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Southwest YMCA
11311 W Howard Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53228, United States
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Ba
Review №1

The SW YMCA is a wonderful place to visit, work out and see friends. From the moment you enter the facility (greeted by friendly people at the check out counter) you know this place is special. Instructors are totally AWESOME and make the experience fun while you exercise. Being a member of the Y (and my family joined here when there was still no facility...only the house for scheduling programs) has benefited me physically, emotionally and even spiritually. Thank you, SW YMCA...you are the BEST!Barb Troy

Ni
Review №2

Nice staff and a clean environment and i go every tuesday and it just keeps getting better i love the staff

Se
Review №3

I love the staff i cone twice a week and i enjoy it they keep sanitary and i like it i would got to the ymca

Ni
Review №4

Everything is clean, everyone is friendly. Great hours, something for everyone. As a woman, I also feel comfortable working out at the facility, even though it’s often a lot of men. Everybody is always respectful and there’s plenty of space

Kr
Review №5

A great variety of classes, my kids learn so much during their swim lessons and have a blast at daycare. We love going to the Y!

El
Review №6

Very clean environment. Family friendly. Polite and courteous staff.

co
Review №7

Im so disgusted with the summer camp. Ive contacted the program 3 times to cancel prior to the camping starting due to CoVid. No one ever called back. Now I see they ate charging my account even though my daughter isnt attending. Finally someone gets back to me saying they wont give me my money back because I didnt submit in writing. Had someone called me back I would have known that. Im out a couple hundred bucks during these difficult times. This police organization are crooks and claim to be a Christian based company. Yeah right!

Ja
Review №8

We’re not members yet. But my kids have been taking swimming lessons here for about 4 months and they are great. My kids are really enjoying it and their instructors have been superb.

Te
Review №9

What is unique about the YMCA from other gym and pool facilities is the diversity of people, the family friendliness and the spirit of fellowship among people who make friends in classes, in the gym, in the pool, on the fields, even in the whirlpool and sauna! It is so much more than facilities and programs. It is the non-profit aspect that serves people in the community and brings people together. Its so much more than a gym and swimming pool.

Ad
Review №10

Great family workout center! Many options for children to participate in allowing parents to escape away and get their own routine in.

Su
Review №11

Great family friendly place to be, friendly staff. Wide variety of fitness group classes at a variety of fitness levels.Count on being known by your first name after a few visits. Meet new people and belong to a community that cares.

Jo
Review №12

Maybe try to be a little bit more welcoming to prospective members.Ill take my business elsewhere.

Jr
Review №13

Your hours on the weekends are very inconvenient in general.... I mean 2 pm...CLOSING?!?!?

Gi
Review №14

Very clean, great staff, great facility and equipment

Pa
Review №15

Just terrible I would never again send my kids here

ci
Review №16

The wide range of classes and equipment makes it an ideal place to workout for every day health benefits or if youre recovering from surgery and need to work your way back up.

Vi
Review №17

I was a member of the YMCA I recently canceled my my membership due to their employees in the front main business desk they sit there a make fun of hispanics that do not know how to speak English they sit there and talk about everyone who goes in there u and be on the personal computer on Facebook being loud all they do is talk about everybody like was in-and-out their place but they dont wanna do nothing about it talk about they wanna apologize because I misunderstood know I did not miss understood I heard perfectly what they said making fun of a Hispanic person because she did not know English and they continued to have these employees there I should contact channel 6 and let them know how they run their business very sad that they let that happen

An
Review №18

Modern well-kept, clean facility. Most sports and extracurriculars offered & more alternatives to club circuit being offered with similar training. Excellent facility offerings of 2 gymnasiums, workout rooms, full pool areas, nice locker rooms, track, ample parking. Worth looking into and at least trying - we did not regret it. We went on advice of private school parents and stayed. New parents now staying based on our advice and their own experience.

Lu
Review №19

I would recommend the YMCA in Greenfield because of its affordable options, many activities, and that its for all ages.The first reason I would recommend this YMCA, is its affordable options. The full cost for a Greenfield YMCA monthly membership, varies depending on age. For a youth/teen (8-17), the monthly rate is 29 dollars. For a young adult (18-29), the monthly rate is 39 dollars. For a senior adult (65+), the monthly rate is 59 dollars. For an adult (30+), the monthly rate is 76 dollars. Also, after 12 consecutive months of being a member, the monthly rates drop by 10 dollars. And, if these prices aren’t affordable, the YMCA offers financial aid and help. Another great thing about their memberships, is that there are no long time contracts, no joining fees, and no cancelation fees.The second reason I would recommend this YMCA, is its many activities. As a long time member, I can confidently say that the YMCA offers many activities. Some activities they offer are soccer, flag football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing. They also teach classes for taekwondo, and have zumba classes too, as well as many workout programs. There are two basketball gyms at this YMCA, including 4 courts. There are also 2 weightlifting gyms. I have been involved in swimming, basketball, and taekwondo at my time belonging to the YMCA, and I can honestly recommend these activities.The last reason I would recommend the YMCA is because it is for all ages. I have belonged to the YMCA ever since I was a baby, and I am a bit older now, so I can honestly say that the YMCA offers all kinds of things for all ages.Not only does pricing range for different ages, the activities are for all ages too. I see people young and old swimming, playing basketball, working out, and various other activities. You can also take classes for younger children or for adults and seniors. The YMCA also has weightlifting and workout options for different ages. You can be trained on how to correctly lift by YMCA workers. There are weightlifting machines for younger people, but anyone can use them. And for older weightlifters, there are free weights. The YMCA proudly accepts all ages, and is one of the reasons I recommend it.I would recommend the YMCA in Greenfield because of its affordable options, many activities, and that its for all ages.

Ha
Review №20

Ive been coming to this facility for about four years and theyve always been consistent with their friendly staff, new classes and maintenance. Everything is always clean. The people who attend this gym normally become regulars. For the price, its worth the experience and location. Thanks YMCA!

No
Review №21

I love it. Its has everything I need to exercise, and the people are nice that work there. Its is a place of peaceful environment . Can you dig it.

Ja
Review №22

I would give negative stars if I could. Worst experience ever. I saw them discriminating and making fun of hispanics. Although I am not hispanic I took offense to this several times. Staff are rude over the phone and to put the icing on the cake I canceled my membership after calling into the facility and they said as long as I came in by the followin Monday when I was back in town I would not be charged. Low and behold I was charged. Seems that money is the only thing they care about here. There are a few more issues I had with the facility but I will write another review and complaint with the BBB and call one of my friends at the television station to do a unexpected review.

Br
Review №23

It has everything you would want for a great price!

Jo
Review №24

I love the pools. The AWESOME staff. Theyre super friendly. I love how clean it is. I LOVE THIS YMCA!!!

Mi
Review №25

Initially, I had written a critical review of this location, due an unintended on-site issue, I experienced while there swimming with my daughter. But, this experience and my subsequent complaints did fortunately reveal the true professionalism and courtesy that is practiced at the Southwest YMCA.Im not kidding you, Scott, one of the sports directors at this location, called me everyday until the matter had been brought to a resolution.A willingness to hear me out and provide some feedback as a member was the biggest thing for me.Worth it.

Ja
Review №26

The staff are very helpful, experienced, and super friendly. They really make the Ymca fun, safe, clean, and a great place to learn and exercise.

Br
Review №27

Miss Brendita is a wonderful swim instructor. My 5yo loves her and and has been braver and done more in swim because of her gentle and positive encouragement. I cannot say enough nice things about Miss Brendita!

Ni
Review №28

It has a friendly staff and I go there every week to swim and work out everything is clean and new programs and varry clean and safe.

La
Review №29

A nice gym but a little pricey for a single adult. Would give it 5 stars except its not geared towards weight lifting. A sign even says you have to let one-setters work in. Normally working in is no problem at all. Sharing is caring. However, one setters are actually just wasting my time. I have to interrupt my intensity level and my focus so someone can do....one set? Give me a break. Use something else once. But I suppose the lack of machines makes it hard huh one setters?

Mi
Review №30

Friendly staff, safe environment, and has amenities for everyone!

Ek
Review №31

I like this please a lot. Wonderful pools and gym but my favorite thing is childwatch. This is amazing for moms with little kids so it gives me an opportunity to work out and to have some time for myself (other moms understand what I mean;)

Pa
Review №32

I remember this place being really nice, though take that with a grain of salt since my last visit was probably in the summer of 1989.

Mx
Review №33

Great people great staff fun to play basketball at

Mo
Review №34

The bankruptcy reorganizing has definitely not changed things for the better. I went in to cancel because my wife is currently unable to utilize the membership, and was told that they have changed their cancellation policy from when we signed up, and you now need to give them a minimum of 50 days notice to cancel your membership. They require 30 days notice from their withdrawal date, and they charge you at the beginning of the month ahead. Apparently to them, burying the notice in their classes book is good enough notice.

li
Review №35

I applied for a scholarship here because obviously I am under the $35,000. a year mark and was treated like dirt!! I was offered a 1 week temporary card by a very nice staff member and the scholarship person told my husband that She should NOT have received it. I mailed a letter asking them why they lie on their brochure, it says For youth development, For healthy living, for social responsibility. Is the scholarship here for their personal friends?? Hmmm?? The woman made it sound like I asked for the temp card so I sent them back along with $5 for the 50 minutes of use! My son is crushed! He was so happy and excited working out yesterday! Hes very chubby and he has low self esteem because of it. You turn to people that you THINK are there to help with these issues and he and I get crapped on! Hell, if I had a huge income I was trying to HIDE, I sure wouldnt be at the Y, Id have a personal trainer and a personal chef! Great going YMCA!

Tr
Review №36

My Family and I have been Members for about 6 months now and i Love this Place. There is plenty of activities for Our Kids to do while we get in a Great workout.

Fr
Review №37

I have been coming to the Southwest YMCA for 19 years. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there the first 18 years. However, the new changes made recently are not very accommodating for their patrons. There are three main issues I have with the new Y: 1. If you forget your card, there is no way for the staff to let you in and this causes a large inconvenience for the patrons. 2. The new equipment in the downstairs weight room has replaced the large multipurpose strength training feature which was used by many and helpful to workout many different muscles. 3. The front walk was taken out, which included bushes, stone path, and the hoisted American flag. Without this, the parking lot looks very ugly. I miss my old YMCA

Er
Review №38

Miss Marie is awesome. My son is the youngest in swim class and she is always encouraging. She also loves teaching the class and that makes me happy. Front desk staff is also always happy and friendly.

Sr
Review №39

Poor Management, they dont plan properly for classes head of time, they dont give any notice even though their classes canceled.

Pe
Review №40

The Southwest YMCA has had some troubled times. When it was first under control through the Milwaukee organization, I loved it. However, the Milwaukee YMCA had issues and Waukesha swooped in and snapped up Southwest YMCA, as well as a few others. The first few years under Waukesha, I wont lie, were awful. Rate increases, class changes... all kinds of alterations to what was already a relatively smoothly running machine. At that time, I became upset and stopped going. However, after going back this year after some coaxing by my wife, I have to admit that they seem to have come into their own. Lots of great changes. Its not the same Southwest YMCA that I loved when under Milwaukees days, but it is certainly a step above where it was a few years ago. Nice improvements and great staff make it a great place to go.

Br
Review №41

Excellent programs, very professional. So happy to be a member.

A
Review №42

Stay as far AWAY from this YMCA branch as possible!!!! This was an OK branch when owned by the Metro YMCA, but now that the Waukesha YMCA bought it, management has adopted a very SNOOTY attitude towards members. Your membership fee just gets you in the door, there is an extra charge for everything here! Members pool access is a joke; M-Thurs there is only 1 lane of the pool open for members until 8:45PM, then members get full pool access for open swim until 9PM when the pool closes. 15 minutes of open swim for members weeknights! When I complained about this limited access, I was told, Classes with PAYING members take priority-if you dont like our policies, why dont you leave? Thats exactly what I did-after nearly 40 years of being a YMCA member in Milwaukee, I now am a member of a private health club and couldnt be happier. Nearly the same cost, much better hours, great facilities, and CLEAN facilities. Almost forgot to mention the lack of cleaning at this branch. The locker rooms and shower areas just reek of mold smell by the end of day and all weekend. Just plain gross most of the time here; a couple of times I just had to leave before even working out because the mens locker room smelled so bad.

Sa
Review №43

Activities, classes and events for my 4 year old son to my 65 year old father. I love this place!

Jo
Review №44

Very nice YMCA facility, a little bit dated now, in comparison to more modern facilities.

Da
Review №45

I have been a member of this Y for many years. It is even better than before since Waukesha County took over. New Machines, good staff, clean and good environment. I recommend it

Ha
Review №46

I like to use their sauna,but for last month or so it hasnt been working properly, the temperature in sauna is not hot at all.Other members and I have brought this issue to their attention, but nothing has been done about it!!! This is true about other issues that I bring to their attention like in the weight room or sanitizer dispenser, it takes them quite a long time to correct the problem!I dont understand their lack of urgency to take care of the problem, ironically the company (YMCA) is never late collecting my membership dues monthly!!!!!

es
Review №47

A nice place to have my morning workouts. Love the close location to the county park trails.

Da
Review №48

I visit from another Y but am treated respectfully and in a welcome manner. Clean and attentive staff with classes that are well organized and staffed by competent instructors.

To
Review №49

Great personal, lots of help if needed.

Ja
Review №50

High membership cost. The ymca says they care about the community and such but to me they are in it for money. I could see 20 or 30 a month but 59 a little high for people like me that work a lot and can’t go enough to pay that steep cost.

ii
Review №51

This YMCA is pathetic and an excuse for good staff. My brother is a member of the YMCA and one day when they were closing my brother had to wait for my dad to get picked up. My dad was a little late, but a staff Member ( I know his new but dont wanna say it) told my brother that he needed to go outside because hey needed to close, let me remind you it was like 0 degrees outside. So my brother went outside and waited for 10 minutes and the same staff member told him that he needed to get off the property or else he would call the cops. He then asked my brother for his phone to call my dad which he had no right to. To be honest there was no sympathy from the staff because my 15 year old brother had to wait outside in 0 degree weather and the staff didnt really care about their customers. Sorry but this plaice is a terrible YMCA after what my family experienced.

Am
Review №52

Love group classes and swimming pool

Lu
Review №53

I had a terrible expiernce. She was mean and rude and i felt so much discrimination from this worker. She complained the entire time. Id give negative stars to this gym if I could.

Ma
Review №54

I like the facility, but dont like how rude some staff is if you forget your card.

Me
Review №55

On the surface it looks great, the price is right if youre looking for family related activities, etc. Below the surface Im NOT ok with anything! The child watch area has workers with short tempers and Ive witnessed more than one occasion of yelling at young children (not ok!). My poor 3 year old has contracted ringworm TWICE from this facility - whether its the locker room or pools, Im unsure. The are not choose-y enough in their instructors in their pre-school facilities or their swim classes. Short fuses, raising voices, completely unacceptable given that these children are young and there to learn to be social and start to curb their excitement. We are DONE!

Kr
Review №56

The Southwest YMCA is horrible.Im from IA and belong to the Y there but am in Greenfield quite a bit babysitting granddaughters. and like to work out. There is an elderly woman who works at the front desk who is very unfriendly and mean. I cant believe that manager allows someone like this to be the first person someone sees. Maybe she just doesnt like out of staters.In April I went there to put my information into the computer, so the next time I was in Greenfield, there wouldnt be any problems. The information desk woman was very nice, called my Y to verify that I was a member, and everything went smoothly. A few days later I was back to work out and the woman who is unfriendly happened to be there. She made a big deal out of the fact that I was from a different state...but eventually I was able to work out there.Yesterday I went there for the first time since April and because were in the process of moving and everything is chaotic, I left my Y membership card in IA.The young lady looked at my license, checked a printed list of out of staters, found my name, and everything was fine. Today I went and the same mean lady was at the desk. I explained that I was from out of state, showed her my license, and she said very quickly and very mean-like, I cant take licenses. I explained what happened yesterday, and she again repeated the same thing. I stood there looking at her, and she waved her hand and told me to go to the next desk, which is where I registered previously. The woman was very pleasant but didnt really know what to do, so she called Max, who was pleasant but basically told me that I would not be admitted because I didnt have my card, despite the fact that I was admitted without any problems yesterday!! If I lived in this area, I wouldnt join this Y at all. There is a different procedure every time I go there!!

Mi
Review №57

Great staff. Really nice weight room with people who you can talk to

Ed
Review №58

I love the pool!

Ja
Review №59

This Y used to be great until Waukesha bought them. After that happened, it took a serious dip in quality. A bunch of machines from the upstairs cardio room (dont know what else to call it) got arranged in the downstairs weight room, which effectively chopped said room in half, which consequently resulted in a TON of pissed off gym-goers, more specifically the weight lifters. Several vital machines that were used constantly were just gone one day, and you can imagine the disorientation and aggravation when people came in the next day and couldnt complete their workouts. Along with the abrupt change of room layout, the radio system that used to play in the weight room was also taken away without notice. Was it too much of a hassle to change it every couple of hours? Who knows, but it sure does suck now if I accidentally forget my headphones, because then I have to listen to everyone elses noises; the radio helped that issue a lot.Furthermore, and Im not sure this is an issue that can be rectified, its somehow a consistent problem trying to find an open rack in the weight room. It doesnt matter if I come in the morning around 10-11, or at night around 5, both squat racks or both flat benches (it usually aligns with whichever exercise I plan to do that day funnily enough) are taken, and I have to bide my time until theyre free. Even with a third rack just recently added that can function as a deadlift platform as well, its not easy getting right into a workout. But, I dont think thats something that can be fixed unless they were to add more racks to the other side of the room, or make a whole other additional weight room somewhere else in the building.One more thing that bothered me during a visit a month or so ago was when I forgot my gym card, I had to use one of my friends guest passes (thankfully he was with me), or I wouldnt have been able to get in. I had a drivers license, a credit card, and anything else needed to verify that I was indeed myself and had simply forgotten my card, yet they couldnt go into the system and sign me in for some reason (and they used to be able to many months ago). What kind of service is that? I dont know if thats simply the Ys policy or their owning company, but thats a crappy way to treat a paying member. The only good thing that came out of that disappointing exchange was the knowledge of the CardStar app, which I immediately installed to my phone when I got home to avoid another incident like that.This Y isnt terrible, but most of the fun has been sucked out of the place. Personally, it feels like theyre trying to appeal far more to the elderly and family demographics now than they were before Waukesha took over, as I see a noticeably larger amount of children and senior citizens trotting about than young adults and middle aged folks. Thats not necessarily a bad thing, but it does (and did) alienate a lot of the younger people, myself included. The staff has been fair since the takeover, with Kristin at the front desk being a standout employee.

Ry
Review №60

Very friendly and helpful staff!

da
Review №61

A good Y. Nice pool, but crowded in summer with kicking camp kids. So go in pm hours.

Cu
Review №62

Two gyms and a lot of activities for kids of all ages. The pool isnt as nice as others in their system but I dont come here for that.

Fe
Review №63

Best YMCA in the Milwaukee area in my opinion.

Mo
Review №64

Very disappointed to see the membership rates $60 is excessive for a monthly gym fee!

A.
Review №65

Cant ask for me for what you pay to be a member. Sometimes its a little crowded but there are good times to go get a quality workout.

Su
Review №66

Down to earth place

Er
Review №67

Very family friendly

Ch
Review №68

Bad service & dirty bathrooms.

Qu
Review №69

Perfect perfect perfect perfect perfectPerfect perfect perfect perfect perfectPerfect perfect perfect perfect perfectPerfect perfect perfect perfect perfectPerfect perfect perfect perfect perfectPerfect perfect perfect perfect perfectIm having my birthday party here because I have been going here for 6 yrs and this is the perfect placePerfect perfect perfect perfect perfectPerfect perfect perfect perfect perfectPerfect perfect perfect perfect perfectPerfect perfect perfect perfect perfectPerfect perfect perfect perfect perfect

Sa
Review №70

A perfect relaxed atmosphere to exercise.

Om
Review №71

This place is raw

Jo
Review №72

Housekeeping is so bad!!!!! Mens locker room, showers, sauna seats/floors, hot tub rails, floors are never clean!!!!!

Di
Review №73

Horrible staff!

Information
71 Photos
73 Comments
4.2 Rating
  • Address:11311 W Howard Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53228, United States
  • Site:http://gwcymca.org/
  • Phone:+1 414-546-9622
Categories
  • Youth organization
  • Gym
  • Gymnastics center
  • Non-profit organization
  • Physical fitness program
  • Swimming pool
  • Youth center
Working hours
  • Monday:8am–4pm
  • Tuesday:5am–9pm
  • Wednesday:5am–9pm
  • Thursday:5am–9pm
  • Friday:5am–9pm
  • Saturday:5am–8pm
  • Sunday:6am–4pm
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