Gold's Gym vs YMCA

VS.

When I decided to finally make some "me" time and get back in the gym. I wasn't sure which gym would be the best for myself and Avelyn. My decision would be based a list of things:

• ***childcare***(MOST important!)
• cleanliness
• activities available (group classes, etc)
• machines available
• comfortable environment

First, I went to Gold's because it is closer to where I live now as well as our new house. Also, I used to be a member so I thought I would be more comfortable. Initially, I thought it would be okay. B and I went inside and asked to visit childcare to check it out. I had to fill out a Guest Pass form to go back there and I liked that they took that measure of security. B didn't have to fill one out though. When we walked in the childcare center I saw the two workers on the floor with one child between them. All of the "big kids" were in the large area and there was a small area gated in to the side for infants. There was a baby alone in a swing in there...facing a wall. I started talking to the woman who worked there and telling her my main concerns and questions. I would say she was helpful but not very friendly or compassionate to my anxiety over leaving Avelyn there. The facility smelled a little bit but we left thinking it was okay.

The next morning I got all excited to work out. I got up with the baby, made my coffee, pumped, dressed for the gym and told B he was on duty. I was going to work out..or so I thought. When I walked in that day, the girl at the desk was less than friendly to say the least. I told her I wanted to sign up for a membership. She then told me that I couldn't sign up for a membership because no managers were there to approve me. I asked if I could get a guest pass to work out until 9 am when the managers were due to arrive. She told me that since I got a guest pass the day before I couldn't get another one. I told her that the pass I received was only to look inside childcare and that I didn't use the facility. I offered to sign up online for the 7 day VIP pass, but again, I had to be approved by a manager who wasn't there. Anyway, this went back and forth for about 5 mins. I finally left.. pretty peeved. A member there who saw part of the exchange approached me in the parking lot and offered to give me a day pass under her membership..but at that point I was so over Gold's Gym.

Yesterday, B and I decided to take a tour of the YMCA to see if it was a better fit. We went to childcare first and I was happy with their set up. They had separate rooms for the different ages of kids. The childcare worker in the infants room was very hands on. She was in the infant area when we got there but a child started crying across the room and she immediately went and picked him up. That right there made me feel so much better. The facility was also SO clean! It is an older facility than Gold's but you wouldn't be able to tell. They keep up with it. I spoke with a woman at the front desk who gave me all sorts of information about their programs and membership. She gave me the membership form to take home and bring back the next day.

I went back this morning, turned in the paperwork and got my photo ID. I asked for a tour of the facility and the employee was so nice and friendly. She showed us around the grounds and gave us a lot of information about each room and its use etc. This place is amazing! The indoor swimming area alone had 4 pools (a lap pool, a warm water therapy pool, and kiddie pool and a hot tub). There were lifeguards at each pool. The outdoor water park was also a huge bonus as well as the splash pad. They have a brand new cardio cinema room as well as a brand new group exercise room. The gym part was so clean with plenty of open machines and no "grunters". I could seriously go on and on! B and I were thoroughly impressed and I am excited to start working out there.

A bonus of the Y is that they have free family fun nights where they babysit and you and your spouse can get away for date or dinner! They also have so many programs that Avelyn could do. I am going to sign her up for swim lessons in the fall. 

I hope this is helpful to anyone trying to decide between these two facilities. Of course, this is just my experience. :)