Independent Health YMCA

★★★★★David Hartzell

I LOVE this Y. It has a full range of classes, from (very) beginner to expert+. This Y has pickleball 7 days a week, and features free group lessons for those who are just beginning to play. This Y also has a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. The hot tub is unusual...most Y's do not have a hot tub(Lockport), and the newest Y's (Batavia)are not putting them in anymore. GREAT staff, newer weight machines, and a cambered running track make this the best Y in Western New York.

★★★★Margaret Pinzone

I try to get to the gym on a regular basis. On numerous occasions the pool area is not completely up and running. The steam room has been on and off for about 2 mos. Would it be possible to open the exercise lane at all times in the main pool area? Today there were 8 of us trying to exercise in one lane. It's not big enough to allow that many people to have proper space. I've asked the staff, answers are always the same "those are the rules." My other option is to go to the kiddie pool, which I do from time to time, but unfortunately today it was occupied. Is there any way that the exercise area in the main pool be extended one lane, so that we can have more room? Thank you

★Gina Martin

This used to be my happy place. Now it is unfriendly, overcrowded, high priced and dirty. I've stayed way too long. Going to another gym, you should too!

★★★★★WNY T. Scott

HAPPY Thanksgiving & thank you all for a very well organized 130th Annual YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot ! I had a great time- and to everyone who dressed up in a costume for the Trot - thank you!! It’s an amazing atmosphere and experience! Try it out and let’s fundraise together ! YMCA The after run party at the convention center was FUN! See you next year!

★Hair By Tiffany Regis

Review for YMCA on Tech Drive I want to share my experience as a member because I feel very defeated after this morning’s Body Pump class. A little back story: over the past two years I’ve lost 140 lbs through diet alone. Recently I’ve been adding exercise to my routine because I want to tone up and enjoy moving my body in new ways. I joined the YMCA because it’s a family-friendly place where my kids can also be active — a true win-win. At least, that’s what I hoped. Last week, I brought my three daughters with me to the 5:30am Body Pump class. They were excited to use the track to practice for the Turkey Trot while I worked out. When class ended, I found them upset because a staff member told them they were too young to be on the track. I understood — rules are rules — and asked if instead they could sit in the class quietly next time. The staff member told me to check with the instructor, and he said it was completely fine. Fast forward to this morning: I had an amazing Body Pump workout while my girls sat quietly in the corner, completely out of the way, just on their phones. Everything seemed perfect… until we were leaving. That’s when the director stopped me and said I can’t bring my daughters at all, calling it “too dangerous.” I could understand if my kids had been disruptive or unsafe — but they weren’t. They were simply sitting quietly, minding their own business. As a mom, especially a single mom, trying to model healthy habits for my kids, this felt incredibly discouraging. It’s already hard enough to motivate myself to get up at 5:00am, let alone three little ones. Having my effort shut down by leadership left me feeling unsupported at a place that should represent community, family, and encouragement. I want to be clear: every instructor I’ve met at this YMCA has been absolutely wonderful, supportive, and welcoming. They’ve been the highlight of my membership. Unfortunately, my interaction with leadership has left me questioning whether this is truly the right place for me and my family. As members, especially parents trying to balance fitness with family life, we need solutions and support — not discouragement. I hope leadership takes this feedback seriously and works toward being more inclusive of families like mine.