James Center YMCA

This location in surprisingly easy to access, even for someone not accustomed to city traffic and parking. Parking fee in the parking deck is waived when you request a sticker from the YMCA desk. Extremely convenient for those working in the area or even if you want to workout before happy hour in Shockoe Slip.
Like the other Reviews state, this location is indeed smaller than other Richmond branches. Smaller rooms, less equipment, and even smaller class offerings. The ceilings feel a bit low and confined, compared to that of other locations. The wooden floors in the group exercise room are noticeably bouncy. I’m not sure if this is intentional. Staff is extremely friendly, informative, and professional. Good customer service seems to be a priority.
The main drawback is that, unless you’ve already researched this place online, it’s impossible to find. I have driven past this location regularly for years without knowing of its existence. Fortunately, the staff from other businesses inside the James Center building seem to be familiar with the fact that YMCA members are NOT familiar with this branch.

I really enjoy working out here. I only go during 10K training since I have a gym membership elsewhere, but I always always enjoy going. First of all, you can park for free. That’s right — hi, I’m at the James Center and I’m parking… FOR FREE!
Second, you get to take the nice golden elevators from the marble lobby… I already feel like I’m on Celebrity Fit Club. They take you right to the gym, you walk out and BAM! Nice gym right in front of you. There aren’t 10,000,000 machines to take up a lot of space, it’s quiet, clean, bright, staff greets you when the elevator arrives… it’s just — wonderful! (not to mention feeling relatively swanky that I’m working out at the James Center)
A few of the treadmills look out a window that overlooks south side… I love that view! The locker rooms are super clean and they have a TRX studio, classes, lots and lots of goodies! I HIGHLY recommend this YMCA as a destination for your workout… yes, destination. It’s really REALLY great.

This is a great resource for people who work Downtown. The staff is super friendly and the equipment is plentiful. They have a wide range of classes, but I“ve not been able to attend any mostly due to my schedule. The Maintain Don’t Gain promotion over the holidays was brilliant — the weekly monitoring helped me keep pounds off and helpful tips allowed me to enjoy holiday eating without going overboard. Check it out — you’ll be glad you did.