Why The YMCA?

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

02 Jan 2008 08:05 AM

With 2008 fresh upon us, it's important to look at all the fitness options available to you and your family. I know a lot of families, though, that are looking for great fitness options at a great fitness price and it's not always easy to afford the fees at some gyms. (I know one that charges $125 a month for one person, it is closer to $200 for two people and you're looking at $250 to $300 for a family membership.)

So What Do We Do?

I like working out in gyms, but I prefer to work out at home. It's more convenient for me. A gym membership is also an expense that I'd rather avoid if I could. The YMCA can help out families who enjoy the gym atmosphere and are looking for physical outlets for all members of the family from the toddler to the child to the teenager and the adults in the family.

The great thing about the YMCA is that you can get a family membership at a relatively inexpensive price and at least two of the YMCA's in this area have indoor pools, which means you can swim all year long. Does your daughter enjoy softball, art or physical activity? The YMCA has something for everyone, whether it's working out or playing.

Healthy Habits

During this season, one of our local YMCA's is offering a healthy eating habits course for kids and family. It's not just for overweight kids, but for all of them. My daughter's school offers a health class now, twice a week (she's 7) and they emphasize the importance of choosing vegetables over sweets for snacks.

We keep carrots in the drawer of the refrigerator and more and more over the last year, my daughter has been reaching for those instead of the candied nuts, chocolate candies or Halloween treats that are left over. This past holiday season, we elected to just eat the apples rather than cut them up for apple pie.

The YMCA For You and For Me

There's a lot to do at the YMCA including aquatics, arts and humanities, sports, fitness classes, summer camps, winter camps and so much more. Interested in checking out what your local YMCA has to offer? Now would be a great time!

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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