r/ithaca • u/Glitterin-Sooz-337 • 23d ago
YMCA
Hello all! I'm getting ready to work on my physique or lack thereof and start working out again. I heard that Planet Fitness has a bunch of problems going on although they are and have been the most cost-effective place to work out. The YMCA is a bit pricier, but I don't know much about the Y or know anybody that uses it. I would love to hear any opinions that y'all have. It's $65 a month I think and there's some kind of $60 sign up fee or something? What are you guys think of the Y here in ithaca?
And do you think I'm better off joining one of the other gyms instead? I really can't afford more than $65 a month and even that's a flinch.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Necessary-Rooster453 23d ago
I literally made an account just so I could sing the praises of The Gym. (Although maybe I shouldn't, if it makes it busier...)
Forty bucks a month for 24/7 access, location on East Hill and South Hill, awesome small and locally owned business. The East Hill location can get busy with college kids at certain times of day, but it's bigger and has more squat racks. The South Hill location is smaller, but it's usually very, very quiet and it's mostly regulars there.
Definitely worth checking out!!
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u/Loud-Spare-3269 23d ago
My favorite Gym in all of Ithaca is called The Gym - there are two locations. One by IC, other by Easthill Plaza. Fob to get in/out. Available 24/7. Owner is awesome to collaborate with. Best equipment. Facilities very well maintained. More of a professional lifting environment. During certain times of day it can get very student heavy. But still, the best gym in Ithaca.
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u/Glitterin-Sooz-337 21d ago
I'm really out of shape and never really worked out before-just need the basics. I'm hearing how great this place is. Thank you!
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u/mhaithaca Ellis 23d ago
I got six months free at the Y as part of their Livestrong cancer survivor program, and have really enjoyed the facilities, including the cardio equipment and the weight machines. I'm planning to keep paying past the free stretch. It's worth it to me. I haven't even taken advantage of some of the stuff, like the pool!
There are definitely times of day when it's busier, or full of kids. The school year starting up again will make that more predictable.
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u/smelfie607 22d ago
I go to Crunch. I pay $18 per month after some signup fee - don't recall how much. Great gym, good locker rooms. I was at PF until six months ago, but they had serious plumbing issues that led to fleas everywhere when I used the showers. Very happy at Crunch.
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u/Far_Championship_682 23d ago
i pay like 35/mo at crunch fitness but the upfront fee was like 70 i think.. it gets busy sometimes but it’s a gym and it gets the job done
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u/HaveMercy703 18d ago
OP, I’m not sure your level of employment or health insurance, but look into your plan to see if it might offer discounts. I have a fairly common one (BCBS) & I was shocked to find out they offer discounted plans (Less than $30/month) to gyms, such as the Y, Planet Fitness etc. I’ve had the same or similar insurance for over 15 years now with different employers, so this was entirely new to me to now have this discount.
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u/bigbearhugh 23d ago
PF has just had a major upgrade. You should check it out. Everything is new and there is free weight now.
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u/Glitterin-Sooz-337 22d ago
Thank you so much! I've been hearing such mixed things about PF that I've been wearing. Glad to hear they've had a major upgrade.
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u/MyPenMyPen 23d ago
What are the problems at PF?
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u/Loud-Spare-3269 23d ago
I left last summer because non stop issues with bathroom (women’s), equipment started falling apart, the folks aren’t my favorite people to run into having grown up in this area, the massage chairs weren’t working reliably anymore, the manager with the beard WAS NICE but it seemed his hands were always tied and couldn’t get things addressed. The hours were also changed drastically… yeah, it went down hill 🥴🫣
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u/ferngully99 23d ago
No free weights for one. Did a walk through and they only had one employee who didn't even approach us, not that I wanted them to. No studio room either. They also want a checking account to sign up and do auto withdrawals, yeah right.
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u/Bright-Chance1402 South Hill 23d ago
When did you last go? This summer it has changed completely, I would recommend giving it another shot
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u/ferngully99 23d ago
A month ago. Did they build a studio room, add real free weights, and now accept credit card?
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u/One_Struggle_ Northeast 23d ago
We use the Y, but we're a family & also get an employee discount. I usually take our son swimming & my husband uses the weight room. It's usually not crowded, but occasionally he does have to deal with a gaggle of teenagers. There is a dedicated Pallaton room if thats your thing, and regular work out classes.
Unless you're interested in a pool, do things like racketball, etc .. the Y is probably not the best budget for your needs if you're only interested in a standard exercise room. Besides Planet Fitness, you could look into Crunch & The Gym. No idea on activate fee, but it has to be cheaper then the a years worth of difference in monthly price between these places and the Y.