Brandywine YMCA - Wilmington, Delaware

Rhys Newcombe

One of the best YMCAs that exists currently. The 2nd floor gym got a major face-lift about 4 years ago and now every other YMCA seems outdated to some degree.
They have free classes ranging from body-combat to spin, pools, a sauna, tons of cardio equipment, weightlifting equipment, a basketball court, a child care center, an outdoor lounge, and even more.
One of the best things about this Y is that none of the gym is equipment is locked behind a door that nobody is around to unlock for you *cough* Central YMCA *cough*. The staff are super friendly and the gym is equipped with everything and anything. My favorite Y.
Only drawback is the sauna is small and is HORRIBLY leveled, so that water pools and does not drain... gross ?

Jermill Graham

I absolutely love my early morning workouts at the Brandywine YMCA! The serene atmosphere from 6:30am to 7:30am, with the sun rising, is truly invigorating. It's the perfect time to exercise without the crowds.

Although I miss the extended hours until 10pm, I still appreciate the facility's dedication to providing a welcoming environment for all. The Kid Zone is fantastic for parents like me; my children love playing there while I work out.

A special shoutout to Ms. Liz and Cassidy in the Kid Zone—they've formed a wonderful bond with my children. Their care and attention make me feel at ease knowing my kids are in good hands. Please bring back the extra hour; it's much needed!

Leslie Rivera

ATTENTION ALL PARENTS THAT HAVE AUTISTIC OR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS!!!
I enrolled my son in before and after care school program last year. Before I enrolled him I specifically ask the Director Liz if the people that work in the program have experience in dealing with autistic kids. She assured me that yes they have experience and for me not worry. I believed her and It has been a horrible experience. Not only did she lie but i have had SO many issues since last year with this program. Almost Everyday last year there was an issue with my son. I had to constantly talk and literally tell them about my son and that this is part of his disability. The principal and his teachers knew the problems i was having with the before and after care program. This year i was very hesitant to enroll him again in the program because of all the issues i had with the program last year. Sure enough it’s literally the start of the year and I’m having problems already. This past Thursday i walked in to my son getting bullied and man handled by 4 students and the YMCA worker just standing there letting him get bullied and hurt by these children. So when she saw me she got shocked stood behind me while i came in and I pretty much saved my child. I had to de escalate the situation while the worker just stood. So I’m paying close to $600 a month to do their job?! Also to be having constant problems with their workers! No. I’ve had it. My son will no longer be going to be program. I’m completely disgusted annoyed and disappointed with the YMCA before and after school program. They will never hurt my son again!!! I hope this helps parents out with their autistic or special needs kids.

Natalie Rowell

Love this Y! Renovated 5 years ago maybe and is super nice! Lots of parking that doesn’t require a long walk. Many programs for people of all ages. All staff are friendly and organized.

E M

MEMBERS FILMING THEMSELVES HAS GOTTEN OUT OF HAND!

I’m writing this because I’m really concerned about some issues I've been having at the YMCA related to aggressive behavior and people filming on their cell phones. On September 13th, I had a horrible experience with another gym member.

I was walking to the turf area to do walking lunges when I accidentally walked past a member’s phone that was on the floor, he was filming his set and had his phone angled towards the walkway. I didn’t see the phone on the floor near the squat racks, and I didn’t realize I was in the way. After reaching the turf, I noticed another member filming there, so I walked back towards the smith machine. As I walked past the squat racks again, the guy recording, who looked to be in his early twenties, turned around and confronted me aggressively. He said, “Are you happy now?” Confused, I replied, “Excuse me?” He then repeated, “Are you happy now?” and continued, “I know you did it on purpose for attention!” He was pointing to his phone, and his tone was very intimidating. All I could manage to say at that moment was, “I’m sorry, I didn’t see it.” He then grabbed his phone and stormed off.

Thinking he was gone, I decided to finish my last exercise. However, about five minutes later, I saw him back at the squat rack, glaring at me in the mirror, which made me feel unsafe. I decided to leave the gym floor rather than risk further issues. I considered going to the front desk but chose not to because I had a similar issue months ago, and the staff didn’t address it properly.

This is the second time in a year that I’ve felt unsafe due to aggressive behavior from members filming their workouts. I joined the YMCA because I believed it would be a welcoming place for all ages and fitness levels. While I’m comfortable working out in a male-dominated space, these filming incidents have been problematic.The gym is not a filming studio, I’m just trying to work out, all I did was walk by. The YMCA needs to address this issue. Considering that my previous complaint was ignored, I’m posting this review to warn potential members and will be reaching out to corporate as well. The YMCA is supposed to be a family environment, and it’s important for the gym to be a safe and respectful place for everyone.

Julia S

The Barandywine YMCA is the best place I've ever been! Always clean, polite and friendly staff who are always ready to help, nice visitors. It is a very wonderful place to spend time with family, friends or just to relax and rest by yourself. What we liked the most is that they have 3 pools (2 inside and one outside), isn't that great? Today is my birthday and I received a wonderful greeting on this occasion to my side! What a beautiful place! I took the Membership for a year and I am sure that I will continue it several more times! Thank you for that great experience, Brandywine YMCA!!!

Kisha K

One of the BEST YMCAs in Delaware. I recommend it, you won’t be disappointed at all best pools friendly staff and guest not to mention lots of classes that fits everyone’s busy schedules nowadays.

Megan Roulston

Just joined the Y Brandywine and took the Virtual Bodypump class. It left a LOT to be desired. For the price of membership, you'd think they could afford to pay for real instructors! The video didn't start on time...no one came to make sure it did. Classmates had to figure out how to turn it on. They eventually did, but was not as good as a real instructor, and then the video cut out early, so we didn't finish our workout. It's also unfortunate that they don't offer any classes between the approximate hours of 1 to 4/5pm. I sometimes get off work around this time, or often take long lunches and would like to be able to take a class at this time, but none are available. So I have to wait until 7 or 8 pm for the type of classes preferred. Again, with the price of membership, you'd think they'd have a wider variety of class times WITH real instructors. It feels like the Y is just a glorified kids camp or daycare.