Gym membership: YMCA vs. Gold's

[98HornGirl]

I'm thinking about getting into the gym thing again. I live in south Cedar Park and my two contenders are the Gold's Gym at 183/Lakeline Mall or the Hill Country Y in Cedar Park.

Gold's is appealing only because my best girlfriend is a member and we can work out together. However, I've been screwed royally by another major commercial gym and I just don't trust the way most big gyms do business. I also don't like having to pay a huge "joining fee" - last I heard it was about $150.

The Y is appealing because it's monthly rate is a little lower, and the initiation fee isn't outratgeous ($50, I think). Although the current Y location is probably kinda small because it's in a strip center, they are building a huge, brand new Y in Cedar Park that's even closer to my house and they'll have a good size lap pool. I've never been a member at a Y before, though, so I don't know what the culture is like. Does anyone happen to be a member there and can tell me about it?

I appreciate any insight!

 

[VacantlyOccupied]

How long until the new Y opens? You might as well join the Y, because the new one is going to be great.

Meanwhile, if you want to swim you can get a summer pass to Milburn pool for under 40 bucks, and it's open for lap swimming from 6-9 every morning.

 

[98HornGirl]

I've heard the new Y will open in January.

I've swam at the Milburn pool before, and have been thinking about getting another pass. Problem is I work 7-3:30, so the 6-9am lap times don't work for me. I've tried to swim laps in the afternoon after work....even though there are 2 lap lanes open, the lifeguards have never done a great job of keeping the kids out of them, so I've accidently clubbed a kid or two. It's just too crowded.

 

[Texas97]

i work near one of the Ys. i am considering joining the Y.

i looked up the YMCA austin website (austinymca.org) but cannot find membership information such as monthly fees and initiation fees. what are they? is there a link that i cannot find?


Texas97

 

[Texas97]

called them up. $50 a month, $50 initiation fee. the pool is a big plus.


Texas97

 

[kjgirl]

if you have kids its great to join the Y because you get discounts on swim lessons, classes and their youth sport leagues.