New Year, New You at the South Sound YMCA

south sound ymca membership
A Mixxedfit class grooving through a group workout at the Downtown Olympia branch of the South Sound YMCA.
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south sound ymca membership
A Mixxedfit class grooving through a group workout at the Downtown Olympia branch of the South Sound YMCA.

Ok folks, it’s that time of year again: New Year’s Resolutions are upon us. The top 5 resolutions of 2014 echo a theme we can all relate to:

  1. Lose weight.
  2. Get organized.
  3. Spend less, save more.
  4. Enjoy life to the fullest.
  5. Stay fit and healthy.

While more than 50% of Americans make some sort of resolution every year, sticking with it is often difficult. During week 1, 75% of us succeed. By the end of the first month, however, that number drops to 64%. After six months, it’s only 46%.

Locally the branches of the South Sound YMCA strive to make your resolutions easy to begin, maintain, and conquer. They offer classes catering to all ages, ability levels, and interests and—for the month of January only—you can sign up with no joining fee.

Y Membership Director Kat Parks explains that this promotion is popular every year, and results in many new enrollees. Once joined, Y members are granted full access to both of the Downtown and Briggs locations, a multitude of group classes, and their many fitness center, swimming, and on-site equipment options. As a member, fee-based programs are discounted as well.

Because the Y offers so many varied class offerings, it’s easy to find the right fit for you. The majority of classes are provided on an ongoing, continual basis with no specific start date. Instructors cater to all activity and skill levels so novices and pros learn side-by-side. Parks stresses that anyone can “participate at your own level of fitness” though she does suggest that newer students arrive early to properly set up beforehand.

south sound ymca
Members at the Briggs branch of the South Sound YMCA enjoy multitasking while they exercise.

Joining the Y may be easier than you thought, many local businesses and health plans offer discounts to their employees or subscribers. The Y also provides income-based scholarships because “we want everybody to feel they can participate in the Y regardless of their ability to pay” says Parks. To check if you’re eligible for a reduced or free membership, call the offices at 360-753-6576.

Already a member? Consider telling your friends about the January promotion and earn referral credit towards programs or merchandise. The Member Get A Member plan is simple and guarantees a workout buddy on the journey. Forbes magazine says that “the social atmosphere and firm time commitment make joining a group a winning strategy for nearly any resolution. Can’t find a group that fits your needs? Why not poll your friends and see if anyone is interested in starting one with you?”

If pressed—figuratively and literally—most of us could stand to lose a few pounds. The benefits of exercise are a proven way to beat the winter blues and burn off that bittersweet holiday excess. For more than 120 years, the South Sound YMCA has been a welcoming hub of community, health, and support. As they explain, “Our mission is to provide youth and our community an affordable and accessible resource for the positive development of spirit, mind, and body through recreational, health, and leadership programs. Our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child, and when a community comes together for the common good.”

According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology’s study, “people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions.” With that in mind, it’s time to become a success story in partnership with the amazing staff of the South Sound YMCA.

Don’t wait, cross off all 5 of those resolutions while their January membership drive is going strong.

Downtown Olympia branch – 360-357-6609

Briggs branch – 360-753-6576

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