Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

This is a true Jewish community Center they offer moods, meals to the senior community and all machines and recovery equipment are up to date and easily accessible. I have a platinum membership which lets me use hot tub, sauna, steam room and the bathing area with coffee service including fresh towels

Concerns About Inclusivity and Communication in Locker Room and Sauna Areas I’ve been a member of this gym for many years and have always appreciated the community and the facilities here. However, I was disappointed after my visit yesterday and felt compelled to share my experience. While I fully support inclusivity and believe everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in the gym, I found myself in an uncomfortable situation. I was sharing the sauna with a transgender individual who hasn’t fully transitioned yet, which caught me off guard. I believe the gym should consider providing separate spaces for those who are in the process of transitioning to accommodate everyone’s comfort levels. What I was most upset about, however, was that I was not explicitly informed by membership services about the gym's inclusive policies, especially regarding the use of restrooms and locker rooms by individuals of all genders, including transgender members. Had I known this, I could have made a more informed decision about which locker room to choose or how to dress appropriately in the spa area. Several women in the locker room expressed concerns as well, particularly those who follow religious practices that require them to maintain certain modesty standards. They feel uncomfortable sharing spaces with individuals of a different gender. It’s important that the gym provides a space where everyone feels comfortable, regardless of gender identity, and I hope the management can find a way to address these concerns while maintaining an inclusive environment for all members. I think clear communication and perhaps more specific accommodations for those in transition could go a long way toward ensuring that everyone’s needs are met in a respectful and inclusive way. I’m hopeful that the gym will take these concerns into consideration and work toward finding a balance that accommodates everyone. It’s important to me that this community continues to be a safe and welcoming space for all.

I paid membership, set up the account in person , and even put my credit card on file. My card did not work and I had no access to the gym. The first two times I came in, the guy at the front told me it was likely cause I had just gotten it activated it and to give it a couple days. Finally, the most recent try a week after I activated membership, still wasn’t working. Front desk guy wasn’t very helpful or accommodating, just reciting “You don’t have active membership” to every question I had. Couldn’t hurt to be nicer when this isn’t an issue on your gym’s end. In terms of the actual gym equipment, there’s a good selection for cardio. Limited treadmills, so those are often fully occupied. Some pelotons, which is nice. Main area downstairs has strength machines and weights. There are two other rooms that offer more racks and floor space for mats. Lockers and showers are clean. Pool is well maintained. Definitely feels more like a family friendly workout space.

I was invited by a friend to try this place out as a guest. I really like the neighborhood it's in and the various amenities featured at this Community Center. I've been looking for a nice gym to join in the area that has everything this one does. The steam room, locker room area, sauna, and jacuzzi were all relatively clean and in working order. Unfortunately, I cannot give a 5 star rating based on a serious issue. On our way in, we were rudely stopped by a security guard who promptly said something like, "Where do you think you're going?" As he rudely questioned my friend, a member of this establishment, I stood there uncomfortably, wondering why it felt as though we were being harassed. The security guard eventually let us through and said something along the lines of "I meant no disrespect," after some long explanation of why he was stopping us on our way in (we were also running short on time). My friend seemed more startled than I was. He didnt even know how to respond other than to tell him that we are here to use the gym and do normal gym stuff. My friend, an established member, told me he has NEVER had this kind of experience before, and goes to this place multiple times a week. Then I remembered, I am quite used to being stopped and questioned for no reason when I go to certain places in certain areas. I can not help but wonder if the darker color of my skin, in comparison to his lighter color, has anything to do with the sudden ill treatment of my friend and I as we entered this establishment. I hate to even mention the idea, but then on our way out, we were stopped AGAIN by a different member of your team and told he was supposed to sign me in and this and that. We were so stunned by the behavior the security guard displayed toward us, we forgot to sign in, so they felt the need to stop us on our way out and mention it. Either way, I felt it was so ridiculous to be so closely watched, and that they felt the need to stop us on our way out as well as in. My friend admitted that it was very irregular and strange for that to happen. Meanwhile, I left there feeling uncomfortable and confused about whether or not I should ever go back, let alone join.

Although there is a parking lot, it is almost impossible to find a spot in the lot. But, the center is great!