JCC Manhattan

I really like JCC I was with my seven-​month son go to the pool I highly recommend! The pool is very clean people who work there are very friendly great pool and a terrific facility.

my 8 year old son takes basketball lessons here– and i have to say the coaches are awesome! They got him to like the sport even though he was a late beginner! wish i could also have him do tennis classes here– but they seem to fill up very quickly!

Has been helpful to me and my family and friends. A wide variety of reasons to smile. Excellent facilities and resources for health and education too.

I signed up for a basketball membership and cancelled within a month.
As a resident of the Upper West Side for many years with
many friends in the Jewish Community, I wanted to share my awful experience at this institution. I recently signed up for the basketball membership after being told that the facility promotes an inclusive, welcoming, participatory environment for all ages and levels.
After a month of membership, not only has that not been the case, rather I have been humiliated/​ridiculed more than at any other sporting facility.
I waited an hour yesterday to play on a pick up team, only to have the other members intentionally refuse to let me touch the ball the whole game. There are cliques of players who intentionally exclude others.
This was after a similar incident a couple of weeks previously.
Todd Elkins, the director of athletics, stated that he would talk to the players involved to make sure the environment was more inclusive.
I was extremely upset about the situation and yet the staff ignored any of my concerns and told me to leave (with security escorting me out). One girl just kept on telling me I don’t belong there and wouldn’t disclose her name upon request. I asked her how do I not belong if I’m a member? Another member (who may or may not be wrong) told me most of the people playing don’t even have a membership at all but «somehow» get into the building (I actually don’t care about this factor but just mentioning it)
It’s a shame because I was planning on registering friends as well.
If you are not part of a clique or predetermined group, you“ll be treated like you don’t exist. Not one staff member was willing to listen to me or address my concerns.
Again, no apology or attempt to address my concerns were made by the staff at any point.
I am also exploring other avenues and causes of action at the moment.
I advise everyone to look for an alternative if you want an inclusive, friendly environment.

I know I am stating the obvious and expected here given the facilities name and intended purpose, but if you are like me and appreciate and thrive off of a little diversity and are not used to insanely monotonous social-​economic demographics… I would advise not coming here.
I signed up for a membership here because it had a pool and it was situated in between where I work and where I live (Washington Heights). As a young adult in my 20s who has waited almost 20 years to finally move to the big city with the hopes of escaping several pervasive aspects of suburbia, this was the worst choice I could have made in regards to picking the right gym/​pool. Besides the fact that I can barely afford it, it is always crowded with an endless sea of similar people. Want to escape the crowds and go on a weekend? Forget it. That is when it is converted to stroller city.
I’ve swam at several pools around New Jersey/​Connecticut and have never had such an issue with so many people not knowing how to not extend their arms over the lane line. I can’t even tell you how many times I have been smacked head on by a swimmer from a parallel lane. You will get hit by an arm/​leg at least twice a week and you will be sharing a lane with 5 – 6 other people. You will also have to deal with swimmers who are way too slow to be in the lane that they are in. (The lanes are designated by speed) Once again, I have never had this problem in cheaper pools/​gyms in other areas. The lifeguards will rarely enforce this unless someone complains about you or you complain about someone else.
The gym is alright if it wasn’t for the expensive price of membership. It’s size definitely does not match the cost. Half of the already small gym space is usually taken up by patrons and their personal trainers. Nanny’s are in abundance on the weekends because I guess some parents work even on weekends these days.
I am trying to reach out to the young adults who know what a struggle feels like and what overcoming adversity entails. Joining a community based organization with the similar goal of the JCC is extremely important and worth a financial investment… but definitely look at other options across the five boroughs. You can save a lot of money and simultaneously be immersed in a wonderful diverse population from all different social and economic backgrounds that you would be missing out on if you joined the JCC. Those special, authentic interactions has made and will continue to make this city so incredibly special and endearing.
I can’t complain too much about the facility itself as most of my issues are more socially and psychological in scope, but if you are young, adventurous, not wealthy and not an upper west sider I would advise to find a more accommodating place where you do not feel like you are surrounded by the population of Scarsdale New York. I hope to be able to cancel membership and join a neighborhood Y or other facility in Brooklyn where I am moving to at ¼ the price.

Incredibly friendly staff! Great facilities! Very nice to members and non-​members alike

Alex S: There is heavyish security at the JCC because, as you may know, some Jewish places in the world have been threatened with violence or actually attacked.

I went to the JCC to celebrate UWS Celebrates Israel events, my first time at the JCC. The place was buzzing! A quite comprehensive thorough experience of full lifecycle of services from single life to family living to everything in between, the JCC has something for every interest. If you like rooms without a ceiling, the rooftop access is refreshing. The gym is modern, steam room is a treat, gymnasium is huge, learning center classrooms are comprehensively well organized.

Oh how much I love this place and the amount of opportunity it creates for so many people through a variety of programs especially wellness and fitness. I’ve volunteered with different orgs (teaching yoga/​fitness classes) and love how the JCC opens its doors and facilities to be used for the yoga classes for the youth who would otherwise not be able to afford those type of classes. Keep doing what you’re doing guys — much love!

A very uncaring place. I had a few particularly bad interactions with the gymnastics director, Marybeth, and wouldn’t recommend this program to anyone. Try elite or nykc, just not here

I was very impressed with this JCC– but then again, it’s Manhattan. It should be expected. We were visiting from out of town and luckily since we are members at our local JCC, we had reciprocity and got some free passes. I have to say I really appreciated the airport-​like security at the front. I feel like every JCC needs this, not just in Manhattan. The front lobby is a stroller parking lot. I honestly couldn’t believe how many strollers there were!
A little overwhelming since it’s 8 floors, but we did our own mini-​tour. Preschool, Federation, library, rooftop playground, indoor swimming and a decent workout area. One thing they didn’t have which we do at our JCC is a drop off tot spot for kids while you work out. Apparently they had it in the past, but no longer. That kinda stinks.
Did get a nice workout in and it wasn’t too busy mid morning. Great location and very modern. Plenty of space for Manhattan. Will be back!

My experience only goes as far as their screening room and it was excellent. We were there for the screening of «5 broken cameras» (oscar nom doc) with Mike Moore conducting the Q&A over Skype with one of the directors from Israel. The whole event went on beautifully, and the skype connection served through a projector onto a very large screen — was flawless. The room itself is very spacious, easily 200 ppl capacity was packed. Definitely high level.

This place is huge!!!
I take Krav Maga with James Sherman here. I haven’t been to all the floors, but they seem to have nice facilities, and the variety of classes here is truly incredible.
A little weirded out by the metal detector/​bag check when you walk in though.
Seriously, what’s that about? 6 years in NY and it’s the only place I’ve had to do that besides concerts and sporting events. Is it really that necessary???

I am now taking my second course at the JCC. It has been such a great experience for me, not only because of the quality of the education but also the facility, the community aspect and the staff. I feel totally taken care of there and love to be in the space to hang out or work. What a gem.

Although I have belonged to many gyms before, the JCC is my favorite. It has everything you need, including a surprisingly great weights facility, so that I can get fully jacked. Or something. It has one of the only 25 meter pools in Manhattan. The locker room is great and you can steam, which is sometimes the only reason I can get myself to go. And the membership staff is incredibly nice. As if this cake needed icing, the location is incredibly convenient (so long Chelsea Piers!). LOVE.

Huh. This is a really nice place in a way that kind of makes me sad that I’m not Jewish. It’s clean, it’s friendly, it’s orderly. I went for the Mayim Bialik discussion and book signing event, and I kind of wish I had some reason to go back, but I’m not quite sure what to do at the JCC as a goy.
I actually won a carseat from the raffle after the event, which was fantastic. The staff member who called me to coordinate pick-​up and the security staff from whom I picked up the carseat were all awesomely professional and nice.

There are very few heated pools in the city.
The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan has a 25-​meter heated lap lane pool & adjustable-​depth training pool with phenomenal city views.
It is much cleaner than any of the YMCA’s and the people are friendlier. There are all kinds of interesting cultural programs and even a «Shabbat shabbang» on Friday nights.
There are special rehabilitation programs for women with breast and ovarian cancer from St. Luke’s Roosevelt hospital.
They offer massages for $ 5.00 that’s right $ 5.00
There are support groups for parents of children with special needs.
They have some pretty interesting Yoga and alignment classes such as the Alexander technique.
. I have taken the Alexander technique. I like the respect given in classes not just this class but all classes given to all belief systems where you are not forced to accept the beliefs of those teaching that might not be in line with yours. That is the strength of this entire center. I have been to many different health centers where the teacher has found a method that works for them and insists it is the only truth out there.
But worse are those people and places where the truth is fake and has no REAL benefit. Pretend Yoga teachers and the like. But it isn’t that way here. I found it all to be effective and genuine.
There are support groups for illness and stress reduction not just for the sick but for their families which in my opinion from my experience is more important. Families can go absolutely nuts when you get a diagnosis of cancer, or any other major illness and these support groups help them to cope which also helps you the sick person because then you don’t have to deal with taking care of the emotional needs of loved ones who have no coping skills or no frame of reference for dealing with a major illness.
I actually found this because I saw a review for a Jewish community center in California on another Unilocalers page. I thought this is NYC we have them and this sounds like a great idea. This is the Unilocalers page I saw this on and if it was not for her I would not have looked into this.
In the gym a funny thing happened there were 2 young men in the gym about high school or early college age. One of them actually said «my muscles are bigger than your muscles» the very witty and unique response from the other young man was «no they’re not!»
For the uniqueness, low cost, cleanliness and effectiveness of the programs, 5 stars.

I LOVE this place. We have a family health club membership and this place is so spacious, accommodating and clean that we’re motivated to use this gym often! And that’s really saying something. The equipment is really updated, with top of the line treadmills and elliptical machines that can integrate with Nike Plus and have TVs built into them. The stretching area is large with plentiful mats and balls. There are a ton of weight machines, and I’ve never encountered a line for any machine whatsoever, even during rush hours.
The front desk and sales office is really nice. I love Beth — I haven’t found a more gracious person. You’ll find all types of people working out here, from the crazy, incredibly fit athlete going full tilt on the treadmill to the old grandmother working her biceps on a weight machine. Everybody is friendly, but I do wish more people would wipe off their machines after use. I mean, the wipeys are right there! Anyway, this issue is circumvented by wiping the machine yourself before using it. I’m really happy I work out here.

I’ve been taking a Hebrew class at the JCC and I must say the class and the facilities get an A+
The only thing I wish about the JCC is that the classes cost less (the ulpan and all other classes in general) and that the gym was more affordable. I’d definitely become a member if I could afford it.

Reasons I love the the JCC gym:
1) It’s a great value for what you get (gym access, classes, pool, steam rooms, towel service). There’s a special discount for 18 – 25 year olds, making it a pretty sweet deal.
2) The classes are fantastic. The instructors are really knowledgeable and helpful, and give a lot of tips on how you can integrate the things you’re learning into your own workout.
3) The space is clean and bright, and they take care of the equipment.
4) People are really, really, nice. The security guard at the front door greets me by name, the front desk staff are really friendly– it definitely doesn’t have the major ‘tude that some fancier gyms have (*ahem, Equinox).
There are a TON of kids around though. The lobby, elevators, change rooms, and especially the pool can be a little chaotic. Doesn’t matter to me– I stick to the gym area, and have yet to trample a toddle on my way to the elliptical trainer…

The only thing missing at the JCC is a tool to help you navigate the schedule to find the times during which the pool is a peewee and peepee free zone. Any day of the week you must navigate through Moms, Nannies, strollers and every kid in Manhattan — and that’s just to get to the elevators.
I joined the JCC with a fitness/​pool membership. I’m loving the pool and taking private swim instruction. Locker room is fine, the staff is nice (odd for a gym), and everything is pretty good except…
watchout…during children’s swim, family swim, children’s private lessons — and then factor in the added impact of children’s nannies at the pool, nannies on their cellphones talking to other nannies on the other side of the pool, nannies blowdrying children’s hair in the locker rooms, mommies and daddies swimming with children and their swim noodles… you get the picture…
Bottom line –I really like this place — it’s convenient for me and has a nice selection of equipment, etc. But be aware this place is exceptionally family oriented — and you need to factor that in when deciding on a membership here

I only use the GYM here. Very good place to work out, bright with lots of windows and clean. They just upgraded the TVs and added more equipment, though that has made it a little crowded. Relaxed & non-​intimidating atmosphere, people of all ages working out, mostly white and middle class.
Women’s locker room is a little cozy, but they have amenities like hair dryers, moisturizer, etc. Be warned if you go during the day because the JCC is very child friendly and it can get kind of hectic.
Worked with one trainer and was under-​impressed, adequate but not great.
Not as posh as the new Equinox across the street, b