Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA

This is a great place to join. I myself do a lot of volunteer work for the Y They have pool parties during the summer. They have a fall event in October which consists moon bounces,trunk and treat, Halloween costume contests. They have a nice indoor and outdoor pool. In December they have picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus

I usually go to the Middletown ymca but decided to try this one out. As a gay guy like myself I felt very accepted and welcomed by everyone. Got to work out with some cute twinks and jocks which was fun. Hit on a few guys in the locker room and also got their numbers which was a bonus!! Indoor and outdoor pools r very well maintained and clean. I enjoyed this one a lot more than Middletown one. I live a half mile from the Middletown one and this one about 15 minutes. I will drive 15 minutes rather then go to the Middletown one that’s always over run by rude teens and immature middle school boys running around naked in the locker room. This one feels a hell of a lot safer than Middletown . Definitely coming back again !!!!

Absolutely terrible. My son plays soccer here he is only 3 and has asthma and bad allergies and we still did our best to make it to the practices and games which are inconveniently too early (9am). At the end of the season they are all supposed to get trophies and they apparently didn't have enough for the team so my son didn't get one. He already was having a bad day but he is only 3. They also didn't have the jerseys for several weeks and the kids were forced to wear extra large jerseys. Even when they came in, not a single one was 3t. The same people who coordinate the sports also coordinate the after-school program which we had issues with. Even the elementary school knows it's a mess and unstructured. After the experience with soccer, I will be canceling my membership at the gym. I only joined for the convenience but I can't support a business that is reckless with children this way. The only positive experience I had is the kids club. They are wonderful.

I have visited YMCAs in the Southwest, the South, and the Midwest, but I've realized this Bear-Glasgow location is one of the best. Having been built in more recent years gives us an advantage. We have an indoor and outdoor pool (not as common as one would hope for), larger workout spaces than many YMCA's—even in heavily populated areas and a variety of programs. Now it is disappointing despite having mostly excellent interaction with staff members, that there are a couple of people who were not as welcoming. In general, I think they do an excellent job, and it seems most who work there enjoy helping people live a healthier life and recognize how important it is to the community. I know we are bound to encounter someone who may be negative or have poor interpersonal skills. Back to the positives: the private swim lessons my two children had were excellent, a trainer who worked with me shortly after I was struggling with a new newly diagnosed autoimmune disease was compassionate while setting excellent goals for me to attain, the exercise equipment gets updated and so far any concerns I had over something working inefficiently has been addressed so this is where my family continues to work out. One of our sons uses his university gym while he's at school, but anytime he's home for a visit, he's ready to go back to the YMCA. For me, I feel much more comfortable and accepted I don't worry about my physical limitations after illnesses and at times when I've struggled with my weight, I didn't feel uncomfortable coming in to work on getting my weight down. The people who show up at the YMCA are always a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and capabilities! My attention recently shifted to the water classes to help me deal with mobility issues, autoimmune arthritis and chronic pain. I will be attending these more and appreciate not needing to find another gym. I just have to shift areas that I focus on in the gym now. To me, this gym WOULD be a 5 star if the prices were more reasonable for a family and if they extended their outdoor pool times and the whole gym's closing times. I can remember when the outdoor pools were available for a longer time frame after their summer camp will use it in the morning, and I remember not long ago when they used to close at 10:00 p.m. At least adding that hour back or even more would do wonders for health and fitness conscious students, working individuals, or those who just prefer working out at night.

I really really enjoyed my visit at the bear YMCA! One of my bestie's works here as a Zumba instructor!! Almost 60 and doing Zumba for the first time! I had so much fun this day!!

Great facility with all available equipment and different sport and fitness program for all ages. Staff is friendly and helpful. Has an indoor and outdoor pool. Only strange thing is the indoor and outdoor pool would close about an hour before potential rain or snowstorm for guest safety. And the pool would not re-open until the potential thunderstorm is long over. The building must not have proper grounding and safety measure in place to protect members from an outside lightning strike. I have never been ask to leave an indoor pool during a potential lightning storm anywhere else.

Our ENTIRE experience at the Bear Glasgow YMCA is ALWAYS above and beyond excellent! Today we’ve had such a wonderful experience thanks to the exceptional lifeguard team — especially Auron! He’s incredibly attentive, patient with children, and respectful with every guest. I’ve noticed how thoughtfully he handles concerns in and around the pool, always choosing the right tone and approach. You can tell he genuinely cares about everyone’s safety and comfort. It’s refreshing to see someone so committed to their role. All of the staff here have been fantastic, but Auron truly stands out. Keep up the amazing work!

——————Update Review Summer 2025——————————- I am writing this review as a deeply concerned and disappointed parent. I enrolled my daughter in Camp Cassie, run by the YMCA in the Bar Glasgow area, and from the very beginning, I was fully transparent about her needs. My daughter is diagnosed with Stage 2 Autism and has a learning delay. I clearly communicated this during registration and discussed her mild behaviors: she is nonverbal, sometimes prefers to play alone, enjoys walking to self-soothe, and expresses joy by dancing or vocalizing due to her vocal cord condition. I also discussed the importance of a buddy system or one-on-one support, and I was initially reassured that such accommodations would be provided. However, what followed was incredibly disheartening and discriminatory. Before the camp even completed a full day, my daughter was dropped from the program. The stated reason? That she wanders off and does not participate in group activities. These behaviors were clearly explained ahead of time, and they are also common traits for children on the autism spectrum. It was clear that no real effort was made to accommodate her, nor was she given a genuine chance to adjust or be supported as promised. What’s worse, when I came to pick her up — in the rain — all the children were outside and the staff could not locate my daughter. I was told they didn’t know where she was. I ended up searching for her myself, and found her alone on a basketball court, unsupervised and completely disconnected from the group. It was heartbreaking to see my daughter, who already struggles with social connection, being left behind and uncared for like she didn’t matter. To make things even more frustrating, I had arranged for her therapist from Easterseals to coordinate scheduled therapy during camp hours — something that was discussed in advance. The YMCA never followed through or allowed the therapist a chance to reach out and support her, as if my daughter’s care plan was irrelevant. This experience was not just a case of poor communication — it was blatant exclusion of a child with disabilities. YMCA and Camp Cassie clearly lack the staff training, compassion, and inclusivity needed to support children with special needs, even those with mild autism. Children like mine deserve support, not to be pushed out or treated like a burden. As a parent, I want other families of children with special needs to be aware: Camp Cassie is not a safe or supportive environment for neurodivergent or disabled children. The lack of preparation, care, and follow-through was unacceptable — and deeply painful to witness. I sincerely hope the YMCA reevaluates its commitment to inclusion, staff training, and the promises it makes to families — because what happened to my daughter should never happen to any child.

Ms.Sandy and Mr.Sam are hands down the best swimming instructors I've encountered at the Y. When I was first researching swim lessons/swim instructors for my daughter I first searched in a Facebook mom group to see where local moms were taking their kids. Ms. Sandy's name repeatedly came up and luckily she was teaching a class that summer at the Y I typically attend. At first I was nervous because she was the only instructor responsible for five kids but I quickly witnessed that Ms.Sandy really is a pro. Even with all five children being at different confidence levels, Ms.Sandy had them in the water from day one. I really appreciated this because unfortunately I've enrolled my daughter in other swim classes at the Y where the children were hardly in the water. When I found out Ms.Sandy was switching Y locations, I decided to "follow" her so my daughter could continue to work with her. Even though my updated work schedule doesn't allow me to sign my daughter up for Ms.Sandy's group lessons at this time, I do sign up for the private lessons from time to time which I prefer because my daughter is in the water even more and Ms.Sandy does a great job of identifying my daughters areas of improvements while still challenging her. When it comes to Mr.Sam I'm so glad I took a chance on one of his group lessons. At first I was weary of signing up because of past experiences in group lessons that were not led by Ms.Sandy but Mr.Sam did not disappoint. I really appreciate his joyful and bubbly personality. It definitely has an impact on the kids and allows them to relax and have fun during the lessons. Like Ms.Sandy, Mr.Sam does a great job of getting the kids in the water right away and often but still teaching water safely and providing swimming instruction. I also love how he engages the parents during the lessons. It honestly makes it more fun for my daughter and helps me stay more engaged and off my phone. If Ms.Sandy and Mr.Sam were to ever switch locations I'd most likely follow them because my daughter enjoys their instruction that much. Her love for the water has increase tremendously and I love Ms.Sandy and Mr.Sam have had a big influence on that. Additionally, I haven't experienced or seen any other instructors have their students in the water as much as these two which I appreciate because I've seen my daughter and other students quickly get bored and lose interest because they are sitting on the edge waiting for their turn. I can't wait to sign up for more lessons with either Ms.Sandy or Mr.Sam; they are the best!

Not accommodating to adults without young children. Great for kids, but difficult for working (paying) adults as a gym. There is no policing the workout rooms as children, attended and not, have free reign to play on cardio equipment and even the weight area. Of course they leave the equipment worse for wear and not wiping it down. After all they are kids and this branch doesn't seem to care whether they are supervised or not. But then again chin diapers during the pandemic were widely tolerated by staff. So adults looking for a gym should seek out better options otherwise kids exploring things they aren't developed to use safely are another obstacle to using equipment. Staff, when in the room, don't seem to care to be babysitting or policing the rules. Hours at night also have been reduced since the pandemic, so working out after bedtime for little Johnny isn't an option.

Great workout environment. Great workout gear and machines, has a large stretch room, basketball courts and a nice large indoor as well as outdoor pool. Staff is friendly and the gym is always super clean. Definitely recommend.

This YMCA has gone above and beyond given the current pandemic. They have implemented safety measures throughout the facility and programs. Highly recommended!!

I tried to get my free 1 time pass from this YMCA and when I went in there with my friend the manager refused to let us in. And once we told him that we wanted to go in he jacked up the prices from $15 to $25!!! This unlawful act caused my friend and I to not play basketball with our friends already in the gym. This manager deserves to get fired for what he's done because this price change doesn't change anything for him except ruining the lives of my friend and I.

Went in tonight on 1-19-2023 to work out as I am a health care provider around 8:15pm. Noticed around 20 minutes before closing that tv's were turned off. When it got closer to 9pm an aged older tall skinny lady that looked miserable came into the fitness center coming up to people still on the cardio equipment reminding them they are closing. She amready had her coat on ready to leave! I was shocked at how rude she was! Then as it hit at exactly 9pm she was yelling on the intercom "the y is closed so exit the building now" Like she was yelling in a nasty voice and then this shrill beeping sound really loud came thru the intercom a couple of minutes like to drive us out like cattle!! Then it was pouring down rain outside so I overheard a mom asking her husband to please pull the car up and they were forcing all the members outside into the rain as it poured ! I couldn't believe this! Forcing families with kids out into the rain right at 9pm they didn't even have a chance to get to their cars!! I hate this location! Don't waste your money at this facility they are miserable people! I highly recommend Planet Fitness where they roll out the red carpet for you

I have enjoyed the Bear Glasgow YMCA for the better part of a year now. I require the aquatics program due to arthritis's and fibromyalgia. Up until now I have been satisfied with the entire staff and fellow members, however now that it is cold I'm finding the water makes my muscles seize. I have inquired about it and was told it's for the children and Lap swimmers. As they were fine all spring, Summer and fall I find it hard to believe that now they suddenly are unable to swim in a more agreeable temperature. The cold season has not even moved in yet. I've begun wearing t-shirt and shorts over my suit but it doesn't help much. I can not recommend this pool for anyone suffering pain and I'm sad to say since they won't budge I will not be renewing my membership. It's sad that a place set up to help people with the very issues I suffer is adamant about NOT HELPING or finding a compromise.

Recently joined after cancelling my Planet Fitness membership, looking for an "upgrade" of sorts. The biggest factors here that motivated me to give this place a shot is the indoor swimming pool and spinning classes. The pool and locker rooms are definitely well-maintained and clean, which is always a huge plus in my book. The only downside I would say here is that it can get pretty crowded between 5-7PM on the weekdays. I had to drive around for quite a bit to find a spot, and the lot is like a slalom course of pedestrians due to its layout. I haven't seen it to the point where every machine is taken, but time will tell. Overall it's definitely proving to be worth every penny more than what Planet Fitness was costing the wife and I, and we're pretty happy!

I haven't even been a member for 30 days when I tried to cancel my membership, but they are charging me for next month anyway! And when I submit a cancellation form, it doesn't get approved. I am frustrate, the membership is expensive and the equipment is dirty, the weight room is small, and the equipment I want to use is never available because of how crowded and small it is. Overall not a good experience. Never join the YMCA!

I love this YMCA. I never had an issue. The classes are good and the staff are professional. Someone posted there is gang activity at this Y... What the hell are you talking about? Never seen any inappropriate behavior from the young adults that use the facility. I am grateful for having this facility so close to home.

The facility is new and clean. The classes are nice. As long as it's not busy, the place is actually pretty nice. I really wanted to give them 5 stars, but the place is inaccessible if you can't make it to their morning classes. It's so unpleasant it makes me not want to go. They are a victim of their own success. They literally run out of parking spaces COMPLETELY some evenings. Yet they keep selling more new memberships?! They have people parking along curbs and anywhere a car can fit (even if it's not really a spot). Also, during busy times expect to normally wait in line 10+ minutes to get from their driveway to somewhere (legally or not) to park. I also don't like the safety aspect. The parking lot is also poorly designed with only 1 entrance which forces every car going in/out to go through all the crosswalks. Wouldn't it have been safer and easier to have connected the back of the parking lot with the driveway, to keep cars and pedestrians more apart? I have politely suggested they move some of their after 5pm classes to afternoon, since almost nothing is offered from noon till 5pm. They ignored me and said I could park a half mile away at a nearby school, but even that is temporary until school restarts in 2 months. Inside the Y, after 5pm, many nights the place is just too crowded. Expect to wait to use the better exercise machines. Expect to have the next person standing and staring at you while you use the machine, as he/she waits. The classes don't have size limits you may find yourself crammed in a corner, trying to find enough room to work out. Dear management: Please stop doing membership drives & selling new memberships until you do something with this chaos.

The gym is beautiful and has some good classes and nice equipment. That being said: I agree and love another reviewers comment about the "huge fancy useless lobby" that used up needed budget for a larger daycare, or some more "friendliness" training for the front staff.

I have learned most people do not leave feedback when they have a positive experience. It seems as though only those whom want to complain over something minor, will even bother to leave a review, while completely exaggerating most of what they have to say. After being a member for nearly a decade, I can certainly say this is by far the best YMCA in Delaware hands down. I live right next to UD, and while the Kirkwood Highway YMCA would be a more convenient option, I much rather travel to this facility for various reasons. First of all, there are numerous machines. Rarely do I ever have to wait even during peak times. They have wide variety of machines as well as multiples of them to prevent you from having to wait. Also, they recently renovated the place and updated more than half of the stationary equipment. I do not know what these people are talking about! If you compare it to the other gyms and other YMCA's around, the facility is HUGE! Also, I noticed at other locations that the AC was never cold enough; however, here I never had that problem, as it is always nice and cool, which helps you keep pushing. These people who left feedback clearly have not experienced other gyms! I have tried anytime fitness, planet fitness, as well as other YMCA locations even the ones in Wilmington, and I have always had the same major issues, the AC not being cool enough, gyms being too packed, with not enough machines to accommodate, outdated equipment , and not enough variety or space. I would say this is the Mercedes of YMCA's. They even just built a new functional fitness center within it which has turf, tires, kettle-balls, and much more. There is also a long and wide turf strip indoors (approx 80 meters long) right next to the gym, where you can do stretches, lunges warm ups etc. Along the sides of this turf strip, are tons of nicely padded mats to do these activities on and some step up boxes etc. Moreover, the location is excellent, because right across the street is a huge park, where you can do long laps, before heading across the street to the YMCA to do weights, take a dip in the pool etc. (that's what I do on nice days). I could go on and list 100's of reasons why this gym is the best. Check it out for yourself, and I bet you will not be complaining like these people on here, who clearly do not know an excellent clean and spacious gym when they see one. Sorry not sorry...

The staff office staff and front entry tend to be rude and careless. However the gym staff are very helpful and supportive. The Western Y and Central Y are a better choice

5 stars for the senior swimming class alone. But add in the beautiful new facility, friendly staff, the $42 per month fees, and the programs for all levels of activity and you have a very solid 5 star athletic facility. I am thrilled that my 82 year old MIL swims three times a week after a massive heart attack that left her in the hospital for almost a year and a bout with breast cancer. She has extended her life with these swimming classes and I don't even think she would have continued on if not for the staff at the Y. So, if that is not 5 stars, I do not know what else could be. Thank you YMCA for keeping the residents of Bear DE healthy.

the classes are great. i wish there was more workout equipment, i always have to wait even not during prime time. also the people at the front desk are very rude

does not have childcare whole day anymore like they used to :( Reason we signed up for a family gym was for the convenience to be able to work out ANYTIME we had time between our busy rotating shift schedules ....real BUMMER when on third shift :/ huge fancy useless lobby causing cut backs? should have been extra workout rooms or something financially profitable or a racquetball court or sauna or something useful like the other YMCA's! also this is not the only YMCA cutting back childcare hours :(

The facility itself is nice and has a lot to offer. However, machines tend to be dirty- you can see sweat and dust built up and it looks as it they are never wiped down (not all machines, just specific ones I have noticed such as the stairmaster). Customer service is not great. There is one older man who works in the wellness center who is very friendly and interacts with everyone. Aside from that I have not met any over the top staff members. Group X schedule is full and great. However, the classes are huge - way over sized and many of the instructors have been rude. The parking lot and the crowds in the evening -AWFUL. Either expand the parking lot and wellness center or stop signing up new memberships. There is no room for anyone else in that place in the evening.

I'm a new member because my daughter swears by the place. I took a friend to try out the facility and get a one day pass and the woman at the counter was rude and crazy looking. I mean to the point I almost said something to her. I don't like any type of disrespect or confrontation but I equally don't like people who are rude and hostile for no apparent reason. On top of her rude demeanor she is completely useless and unhelpful with the services offered (like how to get a guest pass). Admittedly, we went as a last minute decision and didn't look things up on the not to friendly website but you would think the first person you see would be helpful and not CRAZY! That said, planet fitness doesn't have the ab or core machine that the Y has but everyone is friendly and helpful AND I can go on my friends upgraded membership free 10 times per month. That cost $20/month and are open 24hrs per day! So it seems the only real benefit for PUTTING UP WITH the Y is the an machine and the pool. I am going to go because my daughter is paying BUT if I had to pay, I would give them a quarter let alone $60/month which is ridiculously overpriced given the BS you but up with. Honestly, once my core is strengthened I won't give this place the time of day. Too bad I couldn't give NO STARS!!!! What a ripoff!!!

I like the gym area..it's usually where I am 95% of the time. I'm completely sick of the machine hogs thinking they own the gym. Ignorant when you ask them how many more sets they have. I pay good money just like everyone else, I shouldn't have to walk on egg shells or wait for 25 minutes to use the Smith machine or bicep rack.

It is very hard to park there and the front staff are rude. People are much different at this Y than at others in the sense that the machines get hogged and people will leave them and not wipe up their sweat (I've seen this at other gyms, but not like that). People literally hog the machines at this gym for an hour at a time (just about every time I go), so why not tell the front desk? Oh that's right..they don't care. Cancelling and was just surfing Yelp for a new gym :)

Not a bad gym. Good equipment. New and clean. I think they can do a better job with training some of the staff how to interact with people. One of the feMale trainers with the initials (S.R.) is definitely not a people person. But on the other hand, that trainer has one of the the most masculine bodies I've seen so if you are a guy looking to get ripped, no doubt there is knowledge there