The parking is a disaster. The staff is useless. The scanners they use don't work 50 percent of the time. They blame it on the fact that it's not their parking garage but don't accommodate you for any troubles. DO NOT START A MEMBERSHIP HERE unless you want to deal with incompetent employees. Every time I walk in someone is struggling with their parking. It's enough to make you cancel your membership. read more

We love the swimming pool because of the slide. However, this location is not as clean as others. They are doing a lot of renovations and I do think we will see it looking better and better. read more

The Y recently started allowing children into the women's locker room. it is wrong for the children and naked adults to share a co space. The children belong in the family universal room. they are also going in the sauna and hot tub against Michigan regulations. read more

As grand valley students, we were told we could register for free at the Y downtown. When we went in, the woman at the front desk was more than rude. When inquiring about registration, she treated us like children. We felt so disrespected, that we left immediately. Disappointed I didn't look at her name tag. Aside from the interaction and not making it past the front desk, the place was clean, but definitely outdated. read more

While I understand this place isn't perfect, it has everything I need to get a good workout in. I started going here a couple weeks ago, and have been pleasantly surprised by the high number of very high quality and clean machines. I see people on here complaining that the membership is overpriced, and fair warning, I am a bit biased because I have access to the "19 and under" membership which is significantly cheaper. Overall, I would recommend this gym at any time other than Monday at 5:00, it gets crazy! read more

Make sure you cancel 15 days in advance before your last month. If you do not, they make you pay a full month and do not prorate you any days. However, they have no problem charging & prorating when you sign up for a membership, which tells me they have the ability to do so just not to be fair to their loyal guests. read more

pros: everyone i've met here has been nice and friendly and the staff/other members genuinely want to help you, it's pretty clean you regularly see people cleaning equipment, vacuuming, plus other members are pretty good about wiping stuff down after using it cons: if you go anytime in the evening good luck. parking will be a nightmare and you won't be able to get a full workout in. no towels but that's not a big deal, just bring your own imo. but mostly the whole place is kinda... outdated for the price they charge overall would recommend unless you workout in the evening read more

The Y has brand new equipment I love that it's ever evolving. I've been going to this Y for 12 years.

I've been a Y member for many years, first in the Lansing area and then here in greater GR for the last five years or so. This is my favorite branch by far. The view from upstairs of the city is nice if you're running the track or lifting. The class schedule is great with amazing instructors, I do occasional yoga and lots of BodyCombat and BodyPump but there are tons of other classes. The pool area is nice and there is a hot tub by the family pool and also one in the locker room which I think is really convenient. The platform for deadlifting is tucked away from the rest of the weightlifting equipment which I like because I hate drawing attention if I'm noisy. The fees are so reasonable considering all you get, classes and childcare are included. Literally my only complaint I have is that they got rid of towel service. (Please bring that back if you are reading this!!) Overall I am extremely happy and would recommend to anyone. read more

David D. Hunting Branch YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

My true rating is a 3.5. I have worked out at everything from a dilapidated warehouse bodybuilding gym with a closet for a bathroom to a fancy schmancy rec center with all of the frills. I don't need a lot to be happy with a gym, but I do expect it to be clean when I'm paying $82/month. My biggest gripe with the Y is the cleanliness. The locker room is pretty disgusting - hair everywhere, gunk on the walls - I get so grossed out seeing people walk barefoot in there because the floors are not clean. I see cleaning staff walk through to empty the trash, but I've never seen them actually wipe anything down. I would like to workout here in the morning before work, but I can't bring myself to shower here. With the 1.5 star knockdown explained, I'll move forward with the rest of my review. I moved to Grand Rapids in October, and decided to get a membership at the Y because it is just a couple of blocks from my house, which makes it easy to get a workout in. For those not within walking distance, they give you a card that gives you access to their parking lot when you're working out there. It is often packed, though. I use the weight room almost daily, and it has a lot of nice equipment! It is always packed when I go, which is frustrating, but it is what it is. I love that it has multiple squat racks and barbell cages, two leg presses (one better than the other IMO), a range of dumbbells, an Olympic weightlifting area, benches (although we could use more), several cable stations, and every machine one could need. I don't use them, but it's cool that they also have machines to fit those under 5'4". There is also a nice stretching area, and plenty of cardio equipment. Aside from the gym, the Y offers a plethora of group classes, which I am NOT usually a fan of. However, I've found myself becoming a regular at the Body Combat class, as well as Pilates. They've helped spice up my cardio routine, which has been fun! I think any of the classes would be great for someone just getting into fitness! Overall, it's not a bad facility, but I sure wish they'd clean up the locker rooms, and update the lockers. read more

The gym reduced hours because of covid ? That doesn't make any sense, that'll just make it more congested now because the limited hours. They also implemented a $30 late fee now if they automated system gets a rejected payment, no matter if you pay that day still, you know because during hard times increasing a late fee is the best thing to do. The gym itself is great and the employees are nice, the management is making the wrong moves though. read more

Although I will probably still become a member I can't help but wonder why the Grand Rapids YMCA charges nearly double what Omaha charges, and at least $20/month more than Los Angeles, CA. Grand Rapids $70/mo Omaha $42/mo Los Angeles $47/mo It is not due to having access to more than one facility, because they all work the same way. It is not because the facility is nicer because I've been a Y Member even in North Carolina. They are all nice facilities. Why overcharge the single, older adult? They do not even use the kids facilities (family membership). In a region that is considered conservative and good you would think that the YMCA would be first in line to have equal opportunity. No, I do not need financial assistance. The Y is over charging. read more

I've been a YMCA member for a bit over a year now. I really appreciate our local Y. I've never had a wait time for the equipment they provide, my kid learned to swim here, the new snack bar's pretty awesome. I love the run/walkway on the 3rd floor. I usually use it for a post-workout cooldown. I've also enjoyed Yoga classes. (I should probably try that again.) I've also appreciated that my Y membership allows me to use other area Y's--which I've taken advantage of when my kid's gone to birthday parties near other locations. None of the others, though nice, is as good as this location. Better, I always run into someone I know. It's good to be part of your community! read more

David D. Hunting Branch YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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I was with my senior night at the Y we were there until 4 AM we went to go into the pool and I asked the guy can we use the other side or do we have to stay here he goes do you see a lifeguard on the other side? I said no he goes hahaha I guess you can't then which is rude especially from an employee who was asked a simple yes or no question. then the guy told me it was 10 push-ups Or I had to pay him 20 bucks to go on the slide. He only said this to me. no one else and I went down feet first I came out and I folded coming out and he said I told you feet first and I said I did an he called me a lier and that next time it's 30 push ups to go down the slide and if I do it again I'm done with the pool overall everyone else was nice and I dont understand why a lifeguard would talk to someone like that very unprofessional and ruined my last night with my senior class read more

There is still no towels ‍‍. The equipments are getting old, you can clearly see couple of the bars are bent . For the price they charge the gym is no where good enough as it should have been. Seriously thinking of joining another facility soon.. read more

Were it not for the close proximity to where I live and work, I would have canceled my membership years ago. The price for a single individual is too high, especially given the consistent waiting for equipment and difficulty finding parking. If you are unable to go when they first open or during off hours, it's overwhelmingly crowded. I do appreciate the quality of equipment, natural light and steam room. read more

A group of guys seek to play basketball every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 5:30am. There is a cross fit class that ends up taking an entire set of basketball courts, when we can only play basketball on the basketball court. When we have sought help, the leadership has been slow to respond, has not followed through when they said they would, and overall have not sought a solution. Then this morning we were told that a volleyball net had to stay up, preventing us from running full court. They didn't seek to take it down and help us out. Very frustrating. read more

Pretty good but not great-just needs a little love Despite always having a cleaner lurking around, the locker rooms can be kinda gross. Showers need Showerhead replacements and maybe a paint job and the floor tiles are kind of grungy. As another visitor noted, the presence of hair and mold is quite off putting. Having a professional deep clean once a week would go a long way. The steam room is a big one for this, there are person shaped grease marks on the walls. The drinking fountains straight up suck. Never cold enough and low pressure. On the plus side the sauna is always super hot and the steam room and in-locker room hot tub is an amazing amenity to have. It's nice to have a private space to relax without screaming kids or creepy old men making advances on you. (A problem at other y's I have used, unfortunately) I do wish they kept the towels in the locker room like they do at the Mary free bed y. For the most part, equipment is in good shape and clean looking. I do wish there were more squat racks, like just one or two more, but I understand that's a space issue more than anything else. read more

Most outstanding gym facilities I've been to. First off, the David D. Hunting YMCA is beautiful architecturally. Although it's one of the nation's largest Y's (over 160,000 sq. ft) it stays true to urban design. It's huge! 3 pools (including a water slide!), lots of studios, and equipment. Staff is very accommodating and friendly. They get to know you by name which is always nice. My favorite are the classes they provide every day. Lots of variety including Zumba, Spin, Strength training, Kickboxing, Yoga, etc. read more

It's a great place to workout. The track is awesome. However since i have been a member, November 2018. I have yet to have a hot shower. Like warm at best. That is not acceptable. read more

this is a great place to go if you want to work out , play ball , walk , run , swim. I think it is sooooo fun and they have there own basketball league read more

I have a gym membership that allows me to go to any YMCA location but I would say I frequent this location the most (due to convenience) and the Mary Free Bed location because it feels like a brand new shiny object that I have to get my hands on - ha! They have tons of cardio equipment, with a lot of varieties - treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, three different bike styles and some other machines with a split treadmill (not sure the names of them). There are some great beginning weight machines, regular machines, free motion machines, free weights, squat racks, kettle bells, resistance bands, an indoor track, racquetball courts, basketball courts, aerobic classes, pool, swim classes, spin classes, etc etc. Basically they have it all. With having a flexible schedule I can go any time of day and prefer the going right before the lunch or after the lunch hour. I have gone in the evening in the past and it was just too busy for me. Also it seemed like people didn't pick up after themselves as well in the evening time. I love taking some of their group classes but am particular about the teacher (but that is how I am with any gym) Oh I don't really go on the locker rooms but from what I remember they are nice, there is a hot tub and sauna. Also a lounge and place you can get sandwiches and smoothies. This place has it all! As well as towels you can use. read more

I have to admit, when I first moved to Grand Rapids and asked around for opinions on local gyms, I was a bit skeptical. I have always had the preconceived notion that YMCA's tend to be slightly run down and dirty. This facility completely erased any and all false notions away. The facility is clean, bright, and well maintained. The staff here is friendly and efficient. The machines are new and constantly in fantastic eworking condition. They have a great lap pool, water slide, and kids pool available for a family atmosphere. The only downside is everyone knows this place is great, so during the Winter on weekday afternoons the place can tend to get a bit crowded and it can be difficult to get a full workout in given a reasonable amount of alloted time. All in all, this place is awesome. read more

I've been a member at the YMCA for over a year. While the facility was alright, and had a lot of options for equipment & activities, I always felt the price was a little steep (especially considering the relatively poor hours.. closes at 7 on Saturday, 6 on Sunday). It was also pretty dirty considering what the monthly rates are.. you would expect a very clean, well maintained facility for the price. Today was the last straw as I just received a membership price increase in the mail because I turned 27. The rate went to $70/month just like that. I called to ask about cancellation, and was told if I cancelled now I would still be charged $70 for the next month as "cancellation goes into effect in 30 days". The main problem I have here is that I responded to their letter the same day I received it. I had no notice to cancel the membership before the price hike.. and now have been basically cornered into paying the increased rate whether I like it or not. On top of this, when I called their facility to explain the situation I was told by a front desk associate that "I can try contacting the membership director, but she doesn't respond to phone calls quickly at all"... great. I'm really at my wit's end with this place. They treat their members like second-class citizens. For your own sanity, I have no choice but to recommend not becoming a member here. read more

We've been members at various YMCA's in the past and this one certainly is one of the nicest. After being here since they opened, I've come to realize that while the facilities appear impressive, unfortunately the layout makes poor use of the footprint. Arguably the best part of the facility is the plethora of aerobic machines as well as the myriad fitness classes offered. The spin classes are great, they offer several Les Mills variety classes, and many other aerobic style group classes. I would second the concerns about free weight area as well as ridiculousness of peak times, but I think those are common among this style of facility. At least when I'm waiting for a squat rack people are typically doing squats or lunges instead of the stereotypical "lifters" gym where you are waiting for the guy with toothpick legs to finish his drop set of curls. IMO the really really bad would be the total bogarting of the entire pool area by Rays swim team. They built this expanded lap pool with 8 lanes, unfortunately Rays dominates the entire area during peak times (literally no lanes open). But that's ok, I was assured by the staff that "two lanes open up at 630 PM" as Rays continues to occupy half of them and YMCA swim lessons take the remaining 2. Unless you like getting up 5AM to swim or you are unemployed so you are able to get to the pool between 10 and noon, good luck using the pool. read more

It's a nice Eco-Friendly bldg. 3 flights of stairs from the entrance and locker rooms to the activity level. Don't forget anything that requires you to return to your locker. And don't forget to grab a towel on your way into the locker room. Because they are kept outside the locker room in a public area. I've been to a couple Y's in the Grand Rapids area and the towels are all the same size, too SMALL! I have a 34" waist and can barely wrap myself in their towels (I tie the corners of two together;-). The track is lengthy and offers good views of the city. Be aware, the track direction changes daily. The water features are very nice and varied. BUT the men's hot tub area smells like a hookah pipe(? On multiple days). The hot tubs are bigger and cleaner at the Visser Y in Grandville (when they're working properly). Bring your own soap and/or wash cloth because the Y's I've been to have a problem keeping the dispensers full. Which you wouldn't/shouldn't expect at these membership rates! I'm alone here, so the sense of community that the Y provides is authentic and appreciated. read more

Not what you think of when you think YMCA. I'm coming from Equinox which is very high scale and this Y could compete with equipment and beats Equinox on pools. The pools, and I mean more than one, are beautiful. One has a water slide, a lazy river type area, a spa and more. The other pool area is for swimming and has 4-5 lanes! The equipment is pretty good. I'd love to see the treadmills upgraded to the Life ones...but they are functional and all working. There is an area for working out core which is nice. The weight area has a lot but it's super, super busy around 6-7pm. Racquetball ball courts, basketball courts, a rock wall for climbing, class studios, spin studio....need I add more??? My only complaint is there is a TRX room...BUT you can't use it unless you pay for classes or personal training. :( OH!! And they have a towel service!! read more

One of the first LEED buildings in Michigan and the first LEED Y in the nation. Outside of a fantastic facility, the combination of staff, equipment, aquatic options, collection of group exercise classes (best in town), and basic camaraderie makes this a true gem! read more

Alright let me be honest. I love the size of this place. However, the wifi sucks and I barely get signal with my MetroPCS phone so therefore have to be limited to downloaded workout music on my phone. The pricing could be cheaper seems as how they charge for trainers and nutritional counselors and lessons. However, the cycling classes and boot camp is a plus on the side. And also love the gym equipment as well. The pools are the best feature and honestly I love the locker rooms (lmao because I see a lot of gorgeous naked men in there lmao...perv) and they have awesome sauna and jacuzzi. Ugh why can't they extend the hours!? I need a gym to be open by midnight at least but its open till 9pm here and then Sundays only till 6pm. Inconsistent with my work schedule!! I really think the locker rentals should be bigger too. Too small. But otherwise its ok. Pretty cool for the pool. read more

I've visited many YMCA's throughout Michigan due to living in various areas and traveling. The downtown GR branch is by far my favorite! Not only is the facility nice and clean, they offer great classes and the teaching staff as well as the guest service staffers are all fantastic, friendly and welcoming! This gym does get busy this time of year especially in the evenings but there are tons of cardio machines and weights for everyone. I also highly recommend the spin classes - those are my fav! read more

I don't know why it costs so much more than other Ymcas but I really enjoyed taking classes here

I was in town working Electric Forest for two weeks. I am from Charlotte, NC. On my days off, I wanted to try the local YMCA branches and I have to say that this location is the largest and nicest YMCA I have ever seen. In Charlotte, we have tons of YMCA locations but none compare to this one. I was so impressed with the fact that this YMCA has EVERYTHING you would want and need in a gymnasium. The building looks amazing from the outside and the location is very clean. I loved my visits to this YMCA and would love to come again if I am ever in Michigan in the future. read more

I only use the pool so my comments will only relate to the pool and the women's locker room. The pool hours suck. I like to use the river current as part of my exercising and it is never open at a convenient time for those of us who work a full time job. It should be open for early morning workouts but doesn't open until 7am. I need to be showered and getting ready for work at 7am as do most people. And it isn't open in the evening either. I've been told its because they don't have a lifeguard on staff in the early morning. So schedule one! There is always one sitting in the pool office that could do it too. Better yet, move the lifeguard stand so that the entire pool is visible for one guard. There are never that many people in the pool to watch at 5-7am anyway The pool is always dirty with lots of sand on the bottom along with band-aids and ladies fake fingernails, hair ties and who knows what else. I don't think anyone ever vacuums it. I've only seen it being cleaned once during my 15 months of membership and that was when someone pooped in it. The locker room is OK. It gets a lot of use so I understand if the counter tops aren't wiped off. Clients can be pigs for sure but often I am the first to use a shower in the morning. I get there early and there will be hair all over the walls, and some stalls even have black mold in the shower. That is unacceptable! I am allergic to mold and BLACK mold is harmful to everyone. I applied for a locker, took the lady who assigns them over two months to call me. Really? That should be an on the spot assignment by staff. I told her to forget it. I guess this Y doesn't need the funds bad enough. Oh well. I'm sure I just wasted my time writing all of this because nothing ever changes. read more

The facility is great. The staff is unorganized and borderline rude. I called and emailed several times about canceling because I moved across the state. The first time I was told that I was all set and that my membership was canceled, which was apparently not true. The second time I called, the payment date had passed and I had gotten an email saying that I owed money and also a late fee that if I didn't pay, it would be sent to collections. So when I called the second time, I complained that I HAD called and cancelled before the payment date and someone had told me that I was all set. They said sorry and asked for my money anyway. I was again told that the payment had been made and my membership had been cancelled. A week later I got ANOTHER email saying I owed money and needed to send it in other wise it would be sent to collections and I would get charged another fee. So I called a THIRD time and as it turns out, they had no record of me ever calling or giving anyone my bank account information. So I had to pay for a month of membership I didn't even use and was berated like a 5 year old on the phone by customer service about how I needed to read my membership agreement again. Everyone was VERY unhelpful, and apparently not even putting anything into the system when I called, including my bank account information. read more

First, the good: Outstanding facility. I don't think I've ever been to a nicer gym. If you want a place to take the family to work out, this is definitely the gym for you. The prices are actually decent for families. If you're single, look elsewhere. The cost is astronomical, especially if you don't qualify for their financial aid. If your workout mainly consists of cardio/swimming/calisthenics, then this is absolutely the gym for you. Which leads to the second thing. Second, the neutral: This is not a weightlifter's gym. The weight area is incredibly small relative to the size of the gym and the amount of people that go here. The equipment is lacking. There are no squat racks, only 3 power racks that are always in use. The "machine" section is also very small. I've seen bigger selections at "strip mall gyms". The freeweight area is almost laughably small. It probably, no exaggeration, takes up 1% of the total space of the gym. Maybe less. Third, the bad: Like many gyms in Grand Rapids, it can get quite crowded during peak times. Not really the fault of the gym, but something to be aware of. Fourth, the really, really bad: In January and Februrary, this place looks like the dance floor of a popular club. This also promotes hyper-aggressive behavior when it comes to trying to get equipment. Get ready to hear "hey brah, I was on that" even after being on a piece of equipment for 3 minutes. I would never, ever, in a million years, go back to this place between the hours of 4-6 in January. Working out is impossible unless you're only there to run laps. The gym also needs to educate patrons that leaving towels, water bottles, etc does not "save your spot" when it is crowded. There are sometimes over 40 people crammed into the maybe 1000sq ft free weight area. That is not the time to do your ridiculous circuit training or time to check your Instagram. Gym is loaded with those oddballs. If you're serious about lifting weights or bodybuilding, and have to go to the gym between the hours of 4pm-8pm, then this is not the gym for you. You will not be able to get a good workout in. If you just want a place to call your gym, well, then, it's Grand Rapids. There are not many options. It's this or MVP, and I'd jump off a cliff before becoming a member at MVP. read more

Posted this review specifically under "Spartan Stores YMCA"... but applies to all locations. Nice building. My kids loved being able to swim in the winter (pool was best in the couple months just following the annual "thorough" cleaning... otherwise a tad murky). BEWARE: We signed up over 1 year ago... family membership at $104/mo. At that time they reviewed termination rules. Does anyone remember said rules 1+ year later?? Only 2 visits in June (6/21 and 6/26)... 3 in May. Certainly we were not taking advantage of our membership. I stopped by and canceled the membership on 7/26... asking for a refund of the latest charge that occurred on 7/25. I was informed (and it was reinforced via later Email communications) that they require 2-week notice -- regardless of the situation (ie non-use, no recent visits). Hence... I paid $104 for July (billed 6/25) and $104 for August (billed 7/25) but visited (0) times. Not thrilled with this rigid cancellation policy and the response from Membership Director (Mikaela Stull). I notified them that I felt I had no choice but to post this fair review on Yelp! Mikaela responded, "It is in your contract you signed upon joining that we require a 14 day notice to terminate payments." Don't sign up without first knowing this fact. read more

What is up with the website? Trying to get the schedule for group fitness and nothing happens! This is really frustrating! It's been this way for awhile because I tried 6 months ago and same thing!! I clicked on everything it tells you and you cannot go any farther and it doesn't open and give you the schedule! Ugh! Two stars for website! Not user friendly at all! read more

FOR ALL MILITARY***No military discounted day pass available while your home on leave. YMCA is not as military friendly as you would think it would be. read more

Jeff B's Thursday night spin classes are the perfect end to my week. If you need someone blaring loud music and yelling in your face to turn up the resistance then this is for you! He's great! read more

Terrible policies. This YMCA advertises supporting the community, but they don't help their customers to save money. I was a member for 6 months, and I activated and payed for my membership ONLINE. However, when I went to cancel my membership online, I could NOT. I was required to go into the facility and fill out a paper form. I was not able to get into the facility to do this until 7 days prior to beginning of the next billing period and was then told I would be charged for the next month's membership because I did not provide 14 days' notice. They described that they had to send the paper forms into their billing department and it takes a while. The YMCA needs to drastically improve their membership portal online to allow members to cancel online ANYTIME! They clearly focused on allowing payments online to increase customer acquisition but are also obviously not allowing their members to have the same convince to cancel in order to keep the payment stream active. I asked very nicely if they could please not charge me for the next month, but the manager said and I quote, "it's like a job, you have to put in your 2 weeks' notice." She was very rude and unprofessional. Being a member of the YMCA is not like a job. It is a membership and all other memberships allow you to cancel you plan an anytime online. A weeks' notice should be plenty of time for them not to bill me for the next month. They insisted that this information was in the sign on form (hidden in the middle of paragraphs). I did not feel to be a valued member of the facility or community that the YMCA strives to support. The YMCA franchise promotes their support for local community and their members, yet they take advantage of people in this manner to profit. I will never renew my membership at a Grand Rapids YMCA and will forever communicate me extremely poor experience here. read more