Blog — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

In-Person Group Exercise Classes Returning to Will County YMCA Facilities on Friday, January 22

January 21, 2021

On Thursday, January 21, Governor Pritzker announced that Tier 3 mitigation efforts aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted in Region 7 (Will County).

We are very excited to share that in-person group exercise classes will resume at YMCA facilities on Friday, January 22.

Although in-person group exercise classes will resume on Friday, the YMCA will be canceling all Winter 1 session programs at the C.W. Avery, Galowich, and Smith Family YMCAs. Program participants will be contacted in the coming days with information about alternative program opportunities. System credits and refunds for canceled programs will also be available. Registration for programs in the Y’s Winter 2 session, which is scheduled to begin on February 8, is underway.

UPDATED HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

The following facility and program modifications will go into effect beginning Saturday, January 23, 2021, unless otherwise noted:

Masks and Face Coverings
Masks or face coverings will continue to be required at all times for members, except when using the pool.

Facility and Group Exercise Class Reservations
YMCA members will continue to be required to make reservations to use the wellness centers and gymnasiums. YMCA members will also be required to make reservations for group exercise and water fitness classes. Reservations can be made up to 24 hours in advance through the YMCA On the Go App, by calling the Y, or by visiting the Membership Desk.

As a reminder, all YMCA Facility Members receive free Basic access to the On the Go App included with their membership. If you haven’t already downloaded the YMCA On the Go App, you will receive an invitation from the YMCA later this evening to download the App for free. This email will be sent to the email address you have listed on your membership account in Daxko. Please be sure to check your junk and spam folders for this activation email.

Lap Pool and Family Pool
Beginning Saturday, January 23, use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three lap pools and the Family Pool at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA will be available on a first-come, first-served basis during open swim times. Capacity limits in line with Tier 1 mitigation efforts will remain in place.

Kids Corners (Ages 3-7) and Activity Centers (Ages 7-17)
These spaces will reopen on Friday, January 22 at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA. Kids Corner will remain closed until further notice at the Galowich and Smith Family YMCAs. Kids and staff in Kids Corner and the Activity Center will be required to wear masks or face coverings at all times.

Updated hours can be found here.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Group Exercise Classes
In-person group exercise classes will resume on Friday, January 22. Water fitness classes will resume on Monday, January 25. Our health and wellness teams will also continue to offer a number of virtual classes in the coming weeks. These schedules will be available on our website and in the On the Go App.

A catalog of more than 90 group exercise classes is also available on the Y’s website. Y Members will also find free workouts in the On the Go App.

JETS Swim Team
Practices will resume in the coming days. Coaches will be contacting all team members with additional information.

Masters Swim Team
Practices will resume on Sunday, January 24. Additional information regarding a new reservation process for practices will be shared with team members in the coming days.

Thrive Dance Team
Practices will resume the week of January 25. Instructors will be contacting all team members with additional information.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER
We thank you in advance for your continued cooperation as we work together to keep our members and staff safe and healthy. For more information on the Y’s health and safety guidelines, please click here.

Winter 1 Programming at the Morris Community YMCA Set to Begin January 18

January 15, 2021

On Friday, January 15 Governor Pritzker announced that Tier 2 mitigation efforts aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted in Region 2 (Grundy County).

We are very excited to share that Winter 1 Programming at the Morris Community YMCA will get underway on Monday, January 18.

The following facility and program modifications will also go into effect beginning Monday, January 18, 2021:

UPDATED HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

Masks and Face Coverings
Masks or face coverings will continue to be required at all times for members.

Facility and Group Exercise Class Reservations
YMCA members will be required to make reservations to use the wellness center. YMCA members will also be required to make reservations for group exercise classes. Capacity limits in line with Tier 2 mitigation efforts will remain in place.

Reservations can be made up to 24 hours in advance through the YMCA On the Go App, by calling the Y, or by visiting the Membership Desk.

As a reminder, all YMCA Facility Members receive free Basic access to the On the Go App included with their membership. Facility Members who haven’t already downloaded the YMCA On the Go App, will receive an invitation from the YMCA later this afternoon to download the App for free. This email will be sent to the email address you have listed on your membership account in Daxko. Please be sure to check your junk and spam folders for this activation email.

Kids Corner
Kids Corner will reopen on Monday, January 18 at the Morris Community YMCA. Kids and staff in Kids Corner will be required to wear masks or face coverings at all times.

New Hours – Effective January 18, 2021

Monday-Thursday:
4:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday
8-10 a.m.

Open to kids ages 3-10 years old.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Winter 1 Programming Will Begin on Monday, January 18
Registration is underway for the YMCA’s Winter 1 Session. Program fees will be prorated to reflect the shortened three-week session.

The following Winter 1 session-based programs will resume the week of January 18:

Youth sports classes
Specialty group fitness classes
Youth enrichment classes

Group Exercise Classes
All in-person group exercise classes will resume on Monday, January 18. Our health and wellness team will also continue to offer a number of virtual classes in the coming weeks. These schedules will be available on our website and in the On the Go App.

A catalog of more than 90 group exercise classes is also available here. Y Members will also find free workouts in the On the Go App.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER
We thank our members in advance for their continued cooperation as we work together to keep our members and staff safe and healthy. For more information on the Morris Community YMCA’s health and safety guidelines, please click here.

Because this situation is ever-changing, please watch your email, follow the Y on social media, and visit our website for additional updates.

Reaching Your Goals One Day at a Time: Operation Transformation Challenge

January 7, 2021

FEBRUARY 8 – APRIL 2

Transform your life in 2021 by participating in the YMCA’s Operation Transformation Health and Wellness Challenge. This 8-week program will provide you with the inspiration you need to get in shape and embrace ahealthy and active lifestyle. Plus, it’s a great way to change-up your fitness routine while trying new things and meeting new people!

Beginning February 8, you will earn points (up to 5 each week) for every check in or virtual work out through the YMCA on the Go app. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn additional points by completing up to two weekly bonus activities. Members who turn their completed cards into the Membership Desk each week or complete it virtually (registered participants will receive a link at the beginning of each week) for the opportunity to win weekly prizes. At the completion of the 8-week challenge, the member with the most points will win his/her choice of threefree 30-minute personal training sessions, one free 5-week specialty fitnessclass or pro access to the YMCA on the Go app through the end of 2021.

Cost: FREE TO ALL YMCA FACILITY MEMBERS

Ages 16 and up

YMCA Members Invited to Participate in the Y’s January Check-In Challenge

January 6, 2021

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA would like to thank our members staying with us and playing a key role in keeping our Y community safe and healthy. We are excited to extend another fun opportunity to members during the month of January.

All YMCA members are invited to participate in our January Check-In Challenge. Anyone who checks into the YMCA 8 or more times between January 1-31 will be entered to win a YMCA swag and a sweatshirt!

Stop by and see us!

Helping You Live Better: Take Advantage of the Y’s Winter Programming Special Offers

December 30, 2020

Although the start of traditional winter session programming has been delayed, the Y is here to help you and your family stay active this winter:

January Personal Training Sale
The Y is excited to offer 3 personal training sessions for $99 during the month of January!

When registering online use promo code:

3FOR99PT

Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer expires 1/31/21. Contact the Y for more details.

Private Dance Instruction
A 3 for $99 special offer is also available for private dance lessons at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA.

When registering online use promo code:

3FOR99DANCE

Offer expires 1/31/21. Contact the Y for more details.

Private Swim Lessons
Save 15% when you purchase a package of four private or semi-private swim lessons. Sale runs through January 11.

When registering online use promo code:

PRIV15OFF

Valid at the C.W. Avery, Galowich and Smith Family YMCAs. Open to Facility Members and Community Members. Some restrictions may apply.

Lessons must be used by February 7. Contact the Y for more details.

Private Sports Lessons
Save 15% when you purchase a package of five private sports lessons. Sale runs through January 11.

When registering online use promo code:

PRIV15OFF

Valid at all Greater Joliet Area YMCA locations. Open to Facility Members and Community Members. Some restrictions may apply.

Lessons must be used by February 7. Contact the Y for more details.

Families Fitness Special
Families looking to exercise together in the New Year are invited to sign-up for the Y’s Family Fitness Special. Families can choose to complete a variety of activities during these 50-minute sessions, including TRX, circuit training, and more. Classes are limited to 2-4 people within the same household.

Cost: 5 sessions for $175

Virtual Group Exercise Classes

At this time, all in-person group exercise classes will continue to be paused. Our health and wellness teams will be offering a robust schedule of virtual classes in the coming weeks. This schedule is available on our website and in the On the Go App. A catalog of more than 70 group exercise classes is also available on the Y’s here.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Winter 1 Session Delayed

December 30, 2020

Tier 3 Mitigations Remain in Effect

Due to continued Tier 3 Mitigations, which went into effect across the state of Illinois in November, the YMCA will be delaying the start of its Winter 1 session, which was scheduled to begin on Monday, January 4. Winter 1 programming will begin promptly once Tier 3 mitigations have been lifted.

Program participants will be contacted in the coming days with information about alternative program opportunities. System credits and refunds for delayed programs will also be available.

In accordance with Tier 3 mitigation efforts, all previously announced facility and program modifications, including facility reservation requirements, will remain in effect at all Greater Joliet Area YMCA facilities.

We are very excited to share that all Greater Joliet Area YMCA facilities and program sites will remain open.

However, in accordance with the statewide mitigation efforts, we will be required to make adjustments in our facilities and pause many of our program offerings.

The following facility and program modifications are currently in effect:

FACILITY MODIFICATIONS

Masks Requirements
Masks or face coverings will be required at all times for members, except when using the pool.

Reservations Required for Facility Usage
In accordance with Tier 3 mitigation efforts, members will be required to make reservations to use the wellness centers, pools, and gymnasiums. Reservations will be available through the YMCA On the Go App or by calling your local branch.

Additional information about the reservation process can be viewed here.

As a reminder, all YMCA Facility Members receive free Basic access to the On the Go App included with their membership. If you haven’t already downloaded the YMCA On the Go App, you will receive an invitation from the YMCA later this evening to download the App for free. This email will be sent to the email address you have listed on your membership account in Daxko. If you don’t receive an email in the next 24 hours, you can request that a new activation email be sent to you by emailing [email protected]. Please be sure to check your junk and spam folders before requesting a new activation email.

Wellness Centers
Members will be required to make reservations to use strength and cardio equipment in the Wellness Center. Members can also reserve use of the aerobics studios and cycling rooms. Reservations will begin on the hour and last for 50 minutes, and may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Lap Pools
Use of the lap pool will be by reservation only. Lap lane reservations will be limited to one household* per lane. Fifty-minute reservations will be available, and may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

*One household may consist of up to 6 swimmers from the same residence.

Family Pool at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Use of the family pool during open swim time will be by reservation only. Reservations will be limited to one household per zone (Zone 1-Catch Pool, Zone 2-Zero Entry Pool, and Zone 3-Cove and Vortex), with no more than 6 swimmers per household. Reservations will begin on the half hour and will run for 50 minutes, and may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Gymnasiums
Use of the gym during open gym time will be by reservation only. Gym reservations will be limited to one household, with no more than 4 persons per hoop. Fifty-minute reservations will be available and can may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Indoor Walking Track at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Use of the walking track will be by reservation only. Reservations will be limited to one household, with no more than 6 walkers. Reservations will begin on the half-hour lasting for 50 minutes, and may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Locker Rooms
Locker rooms will be open for restroom use only.

Kids Corners and Activity Centers
These spaces will be closed until further notice.

PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS

School-Based Programs
At this time, Kid Zone PLUS and Pint-Size Pupils will run, as-scheduled.

Program participants will be contacted in the coming days with information about alternative program opportunities. System credits and refunds for canceled programs will also be available.

Group Exercise Classes
At this time, all in-person group exercise classes will be paused. Our health and wellness teams will be offering a robust schedule of virtual classes in the coming weeks. This schedule will be posted on our website and in the On the Go App in the next few days.

A catalog of more than 70 group exercise classes is also available on the Y’s website.

JETS Swim Team
Practices will be paused. Private coaching sessions will be available. Athletes can also reserve lap lanes to stay active. Coaches will be contacting all team members with additional information.

Thrive Dance Team
Practices will continue virtually. Instructors will be contacting all team members with additional information.

For more information on the Y’s health and safety guidelines, please click here.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

We thank you in advance for your continued cooperation as we work together to keep our members and staff safe and healthy. Because this situation is ever-changing, members are encouraged to watch their email, follow the Y on social media, and continue to monitor our website for additional updates.