This is a solid YMCA. The Hawthorne hotel gives free passes here. The front desk staff were super nice. Lots of good machines and not too crowded on a Sunday morning. read more

I have been coming to the YMCA for over two years now (post remodel) and I am truly impressed by the staff and facilities and community of the new location. The custodial staff quietly goes about their assignments with humble diligence, they are all super friendly and engaging, the classes are free and challenging, and the personal trainers give you your money's worth every time. Sometimes, the treadmills are packed and busy, but you can't fault the Y for being overly popular, now can you? A+ would suggest read more

The best experience! nice well maintained making 2026 very nice!! Responsible staff pleasant to talk to

Honestly, this is the worst experience I've ever had at a YMCA. My friends and I went just trying to have a good time, but the staff clearly had other ideas. They refused to let us in without any reasonable explanation, were rude from the start, and it seemed like we were being judged for even existing. They stated that I was stealing for using a family pass that my family provided for us together. Apparently, laughing is against the rules here too, because every time we cracked a joke, staff would give us cold stares and make us feel unwelcome. The whole place just had a tense, unfriendly vibe, and it was clear we weren't wanted there. If you want a place where you can actually relax and enjoy yourself without being policed and judged, take my advice and avoid this Salem YMCA at all costs. I definitely recommend Marblehead YMCA way more. read more

This is an excellent gym with memberships offered at a great price and the people there a really nice.

I am using an alias name here. Some men in the shower and locker room act like it's their home, and walk around naked, which is disgusting and disrespectful to other members. I saw this a lot there. One time I entered, and a naked man was standing at the sink, like he owned the place or was at home. Disgusting. I reported this to the front desk, and I was told they would put up a sign against walking around nude. I hope they followed through with this. Another criticism I would offer is that I cancelled my membership and did not use the full period for which I was charged. I requested a partial refund, but was denied. read more

I remembered my Yelp login information and have spent the past few minutes re-reading old reviews. I thought it was time for a revision and more accurate review of the Y. This location has definitely seen some improvements in the almost seven years I've been living in Salem. This past summer the women's locker room received a much-needed, and really nice facelift. I'm a swimmer and I have spent the past two years using the pool to train for upcoming open water swims. (happy to say the aforementioned weave on the bottom was eventually removed). I like how the pool stays open almost as late as the regular part of the gym. I try to go for the last hour, it's usually when it's least crowded, ie. empty. I've recently been taking spin classes on Mondays - noon time is with Beth and the 7:15 is with Freddi - both are awesome and their classes are tough! The Y is still a little on the high end for my budget, but they do offer financial aid and I am in the process of filling out my form to see what I qualify for now. You are also able to use your membership at almost any other YMCA (though not a WMCA as I found out), and that was really helpful when I temporarily moved to the south shore earlier this year. I'm happy to upgrade my review and to continue being a member of the Salem Y. read more

Let me start out by saying the Staff would get a 5 star rating. They are more than eager to help you out. The workout equipment is decent, but the cardio equipment needs a facelift. they need the chargers on the equipment as well. The locker room is ok, the steam is hotter than hot! (i can only tolerate 2 minutes tops). Sauna is small, but still enjoyable. The parking sucks! You have to pay every time. They have meter parking only. There is never a spot, so most likely you will be parking many streets away. The members are the rudest members ever I have seen in a gym. I can't understand why? read more

I am giving the Salem Y 4 stars based on ymcas in general, not comparing them to other gyms. It is busy but like most gyms, you just need to tune of the "noise" and focus on you and your workout. I never have to wait for cardio machine or other equipment. And they have started to give the place a bit of a face lift. The main lobby was painted and looks good. I use the Salem Y because it is the closest gym to me, therefore my odds of going are greatly increased. When I went for one of my three free personal training sessions I was in no way pressured to sign up for more! I found this amazing! Other Pros - They have a steam room which I enjoy using. - They price is right. - Helpful front desk staff read more

This is a classic (old) ymca. Has a single basketball court, typical (high chlorine) pool, room for dance, spin, and other classes, and a weight room w the typical cardio machines and an okay array of lifting equipment. So the equipment looks like they either bought it new in the 70s and have replaced whatever's broken over time - with different models (nothing matches) or a good garage sale. They have 1 of most things - which is okay bc the lifting area is always about moderately full. Never that full. The treadmills are always busy - especially around 5-6pm, you often have to wait. Overall it's fine. The nice thing is that you can use all the local Y's, most of which are said to be pretty nice. read more

For family membership, you can drop off your baby/toddler at the daycare center Mon-Sat 8am-1pm & 6pm-8pm and it's included.

Good gym, they need one more squat rack maybe, and some better ventilation in the locker room. Otherwise employees are awesome place is good overall read more

I've been working out in gyms for over 20 years. Despite some recent improvements that came in the form of much-needed renovations, like the men's locker room and the new Yoga studio, the facility is so mis-managed and poorly run that I cancelled my membership after several years of frustration, despite the fact that it's the nearest workout facility to where I live. THE GYM - It's too small - About half of the equipment is basic/sucks, cardio included - Some "trainers" use several pieces of equipment simultaneously, even during peak gym hours, and react with attitude you ask, "Are you still using that?" or "Can I work in?" - Since trainers do that, many other members think it's ok, so they do it too. As a result, you have a small gym with obsolete equipment that some members and trainers treat like a Crossfit facility, with no regard for other members trying to workout. - There are groups of longtime members who act like they own the place, use multiple pieces of equipment at the same time, and stick up for each other when someone says, "Hey, can I work in?" I've mentioned this to multiple people who work in the gym, and they all told me there's nothing they can do about it. - There is no dress code, so weirdos in work boots, jeans etc track-in mud, and clearly have no idea what they're doing THE POOL - It's small - The management of the pool is terrible - The tile looks 100 years old and mildewy/moldy (questionably safe?) - The scheduling for free swims etc. is not posted accurately where other members can see, so it can be challenging to schedule a free swim THE MANAGEMENT - A woman who works at the front desk is often rude/nasty for no reason - When the pandemic hit, I never received any communication from this YMCA regarding a plan to reopen, how to cancel a membership, etc. - When I tried to cancel my membership ($61 per month), there was nowhere on the website where I could cancel it. - During the pandemic, I was charged for 2 months membership even though the facility was closed!!!! I gave this facility 2 stars for the new Yoga studio, which is nice, and the convenience factor since I live nearby. If you are athletic and a regular gym go-er, you won't be happy here. It's essentially an obsolete facility run by people who aren't athletic and clearly don't know how to run an athletic facility. read more

Just started going there and I think they have improved a lot since many others wrote their reviews. Everything is clean and nice, and the weight/cardio machine room has all new equipment from the last 5 years. They also offer a ton of classes that are included in the price of membership, which I find to be very reasonable. The layout of the gym is pretty confusing and parking sucks (metered parking with time redirections) but I find it to be a great gym. read more

I used to belong to Healthworks in Porter Square, which was as expensive as it was luxurious. It also introduced me to the lovely idea of having a steam room and a sauna as a daily part of my workout routine (aka it spoiled me). Lo and behold, the Salem YMCA has both a steam room AND a sauna! And they are clean, functional, and a delightful way to end a work out. Facilities: the facilities are well-kept and clean. Pools, equipment, weights, sauna/steamroom, showers. Plenty of availability during peak times of day (after work, weekends), which I didn't expect from a gym in an urban area. Staff: INCREDIBLY friendly! Nicole at the front desk is the sweetest, so helpful, and remembers everyone's name as they walk in and out. Value: I think the value is great. I pay $80/mo for a 2-person Salem-only membership. read more

4 years ago i had a awesome experience at the early learning center at Salem Y the staff and teachers were amazing.... Now 2019 i have to say im VERY shocked with how the program is ran now. All new teachers with little experience and a new director with no understanding. My almost 3 year yr old was kicked out of preschool 1 due to "unsafe behaviors" such as putting things in his mouth. Not listening to directions& having tantrums..normal 2/3year old behavior They set one meeting were they handed me 4 different incident reports which I never heard of or had knowledge of before.. I recived all 4 the same day at same time...which isnt right. They offered to put him down in the baby class ( which makes 0 sense if they are claiming hes so unsafe) i thought about it & 2 days after the meeting i agreeed to lower his level even though i didnt think that was whats best thats were the director Mary M said "oh im sorry there isnt room for him in that class but we can help you find another daycare" after they just told me he could be lowered so she told me "fine well keep him but no promises we won't call you to leave work often when he acts up" ( not fair to me and my job)so the next day i drop him off nobody says hi goodmorning or even acknowledge my child is walking in the room but other children they say hello to in the morning.. about an hour or so after i dropped him off i get 4 calls in a row back to back saying he was opening the class gate. And he can not stay the day due to " satey" but in reality they just did not want to deal with him and put in the work so he could be successful in HIS classroom. Also i had multiple days were my child has came home STARVING and all his food still in his bag and all they said was " oh well the children know when there hungry to go to their bag and get food" and apparently if the child needs a little more attention or care or help They don't provide that and let him fend for himself..So they gave me no options and i had to quit my job due to loosing child care which NONE of the workers at the YMCA helped me once we left. They did not help me as a parent and teacher reltionship to have my child succeed in his own age group after i waited 2years for a slot for my son at the Y and after a month hes kicked out. I do NOT recommed the YMCA the teachers are rude uneducated and will only do what they feel there paid for nothing more... And thats horrible teaching skills. Children need compassion understanding help and attention. & love to succeed and the YMCA early learning center failed to provide all those. read more

I go here during the winter to use the pool for kayak practice. The women's locker room is always clean on Sat evenings. Floors are mopped every few hours it seems. read more

This is one of my favorite places to be. As a "young adult", I only pay $29 a month for my Y membership and it is so worth it. The staff are all SO friendly and awesome, esp. Kayla and Ben who always ask me how my workout was. Fairly new and nice cardio machines that you never need to wait for. Lots of classes. Open early, closes late. Locker rooms are clean and relaxing. Great sense of community at this little urban YMCA. Recommended. read more

This place is awesome. I just became a member here. My only complaint is that the fitness floor is small, especially the dumbbell and barbell section. The floor staff does a great job in keeping it clean and they are very accommodating. Would definitely recommend it if you live in the area. They can work with you on the price. read more

I have severe anxiety. I had my membership 2 months now and this was my first day since my child is back in school. I managed to find parking but the lot isn't updated with a parking kiosk and I had no cash!! I went inside to see if the workers would help with a kiosk location. If you pay a membership fee why are we fighting to pay for parking. At least give a parking pass since all these memberships bring in good money. It's the least you could do for your patrons read more

Wonderful group of staff and company that comes to gloucester cinema all the time. happy to deal with them each visit. :) - Employee

Visiting Salem and decided to do the Witch City 5K. We signed up weeks in advance. We went to pick up our race packets (3). It was very disorganized...The young man helping us couldn't find one of our packets. He stated that it had happened more than once that day. He told us he would take down our name and we would receive a call concerning the last packet. When asked what he meant he became rude...like we were inconveniencing him. The person in charge of the race walked in at that point and he told her we needed to speak to her about the race. Her response was that she wasn't really in the building and walked back out. This has been a bad experience which started with an email from the Y saying that there had been a glitch in the system and all shirt sizes were lost. We emailed the person and she told us that we may not get our shirts even though we registered ahead of time because they were running out of shirts. Thought we would have a fun weekend in Witch City...now we are wasting our time trying to get a race packet...so much for signing up ahead of time. read more