Dowd Branch YMCA

Not one to write reviews unless really compelled. This gym is impressive; it ranks up there with some of the pricier gyms (equinox and NYSC) I have been a member of. I find myself getting bored with class offerings after taking them for prolonged periods bc the instructors get lazy--same music, same routine...blah blah blah. I did my research before joining. I looked at Charlotte Athletic Club, Gold's and a few boxing spots. I use the gym for group classes and this place offers quite a bit. The classes offered run will into the evening (8pm), a must for those who have to run errands after work. and the class instructors are great--they keep things interesting with new routines and music from week to week. The website is up to date with classes and instructors. The price is great for what you get --19 locations locally!

The staff is friendly and accommodating. They speak to you when you arrive/depart. They pick up the phone when you call and they have answers to questions! I mean, that alone is amazing. One of my cleats from my cycle shoe got stuck in the bike yesterday. The instructor took my info on what appeared to be scratch paper and said he would pass along my info. Sure, I thought. I called this morning to follow up and the lady who answered the phone knew exactly what I was talking about, before I even got the full sentence out!

I know folks have mentioned the parking; I have not had an issue. There are a few other parking lots they might not know about, and if you time your arrival you can find people leaving. Not bad. It does get crowded during peak hours but that is to be expected. I can only imagine what the place will look like come January. It is nothing that would deter me bc as I said, facility is impressive.

Pros - unlimited amounts of equipment, 5th floor outdoor track and field area/rooftop. Large areas of additional bench presses and squat racks, also a big cardio area. If you attend during non-peak hours, you will be fine in getting your workout complete within an hour. If you go during peak hours, go with a workout partner/friend or you'll be battling for spots/machines.

Cons - hours of operation, they are strict about closing time and begin shutting down before the actual times. Saturday's at 6 pm? Really? Extend it to at least 8 or 9 pm. Pool reservations in the app are also tricky, especially if everything is already booked and locked down. Peak hours it's a packed house and tough to find empty equipment.

Do not use childcare at DOWD. We have been to multiple YMCA's around Charlotte and used their childcare and the DOWD's is the worst. Our child hates going to it but open his arms to workers at other YMCA's. They let his diapers overflow and leak into his pants, they leave him in a bouncer when he is way too big for one and they don't have many toys or anything to occupy him. Go anywhere but DOWD for childcare. Lake Norman is by far the best.

The lot is large for parking but there is also a multi level parking deck if you need additional parking.
Lots of equipment. A variety of classes. Good instructors. Various age groups. Classes all day and late into the evening. No excuses not to get your workout on here.

I had to QUICKLY cancel my gym membership at the #DowdYMCA ‍‍ after only 1 week. Dowd stressed me out every time I went in for a workout! It was so overcrowded and trying to get equipment felt like a mad dash for free Beyoncé tickets ‍!

They had everything I needed ... and plenty more. Very clean. Only thing was it took awhile to get a parking space. I will definitely come back and get a good workout on the rooftop gym.

This gym reminds me of Equinox in NYC so much. I feel at peace here because they have a cleaning crew that is on top of their maintenance like no other. Super clean especially during times like this however I agree with the reviews below that the mask requirement is pointless.

When I first moved to CLT, my home gym was Gateway where I was a part of their CrossFit tribe however since Gateway is no longer - I decided to rejoin the Dowd last month. I have been to a ton of boxes and I really appreciate the conservatve approach amongst the coaches. As with many boxes, coaches will always vary however here they are super attentive, never on their phone at all and really care that you get better.

Outside the gym rate, the membership price is relatively lower compared to other gyms yet, you definiitely get more bang for your buck at the Dowd. At boutique gyms, you are very limited however at the Dowd, I have a variety of choices from swimming, Barre, Pliates, Cycle to Functioning Training.

Participating in Cardio Dance class after work reminded me how much I missed options. I totally forgot that I was in class as the playlist was filled my favorite Soca and Caribbean tunes - I felt like I was at a party. If you are like me and you dont want to do the same routine everyday when it comes to fitness, join the Dowd - they truly have some thing for everyone.

For me, this is the best workout facility in Charlotte in terms of value, variety as well as networking. Plenty of equipment, cleaning stations, comfortable locker room's and friendly staff. While I miss my cozy spot, Gateway, I am also a huge fun of this location.

Had the pleasure of visiting this fancy renovated YMCA. I'd been wanting to check it out for months and now that I have... I love it! The best part is the rooftop track and workout area. Gyms can be so overcrowded these days and to be able to workout on the rooftop was amazing!

I do currently belong to another local gym, so I won't be joining the Y any time soon but I definitely recommend this location if you are on the hunt for a gym. I went on a friday morning around 9AM and the rooftop was fairly empty. We brought weights into the middle area and did HIIT and ran laps in between. It was a beautiful sunny day and working out with that view was just lovely. Can't wait to go back!

Overall pretty average weightlifting equipment, coming from a smaller Golds Gym I still notice myself wanting to use equipment that the DOWD doesn't have.

It's pretty crowded during the classic "busy" times.

Overall pretty clean, and the amenities are great. I would give the amenities like steam room, sauna whirlpool, swimming pools, a 3.5 out of five stars and the weightlifting equipment a 2.5 out of five stars to average my review.

SUGGESTION: I really really wish they would extend the hours, not for the whole gym but just at least for the weightlifting section. It doesn't have to be 24/7 but on Sunday it's only open 12-6 and sometimes that's difficult for me and others to make.

Whirlpool, Showers, Steam Room need work

This is not the standard Dowd Y once maintained.

A lot of cost saving going on.

Really miss the lunch service that left about 5 years ago.

"Do I recommend this business?" Absolutely not - the more attempts I try to make this gym my home gym, it's just not.
Go in and see for yourself - not even worth my time trying to point out all of what's wrong with this place when you'll find out first hand.

I've been in the industry for over a decade and gyms all over the world from private home gyms and family operated to franchise large scale gyms that are poorly managed - and this is by far the worst gym Ive ever been to. Consistently.