Jewish Community Center - South Hills

This place was enjoyable the first few weeks I joined, but it has steadily gone downhill since the temperature outside went down. There is a trainer named Matt Hunter who is a well known bully to the patrons at the gym. I saw him yell at a man who was working out. I don't think the man heard him at first, because he had headphones in. I've never seen an employee of a company chastise someone who wasn't harming anything or anyone. Luckily a friend warned me to stay away from Matt Hunter when he is in the upstairs gym. Unfortunately, there are a few regulars who do not clean machines, or show basic respect like holding the door for elders. It doesn't feel like a community environment here. Nor do I think this place is as inclusive as they say. JCC, please do better and hire level headed trainers who don't raise their voice like a petulant child when things aren't going their way.

I experienced racism at this gym and was told that non-Jewish people are welcome, but I felt that wasn't the case based on my treatment. The staff, from management to security, were unhelpful, and Kelly Hont (a manager) even tried to admonish me for raising concerns about safety and inclusiveness. The only friendly and courteous staff were the janitors and front desk team. Additionally, the gym swipe cards often malfunction, and I had to rely on janitors to assist with opening secure doors. Gym rules are not enforced—if you're bumped into or bullied, management won't intervene. The lack of respect for diverse members, especially those who are different, made my experience uncomfortable and unsafe.

I cannot say enough good things about this location. I am not a member, but I needed to get a swim assessment done through a licensed lifeguard. It was the only club/center in Allegheny county that even picked up the phone in regards to giving swim tests. Sarah in the aquatics department was absolutely lovely, and so was security at the front desk. My test took no more than 10-minutes and cost $10. If I lived nearby I would 100% join this JCC. The facilities are clean and modern. Plus everyone who came into the building had a smile on their face.

We recently had a pool party at the South Hills JCC for our child’s 9th birthday and I was so impressed with the staff! They took care of everything, from personalized decorations to music to entertaining the kids in the pool. They truly went above and beyond to make the day special.

This is a very clean, pleasant facility. However, they don’t have a range of equipment that includes an upper body wheel or any recumbent workout machines. These would be excellent additions considering the senior citizens and recovering PT people that use the facility. Also, the only walking area is in the gym and that means that when groups are using the gym, you may be ducking from balls etc..