| When thinking about joining a health club has you | | | | machines are state of the art and the strength training |
| searching for the best prices, the best programs, and | | | | equipment is top notch. Some Y's even have steam |
| the convenience of location, you need look no further | | | | rooms and saunas. |
| than your local YMCA. Not what you had in mind? | | | | Staying competitive in today's fitness market is in |
| Look again. The hottest, newest trends in group | | | | everybody's best interest. That is not to say that you |
| exercise classes and training can be found at the | | | | can't find the Y's famous swimming classes and |
| YMCA. | | | | no-fuss approach to fitness. The core of any |
| The YMCA has a strong history of nonprofit | | | | programming is in the ability to offer what the |
| community service. Originally created to alleviate dismal | | | | surrounding community needs and wants. A YMCA |
| social conditions in post-industrial revolution England, the | | | | that is located in a bustling downtown city may offer |
| YMCA founded its beliefs on providing a safe haven | | | | very different programming than a YMCA in a small |
| for young Christian men. The first YMCA clubs had | | | | town. YMCA's build their programs based on |
| bible study and group prayer to offer an alternative to | | | | community needs. |
| life on the streets. | | | | Maybe you are looking for a lower cost membership |
| Today, people of all ages, religions, races and | | | | than the big health clubs offer. Some YMCA's have |
| backgrounds are welcome at the YMCA in facilities all | | | | similar plans as the chain clubs with annual membership |
| over the world. But this is not your dad's YMCA. Times | | | | fees and monthly dues. Though considerably less than |
| have changed. | | | | some big clubs, it still may be more than you can pay. |
| The Y still has all the great programs that you would | | | | The YMCA now has a program called Membership |
| come to expect like low cost child-care, teen | | | | For All. Members of a community may not take |
| enrichment, reading programs and swim lessons. | | | | advantage of what the Y has to offer simply because |
| Racquetball and volleyball, both developed and created | | | | they cannot afford it. Membership For All works on a |
| by the YMCA, are still popular. These proven | | | | sliding scale basis using your tax returns as the basis |
| programs will always have a place on a YMCA's | | | | for membership fees. All who want can be members |
| schedule. But what you may not know is how much | | | | of their local YMCA and enjoy all the benefits of |
| the Y's fitness facilities have changed. | | | | membership. |
| Though amenities differ from city to city, the newer | | | | Next time you are shopping around for a new health |
| YMCA's are light-filled health facilities with open floor | | | | club membership, don't ask yourself "why the Y?" |
| plans and brand new locker rooms. Like any big chain | | | | Instead, say why not the Y! With great exercise |
| health clubs, the YMCA's programs now include some | | | | machines, exciting group class schedules, and all the |
| of the best fitness has to offer. Spinning classes, | | | | community outreach programs the YMCA is famous |
| personal training, Yoga and Pilates are found at most | | | | for, why look anywhere else. |
| Y's as are body pump and aerobics classes. Cardio | | | | |