Johnston YMCA

★★swale eats

I normally don’t go to this location because it hasn’t been updated in years and feels pretty outdated compared to the other locations, especially for an area that’s growing so much. I stopped by recently because it was convenient and brought a guest with me. Before doing anything, I asked the woman at the front desk how the guest policy worked. She didn’t really explain it and instead just asked for my guest’s information. I assumed she was simply checking the system to see if my guest had visited before. I stepped away for a moment to check whether the court was crowded, and while doing that, something came up that required me to leave earlier than expected. When I came back to the desk, I told her never mind and that I needed to leave. She responded, “It’s okay, I sent the receipt to your email.” That caught me off guard. I assumed it was just confirmation of entering my guest’s information, especially since I thought guests used to be free (which is why I asked about the policy beforehand). When I checked my email, I saw that I had been charged $20. The issue isn’t the money, it’s the lack of communication. Before charging someone, the process and cost should be clearly explained. I’ve never had issues at the other locations I visit, so this felt like a one off experience, but it’s enough that I probably won’t return to this location.

★adam smith

Doors were locked at 4:35 when they close at 5pm we had already paid for parking and didn’t know they would be closing. I’ve been a member and scanned validation no problem at other Charlotte ymcas no problem. Instead they said that’s not how it works and I was stuck paying the $10. Validation is only for people “working out” however we weren’t allowed to workout while they were still open. Worst YMCA in Charlotte in terms of equipment as well. Front desk staff was extremely rude even just about signing in

★★★★Ali Rode

The accessibility for the pool and locker rooms is lacking but you can access the pool through the aquatics office and there are accessible bathrooms on the pool level but you have to know or ask about this. Locker rooms are on basement of historic building. Pool has no natural light. I wish it had skylights. Tends to be on the warmer side, and good for therapy and aqua aerobics. Come to the 6a class Tues and Thurs for a great water workout.

★★★★Rich Ferradino

Nice staff and facility is clean. Good amount of strength training equipment. Would like to see hand wipes instead of paper towels to wipe down machines like they have at the other YMCA locations and better chairs in the locker rooms. I understand the reasoning but there is a limit of 30 minutes on cardio equipment. Perhaps bump it up to 60 minutes. I've never been there where all the cardio equipment was 100% occupied.

★★★★★Maximilian Rudisser

Speaking just on my experience, this Y location is awesome. As long as you follow the prompts for parking (second picture) you won’t get towed. Weight floor layout is spacious and they have a variety of equipment (racks, dumbbells, cardio machines, etc). Pool is almost always free in mornings. There is also a sauna and steam room Afternoons (4-7) can be busy but not terrible. If you live in the area, definitely worth considering.