I grew up coming to this YMCA back in the late 80's and early 90's. When the weight room was downstairs. I learned how to swim at this Y. I believe i was around 5 years old. I absolutely 100% love this YMCA they played a huge part in my life! As I came here for at least 15 years of my life :) I used to come here pretty much all day long. I'd lap swim when they opened up. Then i'd go workout and lift weights. From age 11 to 18. The staff were always so friendly and helpful. Then once I was an adult I'd only came to workout and lift weights. Then we moved out of SD. We came by to check it out because it got a huge makeover. Looking good John Davis Family YMCA! You still have very friendly helpful employees and a well maintained facility! Because of my awesome experiences here at this Y. I made a promise to take my kids to the Y. So we had all our kids become Y babies too. All of our 5 children learned how to swim at another Y because all of the YMCA's we've been to are family friendly. So a huge thanks to the YMCA of LA Mesa CA for being AMAZING! This Y was like a 2nd home to me! So many good memories:) & life learning skills! read more

I enjoy coming to the John A. Davis YMCA because it's one of the smaller YMCA locations, yet it still has everything I need for a great workout. One of the biggest advantages is being able to get in, get my workout done, and get out without dealing with long waits for machines. I visit several YMCA locations depending on where my errands take me, and this location has always been a convenient stop for an hour-long workout. Unfortunately, I've had two separate interactions with the same front desk employee that left me feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome. About a week ago, I was sitting in the pool area taking an emergency phone call. The area was completely empty, and the facility wasn't scheduled to close for roughly another 40 minutes. The front desk employee approached me and abruptly stated, "We are closing, I need to lock this area." To be clear, I had no issue with the area being closed or needing to leave. My concern was entirely with the delivery. As many of us know, it's often not what you say but how you say it. A simple, "Excuse me, we're preparing to close this area and I need to lock it up," would have been perfectly fine. Instead, the tone and facial expression came across as unnecessarily harsh. I gathered my belongings and left without argument, but even the person on the emergency call immediately asked, "Who was that?" after hearing the interaction. When I explained what had happened, they also commented on how rude the tone sounded. I've been a longtime YMCA member and have visited many locations over the years, and I've never left feeling the way I did that day. Then during a more recent visit, I brought my two teenage sons with me. After scanning my membership card, the same employee stopped me and asked, "Who do we have here with you?" while looking directly at my membership profile. My sons are listed on my account, and their photos are visible on my profile. I answered with their names, but she repeated the question louder. I then repeated their names louder as well, and only then did she respond with, "Okay." The interaction felt unnecessarily confrontational, especially in front of my children. They are 15 and 17 years old and more than capable of confirming their own names if verification was needed. The exchange felt awkward and embarrassing, and even my sons immediately asked me afterward, "What's wrong with her?" I honestly didn't have an answer. I want to be fair and acknowledge that I don't know this employee personally, nor do I know what may have been going on in her day. However, after two separate encounters, I do believe there is room for growth in how members are approached and spoken to. Sometimes when people become comfortable in a position, customer service can become mechanical, and the human element gets lost. I would also be dishonest if I didn't acknowledge how the interactions made me feel. As an African-American woman, I couldn't help but wonder whether there was an underlying bias influencing the way I was being treated. I hope that is not the case. However, the contrast between these private interactions and the otherwise welcoming atmosphere of the YMCA left me questioning whether I was being viewed differently than other members. With that said, every other staff member I've encountered has been kind, helpful, and accommodating. The YMCA itself continues to be a wonderful community space. I love seeing both the older and younger generations working out together, participating in programs, and building a sense of community. That's one of the things that makes this location special. Overall, I still appreciate this YMCA and everything it offers. However, these experiences have made me reconsider when I visit. Going forward, I may choose to come earlier in the day or adjust my schedule altogether if these interactions continue. I genuinely hope this feedback is received in the spirit it's intended--not as an attack, but as an opportunity for improvement. Great facilities are built not only on equipment and programs, but also on how members are made to feel when they walk through the door. read more

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It's really a bummer that this location doesn't offer childwatch. I live a few minutes away but have to drive 20 minutes to other locations that have child watch. This location is a little old and could use some updating, but I'd make due if they had child watch. read more

Not the YMCA itself........The entrance off Dallas into the park needs to be Patrolled better before some one gets really hurt. People are driving up that short road like they are on fire. Some even speed in excess of 40 mph. Impossible to get out of your vehicle at the park with a puppy or a child without worrying to be hit by some of these nuts. Plus a lot of electric bikes on the walking trail in the park.....This should be off limits. read more

Gave up. Never did find what classes they offer or when. No sign of a class schedule... very frustrating.

This is a terribly run YMCA. It may be typical of all YMCAs, but I doubt it. I went to swim my laps this morning, waited to get a parking space, and went into the men's locker room to change and shower. I found that my lock had been cut off and that my personal items were gone. I went to the front desk to inquire. All the staff had been replaced, and the new individual at the front desk asked what was up. He stated that it was the policy that members could not attach a lock to a locker to leave their personal items for workouts when they were not present. I asked to speak to the facility manager. The manager, who was also new to me, gave me my items and restated the rule. I explained to him that the nice lady who was here before recommended that if I did not want always to bring my swimming supplies, deodorant, and such every day, I could place a lock on a locker and store the items there. I informed the manager that I received no notice that my lock was cut and that items were taken. He said they should have. I was not the only individual whose lock was removed. A quality organization would have informed the membership. I signed up for this YMCA location to receive texts if there were any issues. No text, email, or phone call was made. Clearly, there is a problem with this location. To replace all the staff and make drastic moves, as I experienced, is a very telling sign. read more

Wow ! What a hidden gem.. Clean, quiet and most congenial friendly staff. Absolutely low key, no hype or pressure. Work at your own pace or take their classes. The Aqua fit water aerobics are awesome fun. Personal trainers available. Surrounded by Beautiful park . read more

John A. Davis Family YMCA - 12Oct23. Oh Yeah ! - Gyms Near Me - La Mesa, California

Too many times the pool is closed. The men's locker room is 60 degrees in the winter and there is no hot water from the locker room sink. The showers are out of the 1970s and the spa has been broken for over 2 years. They raise their dues consistently but don't maintain this facility. read more

Its like they put a YMCA in an office building. Ever work for a young / start up company and the building does not seem appropriate for your office? that is kind of how this YMCA feels. I do not mind small gyms, but this one did not feel right, let me explain. Pros Plenty of parking not too many people (makes you feel like most of the equipment is available). offers an alternate location ( I am not always going to be near the Mission Valley YMCA) a good variety of work out equipment Cons - this building was something else before it was a YMCA. I took the stairs down and was in a maze if rooms used as storage. You would think there would be a do not enter sign. High school style showers. Instead of individual showers, this has a group shower. Ah yes, relive showering after high school football practice. no hair dryer in the bathroom. bad lighting in some of the rooms. They raised the cost, time to remodel that building. read more

We used them for our two elementary aged children for two weeks of summer camp. They were well staffed, communicates well, very organized. The best part was my kids had fun and felt loved and included without any issues. read more

And a swimming pool! In addition to the two excellent rooms of fitness equipment, the Davis Family Y has a beautiful large outdoor swimming pool. Water exercise classes are given there several times each week. Kate and I have found all the staff at Davis Y, from the front desk to the pool guards to the janitorial crew to be wonderful friendly and engaging. Just today, in fact, the staff treated our exercise class (~30 people) to a pizza lunch on the shady outdoor deck. Nice folks! read more

If you want a reliable place to complete your lap swim workouts in the morning before you go to work----this place is not for you. We have a family YMCA gym membership as we also use the Y for our young kids' after school care. So yeah, it'd make sense to also use their pool for my swim workouts. You can imagine the planning and coordination effort it takes on my part with little kids at home who need to get ready for school, while I work full time and still try to be healthy, so I get up at 5a and come to the pool. And, you can imagine how incredibly frustrating it is to show up only to find they keep having pool issues and you can't swim. Unfortunately, even though it's miles farther from my house, I have to drive to a different Y because the Davis location can't seem to get its act together to keep its pool functional. If its not the Ph level, its a staffing problem. If it's not a staffing problem, it's something else. This location's pool schedule is completely unreliable and is not worth the membership fees. read more

Love this Y. The members and staff are awesome. Overall my top pick gym. Keep it up guys. read more

Unwelcoming facility from staff and older guests alike. I am from South Pasadena and I was visiting my sister went to this gym location. The woman at the front desk said she needed to contact my home ymca to verify if I had a current membership after receiving my drivers license and photocopying it and signing awaiver. She had already seen my membership card. Long story short, she had an issue with me "everything checking out" like really lmao the last place I would want to fraud, rob or try to deceive is the ymca/gym on a rainy day at that. Get a grip and get over your power trip. Edit: I didn't think this review would give my messages a stir. But you know they say hit dogs do holler! Life is short lol don't waste it trying to "hurt my virtual feelings" cause the shoe happens The truth hurts YELP. read more

the staff here is messed up they called me big sexy and then took a picture of me and uploaded to the website this is picture they took of me..... still a five star saw a hot ass grandma she was looking deliocus #yummm!!!!!!!!!! read more

John A. Davis Family YMCA - Gyms Near Me - La Mesa, California

My first trip to this YMCA was today and I loved it. It's small but it has everything and the staff is great!!

There are some very friendly staff here at the front desk, like the young cheerful Dennis. He gave me a nice tour of the facility. There are some fun family activities during the summer too. We went on the most fun kayak adventure from Coronado across the bay to where the summer Pops were performing. Our teenagers loved it. read more

John A. Davis Family YMCA - Gyms Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Close location. Not too busy in the am/late evening. Parking can be tough around the rush hour times. Machines are clean and staff are friendly. read more

This past summer my little cousin Ricardo attended summer camp here. He wouldn't stop talking to me about it and begged me to take him back next year. There was this one worker that stood out to him, his name was Albert. So whoever this Albert guy is, thank you for making my cousins experience so delightful, we'll be back next year for sure. xoxo read more

The gym is beautiful. I recommend it if you are coming just to use the equipment and go. I had a bad customer experience that left me feeling embarrassed so I have no plans to go back. (Thank goodness I got the PLUS membership so I can choose a different Y). I was on the elliptical with my phone on silent. Halfway through the workout, I realized someone was calling every 15 minutes and not leaving a message. Well, the next time they called, I answered and found out it was someone trying to deliver something to my house. I was just asking them to come back at 2:30 then hang up when Marsha (asked her name afterwards) came up and very loudly and rudely said, "It is the Y's policy to have people get off their cell phones or take phone calls in the lobby." 1.) I had no idea this was the policy, I was not trying to be rude at all!- I've been going to the Y for years and seen many people on their phones 2.) Why are you loudly reprimanding me? It's not like I had done it anytime before- it was my first time at this gym! Couldn't you have just nicely tapped me on the shoulder and pointed out to the hallway? Seems easier and I wouldn't have felt so insulted or upset. It would have been no big deal if it had been handled in that fashion. I think it's an easy fix to have an employee training about being polite, kind and how to address other people in the gym if they break a gym rule. I'd highly recommend to management to address it so that this Y is still a comfortable place to go to. read more

Customer service is so important to these type of places because there is so much competition out there. I registered my son for a class. Within the first few minutes of being in the class we realized he showed no interest in the class so we immediately went to the front desk to inquire about a refund. This is when I felt we walked into an episode of a bad movie scene where one encounters the most ridiculous front desk person who feels she owns the world from her miserable desk. Margo O. gave us the most patronizing look as we explained we wanted a refund for the class. The next few minutes were just a display of rudeness, laziness and just plain disregard for the YMCA's mission from this person. She would not tell us how much we would get refunded for, she immediately said we would not get a refund for the first day of class. She also slapped a piece of paper on the counter when I asked about other classes that I could perhaps register my son for since he wasn't interested in this one. She would not give me an explanation about the refund process and gave me no receipt for the refund or at least some paper proof that I would get the requested refund. She was condescending in every thing she said to us and just left a sour taste in our mouth so nah! we are not coming back YMCA. After asking all sorts of questions, it turns out they don't issue refunds they just give you credit for future classes; another reason I am not coming back. read more

My son is currently attending his 3rd week long summer day camp with this facility. He did sand castle building where he was carted to 5 different beaches and taught the mechanics of building a tubular sandcastle. He attended sports and splash camp where they played a different sport every morning only to jump in the pool in the afternoon to cool off. Currently he is going to Zoo camp, they go to the zoo every day and get to do all kinds of behind the scenes activities then come back to swim! The staff is so friendly and lunch is included! What more can you ask for?! If you get a YMCA membership and sign up early you get major discounts on the summer camp programs! read more

I love it here, it is a real laid back gym. Everyone is there to work out and be healthy. They have day care and a pool and awesome employees. It is always clean and the employees are always eager to help. I was mad the first time I was "corrected" while on a machine, but the simple mistake I was making held me back. They are always willing to help you work on your routine, teach you how to use something, or just chat. It is a real gym, modest, clean, and just a good place to be. Overall. Don't be afraid to ask for help, the staff is great. The classes are a little odd sometimes but so fun to do with friends. I have never been in better shape since I started here. read more

This is a small YMCA but it's great! Our family loves coming here for classes for the kids as well as the adults.

I had a membership with YMCA to use the gym and the pool. And whenever you goto the gym you can set a workout with a trainer so they could teach you how to use the machines properly. After the training you get to workout more on your own. I was on the machine adjusting to where I could properly use it without getting hurt and this elderly lady approached me and very rudely told me I need to move and goto a different machine instead of this machine. I was so upset I'm a paying member and I'm getting told by a rude and racist elderly lady to move from a machine that I was told by your team members your trainers that I have to adjust it accordingly to work out. And that is the reasons why I stop going and haven't been able to renew my membership because of that incident I love to swim I want to get healthy but I can't get it done at the place nearby where I live and I have to travel to where I have to workout then i have to go someplace else. read more

Dennis is always helpful at the desk and helped me add a family member super quickly. It was a friendly experience and he acknowledged us as soon as we walked in, even though he was helping another member. He let us check the facilities out while we waited. Sergio was also a pleasure and talked to us during the process. Excited to have my family member join us at our gym! read more

I've been going to this gym for a couple of months now and I love it! Very clean and everyone is so friendly. The head of the membership department (I think her name is Kristin) was more than helpful and bent over backwards to help me when I was transferring my membership there from another location. Last night I took my first Yoga class at this gym and the instructor was named Lisa. The class was so great and she was very authentic and sweet. I will definitely continue taking her class, and being a member here. read more

Staff isn't very helpful, most of them don't even greet you when you walk in. They act like everyone has all the time in the world. If this wasn't the y by my house I'd go elsewhere. Gym is small. The activity rooms are always closed so you can never use them unless a class is going on. Just all around not impressed. You guys need to work on hiring better staff or teach them to at least be fake. It's called customer service for a reason. Learn it, preform it. read more

I am impressed!! I just called to ask if theres a sauna or jacuzzi on premises. Dennis answered and couldn't have been more professional. There's no sauna but the spa/jacuzzi will be up soon. He has such pride in the facility. When I was hanging up he invited me to join you. I can't remember the last time I felt like someone enjoyed what they were doing. read more

I would not recommend this place to anyone serious about weight lifting. I was accosted by some elderly employee the first time I grunted while deadlifting. If you have a noise policy, that should probably be mentioned when people sign up or at least posted in the weight area. Also, if it's your first time talking to a new client, perhaps a friendly introduction would be more appropriate than just rudely reprimanding someone who is simply minding their own business. I think perhaps they forgot what YMCA stands for. It's not supposed to be a retirement home. read more

This isn't my usual Y location but I had an appointment put this way so it was convenient. When I arrived i was told all fitness facilities were closed for two weeks. I had checked the website the night before and the latest schedule was for November which should have clued me in. There was no mention of renovation closure. The person at the desk said they had sent notices to Davis members and there was a lot e on the desk. Since San Diego memberships are good at all locations, they should post changes on the website. The Ys I frequent keep their websites and schedules updated. I was able to go to another Y location farther away, but I wish this facility was more in the ball. read more

The equipment and facility is out dated. They need to update the equipment and get rid of some staff members.

I haven't returned to this location since a distracted swimming teacher "let go" of my almost 4 year old---he sank COMPLETELY submerged UNDERWATER for about 30 seconds- while she was off already off teaching the to the next student in her group. I screamed over and over, over and over MANY TIMES before anyone moved to help my son... "my son's drowning, someone save my son" THE LIFEGUARD COULD NOT EVEN LOCATE MY CHILD SUBMERGED IN THE POOL. I was behind a 6ft iron fence and 2 rows of parents. Another swimming teacher at the other end of the pool rescued my son, saving his life. We spent the night at Rady Children's Hospital, i got stuck with the bill....my son is fine. I won't ever entrust their swim staff with my most precious treasures ever again! read more

Also the child care room has no bathroom, they have to have another person come take the kids up stairs to the locker rooms where later my 3 yr old kept taking about the "grandmom" who had no clothes on ... I was upset my child was put in this position read more

While this Y may not be fancy or new, it's the people within it that make it so wonderful. The instructors, the front desk staff and the members are all so kind and genuine. I get a real sense of community here. read more

Selection of machines is basic, but enough. Classes are a bit crowded, but not like you need to arrive early to get a class (at least at 9:00am'ish). Small, but present, pool. It's just a nice clean small gym serving the 30-70 crowd. Definitely not one of the young and happening gyms with lots of hormones flowing, just a good solid place to work out. I might try another gym for a bigger class selection. No spin classes here. read more

Leaky roofs, no hot water in shower, elderly lady with her walker a bit confused, some member cutting another members hair in coffee area, unneeded jacuzzi...list goes on but I enjoy my workout. read more

I think being here at this Y is way better than just joining a regular gym. This is really a community center, and the staff here really care about the members. They are very receptive regarding any questions or concerns that I may have. Real people and families are members here; it is about health and community, NOT posing and "being seen". There is not a sense of competition, but rather about challenging yourself to improve your well-being. I've really gotten to know the staff here, and they are all so helpful. People say that I have high expectations, and yet they are met because people here care to make your experience as optimal as possible. read more

I joined this Y about 9 months ago primarily for my granddaughter to take swim classes. She loves the classes. The instructors are fantastic. They are patient and give lots of one on one (even if its the Mommy and Me class). I also take the Zumba class here every Monday. The instructor Thomas is absolutely amazing!! I really enjoy his energy and style. He is up beat and very fun. He smiles the whole class! This Y- I give 5 stars all around! read more

If you are a swimmer--DO NOT COME HERE! The staff is completely incompetent when it comes to the pool. It is not a one-time thing. This week alone, their pool has been closed 3 days out of 4, and the weekend before last I spent 45 minutes driving around East County to find a Y whose pool WAS open because they couldn't give enough notice that they were closed again. I have been a swimmer my entire life, and not only is this pool one of the most poorly maintained I have ever seen (never vacuumed/cleaned, they FORGET TO ORDER CHLORINE, and the jacuzzi has ben under construction for over TWO YEARS because they can't get their act together) but they treat swimmers like second-class gym members and our complaints to staff and the aquatics director fall on deaf ears. Once, the pool was closed for 3 months (after telling us it would only be for a few weeks) and even though I am signed up for text notifications, they usually come in the middle of the day, very late notice (I am a morning swimmer) and vague--along the lines of "we SHOULD be open but just call tomorrow in case we aren't". Many times, the lifeguards don't show up (at least two have to be working for the pool to be open) and one time they called in a replacement who then announced to his coworker in front of the entire deck that his certificate had expired that day and he shouldn't even be working! When swimmers have complained to the lifeguards about the pool being dirty, or why YMCA staff can't keep the pool open, the lifeguards have made rude comments in reply, along the lines of "well I can kick you out of the pool now and clean it". One time, the only way us swimmers were able to convince the staff to vacuum was by threatening to call the health department. The showers are old and since you can't control the temperature, there are days when they have been very cold and there's nothing we can do about it. My broke high school's pool from the 60s was better maintained and open more often than this one. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. Since joining the Y, I have not been able to work out as much as I would like. Many have mentioned that this Y in particular has a "culture of laziness" and that would certainly explain why they try to skate by on doing the bare minimum and take forever to get simple things done. The swimmers constantly have to remind the lifeguards to even put out the pace clock. My coworker also tries--TRIES--to swim here with her two daughters, and when the pool actually is open and she is able to get in, the lifeguards will harass her and say that she can't swim with two children at a time, even though both have passed the swim test MULTIPLE times. I really am thinking of quitting soon--the only reason I have stayed as long as I have is because of the friends I have made here. But this has gone on for too long and I am sick and tired of missing my workout for the day simply because this pool can't be bothered to care. read more