Frequently Asked Questions

A YMCA membership is a great value that includes many benefits, like:

• Free group exercise classes - The Y offers many of your favorite group exercise classes FREE with membership. From yoga, Pilates, cycling, Zumba, cardio, toning, core, step, sculpt, and kickboxing, as well as many more, you can find the perfect class at the Y. Most branches begin classes at 5:30 am for early risers and go into the evening for those who need to burn off steam after a long day. 
   
• Free health and wellness consultation – Meet with one of our nationally certified trainers to discuss your health and wellness goals and receive recommendations on workout strategies, an introduction to our fitness equipment and answers to any questions you have about the Y, your membership or fitness.
   
• Free Child Watch during your workout - We'll watch the kids while you work out (available at most of our Ys)! This special benefit is available to Y members.
   
• Use of state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
   
• Access to pools,  basketball courts, racquetball courts, indoor running/walking tracks, and other great amenities.
   
• Personal training - Whether you want to lose weight or tone up, get in shape for a vacation or train for an athletic event, Y personal training will get you results.
   
• Programs for youth, adults, families, and seniors - from swim lessons for all ages to youth sports, camp, dance, gymnastics and more, there's something for every interest at the Y. Members receive a discount on fee-based programs. 
   
• Free Wifi, and coffee.
   
• Financial assistance opportunities. 

Inclement Weather Pool Policy

Our YMCA guidelines require us to close the pool to all activities if lightning is within 6 miles of our facility. Lifeguards are trained to judge this and have the final say on all closures. Pool and wet areas must be cleared and closed until 30 minutes after the last evidence of lightning and thunder is present.

Winter Weather Policy

While every effort is made to help ensure our 24 Y branches maintain their regular schedules, if weather or road conditions are poor, we may adjust our hours of operation to ensure your safety and that of our staff.  Operating hours vary by branch.  The best way to get the latest on any changes to operating hours is to check your local Y or check the branch's Facebook page.  

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Y branch.  Thank you for your understanding.  

No. We know that you will find great value in your Y membership, however, should you decide to cancel for any reason, you must submit your cancellation request in writing on or before the 20th of the month prior to your next draft date. 

Membership cost varies by branch and membership type. 

You may choose to pay your monthly membership fees through our easy monthly payment service. Your fees will be drafted from your checking account, savings account, or credit card on a continuous monthly basis. You may also choose to pay a year’s fee at once using a credit card, cash or check. Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  The Y reserves the right to cancel a membership at any time.

Your membership will be drafted from your bank account or credit card on the 1st or 15th of the month.  Annual options are available.  See your branch for details.  It is important for you to check your statements regularly.  If you notice a discrepancy in your bank draft, please notify us promptly.  Refunds are not issued for discrepancies longer than 90 days. 

Yes. Online registration for paid programs is available for members and non-members. 

The Y is committed to ensuring that everybody has access to the Y and its program, regardless of ability to pay.  For more information on financial assistance, please click below or contact the membership director at your local branch.

The Y offers many of your favorite group exercise classes FREE with membership. From yoga, Pilates, cycling, Zumba, cardio, toning, core, step, sculpt, and kickboxing, as well as many more, you can find the perfect class at the Y. There are also some specialty classes that are offered for a fee. Most branches begin classes at 5:30 am for early risers and go into the evening for those who need to burn off steam after a long day. For more information or to learn more about the types of workouts that will help you meet your wellness goals, contact your local branch.

Gift Cards are redeemable for programs, merchandise, and membership. Gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash. The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged cards, and can only be replaced with the presentation of the original sales receipt.

Y Bucks are earned through special promotions and can be used toward any purchase of a Gateway Region YMCA program or service over $20 including:

• Weight Loss Program
• Personal Training
• Summer Camp
• Swim Lessons
• Before and After School Child Care
• Youth Sports
• Family Programs
• And More!

Y Bucks cannot be used toward a deposit for day camp. The maximum amount that can be applied toward day camp or the before & after school program is $10 per week per child. Only Y Bucks activated by a Gateway Region YMCA employee will be accepted. 

We offer nine sessions per year. Priority registration for paid programs for members is accepted 2 weeks prior to the start of each session. Program participants may register for paid programs 1 week prior to the start of each session. Free programs, included in membership are first-come, first served.

Guests may visit the Y for free and participate as a member for the day. Guests are welcome to use Child Watch as well as take Group Exercise (land and water) classes. 

Guest Pass Options (limited to one use each in a calendar year):

• Free Plus One Pass (1 day each). Must be accompanied by a member.
• 7 Day Trial Membership (consecutive days in a calendar year).

Daily Fees Options (eligible at the following locations only: RiverChase, Carondelet Park Rec Complex Outdoor Aquatics Center, Downtown YMCA at the MX):

• $10 for youth 12 and under
• $15 per adult 13 and older
• $25 for household

Are you bringing a guest under the age of 18 with you to the Y, who is not a Y member? Their parent or guardian will need to print and complete the Youth Guest Waiver before your visit.

With a Y membership, you have access to all 24 branches of the Gateway Region YMCA in Missouri and Illinois.

More than 2,600 Ys across the country participate in nationwide membership.  Guest fees and privileges may vary. Check with the local Y before you travel.

Each Y branch has staff available at all times to answer questions provide assistance with equipment. Members can also schedule a complimentary Fitness Orientation with one of our fitness center staff members. During this 30-minute appointment, you'll receive guidance on how to best use our cardio equipment and strength training machines. 

Branches open early and stay open late.  Hours of operation vary by branch.  Please check with your local branch for facility, class and Child Watch hours.

There are many youth programs available to help your child learn, grow and thrive.  From sports to gymnastics to leadership programs, you can find an enriching program for your children at any age. We also offer access to youth ages 9 and up, who have completed a Youth MyFitness appointment, to our fitness centers. Stop by the Welcome Center for more details. 

Members with a Family Membership can use our free Child Watch service and feel comforted knowing that their children are in a safe, nurturing environment while they work out.  Members with an Adult Membership can use Child Watch for $10 per child, with a maximum of $25 for multiple children.

We have a number of programs for active older adults, ranging from group exercise classes tailored to the needs of seniors, social groups and volunteer opportunities.  The Y is an ideal place for older adults to keep moving and stay healthy while being involved in their community.

The Gateway Region YMCA is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service with a 501(c)3 charitable designation. All donations made to the Gateway Region YMCA are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. When you donate to the Y, you are ensuring that your neighbors have access to financial assistance for membership, child care, summer camp and more! Consider making an online donation today!

We are a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Please help us create a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment at all times by following our code of conduct.

Please follow the golden rule:

Treat others the way you would like to be treated by upholding Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

• Members 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

• Safety first. Be sure to follow the rules posted within each of our facilities and their respective program areas.

• Help us maintain our family-friendly environment which is welcoming, genuine, nurturing and caring for all people. Profanity or unwelcome comments, conduct, and actions will not be tolerated.

• Help us care for our environment that is welcoming, genuine, nurturing and caring for all people.

• We care for our environment: Please recycle at your Y and also use only the towels you need.

• Liquids in spill-proof non-breakable containers are welcome in Y program areas.

• We take pride in our family-friendly environment. Please keep attire appropriate and modest.

• Be courteous to your fellow Y members by refraining from conversations on your cell phone.

• Program areas are designed with safety in mind.

View our Membership Handbook for the rules and guidelines of our Y. Any applicant or member whose actions are not deemed to be in the best interest of the organization may have that application or membership denied.

• Children ages 9-12 years of age are welcome to participate in non-weight bearing group exercise classes with a parent/guardian.

     -See your local branch for a list of specified classes.

• Ages 7 years and under must have an adult (age 18 and up) in the water within arm’s reach.

• Ages 8-12 years must have an adult in the building. For the safety of your child, a swim test is required to swim without adult supervision.

• Ages 13 years and up may swim independently

Are you bringing a guest under the age of 18 with you to the Y, who is not a Y member? Their parent or guardian will need to print and complete the Youth Guest Waiver before your visit.