New to Exercise?

Each day many people join the YMCA with a high motivation to become healthier. If you are one of those people, congratulations on taking those first steps! We recognize that you may be returning to exercise after a lay-off, illness or injury, or that this may be your first time beginning an exercise program.


We know you may be highly motivated, but also uncertain about what might be best for your particular needs. We know that our beautiful branches and numerous program, equipment, and class options can feel somewhat intimidating to new and returning exercisers. We want to assure you that our branches and programs are filled with people just like you.

Staff at the Y are here to help you!

We’ll help design the best possible experience for your needs. We encourage you to be proactive in seeking the help of staff in determining what options at your branch best suit the needs of a beginner/returner exerciser.


You might think that hopping on that treadmill is the best first step, but actually, doing some thinking and planning - if you haven't already done so- might be an even better first step. Below are some questions to help you get thinking on your way to a healthier you!

Ask Yourself…

  • Can you see yourself as healthy and fit? If not, what might it take to see your self that way?
  • What are your long-term health and exercise goals?
  • What are your shorter term health and exercise goals?
  • What might get in the way of your success in these goals? We call these potential barriers.
  • Looking at your answer(s) to question #4, what are some strategies to get around the barriers?

Getting Started

Our staff is excited to get you started in our Wellness Centers! See the Membership Staff at your branch about arranging a time for one of our staff to orient you to the equipment. Fitness Orientations are free to Full Members.

Remembering What to Do and Tracking Your Progress

Forms are available at all 3 branches to help you remember what staff have showed you and to track your progress.  Additionally, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA has installed FitLinxx® in its wellness center to do the tracking work for you.  This great technology helps you stay motivated and meet your exercise goals.  Extremely user-friendly, FitLinxx® is an interactive support system mounted directly on the exercise equipment.

 

Wellness Center staff will introduce you to the FitLinxx® system and set you up on it during your wellness orientation.  Once in the system, you can access your workouts using a personal account code similar to how you access your money at a bank. FitLinxx® tracks your workouts, including your seat settings, and will display that data on the small screen attached to each piece of equipment. Members of all ages enjoy using this simple yet powerful system.

Continued Help Along the Journey

Staff are available in our Wellness Centers to answer questions as you continue on your journey to health.  The FitSTART program is available for those looking for a more structured way of checking in with wellness center staff on your journey.

FitSTART

FitSTART is a program designed for the new exerciser or those who have trouble sticking to a workout program. Throughout the 12-week program participants will meet with a Fit Coach up to 4 times. During these meetings, your workout will be designed and evaluated and, as your fitness level increases, so will your workout intensity. The first session will consist of cardio, the second session will add weights, and the third & fourth sessions will add more weights. FitSTART is not personal training, but your coach will help you determine and meet your training goals. This is free to Full Members at the Avery branch.

YMCA Character Values

Remember at the YMCA, not only do you get a good value, you get good values.  That’s because everything we do is centered around the Christian Character Values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.  Our staff cares about you and wants to help you in your attempt to take responsibility for a healthier you.  You belong at the YMCA!