Mount Laurel YMCA — Local services in Mount Laurel Township

I am absolutely baffled. I cannot believe I can't wear my shoes into Ymca anymore. My shoes! The ones with the intricate lacing system, the ones that cradle my feet in their soft, closed-toe embrace. Do you know how long it took me to find these shoes? The perfect shade of brown, the ideal weight, the way they hug my heels and support my arches... it was a match made in heaven. These aren't just any shoes. They're a statement, a work of art. The laces, woven in a [pattern], tell a story of craftsmanship and dedication. The closed-toe design, a testament to timeless elegance and practicality. The very shape of the shoe, sculpted to perfectly complement the human foot, a marvel of engineering. And now, I'm told they're not welcome? That they violate some new, arbitrary policy? I demand an explanation! For 6 long and glorious years these shoes carried me to the finishline of my workout. From entering into the facility and greeting staff to sitting on the machines checking my phone these shoes were there for me. The acting figurehead having served a 2 and a half year tenure has never ones in over 700 days looked down as my footware and observed the pinnacle of human engineering and deemed it unsatisfactory for lifting weights. The earth has rotated around our sun twice and in that time span we have put a rover on the surface of Mars. Along with launching the James Webb telescope into space and setting it to orbit the sun at the Lagrange point around 1 million miles from earth observing the center of our known universe, but we were unable to observe the shoes of a daily patron who shows up for around 30 to 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week. It's like waking up one day and being told your car is now a bicycle. What about these shoes is suddenly so offensive? Is it the laces? Are they too intricate? Too suggestive? Do they pose a tripping hazard? If so, I'm willing to sign a waiver. Is it the closed-toe design? Does it evoke too much formality? Too much sophistication? I assure you, I've seen people wear far more ostentatious footwear in this establishment. Is it the weight? Are my shoes too substantial? Too grounded? Do they threaten to disrupt the delicate balance of the universe? If so, we may need to reevaluate the cosmic power structure But the most infuriating part? They claim my shoes aren't "athletic." Athletic? These shoes? Have they ever seen an athletic shoe? Do they think all shoes that aren't made of mesh with a memory foam sole aren't meant for running marathons? And to add insult to injury, my shoes were called shitkickers at first but when challenged said she actually said "boondocks." Boondocks? I had to look it up, and apparently, it's slang for uncivilized and unsophisticated! How can anyone look at these meticulously crafted shoes, with their hand-stitched, premium grade leather and deem them uncivilized? It's like calling a symphony orchestra a garage band! I've tried to get a straight answer. I've asked the staff, "What exactly defines an athletic shoe in your eyes?" But they just stonewall me. They refuse to answer, hiding behind vague, broad statements. It's like they're deliberately trying to keep me in the dark. I implore you, reconsider this absurd policy. My shoes have done nothing to deserve this exile. They're comfortable, stylish, and perfectly safe. They're an extension of my personality, a reflection of my soul. Don't rob me of my right to express myself through my footwear. Let...

Worst experience ever! I had a single parent membership for myself & my 18 month son, I also put him in gymnastics. The very FIRST day of gymnastics, we get there, I walk my son around on the mat because they told me it was free play at the time. 15 minutes in, I was pulled to the side because other parents were uncomfortable and I was asked for us to leave by the only black worker there even though we later find out by the manager, it wasn’t even here place or position to come up to me but they chose her instead of the lead for the class because she has more of a friendly face. So, shouldn’t she be the lead? Or am I missing something. And the reason they was uncomfortable was because my son had a small cough and face was red. I get it! I’m a parent too. But! No one asked me hey is your son okay? Is he sick? No! Just yeah they’re uncomfortable so he can’t be here. Which in fact, he wasn’t sick. My son has anaphylaxis allergies, towards some foods which I’m not going to list and non anaphylaxis related allergies toward plants outdoors. With that being said a cough is a symptom and for his face & skin being red he has a bad case of eczema which comes from his allergies. NOTHING contagious! … I did what I was told, packed him up which made him cry because we had just gotten there and left. I refuse to let anyone or organization make my son feel different...

I obtained my membership to the Y in late April with my husband and a friend. We took Kathleen's Silver and Fit class on our first week. We entered the class not knowing the protocol about what equipment to pick up and where to stand or sit. We were greeted with a very unfriendly older women that sneered and talked about us as being the new people. Needless to say this was very upsetting to us as we were looking forward to having a positive experience. Once we started learning the ropes so to speak we became more comfortable. I now make it a point to help out new members. Kathleen is a wonderful instructor and love attending her Monday and Wednesday classes. I will say that the class is extremely crowded and often there are not enough chairs and equipment to go around (no-fault to Kathy). I would like to see the Y purchased new equipment and if possible add another class in the early evening, I feel that as a new member there should be a staff member walk you around and talk to you about the classes offered and how to use the equipment before you start.

The YMCA is a wonderful and affordable place to work out and socialize. Please consider doing some renovations as the facility is looking a little out- dated and run down.

Please feel free to reach out to me should you want to speak with me. Thank you, Lynn...