Membership
It Starts Today
The Y is a non-profit like no other. When you join the Y, you're coming together with men, women and children from your community who are committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
New Members
Welcome to the Y!
Our general policies and procedures can be found in our program guide; for a more in-depth look at our membership guidelines, download our membership handbook.
Your membership charges can be paid in the following ways:
- Automatic withdrawal from your checking account
- Automatic debit from your credit card
- 3, 6 or 12 month advance payment by cash or check
Should you choose to end your Y experience, please fill out a termination form prior to the 15th of the month. Failure to do so will result in membership charges for the next month. The $25 joining fee must be paid upon membership reactivation. *Membership holds will be granted for medical reasons only.
Make sure to sign up for your FREE Healthy Lifestyles Consultation. Healthy Lifestyles is a free, 6-week health & wellness orientation for new members to get your workout routine started.
This free, 6-week program is designed as a fitness program for individuals who have never worked out before, need a re-introduction to fitness, or who are looking for guidance with their current fitness routine.
Upon completion of Healthy Lifestyles, members will:
- Improve strength and flexibility
- Reduce body fat
- Increase energy, and decrease stress
- Gain a thorough understanding of all exercise equipment
- Set goals, and overcome barriers in your personal fitness program
Do I need to sign up for Group Exercise Classes?
Group Exercise classes are free with your membership. Our land classes are offered in the group exercise studio on the second floor, and water classes are held in the aquatic center. The group exercise schedule is available online.
To participate in group exercise classes, be present in the pool, or in the studio 5-10 minutes before class starts, and the instructor will guide you. If you’re new, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
The pool, gym and group exercise schedules are available online, on our home page. We also keep copies at the front desk. You can also find the day’s events, classes and programs, under our daily calendar, on our website.
What is the procedure for checking in?
Child Watch: All children are required to take a photo for identification purposes upon activating their membership. Children under the age of 9, are not allowed to use the building without a parent present, so their cards are black and white, for easy identification. Children over the age of 9 receive color cards, just like our adult members.
Child watch services are available to children 6 weeks to 7 years old (children under the age of 6 must be with a parent, or in child watch at all times). When checking children into child watch, please check in at the front desk first, hang up coats, change boots to shoes, etc. You will leave both your card, and your child's card in child watch, in case you need to be called during your workout.
Membership: Please make sure that you stop by the front desk to check-in each and every time you visit the Y. Workouts submitted for frequent fitness reimbursement are taken from your daily scans. If you have a guest with you, they will need to sign in when they visit.
How old do I need to be to use the Wellness Center?
Members 6 years and younger need to be within arms-reach of a parent or supervising adult, or in Child Watch services during the duration of their time at the Y.
Members 12 years and older are allowed use of our wellness center. Members 12 and 13 years old must complete our active teens program. Active Teens is a program that orientates our teenage members to the wellness center cardio and strength training equipment, to keep them safe during their time in the wellness center. The Active Teens program must be completed prior to independent use of the wellness center.
Children under the age of 12 are only allowed in the wellness center during family track times, and must be directly accompanied by a supervising adult.
Members 10th grade and older may participate in our group exercise classes.
How old do I need to be to use the Aquatic Center?
Children 6 years old and younger must be directly accompanied by a parent or supervising adult in the pool. Children 48" and taller may use the slide. For Children under 48", there are appropriate aquatic features.
Members 6 years and younger need to be within arms-reach of a parent, or in Child Watch services during the duration of their time at the Y. When children turn 7, they are allowed to use the facility independent from a parent or supervising adult, as long as they are present in the building. You will always find certified lifeguards on duty, every hour the pool is open.
What types of health & wellness services are available to me?
Healthy Lifestyles: This free, 6-week program is designed as a fitness program for individuals who have never worked out before, need a re-introduction to fitness, or who are looking for guidance with their current fitness routine.
Upon completion of Healthy Lifestyles, members will:
- Improve strength and flexibility
- Reduce body fat
- Increase energy, and decrease stress
- Gain a thorough understanding of all exercise equipment
- Set goals, and overcome barriers in your personal fitness program
Set up your Healthy Lifestyles consultation at the front desk, upstairs in the wellness center, or by calling (320) 834-9622. Healthy Lifestyles consultations do not need to be completed prior to wellness center use.
Personal Training: There are 4 certified personal trainers available at an additional cost to membership, for members that may be looking for a one-on-one training experience.
Please contact Kara for more information on any health & wellness programs, (320) 834-9622, or kelwood@alexandriaymca.com.
How do I register for youth & adult programs?
Online: Register for programs online, click here to browse open programs and register at your convenience.
In-Person: As always, we are happy to take your registration at the front desk during building hours.
Y Membership Benefits
- Free Group Exercise classes
- Reduced member rates for Y programs, including progressive swim lessons
- Access to multi-use aquatic facility for water exercise classes, lap swimming, and recreational swimming
- Wellness center includes cardio equipment, weights & indoor walking/jogging track
- Gymnasium access for basketball, volleyball, pickle ball and large group activities
- Drop-off child watch/nursery services for kids 6 weeks to 7 years
- Free fitness testing & evaluation
- Locker rooms include a family locker room for parents and children, and those with special needs, as well as gender appropriate youth and adult locker rooms
- Onsite full, or part-time child care
The Alexandria Area YMCA offers membership in the following categories:
| Membership Types |
| Youth (17 Years and under) |
| Young Adult (18-24 Years) |
| Adult (25 Years and older) |
| One-Adult Household |
| Two-Adult Household |
The $25 fee is paid upon membership sign-up and will only be charged once except in the case of a lapse in membership.
You may cancel your monthly membership at any time by coming to the YMCA, completing a cancellation form, and turning in your membership card(s). The cancellation form must be completed prior to the 15th of the month, to terminate for the following month. Memberships are non-refundable.
We grant medical holds only, for a maximum period of 3 months.
Child Watch
Take full advantage of your membership by using our free Child Watch service! Attend a group fitness class, swim, or take a walk with a friend while our experienced caregivers take care of your children. Child Watch services are available for children 6 weeks to 7 years old.
| Monday – Thursday | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Winter) |
| 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Summer) | ||
| Friday | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Summer) |
| Saturday | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | |
| Sunday | Closed | |
Guests
Guests are always welcome at the YMCA! All guests must register at the front desk, and guests under 10 must be signed in and accompanied by an adult. As a part of membership, 4 guest passes for family and friends are included.
The Alexandria Area YMCA participates in the AWAY program, which means we welcome members of other Y's to visit us up to 8 times a year. Once the 8 visits expire, AWAY members are welcome to pay the daily guest pass fee.
| Youth (-17 Years) | $5.00 |
| Young Adult (18-24 Years) | $7.50 |
| Adult (25+) | $10.00 |
| One-Adult Household (1 Adult + Kids) | $12.50 |
| Two-Adult Household (2 Adults + Kids) | $15.00 |
Financial Assistance
The Y is a cause for strengthening community. That's why we're here working with you every day, making sure that you, your family and community have the resources and support your need to learn, grow and thrive. Financial assistance is offered to individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to afford a Y experience.
The YMCA does not turn anyone away due to the inability to pay. Financial aid is available for membership and programs to those who qualify. Applications are available at the welcome center desk, or requested electronically, jbucholz@alexandriaymca.com.
Download financial assistance application here
Fitness Reimbursement
YMCA members in eligible insurance plans with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Blue Cross Blue Shield SeniorGold, Medica*, Health Partners, Health Partners Freedom Fitness, Preferred One and UCare**, can receive a $20 (single) or $40 (couple) reimbursement per month by working out a set number of days each month. That's more money in your pocket for staying healthy!
*One adult (18+) covered by an eligible Medica plan may enroll in the program.
** Two adults (18+) covered by an eligible UCare are eligible for $15 reimbursement per month.
Call the 1-800 number on the back of your insurance card to see if your plan qualifies!
Building Hours
| Monday – Thursday | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Friday | 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Monday – Thursday | 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Friday | 5 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
- Members and guests 6 and under must be directly accompanied by a supervising adult, or in child watch services
- Members and guests 7 years – 9 years of age may use the facility, with a supervising adult present in the facility
- Members and guests 10 years of age and older, may use the facility independently
- Lap lanes are open to members and guests 13 and older
- Children under the age of 7 must be directly accompanied by a supervising adult in the aquatic center
- Members and guests 12 years of age and older are permitted full use of the walking/running track, after completion of active teens
- Members and guests 10-13 years of age may be directly accompanied on the walking/running track by a supervising adult
- No one under the age of 10 is permitted on the walking/running track, except during designated family track times
- Members and guests 10th grade, or 16 years of age and older, may participate in fitness or group exercise classes