Wildwood YMCA — Local services in Wildwood

I joined this gym to promote and cultivate wellness within my family. However; there was one staff member in particular that appeared opposed to that mission. She would encroach on my family's space while we were working out. Staring at us with a grimaced countenance. She was very intrusive and passive aggressive. She took a very unwelcoming stance towards us without provocation. I never allowed my children to be away from my side, because I feared for their safety. I firmly believe that it is important to protect your children from the damaging effects of microaggression.

The most alluring and attractive part of joining this gym was their fees. I thought the full priced membership was a bargain. I've paid a much higher gym membership price for myself alone at other gyms. On the other hand,, taking on the task of protecting my family from behavior that was not appropriate to content and that was sanctioned by underlying erroneous cultural beliefs, made the price seem less important and the feat insurmountable.

I was determined not to allow this woman's behavior to become insidious to myself or my children. Employed the technique of ignoring her until it could no longer be accomplished.

Being originally from NY my children and I were not accustomed to many of the behaviors that was displayed. It was like going in back in time. I took my issue to the director at the time who displayed a subjective perspective- which favored the employee. She was not skilled, or knowledgeable enough to successfully resolve problem -that was normalized within this culture.

I just caution any consciously aware families of color. If you are unable to anesthetize yourself and your family members from the misaligned behavior that goes on towards a select few of the members who attend here (I never observed her display this behavior towards any caucasian member, but I did witness her behave poorly towards other people of color). Workout with your family outside of this facility. They may mean well in their mission statement but they do not have the competency level to adhere to and/or carry out their...

When choosing to move to this area, the proximity of the YMCA, less than a mile away, was a significant factor in our decision. After all, the YMCA is an organization that prides itself on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Unfortunately, my recent experiences at the Wildwood YMCA have shown a stark contrast to these values.

I am deeply disappointed with the treatment my son and I received at this location. As a dedicated parent, I have always ensured my child gets ample swimming practice. Despite being a strong swimmer capable of swimming the entire length of the pool using both freestyle and backstroke, we were asked to leave the full-length pool to accommodate an adult lap swimmer. This was not only disheartening but felt blatantly discriminatory. It became apparent that the staff enforced rules inconsistently and without valid justification.

When I sought clarification from the Aquatics Director, I was told that lap swimming is only for those aged 13 and older, despite my child meeting all safety criteria and swimming within arm's length under my supervision. Upon further investigation, it turns out that YMCA locations can make their own rules, independent of the published guidelines, leading to arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement. This inconsistency in rules is unacceptable, especially when it targets a child who is only trying to practice and improve their swimming skills.

The way we were treated felt humiliating and dismissive, particularly when I was informed that this rule might be reconsidered in the future. This implies that my child's ability to practice is subject to the whim of individual staff members rather than clear, consistent policies.

It is deeply troubling to experience such treatment in a place that should be welcoming and supportive of all families. I strongly urge other parents and members of the community to be aware of these issues. Until the Wildwood YMCA addresses these discrepancies and treats all members with the fairness and respect they deserve, I cannot recommend...

Believe it or not I must confess initially my husband had to drag me to the “Y” and “make” me join. In no way did I want to work out. Now I can’t imagine not being a member. It is our second family. From day one everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Every single member and or visitor is welcomed by a smiling face from someone behind the desk. It is not long before they know you by name. The staff and trainers genuinely care about us. I’ve been a member at a couple of other gyms and they were just buildings with equipment. The Wildwood Y is truly a family. Cliche, maybe but totally true. I retired last summer and now I’m there 5 days a week as is my husband who initially drug me there, who by the way puts me to shame by working out twice as long as I do each visit. I have worked with a private trainer for a few sessions. She listened closely to my goals and crafted our sessions with movements that would help me reach and maintain them, which I have. Yoga has now become a passion for me. Something I never had an interest in before. The staff comes up with regular “challenges” to make things fun. In my mind the friendliness of the staff fosters the same between the members. People who don’t know each other will introduce themselves and start talking and just like that you know a new member of the family. Just can’t say enough good things about the Wildwood YMCA. I would not want to go anywhere else. A great...