My parents started taking me to the YMCA when I was a little kid. That’s where my sister and I both learned how to swim, and also where we played competitive sports for six straight years. I loved the soccer and touch football leagues the most while my sister took up tennis and racquet ball. I can imagine why parents love the YMCA so much. The after-school programs are great for kids who get home before their parents get off from work. Often referred to as “latchkey kids,” these children return home to an empty house because they have working parents whose shifts end after school gets out in the early afternoon. Several of my friends were latchkey kids and some of them got into drugs at early ages as a result. Although my parents sent my sister and I to the YMCA for other reasons, we were there with many latchkey kids so that they would have adult supervision until their parents got home from work. I still go to the YMCA to this day because of their prices and their willingness to do month by month gym memberships. Like other certified gyms, they also have certified fitness experts that anyone can consult with. But I have some friends who found other gyms because they wanted more amenities, or better weightlifting equipment. Regardless of where you choose to workout, it’s important to frequent certified gyms opposed to uncertified gyms. The latter could have an unsafe environment due to owners cutting corners and using dodgy equipment. I also like having access to steam rooms and group fitness training classes.