West YMCA

Overview

The West YMCA in Wichita, Kansas, is a full-service community fitness and wellness center operated by the Greater Wichita YMCA. While not exclusively a sauna business, it prominently features a sauna, steam room, and hot tub as key relaxation amenities within its extensive aquatic and wellness facilities. This family-oriented branch emphasizes health, fitness, and community building, offering a welcoming environment for all ages. The overall atmosphere is energetic yet supportive, blending high-energy workouts with restorative spaces like the sauna and steam room for post-exercise recovery. Members enjoy a clean, modern facility with personalized tours available, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation for healthier lifestyles.

Features & Amenities

The West YMCA boasts a wide array of state-of-the-art amenities designed for comprehensive fitness and relaxation:

• Cardio equipment: Extensive selection for cardiovascular workouts.
• Strength equipment: Full range for building muscle and power.
• Gymnasium: Multi-purpose space for sports and activities.
• Indoor family pool: Recreational swimming with features like water slide and mushroom (available during open swim).
• Indoor lap pool: Dedicated lanes for serious swimmers (70 lengths = 1 mile; temperatures 78-81ºF).
• Indoor track: For walking or running indoors.
• Kid Zone: Supervised child care during specified hours.
• Locker rooms: Separate adult, family/special needs, and youth options.
• Racquetball courts: For racket sports enthusiasts.
• Sauna: Dry heat relaxation area for members.
• Steam room: Moist heat therapy space.
• Hot tub: Therapeutic soaking for adults 18+ (closed Fridays 1-3 PM for cleaning).
• Family center: Additional space for group activities.

These amenities support diverse needs, from intense training to leisurely recovery in the sauna and steam room.

Services

A variety of programs and services promote physical, mental, and social well-being:

• Group Exercise Classes: Diverse schedules including yoga, Pilates, bootcamps, and more (view full schedule online).
• Personal Training: Certified trainers specializing in myofascial release, Pilates, SilverSneakers, rehab, and nutrition.
• Swim Lessons: Private, small group, or medium classes for all ages and skill levels; 100 Mile Swim Club for tracking progress.
• Kid Zone Drop-In: Affordable childcare (hours: Mon-Thu 8am-1pm/4-8:30pm, etc.).
• Pickleball: Courts and programs for this popular hybrid sport.
• Aquatics Programs: Lap swimming, open swim, water exercise, and lifeguard drills.
• YMCA360 Virtual Classes: On-demand online fitness options.
• Youth & Family Programs: Sports, events like Team Fit, FAMFEST, YROX Training, and Bowl-A-Thon.
• Open Gym & Pool Schedules: Flexible access during non-class times.

All services are membership-based, with registration available online.

Pricing

• Specific pricing details are not listed on the website.
• Access to all amenities, including sauna, steam room, and hot tub, is included with YMCA membership.
• Programs like swim lessons, personal training, and Kid Zone have separate fees (affordable rates emphasized; inquire for details).
• Guests welcome with day passes (contact branch for rates).

Location & Hours

• Address: 6940 Newell Street, Wichita, KS 67212 (phone: 316-942-2271; Google Maps).

Branch Hours:

• Mon-Thu: 4:30am-10pm
• Fri: 4:30am-9pm
• Sat-Sun: 6:30am-7pm

Kid Zone Hours:

• Mon-Thu: 8am-1pm, 4-8:30pm
• Fri: 8am-1pm, 4-7:30pm
• Sat: 8am-1pm
• Sun: 1-4pm

Notes

• What makes this special: The sauna, steam room, and hot tub stand out as integral to the aquatic recovery experience, complementing pools and fitness areas in a nonprofit, mission-driven YMCA setting focused on community impact rather than profit.
• Family-inclusive with youth programs, special needs accommodations, and events promoting teamwork.
• Experienced staff, including Branch Director Ryan Littlejohn (15+ years management) and certified trainers like Sherry Henderson (40+ years fitness).
• Emphasis on safety (e.g., lifeguard drills) and inclusivity (SilverSneakers, LIVESTRONG for cancer survivors).
• Visit for a personalized tour to explore the facility firsthand.