Great Bridge/Hickory Family YMCA

Edit: the 24/7 access is amazing. Wish people would pick there weights up still.

Number 1. This gym is very crowded in the weight room. This is in large part to the fact that the weight room is very poorly organized. The huge TRX machine takes up so much space and has very little value. I understand the cardio equipment for people with disabilities, but the rowing machine can be moved up stairs. The weight room is also lacking a proper should press machine, abdominal machine, and lacks any sort of hammer strength equipment.

Number 2. The cardio room has tons of cardio equipment. The cardio room is much less crowded and really does not need all the machines, where that extra space could be used for a stretching abdominal area.

Number 3. The front desk staff and weight room staff are always very friendly.

Number 4. Gym cleanliness is top notch. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing the equipment is clean while working out. The dust does need to be vacuumed more frequently.

Number 5. The pricing structure forces people to pay for all the gym features which include classes, two pools, childcare, and kid zone. I do not use any of those features and still have to pay for it, which is $70 per month for a single person membership. The price is too high for being in Chesapeake. I do like the recent change where the YMCA is no nationwide, meaning if I travel I can likely find a gym to use still.

Number 6. Parking. The parking is a mess because that sentera center keeps modifying which parking spots are reserved or not reserved.

Overall the gym has mediocre weight lifting equipment and gets crowded compared to the price you have to pay. Some rearranging could greatly improve this gym.

In my opinion, the Great Bridge YMCA is the best in the area. A membership is undoubtedly expensive, but it does get a little cheaper for big families, low-income earners, etc. They have an outdoor and indoor pool, both with lap lanes and slides. The outside pool has a huge kids' play area as well. The I-Zone is great for childcare, including rock climbing, four square, and a variety of video games. Up front is another play area for kids under 10 that looks really fun. And can't forget the gym, of course. Always a bunch of open cardio machines, but the weights area gets crowded sometimes. Lots of little stuff too: basketball court, coffee and tea machines, nursing area, nice locker rooms, sauna, dance classes. Overall great value if you or your family can take advantage of all the services they offer.

Clean, nice, newer facility for a competitive monthly price. Only downside is while the pool(s) are large, usually only one or two lanes are open for laps due to swim lessons and it can be a long wait for one to open.

Staff is most helpful, very friendly, if you do have a difficulty (could not find my lock key) they are right there to help and get the situation under controle. I like the Gentle water exercise, help keep me going. I go 3 to 5 time each week. Love the clean locker and shower areas. So very nice.