Vanderbilt YMCA: Your Community Hub for Fitness in Midtown East

Vanderbilt YMCA Introduce

In the bustling environment of New York City, finding a fitness center that offers a comprehensive range of services and fosters a strong sense of community can be a challenge. The Vanderbilt YMCA, located in Midtown East, is a well-established institution that serves as more than just a gym. It is a true community hub, providing a diverse array of fitness programs and amenities designed to cater to people of all ages and fitness levels. With its welcoming staff and a friendly atmosphere, this YMCA location has become a staple for many New Yorkers looking for a place to work on their health and wellness goals.

One of the most notable features of the Vanderbilt YMCA is its commitment to serving the entire family. While it is a fully-equipped fitness center for adults, it also offers a variety of programs specifically for youth, including classes and a summer camp. This makes it a convenient and practical choice for families, as parents can work out while their children participate in engaging and constructive activities. The YMCA's long history and reputation as a safe and reliable institution make it a trusted choice for many parents in the city.

The atmosphere at the Vanderbilt YMCA is consistently described by its members as nice, friendly, and courteous. From the staff to fellow members, there is a sense of respect and community that makes working out a more pleasant experience. For those who frequently use the swimming pool, this is a significant highlight, as members are known to be considerate and communicate when sharing a lane. This is a small but important detail that speaks volumes about the overall culture of the facility.

While the summer camp program has received mixed reviews, it is important to distinguish between the general fitness center operations and the specific, seasonal children's camp. The primary focus and strength of the Vanderbilt YMCA are its core fitness and aquatic facilities, which are highly praised. The swimming pools are a major draw, consistently described as clean and well-maintained with life guides always on duty.

The fitness center itself is spacious and well-equipped, providing all the necessary tools for a great workout. From personal training to group classes and independent use of equipment, the YMCA offers flexibility for different workout preferences. The variety of amenities and programs available makes it a one-stop-shop for a holistic approach to health, whether you’re looking to get a cardio workout, build strength, or relax in the sauna after a long day.

Location and Accessibility

The Vanderbilt YMCA is located at 224 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017, USA. Its address places it in the highly convenient and central neighborhood of Midtown East. This location is a major plus for anyone working or living in the area, as it is just a short walk from Grand Central Terminal, making it easily accessible via multiple subway lines and bus routes. This central location means that a large portion of New York's population can access the gym with minimal effort, which is a key consideration for busy professionals.

For those who drive, there is paid street parking available in the vicinity, though it's important to be mindful of city parking regulations and availability.

The fitness center is also committed to being accessible to everyone. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, ensuring a welcoming environment for individuals with mobility challenges.

Services Offered

Aerobics: A variety of group fitness classes, including aerobics, are available for members who enjoy a high-energy, community-oriented workout.
Personal Training: Certified personal trainers are available to provide one-on-one guidance and customized workout plans to help you achieve your specific fitness goals.
Youth Classes: The YMCA offers a range of classes designed specifically for kids, covering various activities that promote physical activity and skill development.
Summer Camp: The Vanderbilt YMCA provides a summer camp program, offering activities for children during the summer months.
Swimming: The facility features a swimming pool for lap swimming, recreational use, and swimming lessons. The pool is a highly-praised feature, with a life guide on duty at all times.

Features / Highlights

Two Pools and a Running Track: The Vanderbilt YMCA boasts two indoor pools, a rarity in New York City, and a running track. These features provide exceptional value and a wider range of workout options.
Sauna: For post-workout relaxation and recovery, the fitness center offers a sauna.
Showers and Restrooms: Clean showers and restrooms are available on-site for the convenience of members.
Active Military Discounts: The YMCA is proud to offer discounts for active military personnel, showing its commitment to supporting those who serve.
Good for Kids: With its youth classes and a summer camp, the YMCA is a great choice for families.
Flexible Payments: The fitness center accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Clean and Well-Maintained: Members consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the swimming pool.

Contact Information

Address: 224 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

Phone: (212) 912-2500

What is worth choosing

For New Yorkers seeking a fitness center that offers great value, a wide range of facilities, and a strong sense of community, the Vanderbilt YMCA is an excellent choice. One of the most compelling reasons to choose this location is its aquatics program. Having not one, but two indoor swimming pools is a significant advantage, and the fact that they are consistently kept clean and well-staffed with life guides is a major draw. For avid swimmers or those who enjoy water-based workouts, this feature alone is a reason to join, as highlighted by a member who travels all the way from Brooklyn to use this specific location's pool.

The overall atmosphere is another key factor. The staff's friendly and professional demeanor, combined with the courteousness of the members, creates a welcoming environment that makes working out a pleasure. Unlike some other gyms that can feel intimidating, the Vanderbilt YMCA fosters a cooperative spirit, where members are respectful and considerate of one another.

The YMCA’s unique position as a family-friendly institution also makes it a standout choice. With its youth classes and summer camp, it’s a convenient one-stop destination for parents who want to prioritize their own fitness while providing their children with constructive activities. While specific reviews of the summer camp can be mixed, the existence of such a program speaks to the organization's broader mission to serve the community, which is a positive attribute.

Finally, the combination of amenities and services—including a sauna, a wide range of classes like aerobics, and personal training options—ensures that all fitness needs can be met under one roof. The availability of active military discounts and wheelchair accessibility further demonstrates the YMCA's commitment to being an inclusive and supportive organization. This dedication to serving a diverse community, along with its excellent facilities, makes the Vanderbilt YMCA a smart choice for anyone in New York looking for a comprehensive fitness solution.

Vanderbilt YMCA Services

Fitness center
Aerobics
Personal training
Youth classes

Children's camp
Summer Camp

Vanderbilt YMCA Details

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Sauna

Atmosphere
Shower

Planning
Membership required

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking

Vanderbilt YMCA Photos

Vanderbilt YMCA Location

Vanderbilt YMCA

New York New York County New York East 47th Street

224 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

Vanderbilt YMCA Reviews

An average rating of ★3.4 from 500 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Love this location of YMCA, though it is my first YMCA ever, but the staffs here are nice and friendly.Mainly use their swimming pool, it’s always clean, always have a life guide on duty, though one of them was a bit too “aggressive” over their policy but it did not ruin my overall experience.The members there are also nice and courteous and would ask when sharing a lane, I really appreciate the overall experience I have at this location thus far, that’s why I continued to travel from Brooklyn all the way to this midtown location.
January 22 · Wien Loo
This review is about YMCA summer CAMP at the Vanderbilt location. Our experience was -very- ba, with broken promises of field trips, camp counselors who did little more than day care, and limited facilities.My father grew up around a YMCA in Indiana in the 1930s (reallly), I went to a Y on Long Island sometimes -took swimming lessons there and more. But this Y...is really not geared for kids. They haven't thought it out. Its relatively safe day care, and that's all.My son is attended their 'camp.' Really, it doesn't succeed as any form of day camp. The activities are de minimis. They congregate in a gym most of the time. They promised field trips and excursions to the park(s) but these have been very few, if at all. They provide no amenities at all -no lunch, or snack, or towels for the swimming pool (one day a week at most, unless you sign up for the swimming camp -we've moved over. Maybe it will be better).There does not seem to be much thought put into their activities and the 'counselors' seem young and mainly untrained. My son is usually an optimist. But both he and a friend from school who is in the same camp say the same thing: bored. Forget any intellectually challenging activities.We ran into another friend of his, Josh, on a bus there one day. He had gone to the YMCA last year and was at a camp across the street (I was told). His mom said he didn't dislike it while there, but then realized how much better camp could be at the other camp.One day, one of the few 'crafts' projects, they did 'tye dying' and my son brought home a plastic bag with a small green-dyed cloth knapsack in it. The counselor gave it to me. No one mentioned it was still full of wet dye. And then, on the way home, there was a leak... Not happy. My hands were green for a day and a half. They are not really much good at arts and crafts. My son missed the day they painted a cheap wood slide whistle (he had a nosebleed in the morning). So, rather than spend 10 minutes with him to help makeup and to make a nice painted whistle the next day, he just got the plain unpainted version to take home. Altogether, just kind of a flop as a place.The city is full of opportunity. And there are camps throughout the city that do interesting things. It seems this YMCA.... is not one of them.Update: I received a response from them. An unknown representative asked me to 'contact' them with more information and that they are very eager to respond and improve their services, EXCEPT.....(1) they don't provide a contact person or number, except "Vanderbilt YMCA Team" (go team!);(2) the response is perfectly generic and does not even show that they read the critical review but asks for "specific details" (-itself a sign they don't read -anyone doubt I was ?specific?")(3) generally, seems about as insincere and mindless as one could expect.(4) Originally I gave them 2 stars, we're now down to one. Anyone agree?(5) They told me they were sorry and asked me for more information -but I had provided all of this as a critique. Isn't this detailed enough?
March 30 · Michael RH
The guest services associate by the name of Winny provided amazing service !!! Her professionalism & guidance was key during the curation process of membership commencement.Gratitudes for the company director Paul as well as !!! Thanks again for onboarding me into the facility !!!Thank you Team YMCA !!
January 31 · Herman Leon Fortson III
August 22nd, 198*, my first night in NYC ever. I arrived at this Y in a stretch black limo(no lies) and stayed for 1 month as there was no student housing left at FIT and the Y rented out rooms to some college students. I arrived in the lobby and rang the desk bell for help w/my luggage. Yah, no help. (I was a clueless Cali girl)The price was $400 per month for a room which was about 4'x 8". There was a twin bed, a tiny desk w/a chair and 1 small tall dresser. The room was so narrow, the chair did not fit between the bed and the desk. I piled up my 9 pieces of luggage on top of the dresser to the ceiling. There was 1 payphone on the floor (creepy men in bathrobes would stand and stare at me on the tel) and a shared unisex shower/bathroom. Shower did not lock and I was worried every time using it. I cried a lil' every week but would not tell my parents I was scared staying there. I was not going to leave NY. A few weeks later I met another college student in the Y's weight room that had previously stayed there. Mark from Irvine Calif. Mark said, "Hey, we are looking for another roommate, come over and meet everyone" Within a week, I moved into Mark's huge 3,000 sq. ft loft w/5 of his other college friends down in Wall Street. We are all mostly still friends to this day. Whenever I pass by the Vanderbuilt on 47th today, I smile and think of Mark..:)R.I.P. Mark, I miss and love you..xxx ~Love your NYC sister
August 31 · Lantie Foster
The overall experience was pretty well. The room was clean and they were changing the towels every day. We went in November and the weather was very cold but in our room we had a heater which was working well. Sometimes it was even too hot in the room. There are 2 showers and restrooms in each floor and we never had any problem with it. Now the cons. The hotel staff seemed a little bit unorganized and not professional. The rooms don’t have safety boxes, so if you want to leave your documents, you can leave them at the administrative desk where they have a small safety box, but they won’t let you to take it and you will need to disturb the staff every time you want to put in and out your stuff. And the last one, they charge 2$ for a piece of luggage to look after it after your check out.
January 30 · Albina Albina