About
The YMCA of Greater Boston - Huntington Ave, located at 316 Huntington Ave in Boston, MA, is a historic and comprehensive community hub. It offers a wide array of facilities including two swimming pools (lap and program), a large fitness center with extensive equipment, multiple group exercise studios, a gymnasium, and locker rooms. It provides programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for all ages.
The Huntington Ave YMCA operates two swimming pools: a lap pool and a program pool. Specific temperature information for these pools is not publicly available on their official website. Generally, YMCAs maintain lap pools in the range of 78-82°F (25.5-27.7°C) and warmer program pools, often used for lessons or therapy, which might be slightly higher.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The reviews highlight significant issues regarding staff professionalism and discriminatory practices across YMCA facilities. Multiple members reported experiences with rude, confrontational, and intimidating staff, including explicit accusations of racial discrimination from one instructor towards 'colored students.' One facility also caused frustration due to inconsistent and non-transparent closing hours, leading to members being asked to leave early. While some positive aspects such as well-equipped facilities, pools, and classes were acknowledged, these were often overshadowed by a perceived decline in gym atmosphere, member relationships, and a general lack of professionalism and cordiality from staff. Minor concerns included the cleanliness of mats and suggestions for improved equipment sanitization policies.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
September 12th, 2025Tuan Hoang Tran
Most YMCA facilities close as they indicate in the official hours. This one does not. The manager told me that they close early 15 min because the building’s alarm goes off at 11 pm (official closing hour). Then why don’t they just adjust the closing hour to 10:45 pm instead? This weird practice just creates confusion and frustration for members. He confronted me with a frustrated voice even though I did not leave the building after 11 pm. I did nothing wrong and just followed the hours like other facilities. The front-desk man, an African American man wearing glasses, asked me to leave at 10:40 pm today. This same guy was staring at me the whole time in the men's room when I collected my stuff to leave. I got so intimidated that I rushed myself to leave when there were 10 minutes until the closing time. Isn’t it a kind of micro-aggression? They have cameras around the building so they can fact-check what I wrote here. It’s the third incident at this facility so I have to leave this review. It is not that hard to be transparent about closing hours and treat members respectfully. The staff’s behaviors should uphold the YMCA’s mission and values.
June 7th, 2023Gustavo Sanchez
A great gym for your work out here in Boston . Very close to Copley square . It has a pool and many different Classes. The gym has everything you need but it’s only for me doesn’t has gym atmosphere. It’s not mandatory to have a towel with you but you have to clean the machines with wet wipes after you used them . If everyone had a towel you would have to do this . I don’t know it’s the fist gym that it has everything you need but for sure doesn’t feel like a gym. No ambient music . It’s most like a kids and old people gym more than a heavy weight training Center .
June 2nd, 2025DaSaun Kay
Seen many forms of discrimination from Staff members that absolutely did not carry themselves in a more profession manner. Like seeing a lack in sense of amicability and cordiality with certain members despite outside appearances. Outside the facility itself- not so bad but certain functionalities and approaches from certain YMCA Employees were deemed highly unprofessional with a seemingly discriminatory practice with a noticeable hiring & firing of “Jr.” staff members and even towards certain certified personal trainers! The once vibrant members-affiliated orientations and relationships began to fade and as a result the prestige of the facility (member wise) was almost desolate; rather if we’re speaking of the decline of members appearing or not- the overall Vibe there once was (at its pinnacle Mid Summer to Fall 2024) completely gone or drastically altered. Even noticed an Executive Director recently stepping down or “moving-on” as n past few months.
May 4th, 2025Yasamin Parvizi
Great and equipped wellness center (we call it gym!) and locker rooms Though, the mats could be cleaner! Some of the Y members are so friendly and welcoming and the others are just not as much!
August 13th, 2025erica wu
The only problem with this club is their instructor Cheryl U who is the worst instructor people could ever have because she's unprofessional, rude and mean to colored students. if you are Asian and good at dance, then she will make a face behind you because she's not comfortable with your existence.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
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