Chinatown YMCA — Local services in New York

Been visiting this YMCA since 09’ with my family, now that I’m returning as an “adult”. I guess as an adult I’m allowed to share my perspective about my experience here. First & foremost. Please take this with a grain of salt, everyone that works here is absolutely lovely. What confused me and irritated me the most was the whole scheduling procedure. But…OMG was this a horrible and just bad experience. I came here on a Saturday afternoon (keep in mind for those of you that aren’t fully aware that there are 2 front desks as you head downstairs) one of them acts as a separate entity named the “University Settlement” and the other on the right is actually the YMCA. I clearly thought I knew what I was doing by speaking with the receptionist from the University Settlement about the swimming program and purchasing a ticket as a day pass to swim. She followed up by informing me that I would need to speak with the YMCA rep about purchasing the day pass. The YMCA rep said we were clear to enter for just the day, as I’m getting ready and changing to swim, me and my partner got to the swimming pool to our dismay saw it was clearly stated on a sign that pool was closed to YMCA members from 2-5 PM. Now here is the puzzling part that I found confusing, no where did it say on any info web or flyer that SHOULD disclose to clients that specifically on Saturdays. You would need to call them after 11 AM to book a time slot to swim. And let’s not forget this only applies to the University settlement side, but apparently if you are a Y member I’m assuming you’re allowed to use the swimming pool facility before 2 PM.

I was honestly frustrated and just mad. Because as a new participant, how are people like me suppose to know any better. If this kind of info were readily available for me to refer to, I wouldn’t go out of my way on a Saturday, travel 2 hours in the rain and get mislead then turned away because I was originally suppose to call and book a time slot, due to a recent change in policy.

But please…don’t let my single review about my experience deter you away from this establishment. I’ve been coming here since I was little, and everyone that works here is great. I believe it’s critical that we share our experiences for not just the community to be aware but for others that encountered a...

Gym: I do like the gym it's a bit more spacious than my last gym and less crowded. Although it does get crowded around after 5 pm. here. Before 5pm it nice and quiet and love it! There's great advanced equipment is much smoother than my last gym machines. (My last gym had old equipment) There are no signs telling people to clean equipment after use so, no one cleans them.Sometimes the wipes given to clean the equipment are dry. I never see janitors/employees cleaning the equipment. People tend to have loud, full-blown conversations on the phone & not really workingout, but sit on the bike when all other bikes are being used. There are a lot of older people here but don't away have consideration for others

Bathroom/lockers: There's a lot that needs to be improved at this Y. People leave pieces of clothing everywhere wet or sweaty hanging on the bathroom stall doors without them using it & bathroom counter. All over locker rooms & in the sauna, people leave their clothes to dry and then come back for it later is pretty ghetto to me. Sauna, it's not warm enough! Please change that! Didn't even sweat in there.

Pool: All the times i've gone, it's always been crowded, so I never used the pool. It was the main reason why I joined this gym. There's one lifeguard. The pool has dividers, which seems to go from least advanced to most advanced swimmers. Wish they had a sign showing the busiest to non busiest times to go.

Classes: I only tried one class so far, the zumba, which I thought was horrible. The instructor was extremely difficult to follow because she kept just doing random stuff dances that made no sense. It's not like other zumba I've seen that go from step to step. It just didn't seem professional. I'm now worried about the other zumba classes and the taj chi.

Check in/front desk Front desk most times ignore you or they're on their computers or phones. They are nice sometimes. They don't want to print out schedules for you & tell you to take a photo instead.

Hopefully, my rating will change once these things...

I was looking for a place to work out and play some basketball on Sundays in and around the Chinatown area. I was told by a friend to try the YMCA on Bowery and Houston. So, checking the site on the computer, i came across some mixed reviews of the place and the staff, some good and some bad. I saw an offer for a free one day pass, which i downloaded, and printed out. A representative from the Y called, by the name Nathan, to confirmed that i'll be going there the coming Sunday. It was a pleasant surprise to get that call, and was totally appreciated. So, armed with the pass and a valid ID, i showed up at the front desk of Chinatown Y on Sunday. After patiently waiting my turn, the middle age, white lady at the desk asked if she can help me. Upon seeing my free pass, she said; "you,ll have to wait."and proceeded to service the man behind me. I was surprised by her rudeness at the very least. I am a 58 year old asian male, and a businessman with my own business in the service industry. I understand that it is very important to speak to customers with the utmost respect. I felt like i was discriminated against. Was it because i was asian, or was it because I had a free pass instead of cash? Regardless of the reason, I should not be passed over for someone else. I now know what it is to feel like to be treated like a second hand citizen. I finally was let in after filling out some forms and being helped by a young man that was also working at the desk. In all fairness, the rest of the staff was friendly and helpful. I'd enjoyed the rest of the day, and had a great time. I definitely would consider joining the Y and telling my friends to join as well. I would give this place a 5 star rating except the earlier experience left a bitter taste in my mouth. The Y would be better served, if they make sure all the people they hire are more friendly and...