The Dancel Y in Ellicott City Introduce
The Dancel Y in Ellicott City is more than just a place to work out; it is a true community hub where people of all ages can come together to focus on their health and build meaningful connections. As one member put it, the Dancel Y is "a great place to call home," and a place where the staff "can be called family." This fitness center embodies the YMCA’s mission of building a healthy spirit, mind, and body, creating a welcoming and supportive environment that transcends a typical gym experience. It's a place where "older people and younger people can be acquainted," fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Whether you're looking to swim laps, participate in a group exercise class, or simply meet new people who share common interests, The Dancel Y provides the facilities and atmosphere to make it happen. The focus is on a holistic approach to wellness, and the strong sense of community is a key reason why so many people in the Ellicott City area consider it a valuable part of their lives. It's a facility that encourages consistency, helps members form friendships, and ultimately becomes a meaningful part of who they are, making it much more than just a place to exercise.
Located at 4331 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043, The Dancel Y is conveniently situated for residents of Ellicott City and the surrounding areas. Its central location makes it easily accessible for families and individuals with busy schedules. The facility is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring that everyone in the community can comfortably use the services. The convenient location makes it a go-to spot for a wide range of activities, from a morning workout to an afternoon swim. While some of the interior spaces, such as the locker rooms, may show their age, the overall convenience of the location and the friendly, welcoming staff make up for any minor inconveniences. The ease of access helps members stay consistent with their fitness routines, which is a major factor in achieving long-term health goals. The Dancel Y’s location and accessibility are key components of its role as a central and inclusive community resource.
The Dancel Y offers a wide and comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. At the heart of the facility are two indoor pools, a six-lane indoor lap pool and a four-lane indoor warm-water pool, which are utilized for lap swim, family swim, and water exercise classes. The state-of-the-art fitness center spans 7,335 square feet and is equipped with a variety of modern equipment including cardio machines with personal TV monitors, free weights, and strength training equipment from Cybex and TRX. For those who prefer group workouts, the Y offers numerous group exercise classes in dedicated studios. The two gymnasiums provide space for sports like basketball and volleyball, while a rock wall adds a unique and fun challenge. Additionally, the Y provides family-oriented amenities such as a family room with games and TV, and a supervised activity room called Stay & Play for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years, which is a huge benefit for families with a family membership. These offerings highlight the Y's commitment to providing a holistic fitness experience that caters to individuals, families, and people of all ages.
Here are some of the key services offered at The Dancel Y:
- Indoor Lap Pool and Indoor Warm Water Pool
- Swimming and Water Exercise Classes
- State-of-the-Art Fitness Center with cardio, strength, and free weights
- Group Exercise Classes and Cycle Studio
- Two Gymnasiums for basketball and volleyball
- Rock Wall
- Stay & Play supervised activity room for children
- Restrooms, showers, and saunas
- Wi-Fi for members
One of the most notable highlights of The Dancel Y is its incredibly friendly and welcoming staff. As one reviewer stated, they "genuinely feel like they’re happy to see me," which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is a major differentiator from other gyms. The strong sense of community is also a key feature; it's a place where members can "make friends" and form meaningful relationships. This is what truly makes it "more than just a gym experience." The variety of amenities is another significant highlight, particularly for families. The availability of multiple pools, two gymnasiums, and a rock wall provides a wealth of activities beyond a standard workout, ensuring there is something for everyone. The sauna is a great perk for relaxation and recovery, even if some facilities may feel a bit dated. While the weight training room can get crowded, especially on weekend mornings, the good variety of equipment still allows for an effective workout. The Dancel Y's commitment to being a community hub where people of all ages can connect and stay active is its most compelling feature. The wide range of programs for youth, adults, and seniors, including the Stay & Play service, makes it a valuable resource for the entire family. It is a place that fosters social responsibility and community building, making it a unique and impactful part of life in Ellicott City. The benefits of a membership extend far beyond the physical amenities, providing a place where relationships "MATTER and make the difference."
Here are some of the key features and highlights that make The Dancel Y a great choice:
- Exceptional Staff: Members consistently praise the friendly, caring, and welcoming team.
- Strong Community: A diverse and inclusive environment that encourages social connections.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Including pools, basketball courts, and the Stay & Play child care service.
- Diverse Equipment: A good variety of cardio, strength, and free weights to cater to different workout styles.
- Holistic Wellness: Focuses on spirit, mind, and body, offering more than just fitness equipment.
- Sauna: A great amenity for relaxation and post-workout recovery.
- Convenient Location: Easy to access from major roads in Ellicott City.
For more information or to speak with a representative, you can reach The Dancel Y in Ellicott City at the following contact information:
Address: 4331 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA
Phone: (410) 465-4334
Mobile Phone: +1 410-465-4334
The Dancel Y is worth choosing for Maryland residents who are looking for a gym that provides a comprehensive experience for the entire family, rather than just a place to lift weights. The most compelling reason to choose this Y is the powerful sense of community and the genuinely friendly staff who make every visit a positive one. This is a facility that understands that health is not just about physical fitness but also about social and mental well-being. For families, the amenities like the pools and the Stay & Play program are invaluable, making it easy for parents to get a workout in while their children are engaged in supervised activities. The wide array of equipment and programs ensures that every member, from a young child to a senior, can find an activity they enjoy. While some areas like the locker room may feel a bit dated, the overall value and the positive impact on members' lives are what truly matter. The Y is a place where you can make friends, find support, and feel like you belong. This focus on building relationships and fostering a caring community is a powerful differentiator that sets The Dancel Y apart and makes it an excellent choice for anyone in the Ellicott City area seeking a meaningful and impactful fitness journey.
The Dancel Y in Ellicott City Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- Sauna
Amenities
- Basketball court
- Restroom
- Swimming pool
- Volleyball court
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Shower
Planning
- Membership required
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
The Dancel Y in Ellicott City Photos










The Dancel Y in Ellicott City Location
The Dancel Y in Ellicott City
4331 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA
The Dancel Y in Ellicott City Reviews
poolclasseschildcareworkout equipmentlocker roomwater aerobicssummerbasketball courtwallsauna
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The YMCA is a great place to call home.I like to say life is what you make it.I have had the pleasure of getting to know the workers there over the years and it is nothing short of amazing.They CARE. They help. And can be called family. It is a great facility.It has what you need to get better, and has a good community.It is a place where older people and younger people can be acquainted and it allows for more than just a gym experience.Consistently going helps make friends.It becomes a part of who you are.It is a diverse group but allows for connections that are shared in common interests and forms relationships with others that MATTER and make the difference between just going to the gym, and being able to have a meaningful impact on your life
July 09 · Robert WilkinI've been to about seven different YMCAs, and I’d like to share my experience at this location.First of all, the staff here are super friendly and welcoming. Every time I come in, I genuinely feel like they’re happy to see me, which is always nice. Another big plus is the convenient location — it’s easy to get to, which makes it even more appealing.The weight training room has a good variety of equipment, which I appreciate. However, compared to other Y I've been to, the space here is quite small. On Saturday mornings, it can get pretty crowded, and you might have to wait to use certain machines.The locker room is also quite small and feels a bit outdated. It definitely seems like it could use a remodel. The lockers themselves are still the old metal ones, and while it’s nice to have a sauna, it feels very old and even has no working lights. Another inconvenience is that the shower booths don't have any dedicated space to place your clothes or change comfortably, which can be a bit frustrating.That being said, the friendly staff and great location make this Y a valuable part of the community. If they could improve the locker room and expand the weight training area, it would be even better!
March 12 · MikeI was having a wonderful night out at the gym with my husband and two kids. When we decided to take our kids down to the rock wall. We then encountered a very dismissive and flippant older rock wall employee. I believe his name was Drake so disappointed, ruined the whole night with the kids and hubby. Safe to say we will not be returning, unacceptable, do better YMCA!
July 30 · Candace MarshallI have been coming here for years now. It is clean, well-maintained, and they upgrade the facilities.I mainly lift weights here solo and am writing this review as someone who lifts and does not use the other awesome resources of the YMCA. (of which there are many). I can speak best to their weight room.Their WiFi works. (Very important)I progressed my squat and deadlift from 135 to 315 here with their Olympic Lifting platforms which are nice enough to do REAL lifting work. Never had an issue.If you need a good lift, this is an excellent spot, but you may need to come in off-hours to really be able to utilize the entire weight room (it's tight near the dumbbell racks) and there are only 3 Olympic Lift stations currently installed. 6.19.25Staff is pleasant and make you feel welcomed.Clientele is respectful of one another.This is an excellent family-center/gym.*Only slight issue is sometimes during peak hours you have to fight for a parking spot.
June 19 · Matt OstovitzGreat youth programs. Great coaches and assistants as well. Coach Anthony who runs the soccer program and a few others is very patient, knowledgeable and compassionate with the kids and parents. I’m glad we have such a nice YMCA in our area.
March 19 · Jack Tripper
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