Gym

Play basketball, soccer, volleyball, pickleball and more in the gym—it’s all included with your membership. Check the gym schedule at your Y for details on pick-up games and open gym times. Equipment like basketballs and pickleball paddles are available and free to check-out and use in the gym—visit Member Services where you’ll typically trade your membership card for the equipment. Gyms and specific equipment varies by location.

  • Please wear clean, non-marking shoes
  • Talking on cell phones is not allowed
  • No personal music should be played out loud
  • Food and drink (other than water) is not allowed
  • Please secure coats, bags and valuables in a locker—the Y is not responsible for lost or stolen property

Sometimes there might be an exercise class or other activity going on in part of the gym while you’re playing a pick-up game or enjoying open gym time. Stop by Member Services if you’re curious about when classes are scheduled.

Kids ages 6 and under are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Kids ages 7-9 are welcome, so long as a parent or guardian is somewhere in the building. Kids ages 10-17 are welcome to enjoy the gym alone—and do not need to have a parent or guardian present.


Fitness Center

The Fitness Center at each YMCA includes exercise machines, stretching areas, free weights and weight rooms—it’s all free for members. Specific equipment varies by location.

Free Fitness Assessment is available. Request yours now.

What is a Fitness Assessment?

A one on one 60-minute session with a certified personal trainer who will conduct an assessment identifying areas of strength and weakness. Resulting in a custom path to help you achieve your wellbeing goals. 

Also included in the assessment:

  • Tour of Fitness Center and Equipment
  • Awareness of all Y Wellbeing Modalities
  • Sign up at Welcome Desk and a Personal Training will help you get started on your Wellbeing Journey!

Sign up at Member Services and a Personal Trainer will provide an overview of how to use basic equipment and machines or watch our virtual orientation.

Prior to using the Fitness Center, all youths 14 and under are required to complete an orientation. Please use this link to register and confirm completion prior to your next visit to the Y.

  • Use spotters and collars when lifting
  • Return all equipment to its proper place after use
  • Wear clean, closed toe and non-marking shoes
  • Clean equipment with provided disinfectant/wipes after use
  • Share space and equipment: allow others waiting to work in between sets
  • Notify a team member is equipment is broken
  • Use family-friendly language
  • Follow youth guidelines and code of conduct
  • Report specific concerns to Y staff right away
  • Respect those around you when utilizing electronic devices (use headphones if listening to music)
  • Drinks must have lids (no food)
  • Exercise our YMCA values of caring, equity, honesty, respect, and responsibility
  • 6 and under: May not access the fitness floor
  • Ages 7-9: Have access to stretching areas* and cardio equipment (excluding treadmills/stepmills) following completion of orientation and under direct supervision (within arm’s reach) of a parent or guardian
    • Strength machines and free weights are not available to youth ages 7-9
    • Stretching area equipment examples include light 2-5 lbs. weights, bands, tubes, BOSU’s, mats, foam rollers, etc.
  • Ages 10-14: Have full access to the fitness center following completion of orientation (available virtually or in person by appointment)
  • Ages 15-17: Have full access to the fitness center and are strongly encouraged to complete orientation 

Fitness classes

Group Exercise classes are free to attend. You can drop in at any time and there’s no need to pre-register. There are more than 60 formats and categories include cardio, dance, strength, yoga and water exercise. Small Group Training classes are discounted for members—you’ll work out with a Personal Trainer and a small group to enjoy specialty options like Barre, Kettlebells, Pilates Reformer and more.

Classes welcome all levels of fitness. If you’re not sure where to start with classes some good starter classes include Group Cycle, Mat Pilates, Water Exercise and Zumba. When attending a new class try to arrive about 10 minutes early and let the instructor know you’re a beginner. The instructor can offer tips, tell you what equipment is needed and can offer alternate exercise options. Standing in the middle of the room is a good idea so the instructor can see your form, and you can watch the front row for visual cues.

  • Please arrive on-time for classes—warming up is important to prevent injury
  • Please wait to enter the studio or set up equipment needed in class until the previous class is finished
  • Please clean equipment used in class with provided disinfectant after use
  • Please return all equipment to its proper place after use in class
  • Please wear clean, non-marking shoes
  • Talking on cell phones is not allowed
  • Food and drink (other than water) is not allowed
  • Please come to class dressed and ready to move your body
  • Bringing a towel and water is encouraged
  • Check specific class descriptions for other tips or details specific to class

Adult classes are open to ages 15 and up. Kids ages 10-14 can attend adult classes with a parent or guardian. Kids ages 7 and up can attend kids’ classes without a parent or guardian. Kids ages 3-6 can attend kids’ classes without a parent or guardian when checked into Kids Stuff. Kids ages 3 and up can attend family classes with a parent or guardian.


Indoor track

Don’t worry about the weather and get laps in any day at one of our indoor tracks. Most are for running and walking. Tracks vary by location.

Most indoor tracks have some cushioning, although the material varies by location. The distance of one lap around the track varies by location, but the range is that 6-13 laps are equal to one mile.

  • Walking and running are allowed—except at the St. Paul Midway Y, which is a walking-only track
  • Slower runners and walkers usually have a designated position on the track—check your Y for details
  • Strollers are not allowed
  • Walkers (device to assist with walking) are allowed
  • Please wear clean, non-marking shoes—spikes or cleats are not allowed
  • Talking on cell phones is not allowed
  • Food and drink (other than water) is not allowed

Kids ages 9 and under are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Kids ages 10-17 are welcome to enjoy the indoor track alone—and do not need to have a parent or guardian present.

  • Burnsville
  • Eagan
  • Emma B. Howe
  • Forest Lake
  • Hudson, WI
  • Maplewood YMCA Community Center
  • Minneapolis Blaisdell
  • New Hope
  • Ridgedale
  • Shoreview
  • St. Paul Eastside
  • St. Paul Midway
  • Woodbury

Pool and aquatic center

Each Y in the Twin Cities metro area includes a pool or aquatic center, which may include: outdoor splash deck, outdoor pool, warm-water leisure pool, indoor pool, water feature, waterslide, whirlpool, sauna or steam room. Pool and aquatic features vary by location—for example, vortex and lap pools are available in some locations—check with your Y for details.

  • Please don’t use the pool if you suspect you have or have a communicable disease, open cut or blister
  • Please shower before entering the water or after use of toilet facilities
  • Diving is prohibited in water less than 9 feet deep
  • Spitting or spouting water from your mouth, or blowing your nose in the pool isn’t allowed
  • Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets and wearable foam flotation devices are allowed
  • Kids under age 5 wearing lifejackets or foam flotation devices must remain within arm’s reach of an adult while in the water
  • Do not run or engage in rough play
  • Diaper changing is allowed in locker rooms—but not in the pool area
  • Animals are not allowed
  • Glass and breakable items are not allowed
  • Food and drink (other than water) is not allowed
  • For aquatic staff training, the Y does periodic safety drills by simulating emergencies—your cooperation in following staff instructions during a drill is greatly appreciated
  • If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, please consult with your physician before using the whirlpool, sauna or steam room
  • Do not enter the whirlpool while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that can cause drowsiness or raise/lower blood pressure
  • Do not exercise in the sauna or steam room—please wait at least 5 minutes after exercising to cool your body temperature before entering the sauna
  • Rubberized or plastic suits, sweatshirts, sweatpants and athletic shoes are not allowed in the sauna or steam room
  • Shaving is not allowed in the pool, sauna or steam room
  • Due to electrical and fire hazard, do not put water on the sauna heater, or leave reading material in the sauna
  • Please wear clean swim attire—clothing may be worn over a swimsuit
  • Children in diapers must wear reusable plastic pants with elasticized legs and waistband
  • Please see Y staff for details about water-depth restrictions when wearing clothing in the water

For the safety of our members and guests, swimmers under the age of 15 must be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times, or pass a YMCA swim test:

Deep water

To swim in water deeper than the swimmer’s armpits, the swimmer must pass the Deep Water Swim Test.

  • Jump into water
  • Tread water for 30 seconds
  • Transition from treading to a front float for 10 seconds
  • Return to treading for an additional 10 seconds
  • Swim 10 yards

Shallow water

To swim without an adult in water shallower than the swimmer’s armpits or in the designated shallow end, the swimmer must pass the Shallow Water Swim Test.

  • Enter water to armpit depth
  • Front float for 5 seconds
  • Transition from floating to standing in water
  • Back float for 5 seconds and return to standing

Sometimes there might be an exercise class or other activity going on in part of the pool while you’re swimming laps or splashing around with the kids. Stop by Member Services if you’re curious about when classes are scheduled.

  • Kids ages 6 and under are welcome in the pool, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times—unless they are able to pass an appropriate YMCA swim test. Children who pass the swim test must still have a parent in the pool area. Kids in this age group are not allowed in the whirlpool or sauna.
  • Kids ages 7-9 are welcome in the pool, so long as a parent or guardian is somewhere in the building—if they have not passed a swim test, they must be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times. Kids in this age group are not allowed in the whirlpool or sauna.
  • Kids ages 10-15 are welcome to enjoy the pool alone—and do not need to have a parent or guardian present, unless they have not passed a swim test, in which case, they must be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times. Kids ages 10-14 are not allowed in the whirlpool or sauna.
  • Kids ages 15 and up are welcome to enjoy the whirlpool and sauna.

Locker rooms

All Y locations in the Twin Cities metro offer free locker room access to change and secure your belongings.

Lockers are available for daily use by members and guests. Please bring your own lock and remove it at the end of each visit. Padlocks are also available for purchase at many YMCA locations. Locks left overnight on lockers will be removed. Valuables cannot be accepted for safekeeping at the Member Services desk.

Due to COVID safety protocols, tower services is currently unavailable. Please bring your own towel(s).

The YMCA is committed to welcoming all members and strives to engage with members to create a safe and comfortable environment. With this in mind, we support all individuals in using the locker room or bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.

Children ages five and younger may enter the YMCA locker rooms and bathrooms of their parent or guardian, even if their parent or guardian uses a locker room or bathroom that does not align with the gender identity of the child.

The Y is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.  Contact Member Services to retrieve lost and found items.  All content that is not recovered will be donated to a local charity.

All cell phone usage and picture taking is prohibited in all locker rooms for the security and comfort of members and guests. Please restrict picture taking to your own child. Violation of this policy can result in consequences up to termination of membership.


Child care while you work out

When you come to work out at the Y, bring your children that are members along for the fun that awaits them at Kids Stuff, the Y’s drop-in child care program. They’ll participate in age-appropriate activities in a safe environment. It’s available 7 days a week—activities and hours vary by location.

Bring your membership card the first time you visit Kids Stuff. You will be asked to sign your child in at Kids Stuff before you go work out. If your child has any special needs or medical conditions—please let the staff know.

Kids ages 6 weeks to 10 years are welcome. Kids Stuff doesn’t offer 1:1 care, however you may provide a PCA to accompany your child during their visit.

  • You must remain in the building while your child is at Kids Stuff
  • Visit times are limited to 3 hours per day, per child.
  • You will be contacted immediately if your child is injured, inconsolable after 15 minutes, showing symptoms of illness, needs a diaper change or shows aggressive/inappropriate behavior
  • Please don’t bring a child who is ill or showing signs of illness
  • Please don’t bring toys or personal belongings, except comfort items like a pacifier or blanket
  • Food or snacks aren’t allowed in Kids Stuff, except water and pre-mixed formula marked with date and time made
  • All comfort items, water cups and formula must be labeled with first and last name
  • The YMCA doesn’t allow private child care by a YMCA employee for any YMCA participant—staff are not allowed to babysit any child they meet in Kids Stuff or other Y programs
  • Kids must wear socks and indoor shoes at all times—winter boots are not considered indoor shoes
  • If your child wears diapers, please bring them in a clean, dry diaper
  • Please bring extra clothes in the event of an accident

All Kids Stuff team members are required to pass a criminal background check and receive annual safety training on:

  • CPR
  • First Aid
  • AED administration
  • Oxygen administration
  • Blood-borne pathogens
  • Child abuse prevention
  • Emergency procedures
  • Andover
  • Burnsville
  • Eagan
  • Elk River
  • Emma B. Howe
  • Forest Lake
  • Hastings
  • Hudson, WI
  • New Hope
  • Ridgedale
  • Shoreview
  • Southdale
  • St. Paul Midway
  • White Bear Area
  • Woodbury

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a commonly used Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that can improve wellbeing and treat symptoms of a wide variety of conditions.

Reservations are required for individual acupuncture sessions. Reservations and payment is required prior to attending Community acupuncture sessions. In the case of community acupuncture openings, walk ins are welcome when they are available but are not guaranteed. Please call or visit Blaisdell or Midway YMCA front desk for more details. You might be asked to fill out some paperwork at or before your first session and complete a brief in-person consultation.

Plan to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Sometimes you might be asked to remove parts of clothing to assist with effective needle placement. Your acupuncture provider can answer any questions you might have about what to wear.

Adults ages 18 and up are welcome to enjoy acupuncture services. Young people ages 15-17 can book a session at George Wellbeing (Dayton, Blaisdell  or St. Paul Midway) with the consent of a parent or guardian, who must also be present at the time of booking and for the acupuncture session (including completion of paperwork).


Massage

Massage can help you feel better by reducing pain, anxiety or stress. It can also help your wellbeing by enhancing your immune system and increasing range of motion.

Reservations are required. You might be asked to fill out some paperwork at or before your first session, and complete a brief in-person consultation.

Table massage is typically done undressed under a drape. Plan to undress to the level you are comfortable. Your massage provider can answer any questions you might have about what to wear.

Adults ages 18 and up are welcome to enjoy massage services. Young people ages 15-17 can book a session at George Wellbeing (Dayton or Maplewood) with the consent of a parent or guardian, who must also be present at the time of booking and for the massage session (including completion of paperwork).


More wellbeing services

In addition to offering acupuncture and massage services, George Wellbeing is a space, for individuals and groups, to prevent and address chronic health symptoms using evidence-informed, holistic healing approaches for mind, body, spirit and community.

Adults ages 18 and up are welcome to enjoy wellbeing services. Young people ages 15-17 can book a session George Wellbeing with the consent of a parent or guardian, who must also be present at the time of booking and for the session (including completion of paperwork).


Self-guided nature walks

Breathe some fresh air into your workouts with family-friendly fun in the great outdoors. Whether you walk or jog, the Y offers members free access to outdoor trails at Y branches and camps.

Reservations aren’t required, just head to your favorite trail when the Y is open, or 9am to 1pm on Saturdays at Y camp locations. Ask the front desk at the Y where to find the outdoor trail. Camp locations offer maps of available paths.