Johnston Ymca Schoolage Program

Speaking just on my experience, this Y location is awesome. As long as you follow the prompts for parking (second picture) you won’t get towed. Weight floor layout is spacious and they have a variety of equipment (racks, dumbbells, cardio machines, etc). Pool is almost always free in mornings. There is also a sauna and steam room Afternoons (4-7) can be busy but not terrible. If you live in the area, definitely worth considering.

I thought the Y was supposed to be an open and inclusive place but they recently switched to a parking system which REQUIRES you to have a smartphone. Not even just a cell phone, a smart phone. They use to have a fully functioning parking system which allowed anyone to use it, but for some reason they switched to one that you can't use if you don't have a smart phone. When I asked the staff what to do if I don't have a smart phone they said "Park in the street". But if you've ever been to this area you know that street parking is always full. I will have to cancel my membership and switch to a gym which actually allows ALL members to use the parking lot. Metropolis has ruined every parking lot that it works with. They are a terrible company.

I recently visited the Johnston YMCA using a 7-day trial pass to explore the different YMCA locations in the area. I had a great experience at the Dowd. Unfortunately, my experience here was disappointing at the Johnston location. While walking on the treadmill with my headphones on, a downstairs attendant who was on her phone abruptly approached me, waving her hands downward for me to stop. When I removed my headphones, she told me that the tapping I was doing was “too loud” and that I needed to “be quiet.” I hadn’t even realized I was tapping, but the tone and manner in which she spoke to me were embarrassing and completely unnecessary... Especially in a fitness environment where movement and sound are VERY MUCH expected. I reviewed the YMCA rules afterward and saw no mention of tapping or specific noise-level guidelines. The conduct section covers things like profanity, but nothing close to what I was told. If there is a policy in place, it certainly isn’t clear to guests. More importantly, this situation could have been handled with professionalism and basic courtesy. A simple introduction and a friendly approach would have changed everything: “Excuse me, how’s your workout going? I noticed a tapping sound, could we keep it down a bit?” That would have been respectful, human, and aligned with the values the YMCA promotes. I left immediately and did not continue my visit. I hope management takes this feedback seriously, as first impressions truly matter... Especially for guests exploring long term membership.

If you want to avoid crowded gyms, this is the place for you.

Weights cardio hoops suna steam pool…staff especially Kayla are very welcoming. Clean facilities day pass week and monthly plans. They have classes as well.