I'm kinda shocked at the low rating because I absolutely love this Y location! I used to work out at the YMCA when I lived in California, and I've never seen a location as large and sprawling as this one. The Y in Arnold hosts so many great free exercises classes, fitness machines, workout and cooldown areas, multiple free weight areas, a massive rock climbing wall, basketball/pickleball courts, two pools, clean facilities, and daycare on site!! I mean the amenities here are just everything I could want in a gym, plus they have so many programs and activities for families. I can't wait until my son is a little older so he can do more of the kids' activities and summer camp here. Plus they have Waffle Wednesdays! Does it get any better than this? The only critique I would give is on the swim classes, which I signed my 2 year old son up for after leaving Goldfish Swim School. The toddler class didn't seem all that structured which was not what I was used to with swim lessons so I didn't feel like it was of much value for us. Plus they do not heat the pools in the winter so they were freezing. read more

Solid gym, lots of cardio machines, good selection of free weights, also having the sauna is good. Plenty of barbell racks to choose from if it's not too crowded. If I could change one thing I would ask they be open for more hours on weekends read more

Wonderful club. Has everything you could ask for: Complete gym, indoor / outdoor pool, sauna, multiple courts for basketball, pickleball, racket ball. 50ft tall rock wall with experienced support members. Tons of fitness classes to accommodate your schedule. Wonderful staff. They also offer a "stay and play" care center for the kiddos while you work out on top of the multiple sporting events for them. Amazing. read more

I joined the Y several years ago, as a senior, primarily to use the pool. I tried one aqua arthritis session in the indoor pool, but it was mostly about socializing. People were just bobbing around talking, with no coordinated direction. In 2024, I was not able to use the pool because of various health issues, so I wanted to cancel before 2025. I tried to call to cancel my membership but a very curt young man advised I had to come in to the Y in person to cancel. I explained my situation and that I had not been there for many months, but he said I had to be there in person. When I called again, I was more insistent. I was told to email customer service to discuss my membership. I had to scour the website--they don't make it easy. Finally, I requested the termination of my membership in writing by email. They still charged my account this week in January for one more month. So be sure to read the fine print, and know they are happy to take your money and they make it hard to cancel. Follow up: only after posting this review was I offered a refund for the January fee. I was told in December it was possible but it took public pressure to make it happen. But it did come through now. read more

Some old fart named Jill in a purple white sweatshirt and grey hair came up to me telling me to get off my phone while I was in between sets. Very weird and unprofessional . Not a good experience, all other workers are great besides her. read more

Spacious facility. Front desks are okay helpful. Nice locker room with lockers that do not require you to bring a lock. The pool is smaller than the one in the Pasadena location. read more

YMCA of Greater Annapolis, MD impresses with its expansive cardio area, thrilling rock wall, and friendly, helpful staff. A family-friendly haven catering to diverse interests. read more

See all

Do not, I repeat, do not put your child in the Y summer camp. It is held on a black parking lot where the heat just absorbs and the kids are miserable. The kids spend most of the day under a tent with a mister, at best. It isn't the fault of the camp counselors who are wonderful. Also please check your statements because they will sneak in autopay when you didn't sign up for a membership. This comes from the main Y office more so than Arnold. I paid thousands each year for before and after care and their appreciation was signing me up for a membership after the school year ends. How they think that's appropriate is beyond me. read more

Came one day last week for a strength session and man! this place is huge!! Took me a while to get my bearings, and locate each of the machines I use for my workout. Everything was in good repair so I decided to take a couple of classes. Today was my first "Aqua Arthritis" class & I thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt like I got a good workout for my joints and flexibility, but nothing that strained my arthritic spots. Marie, the coach, is very personable and gave me a couple of goods tips that I can use at home. Lots of free parking here and now all they need to do to make me even happier is to have an air pot of decaf next to the regular coffee! Since I drive to my granddaughter's school 5 days a week and it's only 4.5 miles from here, this is my new home gym. read more

Came back today after a long COVID-19 hiatus. It's all new equipment now and well maintained after the remodel. They have everything, love their machines: arm rotator, rowing, stair climber, recumbent and upright stationary bikes, treadmills, tons of different weights free/ machine and just everything. Locker rooms clean. You don't need to bring a padlock, there are built in locking mechanisms. After our cardio workout we spent another two hours in the outdoor pool. Today is 85 degrees and the water was so warm. Great lifeguards! Helpful, friendly. If you have a kid, they'll conduct a swim test to be cleared for deep end. Saturday and Sunday brings lots of kids and families in the shallow end roped off corner. There's also a kiddie sprinkle area. Plenty of sun chairs for lounging. read more

This is a nice Y. It's one of the few places in the area that is genuinely kind and welcoming to all people. The classes are great, I can recommend the yoga in particular. The outdoor pool is also nice for a hot summer day. I like the open layout of the gym, many things to choose from, even a climbing wall and racketball court, and a private room if you wanna do your own quiet routines. I'm taking off a star because there's mold in one of the cardio rooms, on the ceilings. That really needs to be replaced asap. read more

Been supporting the Y for many years. Only been here a couple of times and only used the outdoor pool. The pool is on the small side. It can get crowded with children. They do reserve several lanes to accommodate for families. Would be awesome if they made a larger pool with all that land back there ;) read more

Terrific gym! The staff is great. There is a lot of equipment, even when it is busy, I have never had trouble getting on the equipment that I would like to use. They have an extensive schedule of classes as well as pick up pickleball and basketball sessions. I also use the pool regularly, even during the winter when it is under the bubble. There is so much to offer at the Y, well worth joining at any age and at any fitness level! read more

Had the best YMCA spin class ever (comparable to a soul cycle, rev, or boutique spin) from Victor. I saw a very negative review about Victor and I was quite shocked. I was so impressed with his knowledge, energy and music that I have nothing but kind things to saw about him. I also did a boot camp with him, and was very impressed. He pushes you but keeps you smiling and having fun. I love the rock wall (it is so hard!!!) Did a barre class and it was very difficult. I never seem to have to wait for machines even at peak hours. Big fan. read more

Swim staff are unaccommodating and mean. They will not let parents watch their small children (in life-vests) from the sidelines, but require parents to be in the water. The pool is super crowded and noisy. I also enrolled my kids in swimming lessons, and the instructor was mean, and made my children cry/panic. Overall, I'd say the Y does not care whether you have a good experience. Not worth the cost of membership or swimming lesson tuition. read more

I just joined this place and they won't even let me use the equipment I wanted to use . The staff here is ignorant and doesn't want to help the gym users . And they all the just act like it's Walmart . Im disgusted. Wow . read more

The Y is a great gym despite the staffing problem they had in the past. I've been a member there since before they took over and I am happy with the facility and the staff. While Covid put a damper on things, they are offering A lot for what you get. read more

Don't plan on swimming laps. The schedule is poorly managed. Consistently list 6 lanes available but upon arrival 2 lanes are reserved for swim lessons. read more

Let me start off by saying that the price is fair for a large family of 4 that uses the facilities to the max. They are also reinvesting our money into constant improvements with equipment and the facility itself. This may mean that things like stairways, entrances, locker rooms, etc are closed for extended periods of time. But, it does not mean they are broken, it means they are under improvement. Now to my experience at the gym. I used this gym to lose nearly 50 pounds and be in the best shape of my life. I did this without personal training, and I really feel like that is the gist of this entry. I feel like this gym is discriminate against people who do not use personal training, but still want to challenge themselves. Staff members from the top to bottom have treated me like crap over the last 3 years for this. Jonathan, a long time personal trainer has yelled at me numerous occasions during this time about using "designated" personal training areas (that don't actually exist). He has never approached me to have a conversation, instead just barked commands like a dog. Screaming to "respect the members"...to a member. Today one of his clients actually shoved me and ripped the equipment out of my hands, while staff members just watched, and nothing was done. None of these areas are marked for personal training only. And during that times they were, I was working with a staff member, which was allowed. Because personal training had some items that were not available to members I would bring those items in. This then became an issue, and I was told by EJ that I could not bring in my ropes, which fit in a small duffel bag. EJ told me this was all in the member guidelines, which he printed out....then was not able to show that was an actual rule. Please keep in mind that other members bring in tennis rackets, basketballs, weight lifting equipment, kettle bells, duffel bags, etc. This all came down to them wanting to sell personal training to a person who did not need to pay for it. After many civil conversations with EJ this turned into a screaming match in the parking lot in which he followed me to my car after a conversation in which I used the "d" word...discrimination. Last week I was again barked at and told something that was not true in order to keep me out of an area. I called management the next day and was told that area was free for anyone to use at anytime. Today I went in to use it and was scolded again by Jonathon. I went to management, was told that I could use it....but then was told 5 minutes late that I couldn't. The rules change in this place to fit their agenda, nothing is in writing, its just to protect staffs bad behavior at that particular moment. Their agenda is not to help people that can help themselves, pay them for personal training and its a different story. read more

The best lap pool swim times are reserved for a "master class" for former swim team types who pay extra for the privilege. 5 of 6 lanes go to the "masters." Everyone else gets to fit into the lane that is left. read more

First of all this place has too many stairs! I have knee and hip problems and stairs are difficult for me. How do they get away with not having an elevator? There is plenty of equipment but most of it is from the Stone Age. Lastly, I asked a staff member how to use a piece of equipment and he said duh I don't know but let me ask someone. Ok, so he goes all the way to the other side of the gym, comes back and tells me I have to go over there and come back to show the fitquest guy what I need. That made absolutely no sense. It made me really appreciate my home gym, Dancel Y. read more

Big Vanilla used to be decent, but what you get here at the Y, for the money, isn't worth it for a family membership (for us anyway). 2nd, their "online services" are horrible. In order to cancel, you have to go in, in person, and fill out a "carbon copy" form (from 1988 I guess), with 30 days notice. Ridiculous. Check out Planet Fitness or 24 Hour fitness. A WAY better deal and a LOT less hassle. read more

Not a great gym, horrible management. when equipment breaks, it stays broken for weeks. Prices are too high, you'd be better off at any other gym in the area read more

They have two unassisted squat racks for a gym of like 800 people.... Also, they'll charge you an extra month if you cancel your membership. They also try and do that gym thing where they want you to come in to cancel your membership. Trying to get you to come in and convince you to stay. I just want to quit as fast and efficiently as possible. read more

This is a good gym for parents with kids. Lots of kid activities and free childcare! Sometimes crowded.

The Y (Gym formerly known as Big Vanilla) is just that ... a gym that was once a lifestyle center. As cost have come down it has become much more crowded and less ability to "jump into a class" occurs. The equipment seems to be either mistreated by less committed patrons, or it is just getting used so much it breaks more often. I guess that is to be expected. The pool is nice if you can get a lane to share and it is not "swim team hours" ... not as bad as it could be, but certainly not what it could be. read more

Pretty petty they won't let guests say after 3pm and it's only Monday through Friday that they can come affecting people in school who want to have a good time with there friends. Besides that it's a pretty good place. read more

Great facilities. All machines and equipment has been recently updated. Never crowded because the place is huge.

Great gym. It had all the equipment I needed to get a great workout and the staff was awesome. If only they had cheaper rates..... sigh lol overall great experience though read more

Great place to get healthy! The facility (which they are constantly improving upon) is clean and well-equipped. The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly and genuinely concerned about helping you better your physical and mental well being. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone. Feel blessed to have this in my community! read more

You can't beat it for the price, especially with childcare and personal trainers included!

Great equipment and facilities. Child care is the cheapest of any gym in area. Check out the family membership and their is a great military rate. read more

What is going on with the equipment at the Y? Many of the treadmills aren't even working and it is hard to find a TV on any piece of equipment that even works. I have brought this up to employees more than once and nothing seems to change. I watched a person today try three different treadmills before she could find a working television on one. Maybe they shouldn't have taken the large TVs out when they first took over from Big Vanilla. read more

I've been very happy with the Y. Their classes are excellent, the equipment is well maintained, both pools are nice, and the people are friendly. I love that they have open basketball gym time for families also. Keep up the good work. read more

I love this place, I can pop in for an hour here or there and it is super convenient! The front desk people have always been extremely pleasant! I would have given it 5 stars, but the classes are super crowded during the week. I think the front room should have a maximum number for the HIIT classes etc! Super overcrowded! I love the spin instructor Victor! Possibly one of my favorites! read more

I use the Y almost everyday, so the price is outstanding. As for the equipment, maintenance and employees---also outstanding !!!! Keep up the good work guys and gals !!! read more

I took a spin class there recently with an instructor named victor. Hands down the worst instructor I've ever had. He went around calling all the woman "princess" & all the men "dad". I didn't appreciate being called princess. I found it to be very degrading & I don't think he would have liked it if I started calling him names. Victor also changed the resistance on my bike to a higher level. I had to lower it to keep myself from being hurt. Clearly he doesn't understand that not every person is able to keep up the way he wanted us too. Proper instructors should understand that some people need to go at their own pace. He was also in my face yelling at me to "push it". He's lucky i didn't push him. Instructors should be encouraging & helpful. Not make you feel uncomfortable, belittled and not worthy of being in the class. All I'm trying to do is get in shape a little and he made me feel horrible for not being able to keep up with what he wanted. I would never take a class with Victor ever again. This Y lost my service for good. read more

Had my locker broken into twice in a week, there are better gyms in Annapolis for the money, If your just looking for an elliptical, free weights, or a fitness class the Y will do it. But if your training for something or want a " health club" I would look elsewhere. read more

I find their $53 a month plus application fee of $49 rather annoying. Why an application fee? I assume there is a contract required as with most fitness center ears these days. To top it off, they offer discounted rates for teachers but none for police or fire department personnel. Of course anyone should be healthy, but shouldn't those in public safety be a priority over teachers? They need to have a tiered pricing do for those that don't want all the amenities. The pool is something I'll never use and don't wish to pay for. That alone has to be a $10-15/month cost. I signed up for their trial online only to find that I had to re-sign up when I arrived at the location. All of this combined made for a less than stellar experience. read more