my YMCA membership - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

poet_kelly · 10-14-2009, 07:29 PM

So I have a membership to the YMCA, and I get a reduced rate based on my income. It's a very nice program. Most Y's do it, although the rules vary from place to place. Where my sister lives, she gets a reduced rate membership, but she has to do volunteer work so many hours a month at the Y to get it. But where I live, you don't have to volunteer. Either way, it's nice.

Well, at my Y, the reduced membership is only good for six months. Then you have to apply again. So I'm filling out the application now. It's kind of a pain because you have to include all this documentation with it. Proof of your income, proof of what you pay for rent, what you pay for utilities, etc. etc. But I'm complaining, 'cause it gets me a good discount and I couldn't afford the membership otherwise.

But here's the thing. If you already have a membership and you're applying to renew it, you have to include a "short essay" about "how your YMCA membership has helped you grow in body, mind, and spirit." Is that hokey or what? But it will get me a good discount, so I am writing my essay. But I still think it's hokey.

Kelly

soon2bthin · 10-14-2009, 07:32 PM

I suspect you will write a killer essay Kelly.

Josephine · 10-15-2009, 02:36 AM

Puleeze, with as good of a writer you are, you can whip out a brilliant essay in like 15 minutes

That's nothing for you

pbeck91 · 10-15-2009, 07:30 PM

I say pour your heart out! LOL I have a family membership to our local Y and I do not qualify for a discount. So I say "ouch" every month when that large fee is taken out of my bank account. I wish they paid better wages to their employees...if they did I would still be working there and getting a free membership.

poet_kelly · 10-15-2009, 07:34 PM

The discount is really nice. I think a membership for one person at my branch is $50-plus per month. I pay $18.50. And I do really appreciate it and am thankful for it.

Kelly

scrappinlaurie · 10-16-2009, 07:49 AM

I am so happy for you that you can get this reduced Y membership. I just wish we had a Y here where we are. We have a wellness center and it costs $300 for an initiation fee and then $68 for an individual. That is just too outragious to pay. I tried to get a job there so I could get the free membership, but they have a hiring freeze. I used to work at the Y where we moved from 2 years ago. And although they don't pay well getting a free membership makes it well worth it. I really miss the pool!

I am thinking of joining curves. Does anyone have any experience with them?

poet_kelly · 10-16-2009, 08:04 AM

I've heard good things about Curves, but I don't have any personal experience with them. A lot of fitness centers do something like offer you a free one week membership so you can try them out before you join. Does Curves do something like that?

Kelly