Venice YMCA

★★Regina Hancock

Just moved to the area. We have been a long time member of the ymca. Usually a family friendly place. Went to the pool on a Saturday. Was super dead, maybe only a handful of people and no one near us. My 11 year old son and husband were playing around a floating, dunking each other, hitting each other with pool noodles, ....you know boy stuff. The staff watched for about 30 min and then yelled at my husband and son after watching for a while. Came out of nowhere! So weird and uncomfortable. Won't be back. So rude. They also yelled at a couple other sisters playing with each other 1 hr before us.

★★★★★Dimitry Proshak

My family and I use the gym on regular basis. Its a nice facility but probably not top tier. However, I would say that people that go here really make it a great place to be. I can swing by to do a quick pump session or take my time and chat with folks to get tips and advice. Most people I have met here are happy to help on your journey for better health.

★★Melissa Gardner

So the good first. The organization and what it represents is wonderful. I enjoy seeing the families. Now, the gym equipment is not ideal. They have a section of very old equipment that doesn’t operate smoothly. Then the new section of equipment is made more for large tall people. The settings on the machine can’t accommodate people too well who are shorter. I’m 5,4” tall. Staff apologized and acknowledged the issue. Planet Fitness has better fitting equipment however, YMCA has a more family atmosphere but if you can’t use the machines properly what’s the point. Go check out the YMCA and see if it works for you.

★★★★TRACY H

I like this location, it has way more equipment than Englewood location. The whole upstairs is a variety of cardio, including different elliptical machines, bikes, and treadmills. Even some boxing equipment and stretching area. The lower main area is full of machines and they are going to be getting some updated equipment. I never took any classes while working out at this location but they have tons of them! The only issue i have is the 62$ dollar rate is high but that's how all the locations are. Not sure why a non profit has their rates almost double what other local gyms are in the area. The pool area here is enormous and great for kids. There is also racquetball and a pool table. Parking can be challenging at this location during season as well but there's tons of spaces, you may have to park in the very back but during off season there is open availability. Staff is also very nice here at the front desk.

★Jami Hooks

We have been a members of the Venice YMCA for three years. Unfortunately, the facility has steadily declined over that time and recently it has reached an all time low. The most recent change has been the removal of most trash cans from the weight floor. As a result, bottles, cans, and used equipment wipes are now regularly left on the floor. Combined with what appears to be inconsistent cleaning, this creates an unsanitary environment. Under many machines you will find visible accumulations of dust, hair balls, and debris that clearly have not been addressed in quite some time. In a high traffic gym with constant hand contact on equipment, cleanliness is not optional. It is essential for infection control and member safety. Organization and oversight are also lacking. Weights are frequently not re-racked and left scattered across the floor, machines are missing pins and carabiners. Even personal trainers have been seen leaving weights out after sessions. Some dumbbells are missing, while others are so loose they feel unsafe during use. Several machines remain out of order for months at a time with no visible urgency to repair/replace them. The layout of the equipment is awkward and poorly thought out. Machines are positioned in extremely close proximity to one another. For example, performing sit ups directly in front of the lat machine leads to uncomfortable face to face encounters with someone mid rep. Leg extension machine that blocks the aisle mid rep. Squat racks are not positioned in front of mirrors, yet leg press, hack squat, and Smith machines are. It feels misaligned with how members actually train. Additionally, after school dismissal, large groups of Sky Academy students regularly occupy the weight floor. Many are socializing or playing rather than working out, turning the area into what feels more like a jungle gym than a fitness space. This creates congestion and safety concerns for members who are there to train seriously. Staff presence is minimal. It is common to see staff sitting behind the desk or on their phones rather than actively monitoring the floor, addressing cleanliness, or assisting members. There has also been no visible effort to gather member feedback through surveys or suggestion forums. Meanwhile, there are rumors of installing a turf area for CrossFit rather than investing in improving the existing weight floor, which is what many long-term members actually use. The YMCA should represent community, health, and stewardship. Right now, it feels neglected. I genuinely hope leadership takes member concerns seriously and recommits to basic standards: cleanliness, maintenance, organization, and active supervision. The community deserves better as this is the only family option we have.