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Robert Lee YMCA
Categories: Active Life Leisure Centres Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Active Life Swimming Pools Leisure Centres, Gyms, Swimming Pools [Edit]
955 Burrard StVancouver, BC V6Z 1Y2
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 689-9622
- Hours:
Mon 5:30 am - 10:30 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
32 reviews for Robert Lee YMCA
32 reviews in English
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Review from Kevin G.
Vancouver, BC
5/19/2012 2 Check-ins Here
During our 6 month in Vancouver we used the offers of the Robert Lee YMCA in 2011 and 2012.
We paid 50 dollars each with the young adult contract.
Thats really OK.
The staff is always very nice an helpful.
I really like the fitness area with modern equipment. I totally enjoyed the possibility to watch TV on every singly stationary bike, treadmill or all the other devices. Makes the time goes by so fast.
You also can use squash courts, a big gym and a whole load of courses they offer. All included.
In addition you can go for a swim. They have a big pool, a hot tub (very cool) and a steam room. Perfect for a relaxing day!.
If you are hungry or thirsty after your training you can head to the Licious Bar where you can buy coffee, food, shakes.... In my opinion it is a bit too expensive! -
Review from Ashley H.
Burnaby, BC
4/19/2012
Yes, sometimes it's extremely busy here. But for the price you're paying which includes use of the ozoned pool, yoga classes and fitness classes (there are only a couple that are extra fees) its kind of to be expected. I go here pretty much every week day (a twice a day a lot) and at least one weekend day. I do a lot of the yoga, weight and cardio group classes as I get bored working out on my own. The instructors are amazing and take the time to get to know you. If you're a regular they will push you harder and help you out if they know you can do better by giving you advanced moves. They also listen to suggestions and change things frequently. I've read lots of reviews saying the staff are awful, but I've never found that. Both the volunteers and paid staff are great and more then pleasant to talk to and ask questions. Some of them even get mad at me if I don't show up to a regular class :) they actually want you to be there. Which is a great feeling.
The free weight section is getting better and they have more then enough cardio equipment for the cardio junkies.
Sometimes it's hard to find a space, but in the mornings and afternoons it's usually okay. I never go between 5-7 because my schedule allows me to go any time and I choose 6am and around noon so as to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Oh, I did read reviews that the showers suck... Yeah, they do. But for me it isn't that big of a deal and the awesomeness of everything else makes up for it. :D Also, the pool is a little small for lap swimming if you are going any real distance, I use it for after training just to get in a couple lengths after. And use the aqua center for my real swim training. So for those two reasons I gave it a 4 instead of a 5...
Love it here though! In fact, I just got home from here :) -
Review from Carmen C.
2/23/2012 35 Check-ins Here
This is my new home away from home. The downtown YMCA has super friendly and helpful staff, and the facility itself is AMAZING!
Gymnasiums, a pool, hot tub, steam room, VERY well stocked gym (that has all the latest and greatest exercise machines AND you'll be provided with a small towel to wipe down the equipment after you use it) and tons of classes to choose from... and I'm not even scratching the surface here!
Lot's to see and do. The facility is super clean and very welcoming. Great for people of ALL ages, shapes and sizes.
Another added bonus? You get a swipe card that you allows you access to a gym locker. YAY! No more locks, keys or combinations!
I'm so glad I'm a member! :)
My only complaint is that there needs to be more free parking for the members. Seriously!!! -
Review from Mellan K.
North Vancouver, BC
5/26/2012
PROFESSIONAL TRAINER
One of my favourite things about this gym is that the people who work out there are from all walks of life. It has imported machinery which is easy to use I like it. -
Review from Melce C.
North Vancouver, BC
5/26/2012
I will rush towards it after getting my job I feel change on my self this gym is amazing..
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Review from Malaxy V.
North Vancouver, BC
5/26/2012
One of the best I like steem bath there and locker for your goods to keep them safe as they have security cams
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Review from Mohalli V.
North Vancouver, BC
5/26/2012
With the help of great instructer I would like to do take advice from my trainer. This atmosphere I will never seen in this way.
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Review from Emma L.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Gorgeous facility. Way nicer than the other YMCAs in town. I'm a regular at the Langara Y, but tried out this one on my day off last Friday with a friend. We went to a spin class, and I like their token system for drop in classes. If you get a token (available at the fitness desk half an hour before class), you've got a space.
My friend was new to spin and started feeling sick partway through class, and ended up leaving the class for about 15 minutes. She came back, but after the class was done the instructor didn't ask her what had happened or if she was okay. In every other class where a similar situation has come up, the instructor ALWAYS checks up on the person. Seems irresponsible not to. These guys lose a star for that for sure.
If you usually go to a different Y, make sure you get the staff to punch a hole in your card -- you use this to operate the lockers. Handy, so you don't have to bring your own lock, but also a pain if you're used to a different Y and you don't know the system!
Definitely will be coming back here on the weekends when the trek to Langara is more than I want to do.Listed in: The necessaries
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Review from Marty Y.
2/29/2012
Visiting in Vancouver and wanted a good work-out and steam room time. I got quick replies to questions about dropping in via email. The Pilates class was full (tokens all gone) so I jumped in a bootcamp class. Brian gave a good 30 min workout with jump rope, high step aerobics jumping, and burpees. I also took in a one hour yoga class which was great. In both classes, I got one on one instructor time to make sure I was doing the drill or position correctly. I then enjoyed the steam room which was very hot just the way I like it.
I'd rate it 5 stars but not able to get the Yelp star rating system to work on my iPad 2! -
Review from Christina L.
North Vancouver, BC
4/5/2012 26 Check-ins Here
Great gym. Clean facilities. No music blaring over the speakers.
Tons of machines. I have never waited for access to some kind of cardio equipment.
Members are pretty a pretty normal cross-section of the downtown area. Classes are good but I have started personal training with Brandon Hamilton too! He is great. Highly recommend him for pushing you out of your comfort zone. -
Review from Brittany W.
North Vancouver, BC
10/31/2011
Well designed. Speaks community. A successfully operating community centre with good process.
A community centre downtown on Burrard with a state-of-the-art two level fitness facility, fitness classes throughout the day, a swimming pool, a daycare, a community lounge/foyer and community programs (ie. youth entrepreneurship and business planning programs). Inviting to all members of the community, it offers an interactive open environment with welcoming management and fitness trainers, feedback boards from members and free wifi on the main level.
Ergonomically designed to perfection.
When you experience it, you'll notice the planning and development of the building, its operations and programming have been strategically developed. You can tell they've thoroughly thought out aspects of design from their community lounge area designed for meetups and dialogue to the multiple functionality of their membership cards. Even the GM's office is on the main level beside the side entrance. He keeps his door open and encourages anyone to stop by and say hi! Solid community thinking has been integrated into the operations. It's brilliant. Look for them ;)
The Fitness Facility.
The fitness facility is huge and well-layout with a Kinesis system, tons of machines, weights, mat areas, gyms and most notably, good looking (like really attractive) healthy people! ;) It's one of those unwritten things, that everyone who goes, knows. And because of that (and perhaps other reasons), it is always PACKED! So be prepared to wait for a machine or improvise with another way of exercising that muscle you're working on! Least busy time: 8am-noon, weekdays.
Business Programming.
I'm near completion for the YMB Program for young entrepreneurs and my experience has been amazing. With guest speakers, mentors and highly skilled entrepreneurial-minded programmers (Andrea, Miriam, Andre and Natasha!), the business planning program they've created has been excellent. Not only that, but the the programmers are fabulous to work with, great communicators, and offer thoughtful, critical and encouraging feedback. It's only in its beta phase with a few kinks to work out, but I can honestly say that I'm very impressed. We also get complimentary access to the computer lab and facilities, as their belief is 'healthy bodies + healthy minds.' -
Review from Beverly W.
Vancouver, BC
11/29/2011
When I told my friend that I was going to check out the Robert Lee YMCA, the first thing he told was that his coworkers workout there. He also said that his coworkers mentioned that exotic dancers workout there in the afternoons. Interesting comment and I will leave it to you to interpret what that means.
I dropped in for a tour recently where a staff member showed me around the facility and explained the membership rules. The staff member was enthusiastic and open to questions. I noticed that it was fairly busy at the machines already before 5 pm on weekday. I was mostly interested in the group fitness classes and was surprised that some of the classes required an additional fee on top of the membership fee (eg, extra $15 for certain classes). These classes were highlighted in black on their program schedule. I wasn't too impressed with that because some of the classes I really wanted to join required that extra fee on top of a membership. There is the option, however, is just to do the drop in class without the membership fee.
Some of the memberships require a $50 initiation fee like the young adult membership. Unfortunately, the young adult membership cannot be placed on hold if you choose to not go to YMCA for a few months. This means that if you cancel and rejoin you would pay the initiation fee again. The adult membership is about $10 more than the young adult membership but you can place that membership on hold.
If you get the plus membership, you get extra perks like a separate changing room which has a private hot tub and steam room. It is kind of like a spa changing room with hair dryers and large counter space with a mirror. It was also much more spacious and less busy than the regular changing room.
It was nice that they offered a tour to prospective members but I am hesitant with the extra fees for the classes I want to take, the busy gym during times I want to visit, and the small changing room for regular memberships. In contrast, the Richmond Oval is more spacious in gym space and locker space. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Young man, there's a place you can go/I said, young man, when you're short on your dough/ You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find/
Many ways to have a good time.
Now when the Village People sang about the YMCA it's possible they were a little bit more excited about the whole process than I am, but only just possible.
The Robert Lee YMCA has a full gym with more machines than anyone could ever need, a pool, gym, squash courts, cafeteria, courses, daycare bla bla bla. It's amazing.
For $50 start up and $45 a month if you're a youth I can't imagine another facility I'd rather workout it. It's a couple blocks from my work and is heaven.
I suggest heading in super early or at odd hours, while there are a number of amazing, brand new machines the facility does fill up at peak hours. I try to go before 4pm if I'm going to go in the evening.
The staff are super awesome, the lockers come with locks, no need to bring your own, it's new it's amazing it's worth ditching Steve Nash and checking out! -
Review from Kassim D.
7/31/2011
I was very optimistic about the new shiny YMCA next door to my home, however my enthusiasm waned quickly.
Beyond the crowds which made it difficult to work out during the weekday evenings. Frankly, that's not my biggest issue.
I have a gym in my building, and frankly I joined the YMCA for their squash ladder setup. Again, I was super stoked about this which didn't last....
Due to the crowds, you were lucky if you could book a court a week out and even then, the times would be at 9pm and after.
Furthermore, the squash ladder list of participants was removed and supposedly was replaced by online system. The Y never emailed several of us to let us know the new details. Seems like they need to sort out their service issues before they bring even more people into the gym...
I dropped my membership 3 months into this experiment...
Don't get my wrong, the concept of the Y is awesome. The execution left a lot to be desired. -
Review from Michelle S.
Vancouver, BC
9/23/2011
The customer service staff here are more interested in gossiping to each other behind counters than greeting guests. Every morning I felt the bad vibe between staff members and it just made it look like they hated their jobs.
You need to turn up 20-30 minutes before classes start to secure a spot and if you like to be packed in like sardines in a yoga class, this place is for you. Don't even bother coming in after work between 5-7pm. Looks great that they have racquetball and squash courts, again, good luck ever getting to use them.
The plus change rooms are nice, though at peak times you'll need to wait for showers, hair dryers, mirror space, etc. They don't seem to care about being overcrowded, you see prospective members being taken on tours regularly.
The cafe downstairs is hugely overpriced and if you want a fresh protein shake that doesn't taste like poo, you'll have to go elsewhere.
An upside to this place is the month-to-month membership. When you've had enough of the crowds and bad customer service, you can say bye bye and write a review on Yelp. -
Review from Kelsey D.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2012
Almost two years in and this gym is still shiny and new! Maybe there are a lot of members like me (Pays for the full membership every month but only goes a handful of times a year).
Not this year though! I was gung ho to keep my new years resolution! For a bit at least...
Working out before 7am is great... Machines with individual teams, good selection of free cardio machines. Used to have an empty gym you could do your own exercises in but that seems to be used for a class now.
The showers are awful though... Sensored showers? Nothing says "Good morning" like stepping into the shower area with your gym clothes on and having a cold spray of water rain down on you fully clothed because you didn't know they were sensored.
Once you get over that, have fun dancing around the shower trying to get the water to come back on again.
There is also nowhere private to put your towel and such. Option 1) Hang it outside the shower curtain and dry yourself off with everyone else or Option 2) Pull your towel in and risk it getting wet with the spastic sensor shower.
Since showering after my workouts wasnt ideal I thought I would try working out after work.
YIKES! Intimidatingly busy.
I jumped ship and am now waiting for the Trevor Linden Club 16 to open. I'm sure it will be just as busy, but hopefully at least I'll be able to shower in peace at half the price.
In sum...
Pro: nice new equipment, membership card acts as a lock, cold water system, resusable towels to wipe down machines (not that people use them :P )
Con: busy, showers, cost, talk -
Review from Haedis L.
2/9/2011
Ok let's start with the superficial.. The facility is new, clean, bright and usually buzzing with people coming and going. All the workout machines are new and they've got a great variety of machines to tone your body. They have a plethora of classes ranging from kickboxing to yoga.
The pool is new too, but unfortunately it's not salt water so I don't really go in. They have a steam room which I always make a point of stopping in and a jacuzzi. It's hard to find a gym that has that!
The service in my opinion has been mediocre, but maybe it could be because there are so many people coming in going it's hard to keep track of a familiar face!
YES this gym is busy and in response to Ken.B.. why don't you go at different times? Tge membership is only $50 a month, not $90 (That's for the more fancy membership.)
I personally am soo happy to see so many Vancouver people that want to get a work out. Thank you thank you thank you! It's great living in such a beautiful healthy city.
I feel selfish complaining. We live in an amazing city with a brand new beautiful facility.. Not a lot of places have that without a huge price tag. So I'm grateful!
Really I can deduct a point because it's too busy here. I left my diamond engagement ring in the change room and a fellow ymcaer was nice enough turn it in for me. Even with the huge crowds it's all just nice people trying to get fit.
Great gym! -
Review from Erin U.
10/13/2011
It has everything and its only 40-50 bux a month. This includes gym, pool, computer rooms, lockers,exercise rooms of all sorts,everything else and drop in classees. Save your 100 dollar yoga membership and your 60 dollar gym membership and come get it all for less than 50. Also no silly hidden fees or contract things, its awesome!! did i mention amazingly centrally located if you live anywhere in downtown or yaletown! winter is coming people, and after will be summer...your bathing suit awaits!
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Review from Jason D.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 3/28/2011
I still haven't decided if I will remain a member of this YMCA. It is so OVER CROWDED. So far they have not added any new equipment even though it's badly needed because they have too many members signed up for what their current equipment can handle.
They still have really bad service too.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/17/2011
This facility is fabulous!! It's new, state of the art and so much fun!
As soon as you walk in you… Read more »
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Review from Lisa Marie M.
Vancouver, BC
1/22/2011
This is directly across the street from me and i have been wanting to join for awhile.
(Especially after missing over a month and a half of aqua size at the aquatic center)
No join fee for January was the promotion so me and my bf went to join.
The facility itself looked great from what we saw.
The girl who signed us up wasn't exactly friendly and we were not even offered a tour. We also had to ask for all the paperwork regarding the schedules etc
We just joined and then went home as it was getting late, and the unfriendly staff member didn't seem to welcoming so we will have to check out the actual facility then review again -
Review from claudia r.
Vancouver, BC
7/27/2010
Love, love, love this gym! The classes are great (favorite definitely total chisel on Wednesdays at 6), the staff are really nice and the gym is huge.
All for $43 a month (including classes!) I'm sold! -
Review from Zach T.
Vancouver, BC
6/3/2010 12 Check-ins Here
The Y is back and it's fabulous. Its been about 4 weeks since the Y has re-opened its doors to their brand new facilities on Burrard st. YMCA
They host a number of top of the line fitness classes, pool (its small but non of us are Phelps are we?), weight room, numerous treed mills, elliptical machines, steam room, hot tub and the list goes on.
Memberships are quite reasonably priced, 43$/mth if you are a Young Adult (19-35), 53$/mth for the adults, and then there is the plus membership $81/mth where you get towels, private steam room and hot tub and a few other bonuses might not be worth the extra $$
If you sign up now there is sign up fee, $50 I think. For me this is a great place to work out and relax, they are not about getting huge, there are no free weights above 100lbs. The Y is all about a healthy life style for everyone if you are 80lbs or 400lbs everyone is welcome, it's all about life style improvement.
I am currently doing 2-adays...swimming in the AM and running/weights in the PM. The TIGF Spin class is a great way to get your ass kicked into shape for the weekend
Check it out http://www.vanymca.org... -
Review from Christie S.
Vancouver, BC
6/11/2010 2 photos
This is my new favorite-place-in-the-city. Second only to Lost Lagoon.
Robert Lee YMCA opened in May 2010 and offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a gorgeous pool and hot tub, indoor and outdoor play area for kids, a rooftop patio, reflection room, healthy cafe, cooking room, community living room, a wide variety of fitness classes and so much more.
Certainly there are cheaper gym memberships to be had in the city, especially if you are willing to put up with poor service for several years in order to see your rates cut by 50%. But life is short, and if you'd prefer to spend a bit more money for quality, friendliness and a true sense of community, ask for a tour. And be sure to stop by Licious Cafe on your way out for a yummy berry smoothie!Listed in: Fabulous Fitness
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Review from Christopher B.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/4/2011
This place is still too overcrowded. I've been to other downtown gyms (Fitness World, Steve Nash, Denman Fitness, Pantheon, YWCA) and none of them are as busy after work (5 PM to 9 PM). Sure, the YMCA tells you that is you want to get a decent workout to go during their "off peak" times (9 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 3 PM) - but unless you're unemployed, work night shifts or are a student, it's really not practical or possible to go during these times. Even though they are beyond capacity, they continue to sign up new members. They should limit any new members that they can only go to the facility during the "off peak" times, to lessen the negative impact on already existing members.
The actual gym area is small, relative to other gyms in Vancouver. Limited number of free weights and there is typically only one of each type of machine/equipment. For example. there is only one flat bench press for the entire gym. This causes it to take forever to get a workout done, since when there is only one of each machine, it takes a long time for it to become available to use. They really need to start increasing the equipment they have. They should have plenty of money to buy new equipment from all the new members they keep signing up.
The staff aren't very friendly or helpful either. I have seen so many people using equipment incorrectly, endangering not only their own safety but also those around them. The staff never goes up to these people to inform them that they are working out incorrectly and that they could cause serious injury.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/17/2011
Although this is a fairly new facility (opened May 2010), it has rapidly become extremely… Read more »
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Review from Ken B.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 8/10/2011
Oh and did I mention the thefts. I paid for the "Plus" membership to get the deluxe change room. One would think that the other "Plus" members would not be motivated to steal my MP3 player, which was unattended for a few minutes, but someone did. A week later my new commuter bike was stolen from the racks outside.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2011
Too Crowded!
I agree with the other reviewers that the facility is first-rate, except for the lack of… Read more »
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Review from Irena L.
3/9/2011 14 Check-ins Here
The best gym deal ever! $40, no contracts! Includes nice clean gym, pool, steam room, basketball, all the possible classes... So close to my home! I Love it!
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Review from Alice A.
1/5/2011
Fancy new workout equipment complete with TV screens and iPod plug-ins. It does get busy after work when a stream of the young and the beautiful head to the gym, pool or fitness classes to work off the fat they don't seem to have. Great place to be inspired towards a better you!
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Review from Stephanie M.
Vancouver, BC
2/22/2011 245 Check-ins Here
I'm in love with any gym that has decent cardio equipment and good classes, but I especially love this place because the facility is amazing (huge, brand new, top notch equipment), the classes are (mostly) very high quality and plentiful, and the price ($48/month) is very reasonable for what you get, especially when compared to the other large gyms downtown. I love the fact that they offer the discounted rate to under 35s in recognition of the high cost of living in downtown Vancouver, especially for people paying off a student loan and starting their first post-university full time job. Yes it is busy at peak times (like any gym), but I think that would be a common complaint in virtually all downtown gyms.
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Review from Chris H.
Vancouver, BC
9/17/2010
Great place to workout in the city. Although booking a personal instructor to help you out is a long wait, everything else is 5 star worthy. They have great classes for members from cycling classes, yoga, boot camp and so much more! I've done a few and they're all helpful in getting yourself into shape.
They have 2 levels of change rooms: the regular membership-showers and lockers, and the plus membership-pay a bit more per month and you get extra perks such as towel service, private hot tub and steam room in the room. But they also have a public hot tub and steam room by the pool so don't think you're missing out.
This location has a basketball court which they occasionally book for classes or convert into badminton or volleyball courts and has separate rooms for racketball/squash. It also has lots of new machines and friendly people who work at the help desks who can show you how to use these machines.
Overall this gym is great for all levels, individuals or groups. -
Review from Judy H.
Vancouver, BC
9/21/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Love love love it!
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Review from Marty p.
Vancouver, BC
1/9/2011
I've been going here 5 times a week since it opened. Its great! Great facilities, central location, great staff. love it!
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Review from J. R.
Vancouver, BC
6/18/2010
Overall this place is fantastic. Great facilities so on and so forth. The only problem I have with it is that they only allow you to reserve a squash court once a week. Moreover, there was no mention of this policy when I joined, though i specifically asked about squash.
