I wanted to love the new Morgan Family YMCA, I really did!! The building is brand new, clean, modern, and the workout equipment is genuinely impressive. On the surface it feels like an upgrade. But the second you get into the locker room, sauna, and steam room situation, it becomes obvious that whoever designed this either doesn't use it, or didn't care how people actually move through the space day to day. The old Morgan YMCA worked. It was organized, adult-friendly, and felt like a place you could actually relax. This new one is the complete opposite. First off, the locker room setup is a mess now. A lot of older YMCAs had adult locker rooms and separate areas for kids, which kept things smoother, quieter, and more respectful. Now it's all combined, and it feels chaotic. Kids running around everywhere, loud, cramped, and you genuinely have to watch your stuff more than you should at a gym. The lockers are also way too tight together. It's uncomfortable trying to change, uncomfortable trying to grab your stuff, and the locker doors don't even open all the way because they're packed so close. It looks sleek on paper, but it clearly wasn't tested in real life at busy hours. The floor situation is another problem. The drains aren't good enough, and the floor is constantly dirty. People track in dirt and moisture from outside, especially from the new grass, and there's no real buffer zone, no solid drying area, nothing to keep the locker room from turning into a dirty mess. You're basically stepping around grime nonstop. Now the biggest disappointment, the sauna. Yes, it's bigger, but it's a worse sauna. It's not nearly as hot as the old Morgan YMCA sauna was, and everybody notices it. The old one hit you immediately. This new one takes about twice as long to even feel close to what the old one did, and that defeats the whole purpose. And I'm convinced the main reason is the design choice that makes no sense, the doors are fully glass and there's a huge window, so heat leaks out nonstop. It looks "modern," sure, but it performs worse. It's a sauna, not a display case. The steam room is the only part that still feels like it has power because it's extremely hot. But even then, it's almost too hot in a bad way. The steam jet placement is ridiculous. If you sit lower, it blasts so close to the ground that it literally feels like it's boiling your legs. I love steam rooms, but this wasn't relaxing, it was borderline painful, and it honestly made me wonder if it's even safe. And then there's the co-ed sauna situation now. It's just not the same experience. It used to be quieter and more peaceful. Now it's louder, more talking, and way less relaxing. If you used the sauna as a mental reset, this is a straight downgrade. On top of that, the layout getting to the locker room area is insane. There's a gigantic rock wall shoved right into the hallway, creating a constant traffic jam. Kids line up and block the entire walkway, so you're squeezing through like you're in high school and the bell just rang. They could've moved it into the corner and fixed the problem, but instead it's planted right in everyone's way. The crazy part is this is disappointing because the building is clearly nice. They spent money, they just spent it on the wrong things. This new Morgan Family YMCA could've been perfect, but the locker room setup, cramped lockers, dirty floors, bad drainage, hallway bottleneck, and weaker sauna makes it feel like a complete downgrade. One star. Huge disappointment!! read more

Parking: there's a lot of parking though you might not get a close spot, and occasionally you have a hard time finding a spot just due to schedules. Classes: I haven't had any issues signing up for classes if you register when the class opens, or dropping in for classes. It's been hit or miss based entirely on instructor (in my opinion), so if you find someone you like, try to keep going to that class. Y staff is friendly and helpful, their membership system is pretty slow so just a warning: don't go with member questions if you can help it - it can take forever. Childcare: my daughter likes the child watch, it's got great hours Monday - Thursday (mornings and evenings), then limited hours Fri/sat (mornings). In general the Y is clean and there is space for everyone, though depending on when you go you might need to modify the exact thing you're doing if people are already using your machine or weights etc. I don't usually have an issue and feel like this location is better than other similar gyms in my experience. I'm looking forward to the improvements when they're complete. read more

Really bummed out about thus entire place. I feel like the whole community is gone. It would be better if they just market this as a "kid gym" since that's all there is here. I have always been a huge fan of the YMCA, especially the Morgan Branch. I'll most likely end up going to Lakewood, or just quitting all together and going elsewhere. It's concerning to me that this cooperation took a lot of money and did absolutely EVERYTHING nobody wanted. Read the other reviews... they say it all. Not to mention the safety as far as wet floors, heat in the aquatics center, and lack of access for older or disabled people. The whole thing is sad. Bad move YMCA. And I didn't even know the rates went up until reading someone else's review... which is an absolute joke. This new gym feels like the IKEA of gyms. read more

It's a glorified daycare/assisted living facility now. Children run wild with no supervision and staff that acts inconvenienced even scanning you in. Whomever designed the new facility seriously needs to give the money back, it's the worst thought-out floor plan I've ever encountered. read more

So bummed with the new remodel! Very disappointing ... the bathroom stalls would not be up to safety code if someone were to have a medical issue, there would be no way to get in to help. For me personally, I loved my time after a workout in the privacy of the old women's stream room and sauna. Whoever thought coed steam/sauna rooms near the noisiest part of building was a great idea, failed miserably! Today was my first visit since the remodel, and my husband and I will be cancelling our membership. I chatted with another member after leaving the steam room, and she too was very disappointed with the changes. I have zero interest in sitting next to a man, in his underwear, in a steam room who is staring at me every time I closed my eyes to try to tune out the shouting of water aerobic instruction, and kids screaming. I love what the YMCA stands for and what they do for this community. But, I have a feeling I am not alone in my disappointment over a massive fail by the decision makers that led the charge on this project! read more

I pay almost $200 a month. You spend over a million dollars for a new building and yet there are three baskets in the gym with NO HOOPS!! Can you please spend a couple hundred dollars and get some hoops so all kids can play basketball?? read more

The existing building fronting Pearl is a much better facility - I am aware that the original structure has deficiencies but I wish the Y management had put the funds into repairing the existing structure. Specific items: 1. poor locker room design: "U" shaped locker areas are over crowded; inadequate setting because there isn't room for any additional setting. 2. Generally a reduction in weight room equipment quality and type of equipment. Currently there is no multi-station cable equipment in the new building; there is no access to this type of now that the original building main floor is closed off. I have been a Morgan Family / Pearl Street YMCA member continuously since 1998 with several hundred visits each year since then. I will wait for the second building and what becomes of the original building but I am not sure that I will continue my membership due to the design of the new facility. read more

Great facility but wow, its really expensive. like $72 a month. I can buy equipment for less. Shame on the YMCA, those prices are not obtainable to most working class folks. (And my income even with dependents does not qualify me for a slide scale membership) read more

I go here LOTS with my family to work out, play sports, and just chill. Really fun, and a good place to go, especially if you don't have anything else to do. The pool is great, and has a lazy river. I do, and will continue going to the pearl street YMCA. 10/10, do recommend. read more

The new aquatics center is a beautiful facility with a splash pad and lazy river that will appeal to families with young children. Parking is a pain, especially for the handicapped, but hopefully that will improve once all the construction is complete. The locker rooms are pathetically small and difficult to use. You will bump elbows with others when opening a locker or sitting on a bench to get dressed. I miss the roominess and large private dressing areas of the old locker room. The family locker room has a few private suites for showering and dressing, but they're usually occupied. It's obvious that the amenities in the pool area have taken space from locker rooms and swimming lanes. Membership at the YMCA is pricey compared to other facilities. Time will tell whether people think it's worth the cost to belong. read more

Their online schedules are NEVER accurate. They know it's a problem but they never fix it. So, you may arrange your day around going swimming only to get there and find out that in fact there are not 6 lanes available, there is one. Waah waah...you got tricked again! Also, they will take away a swim lane if someone shows up for a lesson, regardless of the schedule. And if you have a problem with a swimmer not following rules, such as walking in the swim lane, good luck to you because the lifeguards will not intervene to enforce the rules. I suppose if you start diving or hanging on the dividers, they might get some fire under their butts to say something but otherwise you are on your own. FUN TIMES AT PEARL STREET YMCA. read more

my daughter (first responder) and I (66 year old fixed income Senior) went to see about joining the updated Pearl Street YMCA.... $156 per month.. unbelievable and unaffordable and completely out of touch with the population. read more

3 my daughters n 3 grandkids went first time on Mon 12 noon ,the instructor was nice but not lady in the class ,glared at daughter threw out the 2 hr class ,2 lady got mad at teen n daughter told no where saving that Conner spot there very rude lady n another yelled at grandson said she 4 ft n needs spot open for her ,n lady teaching swim class ,with dark blk short hair rude to my daughter 2 weeks ago she talk arobics instrctor she she she manger of water area do dsughter talk desk ,said no she only a swim instructor? Lastnite no parking had park on side n come side door n 1 daughter walk to card us in we waited at side door swim area n the same lady blk short hair ,told us 5 times that need card on we told my there doing now she rude ,n don't want her targeting us again.called 5 times today no answering phone ??? read more

I don't really have anything to compare this to, but I feel like this YMCA is just so-so. It's clean inside, but the family showers and bathrooms are not nearly as nice as the adult ones upstairs. The outdoor area could use some work. My daughter recently started soccer and the nets are ripping and you can see a lot of other garbage behind the building. The exercise machines themselves are very nice, however. There are places to plug in headphones and charge your phone, as well as Bluetooth. There are also TVs in the rooms while you work out. The pool is decent, but It would be nice to have a larger family pool that isn't a lap pool for kids who can independently swim. We have done a lot of classes here and for the most part, the staff are extremely nice, although they could definitely expand on their kids class options. It would also be great to have something for kids to do while parents are working out. My daughter is 9, so she's sort of in the in between age. She'd actually love to do the treadmill with me, but she is too young. Like I said, I don't have a lot to compare it to, because I haven't been to other family YMCA's, but the membership rate here is not cheap, so I'd think they could do some renovations. Oh, and the hours!? Why in the heck are they closed at 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and all day on Sundays!? read more

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Katrina the person you guys have checking people in is rude as hell. There was no hi or hello when we walked it. It was "who are you." My daughter is currently enrolled in the Y and for the last 2 months we have been coming in and watching my daughter swim. This girl at the front has no sense or customer service at all. Learn how to talk to people when your working for a company. Experience has been great until you had Katrina working at the front. read more

We are members of the Y and my son is part of the swim team. I will not attend any meets here, as the facility cannot acomodate for the influx of people in the pool area. Many parents were left standing in the hallways not able to even view the meet. A YMCA employee kept telling people not to stand in front of the fire extinguisher, but there was no where else to stand, she would not offer any solution, just tell people to move.. but move to where? I will say there COULD be room on the right side of the pool if they decided to designate the areas properly, but parents were only allowed to stand on the south side of the pool deck. It was ridiculous. I have attended swim meets at other YMCA's in the area, and space is always tight, but at least the staff is accommodating and understanding. There was no understanding or accommodation on the day we there, and it really is too bad that I'm just so put off i don't want to sign my kid up for meets there. I would say that if Morgan Family Y wants to host these events they should adequately prepare for these events and accommodate for parents coming, as logic would tell you, parents are not going to just "drop off" their kids and leave. read more

I recently had bypass surgery and, yes, I was not in the best of shape previous to surgery. After surgery, I started this rehab routine and felt compelled to continue it when it came to an ending. It was immensely helpful in recovery and forced me to find ways to continue it. Seems logical enough. Of all the facilities I reviewed, without question, this YMCA surpassed them all. You have a full range of everything. The pool(s) were especially compelling because of their use of chlorine; it was tolerable! There was no comparison in terms of exercise equipment. Basketball, racquetball, classes. It is clean. It smells clean. I am grateful for clean. It is a nice place with a wide range of possibilities, though I will never do rock climbing. Not happening! If it has an issue, it is cost...but, in terms of comparison and opportunity, everything is relative. It is not easy maintaining a facility like this! I am on Medicare, but only select plans cover places like the YMCA and their competitors. Original Medicare does not cover membership fees, but my Medigap plan did. So for me, this YMCA is a revelation. I go five days a week and sometimes I do not do everything I set to do. Someone is using a piece of equipment. I do something else. Outside of that, I do whatever I do until I am hurting, then leave. Now, if only I could lose weight. read more

Try the workout feature in the YMCA app. It's nicely done. Great take along with you wherever you may be. read more

Pearl Street Family YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

The pool schedule is posted online, however it is rarely accurate. We love 5mins away and I've shown up with my 2 & 3yr olds multiple times only to be denied access to the pool due to their consistent scheduling errors. I have had to go to other locations 20+mins away because of this locations lack of professionalism and inability to update online schedule. This location rarely answers the phone as well so it's really difficult to coordinate anything unless you show up in person. Here's some advice YMCA, 1. don't post your schedule online if it's not correct 2. fire the people that are maintaining this schedule, they're absolutely terrible and do not possess the skills to perform their simple tasks & 3. Pick up your phones when they ring. It's 2023, get it together and take some pride in what you're doing so you're not disappointing paying members. read more

Solid gym when it's open. Hours are terrible, especially on the weekends when most people have time to go work out. Equipment is better than most gyms in the area but again, good luck finding time to go with such limited hours. read more

I have been working out here for almost 5 months now. The staff around the building always seem to be happy and willing to answer my questions if I happen to have any. The workers at the front desk for the most part make me feel welcomed when I come in for my morning workouts too! When it comes to the women's locker room there are times I feel slightly judged from some of the ladies in there especially when I want to use the sauna/steam room. But I tend to keep to myself when I am at the gym anyway, so I don't tend to interact with others unless they interact with me first. A lot of reviews talk about parking. Close up parking is not the greatest because it has a single strip of "close" parking and then the rest is on the sides of the building. I personally never have a problem with parking, but I also don't mind if I have to park in the lot areas on the side of the building. It really depends what you consider "good" and "bad" parking. read more

This has more of a standard gym layout than other Ys I've been to - it feels like your standard urban gym, honestly. Yoga room, spinning room, group exercise room, rock climbing wall, basketball courts, racket ball courts, indoor track, lap pool, aerobics pool, hot tub, sauna, weight machine room, free weights room, cardio equipment room, gymnastics area (with second indoor track above it.) If you have kids, they offer childwatch services for $3/hour until 2pm (you must stay on the premises, it's not a daycare) or you can use the "wellness area" up front where you watch your own kid from the small number of cardio machines available (better than nothing.) The memberships for your kids pay for a lot - swim lessons, gymnastics, and group classes. Honestly, making it to the Y three days a week makes the cost about the same as any indoor drop-in play area in the Puget Sound. The pool always smells a little over-chlorinated and swimmers all get out with very red eyes. Bring goggles if you are sensitive, cap that bleached-blonde hair, and get a swimsuit you don't mind fading a little over time if you're a regular swimmer. If you have Regence Blue Shield health insurance, they offer a discount called Silver Sneakers. If you, like me, don't but have another health insurance, there's a good chance your health insurance will reimburse you a little for the membership. I live closer to the downtown Y but I come here because they have stuff for my kid - I think that shows in the crowd here, as well. read more

I have been coming to this YMCA for over 20 years and have really enjoyed the atmosphere and all the classes they have to offer. I took my kids here when they were little and still continue to this day. read more

a great place! it's not bad, some staff can be rude but its a really good place, the locker rooms might have small tiny moths but they don't appear much, the staff at the Y camps are very funny and helpful (except for some CITS) it's not the best signing up for anything because you might arrive late on the list, i recommend going to summer camp and winter camp, the best camp I ever went to! very great and nice building, very nice staff, good vending machine food, great service, and gym. read more

This is the best place in Tacoma. All the staff are friendly. The kids are happy. So many classes to choose from. They keep the facility clean and stocked up on everything. The pool is awesome- they always make sure to have people shower before they enter the pool. I have never got sick at that gym. read more

As at most of the YMCA you can expect a welcoming friendly staff but I especially like this one and feel it deserves special attention due to the fact that: 1.) The staff is very good with young ones like my little 3 year old and 6 month old. 2.) This one sports an active and open performing arts studio with a Gymnastics facility which is just phenomenal... The open toddler gym is open mid day 6 days a week for the little ones and my little 3 year old.just loves attending as often as we can go. read more

I've been coming here for close to two years with my son for his swim lessons. I also recently joined as a member because my previous gym just closed. When I joined I got a discounted rate since my son is also a member. My son loves his swim lessons. The best part is they are free with his membership. This facility is huge and they have a lot to offer. Although this facility is older, they keep it up nice. The bathrooms are clean, and I always see people cleaning around the workout rooms too. If you visit at a popular time parking sucks! The weight rooms are a bit small too. There really isn't any extra room if you go at a busy time. That being said, they do have plenty of equipment and machines so finding an alternative exercise isn't difficult. The staff is always friendly and helpful! I like it here. I'm happy with this gym and all of the extras they have to offer. read more

The facility is still the same: standard club layout, busy...but almost 9 months later I owe it to the rest of the staff to bump up my rating of this YMCA. Natasha, one of the aquatics directors, is fantastic! She's helped my 2 youngest children thrive in their advanced strokes and endurance. We've been pleased with swimming classes in general. Angel, Katrina, Tye and Yvette are all excellent zumba teachers...I love them!! Angel was a professional dancer with Alvin Ailey. His 9AM classes on Tuesday and Thursday are huge for a reason. His assistant teacher, Mimi, is fantastic. Per my prior review: Chelsea the trainer is still a poor staff person, if you see my review below, you'll understand my initial beef...but I've kept my eye on her all this time, and her customer service is poor. Avoid her. Update - 1 read more

I was a member for a year, and while the staff were generally pleasant, the cardio space is too small (unless you love it when the guy on the next machine sweats...and it lands on you), and all machines are taken during peak hours. The bathrooms are really terrible - old and not maintained. All of that is forgivable, but the membership pricing is ridiculous. Also, it smelled like a dirty diaper whenever I walked in. So, I quit the gym. read more

I have looked around at the other gums in Tacoma and decided to stay at Morgan Family YMCA. I thought looking into a cheaper gym would be better, but I found they can be pushy, almost like used car salesmen. The equipment here is up to date and the employees are friendly. Most of the cardio equipment have individual tvs so you can watch what you want. There is two separate weight areas to include free weights. There is an indoor pool with lap lanes. After seeing what else is out there compared to here, I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

We love our Y and use the facility almost daily. The only problem I have is when children are on machines and left unsupervised. On more than one occasion my workout (as well as others around me) has been completely interrupted or distracted by unattended children speeding up the treadmill mom or dad has plopped them onto (then left the cardio area all together) and tried to run or walk at that pace. This is not something that will keep me from coming to this Y, also I know this is not ultimately, the staffs responsibility to monitor every child in the facility. I would like and encourage a stricter parent awareness and accountability. The facility IS a family friendly one, that is great! But it shouldn't be over run with unsupervised children, on machines made for adults, with no parent in the vicinity. read more

I've been a member of the Morgan YMCA For a few years, it's a nice place to work out with excellent employees. This one guy in membership named Jacob went above and beyond today to help me with a financial issue I was having with my membership. I would recommend this place and this employee to anyone. Great place and great people. read more

While the only thing I do at this Y is take the Zumba class on Tuesday and Thursday morning, I don't go for more because there isn't much that interests me. It's a very old Y that needs a lot of TLC. While they do keep the machines in good working order, it's small and they are jammed into a room which probably isn't large enough and they don't have enough machines on the weekends. That said, Angel is probably the best instructor ever and his Zumba class makes it worth while. This Y seems to stress things like step and other high intensity workout classes, not much for us that just want exercise that is fun without stressing our aging joints. read more

Very nice place to work out, swim or take a steam. The culture at this location is family oriented. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and equipment is well cared for. I think the biggest difference between clubs for me is cleanliness and culture, not a bunch of muscle heads or weirdos here and one of the cleanest facilities I have been at. Their memberships are not the cheapest, but if you have a family membership; the programs are great deal. A nice facility that is well kept does not come cheap. read more

I love the Morgan Family YMCA!! It has everything we need and at a great family membership price. New and well-maintained cardio and weight rooms, great group exercise classes, childcare for a small fee (and sometimes free!), included classes for the kids and all sorts of events and activities to get involved in. I have my girls enrolled in gymnastics and swim classes that are all included with membership. I also have them both playing soccer through the Y for an additional fee that beats anything else in the area. The facility is really nice and clean and the staff is very friendly, pro-active and seem truly happy to be there. I have never had a bad interaction with anyone. A membership is a great investment and highly recommended. read more

Anything you need to clean gunk out of arteries or soul, they got. Our family always feels comfortable at this Y. Everyone we interacted with is both professional and kind. They make us kind of feel like family... I didn't think I'd EVER say this but: I enjoy working out (!). Crazy, hugh? This Norwegian tub of butter likes to sweat. And I have the Morgan Branch to thank. read more

Rock wall. New weights, pool, hot tub, steam room. It's got child care, free programming for kids. The best place to be from infant to elder. Great for just you or the family. The YMCA IS AMAZING!!! read more

Pearl Street Family YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

This is not a local organization you want to support. My family and I purchased a home near Morgan Family YMCA, and decided to get ourselves a membership. My son loves swimming and gymnastics, and their facility offers classes. I mountaineer, and am training for a 3 week adventure in Bali this November. One day while taking a break, the health and well- being coordinator, Chelsea Beck, approached me. She demanded that I zip up my jacket. She told me she once saw a man running shirtless on the treadmill. She said, "He was fat, hairy, and sweaty. Had he of been good looking I may not have said anything. But you know, no one wants to see that so I had to tell my boss." I explained that no, I do not know. I believe in body positivity. I zipped my jacket up, and made sure to never associate with her again. The other health and well-being coordinator, Angel Rodriguez, interrupted my head stand once. He was walking with other people past an empty room I was in, and stopped to watch me. I could hear them speaking about me when he interrupted me to tell me I needed to put a shirt on. I informed him that my partner and I were just doing acro-yoga. It can be danergous to be held up by a partner upside down when you have a shirt on. He immediately understood, and gave me a pass. After my son started swim classes the employees began harassing me in the pool area. A swim instructor approached me in the hot tub to tell me I wasn't allowed to wear my swim suit. She said it was inappropriate, and this was a family facility. I explained I have a family, and asked for the rule book that states such a thing. She came back and stated, "there's nothing in the rules about it. It is jut at our discretion." I called the senior aquatics director, Noah for an explanation. YMCA allows males to wear speedo's, but highly recommends one pieces for females. As much as this bothered me, it didn't give them jurisdiction to tell me not to wear a two-piece. Noah apologized and assured me he would have a meeting with the employees about it. Unfortunately, two months later Kendra Zartman (Aquatics Director) approached my son and I, and told me I wasn't allowed to wear my bathing suit. She said it was inappropriate, as this is a family facility. When I told her I already spoke to Noah about this issue, she said "And??" In a condescending voice, expecting me to conform. At that point my son, partner, and I had had enough. We sat down with the Executive Director, Associate Executive Director, and Noah to discuss the issue of harassment. They were SO understanding. They noted all of the awful encounters I had been subjected to, and assured me that this would be fixed. Not even a month later, I was approached again. The employee told me I wasn't allowed to wear my top, she said mid-driffs are not allowed to show. I looked up their rules, only to find nothing on mid-driffs. I was furious. My shirt was paired with spandex shorts & yoga pants. It showed just under 1" of skin, maybe more if you stalked me while I lifted weights. I sent a photo to the Regional Director, Phil, and Stephanie, the executive director. I told them that I was tired of being harassed, I was tired of having to defend myself when I trained. I was tired of being disrespected as a mother, and sexualized as a female body. I told them I couldn't understand why I was being targeted, I told them how much stress and anxiety it was causing me. Every time I walked through their facility I felt on edge, and worried about my next encounter with an employee. Some days I don't even go to the Y out of fear of being harassed for what I look like. I begged them to give me a resolution. They never responded to me. My son deserves to be a part of a community that is supportive of its memebers, we all deserve that. I'm deeply disappointed in Phil's & Stephanie's complete disregard for its members and their bodies. They enable and support a culture where the employees stare at your body, and form personal judgments on you. Then, they harass you. They do not care about you. read more

The only reason I'm giving this Y two stars is because the Youth Sports Director, Joey, is amazing! Besides that, they deserve a negative star rating. It is over crowded and the staff are rude and do not accommodate. After having been members for over a decade, we are canceling our membership. Unless you want to pay to not be able to use facilities and to be treated rudely, I would look elsewhere. It's going downhill fast. read more

I don't want to leave a terrible review, because I only spent about 10 minutes here until I left. I was greeted to be treated like I was inconveniencing everything because my membership was from another county. One of the features I PAY for is to be able to utilize any YMCA. Once they contacted my Y, after not one smile and some huffing and puffing they gave me the go ahead to take my baby to child watch. Got there to discover even thought he has his own membership, I need to pay them for childcare. He doesn't use the treadmill or the weights so what exactly am I paying for for him? Anyway I won't be returning to this location as the staff were not at all welcoming or helpful, rather quite the opposite. read more