I love the amenities, the classes, and the facility is great as well. My favorite part is the staff - they are really professional, super knowledgeable and great teachers, and most importantly - super supportive, inclusive and welcoming to people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels. I love love love coming to the Y and always look forward to my classes and seeing all my Y teachers. A true pillar of our North Shore Community!
The sense of community that my husband and I get from going to the Y. The way we're greeted with such warmth. The people who work at the Y are like family to us.
I’ve been a member for years. However, I recently took a spin class which was rudely interrupted by 3 girls, who got off their bikes, checked their hair and makeup in the mirror, spoke out loud during 3/4 of the class, walked around the area of their bikes, to the point where I shushed them, so I could concentrate on my workout. I do feel it was the responsibility of the class instructor to escort them out of the class, but I feel she was being kind. I did speak to her husband, who was to the right of me, but he, too, was not bothered by their behavior. I have never experienced this behavior during my MANY years of spin classes at both marblehead and Salem ymca classes. Not a good way to start my first class back after many months off due to medical leave.
I go to the Y once or twice a day. I will either use the weights in the morning and swim/cold plunge in the afternoon, or I will come in to run on my off days. The pool facility is perfect. No changes needed. The weight room needs a third squat rack otherwise it's easy to miss a major part of your workout on high traffic days. It's not easy to "work in" on a squat rack for many reasons. I'm looking forward to trying some of the meditation and sound healing classes.
The Salem Y has changed SO MUCH in the past couple years. The effort to make the Y clean and tidy was noticed by all the members I've spoken with and it makes a huge difference. The locker rooms were being deep cleaned and mopped 3x a day at the end of 2025 and this should be the standard (maybe before high traffic times: 5am, 11am, 4pm?). These cleans are important because the locker rooms rely on old infrastructure (pipes, sewer, open layout) and smells build up very quickly.
One final recommendation: please put heavier dumbbell pairs in the aerobics room on the second floor (40, 50, 60 is fine) and please install a pull up bar or two on the walls (bolt into the concrete?).
Thank you for providing great services!
The water aerobics class coached by Pauline Harney has changed my physical well-being dramatically over my eleven years since retirement. It is unique and unlike any other water fitness classes in the north shore.
I like the Salem Y because it not only provides an exercise room on the second floor, and, a swimming pool and, multiple classes of all type for all ages. And, the younger generations like the family Day Care. The YMC staff is great and, they go out of their way to help out with everyone.
I have a 6:00 - 7:00 am Monday - Friday workout routine and, I am greeted by Jimmy every morning who is always cheerful and most welcoming.