Hilltop Family YMCA

I don't have a lot to say about this Y other than I'm disappointed. Not in the awesome staff but in the leadership that has failed and underserved this affluent area of Virginia Beach. This location is known as the geriatric YMCA as many members are retired and older. What is really needed is most likely not in the budget. They need significant upgrades, or best yet a complete new build out and expansion serving the Hilltop community. Parking is often an issue close, but there is a nearby lot. Most of my experience is with their five lane pool. It's maintained to minimum standards. Guards are on duty. They keep the deck for the most part clean. The chlorine is kept at correct levels when I have been there. It's just old and outdated. Hampton Roads has a severe pool shortage, so this is better than nothing. The locker rooms severely lack basics. This location does offer considerable green space which is unique. They have soccer and other youth sports for daycare. During the Summer the fiend is very active with programing. I hope that 2020 brings plans to do something with the Hilltop YMCA. There is a lot of competition that does the exact same thing in the general area. They need to act on doing anything to help this center. 2.5 rounding down.

Come check it out. While much smaller than some of the other local YMCA locations, the Hilltop Family YMCA still has plenty to offer. They have a spin room with about 11 bikes, and they plan to upgrade the room to accommodate MyZone tracking in the near future. The cardio weight room is intimate but never felt overcrowded. This location has one room for the treadmills, ellipticals, cardio equipment and weight equipment. There is one stair stepper machine. The have a room dedicated to physical therapy type exercises. There is a gym. There is one room for the classes like Zumba, yoga, boot camp, stretch & tone etc. you may also enjoy the sauna or heated pool. This location seems to be very much kid and family oriented which I think many will like. I definitely think this because there are several rooms/spaces dedicated to the youth. Women's locker room in ever visit.Frank at the front was really helpful and full of information. I am grateful for his insight and the helpful information shared.Unlike most stand alone YMCA's this one exists in a shopping center.No cafe or juice bar inside. But food, juice bars, clean eats and Coffee bars are located in the shopping center.

I am visiting from out of town and saw that this Y had Pickleball on their schedule Monday's from 7:30am to 10:30am. I called this location on Sunday to confirm that schedule to ensure I didn't waste my time. Well, you probably can guess where this is going. I arrived this morning at 7:30 and no Pickleball was setup. When I asked, they told me I could play if I was willing to put up the net. Perhaps I'm spoiled a bit by my home Y in Ashland that does a superior job with their programs, but this is no way to run a program. At the very least, the people who answer the phone should have knowledge of the program schedules and be able to answer relevant questions instead of just making stuff up.

When I lived at the beach Saturday morning spin class was my absolute favorite. Chris, one of the front desk staff was always polite and personable. But in recent visits, I've noticed the Y has become very self-serving, and the membership director is an absolute nightmare to speak with about anything. She is condescending, controlling, and makes me avoid this location.

Don't get me wrong. It's not dirty. It's not bothersome to be here.But, as Yelp puts it, "Meh. I've experienced better."This Y is a little smaller than the Y's and gyms I've been a member of before, but I'm usually fortunate to find one open treadmill even between 5-7pm. When I visit the Y with my wife, it's sometimes less likely that we'll both find a treadmill in those hours, so she'll retreat to an elliptical. When using the machines, there is often some delay in readily acquiring the machine you want.I live close to this location, so it's an easy pick for me. A $75 married rate give us access to the gym, it's pool, sauna, and various classes ranging from Spin to Yoga to Abs and more.While it's not hard to find a smiling face from the staff, I don't feel that they are as helpful* as one would expect from a gym that costs (though, maybe offers) more than a fitness-type-planet if you will. But at a lower cost, you can find more available equipment at the 24-hour...Earth of Workout.....(you're picking up what I'm putting down, right?)If you need a place that's very kid oriented or has a pool, this place will suit you well.If you know exactly what you want in a workout or class and aren't bothered by waiting a minute for a machine, this place may suit you fine.*Just to offer quick examples of why I deemed the staff "unhelpful" in the event you're dying for clarification:-I purchased a membership online and when I arrived, I wasn't offered a tour. Just a bag with information, flyers, and schedules.-When I went to my first intro level spin class, I was told what the knob on the bike did, but not really guided as to what sort of resistance I should be gauging.

Holy Expensive!I recently stumbled upon this YMCA just driving around and was excited be able to check it this place out and to see all what different types of programs they offered. Upon walking in I was quickly greeted by one of the employee's, I cant remember his name but he showed my around the place and explained the many different types of fitness programs they offered and even talked about how you can get one-on-one trainer advice and suggestions. At this point I was super excited about the place that is until the monthly cost was explained, it's $63 for and individual and $75 for a married couple. I was like HOLY HIGHWAY ROBBERY! I asked the guy if he was joking and I then inquired about military discounts/programs and he said they didn't have any due to the military personnel PCS too often. After recently transferring up from Jacksonville, Florida they base you YMCA membership off your monthly income. I was paying around $28 a month for a YMCA membership down there and they had all of the same programs as they do here in Virginia Beach. Heck they just recently built a "One-Life Fitness" down the road and they are 24 hours and only charge $29 a month. This is SUPPOSED to be a community YMCA not one that milks you for every penny you have. For $63 they should have a valet parking service, people that open and close doors for you, heated toilet seats, etc. at a minimum for that price.**Overall, please heed my warning and stay far away from this place unless you truly enjoy being ripped off.

As far as a place to work out, this isn't favorite place to be. But when my kid is working on her swim technique, I can be exercising. So we kill two birds with one stone here.

Only did sports here for my son and we loved it. Very nice staff and sports director is awesome. My husband coached and we really enjoyed it. Only downside it the kids area doesn't look too fun ESP comparing to trashmore or Greatbridge

Ginny at the front desk is amazing! I was in from seattle on business and she helped me with a few day passes. Great atmosphere in the gym, some good equipment. I was only in for a couple days, sure the building might be a little older, and the machines are not state of the art, but it's a really nice place to get in and get out with a sweat on.

Extremely disappointed with their swim lessons. First class was canceled because instructor was unavailable but was told they don't do make-ups (unless you sign up for another session - then they discount one lesson.) Then when we finally did have class the instructor had no roster, so sorting out admin took 10 minutes (of a 30 minute lesson). Too many students for one instructor - no quality time with any one student. Next, this was a preschool class, meant for 3-5 year olds, but an 8 and 10 year old were allowed in, distracting the teacher. Instructor was not good with young children, but probably because she was distracted and frazzled with too many kids of differing skill sets and ages. Pool is also all wrong for preschool-age students. This is a lane swim/swim team pool only; there's no adequate shallow area for small children to get out energy while waiting for their turn with teacher. Finally? The Great Neck rec center has longer classes (40 minutes) for a lower price ($50/session vs $70) in a bigger pool with better locker room and overall facilities. So sorry I wasted money and time on this place.