Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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Discovering Peace of Mind with the Help of the Y’s Meditation and Yoga Programs

Meditation and Yoga Programs

Every now and then, we all need a moment to ourselves.  Whether it’s a breath of fresh air or taking time to gather our thoughts, we all need to hit the reset button occasionally.  A great way to achieve mental balance and wellness is through meditation.  Often times, the practice of mediation is paired with physical fitness elements such as yoga and Pilates.  Some benefits of meditation include improved blood circulation, less anxiety and lower blood pressure, among many others.

The YMCA offers many free group exercise classes, including yoga, Pilates, and several mind and body healing classes, which are available to our members year-round.  YMCA Facility Members also enjoy access to four wellness centers and fitness studios, all fully programmed with fitness programs for the entire family.

If you’re looking to refresh your current exercise routine or looking to simply clear your mind from the hustle and bustle of your day, you may want to check out these relaxing fitness classes at the Y:

Mind and Body Healing

C.W. Avery Family YMCA-Plainfield

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA, located in downtown Plainfield, offers many free group fitness classes, which can help to calm the mind.  Of these many free classes, Mind and Body Healing is great for those looking to add meditation to their workout routines.  Mind and Body Healing combines the practices of yoga and meditation.  This class is free for YMCA Facility Members and is held on Tuesday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Kids Yoga *NEW!*

C.W. Avery Family YMCA-Plainfield

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is now offering a free Kids Yoga class. Children, ages 8-12, can unwind during this new kids-only group fitness program.  Kids Yoga is offered on Fridays from 5-5:30 p.m.

Vinyasa Yoga

Galowich Family YMCA-Joliet

If you’re looking for a physically-active yoga class, give our Vinyasa Yoga class a try at the Galowich Family YMCA, located at 749 Houbolt Road.  Vinyasa Yoga focuses on the coordination of breath and movement.  This class is free for YMCA Facility Members and is offered on Mondays from 6:05-6:50 p.m.

Hatha Yoga

Morris Community YMCA

Center your mind and body during Hatha Yoga class at the Morris Community YMCA, located in downtown Morris.  Hatha Yoga includes challenging postures, breathing exercises and meditation. This class will help to improve your strength, flexibility, mental clarity and overall well-being.  YMCA Facility Members are invited to attend this free class on Saturday mornings from 7-7:50 a.m.

Yoga

Smith Family YMCA-Joliet

Join us for a traditional yoga class at the Smith Family YMCA, located at 1350 S. Briggs Street.  This yoga class uses movement and breath together while focusing on stretching and relaxation.  This class is free for YMCA Facility Members and is offered on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10-11 a.m.

To learn more about these stress-free fitness classes or other fitness opportunities, be sure to speak with your local Y’s Health and Wellness Director or check out our group fitness schedule online.   You can also subscribe to your branch’s online schedule to access, view and set reminders for your favorite free group fitness classes.  To subscribe, visit your branch’s schedule page and hit the subscribe button at the top.

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Helping You Live Better: Heart-Healthy Foods Your Diet Needs

February is American Heart Month, which raises awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of deaths among men and women across the United States.  In honor of American Heart Month, consider embracing a heart-healthy diet, which will help to lower your risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

If you’re looking to include healthier foods in your family’s diet, you may want to consider adding some of these items to your shopping list:

Avocados

Did you know avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats?  These fats are especially important as they are known to reduce levels of cholesterol.

Berries

If you enjoy strawberries, blackberries or blueberries, we’ve got great news! Berries are packed with heart-healthy nutrients.  It’s said that eating plenty of berries can reduce your risk for heart disease.

Whole Grains

Foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, are a great option to reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol.  Common types of whole grains include quinoa, brown rice, oats, barley and many more.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens all have something in common, besides their green color.  These vitamin-packed vegetables all provide a great source of vitamin K.  Vitamin K helps to protect your arteries and promotes proper blood clotting.

Beans

As a child, you may have heard your parents tell you that beans are good for your heart.  And, they were right!  Beans are good for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Walnuts

If you’re looking for a source of fiber and micronutrients, you may want to give walnuts a try!  Studies show that adding walnuts to your diet can help to protect against heart disease.

Dark Chocolate

If you have left-over Valentine’s Day candy, it may come in handy!   Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which is great for your heart’s health.

Tip: Be sure to get dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70 percent.  And, make sure to not overindulge.

Garlic

There are many health benefits to eating garlic.  Known as a health-enhancing supplement, garlic promotes the well-being of the heart and helps to maintain healthy blood circulation.

If you have questions about your nutrition or if you’re looking to make modifications to your diet, be sure to speak with a member of our Wellness Team during your next visit.  To learn more about these foods and other heart-healthy nutrients, head over to the full article, courtesy of Healthline.com

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Member Appreciation Swipe-In Challenge: February 14-28

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we want to show some love to our members. From February 14-28, we’ll be keeping track of how many times you swipe-in at the Y. If you finish in the Top 50, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a YMCA sweatshirt! The more you visit the Y, the better your chances of winning!

Five winners will be selected. No registration necessary.

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Safety Tips for Extreme Cold Weather

Bitter-cold temperatures are heading our way, following a snowy start to the week. With dangerously-cold wind chill values, we encourage you to stay safe indoors.  However, if you or your family must venture outdoors during the cold weather, here are some safety tips you may want to consider before heading out.

Watch for Frostbite

With wind chills potentially dropping to 35 to 50 degrees below zero, depending on your location, be sure to watch for frostbite. Frostbite can happen in just a few minutes and is especially susceptible on your fingers, toes, nose and ears.

Indicators of frostbite:

  • First degree: Ice crystals forming on your skin.
  • Second degree: Skin begins to feel warm even though it is not yet defrosted.
  • Third degree: Skin turns red, pale or white.
  • Fourth degree: Pain lasts for more than a few hours and skin may turn dark blue or black.

If you think you have frostbite, move indoors to a heated location and begin to warm the affected area using warm water or body heat.  Do not use hot water.  For severe frostbite, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Beware of Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 96 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is a serious health condition and you should seek medical attention immediately.  You have a greater chance of developing hypothermia if you are outdoors for an excessive amount of time and if you’re not dressed properly for the weather.

Tips for reducing your risk of hypothermia:

  • Dress in layers
  • Avoid breezes and drafts when indoors
  • Wear a hat and warm boots
  • Eat hot foods and drink warm drinks several times a day

If you find yourself feeling cold, sluggish or have trouble thinking clearly, see your doctor immediately or visit your local emergency room.  And, if you know someone who lives alone, be sure to check on them during cold, winter days.

To learn more about staying safe and healthy during cold weather, check out this great article from the CDC.

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January Wellness Challenge Now Underway

Throughout the month of January, Y members who sign up for a complimentary fitness consultation, Wellness Center orientation or FitStart appointment will be entered into a drawing to win a ‘New Year, New You’ package that includes a free fitness assessment, a metabolic screening and a 30-minute personal training session.

One winner will be randomly selected at the end of the month.

Get started by visiting the Membership Desk at your YMCA!

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January Membership Sale


Join the Y by February 4 and pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee—a savings of up to $120! 

Achieving greater health and well-being is all about taking small steps. Take your first one by joining the YMCA!

Current YMCA members who refer a friend to the Y can earn a FREE month of membership! To learn more, visit the YMCA Membership Desk.

Join Online

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:

Access to Four Branches
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s four YMCA locations, including:

  • Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center, all fully programmed with activities for the entire family, including family swim time, swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs and lap lane access.
  • Four wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
  • Free fitness orientations and daily group exercise classes (programs vary by location).

Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swimming lessons, sports programs and personal training, among a slew of other options.

Child Care
If you have a Family Membership, you can drop your child(ren) off at our supervised playroom while you exercise.

So Much More
A complete list of member benefits can be found here.

FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL 60431

Morris Community YMCA
320 Wauponsee St, Morris, IL 60450

Smith Family YMCA
1350 S Briggs St, Joliet, IL 60433

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