Andover/North Andover YMCA — Local services in Andover

I’m deeply disappointed with the YMCA in North Andover. My 4-year-old son was initially registered for a swimming class, but due to their error, he was mistakenly placed in an infant class. As a result, he missed two full seasons of instruction. When I asked to have him moved to the correct preschool class, the front desk processed the change. However, the instructors initially refused to accept him and even questioned my 4-year-old why he had been added late—completely inappropriate and unprofessional behavior toward a young child. After a tense and frustrating exchange, they reluctantly allowed him in, but the staff continued to act cold, rude, and unwelcoming. My son was understandably nervous at first, as many young children are in new environments. Rather than supporting or encouraging him, the staff's attitude only intensified his anxiety. Instead of helping him build confidence in the water, their harsh and dismissive behavior turned the experience into a traumatic one. What should have been a fun and positive learning opportunity became an emotionally distressing situation, leaving him scared and unwilling to return to the pool at all. Additionally, the water was visibly dirty during multiple visits, which raised serious concerns about hygiene and safety. It was clear that cleanliness was not being maintained to an acceptable standard. Combined with the disorganized registration process, poor communication, and complete lack of empathy, the entire experience was incredibly stressful and disheartening. Overall, this has been a terrible experience for both me and my son. I have to cancel my membership, it was just a waste of time and money. If I could give zero stars, I...

The facility gets the job done. I mainly use the cardio machines downstairs and hit the strength training area upstairs—can’t speak much for the rest of the gym.

Biggest frustrations:

No proper Smith machines. For a major gym, it’s a no-brainer to have at least one dual Smith machine. They’ve got four squat racks (which is great), but only a short 3D Smith—which doesn’t give the same stability or versatility as a traditional dual Smith.

The upstairs layout needs work. The flow is off, mostly because they’ve crammed extra cardio machines up there along the back wall. They should: Move all the excess cardio back downstairs where it belongs. Line that back wall with mirrors and shift the free weights/benches there so lifters can actually check their form. Add at least two dual-angle Smith machines and rearrange the strength equipment properly. Because they have a lot of it still downstairs with the cardio ( assisted pull up, seated leg press, leg curl, etc.)

I understand why upper-body machines are split between floors but why are key lower-body machines downstairs? It makes no sense—put all the leg work upstairs near the racks and benches.

Wishlist for machine upgrades: Dual Smith machines Pendulum squat V-squat...

This is a very nice, recently renovated YMCA.

They offer a lot of lessons and programs. I haven't tried any of them.

The weight and cardio rooms were redone a couple of years ago, so the equipment is still in great shape. They have Expresso bikes, stair climbers, ellipticals, and treadmills facing towards large picture windows. They also have a large selection of free weights and cross-fit equipment.

They have four pools, all of which are indoors. These include a lap pool, a very warm "teaching" pool, a family pool with splash pad and a smaller lap pool attached to the family pool. In the winter the lap pool can get very busy, especially when Merrimack College teams are using half of it for their training.

The locker rooms are nice, though the family locker room seems to get dirty very early in the day. For some reason, the family locker room collects a lot of standing water, which can be gross. No issues in the adult rooms. If you only have a few items, like a wallet and keys, there are lock boxes in the hallway that you can use.

There is a cafe that sells drinks and snacks.

The staff is always very friendly and energetic. They are happy to help with...