Great family fun! Grateful for the staff, the events, the people, the pool and the gym.

Great place for the family. Swim lessons on deck, camps in the summer and just a great community vibe in general.

Courteous staff, clean weight rooms, and three pools. I'm always delighted with my visits to the local Y.

This organisation needs a general overhaul, and with that I mean above all a cultural reset. Staff are unfriendly, snarky, unhelpful and even abusive towards members, including children. The facilites are suboptimal, too, but conveniences trumped that for the time we've been members. We've had enough of the attitude of the staff - in particular the swim instructors and lifeguards - and won't be returning. Strongly advise anyone considering a membership to look elsewhere, especially if you have kids. This is not a good environment for children. read more

Really surprised at all the bad reviews. I have been a member for nearly a year now. I use the magnificent outdoor pool and the gym five days a week, and I am very pleased with the facilities and personnel. read more

They hide their pricing structure, club-by-club and also corporately. I used to go to the Y all the time when my membership was paid for (by a certain company). But that circumstance is now gone and so I wanted to join again on my own. But hiding membership prices is very shifty - feels like doing business with a crooked entity. So, for that reason alone, my family and I have stopped going to the YMCA altogether. There are way too many excellent alternatives here in the Washington DC suburbs to even bother with the Y anymore. I recommend LA Fitness, Planet Fitness, Gold's, Anytime, or even a local County or City rec center. They all, of course, post their pricing structures publicly for all to see and consider. For a supposedly Christian nonprofit, YMCA, forsaking transparency and embracing a policy of secrecy, leaves too much to be desired. Makes me wonder what else they're hiding. read more

It's fine, the pool is great, the gym is cramped and outdated. The equipment variety is great but there is only one of each machine except cardio machines. A renovation of the weight training area as a whole would be nice. It is one of the nicer and well maintained gyms in the area tho. read more

We've had a terrible experience here. we've been charged a lot of money for a facility we haven't used after putting our membership on hold. There is very little attentive care meaning customers don't come first and the communication from staff has been terrible. I really wish I could have left a better review but so far, our experience has been terrible. If we resolve the issues we've been having at the Y, I will update this review. read more

Visiting this Y for the first time. I was looking for a nearby YMCA for a good workout. I had a great workout sesh. They have a limited selection of equipment. I was doing a leg day workout and they had 2 free standing barbell rack. I couldn't find the leg abduction/addiction machine so had to improvise. Like I said, limited machine selection. As far as the cardio area, they have a good selection- treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and a stair master. Overall , it is a decent YMCA for a quick convenient workout. read more

Yesterday, suffering from painful plantar fasciitis, but wanting to strengthen upper body, I was prevented from exercising by this YMCA manager. Why? Because I was wearing doctor-recommended sandals (the kind that lift the arch) -- and the manager declared in no uncertain terms that I couldn't strengthen my arms because "other people " might see the offending sandals for plantar fasciitis. And sandals were forbidden at the YMCA. In other words the kind of callousness a smart and humane manager wouldn't have demonstrated. We've been regular YMCA users for years. Now seriously reconsidering. read more

I joined this Y on February 2022 and it was a great decision. i'm giving 5 stars because: The pools are great. The water aerobics instructors are amazing. The facility is clean. The front desk staff is friendly. There many classes to choose from according to your level of fitness or interest. The monthly fee is very reasonable. read more

This Y has everything I need. The biggest plus is the heated outdoor pool that is open year-round! I've been a member for decades.

I have the pleasure of visiting this Y several times a year and it's the best! I love how clean it is. All the staff are awesome and the jacuzzi is always hot. I highly recommend this location and if I lived closer I'd be a member. But in the meantime I will enjoy visiting several times each year. read more

Bethesda needs a makeover or renovation or something. There is one sauna which both genders share at different time periods during each day. It alternates, on Monday, wed and Friday the woman get the spa from early morning to 2:30 pm then the men have it from 2:35pm until close- then the women have it on Tuesday and Thursday nights. They supposedly clean it during the shifts between genders. The changing rooms are unbelievably crammed and jammed. When there are more than 20 women in the locker room you will move constantly to keep your self out of the way of the constant barrage of children, and other members. There is no privacy, now they have these two handicap bathrooms which offer a small amount of privacy but I don't dare mention it because it will suddenly become off-limits to anyone who isn't handicapped- and the locker rooms are constantly jammed. The one great thing is the outdoor pool which is huge and very nice. Then school is out and the place turns into Daycamp YMCA which means 100's of school age children take over the outdoor pool from late June until late August. But I suppose the Bethesda Public Pool is only worse, and they do not open until 1pm - so I guess it is either this or find a private club. read more

I'm visiting from out of town and stopped by this YMCA today if I could use the facility for free since I'm a Y member. I've never had an issue a YMCA in a different city but apparently you can use this facility.... for $10 a pop. Um, no thanks, I will go somewhere else and avoid the clusterf** of the parking lot here. read more

YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase - Gyms Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Our family has been looking for a place for heated pools to swim during covid. We were so thrilled when this Y opened up with year round access to pools! The registration process was easy, they waived the sign up fee but some other pool use fee got tacked on, so it ended up being a little more. The facilities are new and clean. A lot of the amenities including the locker rooms aren't opened right now so I thought it was a little pricey but during these times I guess you get what you get. You have to reserve your visits, which I appreciate to keep social distancing in place, and so far we haven't had trouble getting the time slots we want for the pool, although I do sit on the computer like a nut waiting for the booking to open so I can get my spot. The staff is so friendly and helpful, and while it isn't ideal I'm glad we can all help to keep places like this going. read more

The new lobby and locker rooms are awesome! The guy at the front desk (Kyle) was super helpful. Regrettably the pools need a lot of work. I can't speak for the indoor pools, but the outdoor pool, while the water was great, the lines on the bottom are largely decorative. Some lanes have no line, others have two. The shallow end is so shallow that I scraped my foot a few times. Overall, probably won't be signing up for a membership, but Kyle was great, and the locker rooms are much nicer than they used to be! read more

YMCA Bethesda is the worst worst worst facility I have ever encountered in my life. I reserved a court them with Drew one hour later upon purchasing it says you will receive credit. Credit does not mean credit back to your credit card. They are unreasonable, rude nasty, selfish don't use them go somewhere else go to Montgomery county department of recreation so much better. In addition, their facilities are disgusting dirty. read more

This is a busy YMCA in the DC metro area. The main draw here is the year round swimming pool, though the gym is busy too. That is about the only good thing here, except for the staff being friendly (for the most part). As others have noted, this place is many years past its Zenith as a good club and is in severe need of a complete renovation - from the aging gym, the pools, locker rooms, and general ambiance. Lockers are grossly inadequate with not much room to move around and sit. Access to the pools is via the showers and on slippery tiles - accidents waiting to happen. The pools are overcrowded and there is not much room for lap swimmers, especially during peak hours. Also, about half the indoor pool area is generally taken up by swimming classes forcing the rest to swim closer together! The hot tub/jacuzzi is small in size compared to the number of people wanting to use it. As mentioned earlier, the main draw here are the swimming pools and members have to make do with all the inconveniences to have an opportunity to be in the water during the winters! read more

I've been a member of this Y for many years, and I swim at Y's all over the country when traveling. This Y was renovated recently, which should have been good news. Unfortunately, the results suggest that the architect behind the renovation has never used a YMCA or any kind of fitness facility. Before the renovation, the men's locker room was on the grungy side, but serviceable. Amazingly, the renovation made it much worse; it is now the worst locker room I've seen at any Y, including new Y's, old ones, and urban/suburban/rural. Partial list: overwhelming mold stench from the locker room carpet within a couple weeks of reopening, and it's always crowded and uncomfortable due to bizarre, dysfunctional placement of lockers / benches. Showers with a passageway between them barely wide enough for one person. If you like your locker room *really* intimate (and moldy) then you'll have a great time. The outdoor pool is still nice, though aquatics management has seen a steep decline in recent years including basic issues such as keeping water temperature stable (and knowing what it is). Oh well, at least the YMCA lobby is now glitzed up, complete with a fake fire place... read more

I thought I was going to have a nice work out today at the wellness center. To my surprise soon as I got on one of the machine some older Caucasian man came to me with his hands crossed and starring at me as he was waiting for me to get off the machine. I took a minute to answer a phone call and he asked me if I was on the phone or was I using the machine. I ended up getting off the machine and before I even got a chance to clean it he went off on me and yelled: " oh Mam are you not going to clean the machine, that's rude"! I was so flabagasted by such attitude that I replied loudly and said you are the rude one Sir! 5 minutes later the Director showed to say that I threathened the guy and that no one should feel threathened in the gym ?????? Suddenly I became the bad person ???? To make the story short she took side for guy and made it look like I Overreacted to the fact that he harassed me and called me rude. I did not feel welcome at the Y at all. I don't think the members and management are open to diversity. read more

I've been a member since my parents joined in 2002 and at the age of 26 I still am and it's definitely a second home, The renovation was much needed and came out great! I use both the gym and pools and it fits my needs. So many years of making memories here and I plan to continue to do so if I stay in this area. As a swimmer you can't beat the outdoor pool being open year round and living in the neighborhood is very convenient. As a night worker I swim during noon and I haven't had any issues finding a lane to swim in. I do feel the place is pretty clean and I feel that proper safety precautions for COVID have taken place. Only negative complaint is some of the members are very entitled and nosey, it's not the YMCA's fault (obviously) it's just one downside. read more

I started semi-private swim lessons here a little over a month ago and really you cannot beat their prices. I used to be a member of the Bethesda Sport and Health Club (which is a fantastic gym) but swim lessons were ~$60/hour. The Y charges $55 for FIVE 45 minute sessions. So I switched. Positives: - inexpensive membership - inexpensive swim lessons with well trained instructors - outdoor pool open year round (!) - 2 indoor pools (one is heated to about 84) - So far I have not had to wait for work out equipment - All the machines have a personal thin screen tv - Easy parking Negatives: - no towel service - no shampoo/conditioner - older building - classes/alternate work out room in another building - Staff is disorganized - LOTS of kids - Intimidating weight room Bottom line: The Y is a no frills affordable family oriented gym. read more

It's 5:30 a.m., 33F, and I'm in the mood to swim. Outside. Without a wetsuit. What's a girl to do? Look no farther than the Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA, conveniently located minutes from downtown Bethesda. And, as far as I know, it's the only fitness center in the area with a year-round outdoor pool. I'm a so-so swimmer, but gearing up for my first triathlon, so I have a standing date to swim at least 1,000 yards once a week (until my coach tells me otherwise). This YMCA has three pools, two of them indoors, and then the incredible year-round outdoor pool, which closes only when the temp dips below 32F. The indoor pools are OK, but they feel a little too warm to me. And once you've tasted the fun of running from the locker room, through the cold, into the pool, you'll be hooked. As you swim, watch the mist slowly rise as the (relative) warmth of the water meets the brisk air temp. And nothing beats swimming laps while snow flurries swirl 'round you. As you watch the sun rise. It's practically a religious experience! The hard part, of course, is dragging yourself out of the pool, and racing back to the warmth of the building. Luckily, there's an extremely HOT whirlpool awaiting you inside, along with a nice toasty sauna. The locker rooms are fastidiously clean, and if you go early enough (and avoid Saturdays), free from the leetle people crying and running around. (Not that I have anything against the wee ones.) There's also a fully equipped exercise room with all kinds of cardio and weight equipment, not to mention a ton of classes of all sorts, including pilates, yoga, and spinning. But I go to this Y for one reason only (and I think it's also the reason I don't want to move): the outdoor pool in the winter. There's nothing like it. read more

Gosh I want to like this place. It has three big pools of which two are indoors. There is a capable gym as well. The pools are usually very crowded some times to the point of being ridiculous. The problem is the pricing. At over 100 a month I expect more. Given our pool usage the Montgomery pool system is newer, nicer, and a better value. read more

I would have given less than one star if i could. Horrible customer service & attitude. We printed guest passes online in advance to save time including filling out the form. The woman at the front desk made us fill out the form again and we had to wait while she let others in. Almost made us late for swim class. If she had been a bit more friendly & customer service oriented, I would have understood better. Then the woman in the swim lane next to a pool of 20 1-year olds complained about the flash of the camera. THEN a different employee came and said no photography at all. They were awful. Not worth paying dues for that kind of treatment. read more

At the Y- Came here to see my daughters swim class. I found it to be a typical YMCA. The one thing that was annoying was having to walk through the showers to get to the POOL? Gross..if you know what I mean. The class was unorganized and the pol rather small. Not sure I would re visit. read more

Best part about this place is the indoor and outdoor pool, except they charge $10 for even their away members and guests pay a full $20. Cardio and weight room are small and in the basement. If it's warm and sunny, LAY OUT! read more

YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase - Outdoor pool - Gyms Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

I just cancelled my membership after being a member for several years. The quality of the facility has steadily declined. I registered my kids for swim lessons at level 5 for 3 times a week based on the level 5 class swim class they just completed at this location and the recommendation of the instructor. Now after a week in they want to bump one of the kids down a level where the classes would be at different times and different days. They won't even grant a refund. Credit only because it is "too late". I'm disgusted as a long time member. I checked and confirmed level before we signed up. Now I had to cancel all the lessons and am stuck with a giant credit. I would give negative stars if possible. read more

This is the YMCA of childhoods! Hmm...I wonder what I will say. It's always there for the public. They hold the Thanksgiving Turkey Chase every year. It's off Old Georgetown Road. We always would drive by it. We always had the chance to go there for a quick swim. It's the YMCA of Bethesda! YAY! I miss it. read more

This place is a disaster. We tried to give it a shot. Swim lessons are frequently cancelled with little to no notice. Place is falling apart and unsanitary. It should be shut down. Staff is a disorganized mess. read more

Since I last posted , the COO of YMCA reached out and offered to reimburse my stolen items.She also explained steps they are taking to regain the positive image of the Y. Her personal attention ( she called me 3 times ) was a surprise and a real demonstration the Y means business. She also offered to contact her if I ever have a problem in Y again. My opinion about YMCA - Bethesda is changed, thanks to this person. Could you imagine this place with more people like her? :) read more

They have done a great job with Covid-19 they re arrange all the areas and have some clases outdoors, they have schedules for the swimming pool so there is no overlap in any lane, they do a lot of cleaning and disinfecting. read more

I continued to pay monthly to YMCA for 7 months during Covid 19 without using it. When I wanted to use it against in August, I was faced with an incomprehensible online reservation system, all spots full weeks in advance, and very limited opening hours on week-ends (closing at 5 PM). Extremely disappointing. I frankly feel dupped. read more

This YMCA needs a serious renovation. Everyone needs to go through the showers/bathrooms to get to the pools, and the floors are slippery. All the gym equipment is old, dirty and crammed into a small room. The air in the gym just feels stagnant... I will say that my son took swimming lessons at this Y, and the teachers were great--otherwise, I would love to be a member, but not until they get a make-over. read more

Gyms too small and lacking in some equipment, nasty locker rooms,pools are overcrowded, and building is too old and dingy. What makes it a complete one star review is the complete lack of a basketball court. Really? A YMCA with no basketball court? For the price of the membership this place is not worth it. Find a better place if you want somewhere your time won't be wasted being disappointed and regretting the money you wasted to get in. read more

Whoa. All the negative reviews at first made me defensive of my Y. But then I thought: great! the @ssholes are staying away. I mean, if it's too much effort to carry 3 feet of terrycloth from home to gym, what are you doing at a gym, anyway? I LOVE the B-CC Y. I've been a regular for almost 20 years and never once have I thought: DAMN. I have to bring my own towel -- it is so not worth being able to swim under the stars as the snow gently falls. If you want lots of glittery spandex and a chance to feel superior, I'll admit, this is not the place. One of my unforgettable moments: I'm swimming, feeling pretty confident in my prowess (outside , in the middle of winter, catching the setting sun with each breath) when an elderly man joins my lane. He proceeds to kick my butt, repeatedly lapping me and generally putting me to shame. We finish together, smile and exchange pleasantries. Then he swims to the stairs and hobbles out, collects his prosthetic leg and carries on. The Y is the U.N. of workout facilities. People aren't there to see and be seen. They are there to stay in shape. And the staff is there to help them. If you hate children, old people, nice people, diversity, everyone but yourself, etc., you probably won't like it. So please, stay away and let the rest of us continue to enjoy this terrific place. read more

The Y offers many reasonably priced services for all ages. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, though sometimes the other members can be a little high strung. The exercise rooms, lockers rooms, and pools are clean but quite old. As a result things look dingy and unappealing. The two gyms are underground and fairly small, so there isn't much room for free weight/body weight exercises. I grew up going to this Y so I wish I had better things to say, but it's sorely in need of some renovations to keep up with its popularity. I do want to stress how awesome all the staff are! Great teachers and coaches. read more

I live almost directly across the street and dropped my membership. Why? 1) It's filthy. Consistently. Has been for years. 2) The gym is a closed-up, underground hovel with scads of always-broken equipment and a serious lack of ventilation. 3) The "free swim" area of the outdoor pool is tiny and when the camps come crashing in with almost no supervision, it becomes downright dangerous. Mark my words: A child is going to drown here. 4) The building itself is worn and outdated. Which would be OK, but this is the single most expensive Y in the D.C. region. More expensive than any other health club around. Why? No clue. In a word: Ick. In three, no thank you. read more

Update: the director wrote, and asked me to contact her. I did leave a message, and I heard nothing. No response at all. If you want your children to be safe, go elsewhere. read more