Ocean County YMCA

★Rob Engel

Feel bad sharing a post like this- but feel it is necessary & fair, being an Ocean County resident. 1st time visiting the YMCA in Toms River- $15 day pass as a non member, which was fine. I brought my 12 year old Nephew to play basketball because we are very limited with gym space in Southern Ocean County. The basketball court was small (only half a court) to run some pick up games. The other kids were really nice and provided competitive match ups. There were buckets spread out over the gym to catch the leaky water falling from the roof. I don’t know how anyone didn’t trip over it while playing. Court was open until 2:45pm, and as we were exiting & getting our belongings- I took one last shot from the free throw line. An older woman staff member became extremely rude/inappropriate with her directed comments. She was hostile- as she also approached the middle/high school kids to vacate the property. Safe to say we won’t be coming back in the future due gym conditions/extremely uncomfortable environment created by staff.

★★cristina curry

i’ve been coming here for years and they used to close at 8, now opened till 9 on the weekdays. I was in the upstairs women’s locker room using the sauna and steam room, when at 8:17 a boy worker opens the door while i’m in the mirror then shuts it. (meanwhile i could have been naked but thankfully i wasn’t) then proceeds to get a lady downstairs to kick me out of the locker room 3 minutes later. then the door was propped opened and he waited outside till i left. i felt very uncomfortable!! and if u say u close at 9 the locker rooms should be open for use until 9. i walked in checked in at probably 8 and had to sit and wait for the steam room to heat up i got not even 2 minutes to sit in the steam room… very upset.

★Danielle Taranto

This experience was not quite what I expected. I was disappointed, as I didn’t think the Y operated this way. Scheduling the initial evaluation for adaptative swim lessons for an ASD child was challenging, and communication about the class schedule could have been clearer, especially when classes conflicted with swim meets. Additionally, the instructor was changed midway through the lesson session. It just felt like we were being overlooked at each step of the way. Sadly we will not be going back to the Y for swim lessons.

★★★★★TRG

My doctors have been insisting I start exercising but I can't afford a gym membership. Fortunately, the YMCA has discounts for seniors and disabled persons as well as programs of financial assistance for those who qualify and have a medical need for the benefits that membership can provide. The woman I spoke to was tremendously helpful and most of all kind & understanding. She did not make me feel awkward when I realized even with the senior rate my budget wasn't going to stretch that far. She provided me with all of the information I needed to get the ball rolling and I left there feeling lighter & calmer than I have in months. I was even lucky enough to mee the yoga instructor for the class I'm interested in and she explained in detail what a typical session consists of. I was greatly encouraged to discover that I can skip the "chair" & go right into the "gentle" yoga class! This lovely woman out front also told me about their book club and crochet club which both appeal to me. I've thought about, but never joined a book club and I haven't crocheted since I gave it up for driving my car at 17, but I'm seriously considering both groups. When I discovered that the crocheted items are given to various charities I decided I'm definitely in, if I can make the time work! I found the book for this months meeting on Amazon for $1.32, can't beat that so what the heck, I'm a fast reader & have nothing better to do on a Tuesday evening. Looking forward to starting 2026 in a more positive frame of mind and in a safe & friendly environment. My thanks to the YMCA staff!

★★★★Evan Shwarz

Very friendly staff who actually remember your name. All the essential weights are present, pool, sauna and steam included. The main weight room has poor lighting and has storm shelter vibes to it, but other than that, this is a solid YMCA.