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YMCA of Greater Louisville
2 reviews for YMCA of Greater Louisville
I joined this YMCA in 1977 when it was fairly new and I was a student at a nearby school. My Dad worked in the Speed Building on Guthrie so it was convenient. The Y had a great spirit and I received a lot of help in workout techniques, instruction, etc. I learned to swim in the pool here.
Among urban YMCAs, this branch is one of the best and the YMCA system itself is historically strong in Louisville. The swimming pool is not large but well maintained and lots of light reaches the water from windows on both sides. There are several strength training areas including a free weights area on the 5th floor. They have ample racquetball courts and a good basketball court. There's even a small running track on the 7th floor overlooking the gym. The layout is probably most like the Central YMCA in San Francisco but this is a much newer building than that one and this Y doesn't run a hotel.
However, for some reason during some years I lived away my home Y became a bit of a miser in spirit. Their policy towards guests and out-of-town visitors falls short of the mark in my opinion.
Frankly, they can be less than hospitable to travelers. Still, I am a faithful member here and I still enjoy the building and I know the staff do strive to do their best. All that aside this Y is as good as any in Chicago, San Francisco, and other Y towns I've visited, and it has everything you need if you're an out-of-town Y member. If your stay is less than 5 days in a year you will not run up against the policies towards visitors. Members can only bring any given guest twice in a year's time, which really hampers my style as I actively seek workout partners. I have been told by staff on several occasions that both these anti-visitor policies are due to the additional risk of theft (by those visitors), an absurd and insulting claim. Some theft does occur here, of course, just as at any gym so good policy is always to use the lockboxes that are offered in the lobby.
I go to the downtown Y and it rocks. Lots of equipment to work with and it's a very nice facility. This is the only gym for me I think. The staff is knowledgeable and the all of the members that I've encountered have all been very courteous and nice.