Downtown YMCA

About

The Downtown YMCA, located at 1315 Church St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, is a comprehensive community center offering a wide range of facilities and programs. It features a wellness center, group exercise studios, gymnasium, and childcare services. The facility is equipped with two indoor pools: a competition pool and a warm water therapy pool, catering to various aquatic activities from lap swimming to rehabilitation. The YMCA focuses on promoting healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility within the Lynchburg community.

The Downtown YMCA maintains two indoor pools at comfortable temperatures. There is a competition pool, typically kept at a suitable temperature for lap swimming and general aquatic fitness. Additionally, a warm water therapy pool is available, specifically designed to be warmer for therapeutic exercises and relaxation, ensuring comfort for all users. Exact degree temperatures are not publicly listed but are described as 'comfortable' for their respective uses.

What are people saying (AI review summary)? The YMCA generally receives high praise for its diverse offerings, value, and family-friendly environment. Many members highlight the excellent amenities, including heated pools, well-equipped weight rooms, new exercise equipment, a variety of classes, and impressive locker room facilities (featuring steam rooms and saunas). Families particularly appreciate the ability for all members to find something to do, with parents noting the safe environment for children while they work out, and positive experiences with professional and patient swim instructors who help kids build confidence and essential skills. Receptionists are often commended for their great customer service. However, one significant negative experience detailed issues with the downtown YMCA's membership cancellation process, involving conflicting information, unreturned calls from staff and management, an unexpected $82 charge despite timely attempts to cancel, and difficulty securing a refund, indicating a need for improved communication and policy adherence regarding membership termination. A minor point raised was the potential for machine availability issues at smaller locations.

Location

Gallery

Amenities

• Accepts Credit Cards
• Accessible Entrance

Reviews

Listing Reviews

May 30th, 2025

Jessica Robertson

Im very disappointed in my experience at the downtown YMCA. I was planning on canceling my membership during the summer and called ahead to ensure the right process. First they told me I have several weeks until my next charge and to come in at anytime before to cancel in person because there was no way of doing it online. Then I go in to do this 3 days before the charge and was told that I may have missed the opportunity to stop the monthly charge but could call back for a refund if I ended up being charged and then once I was charged I called for a refund and was told that I needed to give a 30 day notice before canceling and would likely not get a refund. Then they said they would talk to the manager and have her call me back-never got a call. Called back 2 days later and get someone who says she will absolutely take care of this and call me back after confirming the refund with the manager and still do not get a call back. $82 is a sizable amount of money to charge someone and also cancel my membership so I couldn’t even use the facilities if I wanted to. I want my money refunded and I want someone to call me back. This shouldn’t be that hard.

September 27th, 2023

John Z

Our summer was made extra special thanks to the local YMCA’s swimming classes! Our 3 and 5-year-olds had an absolute blast learning to swim, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the patient and professional instructors. Not only did they build our kids’ confidence in the water, but they also provided them with essential skills to keep safe. The facility was clean and family-friendly. It’s comforting to know we have such a wonderful resource in our community. Can’t wait for next summer’s sessions!

January 24th, 2024

Danni P

My favorite for me and my family!!! It’s the smallest out of all of them so the only issue is fighting for my favorite machines. As for this gym as a whole, EVERY member of my family can do something while we’re there. As for parents we want to work out in peace while knowing our children are safe and this is the place where you can do that. The receptionist is always sweet with great customer service and a great smile!

June 8th, 2024

Brandee Bilotta

I just moved here temporarily from Southern California, and this is one of the best gyms I’ve ever been to—especially for what you’re paying. The weight room is modest but truly has everything you need (unless you’re literally a powerlifter). Two heated pools, basketball, and the locker rooms are incredibly nice: sitting area, get ready area with nice blow dryers, a steam room, AND a sauna! The prices are super reasonable and I love the scholarships for low income members ❤️

May 9th, 2025

Antoinette Garvin

Great workout environment, tons of classes to choose from and fresh new equipments.