Downtown Seattle YMCA

Reviews 7

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Denny Chiu

This business has a ton of issues. It is losing the middle class as well as whites + others. I should know. I was a member for 13 years. It blames the victim of stalking and bullying and not the aggressor. Diversity should have to mean appealing to the lowest common denominator. Notwithstanding some wonderful volunteers, I cant help recalling "Hannibal Lecter" and "Nurse Ratched" when I think of this business. * * * * * On July 9, 2015, I, a disabled senior citizen, was bullied and verbally assaulted by Cynthia Klever, director of the downtown YMCA. The experience left me traumatized. The Ys core values of "respect," "caring," responsibility," and "honesty" were flagrantly violated by Ms. Klever. This YMCA selectively enforces its rules of conduct, which is discriminatory. Contempt and hostility invite the same in return. I decline the invitation to lie. * * * * * Ah, but underneath... "If we do not speak this week, I will put your membership on hold until I return from vacation, which is Friday July 17th." -Cynthia Klever in an email to me, dated July 8, 2015 * * * * * This business tolerates and tacitly encourages racism and bullying. One of my shocking memories is taking an elevator with a fellow lap swimmer. A lifeguard--a twenty-something African-American woman, and another staff person was in it as well. The other swimmer, a Vietnamese-American, said "hello" to her, but she refused to acknowledge him and continued to talk to the other person. On the fifth floor, many white and black members form "buddy pairs" (with the African-American being the object of admiration, even adulation) and ostracize members of other races. "What are you doing talking to me??" They dont want to see you. When I first started going to the downtown Y in 200, it looked more like Seattle: 70% white, 10% Asian, 5% black. Now it is closer to 40% white, 40% black, 12% Asian, 3% Hispanic. Dont we want civic organizations that look like our city and not encourage "white flight"? If you think it is cool to be around African-Americans--and many, many people do--even who bellow when they speak and who look like they might just have walked out of either the King County jail or a mental institution, this place might be an excellent fit for you. African-Americans get special treatment. In my observations over the past 13 years, the things that might land others in trouble dont apply to them. They rule the roost here. Rumor has it that a director who expelled an African-American for exploding and slamming a member who had simply asked if he could work in on a machine (the guy had been doing reps on one machine for 15+ minutes) was fired. Rules are selectively enforced; staff is reluctant, understandably, to confront aggressive members and then face charges of "racism." It wasnt just the towels all over the locker floor. There were major security issues, too. On all floors you will find phalanxes of security lockers: regular lockers for clothes, smaller safety deposit boxes for valuables, medium ones just for gym clothes, and still others for laptops. This doesnt count the containers for needles in the dressing rooms. Not just locker break-ins. It was also common to have ones I-phone snatched when one wasnt looking. * * * * * Why do some people get picked on, and not others? I was harassed repeatedly here by some members, including one "Hannibal-Lecter," who continually forced himself on me for years, while for years a group of young bored lifeguards got away with ganging up on and taking out their frustrations on me. If you are small, nerdy, and/or Asian and male, expect to be treated with less respect or even dumped on from low-level staff who find in you a valve for their frustrations. The final straw was when the Y let its director, a h.s. grad, verbally assaulted me, using the pretext of my having questioned the veracity of a 20-year-old lifeguard she claimed was autistic (!).

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Musing in Seattle

I was impressed by the range of facilities but was not impressed by the cleanliness of the mens locker room. The unsanitary floors gave me athletes foot. The staff is usually friendly but not very affective at keeping the place clean. Nobody seems to work there long enough to care. I also quit because I didnt feel safe being around some of the guys they let into this place who seem either right out of jail or on their way to jail. The staff is also quick to accuse some innocent people of breaking their rules while letting the real violators get away with murder. Theres no consistency. I think the Y has provide a safer and cleaner experience to attract and retain their members.

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Ruth Pellegrini

I LOVE this Y. I come from Illinois and the only gyms like this are the very highest priced health clubs. The womens locker room is pleasantly equipped with a hot tub, steam room and sauna, plenty of showers that are private, some public and also some handicapped. Body soap is provided. Swimsuit dryer with plastic bags, lotion and plenty of lockers. The swimming pool is comfortable but need to make sure of the times to swim as sometimes the schedule doesnt match up with classes they have. Its one of those things that Id rather not publicize and keep to myself but that would be like saying some delicious cookies are awful just so I can have more myself, right? Hehehehe!

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Mohamed Mohamed

I love this gym, its literally in the heart of downtown. It has everything a person will need that applies to regular lifters and pro athletes. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is when you are in mens changing room and you see some dudes walking fully naked with no shame around. I understand that people need to change but when you are naked you are not suppose to go around the changing room talking to people butt naked! It is a shocking view!! One day I was traumatized by a guy walking naked and talking to his friend while I was coming to change( true story!). Overall Awesome place to workout

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EMILY BADGURL

I enjoy working out here. I am only giving it 3 stars because the indian looking chubby front desk staff freaks me out. I love all the staff in there except him. Everytime i check in i notice that he checks my behind all the time when i am heading to the elevators and when i catch him he looks the other way around quickly. Not only me but i have seen him checking every womens behind when they are checking in. It makes me feel so uncomfortable, seriously how they let such unprofessional creep work in there. I will bring my husband next time when i am checking in for security safety.

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Anonymous User

We had a shipment of servers on the way to the datacenter and a tire blew out on the freeway, we had a deadline to become operational so we had no choice but to tow the truck downtown to the DC. We called for a tow and the driver came out in 15 minutes and helped us deliver the servers to the facility and then brought our truck safely to the shop. Thank you guys for keeping us on track!

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Brittany Walker

I did not find the front desk staff to be very friendly or helpful. Im an away member and was told to bring in a document for up to 16 visits, so I did....and when I asked about it tonight all the guy at the front desk said was "scanner. " very abrupt and rude, absolutely no customer service skills at all

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