Durban is the largest city of the vast and varied KwaZulu-Natal province on the east coast of South Africa. It is a melting pot of African, European and Asian influences, which have led to a myriad of styles in the city. Durban is the third most populous city in South Africa with a population of more than 3 million. Black Africans account for 68% of the population, followed by Asians or Indians at 19% and Whites at almost 9%. More than half of Durban residents speak Zulu at home and 30% speak English.
      Metropolitan Durban has a large and diversified economy with strong manufacturing, tourism, transportation, finance and government sectors. Its coastal location along the Indian Ocean and large port give it comparative advantage over many other centers in South Africa. Durban's mild climate, warm marine current and culturally diverse population also makes it attractive to tourists. Today Durban is South Africa's busiest port and beach resort.

The YMCA of Durban
     The Durban YMCA has served the city since 1905, when the first residence building was opened. The YMCA has two main locations, one being a residence building and community activity center, and the other a gymnastics club.
     The Durban YMCA touches the lives of more than 5,000 young people each year with programs that include the "Y-Zone" kids activity program, a life-skills training course which runs in a variety of locations around the city, HIV/AIDS education, youth advocacy, soccer and gymnastics clubs, and a computer center. The life-skills courses are offered to all teens and youth, including young people in trouble with the law. The program aims to positively influence the life choices young people make, to equip them for the workplace and to boost their confidence. The age-appropriate courses are taught by YMCA volunteers and staff members who frequently go out into schools and other locations around Durban. The course for high-school aged youth is offered at three high schools and aims to empower disadvantaged youth and encourage emerging leaders. Courses for youth who are not in school and are unemployed aim to build skills, encourage youth entrepreneurship, and assist in employment. ▼

To learn more about YMCA work around the world, visit www.ymca.net/worldservice.

As the weather improves, you'll want to spend more and more time out of doors, and you can get plenty of aerobic exercise doing so. But don't forget your strength training! Regardless of age or build, strength training-exercise that uses resistance like weights or bands to build and condition muscles-is important for your health and quality and of life.
    Muscles function on a "use it or lose it" system. Muscles that aren't engaged regularly begin to atrophy and weaken, especially as we age. Weight lifting and/or resistance work helps develop and maintain strong bones, control weight, boost metabolism, reduce injuries and ease symptoms associated with chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes and depression.
    Many YMCAs offer beginning weight-lifting or other strength-training classes. Or ask for a tour or tutorial on some of the weight and strength-training equipment. Like all exercise, you want to start small and build. You don't need to enter a weight-lifting competition, just make sure those muscles get the attention they deserve to keep your body operating at a high level.