Let me be honest--I get bored easily when it comes to exercising. Dealing with my weight has been a long-running battle, but one thing I can say is that I keep showing up! I love to eat, and honestly, I don't see that changing anytime soon. So instead of thinking about fitness as some temporary "weight-loss journey," I've started looking at it differently: I'm prioritizing my strength, endurance, and overall ability to take care of my body. And that mindset is exactly why I LOVE the YMCA! One of my favorite things about the YMCA is that I can visit different locations depending on where I am before or after work. That keeps my workouts from feeling repetitive. Walking into a different YMCA almost feels like going to a brand-new gym, and sometimes that little change of scenery is exactly what I need to stay motivated. I love the value you get for the price, and for the most part, the staff and service have been pleasant and welcoming. I've been to one location where I didn't feel quite as welcomed, but honestly, that's the beauty of having choices--you can find another location that works better for you. I also love the atmosphere. There are people of all ages working toward their own health and fitness goals, and there's something motivating about being surrounded by a community of people who are simply trying to become stronger and healthier. No matter your age, you're welcome here. The Cameron Family YMCA in Santee is also a great option for families, especially with the aquatic facilities. There's something for everyone, whether you're swimming, doing cardio, taking a class, or hitting the weights. And speaking of weights... I'm a weight-head! You'll probably find me on the leg press or somewhere doing strength training most of the time. Whether I'm working out with someone I know or getting my workout in by myself, I always leave feeling like I did something good for ME. That's what I appreciate most about the YMCA. It doesn't have to feel like, "Oh gosh...not another gym day!" Sometimes it can actually feel like treating yourself. If you're in the San Diego area and looking for a gym that offers variety, community, different locations, family-friendly options, and a good value for your money, check out a YMCA location near you. You can thank me later as this is my favorite location. read more

Cameron Family YMCA - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Santee, California

See all

We've been coming here for swim lessons for a long time, and our kids absolutely love it. We've always had a great experience and have never felt a lack of service. Every time we arrive for lessons, the instructors are organized, start class on time, and are always warm, patient, and welcoming with the children. Our favorite swim instructors are Kaitlyn and Caitlin. They consistently go above and beyond, coming up with creative new ways to keep the kids engaged and excited during their private swim lessons. Their enthusiasm, patience, and dedication really shine through, and it has made such a positive difference in our children's confidence and progress in the water. We truly appreciate everything they do and highly recommend this swim program to anyone looking for caring, knowledgeable instructors! read more

See all

Convenient Can use other ymcas Pool Equipment People Restrooms Classes Showers Help Trainers read more

The gym is immaculately clean, it's not busy, and the machines are state of the art. Really high quality gym area with an e gym section. Good mix of free weights and machines. read more

This post is specifically for private swim lessons. An absolute disappointment and waste of money. We paid over $300 for 4 lessons for two of my kids. The first day the instructor said he was new and didn't really know what to do. There goes about $75... next week we meet our instructor. A young girl who could care less about our lesson. Literally looking at a laminated sheet on what to do. Don't worry we did this for two lessons and accomplished blowing bubbles. For our final lesson my kids had a stomach bug so I called to reschedule. There's no one to talk to so they recommend sending an email. Well it's been weeks and no response. So there's another $75 lost. So I guess if your kid is sick bring them so you don't lose your money. Ultimately please save your money and go elsewhere. This was just such a waste and severely disappointing. read more

I called to get some clarification regarding the email that I received stating that we have a balance of $21. The guy that I spoke to was rude and asked me "So are we good to charge your account now?" It's the tone that I did not appreciate. I am paying the balance, I just want to know what it was for because we paid in advanced. read more

I liked the gym but had a bad experience w/ the child care. There was an incident with my son. Daycare worker said that he fell but no one actually saw. His front top tooth was bleeding and loose. My son was pointing at another child saying they did it but no one could confirm or deny until as we were leaving I overheard another daycare worker mention to another parent that their child had an incident with another kid. I could only assume that the other child was probably my son. Then I get a call from the main person from child care saying that on the cameras he did in fact fall. But if he did then why did another worker say there was an incident with another kid....very sketchy. read more

The staff are solid across the board -- friendly, helpful, and respectful. The gym is clean and has plenty of space, but for a facility this size it's disappointing there's no sauna or steam room. Hopefully one gets added in the future, because having to go all the way to La Jolla for recovery isn't ideal. read more

The good: activity pool is nice. Lifeguards on duty are helpful. The gym is nice plenty of equipment to use and space. Child watch is wonderful the fit who checked us in was so helpful and informed and made me comfortable enough to drop my children off loved that Not good: The front desk staff are not welcoming or helpful at all. If you have a question and walk up, they will just stare at you or not even acknowledge you and when you actually ask a question they're not the most helpful. Even calling in this seems like not anybody has very much knowledge about different areas of the place. I have within one time where there was a staff member that was very helpful because i looked lost. Front desk is the first point of contact half the time the staff are just sitt there talking to each other and ignoring patrons. read more

This place has gone to shit honestly. The new gym "manager" Charlie is a weirdo, like something is up with him. Coming from staff themselves (I'm close to some staff and we talk), they complain about him. Eric was great. This guy on the other hand, yes he's "nice" but he doesn't take any complaints seriously. Doesn't ensure a safe gym environment if you feel uncomfortable for whatever reason. No social skills and when he needs to project his voice he always sounds awkward and yelling. I really wish this gym was how it was before. The "supervisor" or whatever it is, Leo, doesn't care and just is there for a paycheck. Rude and clearly gives evil eye. His energy reeks. The manager and supervisors and the higher ups are all close and stick for eachother they don't care about the members. (--- THIS HAS ALL CAME FROM A STAFF MEMBER) I've heard lots of tea about them and this place is really a shame because I've spent a majority of my membership and time at the Y. They don't hire people that are more than qualified, instead hire workers that know nothing about the machines or workouts. I mean nothing don't know a thing. This is a weird branch fr. They say they care about their members but do NOTHING when a complaint is made, they really give you nothing. I won't be naming names on who has told me what, and they love to delete google reviews. I don't want people in trouble or fired but this all HAD to be said this is been balled up for a long time now, I have caught them delete my reviews before so I will also be posting this on here as well. This all needed to be said and I hope people read this. I rather stay anonymous since some people like to start petty stuff with membership holders. We are the ones giving them money. In summary, they're petty and all jokes. All the older people that have been there for YEARS are the best. NOT the new people. Take this from a member of OVER 10 years. Since they like to delete their google reviews which I've noticed first hand some complains were missing, I will continue to post here and I always let people know how this place is now. read more

Signed up for a free month and didn't cancel within 5 days of their billing cycle so I get to pay for a month I won't use. "Per our policy" they say. I'm really sick of corporate business and their greed. I won't ever go to a YMCA again. read more

We did my daughter's birthday party at the YMCA, using the Gym and it was great. April and the team were so helpful throughout the entire process. They made it easy to sign up, communicated very quickly, and made the day of so easy and seamless. My daughter and all of her friends had a great time! I highly recommend for any kid's birthday party. read more

I got here 5min before 1pm today and there were signs on the women's locker room saying they are shutting the water off from 1-2pm today. They didn't shut the water off at all. A few members were walking around the locker room after I showered that were testing the showers, sinks, and toilets to see if it was shut off and it wasn't. read more

The YMCA is the only gym in this area with affordable child care. I love the child care for my son, he does too. This is the main reason I attend this gym. Unfortunately, services aren't great all around. If you or your child is sick and you paid for swim lessons ahead of time, they don't care. Not at all. They won't reschedule you or offer for them to join in on another group lesson to make up. So you lose your money... and it's not super cheap at all. Now for the gym.. as someone who always did at home workouts, I have no idea how to use a lot of gym equipment and some directions can be vague. I had a trainer very passive aggressively show me how to use one of the machines I felt very belittled. It's a shame because the gym shouldn't be a place where we feel judgment. I will go ahead and add that after the transgender showing their male genitals in the women's locker room incident.. all they did was take out lockers and add a curtain as their "remodel" for a more trans friendly approach. Seems incredibly lazy to me. Other than these issues, the facility is pretty nice. Especially the pool area for the kids! I really hope they can improve in some areas. read more

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Always handle my inquiries professionally, kids are always happy in their programs.

I signed my daughter up for summer camp here and the programs are very disorganized, lots of young teenagers who don't know what they're doing. I picked up my daughter multiple times and every time it's very chaotic and unprofessional. One of the staff members (purple shirts) yelled out "We are off at 5 o'clock on the dot", as I'm there at 4:35 picking her up... All of the kids backpacks are tossed on the ground all over the dirty grass. She will come home with her lunchbox full of ants. I started putting ice packs in her lunches because they have them hanged in the scorching sun. She lost a pair of brand new goggles and never made it to the lost n found.. and if you don't find your stuff in there by Friday they will donate it to goodwill. I'm not sure what my daughters daily routine there is or what they are teaching our kids.. The program descriptions on their website are vague and unpromising. They say they do arts and crafts, but all she has brought home is coloring pages.. they definitely try to make it seem like it's more than they offer. One day I was told that my daughter didn't want a male teacher to take her to the bathroom and that they were low staff and she was going to have to cooperate with them. Make sure you back lots of ice water for your child because they go outside at 2pm -5pm for pick up.. my daughter is drenched in sweat everyday when I get her. I'm sorry but for 360$ a week, this will be a HARD pass for me. read more

See all

This YMCA in Santee is very limited. They need to improve training for front desk staff. I went in and showed my insurance card which covers Membership but they were unable to determine coverage and never even called United Healthcare for verification. They were friendly but lacked a professional manner. Limited facilities for disabled. read more

Great facility. Friendly employees, clean and working equipment. Couldn't ask for more!

Wow this is what a community center should be! The Staff here is awesome, friendly and professional Unlike the McGrath ymca this is what you would expect from a community center read more

This is one of the better YMCA ( Cameron Family and Toby Wells location are a close 2nd to La Jolla) This YMCA has atleast 2 good things going for it. 1. Never to crowded. I can always get on the work out equipment I want. 2. Updated locker room. While a no frills gym may get the job done, a remodeled locker room shows they care enough to make the customer comfortable (take note Davis Family location, with your high school level locker room) Located in Santee its next to a large park, great if you want to walk the dog after your own work out. This location is easy to get to, and has plenty of parking. This is a 2 story location (gymnastics on the first floor and gym equipment on the 2nd floor). I do not use the pool, so I cannot give an opinion on that. Some customers have complained about the price hike. I suppose I could join a less expensive gym, but those are more crowded. Now, to rank the YMCA (atleast the ones I have been to) 1. The La Jolla location. sauna, smoothie bar, modern work out equipment, a sofa and tv to rest between work outs, updated locker room. the "country club" of YMCA, as it were. 2. Santee / Cameron Family. never crowded and the locker room is updated. A solid variety of work out equipment. Not as large as say the Mission Valley location, but not as crowded either. 3. Toby Wells / Kearny Mesa On par with Santee location. Updated locker room, perhaps a bit more crowded than the Santee location. A good gym. 4. Mission Valley location. Smoothie bar, indoor basketball. The only major complaint is that its a bit over crowded. Sometimes there are homeless people hanging around the parking lot, but thats a San Diego problem. 4. Rancho Family. The smallest YMCA / gym I have ever been in. they try to make up for the small size with having some work out equipment in the back patio, but cannot be used when its raining. Does not have basketball, pickle ball or any of those extra sports. a no frills gym. Wish the locker room was remodeled, but overall it gets the job done. 5. The Davis family looks like they just put a bunch of gym equipment in an office building, complete with staircases that lead to storage areas (see, easy to get lost on first visit) the mens shower is one large, group shower. Group showers were one thing when you were in high school. But unlike high school, I pay a monthly membership to be here. Every other gym / YMCA got the memo, people want partitions in the shower. read more

Everyone who works here is super nice, the facility is always clean, plenty of locker space, and the pool is well maintained. Great walking path outside of the facility as well. read more

We attend the kid's gymnastics classes here. It's hit or miss with the teachers but we've been going to the same teacher for a couple of months now and we're happy with her. The teachers usually clean the equipment after class ends. There is a parent viewing room so see what the kiddos are doing. The facility including women's restroom seem very clean. The people are the front desk are always friendly and helpful with any questions. read more

Jordan & Matthew at the front desk were horrible to my daughter today. Home from college for only one month, She signed up for the gym membership along with her sister on June 10th & was told by Jordan that she needed to cancel the membership 5 days prior. She was told July 5th would be date for her to cancel. She went in TODAY June 29th to cancel the July membership & was told no. Matthew said her cut off date was the 26th to cancel for July even though Jordan indicated differently at sign up. She even made a note in her calendar! $80 to a college student is A LOT of money & it's down the drain..... they wouldn't even consider holding the month for their return in December - honestly, shame on these people & the Santee YMCA read more

GREAT GYM! I always assumed the "Y" (as it's affectionately known) was a place for geriatrics unafraid to meander in the locker room totally nude and soccer moms who hog all the cardio equipment... I'm not admitting I was wrong with my assumptions, I'm simply saying this "Y" is much, much better than I expected. First and foremost, the gym is extremely clean with a 55% cardio to 45% weight lifting equipment ratio (all of which is very, very new). Second, the staff is extremely friendly :) Third, the pool is heated and the life guards are happy to help you get into a lane if the pool is busy. Last but not least, the caliber of people you end up working out alongside are great. They are polite, friendly, and always appear to be upstanding folks. I'm never concerned that my wife is going to get hit-on or stared at while working out because those kind of folks workout elsewhere. So if you're looking for a great gym with an awesome atmosphere you have found it. Now just do what I do and never look down or around in the locker room and you won't have any issues! :) read more

Cameron Family YMCA - Lots of TVs. - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Santee, California

Every other YMCA is amazing This one, there is a weird trainer (male with glasses) staring at me while I work out! I don't like it! read more

From a financial prospective the YMCA is probably the best gym deal in San Diego county; especially the Santee location which is one of their flagship locations. I mean this gym is huge with plenty of newer, top of the line equipment. There are plenty of machines so crowding isn't a major issue. This particular YMCA location has a large gymnasium floor that tailors toward gymnastics and other organized, competitive sports. Heading outdoors you'll find amazing aquatic facilities, including a very large swimming pool, water slides and a shallow pool area with equipment for the little ones. Of course there are organized pool aquatics and swimming classes for all ages and abilities. I do believe they have child care and child camps. You will not be disappointed here when it comes to equipment, facilities and available organized programs. If not a member you need to give it a shot; you will not be disappointed. read more

See all

Came to try out the kids pool with a few friends and their kids, and I was pleasantly impressed by the cleanliness, professionalism, and upkeep of the place. The staff were courteous, respectful, and appropriately maintained all safety rules throughout my visit. The pools themselves were very clean, well-maintained and planned. There were three areas designated by wrist band color and signage to stratify swimming ability and height. Having a one year old in our party, it was nice to have a super shallow pool combined with space, slides, and watchful eyes. Plus a beach entrance. He just loved walking around and floundering in the shallow water. There's also a big slide that looked like fun. It has lots of twists and turns plus staff above and below keeping everyone safe. They said anyone above a certain height was allowed to ride, including adults. Check in process was easy. Members of the YMCA can just walk in. Santee residents (show your ID) cost $3 to use the pool. Non-Santee residents cost $8 to use the pool. I'm already planning when I can return read more

I've been comming to this gum for a few years, although today was the fist time I took my daughter to the pool area, and every member or lifeguard was super rude with me, the way they said things the way they look at me just straight rude and irrespectful. I didn't have a good experience at the pool read more

Cameron Family YMCA - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Santee, California

See all

As much as I wanted to love this place, it just continues to disappoint. I loved the idea of childcare while I worked out. The first two times I left my younger children, I was called at the beginning of my workout because they were upset. Had to leave. The manager contacted me and tried to resolve the issue, so we attempted to come back. This time it was worse, when I arrived to pick them up, they were both in tears and their eyes were swollen red. I immediately asked what happened and the worker looked at my 3 year old and asked what happened. He cried and told me she had blown bubbles in their eyes. Now every time we even drive past the YMCA, they cry thinking I am taking them there. read more

I love this place. As a former gymnast, I love going to work out on those brand new machines and watching the gymnastic classes. So much fun! The new treadmills are great. Yesterday I ran through Australia while listening to some great tunes. I used the space in the back for stretching as well. read more

Cameron Family YMCA - Not crowded, my fav type of gym! - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Santee, California

The facility looks amazing since the renovation! Honestly, I think I'm the most excited about the child-watch area! It was sort of dreary and definitely too small before the renovation--talk about a 180! I dropped my kiddos off today and they had so much fun! What prompted me to write this review is that our oldest (almost 6) has participated in a few of their summer camps this year. All of the camp staff have been amazing and she has had the best time! She was a little overwhelmed after doing camp all day, every day so I asked to have her switched to the daily camp for the next couple of weeks so she could just go twice a week. I called this morning to make sure the camp transfer had been done, but was told it hadn't been processed yet. I spoke with Emily (who, if I'm remembering names correctly, has always been extra friendly and helpful!) and she said she'd just call the camp staff to let them know the change was still in process. When I showed up to drop our daughter off, they had already been called and had her all set for the daily camp! read more

My son and I love the YMCA and it's so nice to visit when we see his military dad in San Diego - it's so beautiful. The staff is nice. Equipment is clean and they have the aerobics classes too. Plus YMCA gives back to the community - I'm a member in Riverside! read more

The parking lot is turning into a homeless trailer park. Some might be in need others are dumping their crap along the fence line. Maybe this is aloud as I know some homeowners park in lot also. I just don't like the trash left. read more

Disappointed that on a Labor Day weekend they would close early and not have the activity area available for kids?We are in the midst of a heat wave, parents needs water activities for their kids. read more

Used to be one of the best gyms in east county... now with the newer renovations & semi post covid it's one of the worst gyms in SD. Not only did they charge me during covid they raised my membership to $50 a month with no explanation. Shady business, poor leadership... they did me dirty so do yourself a favor & avoid this gym before they crap on you too. read more

::So long story short.. the director contacted me and the RULES HAVE CHANGED about attire..."we're so very sorry to hear what happened." ..." we have certainly loosened and updated our policies to match fitness trends in attire :)." This is all I wanted to know.. and to make sure all your team members are on the same page with policies. No one has said one word to me about my attire at the gym and I am 100% happy about that:: #ItsJustClothes read more

the YMCA is great i had my first swimming class here when I was 4 years old and it was great now I know how to swim.

I love the newly remodeled fitness center and child watch. They have a good variety of classes and brand new gym equipment. The locker rooms are still very old and dingy looking. If they remodeled the locker rooms this place would be 5 stars. They have a huge lap pool with a slide and splash pad play area for children. The facility has a large parking lot and is surrounded by beautiful green trees and grass. There are mountain views from the fitness center as well. The service in the child watch is excellent. They always remember me and my son. I feel like he is well taken care of. However, the front desk service could be better. Often they don't bother to greet me or say good bye. read more

This place is CRAP.... All I have to say is..... UNPROFESSIONAL HIGHSCHOOLERS AS LIFE GUARDS AND SWIM INSTRUCTORS.... Let's just say... I took my son to the mommy and me swim lessons... my son finally got used to the swim instructor, and then he disappears and stops showing up to the classes.... Old ladies standing around naked in the locker room... modesty anyone.....???? Trying to get my 19 dollar refund... I HAVE TO GO THROUGH CORPORATE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME..... LAME LAME LAME.... I'm gonna teach my kid to swim by myself.... so I don't have to deal with the power tripped youngsters dressed in red, corporate red tape and hoops to jump through to get my 19 bucks back as well as my retinas being burned my saggy granny skin.... YIKES... I'M OUT ...... THIS PLACE SUCKS.... read more

They should have shut down this place while it was under construction and they should have announced it, the place won't be ready until June... because coming all the way over here was beyond disappointing. Sure, the concept of childcare is great, but every time I bring my kids to the Y, they come back with lice... from the summer camps and the childcare. Haven't been very happy with the Y for a while now. read more