YWCA Central Carolinas 3420 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209

"I appreciate that the YWCA co-ed fitness center is welcoming, safe, and has plenty to offer. I like that the culture is more about doing your personal best to be healthy and fit, instead of looking your best to show off and impress others. I prefer group classes with live instruction because the teachers are engaging and fun (and the music is good!). They do a great job suggesting different levels of intensity for the same exercise. So, whether you are 15 or 45 or 75 years old, we can all participate and get the workout we want. No one is competing with each other. A variety of group exercise videos run continuously throughout the day if you can't attend a live class. Another room has a 22-minute circuit with weights and cardio routines. It's a rather comprehensive workout and it helps me to workout more often on days I'm either not feeling up to it or don't have much time. There are also separate cardio and weight rooms with plenty of equipment. My kids learned to swim at the indoor pool and the instructors were fantastic. It's a life skill everyone should learn. I am a good swimmer but struggled to swim 1 mile, so I took an adult swim lesson at the YWCA to learn how to be more efficient in the water. There's also a sauna, male/female/family locker rooms, and a childcare area. I personally like working out at a place that has a positive impact on our community. The YWCA is a non-profit and has programs to help women and families in transition. I am improving my health while indirectly helping others improve their lives."

"I love working out at the YWCA for many reasons, one being that I love supporting their mission and the work they do in our community. There are many classes to choose from to mix up your workout routine. I love the spin, rhythm HIIT, yoga, and body pump classes. The staff are so friendly and it’s a very welcoming place to be. There is enough workout equipment that you never have to wait for a machine to be available for you. Overall it’s a great place to be to meet your exercise goals!"

"So many reasons to love the ywca: the friendly and accommodating staff, the variety of exercise classes you can try, the upgraded pool locker rooms (accessible showers and benches make it easy for everybody to use). I enjoy yoga with Hampton, who has a unique ability to 'read the room' and provide a multi-level experience that meets the needs of beginners and more advanced practitioners alike. The pool staff is also great - Bryan and Darius have the patience of saints working with kids and adults of all fitness levels and abilities. And Jeff N., leading the charge, seemingly everywhere, all at once. I particularly like the low-key vibe at the yw - this is not the hot-pink spandex crowd; it's regular people just trying to stay fit. Yay!"

"We joined the YWCA two years ago. As lap swimmers, we love the system they have in place for reserving a lane. There's plenty of gym equipment, so we've never had to wait to workout, and the dry sauna is a great option afterwards. The best thing about the YW is the people--its employees, volunteers, and members. Being there always puts a smile on our faces, even after a hard workout!"

"THE best place in town to work out and to swim. The dilemma of submitting this, however, is analogous to reviewing your favorite "undiscovered" restaurant: "if I tell people, will it become so crowded that I can't get in?" The staff is GREAT (kind of like Cheers -- they know your name); the facilities are first rate; the membership fees are reasonable; the classes are FREE; and the location is excellent. Don't let the "W" (women's) rather than "M" (men's) letter in the name fool you. They welcome and appreciate GUYS as much as anyplace. THIS IS A FIND!"