16 Hamburg Journal www.hamburgjournal.com
January 2014
NEW YEAR
NEW YOU YMCA offers tips to jump-start resolutions; Hamburg facility is a priority
BY JOHN WHITLOCK
It’s that time of the year again, time to pull out the running shoes and yoga pants, toss out the processed, sugar-filled foods from our cabinets, kiss that last mocha milkshake goodbye and swear this will be a new year and a brand new you. If past resolutions have been reduced to buckets of excuses, don’t let yesterday get you down. Today is a new day. Today there can be new you. “Growing up I was always athletic and played several sports,” local YMCA member Donna Patton said in a testimonial about her experience at the YMCA. “As years passed, our family grew and so did my body. There was never enough time for me, and the gym was so intimidating. I could always find an excuse.” Patton joined the YMCA’s Get Fit pro-
gram to kick-start her road to success and credited the group for giving her confidence in her “natural physical abilities.” “One day, I saw the description for Fit Club in the Y brochure and thought it was time to step out of my comfort zone. I am so glad that I did,” she said. “Not only did I enjoy the group exercise but our team became my friends. We laugh together and encourage each other as well as hold each other accountable. Our trainer adapted the exercises to accommodate all fitness levels. Fit Club has sparked my interest to try other classes the Y offers such as cycling, TRX and reformer pilates. I am grateful to have made the choice three years ago to start making time for me. It has changed my life as well as my family’s. We are all living a healthier lifestyle today.” Julie Balog, vice president of marketing and communications for YMCA of Central
Kentucky, said good health needs to be the goal. “At the Y, it isn’t just about losing weight for our health seekers,” Balog said. “It is about giving them a community where they feel welcome, where they can thrive and where they adapt healthy habits that last a lifetime.” YMCA Central Kentucky currently has three full-facility locations in Lexington: Beaumont Centre Family YMCA, High Street YMCA and North Lexington YMCA. Balog said building a Y facility in Hamburg is a strategic priority. “For the time being, we are offering classes, such as zumba, ripped and kickboxing at Athens Chilesburg Elementary on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m.,” she said. “The classes are free to citywide members or $3 per person per class for non-citywide members. You can
purchase eight classes for $20.” A Hamburg location seems imminent considering the growth of the Central Kentucky YMCA . “Each year, we serve about 68,000 people through our programs and services ranging from fitness classes to after-school programs to youth sports programs. We have nearly 30,000 active members currently,” Balog said. “Each year, we do see an increase in membership enrollment which is exciting. Lexington, central Kentucky, is a wonderful place for someone who is seeking an active, healthy lifestyle, and the Y offers a variety of programs and services to meet those needs. We are a comfortable environment for health seekers who wish to adapt to a healthier lifestyle while also offering a strong array of programs and classes that appeal to the already fit.”