Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh Reviews

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4.5
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The staff here is helpful and friendly. I primaril...

The staff here is helpful and friendly. I primarily visited here for childcare reasons and really appreciate their childcare here. They are really good at that and the staff really cares a lot about the kids.

The JCC is a great community gym. The pool has rop...

The JCC is a great community gym. The pool has ropes to add an extra lane when not setup for competition. However the life guards manage to swimmer in the lanes very well.

Quality equipment for weight lifting. With a family environment. Low on the bro's.

The JCC is great. It has a lot of services and is ...

The JCC is great. It has a lot of services and is a great place to vote. Even while under construction they put up a lot of signs and had volunteers to help guide everyone. Then there was little wait to vote at 7am!

Only limited PPA parking lot is available. Suggest...

Only limited PPA parking lot is available. Suggested curbside parking is at your own risk. One visit for a regular kids class might cost you over $110 considering ticket. Ironically, swimming is strongly suggested as a stress-relief activity, but buying out your towed-away car would not really help. Looks like neighborhood residents are annoyed with the visitors, and might co-operate with parking enforcement.

Great place. Lots of classes. Yoga with Taya is ge...

Great place. Lots of classes. Yoga with Taya is gentle but effective for us Seniors. Superb yoga instructor. Easy to follow and hear. Best yoga class I've ever had. She's also an accommodating personal trainer. Knows her stuff!

Group Power is a great class!

Group Power is a great class!
Everyone is so friendly. Beatriz greets everyone with such a warm welcome.
The Early Childhood Center was wonderful for my kids.

Love having a membership here. Perfect for bringin...

Love having a membership here. Perfect for bringing the kids and letting them find their fun. Basketball courts usually have an open game or two. Love the crafts & play area plus afterschool/summer care are super convenient. Swimming pool, weights, etc. One of the most inclusive wellness centers we have here in the region.

Membership open to everyone. Free with Medicare Ad...

Membership open to everyone. Free with Medicare Advantage health plan. Excellent exercise program for seniors and two choices for senior lunch. Educational talks, fun outings, two swimming pools, and more.

I really love this gym. It's a little pricey, but ...

I really love this gym. It's a little pricey, but it's clean and bright and the clients are just normal folk. It's definitely worth the price. There are always staff walking around in case you need them. The weights are organized. Lots of modern equipment and TVs. A pool with wide availability. And on and on.

If I lived in Pittsburgh, I would come here every ...

If I lived in Pittsburgh, I would come here every day. The weight area was very well organized, from the free weights being in a lightest to heaviest order, to the natilus machines structured around body parts, eg. leg machines next to leg machines, shoulder next to traps, etc. I didn't get a chance to check out the pool, but it looked very clean with a lifeguard on duty. The treadmills worked perfectly, like they were brand new. The whole gym was spotless. If only my gym in Boston was like this place. I loved this place. Loved, loved, loved it.

This is an amazing facility for all ages. They hav...

This is an amazing facility for all ages. They have childcare, children's classes a full gym and a 7 lane pool. Also have excercise classes for adults and seniors. The thing I like the most is the JCC is the type of place where you can see friends, parents and grandparents all in one place.

We went today to see the Mr. Roger's photo exhibit...

We went today to see the Mr. Roger's photo exhibit. Very nostalgic. Makes you realize what a treasure we had right here in Pittsburgh. A truly gentle and loving man evidenced in the photos taken at the Children's Institute. Worth a trip to Squirrel Hill.

Great hours. Amazing assortment of classes and act...

Great hours. Amazing assortment of classes and activities. The staff is very friendly, professional and helpful.
Love this location and the fact there is a covered parking garage, when I can't walk, I prefer not to parallel park.

The heart of the community, for all.

The heart of the community, for all.

The JCC has been my home for almost 20 years. The fitness facilities offer Olympic platforms, and new equipment. The fitness staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and their group fitness classes are great!

The basketball programs are fantastic for all ages, and there are tons of class offerings.

Not to mention the art exhibits in the lobby of the two buildings... Definitely get involved here!

I can't say enough about the staff here. Wonderful...

I can't say enough about the staff here. Wonderful after school program ("The Clubhouse") for our young son, and he attends their J&R Summer Camp as well. We are hoping to get our daughter in their Early Childhood program. Highly recommend!

The guy at the registr (Andrew) was so disrespectf...

The guy at the registr (Andrew) was so disrespectful to the customers and looks like he doesn't like his job maybe he is good but not this day. False selling and unethical personal be careful specially Asian guys

false selling,,, simple to put their way of custom...

false selling,,, simple to put their way of customer service. The sales persons their just give you 100$ dollar discount " as a promotional offer" and when you want to cancel their service they lie that they never gave you an offer. Never ever give your bank details or credit details, they take away the money even though you have asked them to pause the membership temporarily (if you are going out of town). Later when you want to complain , another sales person comes to picture and shows the terms and conditions and says " we cant help sir, you signed the document ". FALSE SELLING AND UNETHICAL PEOPLE working there

I have been a member of JCC for several years. We...

I have been a member of JCC for several years. We have a family basic membership which is a very reasonable price for what you get. If you want extras like towel service, sauna, spa, etc. you will have to get the platinum membership. But the regular locker room and services suit us fine. Classes and services (like a trainer, nutritionist, etc) are often extra, but that is true at other gyms too, in my experience. Because it is a Jewish center, there are designated women's and men's swim times, which is nice if you don't want to be seen in your suit by the whole world (but check the schedule before you go to the pool). Children's programming is extensive and very good, including the daycare, children's classes, parent/baby classes. Sometimes staff are disorganized, but that can be overcome. They are always helpful, even if it takes a little doing to figure things out. Parking in Squirrel Hill is what it is. The lot under the main JCC building is terrible, but there is a large public lot close by under the library, so you can get parking if you don't mind a half block walk (to the *fitness* center - Hello?). Membership also gives you access to the Family Park in Monroeville to swim outdoors in the summer (on weekends only during J&R camp, however). Family Park buildings are a little run down, but the pools and grounds are fantastic. Pack a lunch and enjoy a day at the pool.

What I have always liked best about JCC is that the gym is not full of muscle bound macho men and surgically altered women. There are folks at the gym of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. There is no blaring rock music to contend with, and no one hogging machines or weights while they admire themselves in the mirror (which I have experienced at other gyms). You never have to feel self conscious working out at JCC, and folks are generally friendly and considerate.

The good:

The good:
Clean, new machines, including climber
Downstairs is weight room and battle rope


POOL... kiddy pool and adult/lap pool



The bad:

The JCC offers a very convenient neighborhood gym ...

The JCC offers a very convenient neighborhood gym with impressive equipment and an enjoyable emphasis on "community". This is an easy place to make new friends while simultaneously getting in exactly the workout (whether it be cardio, swimming, basketball, weightlifting, or squash) you were craving.

Any one who lives in Squirrel Hill will agree that the JCC is the keystone of this neighborhood. They work hard to create opportunity through activism and service.

My personal experience with the JCC has been predominantly through it's athletic facilities which are highly advanced although a little cramped in the weight room. There is a huge selection of cardio equipment (treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bikes etc.) and a second lower level that houses the weight lifting equipment. The rubber coated weight plates are all in pristine condition and there are plenty of dumbbells to keep you occupied. There is an ample supply of weight benches for DB/BB presses, a small mat corner for floor exercises, and an array of cool machines that incorporate cable and manual loading. The true gems of the weight room are the twin squat rack platforms against the far wall. These platforms are ideal for practicing olympic/ power-lifts without damaging the floor or equipment-- not to mention they are cool as can be.

I've been going to the JCC for weekend or vacation day workouts for about a year now, and it is very easy to recognize familiar faces and feel like a genuine part of the community. Memberships range from all ages, and it is not uncommon to see small families congregated in the sitting area outside the athletic pool. Everyone is super friendly at the JCC and there is no level of macho competitive intimidation in the weight room. This is not necessarily the vibe you will find at a commercial gym like LA Fitness or Gold's Gym. I think this atmosphere stems from the fact that we are all a part of one big Squirrel Hill family. It is not uncommon to see a guy dead lifting 500lbs on a Sunday morning and then catch him grocery shopping with his wife and kids at the Giant Eagle around the corner in the same day. I love being a part of it and I love that it happens.

The initial cost for membership is a little intimidating. Close to $75 a month. This price is way more than a normal gym because, honestly, they do way more than a normal gym. However, if you are an active member of the neighborhood, they want you to be a part of the organization. They offer all sorts of deals for new members. Things like young adult prices for members under 31, discounts for working in the neighborhood, and specific deals through your insurance. Don't be afraid to ask about these opportunities! In my experience they are more than happy to help you save money as long as you are willing to ask. Hope this review helps you decide if the JCC is a good match for you! See you there :)

If you're serious about working out, this isn't th...

If you're serious about working out, this isn't the place for you. I'm paying 55$/month mainly out of convenience: the gym is walking distance from my house. The free weight center, aside from the bench press, basically just has one of everything. If you're there during busy hours, expect to wait for what you need -- and if you're there during not so busy hours, if one person reserves 2 or 3 stations for their circuit routine, you're equally hosed. Additionally, I expect towel service if I'm paying $55 -- there is none here, unless you pay the extra $30/month (bringing your total to $85 /month) for the high-end locker room. Add to all of this that the gym tends towards the dirty side. I'm not sure that the weight area is every really properly cleaned. I would think that there is a market for a Fitness One, or Nautilus 24 hour right smack in the middle of Squirrel Hill.

I have been a member for 2 years now and it's hone...

I have been a member for 2 years now and it's honestly a very good gym. They have a nice assortment of equipment and the staff is usually very nice. It's also a lot nicer than many other gyms and clubs I have been to. I have seen a few negative comments and I have to agree only with the ones that complain about parking, locker room differences and pool availability.
Parking is pay parking--which is common in the city--there are free parking spots on the street if you don't mind the walk.The centerfit platinum membership is nice to have because they do offer some perks like the sauna, steam room, and a much nicer experience. I have never been there when the steam room was broken, but the sauna was out of order for about a week last year. The pools are heated and usually around 80-90 degrees F, but classes can make it hard to find open swim times. My main issue is that the regular locker rooms are always cold. When I take my daughter swimming we are freezing in that locker room.

This is a great place to workout. All my favorite ...

This is a great place to workout. All my favorite equipment from the Cybex ARC trainers to the Expresso bikes. Crowd is mellow and friendly. Staff aren t always easy to find and some are more knowledgeable and helpful than others.

Two pools, gym, walking track, classes, massage. For the family, camps and activities.

Cultural and social activities are available as well.

It truly has everything you need. Only complaint: Some of the equipment is ready for repair or replacement IMO.

So this review is for the gym itself and within th...

So this review is for the gym itself and within the gym, the membership department. The actual gym itself isn't bad, but definitely read the rest of the review if you are worried about billing/broken promises/etc.

I had a pretty bad experience here from 2 main issues that were not properly explained to my wife and I at time of opening a membership:

1. The sales representative told us that parking "is never an issue" except for the day that we came in because it was street cleaning (which is on Tuesday). Unfortunately, it takes us 10-15 minutes of driving around the block each time to find parking regardless of day/time. This is extremely inconvenient and results in us not

2. The sales representative also made absolutely no mention of this being an annual membership. Everything was described in monthly payments and any additions or subtractions to our family plan that needed to be made would have been "very simple". When I called in to cancel, the membership assistant told me that it was indeed an annual membership.

I explained that this was new to me and that we felt that the sales rep misled us with the parking comment. They don't have a cancellation fee, however, you do have to pay for all the months of the year until your annual membership is up.

I explained that since that was not the verbal agreement we came to, I would go ahead and dispute all charges from the JCC in the future, but would much rather come to a mutually beneficial agreement where we both walk away. While she did offer a month free at first, the issue was out of convenience, so we were not interested. I know the JCC will probably receive a disputed charge fee on their account, which is unfortunate because they are a community organization and I wish they just never lied in the first place.

Personally i am not a member. My fiancee is a chef...

Personally i am not a member. My fiancee is a chef there. She Loves her job. There are many adult activities, senior programs, day care, kids summer camp and kids activities. Awesome Pool and Gym!

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

4.5