The Hamilton Area YMCA turns 65 years old this year, but the organization is more “with it” than ever thanks to a series of upgrades and program improvements that have enhanced the experience of the organization’s 14,000 members and solidified the Y’s role as a leader in building a healthier community.
New equipment, new classes, and new services are all a part of the organization’s multi-phase plan that will wrap up by the end of 2016. The first phase began with new equipment and a revamp of the organization’s Wellness Center. The Y invested in new workout systems like Life Fitness’s Synrgy360 small-group training system and new free weights, stretching mats, and Smith Machines. Existing equipment was re-arranged to maximize space and make the center more user-friendly.
Aside from bringing the Wellness Center into the 21st century, these equipment upgrades had another positive effect for Y members: more opportunities for small group training classes like TRX (Total Resistance Exercise), circuit training, and HIIT (high intensity interval training). These classes combine the camaraderie of a group exercise class with the one-on-one attention that comes with Personal Training. In fact, the Y’s team of Certified Personal Trainers are particularly excited about the potential to better serve their clients since the upgrades began.
“The Y has always been a great place to get healthy,” said Director of Healthy Living Bethann Wittig. “Now, with all the new benefits we can offer, our members have even more reason to be excited about being a part of the YMCA community.”
But the changes to the Y weren’t limited to just the Wellness Center! Group Exercise fanatics will be excited about the latest addition to the Y’s schedule: LesMills BODYPUMP. This class combines light weights and high-energy music to leave participants feeling lean, toned, and ready for more!
Recognizing that many members were looking for programs that provide a more holistic view of wellness, the Y partnered with Body Project Lifestyle and Fitness of Robbinsville. Through this partnership, Body Project Founder Lindsay Vastola, brought her signature program – The 8 Week Body Project – to our female members who are looking to make lasting change in their lives. So far, two sessions are complete, with a third session currently in progress.
One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the Y’s reputation as a great place for people looking to make a change. Walking into a traditional gym can be intimidating for someone who has never exercised before. But as generations of families in our community know – everyone is welcome at the Y! The Y has special programs for new members like Y:60 and FitStart that provide the step-by-step guidance and support that all new members need in order to adopt a new, healthier lifestyle.
Since 1951, the Hamilton Area YMCA has helped to keep our community healthy and strong. If you would like to learn more about how you can “Get With It” at the Y, contact Bethann Wittig at bwittig@hamiltonymca.org or 609-581-9622 ext. 104.
