The YMCA, colloquially referred to as " The Y," is an international nonprofit organization that welcomes men, women and children to participate in their programs. The Y’s fitness programs encourage a balanced approach to fitness that includes the body, mind and spirit. The Y offers a healthy families program incorporating sports, recreation and well-being and fitness. Exercise programs at Y locations involve gyms, pools, classes, programs for special populations and daily opportunities for unstructured physical activity.
Aquatic Programs
YMCAs across the country have pools which are used for recreation, physical therapy and exercise. The YMCA Twin Cities’ water exercise program, which is much like similar programs through the country, offers more than 12 different water exercise classes. The exercises appeal to people in need of special classes, such as those with arthritis or other conditions who benefit from the from range-of-motion workouts. Other classes focus on deep water exercises, aerobic workouts, cardiovascular and muscle strengthening. Many of the water exercise classes do not require you to have swimming skills.
Exercise Gyms
YMCA Wellness Centers offer the fitness club experience with exercise machines and equipment, professional fitness staff, and accommodations such as televisions and showers. Many locations provide structured programs within the gym facilities. The David Wellness Center, located at the YMCA of Central Stark County in Ohio, provides cardiovascular machines, free weights, mats and stretching areas and ballet bars. While patrons can use the equipment 17 hours a day, the Center also offers structured exercise programs that include orientation, youth clinics, individual training and small group classes.
Youth Programs
YMCA locations offer fitness and exercise programs for youth of all ages. Some even offer programs for children that need to lose weight, and many Ys have a separate exercise center for youth. The YouthFitness Center at the Olean Family YMCA in New York has cardiovascular and strength machines designed for children in the third to eighth grades. The Greater Wichita YMCA has several exercise and fitness programs for youth, including a Fun Fit exercise class for youth 6 to 12 years old, group exercise classes for youth 8 to 15 years old, and sports-performance programs.
Group Exercise Classes
The YMCA offers a range of group exercise classes that include the familiar standards as well as aerobic exercise classes that combine music with dance. The Colony YMCA in Massachusetts offers 14 different group classes, including Pilates, Zumba, kickboxing, yoga, running and conditioning, stationary biking classes, and classes using barbells and other equipment. Y locations offer different classes, but with several locations in most large cities it is possible to find a class that meets your needs.
Tips
The YMCA's national office has a Y locator on its website. YMCAs have professional trainers and other fitness professionals on staff who provide fitness assessments and help design personal exercise programs.
Member Comments