
Wellness Spa
The Winder Barrow Brad Akins YMCA is a branch of the YMCA of Georgia's Piedmont, offering membership access to wellness center with cardio and strength-training equipment, indoor pool, group exercise classes including cycling and aqua therapy, childcare, after-school programs, youth sports camps, swim lessons, tumbling/cheer classes, and community events. Committed to Christian principles, healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. Financial assistance available. Hours: Mon-Fri 5AM-9PM, Sat 8AM-5PM, Sun 1PM-5PM. Indoor pool hours: Mon-Fri 5AM-8:30PM, Sat 8AM-4:30PM, Sun 1PM-4:30PM.

Gym Sauna
Overview Facility Type: The YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont operates multi-purpose fitness and community centers, including the Brad Akins Branch in Winder, GA, with branches also in Monroe, Hartwell, and others serving Northeast Georgia. These are comprehensive wellness facilities featuring an indoor sauna as part of the wellness and recovery amenities, alongside pools, gyms, and group fitness areas. Overall Atmosphere and Experience: Family-friendly, Christian-principles-based environment emphasizing healthy spirit, mind, and body. Welcoming for all ages, races, faiths, and socio-economic statuses, with a focus on community, safety, and inclusivity. Clean, well-maintained spaces promote physical activity, personal development, and social responsibility in a non-intimidating, supportive setting. Features & Amenities Sauna: Available for users 18 years and older; follow posted rules for safe use as part of post-workout recovery. Aquatics: Indoor and outdoor pools with dedicated hours (e.g., Mon-Fri 5AM-8:30PM); lap lanes, family swim areas, swim tests (green/yellow/red wristbands), and lifeguard supervision. Fitness Center (Wellness Center): Cardio machines, free weights, group exercise studios, spin room; ages 13+ full access, 10-12 with parent supervision. Gymnasium: Full-court basketball, open gym times; proper athletic shoes required. Other Amenities: Tennis/pickleball courts, paved walking trail (sunrise-sunset), locker rentals ($10/month or $100/year), Child Watch/Activity Center (complimentary for members), family restrooms. Accessibility: Handicapped accessible, special assistance available; nationwide and Georgia reciprocal membership access. Services Memberships: Various types including Youth/Teen, Adult, Family options, Active Older Adult (AOA), Silver Sneakers/Renew Active; financial assistance available. Group Fitness: Classes like Group Cycling, Aqua Therapy, Aqua Zumba, Group Power; monthly schedules; all levels welcome. Aquatics Programs: Swim lessons (USA Swimming partner), competitive swim teams (Barracudas), family events like Aqua Luau. Childcare & Youth: After-school care, Child Watch (up to 2 hrs/day), S.T.E.A.M. programs (e.g., filmmaking classes), sports. Wellness & Seniors: Fitness orientations, health screenings, AOA events (Bingo, day trips), personal training (approved only). Additional: Nationwide membership, guest passes ($10-15), volunteer opportunities, annual campaign for scholarships. Pricing Brad Akins Branch Monthly Rates (prorated joining; fees non-refundable): | Membership Type | Monthly Rate | Joining Fee | |----------------------------------|--------------|-------------| | Youth/Teen (3 mo.-18 yrs) | $38 | None | | One Adult (19-64) | $57 | $60 | | One Adult + Dependents | $62 | $80 | | Two Adults | $69 | $80 | | Two Adults + Dependents | $75 | $80 | | AOA (65+) | $45 | $60 | | AOA Couple | $59 | $80 | | Additional Adult | $27 | N/A | Guest fees: $15/adult, $10/youth; limits apply. Programs: Vary (e.g., filmmaking $50 members/$70 non-members); scholarships for incomes < $50K. Location & Hours Key Location: Brad Akins Branch, 50 Brad Akins Drive, Winder, GA 30680 (phone: 770-868-2917). Other Branches: Monroe (Walton County), Hartwell (Bell Family), serving Barrow, Walton, Hart, Franklin, Jackson, Elbert counties. Hours (Brad Akins): Mon-Fri: 5:00AM – 9:00PM Sat: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Sun: 1:00PM – 5:00PM Indoor Pool: Slightly earlier close (e.g., Mon-Fri to 8:30PM). Holidays adjusted/closed. Notes What Makes This Special: Not-for-profit since 1996, serving 15,000+ annually with Christian core values (Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Faith). Sauna integrated into family wellness ecosystem with strict safety (18+ only, no phones in lockers). Emphasis on accessibility via scholarships ($150K+ annual campaign), reciprocal access across Georgia YMCAs, and community partnerships (e.g., USA Swimming, NGHS). Family-oriented policies (e.g., swim tests, dress codes) ensure safe, inclusive experience distinguishing it from commercial gyms.