Thelma Goodwin
Opens in a new window Athens YMCA
Thelma's favorite activity for decades has been going to the Y. Now at 93, Thelma is still socializing and participating in water aerobics and chair aerobics at the Y, volunteering at church and line dancing. Learn Thelma’s tips for staying active, healthy and enjoying a long life. This is her Y. Her camera. Her story.
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At the Y, a supportive community is a big part of wellness. At every age and every level of activity, you’ll find people just like you looking to live a little bit healthier. Members and program participants often cite the support and enthusiasm of fellow participants and staff as some of the key factors in their achievement of greater well-being. One member sums up her favorite class this way: “This is a great program, I’ve learned so much about how to eat healthier and I love the classes. I’m here 3 - 4 times a week now to work out and I love the new me!”
GROUP PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CLASSES
The YMCA is the nation’s largest provider of group exercise classes for all ages, all levels and all interests. From low-impact exercise and chair classes, stretching and strength training, to indoor cycling, water exercise and yoga, you’ll find a group class that’s fun, supportive and keeps you moving.
YMCA Group Exercise Programs
The YMCA Group Exercise Programs include 11 group exercise formats that are professionally designed and tested to deliver a fun and effective social exercise experience for everyone. These programs include highly trained instructors and motivating music to ensure a one of a kind exercise experience that will have you coming back for more.
LEARN ABOUT YMCA GROUP EXERCISE PROGRAMS
Enhance®Fitness
Across the country, a growing number of Y associations offer Enhance®Fitness, an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active throughout their lives.
LEARN ABOUT OUR ENHANCEFITNESS PROGRAM
HEALTHY EATING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (HEPA) STANDARDS
Former first lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) raised the call; the Y answered it. As part of our focus on developing healthy habits in kids, families and our communities, we have committed to adopting standards for healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA) in our early learning and afterschool programs.
LEARN ABOUT OUR HEPA STANDARDS
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Living healthy is about spirit, mind and body at every age and stage. Ys offer classes and programs for those dealing with chronic disease, joint and injury rehabilitation, stress and pregnancy, in addition to health assessments and wellness coaching.
LEARN ABOUT OUR DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM
LEARN ABOUT LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA
National Falls Prevention Awareness Day takes place every September. Join the Y, our partners, older adults, caregivers, families and healthcare professionals across the country in raising awareness of falls prevention. The following risk test will determine if you or someone you know is at risk for falls.
DOWNLOAD OUR FALLS PREVENTION RISK ASSESSMENT Opens a new window
PERSONAL WELLNESS TRAINING
We all need the advice of an expert sometimes, as well as the personal attention that comes with a trainer or coach. Ys offer personal training and coaching to help you set and meet your specific goals in order to live healthier.
WATER ACTIVITIES
What would the Y be without water? Water exercise, adult swim lessons (it’s NEVER too late) and adapted exercise for those with disabilities or in rehabilitation are some of the water-based activities you’ll find at the Y, where we believe if you can do it on land, you can do some version of it in the water!
Safety Around Water
The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program can help you make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely.
