Info to Know for Your Y Visit

• Facility Capacity Limits – 25% capacity of facility per State mandate
• New reservation system for Group Exercise Classes and Lap Lane Swimming - maximum three (3) reservations per week, per member
• Members must arrive 15 minutes before classes/pool usage for health screen and check-in
• Reservations will be released for walk-ins five (5) minutes before class/pool use
• Member access will be limited to one (1) hour to accommodate additional members while adhering to capacity limits
• Reconfigured YMCA branches to ensure Social Distancing 
• Demarcation System to ensure safe member spacing for waiting areas
• Masks required to enter facility during health screen and check-in, recommended but not required in common areas and while exercising
• Gloves covering from wrist to fingertip recommended but not required while exercising 
• Sneeze shields installed at Welcome Center desks
• Limited points of entry and exit
• One-way traffic throughout facility wherever possible
• Lockers and showers temporarily closed
• Water fountains temporarily closed but bottle-filling stations are open, so please bring your own bottle.
• Hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms temporarily closed
• Common seating areas temporarily closed
• Gymnasiums will be closed except for exercise classes
• Coffee service suspended

To ensure the best experience for everyone, please adhere to the following guidelines when you participate in YMCA programs:

• Gloves that cover from wrist to fingertip are recommended but not required during exercise
• Reconfigured Group Exercise spaces to allow social distancing
• Pre-registration required to ensure spot in Group Exercise class
• Use of floor markers in classes to designate participant positions 
• Members are asked to bring their own yoga mats, resistance bands, and props 
• Cardio machines will be spaced to allow distancing and must be cleaned before and after use.
• Strength training equipment must be cleaned before and after use
• Personal training will resume at select locations with a new delivery protocol
• Senior programs will remain suspended
• Virtual Y Live and On-Demand programs will continue 

We have put careful thought and planning into our reopening. 

We have followed guidance from the CDC, local health agencies and public officials to update our policies, practices and procedures to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene and make appropriate accommodations for physical/social distancing. Key measures include:

• Branch Capacity Limits
• Health Screenings for Members and Staff
• Increased Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols
• Personal Protection Equipment for all Staff
• Sneeze Shields Installed at Front Desks
• Newly Configured Ys to Ensure Social Distancing 
• Limited Points of Entry & Exits

All YMCA of Austin locations have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines.

We have reconfigured our locations to ensure proper spacing in all areas and have established our capacity limits. During times when we are at capacity, Y members may be asked to wait in line similar to their experience at retail stores.

We have implemented a new reservation system for Group Exercise classes and Swimming Pool Lap Lanes. Members are encouraged to register in advance to ensure a spot during their desired class or timeframe. They will be able to do so online, via mobile app or by phone.

Member access will be limited to 1 hour to accommodate additional members while adhering to capacity limits.

We have implemented a new reservation system for Group Exercise classes and Swimming Pool Lap Lanes. 

Members are encouraged to register in advance to ensure a spot during their desired class or timeframe. They will be able to do so online, via mobile app or by phone.

No advance registration is required to access the Fitness Center. However, note that during times when we are at capacity, Y members may be asked to wait in line similar to their experience at retail stores.

Members can still visit the Y without registering in advance. However, during times when we are at capacity, Y members may be asked to wait in line similar to their experience at retail stores.

We have implemented a new reservation system for Group Exercise classes and Swimming Pool Lap Lanes. Members are encouraged to register in advance to ensure a spot during their desired class or timeframe. They will be able to do so online, via mobile app or by phone.

Member access will be limited to 1 hour to accommodate additional members while adhering to capacity limits.

To ensure safety, a number of areas will be temporarily closed, including:

• Community seating areas
• Coffee stations
• Locker Rooms and Indoor Showers
• Water fountains
• Hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms
• Gymnasium for open play

experience. But we also have to balance that with our need to be safe. 

That’s why we’ve removed community seating areas and are asking members to limit their workout time to one hour to allow other members to access the facility. 

Members are more than welcome to continue visiting outside of the Y at a safe distance.  

Do I need to wear a mask? 

Members must wear a mask during their health screening at check-in in order to enter the facility. We are recommending but not requiring that masks be worn in common areas, during your workout or while exiting. According to the CDC, masks are a primary tool in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Why do I need to wear a mask?

For the safety of our staff who will come in close proximity with members during health screenings at check-in, we are requiring members to wear masks to enter the facility. 

We are recommending but not requiring that masks be worn in common areas, during your workout or while exiting. According to the CDC, masks are a primary tool in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Can I bring a small bag to store my mask or personal items?

Yes, you are welcome to bring a small bag and keep it nearby while you are exercising.

What if I forget my mask. Do you have masks available? 

We’re encouraging members to bring their own mask. If you forget, we’ll provide a  disposable mask.

Why do I need to wear a mask at some times but not when I’m exercising?

We are requiring members to wear masks when they enter the branch because they will come into close contact with others.

In our Fitness Center and Group Exercise classes, we have reconfigured spaces to allow for proper separation. 

If members want to continue wearing a mask while exercising, they can do that.

Do I need to wear gloves? 

Gloves that cover from wrist to fingertip are recommended but not required while exercising.

Do I need to provide my own gloves? 

Yes, we are asking members to provide their own gloves that cover from wrist to fingertip.

What kind of gloves do I need to wear?

We have received no specific guidance on the type of gloves required other than that they should cover from wrist to fingertip. We’d recommend a lightweight glove that is suitable for wear during exercise. 

What if I forget gloves. Will the Y provide some? 

We will have disposable gloves to pass out if someone forgets.

Do I need to wear gloves when I’m swimming? 

No, you do not need to wear gloves while swimming. We are asking members to bring their own swim paddles, buoys and kickboards. Shared equipment will not be available. 

Do I need to wear gloves in a Group Exercise class? 

No, you do not need to wear gloves in a Group Exercise class. We are asking members to bring their own mats, blocks and resistance bands. Shared equipment will not be available. 

For BodyPump exclusively, we will put a special cleaning protocol in place to sanitize shared equipment.

Members will need to bring their own exercise mats, blocks, exercise bands, pool paddles and swim buoys. 

Our gymnasium will not be open for free play or organized games such as basketball, volleyball or pickleball. Gyms may be reserved for exercise classes to provide adequate spacing between participants.

As we resume operations, we will assess options for allowing use of the gym.