The staff here is so friendly (and charming). I know I will enjoy working out here. Also they just finished remodeling so the interior looks great. The guy who runs the front desk (membership specialist- great looking guy) should be a trainer. Great shape and a head full of knowledge. Because of the helpful staff, I will be there as often as possible! read more

It's a good bang for your buck! The workout area is much cleaner and less grungy than Fitness SF's in Marin so I decided to switch my gym to the YMCA. I think your experience with any gym depends on what times of day and days you go. I go to the Y weekday evenings usually 8-9 pm or on weekends 12-1pm, both of which aren't crowded times. So I'm happy! I wish the Y was open slightly later on the weekends for my occasional desire to workout then but I understand they are trying to serve their clientele. The Y also doesn't have many yoga classes that fit into my schedule. I've taken Kathy's class on Saturday and really liked her help doing my first yoga headstand! But I wish the Y offered a more diverse range of yoga instructors and class times on Sundays and weekday evenings. Last, I took advantage of my YMCA membership and visited the Denver location. It's really cool that the Y is so widespread across the country. Although the workout area is small like Marin's it was clean and not crowded. read more

I want to preface by saying this review applies only to the pool, that I am a fan of the YMCA organization, and a former longtime member of the Presidio YMCA in San Francisco. With that said, this pool sucks. Too much deference is given to the water aerobics groups. The lap swim windows are too infrequent and offer too few lanes. This situation might otherwise be tolerable but this YMCA has some cockamamie insurance policy that disallows splitting a lane. In other words, you have to circle swim with others, which makes it impossible to get in a rhythm. This ensures a poor lap swim experience for all. Too bad. The staff is awesome, and from what i can tell, the gym has a lot of great things to offer. I just wish the pool was run a bit more like the other YMCA pools I am used to. read more

I've been a member for the past twenty years, great operation. The Y does allot of good work helping youth and seniors. It has gotten allot crowed but they do maintain it with great help and staff. Hopefully they keep the Crab Fest. for next year it brings the members together. read more

I just joined the Y couple of weeks ago, completely out of shape and frustrated with myself. I joined this wonderful class called 90 days to Health $ Fitness, They go over everything from weights to core classes and have you do all the classes that they offer and this way you have an idea when you go to a class. Monday's we go over our goals that we have made and I have met some really nice people. They also offer one on one couching with someone to show you correct form and how to do weight training and I met with Hulio today and Wow he's awesome! He shows you step by step how to lift weights almost like a personal trainer would, he's great! read more

I'm really happy that I joined. Friendly staff and always seems to be clean. I did not want a pretentious fancy gym and this fits the bill. So many different kinds/ages of people work out here and has everything I need. I work out in the day so cannot speak to the crowds that some reviewers have mentioned. Only complaint from my family is that the pool is too warm for non-therapeutic swimming. read more

This gym is pretty awesome. Cole, Steve, Michael, and Lamar are all very helpful, as well as Adult Diego in the weight room. The gym is never crowded, allowing me to access machines whenever I need them. However, while the machines are clean and readily available, I come here for their racquetball courts. The racquetball courts are spacious and a great environment for me to release cumulative stress. I frequent this gym every day to use them. Racquetball is not only a great way to release endorphins, but it is also a great medium for obtaining social skills and exercising endurance. At the Marin YMCA, the clients are so welcoming, as they constantly ask me to join their games (I always win), and often, a group of women (presumably those who participate in the Zumba fitness class) ask me for my phone number after Racquetball competitions and tournaments. I assume they are merely contacting me to set up a tournament, but their intentions may be something completely different. All in all, the staff and the clients make this gym spectacular, and I must say, the locker rooms and showers here are not only accommodating and clean, but they present a great social environment for me to meet new people in my community. read more

If you are Swimmier DO NOT JOIN. The pool is about 84 degrees and indoors. Their pool is a therapy pool. It feels kinda like swimming in a chlorine jungle. You are not allowed to split lanes if there is only one person other person (ive never heard of that before). If you are a die hard swimmer, I would recommend going else where. On a positive note the staff was really friendly and seem to understand the issues about the pool. Robin the front desk gal was especially nice. I did not see the rest of the facility so I cannot comment, but the reviews liked it. read more

I'm not a big gym person because meatheads scare me. You know the type, big muscles, tribal tats, too tan, checking themselves out in the mirror. I joined the YMCA because there are none of these types floating about. I'm not scared to groan and sweat it out in faded strech pants with no makeup. I'm not worried about divas, I'm just there to get my sweat on. They have great group classes, ample machines, a pool, a huge gym, racketball and, for me, soon, more importantly, DAY CARE!!! I love that the YMCA isn't just a gym but a community meeting place and a place for teens to engage in healthy activity. I love that members of the older generation come in, work out, go on trips and enjoy each others company. The price is a little more than what I would pay at another gym but I didn't have to pay an initiation fee, I feel welcome when I walk in the door and the other members don't give me the heebie-jeebies. Definitely 5 stars for the Y-M-C-A!!!! read more

The Y is a great place for everyone, families, kids and adults. It is an all in one facility, with a large gym, weight room, fitness studio, swimming pool, and roomy lockers. Also, the staff is friendly and responsive. Finally, your membership helps support programs for kids and families, such as swimming lessons and youth basketball, who might not be able to afford to participate. read more

Making the gym accessible for everyone is great however this location is always jam packed and often equipment Id like the use is not available. The staff is super friendly though. read more

This is a good family oriented facility with friendly staff and good customer service. I don't use any of the equipment here; I come just for the group exercise classes. What is good about this facilty is that they have 6 Zumba land classes each week and 1 Zumba water class. All of the Zumba teachers here are great with their own style. Each of them are cheery and supportive. You can attend Zumba classes each week with different instructors and learn something new in each class. read more

This is my go-to gym when I sign up for a gym. Well, actually the Novato Y is my go to but it's smaller so there are less classes, which I don't like (but it's cleaner and I like that it's smaller). And you have to pay more to go to both and I'm on financial aid, and they won't even give me a membership to both gyms which is sad. Anyway, it's the only gym in Marin that gives you financial aid which is awesome. The gym itself is fine. Lots of classes and lots of variations of classes. They even have small group classes you pay extra for, kind of crossfit-esque. The front desk people sometimes are nice, and sometimes they don't care that they are at work. It's not nearly as crowded as I remember it being years ago, which I am completely happy with. Not the cleanest place, but I guess what gym really is? The big thing that sucks about the gym is their theft problem. Don't leave anything in your car and make sure to lock your locker.. Other than that, it's a nice place to work out, with nice people, members and workers. And the classes are fun. Overall, better gym than others around, but if you don't have a job or work weird hours, check out the Novato Y because they have a nicer facility and more classes in the middle of the day for the all of the rich moms who live down the street. read more

Great Gym. Staff working really hard to provide a clean and CV19 safe facility. Much Appreciated

This YMCA has been my gym for a good 17-20 years now. My parents use to bring me when i was a kid and I still am a member pf the Y. It seems like they upgrade the equipment every 4 or 5 years. It's always clean and the members who work out are also the ones to contribute to the Y being so clean. The basketball court is perfect, full size with 8 hoops to play on. Locker rooms and showers might need a little renovating but still clean which is key! Reason I give 4 stars is because of customer service. For the most part the employees are extremely friendly and helpful, but at times where a favor is much appreciated, they wont work with you...for example: bringing a guest or re-registering and asking for the initiation fee to be reduced cuz i've been a member for so many years. Besides that, location is great, right off the 101, hours could be a little longer at night but overall a wonderful place to get you pr the family fit! read more

Pros: Lots of floorspace, affordable plans, nice staff, pleasant facility. Cons: Lines for equipment, busy hours nightmarish, pool is underwhelming and somewhat frustrating to swim in (kept getting moved around due to classes taking over parts of the pool, as well pool is too warm / shallow so not very refreshing). Plan gets pricey, more confusing if you want to use other Marin sites. read more

The Y has gone downhill lately. With the new renovations and Hamilton Y closing, it's over crowded and classes are difficult to sign up for now. The new spin room is the size of a closet with way too ma y bikes for such a small room. It's a very tight squeeze so be prepared to hit elbows and smell the body odor and breath/germs of others.. Members who enjoy the spin classes were promised MORE classes and LESS bikes in the new room and over a month has passed and they just haven't done it. Emails go unanswered, notes in the comment box unanswered as well.. very overcrowded gym and not for spin lovers! read more

One of the best gym facility that I ever used. However I wish you pay more attention refills and replace paper towels and hand sanitizers ( the treadmill area is out for over a week). Thanks read more

I love coming here! I'm probably a 5 day a weeker, Its my "me time" . I have 2 little boys who love going to child watch here, the staff taking care of the kids are all wonderful and have helped me get my "clingy" 2 year old to be more independent, and free me up so that I can get a break and go work out! I always see the same people there too, it's like a big family. The parking lot is a little tight but I usually park in the neighboring lot where there are a ton of nice big spots. Love this Y. read more

I just signed a family membership this past weekend. A great value for the entire family. Ctr has cardio, weights, swimming, basketball and raquetball courts. I was a member of the Chinatown and Stonestown YMCA's when I was in highschool. All YMCA's provide a family-community atmosphere and a great value price. read more

The Y is the bomb. Don't listen to other people complaining here. Come checkout for yourself and then you decide if it's the right place. Shout out to Brian and the team. Brian is hands down the best human being in Marin County and he is quick at responding and helping with everything. Thanks to the Y management for hiring great staff. God bless ya'll. read more

This is an excellent facility that you wouldn't know is even there unless you go looking for it. Great pool, good equipment and clean change rooms. Just FYI - Stretching area is too small and the clientelle is very retiree-centric. Everyone is lovely but if you're looking for a facility with a "push hard" vibe, this isn't it. read more

I used to be a fan of this place until they decided to not put the boxing bags up in the back. They claimed it was causing the wooden beams in the outdoor area to break but really it was just weathered wood. They rebuilt the beams but plan not to use them for hanging heavy bags. If they plan to use it for Trx straps it will he holding more weight than a heavy bag. It's too bad management can't figure it out. Will he taking my business to jcc. read more

I am sorry but I can not write a good review for this. Maybe my european standaards are different. Maybe it is just nice for the community but for me.. No.. That is not what I expected for that price. First of all the reception guy told me it is only busy after working hours.. So not true.. It is always busy. Second.. This place needs a renovation.. A big one please. Third.. Where is the good staff? I had a question about the use of a machine and it took me some minutes to find someone.. And the other day I asked in which area a lesson was and the staffmember could not answer my question and had to ask at reception. I see so many people doing their excercises not right!!! That could give troubles for a persons body And my o my... I took a zumba lesson.... That , I am sure very nice , woman made some mistakes, could not give me motivation at all because her body expression is not enthousiastic and when 70% of the (normal, not the elderly) Public is jumping higher and harder I am sorry but than you are not a good teacher.. And should I mention the aquarobic teacher... No never mind.. You will not believe it. Fourth.. The stretch room is just a emergy hall/exit.. Please... 2 stars for the Free towel use and THE great very great yoga lessons!!! And a free use of swimmingpool Please come here when you do want to work out with all kinds of people.. Including kids... Please come here when you do not want to have an sports outfit but just want to come in jeans. Please come here if you do not need any professional assistence. read more

If you're single , the Y is a very bad bargain. A family of four can get a full membership for $124 per month, and a single parent with unlimited children can get a full membership for $85 per month, but a single adult pays $74 per month. A senior couple pays $105 per year, but if one of them survives the death of the other, that senior single now must pay $68 per year. Not particularly fair, is it? I joined the Y in 2007, after I was injured in a serious accident. I specifically joined to get in-pool one-on-one therapy (my land-based therapy was a joke; I was paying someone to watch me do the exercises I do at home). First of all, if I even wanted to use the hot tub, as well as the pool, I had to pay for a full membership and $213 for 16 therapy sessions. Then in 2008, the Y increased cost for the therapy sessions form $213 for 16 sessions to $210 for only 8 sessions - a whopping 97%! When I complained, I was condescendingly told if I couldn't afford the increase, I should ask for financial aid. Because I couldn't afford that kind of increase, I had to decrease my therapy sessions from twice to once a week. When I joined the Y, there was an early morning, before work in-pool aerobics class. But that was discontinued a few months ago. So if you are working, but want an aerobics class before work, you're out of luck. Needless to say, once I stop therapy, I'll stop going to the Y as well. read more

The rudest staff in Marin county!!!!! If you don't want to get berated every time you walk in with your iPhone as a radio DO NOT GO HERE!!!!! Apparently you can't use a phone in the gym, fine, you don't need to yell at every person who walks in with their phone on and headphones in their ears Make me show you I am actually using the radio before you let me go inside, seriously?!? read more

Love this gym! The staff are really nice and the instructors are not in your face about what they do etc... I love how you can use the daycare and not pay a per day fee to use it. It's great they refinished the pool and close down to do a big yearly clean up every year. The only thing that can be annoying, but it's not generally an issue is some people go to the gym to just socialize. Although, I think a lot of the people just there to talk are struggling financially or something else. read more

Yelp just emailed me. If I don't post a review soon, I lose my coveted "Elite" Status - so I had better get at it right now. What better time to do it than right before I was going to go to the gym? It's procrastinating at its finest! Everyone has something different they need out of a gym. I hear other people complaining about the gyms they go to; I have heard people complain about certain things at this gym also. I hear people complaining all day long everywhere - it never seems to end. This particular YMCA has been consistently great to me for the last 8 years I have been going to it. It has a nice layout, is very clean, has a lot of classes, swimming, childcare, great location, etc. Best of all they truly have a great staff of people that have been there for many years. They are always trying to improve too. Recently they made many repairs including improving the men's sauna room & all new user-friendly free weights in the weight room. I think my only minus point would be that they close early on random days - I'm not talking about days like Labor Day (not a big deal), but December 26 was a dislike for me. Most people have eaten like pigs for days and need a good workout the day after Christmas! You have to check that, though, as they seem to respond to input & try to change things like that to make their guests happy. Final bonus: they give you a towel for your workout! Less and less gyms offer that service & it's really appreciated by me! read more

The YMCA is humble, but very functional. They are less expensive, yet more inclusive in their programs than other fitness clubs in Marin (e.g. you don't pay extra for spin, yoga, swim programs...unless you take lessons for super specialized classes). It is definitely the blue collar club, but I like that because I'm blue collar. The pool can't hold a stick to the JCC's pool, but I feel like I get waaaay more for my money at the Y vs the JCC (I've belonged to both clubs) - plus I really appreciate that the Y's masters swim program is included in the regular price. It is a rad place for rad people. read more

This review is for the TODDLER swim "class" program. Please do not sign your child up for this class! My daughter is 2 years old and in the "perch" class. The water is FREEZING and within 5 minutes all of the kids have chattering teeth. One little boy had a wet suit on and was still freezing cold. My daughter had a runny nose the next day. There is no "class"...you sing a single song at the beginning and then the teacher says "okay, today we are going to work on reaching". Well how should we work on that? Do you have tips as a trained swim teacher on how to teach a 2 year old how to reach? She didn't...just tell them to reach. Then 30 minutes of swimming around a 10x10 area with 12 other people. Although the pricing seems very reasonable ($55 for a session and no they do not pro-rate if you miss the start of the session). You are basically paying just for access to the pool. And because you have to pay a registration fee, you are already paying $110 for a single month, and then trust me, you will not want to return. Go to the JCC where they actually have a class, this is a waste and the facilities are exactly what you would expect from a YMCA. read more

I really love my membership at the Y. It offers a great selection of classes and assistance at every level. The pool is therapy and the teachers try hard. Unfortunately my car was broken into in the parking lot and purse stolen. I hear that health clubs are a target. Who are those dishonest people who stole the large exercise balls, the hair dryers out of the ladies locker room.? Obviously some of them are Y members too. read more

This place has so much to offer families. I wish it was here in Novato just because I wish the pool was closer but I cannot complain bwcause it is still pretty close. The people at the front desk are always so very helpful and willing to answer questions. The facility is always working to stay clean and updated. I know that people can be yucky and not always care about their surroundings so this can be challenging for the facility I am sure. There are so many classes included in the monthly price! And so many wonderful people who are apart of the classes who try to make you feel welcome. read more

Sure didn't do it for us. A gym experience is obviously subjective. We go in the evenings and focus on cardio machines & weights. For that, the YMCA in Marin is bleak and not worth the money. All the ellipticals, treadmills, resistance machinery and weights are jammed into one large but very crowded space. Huge rooms lie empty and dark, while 30+ people try to work out in one cluttered area. Sure, it's possible to do what you came for, but it's not pleasant or attractive in any way. You won't look forward to going. The locker and shower areas are old and rather weird. Showers are communal in a small space. (The sauna is a nice touch, though.) Again, serves the purpose but you'll be glad to leave. The parking area is treacherous! Severely overgrown trees block almost all the light from the light poles, and the paving is buckled and uneven. So you stumble around in the dark. I'm no particular fan of 24-hour Fitness, but my YMCA experience sure inclines me to look at that company in a new light. It's a shame, because the Y could be better, should be better. read more

I love this gym! I just joined and have been going for the last 2 weeks. The staff is friendly and the facility is nice and clean. Every time I have been there, there are planty of cardio machines and weight machines to use with no wait. They have a ton of exercise classes and racketball courts which I have tried both. The best part is that they have childcare which I take my 1 and 3 year old to and they love it. I don't feel like this place has the intimidating weight lifters and gross men hitting on women. Very comfortable atmosphere. read more

The people are nice here. I guess just make sure you give them 30 days written notice that you are cancelling your membership or they charge you for an entire month that you wont even be there. Definitely a rip off. I would really like to know why they need 30 days notice, because it literally doesn't affect them either way. They just hope that you'll forget so they can take that extra money. Nothing against the people that work there. Just YMCA can(insert vulgarisms here). You know, use your imagination read more

Best for family and very nice staff! Clean and complete with all gym equipment,the instructors are always accommodating.

I was not a gym person. I used to like to work out by myself. But seriously since I joined this gym with my friends I spend like 4 hours per day. I take a cardio dance, then 1 hour and a half in the gym, then sauna, then swimming pool and after that hot tub. I don't regret about the decision I made. It was great. And also the instructors and the service are always nice with you, especially in the front desk. read more

Took a Mom & Tot swim class here when my daughter was a toddler. We really loved it! It was a really convenient entry from the locker room to the pool, which was nice since I was still self conscious of my post-giving birth body and didn't want to feel too exposed. This was my first experience with swim lessons for my daughter and I was very impressed with the quality of instruction we received. I am not a strong swimmer and gained confidence in handling my daughter in the pool. read more

This is the unfriendliest gym I've visited, and I've worked out in SoCal where people visibly sneer at you if you're not a movie or TV star. I notice one of the positive reviews came from someone who came here with their parents as a child, and that makes sense, as this is an insular crowd. Regardless, the really important part for me is exercising, and there are a number of low-energy classes, unfortunately. I only belong because I'm desperate - it's the only gym near my job. read more

I belonged to the Hamilton Y and miss it! The Marin Y is very crowded, the cardio machines are so close together that the sweat from the guy next to was hitting my treadmill. I had to wait over 10 minutes to use two different weight machines. Finally, tried to make an appointment to get a person to familiarize me with the machines as they are different from the ones I am used to, and will need to wait 10 days for an appointment. The facility is too small for the number of members. read more