I believe even front desk staff should be well-trained in the gym’s operations and able to communicate respectfully and professionally, especially when resolving issues.

I also think the YMCA could improve its marketing and membership engagement by offering more promotions and incentives. For example, it would be great to have occasional free guest passes or shorter trial passes (like one or two hours) so friends or family members can try the gym before committing to a paid membership. Paying $15 or $20 for a single visit might discourage potential new members.

Additionally, introducing family memberships or discounts for couples would be fantastic, encouraging more families to embrace a healthy lifestyle together.

Overall, I love being part of this gym and look forward to coming back each time. With a few improvements, it could truly be the best fitness center in the...

During my 11-month tenure at the Oakland YMCA, the atmosphere was marred by vivid, discriminatory behavior, particularly from a young Asian female staff member. Her indifference was strikingly evident each time I walked in. I still vividly recall how she would warmly greet a white woman ahead of me, only to abruptly turn away when it was my turn, deliberately avoiding eye contact and blatantly ignoring my presence. This selective acknowledgment was not just cold but felt like a deliberate act of racial profiling. Adding to this was the aggressive response from a white male staff member when I attempted to report these issues of racial bias. His hostility was alarming, transforming a place meant for community and wellness into a space of discomfort and anxiety.

This YMCA, moreover, seems to struggle with external community issues. Over the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in homeless individuals from surrounding areas coming to the YMCA, often seeking day passes to use the facilities. While understanding the complex social issues at play, this influx has further impacted the overall environment and member experience. In light of these experiences, I strongly encourage those seeking a fitness community to consider other options such as the Berkeley YMCA or Berkeley Equinox, where inclusivity and respect are more deeply ingrained in the community ethos. I am a member of both organizations and can attest to their current status. Elderly black members of the YMCA also recommended Berkeley based on similar experiences in the past...