Oakland YMCA

"Generally excellent facilities and staff. I enjoy coming to the YMCA to work out. My only suggestion is that the staff and management do one of two things: 1. Change the posted closing time to 4:45 PM or even 4:30 PM on weekends, or 2. Be more lenient or flexible with people leaving around closing time. Every time I go to this YMCA toward closing time, especially on wekeends, I feel extremely rushed by its current policy of "everyone must be out of the facility by closing time -- not at closing time, not after closing time" (these were basically the exact words of the person staffing the front desk). The posted closing time of 5:00 PM gives one the impression that one can walk into the facility at 4:00 PM, work out until 4:45 PM or so, and then shower, get changed, and leave at or a little after 5:00 PM, but this is not the case. The staff member announcing the closing time even issued a veiled threat of punishment to YMCA members who were still in the facility after 5:00 PM, saying that they were in violation of their contract. Whether or not that really is the case, this YMCA should at least be more transparent about its extremely prompt closing policy. As it stands, it's unpleasant to go to this YMCA around closing time, and they shouldn't advertise their expanded hours so enthusiastically if they are going to close effectively twenty minutes early."

"During my 11-month tenure at the Oakland YMCA, the atmosphere was marred by vivid, discriminatory behavior, particularly from a young Asian female staff member. Her indifference was strikingly evident each time I walked in. I still vividly recall how she would warmly greet a white woman ahead of me, only to abruptly turn away when it was my turn, deliberately avoiding eye contact and blatantly ignoring my presence. This selective acknowledgment was not just cold but felt like a deliberate act of racial profiling. Adding to this was the aggressive response from a white male staff member when I attempted to report these issues of racial bias. His hostility was alarming, transforming a place meant for community and wellness into a space of discomfort and anxiety. This YMCA, moreover, seems to struggle with external community issues. Over the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in homeless individuals from surrounding areas coming to the YMCA, often seeking day passes to use the facilities. While understanding the complex social issues at play, this influx has further impacted the overall environment and member experience. In light of these experiences, I strongly encourage those seeking a fitness community to consider other options such as the Berkeley YMCA or Berkeley Equinox, where inclusivity and respect are more deeply ingrained in the community ethos. I am a member of both organizations and can attest to their current status. Elderly black members of the YMCA also recommended Berkeley based on similar experiences in the past decade. Cheers!"

"I was a member of the Y for almost 20 years, but I no longer go to this Y. Which is sad. I grew up in the Y, and the Oakland Y is a good facility. However, they no longer have towel service, they closed the spa and steam room, and reduced hours. Quitting was hard though. I mean it turned out to be impossible to cancel my membership by phone. I called multiple times to cancel, which they never did. I asked for a confirmation callback. None came. Instead, they just kept taking my money. "Christian values?" I had to finally go in and put a stop to it, but what a disfunction bunch of people behind the counter. What happened to this place?! Anyway, check out SF Fitness for more local locations and good amenities (including towel service), at about the same price. The Club at City Center is also very close by, and has all the amenities the Y used to have, plus an outdoor pool, for just a little more money."

"During my stay in Oakland I signed up for 1 month at the Y. Very happy in my decision. So many squat racks / shells means I never really have to wait to do my most important workouts. The facilities are clean and the lifting room is bright and spacious. Highly recommended."

"Gym areas are very clean and have good natural light. Free weights area has a double height (picture below). It does not get too crowded and there is enough room between machines. Staff is friendly and helpful."