Flemington Online Announcements

Get fit with new programs at the Hunterdon County YMCA

January 06, 2012

The Winter Session of classes at the Hunterdon County YMCA begins on Jan. 9 and will run through Feb. 26. Open registration begins on Dec. 11. A wide variety of classes and programs have been added for the Winter Session.

• Beginning in January, the Hunterdon County YMCA will offer Group Core, a 30-minute group exercise class. Benefits include a strong core, improved athletic performance, and prevention of back pain. Participants use their body weight, weight plates, a towel and a platform.

• Also new at the Y for 2012 is Tai Chi (Taiji-Quam Style). Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system of exercise created for the purpose of achieving a healthy balance between spirit, mind and body. Benefits include improved health, memory, and ability to focus, stress reduction, self-control and artistic expression.

• LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a new twelve-week program for cancer survivors. Participants increase strength and endurance with certified LIVESTRONG instructors. There is no cost for this program and it is open to members and non-members.

• For those at high risk for type 2 diabetes, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle that will help reduce the chances of developing diabetes. In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach will help facilitate a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help maintain progress.

• The YMCA has teamed up the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (Dept. of Homeland Security) to provide a hands-on course, called Paddle Sports America. Classroom and pool components will cover boating safety, boating rules of the road, water rescue and more. Presented by a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Officer and an experienced YMCA boating instructor. Course fee includes pool time, books and handouts. Parents are encouraged to participate with the children. Scout Groups welcome.

• For the home schooled child, the Y will offer Home School Physical Education program on Tuesdays from 1 - 3 p.m. The PE program includes one hour of sports, games and basic physical education exercises. Participants will also have one hour of free swim.

• YMCA instructor Miss Terri will lead a new class for children ages four to six called Rockin in the USA. Each week children will “visit” a different state and learn new games, sports and activities specific to each state. This class will be offered at both the Deer Path and Round Valley Branches.

• A Triathlon Training Program will begin in February.

• The Y will host a Valentines Party and Open House on Feb. 12 from 2 to 4 pm at the Deer Path Branch. This free event, which is open to the entire community, will feature a moon bounce, open swimming, and an appearance from NJ 101.5 FM.

For more information, or to view the Winter Program Guide online, visit hcymca.org.

Source: Hunterdon County Democrat