With the full gym, pool, lockers, and cafe, it's no wonder why the Village People sang praises about this place! My sister and I went on a short trip and wanted to make sure we stayed in shape while away from home. We came in fully expecting to pay a few bucks for day passes but we were pleasantly surprised with a free pair of 12 day passes! The gym itself had three full squat racks. THREE! My sister and I had no problem finding a free rack. And of course it had all the other things typical to a gym-- free weights machines etc etc. But what did it for me was the full kettlebell set! I love kettlebells and was ecstatic to be able to do my kettlebell exercises at the YMCA as well. After our workout, we had yummy protein shakes as recovery drinks. Perfect end to a great gym session. I recommend this gym to anyone who's going to be visiting downtown Vancouver for any amount of time. read more

I used to work here and absolutely loved my time. It's so wonderful you have a full fledged gym, a family development centre and a daycare all in one building. The facility itself for the gym is great because there are a lot of machines you can use as well as good selection of classes to access as well depending on your needs and preference of working out. And for those parents that needed some socialising time could come by the family development centre to either be there with their kids for the programs or drop them off for child minding if they needed to use the gym. read more

Facility is too small for the number of people it is trying to serve. No enforcement of time limits along with people who take 10 minutes between sets using the machines as convenient places to rest while checking their phone messages means a lot of wasted time waiting for machines. Broken machines take a long time to repair as do out-of-service lockers in very tight locker rooms. Not recommended read more

As mentioned in my previous review of the YMCA, it's a great gym, but the people there are just HORRIBLE, hence the two stars. (If I didn't encounter such awful people, I'd give the gym at least four stars.) There's the relatively minor annoyance of people talking VERY LOUDLY on their phone or to their friend while on the exercise floor or machines; there are guys who throw basketballs at people in the gym (last week, my friend got hit in the head, very hard); there are people like in my last review who are complete assholes and have no business being out in public; and last night, some loser who was drinking a bright blue drink from a plastic cup (it looked like melted slurpee or Naked Grape Blue) and spilled it all over the ground in the atrium, right in front of the turnstiles to get into the gym. I saw him look at the floor, see the sticky mess he had made, shrug his shoulders, and just walked off. Ugh. (I reported the spill to staff so that they could clean it up, and prevent someone from slipping.) And a couple of weeks ago, I was harassed by some creep. I was on a treadmill, and four minutes into my workout, two obnoxious middle aged men went onto the empty treadmills beside me. While they weren't being creepy, they were talking excessively loud, practically yelling, as if they were in some nightclub. (While there is a lot of background noise at the YMCA from people using the machines and talking, it's a relatively quiet gym - which is something I like - as they don't blast music on the exercise floor, which is what other gyms seem to do.) Not wanting to put up with their yelling for the duration of my workout, I stopped the machine at the five minute mark and started gathering my stuff to leave. As I was gathering my things and getting off the machine, the guy right beside me started talking at me (and I also had earphones on), and asked me my name. FUCK OFF, ASSHOLE. DO NOT TALK TO ME FOR NO REASON. AND WHY THE HELL SHOULD I GIVE YOU MY NAME, WHEN YOU DON'T EVEN BOTHER TO OFFER ME YOURS? (Not that I wanted to know his name. But demanding someone give them their name without introducing yourself is fucking RUDE.) Now, for the guys who are clueless and don't understand why this was upsetting, it's not that I have a problem with people talking to me or asking me a question, regardless of gender or age. It's because in this situation, this guy had NO REASON to talk to me; he didn't say, "Excuse me..." to indicate a question, nor did he say something, such as an observation he wanted to share with me. He right out demanded to know what MY name, a personal piece of information, was, as if I owed him an answer. And he did so when he noticed that I was walking away. Awww, I guess creepy guy was disappointed that he wouldn't be working out beside a hot chick. (Which is entirely his own fault - if he hadn't been so fucking loud and obnoxious, I wouldn't have been leaving. But since he turned out to be a creep, it was a good thing I was leaving when I was, because I would have been extra pissed off if in the middle of my workout I had to leave due to harassment.) Guys - just because you see a woman that YOU'RE attracted to doesn't mean that you are entitled to speak to her. She is under no obligation to satisfy YOUR wants, and if you can clearly see that she doesn't want to talk to you, STFU. While it's OK to strike up a conversation with someone, it is fucking creepy and obnoxious to start talking at a woman, who is minding her own business, simply because she is a woman, and if you don't really have anything to say. Women know the difference between friendly chitchat and creeps hitting on them. I reported this creep to the YMCA staff, but of course the useless staff did nothing. I wish I could go to the gym, or go to the store, or go about minding my own fucking business, without some creep harassing me. [Yelp collections: Fitness] read more

Robert Lee YMCA - Warning. I am NOT happy about this. I do not want to be filmed, especially on camera. - Gyms Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This is directly across the street from me and i have been wanting to join for awhile. (Especially after missing over a month and a half of aqua size at the aquatic center) No join fee for January was the promotion so me and my bf went to join. The facility itself looked great from what we saw. The girl who signed us up wasn't exactly friendly and we were not even offered a tour. We also had to ask for all the paperwork regarding the schedules etc We just joined and then went home as it was getting late, and the unfriendly staff member didn't seem to welcoming so we will have to check out the actual facility then review again read more

It was a super friendly gym yet very crowded at 5:30 PM. I also went at 4 o'clock, which had a perfectly reasonable number of people. However, the people were super cooperative, offering to share the machines with me more than one time. You couldn't ask for a nicer people overall. The equipment was also excellent. read more

This place is better than most of the high end gyms I've been to! I thought I would check out the YMCA because of its super convenient location on Burrard. Honestly though, I wasn't expecting much. So far I'm impressed! The facility itself is modern and huge, with 4 different levels. They've got a pool, lots of different classes to choose from, and of course tons of cardio machines etc. Its usually pretty busy, but I've never had to wait to use any of the equipment. They also provide free lockers, which is awesome as you don't have to bring your own lock. Also, the staff are so great! Really friendly and helpful. The best part though? No contracts!! I can't even express how much I hate other gyms and their stupid yearly contracts and fees. At the YMCA you can actually join for just 1 month if you want. Wow what a concept. read more

Always amazing. Using the facility for many years since 2010 and great staff and classes. Amazing instructors.

I left because it was just way too crowded. Also tried a bunch of personal training sessions, but didn't like that I couldn't choose time and trainer - they lined that up based on trainer availability. Often couldn't follow the plan the trainer made for the session, because the machines or areas were in use. Small stretching area. read more

With tempuratures close to freezing, there was no way that this Southern California boy was going to be swimming outdoors. The Robert Lee YMCA was the perfect place to for me to swim while on vacation. The pool is a 25 yard pool located inside the YMCA. The pool is UV filtered. The water temperature was perfect for swimming laps fast. The pool was a good pool to swim at. It has an infinity edge where the edge is at the same level as the water. The waves you make will not splash back at you. Additionally, it is nicely tiled which makes the pool pretty quick for swimming laps. Nice pool for a nice workout. Lifeguards are on duty watching out to make sure you are safe. Great place to swim! It is better to swim indoor in Speedos than outdoors in freezing temperatures. read more

This is my new favorite-place-in-the-city. Second only to Lost Lagoon. Robert Lee YMCA opened in May 2010 and offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a gorgeous pool and hot tub, indoor and outdoor play area for kids, a rooftop patio, reflection room, healthy cafe, cooking room, community living room, a wide variety of fitness classes and so much more. Certainly there are cheaper gym memberships to be had in the city, especially if you are willing to put up with poor service for several years in order to see your rates cut by 50%. But life is short, and if you'd prefer to spend a bit more money for quality, friendliness and a true sense of community, ask for a tour. And be sure to stop by Licious Cafe on your way out for a yummy berry smoothie! read more

Robert Lee YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Nice clean gym with lots of equipment for all your needs. Also, a pool faculty with a hot tub and private showers in the change room. Get a parking pass and you can park in the YMCA under ground parking for $2.00 a hour. read more

Robert Lee YMCA - Pool - Gyms Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Great kids playground on 5th floor Friendly staff, a lot of toys, live music, clean and spacious, cheap membership including pool access read more

Just joined and really impressed with the cleanliness of the pool! And the swim wasn't that busy either (2pm on a Sunday). Love it!

Good gym with lots of equipment and classes, only problem is over crowded ( outside of covid19 obvs) nice facility in a good location, clean premises and knowledgable staff who are well trained. Victim of its success it would be better if less crowded but it still is a great gym and facility ! read more

Young man, there's no need to feel down I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground I said, young man, cause you're in a new town There's no need to be unhappy Young man, there's a place you can go I said, young man, when you're short on your dough You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find Many ways to have a good time It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A read more

Robert Lee YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I have been a member for 6 years at this location. I work in the U.S. 8 months of the year, and have happily found that all U.S. YMCA's accept my card, although they don't have to. The U.S. Y's are not affiliated with Canada.This Robert Lee location is absolutely awful. They are so overcrowded that I can't get to a station without asking someone to stop texting and let me join in. The Robert Lee YMCA has ignored my suggestions to post a sign saying, "as a courtesy to others, please refrain from using your cell phone while on this equipment." This sign is standard on every other YMCA I have ever been to. As a result, I will be cancelling my membership tomorrow. read more

The most bad experience, staff are racist to ur color, u must be white bad experience in child care @YMCA_Canada @ymca @vancouver downtown We have been waiting for 4 years for day care then the lady there she didn't like that we are not white nay be so she decided not to give us application form after she made the tour and everything she took it back and she kicked us out me and my elder daughter. read more

Awesome! I love the YMCA. It's really affordable for how much you get -- loads of classes, big gyms, swimming pools. I really like the classes but it can be difficult to get in them at some times. They might want to try out other options, like maybe sign up online for the class? The staff is really great and there's some really good instructors. I also like how fresh towels are everywhere, and the equipment is modern and usually all works. The cafe is nice to have but some really simple things they should also carry -- reusuable water bottles, hair elastics, etc. The only big problem with this location are the CHANGE ROOMS! They are terrible. They are so cramped and at busy times you have to like rush in there and elbow naked women out of the way to get a locker. And its also used for the swimming pool? So there's like wet people and swimsuits were you want to change from like work clothes to yoga clothes. They are wayyy too small for how many people this place services. I've found some work arounds, such as wearing exercise clothes there and using the lockers in the hall but it's still annoying. And there is some unused space in the building, like the random CIBC "reflexion space" or whatever. They should look at building more change rooms, please! Otherwise, I love it here. read more

The membership desk/reception staff should receive some CUSTOMER SERVIVE training especially when I pay a $$ monthly membership compared to CoV community centres. The DT YMCA front desk staff who answered the phones are rude and not helpful. The Southslope YMCA staff are much better but unfortunately I need to switch to go to the DT one. When I called to inquire about the facility explaining that I have not been there before, the front desk staff gave me the attitude that "I should know it and why bother me" type of client service. I left messages many times for a few days and I don't get a call back so this time I just keep pressing zero so I can get a live agent. I tried requesting to speak with a membership desk manager and the agent actually hung up the phone!! Really!!! It is such a shame that the customer service is so poor for a potentially a very nice facility. From what I read, there is a plus membership option. Is there a separate IVR option to get through to CSRs that do not have an attitude?? read more

The customer service staff here are more interested in gossiping to each other behind counters than greeting guests. Every morning I felt the bad vibe between staff members and it just made it look like they hated their jobs. You need to turn up 20-30 minutes before classes start to secure a spot and if you like to be packed in like sardines in a yoga class, this place is for you. Don't even bother coming in after work between 5-7pm. Looks great that they have racquetball and squash courts, again, good luck ever getting to use them. The plus change rooms are nice, though at peak times you'll need to wait for showers, hair dryers, mirror space, etc. They don't seem to care about being overcrowded, you see prospective members being taken on tours regularly. The cafe downstairs is hugely overpriced and if you want a fresh protein shake that doesn't taste like poo, you'll have to go elsewhere. An upside to this place is the month-to-month membership. When you've had enough of the crowds and bad customer service, you can say bye bye and write a review on Yelp. read more

I was very optimistic about the new shiny YMCA next door to my home, however my enthusiasm waned quickly. Beyond the crowds which made it difficult to work out during the weekday evenings. Frankly, that's not my biggest issue. I have a gym in my building, and frankly I joined the YMCA for their squash ladder setup. Again, I was super stoked about this which didn't last.... Due to the crowds, you were lucky if you could book a court a week out and even then, the times would be at 9pm and after. Furthermore, the squash ladder list of participants was removed and supposedly was replaced by online system. The Y never emailed several of us to let us know the new details. Seems like they need to sort out their service issues before they bring even more people into the gym... I dropped my membership 3 months into this experiment... Don't get my wrong, the concept of the Y is awesome. The execution left a lot to be desired. read more

It's not much of an exaggeration to say this is basically the only choice for a gym in downtown Vancouver. There's Steve Nash, but every time I checked one of those out it was depressing, with the low ceilings, out of date equipment and high pressure sales. The YMCA was built (or rebuilt) to be a gym. It's a beautiful building and has everything. The downside is that everyone goes there, including the certain percentage without basic gym etiquette. Re-rack the weights when you're done, and conversely, don't leave the weights on the bench press for 5 mins and expect them to be there when you get back. read more

Robert Lee YMCA is clean and has a ton to offer. The pool was large and brightly lit, and the workout areas had the right equipment, all well-maintained. One of my favorites is the clever card reader for gym lockers. Best of all, the staff was more than welcoming to me, the stranger from out of town. I look forward to going back! read more

The Y is back and it's fabulous. Its been about 4 weeks since the Y has re-opened its doors to their brand new facilities on Burrard st. YMCA They host a number of top of the line fitness classes, pool (its small but non of us are Phelps are we?), weight room, numerous treed mills, elliptical machines, steam room, hot tub and the list goes on. Memberships are quite reasonably priced, 43$/mth if you are a Young Adult (19-35), 53$/mth for the adults, and then there is the plus membership $81/mth where you get towels, private steam room and hot tub and a few other bonuses might not be worth the extra $$ If you sign up now there is sign up fee, $50 I think. For me this is a great place to work out and relax, they are not about getting huge, there are no free weights above 100lbs. The Y is all about a healthy life style for everyone if you are 80lbs or 400lbs everyone is welcome, it's all about life style improvement. I am currently doing 2-adays...swimming in the AM and running/weights in the PM. The TIGF Spin class is a great way to get your ass kicked into shape for the weekend Check it out http://www.vanymca.org/centres/robertlee/ read more

I have to agree with some of the other previous reviews about the front desk/reception staff being in need of real concrete CSR training. Both times I have tried to inquire about certain programs offered at the YMCA their response was "blank stare and I think you have the wrong building" or I don't know about any of these programs, or No we do not have such programs." When I show them on my smarthphone the google search with the YMCA Robert Lee address and the Program I am asking them about they on both occasions said sorry but we have none of those programs and walked away to deal with someone else! Instead of asking if someone else, maybe management might have idea or maybe call someone in the YMCA organization... No they just walked away and I left just shaking my head! read more

A while back I realized how ridiculous it was that I had a membership to both this YMCA and Steve Nash on Howe/Davie. I was doing personal training at Nash and came to the YMCA because it was closer to home and had a pool. Well, when my personal training was over, I decided it was time to focus on one location over the other, and I'm (mostly) glad that I chose the Y. As everyone has said, it's a beautiful facility. It's always been very clean and devoid of any undesirable smells that are all too common with public gyms and pools. The front desk staff are all very friendly and attentive. The cafeteria has a lovely, mostly-healthy selection of tasty foods and beverages, although I usually stay away from it when I can because it's hard to justify paying $8 for a tiny sandwich that I could make for $3-4 at home. My reason for not giving five stars is as follows: My main purpose for going to the Y is the gym. It's clean and has a great assortment of equipment, though it gets very, very busy at specific times of the day. There really isn't a lot of space for doing free weights and it's all too common for someone to walk (uncomfortably) in front of you as you're doing your workout. Gym etiquette seems to drop sharply during these busy periods as well. People will walk directly in front of me and start lifting, blocking my view of the mirror. I realize this isn't really the facility's fault, but they could always consider moving a few of the ellipticals and treadmills from that area of the gym somewhere else to make more space. So yes, the facility is great. The people who go to this facility are terrible and I hate most of them. So I tend to go at very specific times of the day where I know the gym is going to be dead or more quiet - usually in the early afternoon after lunch time or an hour before they close. read more

Friendly staff, great classes, once fee covers everything - cardio machines galore, spin, yoga and fitness classes, swimming, free weights and weight machines. Underground parking available. It's downtown so it can get busy but everyone minds their own space. Love the y! read more

A+ facility! - Indoor Basketball court is maintained very well. No dusty spots. My bball heads know how annoying dirty bball floors are for indoor courts. Thank God!! - BIG Olympic sized (i think?) pool. Plenty of classes for youngins too. - Inexpensive monthly plans. I pay 48 bucks a month with no commitment. - Tons of Cardio equipment - Rarely do I ever see 100% of the cardio machines occupied. During the peak hours 4-6pm, machines are usually 80% occupied. The cardio machines can also connect to your cell phone to charge it or play music from it. - Weight room is decently stacked with dumbbell weights up to 100lbs. No meat heads here either. A+++ - Lockers are provided. NO need to bring your own lock. - Restrooms are probably the only downside to the facility. They're not always clean. And most of the time, there's an old dude that'll be walking around or drying his butt crack at the hand dryer thing (COME ON MANNNNNN!!!!!!!! SMH!!) - Staff is very friendly! A+++ - Juice bar is fairly inexpensive. read more

I moved here from Edmonton some years ago and was disappointed with the city facilities here (overcrowded, poorly maintained, confusing administration). Fortunately i found the Robert Lee ymca. Its well located and very well run. Its user friendly with well thought out scheduling which is rare for public gyms. Always clean, and equipment is repaired or replaced quickly. ... I feel i have to take one star off because they still have a women only section. Blah. read more

I used this facility a couple of weeks ago and they were kind enough to offer me a two week trial membership. The facility itself is well equipped and laid out but was exceptionally busy during the time I visited. A month later and someone has just phoned me to inquire on my experience. I explained that although I think it is a great facility, the fact that it is so busy and double the price of most of it's competitors means that I would be unlikely to sign up for full membership. The response of the person I spoke with was to challenge my ability to pay the fees! "Well, if you are having a hard time paying the fees.." Presumptuous and condescending to say the least. Based on this annoying and insulting conversation alone would recommend this gym to no one. read more

Great gym with a myriad of classes, weights area and a pool. Lots of drop ins, very busy but fantastic that they don't have lock in contracts and their monthly fees are the similar as the other gyms like Steve Nash. read more

Love, love, love this gym! The classes are great (favorite definitely total chisel on Wednesdays at 6), the staff are really nice and the gym is huge. All for $43 a month (including classes!) I'm sold! read more

I love this gym if it was not for the huge crowd. Easy to sign in, no BS yearly contract that other gym propose. Affordable monthly membership. Easy to stop when you don't need it. Special plan for low income people or student. Now the gym itself is great, clean with plenty of machine to do your work-out. Plenty and good quality free classes ( the only one that I don't think is good was the spinning, as it hard to hear the instructor). A nice cafeteria where you can get your smoothies and snack after a hard work-out. Clean bathroom and changing room with the only downside that there is not enough locker. Yes, the only downside is that everybody loves it, meaning too many people. If you go around 5 PM, be ready to wait for whatever you want to do. Now I heard that lately they got better ..... If you are tempted go there and ask for a free tour and 1 week trial. I highly recommend this YMCA and would go there again, if I was living closer !! read more

Overall, this gym is a great place to work out - while other people talk about the facility being fantastic, what really thrills me is the selection of fantastic group fitness classes with really talented instructors. The cardio dance class is fun, the Zumba class is a huge party, the bootcamps are enjoyable and the yoga classes are incredible. Really, the yoga is the biggest draw for me. Best of all, the group fitness classes - including yoga and pilates - are included in the monthly membership, which is a great value. Best of all, the YMCA is the most community-oriented fitness facility I have heard or been a member of; unlike some of the more shady contract-oriented fitness companies, the YMCA is not gimmicky and I feel happy knowing that my membership fees help to support programs for newcomers, families and seniors. It makes yoga and kinesis classes (check them out! super cool!) just that much more meaningful! read more

Visiting in Vancouver and wanted a good work-out and steam room time. I got quick replies to questions about dropping in via email. The Pilates class was full (tokens all gone) so I jumped in a bootcamp class. Brian gave a good 30 min workout with jump rope, high step aerobics jumping, and burpees. I also took in a one hour yoga class which was great. In both classes, I got one on one instructor time to make sure I was doing the drill or position correctly. I then enjoyed the steam room which was very hot just the way I like it. I'd rate it 5 stars but not able to get the Yelp star rating system to work on my iPad 2! read more

The gym is pretty nice. Can get ridiculously busy at times, however I am a bum so I go while other real adults are working. Works out nicely for me. Only complaint is that there are apartment buildings nearby, so I can't slam my weights down when done a set. Their rules are really holding me back from achieving ultimate douchebagery. Could use a few more olympic bars as they are normally in short supply. I have seen people almost come to blows over the squat rack. I don't do cardio because cardio is anti-gains so ask someone else about that. read more

Well designed. Speaks community. A successfully operating community centre with good process. A community centre downtown on Burrard with a state-of-the-art two level fitness facility, fitness classes throughout the day, a swimming pool, a daycare, a community lounge/foyer and community programs (ie. youth entrepreneurship and business planning programs). Inviting to all members of the community, it offers an interactive open environment with welcoming management and fitness trainers, feedback boards from members and free wifi on the main level. Ergonomically designed to perfection. When you experience it, you'll notice the planning and development of the building, its operations and programming have been strategically developed. You can tell they've thoroughly thought out aspects of design from their community lounge area designed for meetups and dialogue to the multiple functionality of their membership cards. Even the GM's office is on the main level beside the side entrance. He keeps his door open and encourages anyone to stop by and say hi! Solid community thinking has been integrated into the operations. It's brilliant. Look for them ;) The Fitness Facility. The fitness facility is huge and well-layout with a Kinesis system, tons of machines, weights, mat areas, gyms and most notably, good looking (like really attractive) healthy people! ;) It's one of those unwritten things, that everyone who goes, knows. And because of that (and perhaps other reasons), it is always PACKED! So be prepared to wait for a machine or improvise with another way of exercising that muscle you're working on! Least busy time: 8am-noon, weekdays. Business Programming. I'm near completion for the YMB Program for young entrepreneurs and my experience has been amazing. With guest speakers, mentors and highly skilled entrepreneurial-minded programmers (Andrea, Miriam, Andre and Natasha!), the business planning program they've created has been excellent. Not only that, but the the programmers are fabulous to work with, great communicators, and offer thoughtful, critical and encouraging feedback. It's only in its beta phase with a few kinks to work out, but I can honestly say that I'm very impressed. We also get complimentary access to the computer lab and facilities, as their belief is 'healthy bodies + healthy minds.' read more

New facilities, clean building and if you go at the right time, not overly busy. Great central location with friendly staff, this place has just about everything. Lots of machines, squash, gymnasium, pool steam room hot tub, yoga, etc. If you hit this place at the right time you won't have to deal with the massive crowds that can be seen at times... I try to go in during business hours as to avoid line ups. I don't really like having to wait for machines. Lots of classes here, and everything is included with your membership. There are even two types of membership, if you want to spend a bit more money you get towel service and a more secure locker room (even though the public one is fairly secure). read more

Very convenient downtown location with new equipment, facilities etc. The aerobic equipment is a delight to use with iPod sync and built in TV monitors. It makes the time go by so much faster! Locker facilities are clean and well kept. Sometimes can be a bit crowded though. The classes are FREE (with membership) and also excellent. You just have to arrive a bit early to make sure you get a spot. The pool facilities are also very nice and it's never that crowded. However, on that note, the fitness area can get very crowded, especially during the peak after-work time. In my opinion, this is the only major negative point and the reason why I gave it 4 stars. Otherwise, the facilities, equipment, instructors, pricing etc. are all top notch and highly recommended. I have yet to use the gymnasium itself but hope to play drop in badminton or volleyball one of these days. I've tried the snacks in the lounge area a couple times. They are well priced, healthy and tasty. It's a nice place to hang out before or after a workout. Overall I would highly recommend the YMCA!!! read more