Member Testimonials
I love the new Thrive classes, so thank you to Allie Ballard for acting on member requests/ needs!
I also like the variety of people who are members, and the Y’s community efforts. It’s nice to be able to choose amoung branches, too. Between classes, machines and free weights, and the track and pools, the Y has everything I need.
Personable staff, great group classes, never too crowded. Clean bathrooms and tidy exercise floor.
My only complaint is having to wait 5-10 minutes for parking, because non members are parking in the lot but not using the facility. I know the Y will validate parking and that is a great perk, but it’s still an inconvenience for the members… I wish there was a way to enforce member only parking in the lot.
This gym has a down-to-earth vibe that makes it easy to feel comfortable right away. The front desk staff are especially welcoming and helpful, setting a positive tone as soon as you walk in. There's a solid range of machines to meet different workout needs, and you’ll see people of all ages and fitness levels doing their thing. I really enjoy the spin classes—well-run, challenging, and a great way to stay motivated. Over time, the regulars have started to feel like a little fitness family from my neighborhood.
I like the friendliness of both the staff and fellow members. It is very inclusive--you can see people of all ages, abilities, races, etc. there, and everyone is encouraging of each other. I also like the variety of offerings.
I love every single thing about this place. The staff, the gym equipment and especially YOTA. Stanley Bass is seriously a unicorn of a coach. All of my kids have loved the bear slide in the pool!
I enjoy the pool
1. The Y in Durham is just a great community resource.
2. I like the mix of people at the Y. I also appreciate the variety of classes and offerings.
3. I tend to work out around mid-morning during the week so machines and equipment are almost always available.
Nice facility. Great staff! Appreciate that they made the parking situation easier!
Isn’t typically very busy, staff are warm and welcoming
I feel like I am home the minute I walk in. The staff is so welcoming and helpful. I have met so many friends at the Y. People say “I haven’t seen you for a while “ when I miss a few days. My Yoga instructor Amy is the best, she pays attention to every one, and tailors the class to meet our needs. I never want to miss a Tuesday class.
Great facility. Great Staff. Thank you and god bless.
Friendly staff
They have it all. Cardio, free weights, machines, stretching and core area. 2 hoops courts, 2 pools, group ex classes.
Kelly was a great instructor. The facility was clean. Staff was very friendly.
Convenient and welcoming staff and members.
Staff are wonderful, friendly and helpful! Facilities are always clean and organized. The variety of the equipment is wonderful, and they constantly add new machines and equipment. I’ve been a member here for 5 years and I love it!
People at front desk and membership people.
YMCA IS AWESOME
Variety of offerings
People
Social interaction
gym & Pool, spin classes
We love it!!! I really feel like the staff cares about the safety and learning of my children. My daughter can swim now and she’s confident. Kudos to the swim staff.
Convenient location
EVERYTHING ECXELENT
Access to the amenities. Just wonderful, when the sauna and steam room work. The pool is very therapeutic as well.
Friendly staff.
Friendly staff and members
Downtown Durham YMCA is a very good community. Why I definitely recommend people to come and join our family.
Relaxed
The downtown Durham YMCA provides an excellent experience in a sports facility. The staff is knowledgeable and very personal. The YMCA offer you a number of classes, programs and training areas to facilitate your health and fitness activities.
If you’re looking for a facility that provides a total training and fitness space, I highly recommend the YMCA.

Nice facility, great group exercise room, and the wonderful Nancy Sawaya.