Wedgewood YMCA

★Natalie Gomez

I am not someone who typically writes negative reviews. I generally prefer to address concerns directly and give people the opportunity to make things right before taking them public. However, after reporting a serious concern and being told management would follow up, I feel this is the only way left to have my concerns taken seriously. Over a week ago, I canceled my YMCA membership after experiencing repeated unwanted interactions from two individuals, Dwayne and John, who are both members and employees. The fact that both individuals were employees added another layer of discomfort. Employees are in positions of trust and have access to member information that other patrons do not. As a woman, that made the situation feel significantly more intimidating and difficult to navigate. I joined the YMCA to improve my health, not to navigate repeated unwanted interactions while trying to exercise. There was never any confusion about my lack of interest in these interactions. I communicated my boundaries multiple times, both politely and directly, yet they were repeatedly ignored. The issue was never conversation. The issue was the repeated disregard for boundaries after they had already been established. It wasn’t until I became significantly more direct that the behavior finally stopped. Rather than my boundaries being respected, I was described as “tough” and “disrespectful” by the same group of men who had repeatedly ignored them. If being clear, direct, and unwilling to tolerate repeated boundary violations is considered “tough,” then perhaps that says more about the situation than it does about me. What ultimately led me to cancel my membership was an instance of unsolicited physical contact. Regardless of intent, touching someone without their consent is inappropriate. The significance of the incident was not the body part that was touched, but the fact that the contact was unwanted. A person’s willingness to be polite should never be mistaken for permission. I reported my concerns to staff and specifically identified the individuals involved. I want to acknowledge Tim, who listened, took the matter seriously, and handled the situation professionally. Unfortunately, that same level of concern did not appear to continue beyond that conversation. As of the date of this review, more than a week later, I have not received the follow-up from management that I was promised. The lack of follow-up spoke for itself. It left me feeling that my concerns were not being taken as seriously as I had been assured they would be. Several women I spoke with immediately knew who I was referring to when I explained why I was leaving. That was concerning to me and reinforced that this wasn’t simply a misunderstanding. Had management acknowledged the concern, followed up as promised, and demonstrated that member safety was being taken seriously, I likely would not be writing this review today. I am sharing this experience because people deserve to know how concerns like this are handled. Reporting inappropriate behavior is uncomfortable enough. Being met with silence afterward is even more discouraging. Every member deserves to feel safe, respected, and confident that clearly communicated boundaries will be honored. Unfortunately, that was not my experience here.

★★★Alabaster-55

Issue:​ I am a health professional, and recently rejoined the Wedgewood YMCA. I have not been inside for several years because my husband thought the equipment was dirty but on my return it was worse. I​ was quite disappointed to discover numerous dirty areas consisting of crusted, dried skin cells, sebum, and sweat combined with dust​ and lint. ​These spots were chiefly found on the lower 1/3 of the equipment (easy to reach areas were reasonably clean). I observed this most notably on the weight​ equipment to the right as you enter. ​I am questioning whether this might be a health issue. I tried to clean some areas, but in all honesty, it would take a stronger cleaner with heavy-duty cloths and a lot of elbow grease to even make headway. Solution: If they are short of funds to hire competent cleaners,​ then maybe consider giving a free membership to a few people in exchange for adequate and sanitary cleaning and/or hire a large professional crew to come in on holidays when they are closed to do a deep clean.

★★★★★Michael

This gym is special..it’s not as big and not as new..but that’s what I like about it. Gives off that old school vibe. It’s perfect the way it is!! The Bench presses and dumbbells are awesome and I love the cardio section!! It’s a great gym and it’s quite and amazing to really lock in and get your workout in! In my opinion this gym doesn’t need any change at all.. it is PERFECT.

★★★★★Greg Bulla

After a 3 year down time due to injuries this was my first time back in the gym. The first face I see at the desk was a young man named Tyler. He listened to all my stories about being a gym rat all my life and my injuries with a smile on his face and politely answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable. The second day I was headed to a cable machine at the same time another guy was walking to it and he insisted that I take it even though he was actually closer to getting there than me. Come to find out he also worked there and had a class he trained. I didn’t get his name but the point is that the staff here are exceptional. I’m 58 years old now and been to about every gym in rock hill at one time or another and this one is definitely a 10. Great staff, great equipment and a friendly atmosphere. Thanks guys. Greg Bulla

★★★★★Daniel Fieldstone

This place is wonderful. Very kind front desk people. But wait! What is this I hear about a pool. I never remember seeing a pool there. This is a smaller location of the YMCA. If you really need to go all out with your YMCAing there is the Charlotte Ave. location. Either way I love this place!!! It has enough here to get the job done.