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If you prefer to kick off a new year by setting health-focused goals, you’re definitely not alone!
Now is a prime time to renew your focus on your health and wellness. But keep this in mind: living a healthy lifestyle is about so much more than working out. It’s equally important to focus on both your mind and your body.
And if it’s been awhile since you’ve visited a YMCA location, the new year is a prime opportunity to see how these community cornerstones have evolved into destinations for all aspects of health — and are so much more than fitness centers.
“I think the distinguishing piece of the Y is that we’re a community center,” says Julie Solomon, senior vice president, community integrated health, YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “We’re heavily embedded in the community on so many levels. The focus of the Y isn’t just physical health; instead, it’s mind, body and spirit, and we’re increasing our comprehensive approach to health.”
One look at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s programming exemplifies that holistic approach. Solomon says the Y’s signature programs are all evidence-based, meaning there’s research that supports each program’s format and intended outcomes.
Enhance®Fitness is one example. The program targets people that are living with arthritis, including an emphasis on fall prevention and social isolation.
“They’re very popular programs at our centers,” Solomon says. “So many people come early or stay late, or talk with each other over coffee. They develop relationships and call to check on each other.”
For those living with cancer or in remission, the LiveStrong® at the YMCA program focuses on strength training, balance and movement. Solomon says the tightknit culture of the group also fosters “a heavy component of support and working alongside people who are on the same journey.”
With so many people focused on adopting healthy habits in the beginning of the year, the Y will launch Y Weight Loss at all Kansas City-area centers. The 12-week group program guides participants through a focus on healthy nutrition, exercise and weight loss.
“We didn’t want to focus on the fad diets that are everywhere,” Solomon says. “Instead, our program creates an environment in which participants can learn from each other while they’re exploring some of the mental and emotional connections and talk through those patterns in a way that eliminates body shaming. It’s so important that we have the understanding to make the behavioral changes that lead to long-term success.”
Those programs are in addition to the robust variety of fitness, educational and community-focused services. From deep water aerobics and yoga to Pilates and step interval cardio, there’s no shortage of fitness classes that accommodate all ages and abilities.
If you’re looking for additional education to guide you on your health journey, the Y offers several on-staff, registered dieticians, plus personal training. In fact, Solomon says some of the personal training sessions are part of ongoing research programs that showcase yet another dimension of the Y’s role as a community partner.
“We’re working alongside the University of Kansas on five research studies that are evaluating the role of exercise on brain health,” Solomon says.
Although it’s important for each Y center to offer an array of programming and services, Solomon says it’s equally important to ensure that each center is serving their specific population.
A recent partnership with University Health (formerly known as Truman Health Center) helped bring a primary health clinic to the Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Center.
“The clinic is already helping us get improved outcomes on getting people to their exams and participating in preventative care like colon screenings,” Solomon says. “And it’s especially important at that Y location, since it’s targeting a population that’s often overlooked and underserved.”
Solomon is a lifelong Y member and says one of her favorite parts of the Y is the people she’s met.
“The thing I love most is our social programming,” she says. “We have bridge club, bingo, board games; we host dinner theater outings, Christmas light tours and Royals’ game trips. It really becomes this Y family, which is unique to gym environments. The Y is so much more than a typical workout facility.”
That feeling of welcome, of community, can also be a significant support of accountability. Knowing that people are looking out for you and counting on you is something that’s important not just when working out, but also when simply enjoying daily life.
“All of the science tell us that you can be in the best shape physically, but if you’re struggling mentally, it doesn’t matter,” Solomon says. “Our principles have historically been based on Christian principles, but we’re very much an inclusive place of all traditions and backgrounds. I’ve been so impressed with the inclusivity and commitment to helping people feel like they matter and that they belong.”
That feeling of belonging — of knowing you have a place that will welcome and support you — is a critical component of any healthy lifestyle. It helps you feel safe if you have a problem or need guidance. You’ll also feel appreciated, understood and recognized. The Y is a place where people can thrive — and that, in turn, makes the surrounding community an even better place to be.
For locations, schedules and more information, visit KansasCityYMCA.org.