YMCA Bronx Branch

I decided to take swim lessons here. I haven’t swam in years and want to solidify my confidence again. Plus, I’m going to Jamaica and don’t want to be that person taking pictures of everyone jumping off Dunn’s River Falls. I want to jump as well and be in picture. LOL
So I signed up. I missed the first class, but I figured, hey, I knew how to swim before (footnote: everybody laughs about this stmt), so it wouldn’t be an issue. Get to their second class, 8 other people and there was a substitute instructor. A black guy, I can’t remember his name, but will insert it when I do, but he reviewed when they did the previous week and pretty much started his own way (as all instructors are different). So he had us blowing bubbles, then submerge our heads in the water. That’s when I realize (that «ah, ha» moment) why I stopped swimming — I didn’t like the water entering my nose and throat. DON’T LAUGH. And, yes, I was holding my breath. So I tell him this and he tells me to breath out through my nose. Ok, moving along, more exercises, but every exercise he gives us, my head is above water and he noticed and commented on this LOL Again, I don’t like water in throat/​nose feeling and coughing when I come up. So after using paddles, belts, bars, practicing paddling feet while holding wall, he says, okay, let’s go to the 8 feet. HUH? O_​O! He wanted everybody to jump in the 8 feet, come up and swim to the edge. In my mind (and everyone else’s), we’re saying «isn’t this a beginner class?» Well, I did it [once] and he was pleasantly surprised. All in all, it was a very good first class, but my calves and triceps were hurting when I woke the next morning — which is a good sign. Our homework for the week was to go home, fill the sink with water and practice blowing bubbles. Can’t wait for the next class. [smiling]
Oh, so about the Y, when I tell everyone about the fees, etc… they say, «I thought the ‘Y’ was practically free.» Well it’s not. The membership is $ 50 a month and the 8-​week swim classes are $ 170 for non-​members ($ 110 for members). I would join, but I pay for yoga AND the pool isn’t available during the hours I would be available to practice. So,…

I have been a member for a long time and this is one of the cleanest nicest YMCA’s. Staff is very friendly, gym is nice, pool is spectacular, private and group swim lessons are on point. The summer day camp offers sports, swimming, a field trips. A pretty good deal for the cost if you shop around to other day camps where you have to pay. However, I did have an issue with their camp staff last summer.
The only reason I did not give this place 5 stars was bc I had a bad experience with my son at their summer day camp. It was his third year attending. My son is ADHD and 10 years old. One of camp counselors became exasperated in dealing with him running around and not listening that she stated aloud to the other counselors,“is this kid retarded or something?” My son heard it. Totally unacceptable behavior as an educator that deals with children myself. This person was insensitive to the fact that children come with medical issues, emotional needs and baggage that we as adults who work with them are usually unaware of. Mind what you say around children. Words hurt. What she did was disgusting, and I believe all she got was a firm talking to and she apologized to my son and myself. I had to follow up with them, mind you, to find out what course of action they were going to take to remedy the situation. It was only then that an apology was issued. Personally, I believe she should have been let go. My son did not want to return to their camp this year, so we went elsewhere. And quite frankly, I couldn’t agree more with his feelings.

Great facility. Friendly service. I’m primarily using this facility to use the pool. The locker rooms are a bit dated, but well maintained. People are cleaning the area constantly. The pool is great and they also have a sauna

I rented a space here for my baby shower back in May 2014. When you rent a space you’re asked to pay a deposit of $ 85 to reserve the space and are supposed to receive your deposit back two weeks after the event. Here it is August 25^th, my baby is 7 weeks old and I STILL have not received my deposit back!
Despite several phone calls/​emails to the Rental Coordinator and the Front Desk staff I keep being put on hold, am never called back after leaving messages or my email is ignored.
DO NOT patronize this Bronx YMCA! if you have an event and need a space rental you definitely will not get your money back!

Great swim classes for kids here! I signed up for Friday afternoons for my 3yr old and she absolutely loves it. The facility is clean and family friendly, the staff is professional, and the instructors are especially caring and engaging with the children. The pool is super clean and the location is easily accessible and there’s always parking. I don’t generally do reviews. However, my daughter enjoys herself so much I felt the community should know how great this location is!

great pool. lots of classes available

I really don’t have much complaints about this location other than it is a little small. But I love that I can watch tv while doing my cardio on the treadmill. The staff is pretty friendly and I love that they have a lot of options. You can take classes like spinning, certain workout classes that focus on certain areas of your body. They have an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. You do have to wear a swimming cap though. They also offer swimming lessons.