North Suburban YMCA 137 Lexington Street, Woburn, MA 01801

"I needed a facility where I could work out at my own pace and have the option of classes to strengthen my muscles and my general well being. The Y has offered all of this, the instructors are wonderful and I have met the nicest people. The classes are geared to each person's level and I enjoy the support and motivation they offer. I wish I was able to join sooner!"

"This is a great gym with some caveats. The swimming pool department is pretty good and managed by great lifeguards, especially one young man named Kevin who is very diligent with his lifeguard duties. He really makes sure that everyone is safe while they are in that pool. With the same breath, I can't say much good about the Badminton playing that I participate in once a week. There are some 20 players playing that game but management is totally oblivious to the fact that we are not provided with decent professional badminton nets but cheap backyard nets. Some twenty people petitioned for the nets but we hear nothing but silence from management. Not sure what the issue is? One of our good nets has been missing for one month and people are not very interested in playing the game. This attitude is simply beyond me but I hope management does something before we lose more people playing that game."

"The YMCA is in my community & very useful. I am a senior citizen and I exercise there weekly with the help of Melissa. She’s encouraging & helping me to become stronger. I really appreciate the Y & her."

"I would like to give them negative score if possible!! It is a toxic place to kids! Today a male staff/lifeguard had extremely terrible attitude toward my 9-yr old son at the swimming pool. When my son was having the test in order to get a permit to enter the pool, a tall senior adult swam by. To avoid body interaction, my polite son immediately pulled over to the side to give space to the senior swimmer. So, the test was of course interrupted. I requested a retest, however, the staff declined it without thinking. I asked again and hoped them understand the incident and give the boy another opportunity. I was declined again firmly. His attitude and his staring eyes scared me. My son’s feeling was hurt badly because as a swim team member and he had passed similar tests in many different circumstances. He just wanted to have a retest to prove he can do it and join his friends in the pool. But no matter how I try, he just left us his ice-cold face. No more YMCA north suburban!! Toxic to kids!"

"Not family friendly at all. My 7 y.o was so disappointed after our "tour" that he almost cried. Except for "family swim" at the tiniest shallow area (the "deep end" is to his neck and gets shallower about 3 feet to the side) there's nothing there he could do: no free gym, no family play room, no open rock climbing, no playground, no kid friendly drop in classes (only limited options to sign up for for additional charge!!!!). What is the point to pay family membership if we still have to pay for any activity he could participate? And his choices are: basketball (not interested), rock climbing (they don't teach you, only watch you and help with putting on a harness), swimming (but they won't test your kid who can sort of swim, but has no official training and lacks technique, yet you have no idea what "level" your child is actually at). The gym itself is Ok at best. Very small work out area. Tried zumba class, but there's no air conditioner in the studio, so it felt like we were in a sauna. Not a pleasant experience. The showers in the girls locker room (and women's) are dingy. There's also no communication whatsoever. Front desk never has answers (had questions about the camp, they couldn't connect me with anyone, nor did they know the correct number to call). Had question about the make up for a "paid" activity that was cancelled due to building losing power, got a run around three times before eventually just gave up. Hours aren't great either, I prefer to work out at night, but they close by 9:30. Classes are only available in the morning or during the day, so unless you are retired, stay at home person, or an early bird (and I mean yoga at 6am), you'r shot out of luck. Overall, very disappointing. Wanted to add: the rock climbing instructor is great. Super friendly and awesome with kids. We once showed up ready for class when in reality classes ended the previous week and he saw the disappointment in my son's face and offered to go climbing with him! It was so kind and thoughtful of him! We were very grateful! It's just unfortunate that our overall experience with YMCA as a whole is not so great."