YMCA of Medicine Hat

Fantastic experience: Staff was super friendly and effective. Pool and facilities was very very clean and correctly maintained. Great place for a swim and workout if your in the area.

Positive experience: I am a current member there and it suffices for what I need, but I also left a huge loud state of the art facility. Some of the equipment is old and taped with duct tape, or out of order. Paper towel holders and spray bottles are frequently empty. I am a health plus pass holder and the hot tub has been broken and is out of order for 6-8 weeks. The general change room has a piece of floor missing tile(it’s not safe) and it smells damp and smells of mildew. The staff are friendly. But I’m going to address that their child minding hours ate horrendous as there is supposed to be Monday and Wednesday evenings 5:30-6:30 which there is not. And Saturdays from 8:45-11:45. And I’m not the only parent that has this issue. I’m not sure why the staffing hasn’t been addressed .

Positive experience: Since I have started going to this YMCA I have really liked it. It is a big gym with a variety of machines, great workout classes, friendly, welcoming staff and 24h access if you have a fob. I have been going here for about 2 months now and the only issue I am having is with the lack of resources available for me to help keep this gym clean as a frequently going member. They have paper towel holders and spray bottles intended for spraying down the equipment after use. Lots of the time, I find many of the paper towel holders are empty at one time as well as the spray bottles - requiring me to search for the materials to clean my equipment, sometimes having to go up/downstairs and then back to the equipment I was using to clean it. Within the past week, there has been no soap in the bathroom and the toilet paper holders have been empty. The change room frequently smells of sewage. The floor in the downstairs weight room appears dirty, a few weeks ago my friend and I saw a toenail on the ground, which stayed there for about 3 days in the same spot. Instead of just complaining about this, I have went to the office area in the middle of the gym to politely alert the staff of these things needing to be filled, but there has been nobody there. I have opted to just grabbing a wad of paper towel from whatever holder is stocked, and using this throughout my workout to clean my equipment. I am not at all trying to blame the staff for this inconvenience, as I understand it may not be within their job role to keep these things stocked, maybe cleaning staff comes in at night - and members are 100% responsible for helping maintain the cleanliness of this facility. I am just finding this frustrating as it often interrupts my workout trying to find wipes/spray to try and do my part to keep this gym clean. I haven't been able to wash my hands before/after my workout, I am reading lots of these reviews and half of them over the past year are discussing the lack cleanliness of this facility. It worries me that because resources for basic hygiene aren't always available, the behind the scenes of this gym may be much worse. This strays me away from wanting to try Women's Plus/utilizing the hot tub/sauna, and prompts me to try and find another gym.

Positive experience: Has potential. Pros: they have a variety of machines in the down town ymca which is nice, the staff in the morning have been extremely friendly. The only lady in particular is always smiling and going out of her way to make you feel welcome when you come in. The ladies health plus is a huge upgrade from the general. Cant even compare the two change rooms they are so different. For the most part it is clean and the other ladies using it have been very pleasant. There is many cleaning supplies available for the members to wipe down equipment so you don’t have to hunt any down. I love offer a variety of classes including yoga. I recommend you book early as they always seem to be booked up. Cons: The ladies sauna which is a nice feature to have, does not work proper. It spits out boiling HOT water to the point which is not safe. I see it was reported a few months ago on as a review on here but yet still nothing has been done. It’s an accident waiting to happen. I will not use the sauna again for this reason. many machines the seats and padding are torn or ripped. At this point please duct tape them or put on new vinyl so they are not cutting at your skin and can be cleaned proper. The general change room first impressions it smell like mold and are not very clean. The general change rooms for both men and woman are open showers so zero privacy. It’s fine i guess if you feel like seeing adults naked and kids in there at the same time. I personally find it awkward and not appropriate. Just me. The men’s health club is the same with no privacy and open showers like your in a prison. You have grown men walking around with their junk hanging out instead of putting a towel around them after coming out of the showers and two men was caught shaving their balls in front of the mirror with each other. Yuck! That can not be sanitary Please get some change room rules as that makes the whole experience disgusting. When I mentioned it to the staff they commented that they have heard it many times before this group does it and there is nothing they can do. When we signed up the offer was free gym bags. We signed up four of our family members and was told there was no bags even though we could see them behind the counter. Wasn’t a deal breaker not to join but was not sure why the staff would not even give one of them when they had them. They have areas that have tarps up to half trying to hide broken machines which look tacky and not effective as you see it all, so hopefully this is only temporary. This gym has SO much potential to be amazing for the how old it is but in need of some TLC and a very good cleaning. Over all for the price it is nice you get the option of both YMCA and I love that it 24hours. I wish the health club rooms for members had 24 hour access opportunities by locking the doors to the hot tub.

Negative experience: They do not care in the least for their staff! IF they did they would stop being crooked! IE: THEY STARTED OFF AS SITE DIRECTORS OF THE BEFORE AND AFTER DAYCARE PROGRAM WITH A CONTRACT THAT PAID FOR SEVEN (7) HOURS. IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR THEY ILLEGALLY INCREASED THEIR DAYS TO EIGHT (8) HOURS WITHOUT A NEW CONTRACT WITH INCREASED PAY!! ILLEGALLY!! ANOTHER WAY THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR CARE PROVIDERS IS BY DENYING THEM (SPECIFICALLY) REQUESTED DAYS OFF UNDER 'WELLNESS DAYS' - INSTEAD STEALING IT FROM 'BANKED TIME' OR 'VACATION TIME'. Please stop being heartless AND CRIMINAL BEFORE YOU ARE IN LEGAL TROUBLE WITH HEFTY FINES FOR DENYING WORKERS THEIR PAY!! :||

Negative experience: It’s “charming”. Staff are friendly but that’s about it. The general change rooms are always disgusting, there is mold in some of the corners, and I cut my toe on the broken tiles in the showers. The health plus change room is slightly better but…. There is still dirt and garbage on the floor from Tuesday - it is now Saturday. The hot tub rarely works and when it does the water is baby bath warm at best or boiled to infinity so you can’t get in it without melting your skin off. In 5 months that swimsuit dryer has worked twice (I swim almost every day) so I am always stuck taking my soaking wet gear to work with me…it reeks at the end of the day because I have nowhere at work to hang it to dry. The sauna and showers always smell moldy and toxic. Just a sad state of a building and I can’t recommend this place. 3-20-2024– you can not comfortably fit 6 adults in that pool! Every time this happens I always end up getting kicked or scratched by another swimmer- there’s not enough room for 6 adults! And when someone else shows up without an appointment to a full pool the lifeguards look away and just let them in! And why has the number of available swimming times been reduced? Come on guys, you’re losing clients because of silly decisions and the state of things.

Fantastic experience: The staff is great and very friendly. And so many machines to choose from and my trainer Jen is awesome!! I am so glad I joined the Living Fit program. It has helped me lots.

Negative experience: I find the people, if you don't deal with things right away, quite sabotaging. I once walked into the washroom, and a man was standing in the woman's changeroom, just sitting in the back for no apparent reason but to sit and watch anybody dressing in the changeroom. If you have any logical reasoning for not wanting to be watched by odd men, they will seek harm to you. The workers are also quite distracting as they try to get attention instead of just leaving people alone, and if you complain the people will seek to target you as an introvert that likes to work out and leave without giving people attention. The employees can be quite deceptive in their behaviors if you don't address things right away, you also can not trust your things with them: as they destroy people's things.

Negative experience: Made an honest mistake, while working out and after taking a shower upstairs where I didn't know I had to pay extra to access, staff came in was rude and disrespectful and kicked me and my buddy out (workers name was Travis) told my buddy they were going to revoke his membership, for an honest mistake. Do not recommend.

Negative experience: Cleanliness is severely lacking at the downtown Y. Band-Aids in the corners of the steam room, plugged drains and mold in the showers, dust bunnies blowing around the squash courts etc. Covid was tough for all businesses but that's not excuse for the downtown Y any longer. This place is busy with all ages and has plenty members. I Really wish the Men's heath plus change rooms/facilities were as nice as the women's. The Men's weirdly peeling painted hottub has been down for months, while the Women's is nicely tiled. Do not compare pictures of the two change rooms side by side, you would think they are two different gyms.

Negative experience: This place has gone downhill since Covid. A lot of the fitness classes are gone. You need to reserve ahead of time to swim in the pool and a lot of other thing and their website is terrible. Also, classes because they are run by volunteers are canceled randomly and they don’t communicate it on social media (Facebook, X etc.) so you often show up for nothing. I put the stars for the Karate classes which are excellent. For the rest, the place is just badly ran and dated.

Negative experience: I will amend this review if they update their phone system and sign out front to actually reflect their hours.

Negative experience: Would 100% not recommend. Staff (not the managers) are wonderful, but the gym not so much. Women’s health plus was out of order for months, steam room shoots out hot water. Mold all over. Something is always broken here. Asked about 5 times for the lat Pulldown machine to be fixed for a month and it didn’t happen. So much more wrong with this place.

Negative experience: I understand that funds and the age of the building are difficult obstacles the ymca has battled over the years. However basic cleanliness is relatively cheap and non negotiable. The sad part is that once the damage is done there is no amount of anything that will bring people back.

Fantastic experience: I love this gym I have been a member for awhile and I made a bad decision of going to another gym that was a mistake...I'm going to come back to the downtown ymca I miss everyone there ...everybody is friendly and yes the equipment isn't the best but hey that's ok ...the bikes and rolling machines are awesome..see you very soon when I go there it feels like home to me love you all ❤️everybody should give this gym a try u won't be disappointed

Fantastic experience: I love this YMCA i always go to it and i love that there is many gym spots not just one big one and its rarely ever crowded, the workers are really nice too

Negative experience: The experience we've had with the summer camps and staff is both disappointing and sad. The camps are poorly organized and some of the staff that operate each class are young, inexperienced with kids and lack accountability. Camps for kids are meant to be fun rather than run by 18 year olds on a power trip. I do not recommend the YMCA camps.

Fantastic experience: I applied for a membership which sat in a folder for several weeks. I called the office on four occasions, to no avail. I left messages where my calls were not returned. When I was at the front desk the associate just let the phone ring, even after I said to go ahead and answer it, and I'd bet the call was not returned after I left. After becoming a member, the front end attendant didn't know where the fitness classroom was, and her direction was vague, in fact she really didn't care where the class was or if I got there. When I was signing up for my membership, the attendant couldn't answer all my questions and didn't care if I received the answers. My greatest concern is this: I left messages never to receive call backs UNTIL I called Member Services directly, connecting with Jolene Klug who got my membership rolling and completed in a snap. And, just like that, she enrolled me in the fitness classes I wanted. She ensured I was looked after, attentively. The downtown location is close to me and the price is right. The GOLDFIT class I go to is good. Christine makes it fun and accommodates for physical ailments, like painful knees. All things considered, there is much to be worked on in the service department via education. It appears the organization is not run ship shape, however, Jolene Klug did such a superb job of taking ownership for staff issues, and saving the day, I rated Jolene and Jolene alone, a pure five. All in all, the staff needs to be educated about customer service and efficiency. The front desk needs to know what's going on in their own facility, and the phone MUST be answered when it rings and calls MUST be returned promptly. The GOLDFIT area floor is dirty, which makes me wonder about the cleanliness of other areas. Self due diligence is required to keep yourself safe hygiene wise.That said, I believe this is an area of concern at all gyms where I've been a member. Good advice would be to clean the equipment, and mats BEFORE and AFTER use and assume it hasn't been done prior to your use. And there you have it! Jolene Klug was a godsend. Many thanks to a job well done good and faithful servant.

Negative experience: I rated them a 1 because the party i had with them was bad. I paid $100 for a nerf wars party. The guns didn't work, they only had a couple mats standing up. Was no party attendant at all. This was run poorly. They don't give enough time to decorate at all. I feel very ripped off I WILL NOT BE COMING BACK FOR ANYTHING AT THIS LOCATION. I cannot get back my sons 9th birthday

Negative experience: The place we normally go is closed for annual service, so we tried the Y today. Will not go again. The entire facility has an air of neglect - things are not well cared for inside or out. I was there at 7 AM and the floor of the change room was filthy. Dirt tracked around all over, overflowing trash and used paper towel wadded up all over the floor. How is that possible first thing in the morning? Even the windows in the pool area overlooking the river are dirty. I'm the opposite of a neat freak, and even I had to rush home and have a second shower just to feel clean. This entire facility needs a top to bottom scrub and reno, and for some pride to be taken in how it looks. If basic maintenance and cleanliness on the surface are not done, what's it like behind the scenes? The "plus" area is ridiculous - the women's might be nice, but the men's section is an embarrassment. Awkwardly laid out, poorly designed and just as neglected as the rest of the facility - and all you have to do to reach it after a swim is climb two flights of slippery tile stairs. I wasn't going to write a review at all, until I saw past reviews bringing issues up and mentioning how management doesn't care. Well, that shows. How bad was it? They offered me a two week trial membership while the FLC is shut. NO THANKS. I'd rather PAY and go to Crestwood.

Positive experience: The main floor area is decent. They have jammed a ton of cardio equipment in an area. Which is sort of ridiculous. But some of the units are pretty sweet. They have various rooms in the main floor area. Squat racks and some cables are here, the layout can be functional. Nothing quite inline for a superset type of workout. Then there is a TRX area, it's a good spot for the most part. The change room is manageable, the shower room is hit or miss. I was in there once and one shower wouldn't stop. Lol. I like the pool area. Although you have to go upstairs for the I think sauna? I didn't bother, seems ridiculous that it's not accessible from the pool area. And then the bench weights are down stairs. The grotto. Haha. It's alright. But that stuff is getting dated. And crammed in the area. It can work. But is smells just like an old gym. I use a punch card. And it's around $11-12 a day.

Positive experience: This is not the address for the main YMCA. This is for crest wood pool. The proper address is 150 Ash Ave Se

Positive experience: I quite enjoy my time here. It’s old but has charm. Staff were friendly and helpful with my questions. Good place to both excessive and then relax in the hot tub.

Fantastic experience: Great community information services

Negative experience: My bank account has been debited for 2 semi-monthly payments that are x4 than the original amount indicated on the monthly contract. Called multiple times to cancel and request credit back because of the lack of reading my contract amount that should be billed and nobody is calling me back. Went in person and I keep getting told to come back another day as their system is down. Not happy with them at all :(

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality

Positive experience: I enjoy the Y as all the staff is friendly and they seem interested in helping you. I chose the mens health club option and I am enjoying it due to the privacy and quiet atmosphere.

Positive experience: Nice Place for workout.

Fantastic experience: We spend a few hours in the climbing wall with my 4 year old boy, he loves it, staff was super friendly and very helpful, shame is a little space but we'll be there next time.

Negative experience: The YMCA is strictly about QUANTITY OVER QUALITY. Their Before and After school care and their summer camps are poorly organized. I feel bad for the staff that have to deal with the mismanagement.

Negative experience: Staff are really nice but management has their priorities all mixed up. Men's showers are always extremely dirty (mold and dirty grout) and tiles are falling off in the steam room...it's been this way for 2 years and whenever concerns are brought up it's just shrugged off. Weight room equipment is also showing its age. I like supporting a community gym but with the price being the same as other gyms and the quality so low I'm probably going to switch. Most people I know already have.

Positive experience: I've been going to the Y for years and love all the classes they have to offer; but in the last two weeks I've showed up twice for a fitness class that is on their schedule, and both times have waited for someone to show up to teach it and no instructor came. The second time I overheard another member say it was cancelled because of lack of interest, which is fine but they could at least let members know, and stop writing it on their daily schedule every week if they aren't going to run it anymore, as I've wasted my time twice now to drive down there to attend that class specifically.

Fantastic experience: We spend a few hours in the climbing wall with my 4 year old boy, he loves it, staff was super friendly and very helpful, shame is a little space but we'll be there next time.

Fantastic experience: Review for downtown location- Best gym in town. Lots of options for group classes, big space with decent equipment. The women's health plus membership has a hot tub, sauna, and tanning bed in the change room. All the instructors are friendly and its truly hard to believe that they are all volunteers. Everyone is amazing at the downtown location!!

Fantastic experience: Fun classes, great child minding, friendly members and outstanding customer service!!! I'm so happy to have a membership again and to be sharing the Y with my 2 yr old son (who loves it btw)

Fantastic experience: It's fun to stay in the YMCA!

Fantastic experience: ITS FUN TO STAY AT THE YMCA!

Fantastic experience: I know it is tough but wish for longer hours

Negative experience: I don't like the fact that it closes at 10 p.m. during the week and then it closes early on the weekend. That doesn't work with my work schedule. Cuz I work 12/hrs and it would be nice if stayed open late. Not everyone has a 9 to 5 jobs . Jus sayn'... Even nurses work 12/hrs and split shift as well. ‍⚕️

Positive experience: Friendly staff make this aging, but well-maintained, YMCA a pleasure to visit. While the weight and cardio spaces are random and spread out, they offer most everything you might need for your workout. I’d recommend this location without hesitation

Positive experience: Great friendly staff, many spaces to workout. Nice community and fun place to workout. My favourite gym in the hat. I wish they would add more mirrors as some of the squat racks face walls. More deadlifting platforms would be nice as well. *** Edit *** Originally gave 5 stars. Changed my review to 3/5. Recently a lot of the staff quit because of corporate and staff not getting along. A lot of my favourite staff quit. Right now there’s lots of new staff, some friendly, but I noticed a huge difference in the gym. Weights are seldomly put back in the right place throughout the day. The locker rooms in like a second swimming pool from all kids running in with wet feet. Another annoyance is how outdated all the plates and equipment are. I recently tried out Southridge YMCA, it seems there money they received was better spent on plates and equipment a lot of people use. The Downtown YMCA on the other hand has a whole new CrossFit section... yay? I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. I personally know 5 people who switched gyms after all the old staff left. I used to really like this gym. But it’s not the same anymore.

Fantastic experience: I know it is tough but wish for longer hours

Fantastic experience: I've been a member on and off for the past 17 years. Tried a couple of other gyms in the city but always end up coming back here. The ladies Heath club membership is awesome!! Love the new Reno's too!

Fantastic experience: great gym that gives its money back into the community to help families!

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff

Fantastic experience: Friendly people, affordable, flexible, and a nonprofit to boot! Love the fact that funds stay local and not into a private account.... YMCA! The membership staff, Amy and front desk Sam, were both positive and worked toward problem solving. They deserve gold stars!

Fantastic experience: We have been going to the Y for a few years now and we greatly enjoy the classes and the rates are VERY affordable!

Fantastic experience: Worked there for 13 years...love the people and mission for comminity!

Fantastic experience: Attended a seminar here on the weekend. Facilities, accessibility and staff were all exceptional.