Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
5 surprising reasons the YMCA is about to become your new favorite place to work out
Reading time: 4 minutes
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If you want to get fit, meet great people and be part of a community, you need to check out the YMCA. We recently went to the Hoover Y to peek into some classes and talk to instructors, and the place was hopping. Keep reading to find out who we met and what we learned about this fantastic gym—and so much more.
Know before you go to one of the YMCA’s 7 locations
If you haven’t been in a Y since swim lessons when you were a little kid, it’s time to give it another look.
Not only does the YMCA have fitness classes every day of the week, but it also offers family programming (including after-school care) and a year-round pool at each of its seven locations in the Greater Birmingham Area.
Check out what makes the YMCA great + follow them on Instagram to take advantage of their current promotion for Bham Now readers. Sign up with code BHAMNOW by February 29 to waive the $99 activation fee.
1. Y Small Group Training (YGT)
YGT is a free—with membership—45-minute twice-a-week small group training program that takes place each month.
Workouts are equipment-based, high energy and include cardio, strength and interval formats adaptable to all fitness levels.
Instructor Julia Phillips teaches YGT, an indoor cycling class called “Y Ride” and “Crank and Plank”—which combines cycling with functional core work.
“One of the great things about the Y is the welcoming atmosphere. There’s never a pretentious attitude of ‘this person is more fit than that person’ and there’s not a competition on the weight floor.
Julia Phillips, Fitness Instructor, YMCA
I love how people of all ages are able to move and get stronger—my YGT classes include people from 21 years old to in their 70s.”
One of the other things Phillips loves—particularly about the YGT classes—is the community that builds around them, with people hanging out outside of class or getting together for barbecues and Christmas parties.
“The people here want to get to know you and that keeps me coming back.”
Julia Phillips, Fitness Instructor, YMCA
2. Barre, Yoga + Pilates at the YMCA
Whether yoga, barre or Pilates is your favorite, you’ll find plenty of regularly-scheduled classes at the YMCA.
And if you’ve never tried them before, the instructors and students will help you get up to speed in no time.
3. Cycling
Robyn Boatman has been teaching fitness for 31 years, and brings her high-energy teaching to everything from cycling to Zumba.
“I love the variety. Whatever mood you’re in, you can do that thing, whether it’s getting in the water, dancing, basketball or pickleball.
We allow you to get more bang for your buck and have your kids, teens or youth doing something worthwhile at the same time.”
Robyn Boatman, Group Exercise Coordinator, Hoover YMCA
4. Child Watch + other family programs
Joy Mann serves as the Hoover Y’s Family Life Director, and has been working with young people and their families since 2015.
“I came to the Y over 25 years ago as a young mom. I was seeking somewhere I could belong, build relationships and have an outlet with others who had common goals.
At first it was a struggle with my daughter, but I teach parents not to give up even if you have to come in 15 minutes at a time.
Eventually the kids will feel comfortable being in our care, and we create so many bonding experiences for parents, for kids and for parents and kids together to build relationships that last a lifetime.”
Joy Mann, Family Life Director, Hoover YMCA
5. Year-round pool
This is my personal favorite. In fact, I love the pool so much that I braved the 10 steps from the locker room to the pool and back at the Trussville YMCA the other day when it was chilly outside to go to water aerobics in the heated pool, followed by a trip to the steam room.
Families love the pool in the summer, and lap-swimmers are loyal year-round, thanks to the heated pools.
Check out why people love the YMCA + follow them on Instagram to take advantage of their current promotion for Bham Now readers. Sign up with code BHAMNOW by February 29 to waive the $99 activation fee.
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