About
The Harlem YMCA, located at 180 W 135th St, New York, NY, is a historically significant institution and a vibrant community hub. Established during the Harlem Renaissance, it has served as a cornerstone for local residents, offering a wide range of facilities including a gymnasium, indoor lap pool, fitness equipment, and various programs aimed at youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It continues its legacy as a vital center for health, recreation, and community engagement in Harlem.
While the exact daily pool temperature for the Harlem YMCA's indoor lap pool is not publicly specified, YMCAs typically maintain their pools at a comfortable temperature suitable for various activities such as lap swimming, water aerobics, and swim lessons, often targeting the low 80s Fahrenheit (around 27-28°C). Members are advised to inquire directly for current conditions.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The reviews for the YMCA present a mixed picture. Positive feedback highlights exceptional individual staff members, with Nathalie praised for her incredible, detailed, and gracious customer care, and Star noted for her friendly, kind, and helpful welcome to returning members. Some members appreciate the 'great energy' and 'excellent staff' overall. However, significant negative feedback exists regarding staff professionalism and demeanor. One membership advisor, Kathren, is specifically called out for being 'extremely disrespectful,' 'disgusting,' 'secretive,' and unprofessional, including rolling eyes and lying. Other staff members were also criticized for being unprofessional, such as being on their phones instead of assisting members. Furthermore, the gym facility itself receives strong criticism for being poorly maintained despite a $80/month membership fee, with one reviewer calling it the 'worst' among city YMCAs and citing unaddressed issues. A minor point noted the basketball court is upstairs and wasn't busy on a Friday afternoon.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accepts Credit Cards
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
May 3rd, 2025Ralph Campbell JR
I had an incredible experience with one of the staff by the name of Nathalie. Well verse and extraordinary customer care. She explained everything in great details and I was in awe of her graciousness. Thank Y... R. C.
May 8th, 2025Shella Curry
My son’s first trip to NY was a success. Stopped in to the YMCA Harlem to do his basketball drills. The basketball court is up two sets of stairs that was cool we didn’t see an elevator. And it wasn’t busy on a Friday after noon after attending Jum’ah at Masjid Malcolm Shabazz
March 21st, 2025Janelle Collins
I went here and the workers here are extremely disrespectful. Even the membership advisor was ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. Kathren was extremely disrespectful and was very secretive like a 14 year old high school girl and needs to be stripped from her title of membership advisor. When speaking to a parent she was rolling her eyes as well as lying on the kids. One of the lady’s at the desk was sitting there on her phone while this guy was asked her a question then asked if he was talking to her. I just feel as though everyone in that establishment was EXTREMELY disrespectful and needs to have better communication skills as well as people skills. They are all very unprofessional and clearly unqualified for the job!
January 30th, 2025Christopher Lewis
Love this YMCA, great energy, great people and the staff is excellent. I had a membership here for years before the pandemic and I recently just came back to this YMCA. I was welcomed with open arms especially by Star. She was very friendly and kind and helped me get right back on track . It was great to see some familiar faces. Thank you to the whole YMCA staff.
February 12th, 2025Donald J Barnes
This review is about the gym only. I know that the building is historic but that should not excuse the fact of how it's maintained on the inside. It's actually really sad as I have been to several other Y's in the city and I think this one is by far the worst. And all of $80 a month and I've been a member here for a while and it's always looked like this. These are just a few of the many issues that go unaddressed.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |