JCC of Buffalo

The customer service of the people manning their reception desk is just horrible.
Seems like they are not interested in roping in more members and their staff has this couldn’t care a hoot if you hoin or not attitude.
I went in on an evening to check the facility and its membership details. There was a guy named Steven T at the reception. There is no smile or greeting when I walk in and he answers my questions in a dead pan manner. I had to literally drag information on membership rates and stuff out of him.
I did not have time for a full accompanied tour if the facility and just wanted to see the gym for a brief second. He refused point blank saying that he would not allow me to see it that evening and why I inquired why, he says because he was in charge. I could not believe my ears.
Well, I walked away visibly upset with this behavior and attitude. Maybe he did not like my skin color or my accent. But when I proceeded to LA FItness, the reception and customer service was so good I immediately joined the club.

I was a very active, 3 yr member of the JCC (normally using the Getzville facility) averaging 3 – 4 visits per week. I loved the JCC till they reduced their hours in December 2015… changed their closing time by ½ hr each night, and making drastic reductions to their night time pool hrs (only 15 minutes of lap swimming on Tues/​Thurs, with no swimming for men on Wednesday nights… not a real robust athletic facility!)
So, I quit as soon as my membership was up. Don’t get me wrong, the Amherst facility is top notch (pool does go down a lot) with great equipment and trainers, and a great Front Desk staff. However, the premium paid to be a member there is just not worth it. The reduction in closing time was barely tolerable, but the lack of night-​time pool hours was the final straw. On top of this, the facility is closed another 10 – 12 days per year for JCC religious holidays. Also, the upper Management didn’t seem to care about the people this effected.
There are many nearby clubs with more hours and lower membership rates… the value just isn’t there for the JCC.

The JCC has been my gym of choice for some time now. It has the best feel as far as gyms go. Over time, the renovations have really made the place better. The fitness room is great with so many different types of equipment to use and the staff is always very helpful. There’s a separate stretching room which is wonderful for someone like me that enjoys stretching after a good workout. They have all different types of classes and are always adding new ones to the list. I really enjoy Pilates and they added a room specifically for Pilates, yoga and barre classes which makes it feel like they listen to what their customers want. Those classes became more popular and then they renovated and added a room that includes all the equipment necessary. They have a decent size pool with lots of open and lap swim time, along with various water classes also. It’s got everything a bigger gym would have with a much more comfortable atmosphere.

we became member a few weeks ago. We live in north Buffalo smack dab in the middle of either facility. We work by UB’s north campus so its easy to go there after work. During the weekend we go to the Delaware ave location to mix it up. Have to say the facilities are really clean and well kept at either location. The equipment is relatively new, iPhone 3g/​4 compatible type cable connection on the treadmills and other cardio equipment.
Weights, both free and machines, are well laid out and you rarely have to wait for anything. Again, everything is constantly being cleaned so really well kept all around, both by the staff and gym members.
Worth signing up for the year if you’re going to be around. Found good deal and they give discounts for certain organizations.

As others have indicated, great place to workout and perfect location. However I have to echo Robbie B’s review regarding the nerve wracking bomb shelter experience of the women’s sauna. Of course there are good days, when free-​weigh lifters are courteous and don’t dump their heavy weights to the floor. It would be great if a trainer could nicely tell them (daily) that you get a far better muscle workout if you SLOWLY lower your weights to the floor. That’s my reason for rating three stars. Although, and even though I love babies, maybe some signage about sanitary uses of the big platform in the women’s locker might be good for all. Sitting down where a baby was just changed from diaper to swimsuit is both nice and worrisome at the same time. Otherwise, love the JCC.

Great place to work out. One caveat… The women’s sauna is like being in a bomb shelter in World War II London. The weight lifting area is right above and many of the patrons drop their weights causing the walls to shake. Frankly I’m surprised the ceiling hasn’t caved in yet.

Signed my 2 year old twins up for swim lessons here. $ 65/​kid for 10 half hour classes. It has proven beneficial for our kids.
We love the playground set-​up and frequently eat lunch at their park after lessons. Nice setting in the middle of the city.

I was a guest here, and I loved it. They have a no cell phone policy, which makes things much more relaxing and pleasant. The facilities are spacious and clean: I played pool, walked on the treadmill, lifted kettleballs, and had a schvitz. The pool looked great, but I didn’t have a chance to swim. Do it!

I love the JCC! The selection of morning classes is great and the instructors know what they’re doing. I haven’t tried many of the afternoon classes yet but again, there are many options. As of now though my favorite class is the Saturday morning spin. The music and instructor are great and it’s at the perfect time.
The women’s changing room is always VERY clean and I’ve never waited for a shower or locker space. They also have a sauna which I haven’t tried yet but am looking forward to!
I also love that there is a pool at both JCC locations. The downtown JCC has their pool indoors which is great for year round swimming.
I usually stick to the classes but the free weights and cardio equipment are always clean and available. The cardio equipment all have tvs and adapters to hook up your iPhones (4s and older models). All in all it’s a great gym!

Favorite gym in Buffalo! Everyone is friendly and trainers are always there to help even without a one on one session. I have belonged to this gym for over four years now and will keep coming here for as long as I live in Buffalo. They have two locations, one downtown and one North Buffalo behind UB. All the equipment is up to date and cleaned everyday! Fresh towel to use. The one North Buffalo is by far superior to the one downtown but they both have there perks. Downtown there is an indoor pool and North Buffalo there are basketball courts, a rock climbing wall, you don’t find that in many gyms, and an outdoor pool. If you are a begginer at the gym and do not want to feel the pressue of others around you join the JCC.

Before I joined the JCC, I had a few less-​than-​stellar gym experiences in the city of Buffalo. Allentown Athletix felt outdated. The BAC was overwhelming. Fitness 360 was too far away from my office and apartment.
At the suggestion of a friend, I stopped by the JCC on my way home from work one day. It is very close to the medical campus, located on the corner of Delaware and Summer, which was definitely a bonus for me.
The atmosphere of the gym is different from a World Gym or even the Buffalo Athletic Club simply because the JCC serves many purposes aside from fitness. To me, it feels homey and comfortable. I like that.
The locker rooms are adequate. However, depending on the time you work out, be prepared to experience several screaming children who have just completed swim class. I typically visit the gym between 4:30 and 5pm, which always happens to be the same time that they’re sopping wet and running rampant throughout the locker room and bathroom area. Blecchhh.
Moving along: the cardio and weight areas are both located within the same large area. There is also a separate room for crunches and stretching. Because of the JCC, I cannot do cardio without my own individual TV now. Getting through those elliptical workouts would be truly impossible without the Bravo Network.
The cardio machines are all newer, although probably not state of the art. Regardless, they work for me just fine! I can’t say much about the free weights or weight machines because I rarely use them. Seeing as how it’s a new year, perhaps I will get over my weightlifting complex and give weights a go at some point soon. Maybe updated review in the near future? Time will tell.
Most importantly, the trainers and staff at the JCC are great. Even though I wish Joe still worked there (seriously, he was so fun and motivational– I can’t believe they didn’t keep him around), the other trainers are excellent as well. I would have never started running if it wasn’t for Al. He was instrumental in helping me complete my first 5k!
After the great experience I’ve had over the past three or four years, I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. The comfortable personal training and nonjudgmental atmosphere are more than worth the monthly fee.

I recently made the switch to the J.C.C. on Delaware because of its eminently convenient location just down the street from my apartment. I was fed up with long, dangerous bicycle rides down Delaware to my former box gym, further fed up with the discourteous personnel, the obnoxious infestation of bros, and the general lack of cleanliness and hygiene exhibited at the gym.
On my first entry to the J.C.C., I could immediately tell that it was different from any of the other gyms I had frequented in the Western New York area, save perhaps the now departed Allentown Athletix. (Rest in peace.) The clientele skews decisively older, skews to a neighborhood crowd, completely lacks in the protein shake-​guzzling, through-​clenched-​teeth-​grunting, else tight-​yoga-​pants-​wearing demographic. (Goodbye, eye candy.) The result is a quiet, conscientious, mindful gym base, if neither efficient nor no-​nonsense. It seems to me that few of the clientele actually have sufficient understanding of what a tough workout is to conceive of either efficiency or nonsense. Well, whatever.
The fitness center is one large room with high ceilings that blast lights far too brightly through the evening hours. Cardio machines decidedly dominate the space, with various treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals, and ERGs each receiving their own due space. However, I would opine that many of the bikes and treadmills are in fact quite difficult to use due to their baffling overprogramming. Being able to watch a screen on which I am virtually cycling through a forest of redwoods does indeed sound like a great idea, but figuring out exactly how to customize the experience to provide a decent workout is another thing entirely.
Compared with many box gyms, the amount of weightlifting equipment is limited. Excepting perhaps the basic bench press, redundancy of equipment does not exist. During peak times, the result is ridiculous overcrowding. Be prepared to wait. Many users don’t seem to understand the concept of work-​ins either. Well, whatever.
The clientele seems to be quite conscious of the need to wipe down equipment after each use, a phenomenon likely aided by the supposition that so many work in the nearby medical buildings. Likewise, locker rooms are clean and functional, if not glistening, if not attractive to the eye.
My conclusion is that the J.C.C. indeed suffices. Its price point is reasonable. But in terms of equipment, clientele, appearance, hours, price, and so forth, there are always caveats, there is always the understanding that the J.C.C. is something else first, a fitness center second. For neighborhood folks looking for something convenient or looking to escape infestations of bros, it is a decent gym. For those looking for more, keep looking.

This gym has drastically improved over the last year, offering more classes and more diverse class timings. I like the spin and Body Pump classes a lot and a newer CX Works class that targets your abs and core.
The facility is nice, a good number of treadmills and machines — it can get busy right after work in the winter months — and the staff is pretty friendly. When I was testing the gyms in the area, the JCC happily gave me a few guest passes so I could sample it.
Gym ratings often depend on class instructors (if that’s what you’re looking for) so specifically, the Delaware location has some good instructors and some average ones.
The college discount is really good and super reasonable. The greatest part is that they are never trying to sell you anything! Happy exercising!

My husband and I are having billing issues that we feel we are getting the run around from them because they owe us money due to them overcharging us (they didn’t take off for military discount). So now (at this incorrectly charged rate for the two of us) this gym is no longer the best deal.
Still a pretty good gym, but I will be checking out other locations.

They have amazing rowing machines (big one for me :). But most of all, I like the JCC because of its wonderful atmosphere… This is the kind of place that I’ll keep in mind when i have kids

Compared to other gyms that I have been to either as a member or a guest, this one is the best. But there are still some issues that kept me from renewing my membership when it expired.
PROS:
*This is a pleasant environment. It feels like a community center, not a meat-​head packed or pretentious «gym».
*Everyone is friendly and helpful staff-​wise.
*It is always clean, the equipment new or at least in very good condition.
*The prices are at least on-​par if not better that other gyms.
CONS:
*They are open late M-​TH but close at 6p on Fridays and earlier on the weekends. If you are an early morning or mid-​day exerciser, this won’t be an issue for you but it was for me.
*They close for the many Jewish holidays (understandable) but personally, if I sway from a routine too much I won’t stick with it, so this was disruptive for me.
*It can be very crowded during peak hours. It seems that every member comes after work on Mondays; most of the time there were no spots available in the parking lot.
*They only offer year memberships, nothing shorter. I joined during the summer so that I could have an air conditioned place to exercise (my apartment is not). I don’t go to the gym as much during the winter. Honestly, if they offered a six month membership for the warmer months, I would probably do that despite the negative points.
Additional Note:
They also have a pool which is a plus because the last gym that I belonged to did not. However, the open-​swim hours are a little limited due to swim classes. They offer other exercise classes as well.

So, I have been a member here since December of 2011 and have to say, I have been thoroughly impressed — as far as gyms go. The facility is clean and well kept, the dues are on the lower side of membership fees when compared to the average gym in Buffalo and I haven’t really seen anything to make me think this will every become a trendy gym — no Affliction shirts here!
So, I have been a gym go-​er for many years and worked in one for two years in a management role, so I know the ins and outs of most fitness facilities. I know what to look for and what is considered a red flag — the JCC has a few. First, you need to understand that you aren’t joining a gym, you are joining a community center. There’s little kids running around everywhere, taking swim lessons, getting picked up from after school day care programs, making some freakin’ ugly macaroni art. Even at 5:30 when I get there straight from work, there’s a general adolescent ruckus in the vestibule. Add into that, those days when there is a swim meet and you’re basically having to hop over kids in order to get to the locker room.
Also, there’s parking. There is plenty of it in the main lot and around the neighborhood, but if you are a stickler for those who feel a sense of entitlement, walk in the front door, not the back. At 5 p.m., every SUV driving mom parks their car illegally in the lot, because they are «just running in to get their kids.» I have to use the yellow lines in the parking lot, so should you.
Lastly, the gym is closed on Friday’s at sundown. Something about not being able to lift weights on Fridays.
So — pro’s — awesome equipment, plenty of weights and cardio equipment, a huge gym floor with plenty of space, there’s always a spotter around you if you need one, generally everyone is cool with letting you roll in on a set, it’s not overly-​douchebag filled and its clean.
Cons — parentless miscreants everywhere.
For $ 20 a month, you really can’t go wrong here.

Great place to work out. I’ve been to 6 gyms in WNY and this one has something to offer to those of all experience levels and most interests minus the extensive peacocking that exists in other gyms. You will see all sorts of people here, including families, and everyone is friendly. Parking and getting a machine between 5 – 6 is tricky, but not impossible.

I don’t know what my preconceived notions were about the JCC, but since I’ve signed up, the gym has exceeded my expectations in almost every way possible. I work out in the early mornings, and the gym never seems to be crowded — i always get a lane in the pool, a machine, and a parking space.
The pool is clean and not crowded and the gym facilities are nice too. Love the TVs on every piece of cardio equipment. I agree with below posters’ assessments of their indifferent trainers.
Last but definitely not least, this is not an intimidating gym at all. There are all kinds of people who come here, and I never feel insecure or inadequate. What else could you ask for in a gym?

Pros: Relatively new equipment (each cardio machine has a personal television, which I am now unable to live without), no creepy guys, people come to work out not hook up, good work out classes with great instructors (specifically: Colleen who also does spinning at the new spinning studio on Elmwood).
Cons: Ridiculously busy, especially in the winter months and yet they do not cut off membership but keep signing up new people! Also, their hours are absolutely horrible (closes at 6 on Friday and 4 on Saturday and is closed for the Jewish holidays) but I suppose I can’t complain because I am electing to go to a Jewish community center … Lastly, their trainers are less than ideal — they are more interested in texting on their phones than instructing their clients and they stand around loudly talking to their friends and colleagues.
A tip: Avoid going here when the kids have a swim meet or swim practice. The locker room becomes overrun with «pip squeaks» as I call them — it’s noisy, crowded and the floors are wet from the kids running around. My worst nightmare!

If working out was supposed to be fun then everyone would be doing it. Luckily the JCC helps take some of the sting away by having tv screens at every cardio machine. Yes… every single one.
There are a variety of fitness classes offered and the clientele at the gym is very wide-​ranged. During winter, spring, and summer breaks they offer short term student membership specials. The racquetball courts are busy. You need a reservation!!!
The downside is that the parking here can be a little rough if you haven’t secured your belongings to be out of site. The parking lot is lit but the alleyway parking is dark and have had some break ins. The Getzville location is definitely nicer than the downtown location since it’s newer but both gyms are great nonetheless. And as one poster already noted, there are less creepy men lurking around here.

3.5 stars. We go to both this location and the Getzville location. This review will focus on the Delaware location.
SWIMMING: First, if you have kids, this is a great place for swimming lessons and open swim. Older kids can graduate into the STAR swim team program, which has a great reputation. But, the Delaware location has a pretty cramped pool, no diving board, no windows. Four narrow 25 yard lanes — and lap swim is almost always crowded. Water is kept too warm for some, around 80 °F. BUT, there is a second location in Getzville that has a beautiful, wider 25 yard pool with diving board and high windows, and also a nice outdoor pool and recreation area for the summer months that is great for families.
WEIGHT/​TREADMILL ROOM: The weight and machines room is large, high windowed, and packed with equipment. It gets very busy at peak times, but usually you can find an open machine of your choice. Friendly, bright atmosphere. Closes early on Friday, Saturday and Sunday — which makes no sense given how busy this place is.
FITNESS CLASSES: I’ve been in water aerobic and Body Pump classes. Both have been packed. Friendly instructors. Weekend classes have been much less busy.
LOCKER ROOMS: Delaware has brand new locker rooms and steam rooms. Only deficiency is that it has only one family shower room. Getzville has three new family shower rooms.
EXTRAS: Gymnasium and tennis courts at Getzville location, outdoor facility at Getzville, summer camp for kids, pool movie night for kids, indoor playground at Delaware location, babysitting during weekday mornings.
SUMMARY: Main negatives are that peak times are very busy at Delaware location, Fri/​Sat/​Sun hours are limited, and some classes are crowded. Very friendly atmosphere. Attractive new workout room and locker rooms. 3.5 stars.

Gyms are tricky. Health I believe should be a lifestyle. An essential one like breathing. I know what I want from this gym. I suggest you have some goals first before considering this gym or you will find yourself, like a lot of my friends, thinking gyms are a ripoff.
I definitely agree with what the other review states. This review will hopefully give you a bigger picture of the JCC as a whole and just a few side notes about how to get the most out of this place.
411 on me: Intermediate hot yoga lover for 2 years and recent convert of barefoot/​minimalist running. I’m an omnivore.
Why I joined? Because I realized the body needs variety and I wanted to challenge myself. And winter limits my level of activity. Grr!
Truthfully the JCC is more bang for your buck. If you don’t have the habit of working out or you are not at least at the level of working out 3 to 4 times a week, save your money. When you are ready or have a decent foundation of what health means to you, then come to this gym.
I did a special: First 6 months half off the monthly fee which is $ 40/​month and registration fee is waived.
Like the name of the place states, it’s a «community». The atmosphere is slightly different in a positive way. People seem to know each other here. And because it’s supported by the Jewish community there are other activities and events offered here other than just physical health. They have other events relating to the arts and family functions. The have a family center for the kiddies as well. So you have emotional health coupled with the center.
And yes, this is more bang for your buck. They offer a variety of classes. From cycling, bodypump, zumba, yoga to Pilates. They are also one of very few gyms in the area to offer a pool, sauna and showers. That is a lot of great stuff for the price you pay. IF and I mean IF you take advantage all that this gym offers.
The high tech machines, I have an indifferent attitude towards them. However, if you need them then use what works for you. Just remember: pay attention to the results.
Personally, I’m not a fan of televisions at the machines. Forgive me for saying this but if you have a real goal of getting fit leave your ipod/​mp3/​book at home. Like all things learned you need to be focused. Your body listens to you and takes your direction. There is enough scientific data to prove this. Just google it. If you are not fully engaged in the activity of working out then you are not going to get anything out of it. Again save your money!
Also, get a couple books on eating right. Every book says the same thing. Eat every two hours. Drink water. Sleep right. And be nice to yourself. I want to save you money on this caveat as well but hey I didn’t get this message till I was ready to hear it. And over the years I wasted lots of money on infomercial dvds that collected dust, hoping osmosis would kick in and I would magically have that sexy body I wanted. :D
The classes are logistically set up to help you succeed.
How:
If you have a intermediate understanding of fitness you know that you need a variety of anaerobic and aerobic exercise to be fit.
Most folks want a certain look. Like rock hard abs. However, to get that goal it has nothing to do with [just] doing isolated exercises like crunches. Or working out a certain amount of time a day. At least not by itself. It’s a variety of doing [consistently] complex things from high intensity workouts to proper stretching so you don’t injure yourself. AND it’s about building muscle to burn more calories throughout the day than you can consume. This all takes time to learn.
For example the JCC has a cardio class (aerobic) just before the body pump class (anaerobic). The setup of the classes makes sense! And I believe if you combined the two for about 6 – 8 weeks you could see some great results. The body will get used to this and then you can change your routine with the other classes they offer like Pilates and water aerobics.
If you don’t have a plan then they have trainers here that you can purchase additional packages. I highly recommend it if you are a beginner. They have an impressive private personal trainer’s room and a separate Pilates room. Wow!
The JCC also offers the first few lessons free with a personal trainer. Take advantage of this. Offering this tells me they truly want you to succeed. It may be a partial sales tactic but its a good one. Don’t be offended if they upsell you. They won’t be hurt if you say no. It’s your responsibility to know what you want. They are just doing their job.
Gyms are like a tool/​knowledge. If you have a goal then in time using the tools with right intention you get a good result. If you don’t have a goal, you might end up like a lot of people: putting the knowledge on the shelf to collect dust and blame the knowledge because you didn’t realize to get a result you need to take ACTION. In this case have at least a 90 day plan and workout!
Best of luck!

I have only been to 3 gyms in the downtown Buffalo area and this is by far the best, cleanest facility with the most helpful and friendly staff.
I have been going to the JCC for about a year now and have never had a problem.
The friendly people who work the front counter know me and generally everyone who comes through the door so checking in isn’t a problem.
I never went here before the renovation, but it’s impressive. All of the machines are clean, working and up to date.
The flat screen TV’s are easily seen from any station so watching a hockey game while running on the treadmill is never a problem, but even if you didn’t want to watch the bigger one, most machines have a smaller set built in so you can watch whatever you like while you burn those calories!
The personal trainers are ready, willing and able to answer any and all of your questions! Joe is a great guy, you should definitely chat him up if you have any questions, especially about weight training!
My only qualm is that their classes are a bit erratic at times and I wish there were more variety in terms of yoga. However, the classes are easy and fun for cooling down. I haven’t been in the pool, but from what I have seen and heard, it’s clean; unlike the pool at the BAC downtown.
**ALSO! No creepy guys to try and hit on you while you’re working out!** One of my pet peeves about the BAC downtown. So ladies, feel free to be comfortable while sweating your face off! :)