YMCA takes over 2 Proof gyms; High Street Y closes Oct. 30

The YMCA of Central Kentucky now runs Lexington’s two Proof Fitness gyms. The Y said its purchase of Proof Fitness LLC closed Friday, and it took over both locations Saturday.

The deal replaces the High Street YMCA, which closes for good Friday, Oct. 30, after 64 years. The Y’s acquisition update gives the timeline.

The two new YMCAs

• Main Street YMCA (downtown): 230 W. Main St., on the seventh floor. This was Proof’s downtown gym.
• Tates Creek YMCA: 4101 Tates Creek Centre Drive. This was Proof’s Tates Creek Centre gym.

Both keep Proof’s hours for now, the Y said:

The Y said no major renovations are planned at either site.

Key dates

• Saturday, Oct. 17: the Y began running both gyms.
• Oct. 17 to Oct. 30: only current Proof Fitness members may use them, while those members move over to the Y.
• Friday, Oct. 30: the last day at the High Street YMCA, 239 E. High St., open 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 31: YMCA all-access members can start using the two new locations.
• Dec. 1: the first Y payment for former Proof members who transfer, so November is free.

Why the Y did it

The Y first announced the deal in August. “This acquisition helps us address an immediate need, keeping our High Street membership together,” Paula Anderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Kentucky, said at the time. She said it also lets the Y expand into the Tates Creek area.

Steve Byars, chair of the Y’s board, said the board “remains fully committed” to building a new downtown YMCA. He said the investment “provides an important bridge for our High Street members.”

The High Street property is being sold to Tramell Webb Partners Inc., according to the Y’s High Street farewell page. The Y said the sale will be finalized in January 2027. It said the building will be razed and student housing built on the site.

What it means for you

If you are a High Street member: your membership is all-access and carries on after Oct. 30, the Y said. You can use any Y of Central Kentucky location, including the two new ones from Oct. 31. Group exercise classes are moving to the Main Street gym, with current instructors if they choose to go.

If you are a Proof Fitness member: you need to sign a new YMCA membership agreement and set up a new account. The Y said:

• your rate will change, but October dues are already paid and the next payment is not due until Dec. 1
• you will get a new member ID and key fob
• Proof’s annual facility maintenance fee will no longer be charged
• group exercise classes are included in Y membership
• you can choose either new gym as your home Y, and use every other Y location too

Parking downtown: members get two free hours a day in the Lexington Financial Center garage. Bring your license plate number to the seventh-floor front desk on your first visit so staff can validate it. Parking at Tates Creek is unchanged.

Child watch: only the Tates Creek YMCA offers it, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Help with the cost: households earning $55,000 or less can apply for financial assistance, the Y said. It covers 25%, 50% or 75% of monthly membership rates. The Y also accepts Renew Active, Silver&Fit and SilverSneakers.

High Street’s last two weeks

The Y is marking the branch’s closing through October, according to its farewell page:

• a 64-mile run challenge in the wellness center and a 64-lap swim challenge in the pool, all month
• a last basketball tournament in the gym Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24-25
• final classes on Oct. 30, starting with Jump Start at 6 a.m. and Aqua Power at 10:30 a.m.

For other places to stay active, see our guides to parks and trails and walking and biking trails. For parking around the downtown gym, see getting around Lexington.