Hello again. It seems like my review is being cancelled. I am announcing for safety reasons about the life guard. And all should know. I found a lifeguard sleeping on her station . The supervisor was NICOLE VILE read more

Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA - This is a photo of a lifeguard sleep in duty. This operation is supervised by coordinator Nicole Vile. - Gyms Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

They have a great number of group exercise class options. I love MixxedFit and Zumba the most. If you ever get the chance to take Alexis (MixxedFit) or Sparkle (Zumba/Bellydance), PLEASE DO. You WILL have fun and burn lots of calories. This location is so huge that I haven't visited all the floors yet. I've just been on the 1st-3rd floors. My only complaint is the parking situation. It is downtown, so finding parking can be horrendous unless you pay an extra $10 mo to park in their garage. I had to park very far away to take the 6 pm bellydance class on Monday and I didn't feel safe walking alone to my car. So, I may have to pay that fee just to be closer to the building. Other than that, I haven't experienced any negatives. read more

Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

please be aware of unsafe practices around water and pools. this is a life guard sleeping on the job. the supervisor is Nicole Vile. obviously she is not hands on enough to know how her life guards are performing or is she just incompetent? I am ashamed to say that I was a lifeguard at this facility but chose to quit because of lack of professionalism . read more

Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA - SLEEPING LIFE GUARD on duty at BLOCKER FAMILY YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

This place just keeps rolling down hill when it comes to management and restrictions for PAYING members. This studio that goes unused for a majority of the day is now ONLY for staff and classes. I was interrupted during a workout on a Sunday morning when there were no classes scheduled. The staff member stopped me mid workout and asked if I was almost done! I asked what the issue was and she pointed to the signs on the door. And looked back at me. How is it that staff who get paid to work here get priority over paying members?! read more

Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA - Restricted studio area on 3rd floor. Staff and classes only. Staff has priority over paying members. - Gyms Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Great gym! They have everything you need to have fun and get in shape. Love the group classes. The kids area is pretty big and the staff is great. My two year old loves coming here to play while mommy works out. read more

I love this location! The staff is so friendly and is always willing to help! My son has attended their soccer team program last season and he enjoyed every min. My daughter is starting swim lessons and hopefully learn some valuable lessons. The facility is always clean, busy hours are always pack with people and there will be a wait for certain machine. I love the 2 hour free day care while working out and I don't have to worry about the little one while working out. Also membership in the Y includes all their other locations which is helpful with our family because we are always traveling. read more

Nice and quiet in the morning. Able to find parking on the street or I. The garage. Clean facilities and enough workout equipment for everyone in The morning time. read more

We absolutely love this YMCA!! Lots of variety of equipment, friendly staff, nice hot tub, and amazing stay and play for the kids! I love the area and everything this ymca has to offer. I've been to YMCAs all over the country, and this one just feels like home! read more

I joined the Y in January 2020. A neighbor and I go the blocker often to swim and do different classes. Very great facility, and conveniently located downtown so you can walk around after. They've also got a fantastic breakfast bar there. Only downside is they do not have a parking lot, and on the first wednesday of each month, parking there is ridiculous. The place is five levels, with a kids area, and a pool/ hot tub. And there are saunas and steam rooms in the locker rooms. Towels are at the front desk so if you plan on using pool ask for one before or bring your own. read more

Wow, this is a *YMCA*?! The dingy haunt of generations of pedophiles and broke-ass students? I am seriously impressed... The Blocker branch is bright and airy, with a cute cafe, and a large variety of classes on par with for-profit gyms. They have so many cardio machines I've never had to wait (almost all have individual TVs), and they even have a separate floor dedicated to free weights. The staff, for the most part, are friendly (although there are a few sour-pusses) - I've enjoyed the group classes I took, but can't speak about personal training (if they even offer it). The locker room is large, and there's a great well-lit common area for make-up and hair, but the lockers are a little old and there is a definite mildew smell lingering around. Steam-room at your own risk. What is really nice to see, however, is how many community wellness programs they offer. This location has a very diverse clientele, and in addition to the fun classes like kickboxing and water aerobics, they offer special 6-week get-in-shape programs and "yoga by the waterfront" and "walk around Norfolk" classes for people who aren't typical gym rats. They have a computerized system that allows you to keep a workout log, and it even connects to individual weight machines and guides your reps, which is very helpful if you aren't familiar with lifting or come in often enough to memorize your weights. The swim classes are also wicked cheap, so I need to look into those... I've worked at a fancy gym, and this is easily comparable in quality, superior in amount of equipment, and fantastic for the discounted memberships and wellness programs they offer for all members of the community. Seriously, YMCA, you just restored my faith in humanity a teeny bit. There are all shapes and sizes here, and most everything you'd ever need in a gym, so NO EXCUSES for not losing those love handles or getting your heart in shape! read more

Love this Y! Here are the reasons why: 1. Offers all sorts of classes, all included with the membership, and they give them morning and night. They have cycling, yoga, pilates, zumba, piloxing, body pump, abs, barre, and so many more. 2. Ample cardio machines. I usually go in the evenings and I never have to wait for cardio machines. They have treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowing machines, and steppers. 3. Free personal trainer: they have a program called FitQuest where you put in your fitness goals and it gives you a personalized daily workout. It changes every day and you can track your progress as you gain strength. 4. Super clean. Bathrooms and equipment are always clean. 5. Very friendly staff. 6. Easy street parking. My only con is I wish it was open more hours on the weekends. Otherwise, it's perfect. read more

While I'm not here nearly as often as I should be, this is a great gym. The staff is super nice, the gym is clean and the equipment works! All of the cardio machines have a tv/cd/dvd player attached which is a nice bonus. They're in the process of remodeling the spinning room and the yoga classroom too. Fun, clean and friendly. Too bad I still can't get myself there everyday. read more

I started coming here for a week as part of the Away Program. This particular Y offers the first week free, and then $2.50 for each visit afterward if you're a Y member out of the area. This place is top notch. Friendly staff, clean equipment, and HUGE. Between six stories there's a kids area, a swimming pool, and a wide variety of classes. Honestly, my short time here makes me wish this was my Y year round. read more

I've been going here 3 yrs, and I love it. I've tried every class from yoga to kickboxing. I've tried racket ball and basketball!! Whew! From sauna to steam room to hot tub to pool everyday I can find something different. I feel confident leaving my kids because the childcare area has an open view of anyone walking in the hall. Plenty of staff yet i can have a peaceful time and enjoy myself P.S. they also have a kids Zumba now(so cute) read more

Holy, wow! My primary YMCA is the Outer Banks Family YMCA, which is a nice facility. But I was blown away when I walked into the Blocker Norfolk YMCA. It looks more like a trendy gym than a YMCA. New and nice-looking inside, huge, a cafe, and lots of the latest cardio equipment. I mostly used the pool to swim laps. It seems to get busy with the after work crowd, but usually I can get a lane. The locker rooms are nice and large and there is lots of counter space for putting on your makeup or drying your hair after. However, I didn't like that the locker room had carpet (looks nice now, but can we say "mildew?") and that it's a community shower. Another downside is the parking. There is garage parking but you need a pass (I guess you buy one if it's your primary YMCA?). There is street parking, but that can be just as tough to accomplish as a boot camp workout. Overall, the quality you get for a South Hampton Roads YMCA membership is very good for the price. If this is your neighborhood YMCA, you will get even more bang for your buck. read more

I was a little wary of joining a YMCA but was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and variety of exercise opportunities available. My understanding is that this YMCA recently went through renovations. They have a HUGE selection of cardio machines - 95% (approx) have their own tvs and some have ipod docking stations. I've been there between morning and mid-afternoon hrs and there is always a machine available of your choice. In addition to a great selection of machines there's a whole weight room AND a few classrooms that you can use when no class is going on. They also have a huge pool - a plus. The class schedule has something for everyone - anything from yoga to pilates to cycling to body sculpting to water exercise classes. I'm yet to try any of these but all the classes seem to have a loyal following. My understanding are that classes aren't too packed. The staff is friendly and this YMCA provides towels....good enough for me :) And for all you moms...they have a daycare deal. read more

I love this gym. While I don't know if it has everything for everyone, it has everything for lil' ol' me. I adore the HIIT and Boxmaster classes, and have also thoroughly enjoyed the Power and BodyDesign classes as well (however it does really matter the motivation and enthusiasm of the instructor, which can vary). It has a fantastic selection of machines and weights across the six floors, but I do wish they had more stair machines! Thoroughly impressed with the gym and will continue to support my local YMCA as long as I live here read more

Large facility! Friendly people. Huge floor of cardio equipment. Lots of classes. I particularly enjoy the yoga classes offered (they have morning classes and evening classes). Weight room is pretty good, but could really, REALLY use a squat rack. read more

I love this gym. It is great for a single person, married couple or a family with kids. Lots of space, friendly staff, and well worth the price. Hands down the best gym in Norfolk!!!!!! read more

Of all the YMCAs that I've visited, this is my absolute favorite! So much to choose from and plenty of fun for the kids. Very friendly, upbeat atmosphere! Love the energy here! read more

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Easily the best YMCA that I have ever been to. Very clean. It went through a major renovation about a year ago. Lots of space and you will never run out exercise equipment. Very good gym. Good sauna, steam room and showers. read more

My family has been coming here for almost two years now and we love it. I hardly ever have to wait for machines and the online fitness tracking has really helped me achieve the level of fitness I've always aspired to. We can usually find street parking within a couple of blocks but you can pay for a parking pass for the garage next door. We plan on looking into other YMCA's when we move because we have had such a good experience here. read more

This place is cool. I came here for a Zumba Instructor licensing class. Nice workout area, huge area to change your clothes and get ready for work. Also they have an cute little bistro area where you can get a smoothie or something to eat. read more

Used to be a great place but the current management has completely turned me off after basically forcing out the best step aerobics instructor, not responding to member concerns about this, and total lack of understanding about what members really care about. These negative reviews get removed somehow as soon as management sees them. I used to be very gung-ho on this place but the current director has misplaced priorities and could not care less about member satisfaction, health, or wellness. Took all of my good will toward this Y as a dedicated member for 25 years and destroyed it. read more

"Family YMCA" is a great description for this place! It's an excellent gym with multiple floors of activities. Towels are always clean and plentiful, and the locker rooms are nice and organized with the refreshing smell of bleach in the background. The pool area is nice and warm, and guarded. The free weights area has pretty much everything you would expect. The cardio area on the second deck is quite expansive with well maintained machines. The childcare and lounge areas are also a HUGE plus. The parking lot is small, and you need a pass to get into the neighboring garage. All in all a nice family place to workout! read more

I've never visited a YMCA that I didn't enjoy..Even the smaller facilities are favorable..Customer service great, location great...Couldnt ask for a better fitness center.. read more

Good spin and yoga class. Don't miss Gretchen's 5:30pm spin class on Monday nights. Get there early to get a bike. Indoor pool. Lots of well maintained cardio equipment. Only downsides are that there aren't many spaces to lift free weights and the price per month for a single person is around $65. And sometimes finding a close parking space on the street is tough. Friendly staff and generous operating hours. read more

This place is fantastic! Has ALL of the amenities, the weight lifting equipment is well maintained and I've yet to see it too crowded. They also have plenty of classes to choose from if thats youre thing. I'd highly recommend the Blocker YMCA for anyone in the area! read more

What a beautiful facility! Tucked into the downtown area it looks very understated from the street, but go inside and it is a wonderful facility with many many activities available! The service is outstanding, all of the workers are friendly and engaging and extremely helpful! read more

Weird atmosphere in the locker room, if you know what I mean.

I like the variety of classes that are offered but generally the gym is too packed and there are always kids running around unattended. The women's locker room is pretty gross, too. I am specifically referring to the Y in Freemason, Norfolk and not to any other South Hampton Roads location. read more

I think this Y is great but is it me or does the Y (all of them) seem to have an obsession with sanitizing? Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of a clean workout environment but I'm not quite on the level of germophobe. I literally see people carrying around sanitizing wipes and cleaning every single piece of equipment they touch. Kinda feel like I'm at granny's house when I go to the Y. If you use something and don't wipe it, people start giving you the evil eye. I've actually had to go get a handful of towels just to dry off a bench from all the sanitizing liquid left on it. It's a great idea to keep the place clean but come on. read more

Excellent place for working out and for the kids to have fun while doing so. Plenty of classes and everything for all ages.

PARENTS!! DONT LET YOUR CHILD BRING IN THEIR DEVICES. So, my son goes the the before and after care program. They just started this month to where the kids are able to bring in an electronic device on Fridays. So this following Friday May 12th 2017 I let my son bring in one of my old phones and the charger so he can use it.. So apparently the charger wasn't working properly and he wasn't able to use the phone. So JACQUELINE one of the employees that watches them decided to take it upon her self and take MY PHONE. PERSONAL PROPERTY HOME!! with her just so she can "charge" it. I had no idea this was happening nor did I give anyone permission to take my personal property home with them. That is an invasion of privacy. Who knows what she did with that phone the whole time my son was in school. She didn't bother to call and ask permission, didn't call to notify me what so ever, did even have the decency to tell me once i picked him up that my phone had left the building. Okay so I call the directors, and any person higher up than her and what do they tell me. Maybe you should of put a lock on the phone. There is nothing we can do. So your telling me that its okay for your employee to take someones personal property home with them, with no permission and there is nothing you can do. there is no consequence??????? So she can be doing this to other kids and their parents wouldn't have a fucking clue!!! What even more aggravating is that we had a small meeting with her and one of the managers and she wants to sit there with a smirk on her face like she doesn't give to shits and knows she isn't going to have no consequence. But one thing she doesn't know about me I will not give up. PARENTS PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS EMPLOYEE MIGHT TAKE YOU PERSONAL PROPERTY HOME WITH THEM DURING SCHOOL HOURS AND DO WHO KNOWS WHAT WITH IT! now MY SON has to suffer because I cant trust that this wont happen again! read more

My family and I have been members here for seven months and we still like coming here (almost) every day. The administrative, cleaning, child care, and the fitness staff are friendly. My toddler and I are on a first name basis kind of relationship with a lot of them. The child care center is impressive for its setting and teachers. I'm also impressed with the diversity of members that come here; some have even been around for 30+ years! I have no complaints about the equipment rooms. I just wish there are more choreopgraphed step/floor aerobic classes. read more

Absolutely the best YMCA I have ever been to. This location has everything you need to stay healthy and active. There are whole floors dedicated to weight rooms, cardio machines, etc. The indoor pool is great and they offer convenient times for swim lessons for my children. There's plenty of locker space and the childcare areas are great. read more

Love this place everyone is always so nice and polite and willing to help. All the equipment is clean and falling apart many different options for how to work out. Fit quest is an amazing program that my wife and I are both using. Extremely easy to follow no matter your experience level. The ladies that do the child care are so good is the reason we joined and probably why we will stay at this ymca. If you are thinking about it go ahead and join you will love it. read more

So glad to be a member of the blocker family ymca. Great selection of fitness classes. The child care providers for stay and play are wonderful with my son. We really like the parent child swim classes as well. The staff is friendly and helpful. The free Towel service is also appreciated read more

Fantastic place - clean, tons of equipment, great classes, locker rooms are large and pristine, good pool, whirl pool, wet/dry sauna, cafe - just fantastic. Also has day care for kids. Oh, did I mention basketball, racquet ball/hand ball, free WiFi.... read more

Facility is above average and clean. This facility meets most of gym requirements. Very friendly and professional staff. Parking is available only to members and staff, visitors will probably need to park in the street. read more