The Y in Pasadena

26 Magothy Beach Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122, USA

Address:	26 Magothy Beach Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122, USA
Phone:	+1 410-437-4242
Site:	ymaryland.org
Rating:	3.6
Working:	5AM–12PM 5AM–10PM 5AM–10PM 5AM–10PM 5AM–10PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Tyler Kallenbach

After reading all of these reviews on Big Vanilla, two things summarize these sentiments. 1. The majority of the negativity comes from before the current management which is a bummer for the improvements that they have made since that time, and 2. Members are expressing their distress in not being able to cancel their contract for X, Y, Z reason. Ive also read that "this place is a ripoff." How so? Its $59 per month. That price hasnt changed in 8 years. The last gym membership I had (in Georgia) was $50 for a tenth of what this gym offers. The aquatics programs and pool layout are second to none, BVP offers free nutritional education classes, the trainers are always offering free demos and programs, theres an in-house hair salon, GroupX classes (Spin, Yoga, Pilates, Body Pump, P90X, etc.) are fantastic, the place is spotless, has the best equipment in the industry, a meditation garden, the cafe offers organic smoothies, high-quality grass-fed whey and plant protein shakes, sandwiches, Starbucks coffee, etc., and I could go on forever. The new management cares about member experience more than any gym Ive ever committed to. They do countless community outreach programs and work so hard to be a positive staple in the community. It all depends on what you want and value. If you dont want contracts, there are gyms that offer no contracts. If you dont want to pay $59 for everything mentioned above, thats fine, you dont have to. Some days and times are busier than others. Show me a gym where thats not the case, and Ill show you a gym going out of business. Larry Ray has successfully mastered the fitness industry in the greater Annapolis area for decades. Members have been following his gym ownership since they were children, now grown adults, with kids of their own who are currently members. As with every other fitness facility, Big Vanilla serves its purpose, and to its 10,000 members, it does just that-very well. Great place, good people, wonderful experience.

Laura Vogt

Most of the reviews for this club are old and they should be taken down because what people are saying about this club is not what I have experienced. The negative reviews are mostly from more than a year ago and the staff has changed at this club and it is not fair to them for these negative reviews to still be up. I joined this club back in May 2014 -- this is the first gym I have ever belonged to and I could not be happier with my experience since I joined. I have met several of the staff members and EVERYONE, from the general manager to the front desk staff, have all been very accommodating and nice to me. I have never felt like I am just a number to them. They are all encouraging and easy to talk to. If I have questions regarding my weight training or calorie intake, Ive never been intimidated to go up to the personal training desk and ask -- they answer all of my questions and give me tons of information that I would not have known otherwise. One of the many benefits as a member is a tremendous program that is called the WELL program. For this program they take your measurements and give you free advice on nutrition and exercise -- I have taken advantage of this program and cannot wait for my 8 week follow-up to see my results! I joined this club being scared to death because of the stigma that comes along with joining a gym. Well, I can honestly say that I was scared for nothing. The members are just as friendly as the staff because we are all there to achieve a certain goal. I have been impressed with this club from day one -- it is very clean, the machines are always in working order, they have a cafe that serves healthy food and drinks, they offer a lot of free classes (Ive recently started taking group classes and love them!) and their swimming pool is awesome! If you are looking for a friendly atmosphere and great club, Big Vanilla is the club for you!!

katelyn west

I have been a member for almost a year now. I signed up with a friend who is a cheerleader so she needs to keep a regular work out routine but the friendship fell through and I never got a chance to go to the gym. I have tried calling and explaining my situation that I dont drive that they can see I havent EVER stepped foot in their facility except to sign membership forms and STILL they say even with my situation that their district manager would not approve of my cancellation. I dont understand how they can hold a person to a contract and charge them outrageously each month if they have never even been able to once take advantage of their facility. On top of that their customer service people are rude; probably because they have to deal with angry members all the time since they are over charging for a mediocre experience AT BEST. I belong to the Y now because i can walk there and they are by far the best gym. $39 a month for a monthly membership thats good for some classes and pool privileges, awesome floor team and front desk people. Never once had any problems with being over pitched for the membership came the first couple times for free with my friend and they extended the same level of service they would a member. Thats how a business should be run.

Anonymous User

I have been a member since BV in Pasadena opened. As a former Y member (in another county), I am not impressed. Over the past 5 years, I have made several suggestions, with none acknowledged and none implemented (except fixing a partially detached and dangerous toilet seat). The staff seems primarily there to render services for additional fees--there is no effort to assist or educate on equipment. The music is intrusive and nasty. There is no attempt to welcome seniors. The demographic targeted is definitely young families with all marketing and 90% of programs geared to them. The absence of an adequate winter walkway to the pool was inexcusable (though if saved management money). On the plus side, it is clean. How about hiring at least another token older person (since we unfortuantely lost Jack)? Please, less hype, less emphasis on $$$, more concern and sensitivity. How about a suggestion box (yes, Ill suggest it again) with posted suggestions and responses--more accessible to many than the effort involved to write a review like this? The website offers no alternative to register complaints. If I had another nearby alternative, I would be there. It is not a place to which I look forward to going.

Anonymous User

Been a Member here since I was 13 I am now 21. The facility is fully loaded this gym has more amenities than any gym Ive ever seen including SPRC. The motto "Family Fun Fitness" represents the gym perfectly. Read and understand the policies before you sign up. I know someone who wanted to sign up and didnt because of the cancellation policies, at least he had enough sense to to figure this out before he signed up. This gym has so much to offer if you take advantage of all the amenities youll find you get your moneys worth. Costumer service is fantastic is every department, employees are helpful, friendly, and very professional. There are so many great group fitness classes including spinning and yoga, and while there are a few I dont like its okay because there are so many I pick and choose the ones I want to go to. Having spent much of my childhood/adolescence here I have many fond memories and think this gym is the best gym in Maryland.