Member Testimonials
I love your pilates and swimming classes. You have so much to offer there's a lot of really good class variety but mostly it's the swimming that I love.
Excellent Vinyasa Yoga class
I only participate in the Aqua robotic programs so I’m unable to judge other activities.
Convenience to my home. While I travel all around the Bay Area trying to incorporate physical activity into my lifestyle as a disabled woman with only 28% lung function, so while south valley is not my primary facility, I use it frequently.
Having been advised by South Valley and Central coaches to use equipment in ways that have hurt me, I have become very leery of the lack of kinesiology-trained coaches who don’t understand my physical health challenges and comorbidities. Despite being sent to the El Camino YMCA after completing pulmonary rehab in early 2025, I have been frustrated by the various coaches who refuse to accept my disability, refuse to take into account the recommendations of the Pulmonary Rehab staff for safely exercising, and have hurt myself multiple times since November 2025 due to this refusal of staff to listen to my Rx from the El Camino location.
Additionally, while I like the Matrix circuit training equipment, I was trained to do each machine 3 times in a row vs being a 1-and-done move on user.
I am limited to the amount of cardio work I can do each day, and have to pick and choose which machines to use each day I visit to avoid hurting myself.
So, I try and use the equipment when few people are doing the circuit so that I don’t interfere with other’s efforts to exercise according to how they were trained as a 1-and-move on full circuit fitness routine for each gym visit. Having lost fitness access for up to 3 months at a time due to muscle injuries because your staff didn’t listen and modified my exercise Rx, it’s become a challenge to find a place where I can safely exercise and be left in peace.
I am disappointed that there seems to be no one with a 4-year degree in kinesiology and knowledgeable about pacing for steady health maintenance of a disabled participant who is also a senior, vs being encouraged to push myself until I hurt. Seems very counter-productive to encourage strength training for my health, yet give no consideration to my disabling co-morbidities.
I am best with swimming at the Central Y’s indoor pool with the senior-focused aerobics classes where I can modify the movements to run in place in the water for 45 minutes to an hour at a time, something my lung function and weight would not make possible on land, even if my hair were on fire. But, I’m supposed to exercise in a variety of ways 5 days a week, if my body is willing, so I keep on trying.
It’s just a shame that your program really is “one size fits all” vs truly continuing the healthier focus disabled members learned to allow them to participate at their own pace for avoiding health risks.
I’m grateful your program is there, but it’s still frustrating trying to do what I must and not mess up anyone else’s fitness routine.
Friendly staff and instructors
Great environment to exercise. Friendly staff. Great availability of equipment. Equipment maintained consistently.
The staff is always friendly and willing to assist.
Name removed
Very organized, staff very friendly,every thing so clean
All services are very good
Friendly atmosphere, varied programs and classes.
I did not participate in any of program
We enjoy the swim classes and summer program. The teacher Alicia has for June swim classes isnt very interactive and engaging with the kids shes says she doesnt talk with them or even smile at them. She also is not teaching them much. We would not like to have her again. But she has enjoyed every other instructor there.
Love the facility, staff and equipment!
Friendly vibe from reception desk.
Nice variety of classes and times for scheduled programs/activities.
Instructors are personable and knowledgeable.
Perfect time for water aerobics and swimming after class for me.
Pilates class with Mary is excellent
I like the classes because they motivate me to work hard.
It helps us learn movements that help us stay flexible and hopefully get a little stronger as well.
It is nice to meet with other people that are sort of in the same boat. the trainers are super nice and very helpful and a pleasure to be around.
Best stuff
I attend the senior exercise classes. They are the main activity that keeps me mobile at 83 years of age. Thanks to our great class leader for staying in this program consistently!!
I really like it; everyone is very friendly, the place is very clean, the gym is well-equipped, and the programs are fantastic. I recommend the YMCA to everyone.
Don't use that option. I like the gym and pool.
They are managing the programs and activities properly
They are helpful and supportive
Also they are friendly
Many thanks to the team
Kind and good instructors, good mix of classes
classes for older adults
I love the outdoor pool, e-gym, and the staff
Great variety of exercise classes and friendly, helpful staff!
Community gathers
Great, my daily activities included the YMCA and the people there are helpful and smiling.
Love the group classes. Teachers are excellent. Community is great. Equipment is great. Price is affordable!!