Inexpensive gym. If you must run on a treadmill and can't make it outdoors, it's nice that the treadmills face the water and the windows open up so you can see the water (vs. staring at a wall or a building). The pool is so-so. It's a pool, a plus. The bad is that you can smell the cigarette smoke from the people on the sidewalk outside of Ozumo. The smoke rises up and comes into the windows where you are swimming. Breathing cigarette smoke (even if slightly) is bleah when swimming. read more

I struggled with the monthly fee of $67.00 for a while but finally gave in because this is one of the very few gyms with a pool in San Francisco. I've found that this YMCA is well worth every dollar! Not only do I enjoy the pool but I've found that I never have to wait to use the elliptical machines and while on them I get to overlook the San Francisco bay! The locker room is huge and kept very clean as well. This center also has numerous classes available and I've never found them too be overly crowded. Not only are the facilities superb, but the staff is friendly and I love the fresh clean towels I'm provided with when I walk in! read more

Great pool and great staff. Definitely not the place for "want-to-be-seen" gym goers. Which is great. The staff is friendly and the members are just as nice. Free towels, clean pool (clean for the city) and clean equipment. If you are sick of 24-hr fitness or similar, this is your new health club. read more

This review is for Alaa, who works at the front desk in the evening. Alaa is an exceptional, kind, empathetic, funny, energetic, detail-oriented, razor-sharp-witted, VERY helpful human being. I'm always excited to see Alaa, because I know I will receive the exact right information if I have any questions, and will share some laughs, leaving the building (or beginning my workout), with a goofy smile on my face. Thank you Alaa!!!! read more

Executive Summary: The people, the classes, the location, and the price make this a worthwhile investment for your mind, body and budget. I have been a member here since early January. I have taken advantage of spinning, weights, kenisis, and some classes. Every thing is great. They don't have the newest equipment, but they also don't try to turn a profit. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. I actually totally disagree that this place gets busy, try going to a 24 hour fitness at 6 PM. There will be long lines, people who smell, and an endless amount of people hitting on people. The YMCA is not a meat packing plant, it is a place you actually can enjoy going to workout and getting some balance in your life. Check it you, I highly recommend it. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this YMCA! My husband and I have been going to the adult swim classes for the last 8 weeks. I had almost given up on the thought of ever been able to swim but Mike is an excellent coach , thanks to him we are so excited about the pool and not scared at all. We were taught proper breathing techniques, free stroke, backstroke and lots more in Level 1&2. The staff is great and always friendly. there are plenty of towels and lockers. I really like the treadmill and bodypump class as well!Great views of bay bridge read more

Clean, easy to find, good trainers, and so many classes to choose from. Not crowded and no attitude. My kind of place. Don't forget to take a steam. read more

It took me a few months to find a gym that is a good fit for me. I come from LA where the gyms are basically warehouses, so most SF gyms seem like tiny stuffy closets. The Embarcadero YMCA is really great. Here's why: -It's close to public transit (and the Ferry Building!) -It's big enough to accommodate a good amount of people without feeling too crowded -A free towel service -You can rent a permanent locker for $10/mo -There's a beautiful view of the Bay and the Bay Bridge for some of the cardio machines -They have a computer room just in case you need to check something on the way in or out -Woman's locker-room is really clean (I constantly see people cleaning it while I'm there) -Weight machines are spaced nicely (not too cramped) -I haven't used the pool or been to a class, but the fact that the option exists is nice I know there's more! I typically go week days around 6pm and it's a little crowded right when I get there, but by 7:15 the crowd has really died off. On weekends I'll go around 12pm and it's really pretty empty. This gym has people of all different walks of life so I think it must take a lot of pressure off you if you feel self-conscious about going to the gym. The staff is really nice-- I once left my ipod and sigg water bottle on top of my locker. I realized it about a hour later and went back, assuming it was stolen, but the person who attends to the locker room brought it to the front desk for me. I felt very lucky! But more importantly I didn't feel like I was being swindled when I signed up. I find at most gyms I've been to the sales people are the slimiest jerks. The YMCA didn't pressure me or butter me up. It was really without hassle. Bottom-line is that there are very few gyms like this in SF. Most are really small and cramped, with a sort of in-crowd feel (I used to belong to the 24hr Fitness at Market and Church), but this place has more breathing room. It's also a good price-- $50/mo is what I pay (plus $10 for the monthly locker rental). It's a great bargain and a great gym. read more

YMCA has a lot of locations but I choose Embarcadero. I had a great experience when I was there. Besides the gym, which has good equipments, you can go to pool and take some classes for yoga or stretching. The front desk person was very friendly with me and was able to answer all my questions. Recommend! read more

My only complaint about this gym is that I did not go often enough. Its not an uptight, everyone looks perfect gym, but you may have to wait for the machines sometimes. The view, the free towels, the staff, the monthly rate is all great. Great gym for the price and location. read more

AMAZING! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this gym! Facilitiies: The gym facilities are wonderful! Beautiful, clean pool, plenty of different machines (I never have to wait), gorgeous views of the bay (ie, running on the elliptical while watching the sun set over the Bay Bridge), very spacious, plus an extremely clean sauna and steam room in the locker room. The sauna/steam room always motivate me to come work out so I can relax in there after. Classes: There are SO many classes here, going on at multiple times every day. I love to alternate between yoga, pilates, spinning, kick boxing, and boot camp. Since there are lots of classes going on concurrently, on any given day you can decide on your workout (as in, stressed? okay, do yoga at 5.30pm... energetic? go to spinning instead). Due to its large facilities, this gym is able to offer way more classes at any given time (which a lot of other gyms here can't do). The class teachers are so, so nice and really motivate you work up a sweat. Staff: I LOVE the staff here. They are so nice, positive, courteous, etc. Honestly, after a stressful work day, it is an absolute pleasure to be greeted by the staff here. When I had a small problem with my credit card, the guy at the desk was a total sweetheart about it. Since the Y is a nonprofit, they aren't trying to sell you things like personal training, protein powders, etc. I really appreciate that no one is ever trying to sell you crap, and that they are just geniuinely nice and easy going. This place just has such a nice environment, and the staff's friendly attitude totally chills me out after working all day. Overall: This place is the best! Top of the line facilities, clean, spacious, free towel services, awesome people, amazing classes, crystal blue pool. Plus your money is going to a nonprofit cause. I really wish more gyms were like this! read more

Three reasons the Embarcadero YMCA is fantastic (one of the best YMCAs in the USA): 1. The rooftop. I often went up here and did yoga and martial arts poses unobtrusively. The roof area looks back towards the Rincon Center (not a rooftop bayview). 2. The atmosphere is less stand and model than other nearby gyms. This is characteristic of YMCAs as a general rule but holds true under duress in the downtown SF workout scene. 3. Decent visitor policies. I was a member at the Embarcadero from 1995-2004 and still check in here on semi-frequent visits using a Y membership from elsewhere. read more

I took a swimming class with Colby and he was great! I was truly amazed what 6 1-hour small-group lessons can do and I'm really excited to do the next level. Colby was patient and very insightful. So that was awesome. The rest of the facilities are nice, but I'll stick with my regular gym for everything but the swim lessons... read more

This is best gym I've ever been to (well.. my hometown ymca was bigger and a tad cleaner). but this is the best of the lot here... and way better than your local 24 hour fitness and the like. No attitude. Good equipment and machines. A pool! Free towels. Good variety of classes and competent teachers. Free trainers. Most importantly no creepy men ogling you. And all for 60ish dollars a month! The view is awesome -- I love staring out at the water and the traffic below while I'm on an elliptical. It's a great, diverse crowd where anyone fits in -- office workers, professionals, fit, unfit, down & outs, gay, straight, kids, lots of wheelchair bound, skinny, fat, polka dotted-- everyone loves the YMCA! Plus you can watch your own personal tv while you're on a recumbant bike -- how much better does it get? read more

Took swimming classes here and MIKE, our instructor was bangin!!! I came here incompetent and freaked out about the water (who knows you may get an STD or AIDS) but MIKE continually reassured me that I was fine and had me change my ways of acting like a ReTard. haha the guy is jokingly funny and doesn't mind the jokesters (hint, hint, ME!!!). Now I can swim=wooowooo. THANKS MIKE read more

Small but clean. Sucks this Y as the least amount of equipment that I've seen in most Y's.

Hurray for the YMCA! I joined a few weeks ago because I was tired of going to a gym far, far away or a gym where people spend more time getting ready for the gym than actually AT the gym. I can't find one thing to complain about...the facility is clean, the machines are great, the trainers know what they're doing, they have really cool technology!, and a great offering of classes. I haven't dealt with the locker room yet but good to know about the safety - or lack thereof - of the lockers. I'll keep it in mind. Otherwise, I'm thrilled to finally have a gym I actually look forward to going to...not to mention the most amazing view from a treadmill in the entire Bay Area. read more

The stunning bay views. The positive community vibe. The modern facilities. Truly a fantastic experience. Very laid back attentive positive staff. The facilities include a large cardio area, wieghts and basketball court. Also avaialbe: lap pool, sauna and steam room. Complimentary towels. It's really all about the views and location however! read more

I would give this gym a zero rating if I could. BEWARE of the steam room in this facility...it is the location of VERY INAPPROPRIATE LEWD behavior that occurred because there is not enough oversight or supervision by the staff or management. I have been a member of the YMCA for 22 years and would never have guessed that any incident I witnessed could cause me to abruptly cancel my membership on the spot. I was was the only person in the steam room when two men entered and one man began performing fellatio on the other man. I had heard of sexual activity in the facility in the past, but thought the problem had been corrected. The brazenly open display of public sex leaves me to wonder if the staff of the Embarcadero YMCA can safely manage the activities that occur on their premises. read more

This gym has a good vibe and a beautiful view of the water. It's in a great location if you work in the financial district. The staff are the kind of people you look forward to saying hello to on you way into work out. I love this gym, because it's members are very diverse in abilities and you always feel comfortable. There's a gym to play basketball right off the area with the workout machines. There are several studio for classes, spinning, yoga, etc. I like the spaces they have set up for stretching. There's also pool, and a wet and dry sauna. I like the place enough that it actually it motivates me to actually go to the gym. read more

Hello,I was looking for a nice place to work out a long time, Alaa give me a nice tour of the gym, He answer all my questions and help me choose a plan that works for me the most, it was the best experience singing out for a gym membership, since then, I'm enjoying every visit at YMCA, thanks a lot Alaa! read more

Today on the way to work I saw a huge installation in the Marina that was a National Fitness Challenge. Seems the government is onto something, working out and paying attention to your health matters. The YMCA Embarcadero is a great place to get started. It has a complete basketball court, a full lap pool, masters swimming that is very active as well as towel service, group pilates, yoga and great equipment. At other gyms your dollars are only focused on the gym wheras the Y is a core component to the health of the SF Embarcadero area with programs for families and youth that help all of us ensure the SF community is doing well. If you are looking to workout and/or participate in the community you should check out the Y Embarcadero. read more

Working out is hard. I have been to the Presidio, Richmond, and Stonestown YMCAs, but not this one. I was looking on the YMCA website at their course schedules. The Embarcadero YMCA has a lot of classes to take. The Yelp reviews for this branch are good. The facility is up to date and renovated. It's a very good gym. I mean, a lot of YMCAs in SF are old and don't feel fresh. This one feels fresh and people are nice. I wanted to try basic pilates. Because I live all the way out in the Sunset, I decided to spend a block of time at this gym..so I also did basic yoga and basic step. I am really not into gym classes, but it's never too late to try. Some others have been doing these classes for a while, some are new too. Step is a little tricky to pick up, but it's fun and aerobic. Yoga and pilates are about stretching your body. It was all very awkward to me. The instructors are nice and I could tell they knew what they were doing. This YMCA even has a nice computer lab!! The Embarcadero is an exciting place to be and I recommend this YMCA branch. read more

This place has everything I could ask for - large variety of equipments, swimming pool, showers (including towels, soap for convenience), offers variety of group classes, filtered water, fruits (such a little detail that left a big impression on me), rooftop, and very friendly stuff. Take my money, please! Every dollar spent here is worth it. Oh, did I mention the stunning view from the most of cardio machines? read more

Where I come from, the Y is, like, THE gym. Obviously San Francisco is a different world than rural Central Pennsylvania, but the Embarcadero Y can be considered "up there" in terms of city gyms. First you've got an incredible location: right along the Embarcadero and pretty much the SF Bay waterfront. Second, you've got a very diverse amount of options; from swimming to spinning to yoga to free weights and beyond. Finally, you've got a diverse population of co-exercisors -- old/young, elite/beginner, serious/goofy and a mix of all ethnicities. For a very down-to-earth workout experience, I suggest the Embarcadero Y. PROS: -very small enrollment fee -affordable monthly dues -many workout options to choose from -nice facilities; pool; gym; studios; spinning -convenient to BART (especially for before work) -nice locker rooms (even before the current renovations) -nice, clean steam room/sauna -affordable workshops (ranging from posture evaluation to triathlon club) -incredible view overlooking Bay/Bay Bridge -community feel, but not too "community" CONS: -pool can get a little crowded during peak times read more

I'm giving this YMCA 5 stars because of the super friendly, always cheerful, make me feel at home staff. They're the best! It honestly feels like an episode of Cheers when I walk in there; everyone is smiling and cracking jokes, they seem to remember me and generally look like they're really enjoying their jobs. I use this gym for the pool mainly and let it be known that I'm a major pool snob. That being said, I think the pool is WAY too hot. I know they're catering to the old folk - so I get it - but if you're looking for a place to train or to get 2000+ yards in, I would recommend going to the Presidio YMCA instead. I believe they heat it to 83 degrees at the embarcadero one - which for any real swimmers out there is going to be suffocating. BUT it's still a pool and in a good location AND the staff is delightful. So, you win some and you loose some. The gym seems fine and mainly has everything you're looking for. I'm not a big gym person (again, I use the pool mainly) but seems like they have everything you need there and I'd be interested to try the classes as well. Staff: 10 stars Pool: 3 stars Gym: 4 stars Classes: Haven't taken one yet :) Hope this helps! read more

Love it here!!! People are real, prices are fair, the commitment to public service is really wonderful, and the facilities are fantastic.

I haven't tried enough SF gyms to be certain this is the best SF gym, but I have been to enough Y's to know that this is the best one. Besides the great location with a view of the Bay Bridge as you treadmill, it's the only facility with everything that the Y offers collectively: both sauna and steam, hottub, lap pool and exercise pool, indoor basketball, classes, good workout equipment.... basically the works. Staff are helpful and friendly, and the members are basically cool. The killer secret is that they have great massage therapists for only $55/hour. You can't beat that! Treat yourself to 90 minutes for $70 and you will be transported somewhere else on your lunch hour. read more

I've been a member and a volunteer at the Embarcadero YMCA since 1999, and I must say that I love it here. From the variety of the classes that are offered, to the locker room renovations, the staff are always trying to make sure that every member is getting the most benefit from the facility. And the staff is incredibly hard-working, friendly and dedicated! This is the place to go when you need a place to work out some job-related stress! And, for those who don't know, the Embarcadero YMCA runs several community programs, including a high school on-site and after-school programs off-site. Please check us out! We are not just another downtown gym. We can make you feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. read more

I really like the BodyPump and BodyCombat classes and the sauna is really nice too. The gym area overlooks the bay and you can see the light show on the Bay Bridge now which is very special. I particularly like the YMCA in general because the patrons are nice and not as intense as those crazy folk over at Equinox. read more

Whenever I'm in the city and can squeeze in a workout, this is the place I go. It's hard to beat views of the bay bridge as you do your cardio. The place is pretty much right on the Embarcadero. They have a great selection of equipment from machines to free weights and even a heavy bag that you can work on. They also have an indoor swimming pool. You would never guess that from the outside. Stop by and check it out next time you are in the city. read more

A mega gym, san francisco style. People with real-world bodies, young, old, flabby, toned, mentally challenged, some in wheelchairs. The members and staff are such characters, and so distinctive looking, that after two or three visits you know them all. There's one guy who snorkels laps in the pool the same time everyday, another who comes in with a big labrador guide dog. Two old men, one obviously wealthier than the other, talk stock trades in the locker room. Fairly clean, not very private. Can get crowded. Free internet but the computers are slow and they run net nanny. Sincere beyond belief. I can't separate my experience here from the illustrious nemesis who signed me up as her "community member" housemate so I could come for free. Treadmills have a view of the bay. Hot tub has a view of nemesis doing laps like a windup toy, the only girl in the pool wearing a bikini. Did I mention she sings when she's on the treadmill? If she's your friend this will make you proud and you'll always know where she is. If not, it might confuse you but don't worry, it's only nemesis and her ipod. read more

This is a review of the kids summer camp program only: This is a perfectly fine camp for the convenience of dropping your child off downtown. If you don't work here, the camp is not worth going out of your way and dealing with the rush hour traffic. The staff is quite nice and they have lots of outings. Swimming is great but is an added expense for the daily opportunity. Much of the time the kids are in a single large room fiddling about. They're happy but not that well engaged. read more

Ah, The Gymnasium. The Greeks trained at the Gymnasium in preparation for public games. Here, too, you will find people preparing themselves for public games. It may be mountain biking on some Tahoe singletrack instead of chucking a discus at some passing Spartan or suffering the last leg of the Ironman in Kona rather than a doomed sprint from Marathon to Athens, but the drive for physical prowess is there. It may even be just to get in shape for the games at local bars, but, hey, the same spirit is there. Working out naked, however, has sadly (or luckily depending on your perspective) gone out of fashion. Personally, I limit myself to spinning in a vain attempt at putting more speed into my old legs and more air into my shriveled lungs, perhaps a bit of swimming, and a free weight here and there. Sure, I can do none of these things naked at the Y, but the experience is enjoyable nonetheless. The spinning room is clean and the bikes are in great shape. It could use a few more fans, but I tend to leak sweat at an alarming rate. Locker room is nice. I have yet to have trouble scoring a day-locker nor have I had to wait for a shower. In fact, despite the appearance of a mass of people, I have yet to feel crowded. I will not just chuck a laurel wreath of victory wantonly and without some criticism (aside from the lack of naked training) on the head of the YMCA, though. There is a need for increased ventilation throughout the building. A little air flow would do wonders. And while I applaud the greenness of their two-towel limit, being limited to two would be nicer if the towels had something resembling absorbency. I know, I know, they are gym towels... still, if one can dream of ancient glory on the Plains of Thermopylae (or just on the climb up Mt. Tam), one should also be able to dream of drying off efficiently. read more

I used to go to Equinox, but quit when I joined a new company that would not subsidize the membership. Now I've been going to the YMCA Embarcadero for more than three years and I love it! My favorite workout is using the treadmills with view of the waterfront. It's beautiful and feels great - the best start into my day. For my strength exercises I use the free weights and some of the machines. Sometimes I go to the spinning class or use the pool. Big plus: so far I never had to wait to get access to the treadmills or any machines - maybe it's because I go in the morning, but I love that I can seamlessly move through my exercise flow and there is no hectic or crowd fighting for anything. What impressed me most this year is the great organization of all the renovation work. They always let you know ahead of time so you could plan for it; they let you use other YMCAs (I went to Chinatown) at no additional cost; they stuck to the renovation schedule so when they told us that they are back on September 4, they were actually done with renovation. They communicated all the changes well and executed the renovation perfectly. The new gym and the new locker rooms look and feel great! I'm very happy that I found this place and kudos to everyone who works there and makes you feel welcome! read more

This place is great! Staying true to the YMCA spirit there is a bunch of activities, classes and a good variety of gym equipment. If it weren't for my new job location, I'd still be going here once a week! read more

I only go for the pool. Would be so much better if they had a punch-card vs requiring membership. Beautiful view from the ladie's locker room. HUGE locker room. 10+ hairdryers and stalls and showers... steam room, sauna too... 5 lane pool, can get really crowded sometimes though... but a nice facility! OH and they have a free computer lab downstairs, awesome =) and who can't like the Y? such a good organization! read more

A great place to work out and an even better view since the Embarcadero over pass was pulled down. I only go there for the SHOTOKAN KARATE classes taught by 5th Degree Black Belt Mr. Wayne Shockness. I usually only do outside training, as most gym- life turns me off. But this one didn't give me the 'meat market' creeps. The staff is friendly, informative, and the place is all ages with a seemingly endless plethora of machines and facilities to whip you into great shape. Now if I could just stay motivated enough to knock this donut roll off my midriff...? =) SHINOBI 009 read more

I love this place. Coming here makes you feel like you have a second family. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful. Plus, free personal trainers with every membership is incredible! The views are also s great addition- who doesn't love staring out at the beautiful bay bridge when getting their workout in? Love this place! read more

A very nice operation. Everyone is really nice and helpful. It's truly a community center. The gym is very large, there's a great pool, full gymnasium, basketball courts, rooftop deck/track. Best feature -- the row of cadio machines facing windows overlooking the Bay Bridge -- spectacular from sunrise to sunset. You have to like kids and teens, though -- it's really a family facility, and the community progrmming means kids of all ages, especially Friday night and all summer. More straight than gay, equal parts men and women. Evening basketball is a great place to check out hot 20- and 30-something straight boys. The steam rooms are mildy cruisy, but it's rare to find a hottie in there. read more