I hate to have to update my review like this, but this gym is going downhill fast. The membership fees of $73/month are no longer worth the headache. What used to be open spaces for members are now solely reserved for group exercise classes. I would understand that sentiment if there were more than 2 classes held a day. These communal spaces are now locked which leaves members to resort to overcrowding the turf and track areas. Equipment is a hit or miss. There's an entire treadmill row that doesn't work and even one with a slash straight down the middle. There are only two stairmasters that work and are always being utilized. The communication from the leadership team is almost nonexistent when asking about these problems. I come here because it's accessible, not because I want to. Where is my money going? read more

Downtown Branch YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

The equipment in the gym needs to be more spaced out. There is not enough room to comfortably socially distance while exercising, and organization should be a main priority for the gym. Better spacing and layout would improve the overall experience for members. In addition, an evaluation of the employees could help the YMCA run more effectively. Some staff members were not very helpful and did not acknowledge me when I needed assistance. However, one staff member, a young lady named Kaliyah, stood out in a positive way. She was very attentive, helpful, and provided excellent customer service. Kudos to her for making my experience better! read more

The current layout of this gym is incredibly frustrating and makes it difficult to get a good workout in. All the equipment has been moved and crammed together back-to-back, leaving no personal space at all. It is awkward and uncomfortable to be lifting or squatting when you are practically on top of the person next to you. Meanwhile, there is a huge, wide-open section of the floor near the virtual golf area that is sitting completely vacant. It feels like the general members are being penalized and crowded into a corner while prime real estate is reserved for a select few. The only bright spot during my visit was Kaliyah. She was professional, kind, and actually listened when I mentioned how cramped the floor felt. While she doesn't control the floor plan, her customer service was excellent and she is honestly one of the few reasons to keep coming back to this location. The management really needs to fix the equipment spacing so members aren't on top of each other, because right now, we are overpaying for a very cramped experience. read more

Has a pool great for short trips clean great to drop in when you are in the area rates are very reasonable pool is clean workout equipment is new read more

This YMCA has a lot of great amenities from the pool/spa, cardio equipment, free weights, etc. The staff at the front desk is friendly and always greets everyone upon entering. They have all of the equipment you need to complete your workout. read more

Very expensive! I had a unacceptable experience today when it came to paying my gym bill. I will consult Laura who I believe oversees the downtown YMCA gym and Maureen who is the part of corporate and regards to an unauthorized payment made by. By Lorraine with my credit card that was unauthorized I was never given an explanation of my monthly payment and when I asked Lorraine why she charged my card an additional $30 she simply dismissed me with her behavior and communicated to me that I said I was going to pay my monthly bill and that was part of my monthly bill which was a considered late fee that she never communicated to me my bill was due on the 1st which is Sunday and they are not open so I paid today which is the 2nd and Lorraine charged me an additional $30. And never got my authorization on that! I will be speaking to Laura and Maureen about this issue we will see if this will be resolved and I will keep you posted! $97 for a monthly fee payment not acceptable! read more

A great YMCA in the heart of Hartford, this YMCA offers a wide range of programs and classes ranging from zumba to cycling that you'll typically find at other locations. I've been going to the T.A.G. (Thighs Abs and Glutes) class along with the Zumba class and each one have left me sore yet wanting more. The faculty is a hidden gem attached to the offices and food court that many people that work downtown know about. Vertical rather than a traditional wide YMCA each level has something different. The bottom floor has the pool and though it isn't as big as the pools at the Wheeler location is serves its purpose if you want to swim some laps. You'll also find a min, body and spirit room for Yoga along with the state of the art locker rooms for men and women with showers, steam and sauna rooms. Next floor up is the gym equipment along with turf and a punch bag section. You'll find cycling there as well. Though it looks little cramp, you'll be able to stretch yourself however you want as you work on your fitness goals. The downside of the place is that it doesn't have a parking lot though they let you validate your parking for $2 for 2 hours rather than the garages standard fare. Since it is below ground there isn't much sun but sometimes it's nice to hide away from the hustle and bustle of Hartford. With a warm towel given to me at check in I'll be soaking that up with my sweat hitting the treadmill, weights and group classes before relaxing with a shower and sauna. read more

A great gym that is one of Hartford's hidden gems. Without a doubt the best gym I have ever used. It was previously a private club that underwent a complete renovation and now is an elite fitness facility. It has extensive equipment (and even a pool), is immaculate, safe, and the protective measures the Y has implemented in the wake of the pandemic are second-to-none. The staff are extremely friendly, helpful, and foster a sense of community. The membership is a blend of races, ages, genders, nationalities, and sexual orientations, and the entire socio-economic spectrum is present and accounted for. In other words, the Downtown Hartford Y is a microcosm of what America is all about. The common bond is the Y. It is a welcoming environment, whether you want to take it slow or go full BeastMode, and whether you are a beginner or have been crushing it on a daily basis. If you just want to concentrate on your workout and not interact with other members, no one will bother you. If you are more socially inclined, the members are pretty friendly. The best gyms are the ones in which the members are considerate of others and respect each other's space, time, and focus -- that is the Y. Finally, it is gratifying to know that membership fees are not being pocketed by some corporation that will make it as difficult as possible to cancel your membership; instead, your money is going into the Hartford community and to help provide camps and other programs for inner-city kids. If you are looking for a gym and live or work in or near Hartford, the Downtown Y is the place to be. Hope to see you! read more

I used to enjoy coming to this YMCA branch, I have been a member for 1+ years. Lately, I can't can't seem to shake the feeling that I need to shop around for a new gym. 1.- equipment such as cardio needs upgrading. Some machine do not work properly if at all. 2. The hours of operation do not work well with my work/school schedule. It would be nice if they were open for extended hours particularly on the weekend. 3. Staff are a hit or miss. There are some who are consistently pleasant and professional. Others are consistently NOT PLEASANT, NO GREETING AND WOULD RATHER CHAT WITH FRIENDS instead of checking in PAYING members such as myself. I have even noticed a lack of professionalism amongst management. That is not good representation to have for a business and certainly not a community based non-profit. Lately I feel like the value of the membership is not worth the price. Their branch does offer several charity based events, classes and programs for children. I believe that utilizing and/or participating in events would provide more bang for your buck. It would be nice if childcare was offered so that parents could get in a workout and have a safe place for their child(ren) to go. read more

Gorgeous facility! The showers here are nicer than most hotels! They recently redid the pool, and hot tub. There are saunas in the locker rooms. Wonderful classes, great instructors, solid schedule, spin room, yoga room, aerobic studio with mats, weights, bosu balls, steps, core balls, and weighted balls.....lots of balls! Lots of cardio machines, most with their own TV's, and then also some big screens TV's with captions. Many weight machines, free weights, rowers, open area, punching bags, and trainers roaming around that offer help. They provide towels (big ones for showering, and smaller ones for sweat rags), mouthwash with little shot cups, spray deodorant, hair spray, blow dryers, Q-tips, cotton balls, lotion. Water fountains made for sports bottles. Most of the staff is the best! For an extra charge they have massages, or assigned lockers with laundry service. read more

Pretty clean and decent equipment. Somewhat busy at peak times but to be expected given proximity to city center.

I am a national member and I've been to YMCAs all over the country including the first one in Boston and the second one in Cambridge. The downtown Hartford YMCA is the best I have ever seen. The only one I've seen that comes close is downtown Indianapolis. Definitely worth a visit. The pool was super nice and I really enjoyed swimming my laps, then going to the fitness floor to lift some barbells. Also if you wanted to jog from the Y the surrounding downtown Hartford area is fantastic. read more

Awesome gym! Looks like one you would find in Boston/New York/LA. Nice studios for group classes, spinning, and a mind and body studio. The locker rooms could be a little bigger, lunch time is tight squeeze and especially when you are in a rush it can be difficult to get ready, and they need a better system for having towels available during the lunch time rush as well as making sure there is enough hot water. Overall, classes are great and the facility is clean and spa-like, which is super motivational! read more

Great Gym. I have been member for many years. The staff has always been pleasant. The newest location on state street has upgraded equipment. The locker rooms are kept clean. Parking in the garage is eligible for discounted rate. Complimentary towels gives the gym an upgraded feel. read more

The Downtown Y is a friendly place to workout and be a part of a positive downtown community.

I seriously love this gym, luckily I get a company discount or else it can be pricey! Plenty of equipment and it's usually pretty quiet in the morning 7-9:00AM, it does get busy after work between 5-6 and around lunch time as well. Cleaning crew definitely works their asses off and they always do it will a smile! Super friendly staff who all look like they enjoy their job and the well-being of others! I definitely recommend checking this place out! read more

The gym needs a serious upgrade. Most of the cardio equipment is very outdated. Most of the machine weights are all rusted and u can not adjust properly. There was a flood summer 2018, but these issues were before the flood and have only gotten worst. The gym is filfthy, sand and dust on most machine weights. Locker room shower and bathroom area not very clean. The price of a membership here is expensive compared to the market and this is a let down. read more