Member Testimonials
small, good facility, good classes, friendly staff
We love the outdoor pool area.
Our kids seem to have fun
There’s no other place to send children
The staff are wonderful. Both pools are awesome
The Y is such a comfortable place to be. We look forward to going each week. Everyone is friendly and it puts you in a good mood. Missy at the front desk is exceptional and always has a smile on her face.
Last June I started on a journey towards taking control of my health. I was definitely at a low point and unable to see past my grief. I had recently had a baby, after a high-risk pregnancy journey during a pandemic, and at the beginning of that journey I watched my Dad die. I knew I needed help, because after 70lbs of weight gain my knees were hurting on family walks and more importantly my husband was concerned about my mental health.
To state the obvious walking into the Ipswich YMCA last June to meet Kerri O’Connor I had loads of anxiety. I felt like perhaps I didn’t belong because I wasn’t a “gym” person. I simply considered myself an ex-runner who couldn’t run – mentally I was blocked, and that knee pain wasn’t something I was able to push past. I will admit it took calls and emails from Kerri to get me to the Y, and I am incredibly grateful that since day one she’s always gone that extra mile for me.
I remember the beginning of weightlifting felt awkward for me, having not mastered the moves. Kerri would laugh along with me, had saint-like patience through my complaining, and taught me so much, including moves with really cool names like The Skullcrusher!
I think one of my favorite Kerri-isms is when she asks if you would rather and either proceeds to hold up or tell you two different weights…because you already know the answer. I couldn’t do a pull up or jumping jack last June, I can do multiple now. Last June I did my first leg press at 90lbs, now I’m up to 205lbs.
During this journey, I fell back in love with exercise connecting in a new way to it. The first few runs on a treadmill last summer emotionally had me a mess, reliving trauma. Those days picking up weights and pushing past it was exactly what I needed. I learned not every day is going to be the best day, but the consistency of showing up pays off.
A doctor weighed me on July 8th 2022 at 165lbs…that’s how I know I had gained 70lbs. So as the type A person that I am…I started documenting my weight loss, which corresponded directly to the time I spent at the Y. September 7th 2022 I was down to 135lbs from two visits a week with Kerri, and the encouragement by many people in the YMCA community. By Thanksgiving I was down to one training session a week, five months in, and weighing 120lbs. I stopped weighing myself when I hit 115lbs in February because I’ve maintained my routine. I lost 50lbs within that year.
Admittedly I didn’t start off talking about my grief. I’m a bit awkward. I believe I told Kerri on day one that I just had a baby and gained some baby weight that I was looking to lose. But over time I got comfortable sharing my truth, the confidence I gained in this process working with Kerri has been monumental for me.
I can’t thank the team enough for creating a fun, safe, space.
In the course of a year the Ipswich YMCA became a workout family for me. Rodanthy has been watching my son at Kids Club since he was six weeks old, I call her Mama Rodanthy to my kids. My newborn son saw specialists in the beginning due to trouble with gaining weight and eating, Rodanthy could tell me if he was spitting up more or less and she was one of only a few people he would fall asleep on. I am thankful my friend Rodanthy has been there for my family and I.
I am thankful that Kerri put so much of her energy into our sessions. Kerri isn’t just a personal trainer, she’s my friend and mentor. I’ve never felt stronger thanks to her. Also, for the record I can run again without sadness. Thank you to Kerri, Rodanthy, the Ipswich Y team, and my community because I wouldn't be where I am without you.
Friendly people. Every body minds there own business
Slow flo yoga classes with great teachers. ….. at 10 a m
I find the facility clean, fun, the staff are helpful, and the machines are up to date and functioning. I like the group classes as well. I do wish tat there were more body pump type classes on the weekends!
I love the Y. Lots of activities for everyone and the staff is so friendly. It’s the best value for my money.
Great facility and the best staff. Outdoor splash-pad.
Great classes and fun for the family. My only complaint is in regards to the outdoor pool. Both of my children can swim, but aren’t quite ready to pass the rigorous swim test indoors. I find the rules around the outdoor pool are a bit extreme when parents are there and lifeguards supervising, but your children must be in arms length. Besides that it’s great!
I love how this Y is small and personal. I am also always greeted with a smile at the front desk when I enter and told to have a "good day" when I leave. I appreciate that.
Nice atmosphere, excellent (and understandable) equipment.
Good facility. Most staff very friendly and supportive
The Y offers several good classes and many workout machines and equipment.
I like the friendly atmosphere and have enjoyed the classes I have taken so far. I appreciate that Y is open 7 days per week and open on most holidays.
I reached out with an issue to YMCA leadership and never received a reply. We were treated horribly and do not feel comfortable returning to the YMCA.
Friendly and clean environment. Well maintained equipment. The staff is professional and helpful.
My boys have been to Camp Cedar Mill. This was the first time at Dory. They liked the boating.
Pool, all the fun activities
This is the best camp in the area. This is our third year and my daughter absolutely loves it. Plenty of activities to keep her engaged throughout the day. She looks forward to camp everyday.
Keeping the kids involved and busy as well as lots of outdoor time.
Lots of different activities during the day, my daughter speaks very highly of the counselors and staff.
My daughter had a great experience!
Every counselor was so nice and inviting! My daughter said she had a fun time. Great way to keep busy during the summer and meet new friends!
All are enjoyed
We liked the instructor for the water class. However he has left on his trip and we are unsure if you will find someone as good. He really understood how to motivate everyone and realized while he was outside the pool we were in the pool working against the water. Some instructors do not understand that or need to take a class working against the water. Also enjoy the classes are the same time everyday (9:00am). I have noticed some Y's have classes, but not at the same time each day and sometimes not everyday. Also noticed the instructors are not as good as precovid.
Clean facility with lots of exercise options.
Friendly staff, caring and ready to help maximize each workout