THE Y FOR
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
We focus our work in three key areas, because nurturing the potential of kids, helping people live healthier, and supporting our neighbors are fundamental to strengthening communities
We would like to compliment your decision to inquire about teen fitness for those that are 16 and older. The Downtown YMCA’s goal is to introduce healthy habits early in life.
To provide a warm welcome and maintain a safe environment, anyone joining under the age of 18 will be required to complete the:
- Teen orientation prior to receiving their membership badge.
- Parent consent form.
- Health history form.
Teen Orientation Overview
The Teen Orientation consists of 3 one-on-one sessions with a personal coach. After completion of the first session the teen will receive his or her name badge. A teen
membership badge must worn and visible at all times while visiting the branches. The Teen Orientation program is free.
Additionally teen will receive:
- An overview of cardiovascular and strength training exercises.
- A personalized written exercise routine based on teens goals and abilities.
Common Questions
If my teen has experience exercising, does he or she have to complete the Teen Orientation?
The Teen Orientation can be waived if the teen’s sport coach writes a letter indicating prior
experience with free weights, strength machines and cardio equipment.
When can the teen use the free weights?
After successful completion of the Teen Orientation (all 3 sessions) and teen shows weight room readiness. The YMCA Personal coach will determine readiness.
What’s the difference between the free weights and strength machines?
Free Weights are more advanced, and require more control and stability than strength machines. The free weight room is located in the basement of the Downtown YMCA.
Strength Machines are for all levels, having additional safety features over the free
weights. The strength machines are located on the 1st floor with our cardio
machines. After the first Teen Orientation a teen can use strength machines.
What if my child is under 16?
The Mission Valley and Toby Wells YMCA’s have exercise programs for 9-17 year olds.
- 9-13 is called the Tween Program.
- 15-17 is the Teen program.
Please contact Mission Valley at 619-298-3576 or Toby Wells at 858-496-9622 for more information. Membership at the Downtown YMCA provides unlimited access to these facilities.
What if my child received the Teen Orientation at the Mission Valley or the Toby Wells facility?
The Downtown YMCA will honor these orientations. However, at this time we can only allow 16+ at the Downtown YMCA location.
Does my teen need to have a parent in the facility while he or she exercises?
Teens may exercise on their own. However, we think parents working out with teens can be a great bonding experience!
Additional Questions?
Please contact Jil, our fitness coordinator. She can be
reached at 619-232-7451 ext.109.
Frequent Y'r Card
Visit the YMCA 11 times in 30 days and complete 1 special item to receive a t-shirt!Your card will be entered into a drawing to receive a 6 Month Adult Membership at the Downtown YMCA!!
What are the special items?
- Nutrition/Exercise Log
- Email your YMCA story (600 to 1000 characters)
- One 12 Week Program session
- Work Sport Life session
- Personal Training session
- Fitness Assessment
- Volunteer at a Y event
- Donate to the Y
Contact Information
Downtown YMCA500 W. Broadway Ste. B,
San Diego, CA 92101
(located between Columbia & India street)
Phone: 619-232-7451
Fax: 619-232-0560
Member Service: dtmembership@ymca.org
Downtown Jobs: dtjobs@ymca.org
YMCA Membership Benefits

Facility use at the Downtown YMCA facility.
- Over 200 free fitness classes per week
- Over 80 free yoga classes per week
- Free 12 Week Personalized Fitness Program
- Free Wellness Center orientations
- Free Work-Sport-Life Sports Conditioning Program
- Free Towel Service
- Free lap swim
- Free water exercise classes
- Free recreational swim
- Member rates on day camps, swim lessons, special interest classes, gymnastics, childcare, and youth sports
- Membership privileges in over 2,000 YMCA's across the United States through the AWAY Program.
- Special membership events
Child Watch
Our Child Watch services*, available for children 8 weeks to 11 years, are provided for parents while using the facility. Parents are required to remain on the premises while their child(ren) is in Child Watch. Children may attend Child Watch for a maximum of 2 hours per day.
*Child Watch service are available at the Mission Valley and Toby Wells facility.

