Why the Y?

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Kelli Robinson

Kelli Robinson is a freelance writer who lives in Mooresville and has been contributing to Lake Norman Magazine since 2009. She juggles family and writing with humor and lots of chocolate, and enjoys experiencing all the Lake Norman area has to offer.

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions for 2012? If you’re like many people, exercising tops the list. It’s no coincidence that fitness clubs and gyms overflow with new members this month.

The Lake Norman area has an abundance of fitness clubs to choose from. If you’re shopping around for some options, be sure to check out the YMCA branches in Cornelius and Mooresville. How fortunate to have two locations in our own backyard!

Why the Y? Both the Lake Norman branch in Cornelius and the Lowe’s YMCA in Mooresville offer state-of-the art fitness equipment. Group classes include Pilates, cycle, cardio and much more. If a sports league is more your style, check out the volleyball (Lowe’s YMCA) and basketball (Lowe’s and Lake Norman) opportunities. Softball surfaces in the spring and summer. Take a swim in the lap pool or try one of the water fitness classes.

Perhaps you’ve listed “getting fit” on your resolution list but don’t know where to begin. A YMCA membership includes the option to have a health consult. It’s the chance to meet with a health and wellness expert and discuss strategies for achieving your healthy lifestyle goals. Steps might include consulting a personal trainer or meeting with a dietician – again all under one roof.

What’s cool about the Y is their no-pressure approach. First the new My Y Pricing Program determines your monthly membership dues based on annual household income and number of members (adults and kids). Second, there’s no joining fee. Third, you can cancel your membership at any time (with a 15-day notification). Gone are the days of required yearly memberships and cancellation fees.

Growing up, I recall that the YMCA was the place for kids to take swimming lessons. And this is still true – their swim lesson program is top-notch. But if you haven’t checked out the Y lately, make it your New Year’s resolution. Doing so might compliment the exercise resolution quite nicely!

When you’re evaluating any gym or fitness club, keep the following checklist in mind:

Hours of operation: Are the facility’s hours conducive with your schedule?

Distance from home or work: Consider a health club close to the office if most of your workouts will cater to your work schedule. Conversely, if you plan to use the facility on the weekend or on your way to and from work, a club closer to home is better suited.

Equipment: What type of equipment is available and is there enough of each? Is the equipment in good shape?

Classes (variety and schedule): What exercise classes are offered? Are multiple times offered? Are classes available to suit different workout interests and needs?

Staff: What qualifications do staff members have?

Child-care options: What hours is child care offered? What is the age limit for the child-care facility? Are caregivers trained in CPR and First Aid?

Kid programs: If your club membership is going to be a family affair, what programming is available for all family members?

Options for older children: Is child care available for kids not quite old enough to stay at home alone?

Want to go?

Lowe’s YMCA: 170 Joe V. Knox Ave., Mooresville; 704-716-4000

Lake Norman YMCA: 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius; 704-716-4400

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