YMCA locations in Erie County, NY (Buffalo, Amherst, Kenmore, Lancaster, West Seneca)

t was clearly built with families in mind. The Adventure Room / older child watch area is engaging and promotes physical play rather than sitting around waiting for parents. The baby and toddler room is always adequately staffed with plenty of adults to entertain, sooth, and manage the children. My son loves it so much, he immediately holds up his toddler fist for his wristband, whereas I could not get him to stay in our previous center for more than a few minutes before they would call me back to wrangle a screaming child out of the building.

The Zero Depth Entry pool has extensive hours for family swim, and the family changing room has enormous stalls and three private showers. The pool also provides noodles, life vests, a few toys and some goggles should you need them.

There is an interesting variety of classes in the morning and evening, with the advantage, in my humble opinion, going to the evening. If I were a working parent, as I have been in the past, this would have been a huge selling point. As I go in the mornings currently I do wish that there was more offered in the 9-12 range, but there is a space competition with the Silver Sneakers classes- an option I am sure I will enjoy eventually!

This Y has had recent promotions offering to wave the joining fee. It is also January. And yet, while it has been steady, I have never felt it was insanely crowded. Sure, I missed parking closer to the building with the wind chill recently, but it wasn't as if the lot was full and I had to ski there. I have also never needed to wait for a treadmill- I did get the last one once, and that was so rare that I actually remember that occurring. Other gyms I have attended have cardio machine availability as an ongoing problem.

What a wonderful proram for seniors! The Silver sneakers program offers both excercise anda wonderful social component. Instructors are excellent and tailor the program to individual needs in a group setting. Health screenings, dinner dances, and day trips are also available to seniors and all free with insurance or at a reasonable rate.