What to expect on your first visit

On your first visit to the Y, plan a few extra minutes to finalize the details of your membership.

  • Masks are not required for those who are vaccinated and strongly recommended for those who are unvaccinated except when swimming in the pool or showering.
  • Bring your photo ID and we’ll make your membership card. Everyone on your membership will get a membership card—those 16+ will need to bring photo ID. Then moving forward to gain facility access you will be required to scan in, using your YMCA app, facility card or provide a school/state ID.
  • Bring your health insurance card to complete the form for healthcare reimbursement.
  • If you plan to work out, bring a lock and towel. Locker rentals and towel service are not available at this time due to COVID safety precautions.
  • Please ask us questions if you have them. Our team members at the Welcome Desk and on the fitness floor are here to help.

YMCA Virtual Orientation

The Y is committed to ensuring that you and adults alike are able to enjoy a safe, welcoming, and positive experience in our fitness centers. We know some of our members are visiting a gym for the first time, may be unfamiliar with equipment, or may just need a refresher on some basics. To help you get started, please review this brief virtual orientation to our fitness centers.

Each time you come to the Y, you are required to present a valid membership card or photo ID. During the winter months, please bring a pair of clean, indoor shoes for your workout. Member Services is always available to help you anytime you visit the Y.


Included with membership

Membership includes access to all Minnesota YMCAs, including more than 20 locations in the Twin Cities and Hudson, WI. You can also visit Ys across the country—just find the Y you want to visit and contact the location for specific details.

As a member, you have access to all the amenities available at the Y—some are free for members, some have an additional fee and some are discounted for members. Not all amenities are available at all locations.

  • Access to all facility spaces, which can include: Fitness Center, Gym, Indoor Track, Outdoor Trail, Climbing Wall, Skatepark, Pool, Splash Pad, Sauna, Steam Room, Whirlpool, Racquetball Court and Locker Room
  • Fitness Assessment—Kick start your wellbeing journey with a Fitness Assessment. Schedule a time at your local Y. 
  • Group Exercise classes—categories include cardio, dance, strength, yoga and water exercise. Reservations can be made online up to 73 hours in advance for water exercise classes.
  • Youth Fitness Cards—pre-planned workout cards that offer age-appropriate exercise plans kids and families can follow at their own pace
  • Workout Child Care—bring kids that are members to the Y while you work out and they’ll have a blast at Kids Stuff or Club Y (older kids)
  • Youth & Teen Centers—young people can drop-in to socialize, do homework and participate in a variety of activities. Youth and Teen Centers are currently unavailable due COVID safety guidelines.
  • Senior Centers—active older adults can drop-in to explore interests, find community and strengthen social ties.
  • Use your phone to check in with Member Services, find class schedules, track workouts and set goals with the YMCA mobile app for Apple and Android.
  • Personal Training—meet one-on-one with a Personal Trainer to get a tailored plan and stay motivated to reach your fitness, nutrition and wellness goals
  • Buddy Training—work out with a friend and a Personal Trainer
  • Small Group Training classes—specialty exercise classes that focus on cardio, strength or a combination
  • Swim Lessons—all ages can learn this life skill with private or group lessons
  • Swim Team—competitive program for kids and teens to work with coaches and improve swimming skills
  • Certifications and Training—lifeguard training, CPR training, first aid training and babysitting safety training
  • Day Camp—kids ages 4-14 can experience the magic of camp and come home each night
  • Youth Sports—year-round sports classes, leagues and clinics for kids
  • Center for Youth Voice—Model Assembly and Model United Nations programs
  • Integrative Health and Wellbeing Services—Health & Wellbeing Coaching, Massage & Bodywork, Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meditation & Mindfulness, Nutrition and Movement
  • Healthy Living Kitchen—schedule a demo or take a cooking class
  • Towel Service—up to two large towels per person per visit. Towel service is currently unavailable due to COVID safety protocols.
  • Locker Service—reserve a locker to store your belongings in.
  • Summer programs like Summer Power and Summer Uproar. Only summer sports has discounts.
  • Child care—early childhood learning centers, preschool, School Age Care and School Release Days
  • Overnight camp, teen wilderness camp and family camp
  • Mind/Body/Spirit programs
  • Seasonal fitness challenges—Y Adventure Lab offers fun events for kids and families to stay active all year long.

Tips for success

The Y is a place for whole-life wellbeing—so ask questions and try new things to make the most of it! When you have a question or are interested in trying something new, Member Services is a good place to start. Additionally, there is always someone available to help in the Fitness Center with questions you might have about equipment or exercises.

How long does it take to build a habit? The answer is that it depends, however, recent studies have found that on average it takes 66 days for a new healthy habit to feel automatic. Whether you’re new to exercise or new to the Y, we’ve got some tips to help you succeed: