Five stars for Kids Corner, three to four for everything else. Lots of new equipment, friendly staff, lively atmosphere and family-friendly. The building is v v old though. read more

Came here for the pool. They have shoe booties to cover your dirty shoes before entering the pool. There are two pools - one for swim lessons and laps while the smaller pool is for little kiddies and water aerobic classes? Good to see that they offer life jackets, noodles, and other floaties. Staff hand out different colored necklaces to kids depending on their swimming level (red dotted = can't swim, red = can swim a bit but can't go to deep end, yellow = can swim to deep end). Overall ok until I saw a floating bandaid in the deep end and clump of hair on the deck. Family locker room is clean. They have soap if you want to rinse. Need to scan pass in order to enter (turnstyle like paying before entering the mbta train). That's good because other locations, everyone can enter without checking IDs or memberships. Machines can use an update. I didn't use but a family member said they are old. read more

Best YMCA ever. Guy on front with glasses the coolest dude ever, girls are friendly. Don't forget the awesome cleaning guy, he does fantastic job. Love all you people! read more

I'm guessing this Y used to be a school, due to the nice big outdoor track, and the general school-like and sort of labyrinthine layout. It's got lots of parking, but at peak hours it might still be a bit of a challenge to find a spot. Front desk staff seem pretty nice, they have an almost airport-like layout with automated turnstiles that have to be manually activated if you are coming from a different Y. Clientele is pretty diverse, the vibe is generally relaxed and friendly. Despite what looks like a huge building from the outside, inside the space feels a bit cramped. At least half the building is used for the day/childcare programs, and probably some folks actually live there on the top floor, halfway-house style, following the original mission of the Y of old. Locker rooms and pool are in the basement. Ground floor is where you'll find the strength area (Precor machines on one side, functional fitness / Crossfit space with a too-few handful of barbell stations in the middle) is in what looks like a former auditorium with a miniature indoor track above it ringed by cardio machines. The rather nice/new larger indoor track overlooks a full sized double basketball court and has a smattering of cardio machines (including 2 Keiser spin bikes and 2 Concept rowers) but that space is sadly not very well cooled/ventilated and kind of depressing to work out it---could use more/brighter lights and som industrial ventilator fans perhaps? Oh and the whole place has but one boxing bag, albeit a nice extra-long banana bag (excellent for practicing Muay Thai low roundhouse shin kicks), all by its lonesome in the hallway area between the stairs and the entrance to the larger indoor track...it's isolated enough that you could at least get away with training there barefoot without having any staff yelling at you to put your socks on, one would hope? At first I was bummed out by the strength area being so limited, until I found out about the two former racquetball courts behind it that have been converted for general exercise use, one with dumbbell racks and two weighted pulley machines, one with a pair of sit up benches. That helps, but generally speaking if you are a serious lifter, this is not the Y for you. The strength area is adequate for normal everyday folks though, at least it does have better equipment than Planet Fitness---i.e. a few token barbells, but only one lousy dumbbell rack in the whole place. Many of the Precor strength machines (oddly, they lack a prone leg curl machine) are actually better imo than the Life Fitness and Cybex ones found in most gyms, but there really needs to be more squat racks and barbell bench press stations. The strength areas generally feel like they were just thrown-together willy-nilly, rather than logically planned out. MUCH more problematic is that the strength areas are often very crowded, and by both kids 10-18 and clueless adults who do one set, then jabber with friends or mess around on their phones for at least 5 minutes, before finally doing the next set. (facepalm) Two of the very few indispensable machines, the adductor and rear-delt-fly deck, were constantly occupied for that reason. Of all the Ys I've been to in the Boston area, this Newton Y seems to suffer from this problem the most for some reason. Men's locker room is especially maze-like, they obviously just knocked down some walls and combined a bunch of small rooms into one larger space, so it can be a bit disorienting. I was very bummed out at how tiny the day lockers are...have been in dozens of gyms in my life but never seen such tiny lockers---next time I may have to bring TWO locks and commandeer two of them side by side. And most sadly of all, the men's locker room only has a steam room, no dry sauna...but heard that the women's locker room does have a sauna, for some reason...oy, the Evil Matriarchy strikes again! :D Anyway, I'll continue to drop by here whenever I have to be on the far west side of town for work or errands, but this Y does make me further appreciate the excellent/extensive free weights and boxing equipment at the Cambridge Y, as well as the latter's wonderfully sweltering sauna! read more

They have been charging us even though we have not used the facility since last year and never activated the membership. I explained that we could not reach out because my dad was out of country and had some health issues and requested for a refund but the associate was very rude and had no willingness to help. Poor customer service...really disappointed read more

Special shout out to the Kids Corner! My toddler has had trouble separating from me. But the helpers at the Y have been super patient and understanding. The kiddo now lets me go to workout after only a couple minutes of crying. Thank you, Cynthia, Isidora (sp?) and Charlotte! read more

The staff here is a breath of fresh air! Always pleasant and never arrogant even when I've given them reason to be; that says a lot.

The Wells Ave YMCA in Newyon is a DUMP! They refuse to fix the ac so NONE of the claases have air just loud fans. The bikes for cycling need to be fixed , the water fountains are always broken,the hand sanitizers are always empty and the bathtooms are not clean! The kids hog the equipment and in the afternoon it is pick up joint! They have been notified and do nothi g! but make eccuses!Left for JCc! which is well taken care of and clean! The Jcc has a steam, sauna and whirlpool whereas the y has NOTHING! read more

I would prefer to give this ymca 2.5 stars but as you may know Yelp does not give that option. I use this Y primarily for the weight room, as I exercise 5-6 times a week. The first problem is one bench press, the bench press is constantly being used/hogged because there is only one for the entire gym. Second point. This is NOT a gym where you can work out with friends/a spotter. I've had Jennifer reprimand me multiple times for helping someone not get their chest literally crushed by a barbell. I understand covid protocols are necessary but that is simply ridiculous to deny spotters. Overall it's a mediocre facility with an uptight employee read more

I love the Y, convenient and very clean and friendly staff! They have everything you need and want in a gym and more!

I've been a member for about a year and a half. This is a really nice Y with a great pool, nice facilities, and friendly staff. I've been very pleased with my membership here. A real effort is made to keep the facilities clean, which is a real plus. Swim lessons are great. And the pool is the largest and the best among the three YMCA's that are closest to me. Overall, I find this Y a great experience. read more

Really like the pool. Locker room is good other than the showers, a lot of the curtains have mold on them which is a bit sketchy during covid times. My one issue is that the Y closes so much earlier on weekends now than it used to, I remember pool hours going until 9 on fridays and 6 on Saturdays and Sundays for years so I don't get how the whole Y is now closing at 8 on fridays and 4 on weekends! 4 is so early. Pretty disappointed with the weekend hours ending so early. read more

Do not use this establishment, they claim they are a non profit but I've had multiple issues with them trying to bill me extra and steal my money. They keep saying this is our policy, and this is how we do it. When you sign up the staff don't clearly explain everything. I signed up two days ago and I've had 3 separate transactions on my bank account which caused overdraft fees and other fees. When you ask for help they just keep transferring your around and saying this is the number to call. It's hilarious that a rich white suburban neighborhood ymca needs to be doing this especially considering it's Newton Mass, a wealthy neighborhood. read more

I may only be taking advantage of 10% of what the YMCA offers, but so far, it is already WELL worth the price. The Kids Corner (babysitting) is fantastic. It's such a beautiful, bright and clean room, and the staff who take care of my kids are consistently fabulous -- a huge improvement from my previous gym which shall not be named where most of the staff didn't even seem to enjoy children. But the staff in the Kids Corner seem to genuinely care for the children and seem happy to be there! My daughter sucks on everything within a 2-foot radius, and I was happy to learn that they routinely clean the toys that have been sucked on! A couple other pluses: I love that the treadmills are equipped with live TV, Netflix and Hulu. The front desk staff are really friendly and helpful. There is a pretty wide variety of classes and I can't wait until the baby's nap schedule will allow me to partake in some! And the steam room! Ahhh, the steam room. A couple of things that I wish could be improved: 1) The parking. Though there is a TON of parking, it somehow doesn't seem to be enough! Around 10am on weekdays, it's pretty tough to find a spot. 2) The locker room is a little dingy. Clean, but it just feels old. Lastly, there is one huuuuuge plus that I didn't even know I needed: Diversity. Yes, you heard that right. Diversity. In Newton! Really! I love that when I bring my kids here, they will see people of all races, ages and abilities both as members and employees! I see people being treated with respect and care, and even just being near that makes you feel good, doesn't it? The YMCA is good for my soul, people. I'm so glad this place is here and has the mission it does. It really is a great place. read more

I love this place overall... they have a fantastic field and track and some great workout stuff. Love the charm of the old building and usually staff at front desk is pleasant. I appreciate the amount of classes and things available and will probably use more when my daughter is a little older. My only complaint... we have taken 3 sessions of the SKI children's swim classes and the teacher for the first session was great, then she came back for the second 6 week session and was teaching another instructor and the other one was supposed to take over in the second class and she was terrible... and since that, we have had a mix match of people and some have no idea what to do and waste 5-10 minutes in the start of the class (and it is only 30 minutes)... they need to get together and figure that out. read more

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Love the staff - they are diverse welcoming and friendly. Love the pool, the classes and the instructors. Love that they've change with the covid protocol as we've all learned and know more now than we did in 2020. It's easy to be a Monday morning quarterback. I've been a member for years and appreciate that the most is made of the space. This building, I was informed, was never a school but rather it's one of the oldest Ys in the country. Different priorities over 100 years ago. This Y has a little bit of old and new and in my opinion have made the most of the spacing issues. Of course everyone would love more of everything but I'm not sure logically where anything could be added. Thank you to this y- my home away from home where I've made so many friends! read more

I'm able to enjoy this very nice YMCA half the days in a month with my basic YMCA membership (I belong to the East Boston YMCA). The classes and multiple classrooms are two of my favorite features of the gym. Most YMCAs are small and only offer 1 class at a time. Newton has a spin studio, an open auditorium and a brand new classroom so can offer many classes at a time. Aside from the above, the Y includes a pool, "octagon" (a room with weight equipment downstairs and a lofted cardio section) and a basketball gym with a track upstairs. There are so many things to do here! Don't forget the outdoor track right outside. They also offer daycare, and the room looks like a lot of fun. You know...if I were a kid. read more

Rejoined the Y 14 months ago. I went to this same Y back as a kid say 40 years ago. Nicely expanded. Some old with some new. Plenty of space. Cheap compared to BSC. Been trying to get to 2-3 times a week. A+. read more

We have had a family membership for years, we have donated and supported the West Suburban YMCA. Today the dirt in the pool and being told that I couldn't hold on to the starting platforms because they are "rusted and we ar trying to preserve them" prompted me to make a review which allows me to vent my peeves. I swim, 3 times a week, have been for years. I don't use the weights (anymore) or the machines, or the courts, or the teen room, etc,etc. Never took a class. So, all that stuff is not the subject of this review. This review is about the nasty debris that is all over the bottom of the West Suburban YMCA pool, which stays there for ever, and about the weak, cool showers in locker room. First, the pool. Many swimmers do not bother to shower and nobody seems to care, even though the signs say it is required by law. There are signs posted all over "you MUST shower before swimming!!" But you can ignore these, since everybody else does. The guards never seem to bother the many, many people who come in perfectly dry and jump straight into the pool. Do you have achy bunions, sores, blisters, or maybe an infected toe? Hop right in to the West Suburban YMCA pool with your nasty pus-stained bandaids on you gnarly toes, don't worry, you won't lose those valuable band-aids!! They might come off and drift down to the bottom to join all the other nasty mulch that's down there, but you'll be able to GET THEM BACK next time you swim, because NOBODY EVER cleans the pool! They'll be there a few weeks. I swim often enough to see the same Ariel the Mermaid bandaids time after time, drifting lazily around. At least you can SEE the bottom, so we know a body won't turn up in the West Suburban YMCA pool like one did in Fall River!!! Once you are done paddling through the scum, bandaids, and other unidentified chum that lines the bottom of the pool, head back to the showers for a cool spritz! That's right, a spritz, since these weak, cool things they installed when they re-did the locker room do not qualify as "showers". Way too weak, and usually too cool. If you go around to check the temperature on several showers you might luck out and find one that is nearly warm enough, if you're lucky. There, I said it! read more

I just wanted to update my review because my previous complaints have improved. The front desk staff is much better than they used to be - they're much more friendly and knowledgeable about classes and other stuff. Other pluses since my 2015 review: - The lobby is new with lots of seating and natural light. - The new babysitting room, dubbed "Kids Corner" is a lot more spacious than when it was upstairs. They can accommodate more kids and have a lot of activities. - The swimming classes for kids are very good. They used to be mediocre and I pulled my child out for a few years, but now they've improved and the prices are better. - A lot of the cardio equipment now has the capability to login to Netflix and Hulu. I have belonged to a few other gyms in the area, and I still think this Y is the best. read more

After moving to Newton nearly 4 yrs. ago, the West Suburban YMCA was the place where are kids made friends, we're educated and has plenty of physical activities. The West Suburban YMCA is more than your average Y, it's a place of strong community support and lots of laughter! The staff is simply sweet. From the pre-school, sports camps, marketing office to the front office team, you all are family to many. Facilities are clean and modern along with not one but swimming pools! The classes are new and held at varies times of the day to fit your schedule. We would highly recommend this Y to any family, college student, senior or teen! read more

I will admit that my love of the West Suburban YMCA partially stems from the fact that I got my workouts in while on the job! This summer I worked at a camp where the YMCA was offered as a frequent community trip so I got to workout along with the kiddos. Score! This YMCA runs lots of youth programming during the summer months and welcomes children with developmental disabilities. The West Suburban YMCA offers plenty of cardio machines with personal tvs, weights, 2 pools, an indoor AND outdoor track, a youth fitness center, a gym, a punching bag, snack machines, and even a washer and dryer! Do most facilites have a washer and dryer? Not sure. I was impressed though. If you go to the West Suburban YMCA and plan on using the pool, make sure you wear a swim cap. They are pretty strict about this but you can purchase one from the front desk for $7. The basement level of the YMCA is a bit of a labyrinth but follow the signs and you should be okay. I don't like that you have to sign-up to use some of the cardio machines but that is my only dislike. I wish the West Suburban YMCA was closer to my house because I would get a membership in a heartbeat. read more

My home away from home Y. Chose West Suburban over Oak Square, because, like the YMCA of Greater Westfield, it has that musty, old gym feel. Building itself is historic, some great pictures in the men's locker room really shed light on the Y's much different social role during the 1930's and 1940's. Speaking of the men's locker room, it has a nice, spacious steam room, shaving cream and aerosol deodorant for use on the sinks, plenty of towels, and a big TV room. Pool is not that great, but the bball gym, cardio and free weights area are stellar. Not sure what to make of the staff - they can be alternatively friendly, acerbic, cold, etc. Ray, an older gentleman who works in the AM, is someone you want to avoid interacting with at all costs. All in all, 4 stars. read more

Very easy to join but change the rules every few weeks I got rudely denied for absolutely no reason and they would not explSt stand this please stand st read more

Update: since writing my first review two days after the one fitnesss trainer who was constantly watching me has since stopped. To be quite honest I think one of the ymca upper staff. Read my review and has a chat with her. Which is fantastic. I've still decided to hold one star off though because of the weekend crowd. Keep in mind that I don't usually go to the gym on the weekend. For those who do be careful at this place on the weekend. Kids galore are everywhere running around on the indoor track and even the weight fitness area. The thing is the staff doesn't really do anything about it aside from put up signs for the kids who probably can barely read two days after the fact. Point being if you're a weekend work outter this may not be the place for you. For me I rarely go on the weekends so it doesn't bother me too much. read more

LOVE the Y- should have joined sooner... Terrific classes, especially Boot Camp with Donna and Sunday Bollywood! So clean, folks so friendly, supportive staff. Had our teen boys try some personal training and they loved it, too. read more

Thieves. Joining is easy, but good luck quitting. They will keep charging your credit card, regardless of your wishes. My son joined for the summer, and then went back to college. they refused to cancel his membership either in writing or over the phone. Maybe 'Christian' in the title should have been a warning - you will tithe for the rest of your life! read more

This YMCA has been fantastic for my family and I, we have a monthly family membership and it's worth every penny. We use the Child Watch room (soon to be called Kids Corner) about three times a week and swim there once or twice a week. My children are about to start swim lessons there and went to Camp Pikati this summer. The staff are great, especially those in the Child Watch room, and I love the fitness center - it's not the fanciest but it has a good range of equipment and, mostly importantly for me, feels a comfortable place to be regardless of age or gender. The people I see in there are a big mix and it is actually quite inspiring for me - doesn't matter what age or gender you are, you can work out :-) I love the Zumba Tone classes especially and I plan to try the spinning classes soon too as I hear they are good. They are doing some construction work at the moment, and to be honest there were some bits of the building that were looking a little tired and outdated. But once the work is finished I'm sure it'll be a great place to be again. read more

Fantastic classes with a really awesome staff of instructors, a helpful and friendly staff, two thumbs up on a clean facility, just wish I could find a parking spot most mornings! Otherwise, no complaints. An extremely reasonable price for great work out equipment and such a nice team all around. read more

The main reason to join this Y is the expansive lap swim hours they have (along with decent pool.) Front desk people are welcoming, and gym has everything you need and is rarely too crowded. That being said, there does seem to be a worrying trend of poor management. They recently did a renovation and ended up with a poorly designed locker room, and no one bothered to check health code regulations, so you have a long, cold walk to the pool after taking a mandatory shower far away... Still, 4 stars for the value of what you get and flexibility of lots of lap swim times. read more

The star rating is tough on this one. There are things about the gym that are worth 5 stars, and there are others that really merit no stars at all. So here's my pro/con assessment... Pros: -plenty of parking -plenty of cardio and weight machines -TVs on most cardio machines -a big, clean pool -great outdoor track Cons: -women's locker room is pretty old and messy compared to comparably priced gyms -pool not available for lap swimming in the hours when most people get out of work (5 p.m.-ish) -membership staff were slow to respond to my questions and concerns -front desk staff repeatedly guessed [incorrectly] at answers instead of making a quick phone call to get the right answer (a pet peeve of mine, admittedly!) There are lots of things that don't interest me in a gym (e.g. basketball leagues, fitness classes, climbing walls) that might make this Y worthwhile for some folks. For those that want an early evening swim workout, this Y won't work. For those that just want consistent access to cardio machines, there are less expensive, equally reliable options in the area (e.g. Beacon Hill Athletic Club, Boston Sports Club, Workout World). read more

I really love this YMCA. It has a great cross section of diverse members--that's a refreshing environment to be in when you live in Newton ! The people at the desk are warm and helpful, and the admin is very creative with their programs,etc. I love the new circuit equipment ! It's the best ! My friend Michele teaches a spinning class there that is extremely popular. Great option for a gym membership--oh yeah, the two pools are excellent. Airy, and comfortable throughout. Great for families and every age. read more

The spinning classes are just mediocre most due to the fact that they are only 40 minutes and 5 for stretching. It would be nice to have an hour class like other ymca. I enjoy janes wednesday morning class at 6:15am because you really get a work out. I would come more often if you made the morning classes at least 55 minutes and 5 minutes for cool down totaling 1 hour. If people have to leave early, let them leave early. read more

Everything is well-maintained and clean. I don't ever wait to use anything. The staff is quite friendly and available and helpful. Sometimes is really busy and have to wait for machines. read more

I've been going to the YMCA since February of 2012. Downstairs in the basement there is a floor that is devoted for teens around the ages of 12-18. There is room to hang out in including chairs, couches, Wii, TV, and where most of the teens hang out, and socialize. Then there is a computer room with at least 10 computers for kids to go on. An amazing music studio with crisp in condition instruments. The teens get a free membership which they can use to their advantage. They get free access to the gym, basketball court, pools, racket ball room, and essentially anywhere in the Y. There are at least 2-3 staff member working every night. Each staff member has its own strengths when it comes to interacting with teens. Some are younger so they can relate to certain subjects. Others work in certain fields involving social work, and psychology, so they know how to talk to the kids if they are having trouble. They all have wonderful personalities, and in my opinion, being a teen who goes there myself, know how to make a certain connection with each kid. Earning trust, and friendship. It is a wonderful place to meet new people, spend time after school, and hang out. I enjoy going there as much as possible and hope to continue until i can maybe one day work there myself. read more

There is no hot water in the showers especially family locker. If you complain they say "this is the way it it."

Oh where in life would I be were it not for the YMCA. I mean, there is even a song from the 70s about it and you will be sure to hear it at every wedding. This YMCA was renovated a few years ago. The renovations were pretty nice. The locker room is nice, the bathrooms and showers ample and clean. The parking lot is insane and crowded. The classes are nice, the spinning classes are great. However, the clientele is kind of annoying and I cancelled my membership because of this reason (and the prices went up like 20% in one year, which is not justifiable to me). I liked going to the YMCA because it felt like a community, but this Y now feels like every other generic gym. Fighting for a parking space, trying to find a 30 minute block to use the treadmill and not finding it during peak times. A lot of old dudes go there and take their sweet/sweat time on the nautilus and sometimes "forget" to spray it down. The groups of teenage boys who are lifting free weights and chatting loudly with each other and on their cell phones between sets annoys this girl, who only wants the 5 lb weights for 3 minutes to work my tris and biceps. So, I quit this gym. Maybe someday I'll be back, but I kind of hate the teenyboppers who hog the space in the free weight area, so I think I'll stick with my new gym. read more

high membership fee but low quality. the employee there are not friendly. You don't want to put your kids there.

Terrible customer service. For being a family focused place, the staff are far from friendly. I had an issue with my membership and needed to cancel it because I was traveling in and out of the country for work. I was told to email them so they had it in writing, but never heard from them, and was then charged. Trying to reach Jason, the guy apparently in charge of all this has been completely unresponsive, and it has been an overall extremely frustrating experience. I would not recommend this place to anyone. Go to the Oak Square YMCA instead...facilities are much nicer, and the staff are much nicer. read more

The West Suburban Y has been like a second home to me since April, and unemployment. Gave me a place to go daily, work out. Staff is very nice and helpful. Been taking swimming classes since April, and now have gone from scared to death of water to 6 different strokes, and now swimming to the deep end, kudos to instructors Julianna, Melissa, and Elise. Pools are always clean, my only 2 complains is 1) since the pool cleaning in Sept. they keep the water at a chilly 82 degrees. i am told it is better for the lap swimmers, but what about the rest of us... adult swim class, also there is always lots of elderly in the rec side, don't other non-lap swimmers count. ( And I'm not that old, late thirties)You have to swim a few minutes just to even get warm now, and if you slow down you start to shiver. 2) The recreation side of the pool has limited hours in the afternoons and evenings, and Sat. afternoons. Where I am still learning and do not go down the deep end without an instructor supervising, I have to swim in the rec side and not the lap side. It is now hard to plan my day after my new job to get a swim in unless I want to come down at 8:00 PM - not really with the cold water at the end of the day. The recreation side of the pool is too limited in the scheduling for working people for later afternoons ( 4-6pm) daily. May be forced to join BSC just to get a swim in before dinner. Locker rooms always clean, and showers too. read more