About
Sports, fitness and aquatics center with gyms, group classes, indoor and outdoor pools.
The aquatics center at the White Bear Area YMCA features a lap pool typically maintained at 80°F, a warm water pool kept at 90°F, and a spa heated to approximately 102°F.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The White Bear Area YMCA offers a mixed experience, generally providing a solid fitness environment with a good selection of workout equipment and friendly staff, particularly praised for its clean workout room and excellent pool facilities (both indoor and outdoor) suitable for families. However, several areas need improvement. Visitors frequently noted confusing navigation due to a lack of clear signage or maps. The weight lifting area received criticism for outdated equipment and an imbalanced ratio of cardio to strength machines, leading to wait times. Locker facilities were described as rusty, requiring personal locks, and having issues with coin mechanisms. Significant hygiene concerns were raised regarding trainers not ensuring clients wipe down machines. Most notably, the 'kid stuff' (childcare) program garnered strong negative feedback due to reports of hostile teachers, inappropriate discipline, and guilt-tripping parents. While it serves as a good place for a workout or family swim, the YMCA could greatly enhance user experience through clearer guidance, weight room updates, improved locker conditions, stricter hygiene enforcement, and a critical review of its childcare services.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accepts Credit Cards
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Accessible Entrance
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Accessible Restroom
Reviews
Listing Reviews
July 14th, 2025Libdottie
This YMCA offers a solid fitness experience, though there are a few things visitors should be aware of before arriving. On the positive side, the facility has plenty of workout equipment, from cardio machines to weight training options, making it easy to find space even during busy times. Whether you’re doing a solo workout or joining a class, the gym seems well-equipped to meet a range of fitness needs. However, navigating the facility can be a bit confusing, especially for first-time visitors. There was no visible signage or map available, which made it difficult to find certain areas, such as the locker rooms or specific workout sections. A posted directory or clearer labeling would go a long way in improving the overall user experience. Regarding lockers, it’s important to bring your own lock for use in the locker rooms, as they do not provide them. There are also a few lockers available outside the locker rooms that don’t require a lock or a quarter, which is convenient—though we did accidentally insert a quarter into one, and unfortunately, there was no way to retrieve it. Overall, the White Bear Area YMCA has the essential features of a good workout space, but small improvements in signage and clearer locker instructions could make it much more user-friendly. If you’re prepared ahead of time, it’s a great place to break a sweat.
September 25th, 2024Melinda
I am a member at a Y in another state but have been working in the area for a few months now. This was the first gym that I visited in White Bear. The staff at the front desk was very nice and welcoming. I am somewhat disappointed by the weight lifting area compared to other Y's I've visited all over the US. The equipment is somewhat outdated and there are so many cardio machines compared to the amount of people that actually use them. There was a lot of waiting involved with weights and other strength training machines. I do like that some of the machines have counters on them, though, for times when we lose focus. I walked through the rest of the facilities and everything else was okay.
September 4th, 2025Neal McPhillips III
its decent, the staff is friendly they dont have an egym. that doesn't bother me. the gym seems older, the lockers are rusty. but overall a great workout still. moved to a threr as i watched 2 trainers work9.g with clients and they did not have them wipe down the machines. gross!!!
August 20th, 2025Nina Chambers
I would be giving a much better review if this was a couple weeks ago. Never had any problems until a couple weeks ago when the kid stuff teachers tried disciplining my child who is 3 a day after he had bad behavior. When I confronted the teachers about the issue I was met with hostility and was told I should stay home with my child and that they were practically raising my child for me. This doesn’t make sense as I take my child to kid stuff and the gym an hour and a half out of the day about 4-5 days a week or whenever we decide to go. It is part of my routine and my son’s routine and I pay for my membership just the same as everyone else. I should be allowed to bring my child in for the designated amount of time with being guilted by his supposed care givers that we are there too often. I’ve also never heard my child say I hate to anything until he said it about his teachers. That’s says enough for me. Maybe decide whether you want your children to be cared for correctly before going here. AM kid stuff teachers are who the issue was with, no one else. If I were reviewing everywhere besides kid stuff they would’ve gotten a five star review.
August 3rd, 2025Corinne
i come to the ymca almost every single day and i enjoy it very much! the workout room is clean and easy and the outdoor pool and park are wonderful on a nice day! i love to swim in the pool and use the diving board and indoor pool! its great to come for a workout or a family swim!
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
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