I've been a member at the West End YMCA for a few months. I wasn't going to say anything about what I thought were minor issues, but lately it's become a bit more disconcerting. I'm from a small town, and when I go into a business or establishment anywhere, I usually say "hi" to everyone. I also usually say "bye" when I leave. While I know that some people are busy when I enter and exit the gym at the West End YMCA, some people are just snobs and won't say anything to me, ever, or grudgingly do so, even when they're not busy. This has occurred with a woman that works there on more than one occasion. I don't know her name and I don't care to know. I have said "hi" to her repeatedly, on different occasions before, miraculously, she said "hi" to me, once. You'd think I was pulling teeth the way it pained her to do so. I don't understand. If I say "hi" to people that are available and are not busy, what's the problem? I don't "want" her. I'm acting like a GD human being. Geez, it's so easy for me and so tough for her to say "hi". Since it's such a privilege for her to act human once in awhile, I don't really feel like saying "hi" to her anymore. I don't need it and I just ignore her. It's not my job to be polite to people. It's hers. Maybe she should think about that and her overall behaviour. Another time, I asked another woman about whether I could get a TV in another room to play a bicycle path video that they used to play in the spin class room during my time on the stationary bike. Since they never gave me an answer, but always told me that "they have to check with their supervisor", I would keep asking, once, whenever I went to the gym. I finally got an answer one day, that it was not possible. The problem was the women interrupted me, as if I had asked the same question too many times. If I never get an answer to my question then how am I supposed to know what it is? Please don't interrupt me when I talk. I don't like the attitude of most of the staff. Is it because I'm chunky that they think I don't have the right to be treated like a human being? The reason I'm chunky is because I take meds that I need to live, and it's put 50 pounds on me, but I don't have a choice. I have done nothing to anyone there, and yet I pay $66 a month for people to sometimes be polite to me but mostly not. I've kind of had it with the staff there. The fact that this is the only place that I go to where the staff has to decide that day whether they will be snobs or not, says something about that gym and the people that run it. I am very disappointed with the service that I receive there. Now I know why I don't like some snobs in Toronto. I'd rather be in my hometown. Since then, I've talked to someone in charge and I thought the situation would get better. I was saying "hello" to the staff when I went there and some, including the snob woman, said "hello" to me once or twice. The problem is that they always seem to be too busy to have time to say "hello" to me. If I see someone talking to someone else, or on the computer, then I'm not going to bother them or get them to say "hi" to me. I don't need it. But they should really stop what they're doing and say "hello". Again, it's their GD job. Today, I said "hello" to the people at the entrance, and they grudgingly said "hello" to me. The same woman looks at me like I raped her or something. Like, saying "hello" and rape are 2 different things. Princess should learn the difference. Then, at Starbucks across the street, the other woman that interrupted me before and miraculously said "hello" today was there with her boyfriend and kissed him about 2 feet in front of me. Yeah, I'm alone. You don't have to shove your GD relationship in my face. I'm going to cancel my membership there in early September. I want to be around people that can act like human beings and not some kind of trash. Some people there are nice, but too many aren't, and I don't have money to waste on their BS gym. If I could give this gym 0 stars, I would. They suck royally. It's time for some of the soulless staff there to get off their asses and say GD "hello" to me. I'm friendly with people everywhere else I go. At the West End YMCA, they're the ones with the problem, not me. Geez, learn to act civilized already. I've been in better shape for more years in my life than anyone there. Last December, I was doing 8.5 hours of exercise a week and I was 179 pounds. I don't have a GD thing to prove to anyone. read more

the layout of the gym is quite poor. it seems like it was an old, unrelated business beforehand that they converted to an athletic centre. because the gym is in a residential area and close to several schools, it is home to a lot of teenagers and beginners which makes navigating the space quite difficult at times. this could be because gym etiquette is learned with time/experience. a lot of people stand directly in front of the dumbbell racks and in central walkways which leads to a lot of congestion. people also unfortunately don't put things back as seen in the photo attached. i wish there were signs instructing of such etiquette. as someone who has been going to the gym for 6 years, i think this is the worst gym i've been to overall. if you don't care about frills or obstructions, then your experience might be different. i would highly recommend the Central Y which is at Yonge/Grosvenor however! there is lots of space and equipment there are a couple front staff who are great read more

West End YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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This is one of my favourite YMCA's in the city. If you're a member, you can use any facility - but this one is newly renovated and kept very clean! I go for the classes, which are all included in membership fees: spinning, gravity, yoga, pilates, bars and weights, box fit, running club, walking club, step, etc. The instructors are great, very friendly and upbeat. Classes are offered all day - from 6 am to 730 pm at night, so it's easy to find something that fits with your schedule. They fill up fast after work through the week and on Saturday mornings, so it's best to go early to reserve a spot, especially iin the winter. They also have squash courts, a pool, full gymnasium, day care, and taekwando studio. They have an indoor track, but it loops around the cardio machines/weights, so it's a bit awkward. It's only two lanes and people constantly walk across it. They have lockers to rent for the month with towel service, but you can use for free for the day. There's a small cafe inside with smoothies, drinks, pastries, fruit, etc, with tables/tv/newspapers, but there is also a handy Starbucks across the street. read more

West End YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Great place! Soccer program used to be excellent until the new management changed the rules and stopped buying new equipment. read more

West End YMCA - Gyms Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

My husband and I joined this Y recently (me in May and him in July). We are on a family plan and it's only $107/month for the two of us. There's everything we need ... pool, hot tub, tons of classes to choose from, modern weight machines, friendly staff, etc. Yes, it does get busy at peak times but I haven't encountered much of a wait (if any) when I want to use machines. I was a member back in the 1990s when I lived in the 'hood and had fond memories. I had eventually become a volunteer and taught an aerobics class for a few years. I like that it's not just a gym, it's a big part of the community. read more

Very nice! (for a YMCA). Located in a historic Toronto building constructed in 1911, the oval windows overlooking College St provide plenty of sunshine and people-watching ability. All cardio machines are equipped with cable TVs (with audio jacks). There are plenty of group classes (yoga, spinning, pilates, - even tai chi!) included in your membership.The women's facilities have saunas (full nudity required?), showers, blow dryers, etc. The staff are soooo friendly. Inquire about special prices for students & low-income individuals. read more

West End YMCA - Classic - Gyms Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I have mixed opinions about this place...while there are incredible friendly and hard working people working here, there are also the opposite...the place is clean and by in large fairly comfortable to use. However a business is only as good as its worst employee? And there are a few making the rest look bad. I don't understand someone stating this place is too cold? I find it too warm all the time...it's easier to warm yourself by wearing appropriate clothes! Cooling is however much more difficult to achieve... Some are going to find the membership a bit expensive... I am aware that this place is not going to be the "perfect place for everyone" but at least I notice there are many people working here doing their best to insure my and others experience while here is a pleasant one.... read more

(1) As a woman, I find the gym upstairs to be far too much of a pick-up joint. I loathe being chatted up by guys I dont know "hey, great stretches!!!" (right) and I stopped going because of that (and it's not like a 50 yr old in a baggy shirt and sweats is looking for it). I also don't find a lot of programming for me in the early evening (I refuse to show up half an hour early to secure a spot in a class--who has that kind of extra time to waste?) (2) Also, there are even fewer options for my 14 yr old. Sunday afternoon for instance, there is kid basketball (9-12) and table tennis (16+), and while there is free swim, that's not good for exercise (you need lane swimming for that). He's been hassled by members and staff that he's not allowed to use the equipment in the gym (really, like a 5'9" athletic guy can't work an exercise bike???) and he is made to use the family locker rooms which don't accomodate a lot of people (where 14 yr old girls can use the women's). read more

This used to be a pretty good gym, small but functional. Over the last few years it has gone downhill. Machines constantly break down, even new ones. To some extent that's to be expected as they are used a lot but they usually sit broken for over a week and longer. And, if you want to use the machines like the treadmills or the ellipticals make sure you get there long before closing time which is supposed to be 11:30 because they constantly shut the equipment down early. I've seen them lock up the treadmills on the main floor as early as 10:30 which is just utterly ridiculous. If a gym is open until a certain time, shouldn't the equipment be available until then? Good luck if you like to swim without having to deal with those who do not know how to swim as they are always, always letting non-swimmers in during lane swim times. They have dedicated rec swim times and this is when non swimmers should be in the pool and not during lane swim. They also often allow kids in the pool during lane swim and some of them swim in the wrong direction which put others at risk of a collision. People could get hurt. And, there have also been a couple of times where I have seen someone swimming in the pool in their clothes! That is so unhygienic and I'm pretty sure against health by-laws. Speaking of dangerous - parents are constantly blocking the fire exits with their strollers. There's not a lot of space but the front desk staff should ensure that the fire exits are free of any objects whatsoever. And, finally, although the manager seems friendly enough, he does not appear to be particularly competent. And the assistant manager - Adrian/Aiden or something is just plain rude and he doesn't seem to do much. Oh and they have complaint cards but don't waste your time. read more

I've been here off and on since 2008, and here of some of the things I don't like about this YMCA: -It's cold. In the winter time it feels like there is no heat on whatsoever, so after you finish a workout - if you're at all sweaty you're going to get an instant chill. -One elevator. Most people here take the stairs to go between the floors, and nothing is just on one floor. The staircases are not heated, which also contributes to the chills. -It's awkward. Not only is there no music playing in the background of any room in the YMCA, but it's fairly silent in the workout rooms. Some music might help cut the tension. -Not many spin classes. -For weightlifters. The weightlifting room upstairs isn't large enough to house the capacity of it's customers. I work out in the days and at non-peak hours, and still have trouble getting a machine. People are always waiting. -Sauna. This is the same for the sauna. It seats about 5 people comfortably, but generally we have people standing up waiting for another person to leave the seated position. It makes everything uncomfortable. This YMCA was less busy years ago when I joined, but hasn't adapted to the growing consumers as the area becomes busier and busier. I try to go as late as possible in the evening, but still have troubles getting weight benches. Avoid this place on the weekends at all costs. Also, turn on the heat please. read more

It has taken me so long to review this because of mixed feelings I have been having. I'll do the simple Pros and Cons to get my point across. PROS - Lots of space. If nobody has explained it already, this is the biggest gym I've been in, in Toronto. *Note, I haven't been in a lot of gyms in Toronto. - Free weights are a plenty. Not like a crazy amount, but there is enough here to do what you need to do during non peak hours. - Elliptical machines on the top level have their own personal tv. - Front desk people are crazy nice, chatty when it's not busy, even funny! - Squash courts. CONS - Small children running around in the weight room, cardio. The other day I had a little one biking next to me, which I found cute, but I'd like to point out that it's a busy gym as it is with adults. I guess this could be a PRO for parents. - The floor is soft. Forget about doing squats, deadlifts etc. - Towels are extra cost. read more

I've been an on-again, off-again member of the West End Y for the past three years or so. And the off-again part had more to do with my own brokeness/laziness than any shortcomings on the part of the Y. With hundreds of square feet of equipment, gymnasium, pool and multipurpose areas, I am never surprised by the amount of people I know who have a membership. The Y is a great gym to go to because they have so many diverse programs at your disposal, pretty much none of which cost anything above and beyond the regular membership fees. Whatever floats your boat - yoga, pilates, adult basketball, swimming, weight lifting, cardio machines, dance classes - you can do a whole lot of fitness activities for a very reasonable price. Now that the renovations are nearly complete, the West End Y is beginning to look like a shining star of the 5 or so GTA YMCA facilities. But don' t knock the other guys - you can use your membership at any of them, which means if you work downtown you can hit up the Central Y location. This also comes in handy when there's a specific program you want to attend that isn't offered at your home Y branch. read more

I recently got a free two-week trial. I've been here 3 times and I already hate it. The only time it's not busy is very early morning. Anytime around 1:30/2pm until close is so crowded. There's absolutely no room to workout anywhere with DBs. I like to use free weights more than machines and there's only two benches that are in front of the DB racks. There's basically a phone booth size area in front of the dumbbell rack behind the benches to do excercises that don't involve a bench (curls, squats, presses, etc.) There aren't any kettlebells that I could see either. There's two side on the 4th floor: all machines side and free weights/barbells/some machines on the other side. On the free weights side, there's only one leg press machine which is extremely old and squeaky. There's a new leg press machine but it's cable based. There's also only one Smith machine in total and each time I've gone people are doing barbell deadlifts or clean presses right in front of it. As for the other side, they crammed in as many machines as they possibly could. They have about 8-10 hip abduction machines for some reason...no gym needs that many hip abduction machines. I still can't get over how little room there is on both sides. Also, every time I've gone there's been a lot of university/college kids just standing around or in groups watching each other workout. The main floor where the treadmills and bikes are kept gets extremely hot because the pool is right next to it. Also, if for some reason you don't bring headphones with you when you workout, there's no music playing in the gym. Also, the stretching areas are basically just two mats side by side, there's pretty much only room for two people and you're so close to each other it's super awkward. There's only two "areas"; one on the 2nd floor and one on the 4th. The only things I like about the gym is that I can use one of the bikes in the cycling room and there's nobody else in there and they have a super spacious hardwood floor studio room on the 3rd floor that I used to stretch, however there's no mats to use. But it could also be used for cardio (i.e. sprints, agility training, plyometrics, etc.) or skipping rope. I guess it's a decent gym if you just want to go to spin classes, walk on the treadmill, use the hip abductor machines and/or play pickup sports. Other than that, I'd suggest you find another gym to go to. read more

It's in my neighborhood and is convenient but I really do not love it there. First off, the classes are always at strange times or full. Second, there is always some dude always offering unsolicited advice to a woman in the weight room. Third, little kids are always on the cardio equipment without supervision. The Y does some great things but I don't think it's worth what you pay anymore. On the hunt for a new gym read more

I am a personal trainer myself. I did the course at this Y. As you can expect from a YMCA they are very family orientated. A great atmosphere and wonderful staff. I liked: - Good selection and quality of equipment - No long term contracts! You can stop and reactivate your contract as you like. - Great staff! - Kettle bells are available for all to use! - Best in town regarding program amount and variety! - Discount membership for low income households - Childcare (for an additional price) - Squash courts I didn't like: - Pretty crowded during peak hours. read more

I love the West End YMCA. It has so many incredible things for all groups of people. As a parent, it gives me a place to work out that is casual and easily accessible by transit, bike or car. In addition, my kids have a place where they can have fun in the play-structure or hang in the gym on the weekends. Also, with my membership the kids can access swimming lessons, dance and tae kwon do. My partner and I are enjoying being able to spend time to work out, while the kids are happily amused. Hooray West End Y. read more

I've been a member here for over a year and love it. The equipment and facilities are well maintained and very clean, you don't need a gold star membership to use the awesome whirlpool, sauna or steam room. There's a great variety of classes and there's so many I want to take BUT my only beef is most of them don't actually run during times that work for me due to my loooong working day; not really their fault but it would be really great if they had more classes that started after 7pm. Gravity and Yoga classes are my favourites and getting them free as part of your membership is nothing but a plus. I broke my finger, haven't gone in months but still happily pay my dues. read more

I have just started going here because they have an indoor track and alas its winter and the sidewalks are treacherous! What can I say so far? I feel slightly awkward that the track is actually a round pathway that encircles their upper floor weight lifting and cardio equipment. I definitely am the passing entertainment for those not watching TV on the elliptical. It actually doesn't really bother me, but I think it may bother those who are less self conscious of their running. Their weights and cardio equipment are decent. If they had higher levels of traffic during peak hours it might be a problem, but so far all good. I might not renew for January so maybe someone else can speak to the new years resolution influx of members. I am excited to try out a fitness class or two and the pool. Their hot tub and sauna also look great. A nice selection of facilities. Probably could find better in Toronto if you're okay leaving this area. read more

I am not a gym person. I have never belonged to a gym. I have probably not been in a gym since high school. But there comes a time when a person needs to keep up a regime - or let the ravages of time run wild. So we signed up for the Y last winter. And I have to say, after initial hesitation, I have grown to look forward to my 2 to 3 times week here. I like the crowd here. It is a real mix of the young, the old, the hip, and the hip-replacement. A mix of languages rings out in the changing room and there is definitely a community feel to the place. I don't do much other than hit the elliptical, and swim lengths - so I have no authority to comment on the many different classes and machines they have here - but I think the Y on College is pretty swell. I try to avoid the place at peek times but even when it is busy it ain't so bad. I know there are some machines and stations that are popular and it might get annoying if you always had to wait but I have never had that problem. After an hour at the gym I emerge feeling fairly virtuous, which is worth the price of admission alone. read more

If you swim faster than floating, other swimmers will complain. I got kicked out for attempting to swim properly several times as the older swimmers got their hair wet and didn't like that a swimmer was causing waves while they were floating around. The lifeguards were exceptionally rude and barely watch the pool. The facility is constantly dirty and gross. If you go to the sauna or hot tubs, you will be greeted by a lot of nudity. The gym is split into two levels which makes consistency in your workout a challenge. There are tons of classes but who has time to show up 30 minutes early to secure a spot? The instructors sometimes pick on the weaker students or don't provide adequate instruction (good way to get hurt if you don't know what you're doing). read more

I really enjoy coming to this YMCA. I was looking for a gym to join. When I learned how family oriented the YMCA gyms incorporated children's programs I was sold. The kids programs are pretty good quality too. My young kids really enjoy the classes and have no issues going back to the classes. The instructors for the fitness classes are very good too although I wish some instructors would change up the moves each month or two. The only issue I have is that I wish there were more team sports for kids during the weekend. One of the things I was impressed with was the one Latin dance class I took. The instructor offered to take those who were interested to a Latin dance club to try out the moves they learned. I felt like the instructor went above and beyond by doing that. I've never when to a gym where social events were offered. What a great idea to encourage community involvement. You should bring your own lock. read more

I was a member of this Y for a few years, but quit out of frustration with assorted management and staffing issues. (E.g. personal trainers no-showing for sessions, non-enforcement of gym etiquette [I watched staff watch gym users walk on the stretching mats in bare feet - euwww].) That was a few years ago, and I'd been thinking I'd like to join a gym again, so I checked out this one. I figured maybe in the intervening years they had sorted out some of the issues. One of the staff gave me a tour of the place. The new renovations are very nice. But - the spin class has music playing VERY LOUD. Like, crazy loud. Way beyond a level that is safe for your hearing. And you can hear it all over the that level of the gym, even out into the foyer. This was at 7 in the morning, a time when you'd expect the gym to be fairly quiet. In fact the quiet would be one of the main reasons to go to the gym at that hour. I cannot stand extremely loud music on a bad sound system, so I asked at the front desk what the options were for turning it down at least a little. Guess what? There are no options. The spin instructor can play their music at any volume they please and it's tough luck if other gym members are bothered by it. The front desk person kept trying to avoid the issue by suggesting a number of ways I could work around the loud spin classes, but for over $700 per year, is it so much to expect a little peace at 7 in the morning? I should work around the preferences of the staff for a class that I'm not even *in*? Again, this is an etiquette issue. If I had my music blaring on an iPod, I'd be asked to turn it down. But spin instructors have free rein. In the end the front desk actually told me that I should not join the gym. And his attitude reminded me of the bad old days when I used to go to that gym. The staff really couldn't care less if you run into problems. They run the gym to suit themselves. read more

I've been a member here for a year and find it exceptional value. The equipment and facilities are well maintained and very clean. There are a wide variety of classes-- martial arts to spinning to yoga-- and in my experience it's easy to drop in fairly last minute. Other gyms are crowded with steroid addled lunatics, slamming weights around and grunting like ogres; none of that nonsense at the Y, as it's a mix of all kinds of people. Every neighbourhood should have a facility like this, open to whoever wants in, and I'm happy to pay my membership dues even when I'm procrastinating workouts for months on end. read more

I was a member at another YMCA several years ago, due to the bargain basement pricing, and thus happily accepted mediocre programming and apathetic staff. Membership dues at this YMCA aren't cheap ($60/month) so the mediocrity is annoying. The group fitness classes are below average at best. By and large, they are taught by lazy instructors who use the same music every class and repeat the exact same routines. Many instructors don't use recognizable songs, but rather the fitness equivalent of elevator music (just beats with almost no lyrics that have been manufactured specifically for fitness classes). They blast this "music" at such a high volume that you can't even hear what they are saying. The instructors regularly (i.e. around 1/4 of the time during the summer) sub in for one another and this isn't announced or posted anywhere. Because the instructors have VERY different teaching styles, it is annoying if you come all the way here for a class and find out that it is being taught by the guy that yells at you like Jillian Michaels or the lady who teaches at such a low intensity that you would get a better workout lifting potato chips to your mouth on your couch (unless you are into that sort of thing). The instructors regularly start classes 5-10 minutes late. All of the clocks in the building are different times, which exacerbates this problem. The inaccurate clocks are also annoying if you are watching the time because you have to leave at a particular time. The cardio equipment is decent (i.e. has TVs), although it is in short supply during peak times. Because the only thing that makes cardio tolerable is TV, it is annoying that the Y is open until 11pm on weekdays (when it is completely dead) but closes before the start of primetime TV on weekends (at 8pm), when there are still tons of people there. I would echo another reviewer's complaint that there are often children on the cardio equipment who are just playing around. Also, the water in all of the fountains is consistently lukewarm. The front desk staff, who seem to be primarily volunteers rather than employees, obviously aren't being paid enough to care about any of this. Even the paid employees don't seem to care...I mentioned some of these concerns (especially the late start times) to someone who seems to be somewhat in charge. He told me that he would follow up with the instructors, but the next class I attended started 8 minutes late. read more

No Security. Last Saturday 5th around 4:30pm, My big padlock was broken with a tool, the thief took my wallet, keys and personal belongings; I called the staff they apologized saying 'this is the third theft today' then they do not investigate or call the police. It seems there are several thefts here in both lockers for men and women, however no responsible action is taken whatsoever and the situation continues, unfortunately I am cancelling my membership it is no longer safe here. read more

It's exactly that. Just OK. I use this YMCA primarily because of close proximity to home. It's full of old men who love chatting away with each other in the weight room and locker room. It's more of a social club for them than anything else, so sometimes it's hard to get focused with all the social activity going on around at all times of the day. read more

Decent gym with a lot of amenities. Basketball court, swimming pool, weight room, cardio machines, a small track running around the top floor, rooftop patio, and several classes taught in their studio. I play a lot of basketball, my source of cardio, and the pick up games can be fun but there are a few whiners always in the mix. I guess that's to be expected on any court you play on. The weight room has everything you need but my biggest gym pet peeve is incorrectly racking the weights. There are probably only a few people who do this initially and then it spirals out of the control when the rest of us normal people who want to re-rack the weights in the correct place find other dumbbells there. It's not our job to go through and place all the weights on the racks properly so we place them in the closest spot and the cycle continues. They need to have more people up there racking the weights in the correct spot when it gets out of hand. I spend way too much time walking around looking for the correct dumbbells because they are all over the place. This seems like a systemic issue throughout the YMCA system because I have seen this at other Y's but never at another gym. Maybe the YMCA doesn't really consider itself a weight lifting gym so they have a devil may care disposition. It's an easy problem to solve though since I've never seen this at others gyms. I'm surprised no one has tripped over one of the dumbbells rolling around and sued, or maybe they have the Y still doesn't care. A bit of a tirade but it is a pet peeve of mine. All in all the gym offers a lot for a reasonable price. read more

For a special 'poor person' rate of $36 this gym is decent, but I'll tell ya, it's a sad day when the Y is being undercut left, right and center. I liked it, but to be honest, unless you have kids and want all the family perks, go to a gym where they don't allow kids - it gets to be kind of a free for all whenever the little guys are on the workout floor. Also - women have a hard time understanding that the family changing room is for people with kids, and the one for women is not. read more

The most family-friendly out of all the other GTA Y's. If you're looking for a gym to join as a family, join this one, lots of great lessons for both, kids and adults and really amazing staff who do child-minding and watch the climbing gym. read more

I love this gym. Nothing bad to say great for teens, a lot to do. The main work out room is on the top floor.

I agree with everythig Lori has to say ( 2 reviews down). The instructors are mediocre, they do the same routine time and time again....for years, actually! They use the same music over and over and over. Usually, they blast the music so that you can't hear their instructions, which either makes the workout ineffective or causes injury. As well, they blast the music so loud that it goes beyond a healthy decibel level. Sorry, but I don't want to lose my hearing as I try to keep my body healthy. Try leaving a comment card with your phone number and no one will return your call. They really don't care. There's a Goodlife just down the street....the instructors are better trained and they change things up to avoid boredom (and muscle boredom). Why the YMCA allows instructors to do the same thing over and over, and to run the show, is beyond me. read more

Great facilities, but gets pretty busy, and lots of old naked men in the change room who shave in the sinks.

Give this place some love! Who wants a gym with crappy top 40 playing all the time? This place is the best, and by that in part I mean it's not the worst like every other gym in this city. No nonsense, no frills, but nicely taken care of and maintained. Just do your thing and enjoy it. Friendly non-overbearing staff too. read more

While I don't love this Y for a few reasons, there are a couple positives to note: -large space -Usually very clean -Good equipment, and a large selection -Staff very friendly, especially people behind front desk and the people who clean the change rooms. Now for the not-so-good(s) -90% of the classes are not very good at all, of all the classes I've tried, and I've tried 95% of them, the instructors are not very good. There are 2, maybe 3 that know what they're doing and actually seem to enjoy it. I've seen instructors teach the same to a 70 person as a 20yr old with no modified version. I've seen one instructor on a regular basis ask older, out of shape people to do a full minute of burpies... with no modified version!! - I've also seen the same instructor not correct people's poor (dangerous) form, that's how injuries happen. People trust that whoever is given the responsibility to 'teach' a class, know what they're doing and teach people to work out safely. This same instructor also seems to use these classes as an opportunity to show how high he can jump, or kick.. it's rediculous to watch, he's also worn jeans and no shoes to teach classes, even though there is a rule about both..?? -There's not a lot of room to work out, no private areas, but tons of space. There are a bunch of rooms for teens and little kids, yet they're all running around the gym. It would be nice if there was a little bit of room to work out. I've been asked to move from a personal trainer who wanted to work with their client as there was no good space for them to go, I just feel like there could be a better use of the space available in this gym. -There's not a lot of variety with the classes, and one of the only good instructor left. I would rather shell out a couple extra dollars and have access to a quality gym with well trained instructors who teach people to work out safely. read more

Used to be my gym for 15 years, Stopped going in 2010. Essentially a fitness centre, not a gym per say. If we;re talking weightlifting and such then its not comparable to say a powerhouse or la fitness, etc. It has those features its not a emphasis. read more

I am a member at this YMCA for past 3 years. There is a serious shortage of stability balls . On the upper conditioning room where over 100 people are doing exercise there is only one stability ball. I complained to the GM and although he said it will be done and I again noted today there was only one stability ball. They keep adding machines but do not care to provide such equipments for use. The Physical trainers also do not bother to notify management although they also noted this problem. It does not cost much to add at least 4 stabilty balls in each floor yet they do nothing. Also there is a serious shortage of 15 lb and 17.5 lb weights, which is most commonly used weights. What is the point of putting more 100 lb weights as very few people are strong enough to use them. Hope some one reads this and takes action. While the facility is otherwise good it has poor management and lacks proper attention to ensure that the facility is well equiped read more

The West End is an incredible place to have fun, the staff is the best very friendly and helpfull, the equipment is brand new and very well maintained. The pool is small but not busy. The facility is very clean and the variety of the classes are amazing, Yoga more than 4 every day, the best in town. Gravity, amazing full body workout, speening the best instructors in Toronto. Anyways I really enjoy my membership in West End Y. read more

Gets extremely crowded in peak hours. Staff is typically uninterested and inattentive, you have to figure out everything by yourself, no help with anything. read more