North Suburban YMCA — Attraction in Woburn

Not family friendly at all. My 7 y.o was so disappointed after our "tour" that he almost cried. Except for "family swim" at the tiniest shallow area (the "deep end" is to his neck and gets shallower about 3 feet to the side) there's nothing there he could do: no free gym, no family play room, no open rock climbing, no playground, no kid friendly drop in classes (only limited options to sign up for for additional charge!!!!). What is the point to pay family membership if we still have to pay for any activity he could participate? And his choices are: basketball (not interested), rock climbing (they don't teach you, only watch you and help with putting on a harness), swimming (but they won't test your kid who can sort of swim, but has no official training and lacks technique, yet you have no idea what "level" your child is actually at). The gym itself is Ok at best. Very small work out area. Tried zumba class, but there's no air conditioner in the studio, so it felt like we were in a sauna. Not a pleasant experience. The showers in the girls locker room (and women's) are dingy. There's also no communication whatsoever. Front desk never has answers (had questions about the camp, they couldn't connect me with anyone, nor did they know the correct number to call). Had question about the make up for a "paid" activity that was cancelled due to building losing power, got a run around three times before eventually just gave up. Hours aren't great either, I prefer to work out at night, but they close by 9:30. Classes are only available in the morning or during the day, so unless you are retired, stay at home person, or an early bird (and I mean yoga at 6am), you'r shot out of luck. Overall, very disappointing.

Wanted to add: the rock climbing instructor is great. Super friendly and awesome with kids. We once showed up ready for class when in reality classes ended the previous week and he saw the disappointment in my son's face and offered to go climbing with him! It was so kind and thoughtful of him! We were very grateful! It's just unfortunate that our overall experience with YMCA as a whole is...

So if anyone is interested in signing up for a membership here, please think again. I made the mistake by joining this club but I’m glad that the membership allows you to go to other locations (one good perk). The staff seriously need an attitude check and lacks in all overall professionalism.

The moment they hear any language barriers or assistances with financials, they immediately become cold. I would say not just from DAY ONE but EVERY SINGLE TIME I went, I had horrible service. I just feel like every one who works there hates their job or they just flat out racist. Asking about babysitting or summer camps was such a hassle for them to explain. Here’s an example. If I ask where the sauna room is but I pronounced it differently, just try to understand. “Sah-nah” vs. “sa-oo-na”, CLEARLY I’m asking about the sauna, but instead I get a response like “I don’t know what you’re talking about, can’t understand.” Another example, I go use the pool with my son and after several minutes, we get yelled at to get out. “Get out! You gotta leave! Out! Out!” Ok, I get that sometimes the pool can be used for cleaning, maintenance or lessons. But I was given no explanation and was asked to leave. Find out later that even when it says “open swim” doesn’t mean it’s opened. If there is no lifeguard present, then no one is allowed, which I totally get. But again, nothing was explained or any printed notice. So for those you want to swim at YMCA Woburn, the only open swim time is Sundays and opened for one hour due to lack of lifeguards. The regulars that have been going there may have it different but for anyone new signing up or those who are minorities, good luck. Go to a...

Was not really into going to a gym to do my workouts. I had weights and a bow-flex that I would use at home. My girlfriend convinced me to at least give it a try. I was totally impressed with the entire experience. The people on their staff are so friendly and helpful. They have a ton of awesome equipment. I’m pretty OCD about cleanliness and this place rocks with how spic & span everything is. They have sanitary wipe dispensers everywhere. 😊 Needless to say I joined and have been extremely happy that I did. I want to give a shout out to Randy Heney who I chose as my personal trainer. My girlfriend Jill has been working with him for a little while and she shared with me how awesome he is in his approach and instructions on how to improve every facet of her workout and overall health. I was so impressed by what she told me about how he does things, that I had to check it out for myself. I booked a couple sessions to get started and I have to say I was very happy with how much he helped me right away. I have since gone on to book more sessions and look forward to working with him more so as to gain more knowledge, form, technique and mobility. He is fantastic and really knows his stuff. I highly recommend this him and this facility as I am truly thankful that Jill recommended I give this place a try. I really look forward to going there each time and getting what I need to improve my health and fitness. Thanks to Randy and everyone at the North Suburban YMCA for making for a great experience. Kudos...