AMHERST, N.S. – Turning the calendar to a New Year often gets people thinking about healthier living, and the Cumberland YMCA has a program designed just for them.
The facility is once again offering its healthy living challenge, a 12-week program starting on Jan. 8.
“I don’t necessarily believe in the whole ‘new year, new you’ thing, but people are feeling after the holidays is time for a fresh start,” said Laura Farrow, fitness coordinator. “It’s also time for us to try to do programming that will entice new members to join as well. We want to get people in the facility and start moving.”
The YMCA offers a full range of its programs and equipment during the program – facility access, group fitness access, personal training, nutrition sessions and more.
“The cool thing about the Y is there really is something for everyone,” she said. “It’s community and it’s family. There’ the pool, the cardio space, the gymnasium, the weight room, and group fitness opens up a whole new world.
“There’s a lot to offer and I feel sometimes people are just a bit intimidated and not sure where to start,” she continued. “This program will help them.”
A registration/information session is planned for the YMCA at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4. From there, appointments will be set up with each participant, who will be aligned with a personal trainer/coach.
Participants will be separated into teams, with each team working with a different coach. Typically, there are three teams with 25-30 people on each.
Bi-weekly weigh-ins will be optional, according to Farrow, who said the challenge is more about sustaining a healthier lifestyle.
“Everyone has a different goal,” she said. “Some may just want to be healthier and be active, more mobile if they are not already. Some may want to lose a little weight, some may want to gain weight, and some may want to gain muscle. There are so many different options.”
The program will run until April 3.
For more information, contact the Cumberland YMCA health and fitness department at 902-667-9112 or email [email protected].
