Santa Monica Family YMCA - Santa Monica (CA)

5 /5 Fouad Alkisswani: Let me first say this is primarily a fitness facility - a role performed exceptionally well. Firstly, they have a sauna and steam room unlike Equinox, John Reed, and FRD, which are about double in price. Plus, a huge pool, spaces to get work done, a basketball court, a litany of classes and a great location right across from Santa Monica Main Library. My mom (who lives in VA) gifted me a membership and the online process was seamless as was final in-person registration for me. One gripe; however. We paid for a dedicated locker and it took me a day to buy an actual lock. When I went to put it on my locker, someone was using the locker. I went to the front desk and they said "just wait for whomever it is to leave." Feedback indicating that a best practice is to indicate day lockers from paid permanent lockers (all gyms Ive ever been to clearly indicate that) fell on deaf ears. They were nice; however, in how they said "we dont care." For

5 /5 Dr.Mohina S Kulkarni: Super friendly welcome by Lorena. Geordy was helpful...today Jalynne too answered few queries. The calm reception..attractive entrance...and the tour by Lorena made us feel at home. Pool is nice...you can do laps without booking. The jacuzzi is simply amazing. Sauna steam are separate for men women and place is clean. There is snacks vending machine. Books are stacked near entrance for sale too. Clean play area..camp area and restrooms too. Mesmerizing property

1 /5 Max S: I am writing to bring an important issue to your attention, with it being a genuine safety and liability risk that needs immediate action. Members Repeatedly Covering the Sauna Temperature Sensor. The main reason I joined the YMCA was to use the sauna for health and recovery purposes. Unfortunately, on at least six separate visits over the past two weeks (both morning and evening), I have witnessed members deliberately covering the temperature sensor with towels, causing the sauna to climb above 220°F—well beyond safe limits. I have reported this to staff at least twice, including once to someone who appeared to be a supervisor, and was assured it would be handled. Nothing has changed. This morning (Monday, November 17, arriving shortly after 5:00 a.m. opening), I was one of the first members in the building. Within minutes of entering the sauna, two individuals came in, immediately covered the sensor, and when I politely asked them not to, they responded with hostile stares that made the situation intimidating. After stepping out briefly and returning, the sensor was covered again, and I left because I no longer felt safe. I have a documented heart condition. Excessive heat at these temperatures poses a serious medical risk—not just to me, but to any member. I have already informed my wife that if anything happens to me in that sauna due to this preventable hazard, the YMCA will bear responsibility, especially since the issue has been reported multiple times with no effective resolution. Requested immediate actions: • Install prominent, permanent signage prohibiting sensor tampering and explaining the danger. • Consider a protective cage or relocation of the sensor so it cannot be covered. • Increase monitoring or periodic staff checks during peak sauna hours. • Enforce the existing rule consistently so members feel safe correcting others or know staff will intervene. Furthermore, identify members who repeatedly tamper with the sensor and terminate their membership immediately, with a permanent ban from re-joining this or any other YMCA location. Deliberately creating a life-threatening environment is grounds for the strongest possible consequence. This is not a minor inconvenience—it is a legitimate health and liability issue that could have tragic consequences if ignored. I truly value the Y and want to remain a long-term member, but the sauna danger in particular is making that difficult right now. Please treat the sensor-tampering issue with the urgency it deserves.

5 /5 Paula Stein: Love the environment! I normally cant stand gyms so this is a great alternative. Old school with all ages showing up, the pool is very clean with great aquatic classes the equipment has been updated along with entire place in the last year. Free parking under the building and always a spot available. I took a chair weight class this morning and it was great. The price is right too.

5 /5 Amanda Der Bedrosian: Good gym for a great price. High school kids show up at about 3pm and leave at 7pm on weekdays. They mostly stick to the downstairs weight room and are nice if you interact, just loud (aka kids) and numerous. But they are polite and doing their best. The equipment is well maintained and plentiful, staff is helpful, everything is kept pretty clean. There are also tons of events/classes/etc going on if thats your jam.