Barbie loves when I go downtown to her center, but I have to branch out sometimes, so I came to this gym in Louisville to work on the muscles for a bit. I have a lot of good things to say about this very unusual and busy YMCA in downtown Louisville and I can see why everybody loves it because the people working here are off-the-charts friendly. The guy at the front desk was a southern gentleman of the younger variety and he helped me get into the building and told me where everything is and he could sense that I was in a hurry so he hurried along his instructions. He got me in within just a few seconds of showing up. So he gets 10 stars out of five. However the locker system just doesn't work. I used a very similar system in Memphis the other day and having never used a punch-button combination locker before I followed the sign and it worked perfectly and there were no issues. Not so much in Louisville. The signs are complex and contradictory. There are not many of the signs so I didn't even see one before I started using it. An old man told me how to work it and I did what he said and it immediately locked my stuff in without me entering a combination. I could not get to my stuff so I had to go all the way down at which point the guy at the desk told me that I could have just called him and the old man on the way out told me that this happens all the time and not to feel bad. Well I don't mean to be a jerk but if this happens all the time then there's a problem! Change the system LOL. The reason why it happens all the time is because these things just don't work very well. It's that simple. He told me that I could park for just a dollar in the garage across the street which I couldn't find in traffic, which was awful on all the streets near this Y, and didn't feel like carrying all my stuff from a different block anyway so I just use street parking which is freaking $0.25 for eight minutes which is absolutely freaking ridiculous. This is not New York City and in fact a lot of New York City has much more affordable parking than that. Ew. The actual equipment is pretty good and they have some nice mats and various different things that I could use and then there are other things that could be improved. Such as the bikes. And there was the whole locker room drama because apparently there's a lot of theft around here or at least people think there is so I was told not to leave my stuff in the locker room even for a couple of minutes unattended. The janitor guy actually came into the shower to tell me to come back and get my stuff. Pulled the curtain back on me naked in there, soaping up, and almost made me slip over while simultaneously having a heart attack. I appreciated the consideration and even gave me a 3 minute lecture about how things can go missing even with just a few seconds and he's absolutely right, in theory. But considering that I only spent 90 minutes here and then half of that time was dealing with drama, it wasn't really as appreciated as he meant it to be. The drama of the parking situation. The drama of the lockers that don't work properly. The drama of the shower warning. If you consider all of that then I think you'll consider four stars for this gym to be pretty generous. Should really be less, but the southern young gentleman checking me in and sorting out my locker was so nice, he carries the 4 star rating. But basically no workout for me because of dramaaaa. Next time I'll use one in a different part of the city. read more

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The only Y that lives up to the lyrics, "It's fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A!!" Ok terrible Village People jokes aside, this is hands down the best Y I've been to, and it quickly became my home branch: the staff is helpful and friendly, the equipment is well-maintained, and the locker rooms are clean. But the best part by FAR is that they have Les Mills classes! Body Pump classes changed my life, and I was so worried I wouldn't be able to find them when I moved to Louisville. Thank you downtown Y for offering the one class that turned me from the self-conscious, lifelong physical therapy patient I was to the confident fitness junkie I never thought I could be. read more

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This is not only the best ymca I have been to but the best workout experience I have had and I have been all over the country. They are friendly and have everything A plus. read more

The problem is you have to get an appointment to swim and have an hour limit. This is an ableist policy. There are plenty of us who have mobility issues who need longer than that. This is compounded by the fact that this is our only form of working out, and we need longer to get a healthy benefit. Policies should not be dictated by selfishness. read more

When I lived in Louisville, I went to the downtown YMCA because the bus lines went by there at night time, and the gym had seven floors. It was very comfortable, and each floor specialized in certain exercises. That would have been great, especially the top floor with the low impact wood floor for jogging, but the staff was not helpful, and indeed rude, as were too many customers who wanted to pick fights. Louisville has always been a hard fighting city, with violent people, but the YMCA should be a safer place. read more

The Downtown Y is a great facility with the most complete amenities of any gym in the area. It is clean and safe and has the most friendly staff. read more

Ms Lisa and Demontaze make this place an awesome gym. Always friendly hello's. They take the time to learn your name. If you need help they go the extra mile. highly recommend read more

This is a great YMCA. The pool hours are very limited, so be sure to call ahead to see if the pool is open. The fitness floor is FANTASTIC. All the machines are new and its typically very empty. There is a basketball court and a running track. They also have free weights, squat racks, and barbells. The stretching area is very well equiped. PRO-TIP: They will provide a free 7-day pass if you ask for it. Use it to try the place out. read more

Has turned into my "home branch." I used to live in Southwest Jefferson County and, therefore, attended the Southwest YMCA. But now that I live downtown, the Downtown YMCA is just a mile from my house. And it has everything. * Free weights * Machines * Treadmills * Running track * Cross-trainers * Pool * Sauna * Rowing * Stair stepper * Basketball court * Indoor running track * Racquetball * Pickle Ball * CrossFit * Spinning * Towel service * Lockers with combination locks * Women's only section Did I name everything? This Y has it all. Go after 7pm on the weekdays or anytime on the weekends for free parking. read more

The YMCA will always be my favorite gym. I've grown up there. My mom used to work there when I was little so I've literally been in every room and floor there. Lol I do love that the downtown Y has a Women's Center for women to go work out at away from the men and you can only get to it I believe, by entering stairs near the women's locker room. The only thing I don't like about going to the downtown location is having to pay to park. I know it's just $1 but I feel like since we pay so much already for our membership, that Y members should get the parking fee waved. It's just a lot when you're trying to go into the gym with minimal items and you have to keep up with a parking ticket because you have to pay inside the gym now since they took the actual parking attendants away. Other than that, this is a pretty decent gym location for the Y. read more

Best gym I've been to. Went a couple times while visiting Louisville. Staff was friendly, gym was clean. Sooo many machines, a pool, courts. This place is 7 floors. There is even a women's center with some strength and cardio machines. Plus it has a great view! read more

Downtown Center Branch YMCA - View from gym - Gyms Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This the only YMCA I have been to in Lville, but I have been to multiples in other states. This is by far the cleanest YMCA and most up to date one I have been to in my years of existance! I believe there is 4-5 floors, the woman's locker room is always neat and clean. Both the men's and ladies locker rooms have sauna's and showers. I cannot speak for the cleaniess of the men's room.... They offer a lot of classes for every walk of life. I have been to body pump and yoga, my schedule does not allow for much else. The instructors seem to be very knowledgable in their classes and do a good job of connecting with their students. There is also 5-6 racquetball courts-avoid using the 1st room since most people go in there to do plyos and such and get the floor dirty and dusty, you don't want to slip and fall on your tush while you are playing!!! Overall I am pretty impressed with this YMCA. read more

Joined the gym about a week ago. I haven't been to the YMCA since i was a little kid. And i suppose $40 a month isn't so bad when you have numerous things to do including swimming , basketball, racquetball, walking track, free weights and other things. Overall i love it. The staff is friendly and is always available to answer questions. It can get crowded sometimes and it seems like in some areas it's overcrowded with people. read more

Downtown Center Branch YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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I wanted to wait a little bit before I actually started going to the gym to post a review. This place is awesome! I have never walked in to an unhappy person scanning me in! Everyone there is so nice from the trainers, class leaders, members, and workers. Before I got the courage up to start going to classes, I would hang out in the women's only section. Trying to get up the courage to be seen...or not look as lost. There are 2 locker rooms for women. One on the 2nd floor (not as nice) and one on the 1st floor. I prefer the 1st floor locker room. On the 2nd floor is a women's only workout room, which I LOVE!! I am not anti-everyone working out together. I just feel more comfortable with less people around me as I get more stinky and sweaty. Now, to what I really love. CLASSES!!!! I took this body pump class with Renee and 2 days later, I am still hurting so much. Once I get less sore, I cannot wait to take it again. I really enjoyed the step class. And I really enjoyed the yoga class. I just really get so much energy and inspiration from working out with others in a class. Let's also be honest, I like a teacher telling me what to do. Part of my issue in a gym is not knowing what to do with all the machines. Classes allow me to not have to think so hard. This YMCA is also always so clean. I also happen to live a block away, so the convenience factor is super high. Excited to gain control of my health at this warm community Y! read more

I have been to this branch before on a tour. Even during that tour, it is a lot to take in. First know, you have to park in a parking garage that is not connected to the building. No worries, right, you are there to work out! :-) There is a discounted rate for YMCA members in the garage when you show you YMCA card. It is only a $1, and no fear you non-cash carrying folk, they take card. It saved me for sure! The branch is a short walk from the branch. Even in super cold weather it wasn't too bad. Upon entering, it is a lot to take in. I checked in and of course had to ask where everything was. There are floors in this branch. I prefer floor 4 that has the normal elliptical and treadmills. Even on a January afternoon there were plenty of treadmills open. This was around late afternoon on a Tuesday, so I am not real sure what other times look like. They do have an indoor track and racquetball courts! This area was super busy! There is an elevator, but I loved having the option to get in more activity and steps with taking the steps and walking to and from the parking garage. I was expecting this visit to be a big "to do." It's downtown, traffic, parking garage, going into a new branch. It was a breeze! I will for sure return since my son goes to school about 2 miles from this branch. So it's perfect for a quick workout! read more

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This gym is as good as it gets. It is a real community - not just another gym. The people are fantastic - every one of them is friendly, engaging, happy! The facilities are huge! 7 floors - I love the cardio floor best but sometimes I run the track upstairs. Try climbing the rock wall one day for something different- no appointment needed or extra dollars. Equipment is always in working order and even when this place is packed, there is no waiting. There is even a separate floor for women only that can be accessed through the women's locker room. There is cheap garage parking right next door. Membership is a little expensive but it is SO worth it! The deli downstairs offers REAL health food, not processed American versions of the same. The owner learned I was vegan and asked me for some recipe ideas for what he could offer for that population. Clean, always smells good, the view from the 6th floor weight room is stunning! Windows run all the way across the west wall and I often watch the sun go down over downtown as I work. I could write forever about my experience with the personal training, the incredible fitness and health turnaround stories I've heard from the friends I've made there, or the way this place has a certain je ne c'est quoi that sets it apart from all the others but I suggest trying it for yourself. read more

I travel quite a bit for work and use the community pass in other cities often. It's a great perk with membership but it makes me miss MY Y that much more. This is the best Y in Louisville and the best Y I've been to! Very clean, current and staff are great. 8 floors (including basement) clearly delineated by types of equipment or use. Men's locker room on 2nd floor is huge with both a Dry Sauna and a Steam Room. On the same floor there are two locker rooms for those under 16 or adults with opposite sex children and a separate set of stairs in back leading directly to the pool. Very welcome for parents like me. Across the hall, also on the 2nd floor, is a Group Exercise room that can be used if no class is in session. I use it to stretch and do Ab work usually all by my lonesome! I've heard a legend about a completely separate workout room For Women Only behind a mysterious door in the back of this room, but I've never seen it... Best of all? Towels! No plastic bags needed to lug sopping wet towels home with you! read more

So im not a YMCA member, but it was the only gym downtown Louisville i could go to while in town on business. Andy it is in the heart of downtown. They have an attached parking garage that is run by a separate company, if you come to work out past 4pm the parking is only $1 prior to that its normal parking garage rates. there is also parking across the street in an open lot but it think it was $5 to park there. They staff here was great, easy to get me signed in and only $10 to workout for the day (lots of gyms charge $15 or more per day for non members which is nuts) Their locker room is HUGE! tons of lockers to choose from, they have lockers for those brining their own locks but if you don't they have ones with combination systems built in which is convenient. there are showers and free tows up there as well. They gym is a little odd being downtown in a multi story building. its broken up by the floors. only 1 elivator for all the floors so if you can walk stairs that will but much faster. Floor 1 is childcare and staff offices, Floor 2 is locker rooms, Floor 3 is aerobic rooms and some cardio machines as well as the racquetball courts, Floor 4 is mostly cardio with weight machines, Floor 5 and 6 are free weights and hammer strength machines. also on Floors 4 and 5 there is a basketball court and rock climbing. Floor 7 is the walking track that overlooks the baseball court. With so many floors and areas it was never over crowded when i was there which was at peak hours 5-7. My only complaint was the outdated old free weight gear and cheap weight plates. Also they could use a little remodel. Overall this is a great YMCA in the heart of downtown Lousivlle. read more

I joined this YMCA in 1977 when it was fairly new and I was a student at a nearby school. My Dad worked in the Speed Building on Guthrie so it was convenient. The Y had a great spirit and I received a lot of help in workout techniques, instruction, etc. I learned to swim in the pool here. Among urban YMCAs, this branch is one of the best and the YMCA system itself is historically strong in Louisville. The swimming pool is not large but well maintained and lots of light reaches the water from windows on both sides. There are several strength training areas including a free weights area on the 5th floor. They have ample racquetball courts and a good basketball court. There's even a small running track on the 7th floor overlooking the gym. The layout is probably most like the Central YMCA in San Francisco but this is a much newer building than that one and this Y doesn't run a hotel. However, for some reason during some years I lived away my home Y became a bit of a miser in spirit. Their policy towards guests and out-of-town visitors falls short of the mark in my opinion. Frankly, they can be less than hospitable to travelers. Still, I am a faithful member here and I still enjoy the building and I know the staff do strive to do their best. All that aside this Y is as good as any in Chicago, San Francisco, and other Y towns I've visited, and it has everything you need if you're an out-of-town Y member. If your stay is less than 5 days in a year you will not run up against the policies towards visitors. Members can only bring any given guest twice in a year's time, which really hampers my style as I actively seek workout partners. I have been told by staff on several occasions that both these anti-visitor policies are due to the additional risk of theft (by those visitors), an absurd and insulting claim. Some theft does occur here, of course, just as at any gym so good policy is always to use the lockboxes that are offered in the lobby. read more

Best Y in town. Clean gym with friendly faces. Plenty of equipment and they are new. This is the only Y in town that provides towels. read more

Downtown Center Branch YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

How unbelievably impressive is this gym? I am beyond shocked. It may not be the cheapest option at $53/month for a single adult (+$55 join-up fee), but for the facilities and location, it is worth it for me. Plus, you can go month to month, which is also ideal in case money gets tight. There's a pretty decent rundown of the perks to this gym. Here are a few of my favorites: 1. Location, location, location. For me, this is an ideal location. It is less than a mile from where I work, making it easy to convince myself to go after or before work. 2. Bike rack in parking garage, which has an attendant and cameras operating. This is key for me too. 3. The pool, although only 5 lanes, has not yet proved to be very busy. Plus they have quite the supply of "goodies" to use, such as kickboards or pull buoy/leg float. 4. The women's locker room is set up perfectly. -Loads of different sized lockers, including full length, which can be used with your own lock, or with a borrowed lock from the Y -There are changing rooms directly next to the lockers, super convenient -A large pile of towels you can borrow -A swim-suit spin dryer -Hair dryers to borrow and large mirrors for getting ready -An enormous scale -Tons of showers 5. The large fitness center has a large number of cardio machines, almost of all of which have TVs or outlets for your personal media device. Plus it has this cool option on the weight machines that allows you to have a personalized number for your workout, where it will store the weight that you are comfortable using and speed in which you should repeat your reps. 6. Almost ALL of the classes are free. There are only a few longer term classes that require pay, but the zumba, yoga, spin, and tons more are free. 7. Women's only center. If you want a smaller, more intimate area, go here (obviously only for women). It is a very calm room, that is far less intimidating than the free weight section. 8. Complimentary 45 minute fitness assessment by the trainers. Plus they roam the large fitness area and give you assistance wherever needed. 9. Friendly staff. The Y's staff is simply beyond friendly. I just can't seem to get a read on any of them yet. They are all just SO nice. I honestly hope that it is genuine, because it is infectious. 10. 8 full stories of facilities, including, but not limited to: 6 racquetball courts, a full basketball court, one climbing wall, several rooms for classes, a small track (19x's around for a mile), day care, etc. 11. Guest passes are unlimited, sort-of. You can take as many guests as you want to the gym, but they can only go to that gym twice in a year. And you can only take one guest at a time. 12. Long hours - gym opens at 5 and closes at 10, Monday through Thursday The thing is, it doesn't really matter what I tell you about this gym. If you want to join a gym, you will. If you join the gym, it is up to you to get your toosh there. Find one that has what you need. Honestly, this one had everything, plus some and was only $13/month more than just getting a membership to a pool. I say do a tour, see if you like it. read more

I run 7-8 miles a day. Impressed? I love the gym. You go you put in sweat equity you get out looking so buff you don't even recognize yourself in the mirror. Nothing can stop you. You are a warrior. If it gets in your way. Bicep Curl. If it is heavy Bicep Curl!!!! If you leave here without sweat pouring down your face I don't want to know about it. read more

I have been working out at the downtown YMCA on a weekly (3-6x per week) basis since 2011. Before that I had frequented other facilities in different places, not just Louisville. Our downtown YMCA really does everything better than most other workout centers. Not only is it huge...it has an indoor pool, 2 saunas, a women only workout room, multiple class studios, raquetball courts, basketball court, indoor running track, crazy amounts of free weights/weight machines, and All of the staff members are pleasant on the daily and offer encouragement and support if needed. Switch your membership now! :) read more

I love this gym! It's got everything you would expect from a gym. The bonus is the leadership; you will see the facility director and staff on the floor checking in with you and exchanging welcoming smiles. There's a great pool, climbing wall, walking track, multiple classes, lots of machines, racquet ball and hand ball courts, a full basketball court. read more

Best gym I ever belonged to. Big, reasonably priced, great classes, massive windows and nice people.

I go to the downtown Y and it rocks. Lots of equipment to work with and it's a very nice facility. This is the only gym for me I think. The staff is knowledgeable and the all of the members that I've encountered have all been very courteous and nice. read more

The Y is my happy place! Moved to this Y after leaving the Norton Commons area: Clean, organized, and friendly, I work out here almost every day. I love the Bodypump and cycling classes! The workout areas, locker rooms, and studios are clean and neat. Highly recommend! read more

Very nice and spacious. Never too crowded. However the YMCA is one of the most expensive gyms in town.

This YMCA is impressive. 6 floors of weights, cardio, classes, rock climbing, bball, swimming, and track. It is $10 for a day pass, which is reasonable. The front desk girl was funny and made tacky jokes which was also amazing. She was very helpful! read more

Visited this Y using the AWAY program while in town for work. Pros: -Free access using AWAY program -Free towels -7 floors of equipment and work-out space -Nice spinning bikes Cons: -Pool water felt thick, tasted funky and was cloudy -Hard to use lockers with built-in lock read more

This Y has it all. Pool, full basketball court, weight rooms, aerobic machines, locker rooms with built in locks, full size sauna, and separate steam room, plus they provide towels. A separate workout room for just women, classes in different disciplines, friendly people to help if you need it. Racquetball courts, too. read more

Had the most awful experience in Keith Cottner's office Healthy Living Director. I came to him with concerns regarding equipment and cleanness because nothing seemed to be getting done about broken equipment and filth built up on machines. Right off the bat Keith talked over me and belittled my points and opinions I was trying to make. He boosted about how long he had been in his position and that he knew how to handle "his gym". He relentlessly continued to talk over me in a aggressive tone until he felt the conversation was done and he left his office while I still sat there. I went to The Facility director Norm Johnson and then understood the source of these hustle approach to customers. Norm just stared at me like he was annoyed at what I had to say while I conveyed my concerns and the treatment I had received from his subordinate. Once I was finished he replied "Okay, I'll take care of that. Are we done here?" After being treated like trash by the two Senior directors of this gym I promptly canceled my membership only a 2 weeks in. I do not recommend this gym to ANY ONE. read more