La Central YMCA — Local services in New York

Overall, I’ve had a great experience at the Central YMCA! The membership has been worth it for me and my family. The place is pretty stacked: they’ve got a solid gym with everything you need, a really nice pool that’s perfect for both workouts and splashing around, plus a sauna (yes, bestie, I said SAUNA 😌). The gymnasium is spacious and clean, and the bathrooms? Super clean and actually big enough to get changed without feeling like you're in a closet. 🧼👏

But let me keep it real—this is why it’s not a full 5-star.

They don’t offer soccer that often, which was kind of a letdown since my son lives for the sport. We were hoping for more consistent soccer programs, but it’s pretty rare to find anything scheduled. And something that really frustrated me… they didn’t let my 11-year-old son go into the gym. He wasn’t being rowdy or anything—just curious and respectful, but they still said no. I get rules, but sometimes a little flexibility goes a long way. 🙃

All that said, it’s still a great place to work out, relax, and spend time as a family. Just hoping they expand their youth access policies and bring soccer back into the spotlight. ⚽💪 Also, when I checked the schedule, I saw it was every Saturday from 11 am-1 pm, and I was like, "They just glaze basketball like, why don't they have it daily?"

I would recommend, just with a few wishes for improvement.

— A loyal YMCA mom trying to raise an...

L.A. Central YMCA is a well welcomed kick off to turning around The South Bronx. I took a tour and thought that this was an amazing place with amazing potential and immediately signed up. A gym, classes, a pool, basketball court, play area, private rooms, heavy bags (standing), and even a sauna. So whats the problem? You feel uneasy as a member when you have so many limitations. You wanna use the heavy bags? you can't because it's used for classes as a whole. Wanna do something private and use one of the unused rooms? You can't because your not being supervised by staff. You wanna use the basketball court? you can't because kids from a school are using it. You wanna take your kid ( which is also a member and you paid for) to the pool? you can't because "family swim" has been pushed back so late or so early that you miss that opportunity. The sauna was a great incentive until you realize that it's a dry sauna (takes at least 30 mins to get hot) and not a steam sauna. The dry sauna isn't hot enough also. The staff is nice but doesn't take consideration towards the members concerns. You can find better gyms out there for the same fee and that is more accommodating and brings just as much. I would hold off or do a short term membership to see if they change and learn from...

Keep trying to give this place a shot but have been very disappointed. You want to support the community you live in but certain places make it difficult. Staff isn’t very welcoming at all. Front desk isn’t so bad but could improve. Everyone gives you a different answer, pricing is confusing. You need a membership but that doesn’t cover classes? Pay for classes but that doesn’t cover membership? We are interested in swimming lessons for my daughter but the lack of knowledge seemed discouraging. How can I trust my daughter in the water if you’re asking me what to do? Not very inviting, making it awkward. Special treatment for certain people. Went with a pass for Family Swim were it was stated verbally about needing a swim cap yet some walked in with it and some didn’t but staff allowed it. The lack of care and treatment from the staff is pushing people away, I’ve heard this same complaint for other people. Neighbors, family and friends. My daughter wants to visit again but we are highly debating because service...