Fitness Centre Policies

The YWCA Health + Fitness Centre strives to provide a safe, clean and enjoyable environment for all.

Please familiarize yourself with our code of conduct, etiquette and operating principles.

Facility Rules

Members must use their membership card to gain access to the facility. Membership cards are not transferrable.
Members and/or guests must be 15 years of age or older to use the facilities.
The YWCA Health + Fitness Centre is a safe space for people of all genders. We respect everyone's right to choose the locker room and workout area that corresponds with their gender identity.
Proper conduct and respectful behaviour is expected. Disrespectful conduct and communication, not limited to harassment, threats or abusive, aggressive, fraudulent, inappropriate or hostile behaviour, will not be tolerated. Failure to comply may result in immediate suspension or loss of membership.
The 3rd floor and locker rooms are unsupervised areas. All member incidents must be reported to Member Services right away. This includes injuries, conflicts and suspicious activity. Dial 5777 on any member phone for immediate assistance.
Call 5555 on any member phone to alert staff emergency responders for major medical situations.
Those who are ill should visit a doctor before using the facility.
Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not permitted in the facility.
Glass containers are not permitted anywhere in the facility.
Photography and video are not permitted without the authorization of YWCA Health + Fitness management.
YWCA Metro Vancouver is not responsible for property left in lockers, on the premises or in the bike lock-up.

Refrain from using or applying perfume, fragrance or scented products while at the facility. This includes applying nail polish/remover, using scented hairspray or other hair products, scented deodorants and body lotions. Refrain from using essential oils in the steam room, pool, or hot tub.

Cell phone use is not permitted in the locker rooms. Due to the camera feature on the phones it is necessary that this rule be strictly enforced.
Cell phones are not permitted in the pool area.
Cell phone use is not permitted during group fitness classes.
Cell phones are permitted on the 3rd floor in the cardio and weight rooms for music and app use. Phone conversations are restricted to the main floor lobby. WiFi is available, please see Member Services for the password.

Clean and appropriate bathing attire is required.
Showers using soap are required before entering the pool, hot tub and steam room. Please remove all face, body and hair products.
Refrain from using essential oils in the steam room, pool, or hot tub.
Those who are ill or have an open wound or sore are prohibited from entering the pool area.
Contaminating or fouling the pool is prohibited.
No running, fighting or any activity that may cause injury.
No shaving, teeth brushing and spitting in the pool area, including the steam room and hot tub.
No outdoor shoes.
No diving.
No loitering.
No pets, only guide animals are permitted.
Personal bags and belongings are not permitted on the pool deck.
All injuries or incidents MUST be reported immediately to the lifeguard.
No cell phones are allowed on deck
Quiet time from 9 - 10 AM weekdays. No music will be playing on deck and hot tub and steam rooms will be shh areas too.
Pool area closes for two weeks for annual maintenance and cleaning. Members are notified in advance.

During YWCA swim programs, a leisure lane is not guaranteed. If the program is full, there will be no leisure lane available, only swimming.
Swim in a lane suited to your capabilities. The lifeguard on duty has the authority to move you to a different lane during your swim for safety reasons as designated lanes may change based on volume (number of swimmers per lane), skill and ability.
Fast, medium and slow lanes are relative to the swimmers in the pool at any given time.
Swim continuous lengths without stopping
Swim in a counter clockwise direction
Passing must be done on the left hand side when safe
Allow the swimmer in front of you a minimum of 5 second lead before following
Stand to the side when resting
Let faster swimmers pass

Consult your physician before using the hot tub and/or steam room, especially if you are pregnant or have heart disease, diabetes, high/low blood pressure and/or are taking medication for cardiovascular or nerve disorders.
Limit each stay to a maximum of 10 minutes and have a cool shower after.
Do not submerge your head in the hot tub.
Do not pour water on or tamper with the steam room sensor.
Refrain from using essential oils in the steam room, pool, or hot tub.
Quiet time from 9 - 10 AM weekdays. No music will be playing on deck and hot tub and steam rooms will be shh areas too.

Personal bags and belongings are not permitted in the fitness area or pool deck. Please bring a quality lock to secure your belongings in a locker. Lock your locker at all times, use the wallet lockers provided or leave your valuables at home.
Lockers are for your use while you’re working out. Please take your belongings when you leave the facility. Locks will be cut off if you are not on the premises.
Attention to personal hygiene is expected.
Towel dry before you leave the shower area to avoid creating slippery floors (towel service is available for a fee at member services). Place used towels in the towel chute.
Our locker rooms welcome gender-diverse individuals as part of our commitment to an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming community. Private change stalls and shower stalls are also available in both locker rooms.
We support everyone's right to use a washroom or locker room aligned with their gender identity. Please trust that every person belongs there.
Minimal attire is required in all open concept shower areas.
Out of courtesy for all users, please use our individual stalls with curtains in the locker rooms to take a private and unclothed shower after your workout.

Clean and proper attire is required, including shirts and running shoes in the weight and cardio rooms.
Personal items and bags are not permitted in the cardio room, weight room and studios.
Replace dumbbells, weight plates and small equipment after use.
Use collars when using the Olympic bars.
Wipe down equipment after use.
Share the machines/work in sets with other members.
Place used towels in the bins provided.

Openness and honesty are the basis of our interactions and relationships.
Communication is frequent and varied, and feedback is constructive and respectful.
Trust and fairness in our approach creates an atmosphere of mutual support.
Diversity of individuals, ideas and opinions is a strength, which supports personal growth and creativity (YWCA Diversity & Inclusion Policy).
Cooperation and teamwork are important in sharing responsibility and recognizing our interdependence.
Recognition is given in appreciation for individual accomplishments.
Excellence is the standard for services and for individual effort.
Leadership and decision making rely on personal initiative to solve problems in consultation with affected individuals.
Conflict resolutions are constructive and welcomed as opportunities leading to better decisions.
Creativity and challenge are encouraged and new approaches and a “can do” attitude guide.