Fitness Tips — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

Starting Strong: Participate in the Y’s Planksgiving Challenge

October 27, 2026

A strong core is the foundation of a strong body. Join this self-paced, 30-day challenge to increase your core strength and stay consistent during this busy time of the year.

The Challenge: Aim to do at least one plank per day. Your personal goal is to improve your standard forearm plank time by double or maybe even triple your starting plank time by the end of the month. The challenge runs November 1-30.

Use the Y On the Go App to track your progress!

On the App home screen, tap on ‘Calendar.’
Click on ‘Plan Something,’ then ‘Activity’ and search for Plank exercise.
Complete your exercise, then edit and save today’s plank time.
To save your progress, click on ‘Add to today’ and ‘Finish training.’

PLANK VARIATIONS:

Want to mix it up a bit? Add these plank variations to your Thanksgiving menu:

Side Plank
Thread the Needle
Hip Dips
Reverse Plank
Renegade Row
Plank Jacks
Weighted Plank
Bird Dog Plank

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Meet Endeavor Health Physical Therapist Maddie Robbins

October 5, 2026

Located within the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, the Endeavor Health Physical Therapy Clinic has been an invaluable resource for the Y community since 2022. And now we are excited to highlight the newest addition to the Endeavor staff team in physical therapist Maddie Robbins! Maddie is a Shorewood native and a graduate of St. Louis University, and said that she has found the Y to be a welcoming environment since joining the team earlier this summer.

“When I was younger, I remember coming to the Y to work out as a guest with my friends who were members. And so far everyone that I’ve met is very nice, open, and willing to get to know me, which is amazing,” Robbins said.

Maddie said her passion for physical therapy came from her background in athletics and past experience navigating injuries.

“I was a gymnast and a competitive cheerleader. With that came a lot of injuries, and with those injuries came a lot of physical therapy. I saw how much it benefitted me and how much better it made me feel. I wanted to be able to do that for other people,” she said.

Maddie said that one of the keys to helping patients is getting ahead of any potential injury concerns.

“A lot of people don’t know that physical therapy can be preventative. If you’re working out a lot and don’t have the correct form that would be something we can look into with movement analysis and performing different types of exercise. We know the proper form to help make sure we prevent injuries from happening,” she said.

She said this process is made easier through the partnership between Endeavor and the Y.

“We’re allowed to take patients out into the wellness center and if someone does work out here a lot that’s a better way to analyze their form. It’s especially effective for higher level athletes,” Maddie said.

But whether you’re an athlete looking to rehab an injury sustained on the field, or looking to rehab following back surgery, members of all ages and health backgrounds are encouraged to learn more about Endeavor services.

“Your therapy will be based on your needs, and throughout your sessions, you’ll receive flexibility and strength training based on what’s needed. We want to see all patients progress and feel better,” Maddie said.

On behalf of the Y, we are so happy to welcome Maddie to our community and remain thankful for the amazing services provided by the Endeavor Health team to support healthy living in our community.

To make an appointment to see a physical therapist at the Endeavor Health Physical Therapy Clinic at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, please call (630) 527-3375. The Endeavor team will obtain insurance approval, provide you with the number of visits allowed, and give you an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost per visit.

Hours are available by appointment on weekdays during the following times:
Mondays and Wednesdays: 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Endeavor also offers free injury screenings. To schedule your screening, visit the Physical Therapy front desk during normal operating hours or call to set up a screening time.

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Commit to Your Health: YMCA Winter Personal Training Sale

December 15, 2025

We invite you to take the next step in your fitness journey by taking advantage of our Winter Personal Training Sale.

SALE EXTENDED
Now through December 31, if you purchase four personal training sessions sessions, you get one free!*

Learn more about personal trainers at your local Y branch by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Galowich Family YMCA
Morris Community YMCA

One-on-One Personal Training
Avery
Galowich
Morris

Group of Two Personal Training
Avery
Galowich
Morris

*Offer valid December 1-31, 2025. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Visit your local branch for more details.

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Morris Hospital YMCA Invites Community to Nutrition and Health Education Seminars

December 4, 2025

The Morris Hospital YMCA is once again teaming up with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers for nutrition and health education seminars throughout 2026! Free and open to the community, these informative sessions will provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals looking to establish and maintain healthy lifestyles.

All programs will be held at the Morris Hospital YMCA. Open to ages 18 and up.

NUTRITION SEMINARS

Weight Loss Through Protein and Fiber
Tuesday, January 13
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join us for an engaging session focused on the importance of protein and fiber in your diet. A Morris Hospital dietitian will explore practical tips for weight loss and weight management through balanced eating habits. This class will also include a food demonstration with snack samples.

Heart Healthy Diet
Wednesday, February 11
1:30-2:30 p.m.

A “heart-heathy” diet helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Through this seminar, participants will learn how to reduce saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium while increasing fiber in the diet.

Diabetes Management and Carbohydrate Counting
Wednesday, March 18
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Managing diabetes starts with understanding carbohydrates. Join a Morris Hospital dietitian to learn how to accurately count carbs, identify carbohydrate-rich foods, and measure serving sizes. This class will also teach you how to manage your blood glucose levels effectively through smart food choices.

Parkinson’s/Neuromuscular Disease Diet
Wednesday, April 15
2-3 p.m.

Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. In this class, a Morris Hospital dietitian will offer insights on how to prioritize nutrient-rich foods to include in your meals. This seminar will also include a demonstration for preparing a chickpea salad!

Nutrition for Mental Health
Tuesday, May 12
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join a Morris Hospital dietitian for a discussion on the connection between nutrition and mental health. We’ll explore why proper nourishment is essential for brain function and share practical tips on how to support your mental well-being through food.

HEALTH EDUCATION SEMINARS

Overcoming Pain with Exercise
Thursday, January 15
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Physical movement is so important to managing chronic pain. Did you know that you can reduce your pain with exercise? Make your plans to join us for this informative seminar and find out more.

Diabetes Education and Strategies for Self Care and Support
Thursday, March 5
Noon-1 p.m. (Webinar)

Did you know that 11.6 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes? That’s 38.4 million Americans, and even more may be prediabetic! If you are looking to learn how to better manage diabetes, join us for this webinar as Morris Hospital Endocrinologist Dr. Nuzhat Chalisa shares important information on this chronic disease and how to manage it.

Strong Bones Make Strong People
Tuesday, March 10
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Imagine your bones becoming so fragile that everyday activities such as lifting a laundry basket, or even coughing, could cause a fracture or break. Join us to learn more about risk factors and common symptoms of osteoporosis and why it’s important to manage the condition in order to avoid debilitating bone breaks.

Physical Therapy Options for Parkinson’s
Tuesday, April 21
2-3 p.m.

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Join physical therapist Belinda Hill to discuss the many services Morris Hospital offers to help individuals with Parkinson’s optimize their speech and physical function.

How Substance Abuse Impacts Mental Health and Wellness
Tuesday, May 5
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Approximately 37 million U.S. adults ages 26 and older struggle with a substance use disorder. While substances are a common part of our human experience and culture, some people struggle with unhealthy relationships with substances. Join Dr. Jennifer Thomas, MD, FASAM, family medicine and addiction medicine physician, for a dynamic conversation on substance use and learn how mental health and wellness are impacted by our relationship with substances.

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Get Fit and Stay Strong During the YMCA’s March Personal Training Sale

February 27, 2025

We invite you to take the next step in your fitness journey by taking advantage of our March Personal Training Sale. Throughout the month, if you buy four sessions, you get one free!*

One-on-One PT Sessions
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Galowich Family YMCA
Morris Hospital YMCA

Group of 2 PT Sessions
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Galowich Family YMCA
Morris Hospital YMCA

You can also find information about personal trainers at your local Y branch below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Galowich Family YMCA
Morris Hospital YMCA

*Offer valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location between March 1-31, 2025. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Visit your local branch for more details.

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YMCA December Personal Training Sale

November 27, 2024

We invite you to take the next step in your fitness journey by taking advantage of our December Personal Training Sale. Throughout the month if you purchase four personal training sessions sessions, you get one free to use yourself or gift to a friend!

Offer valid for Facility Members only through Tuesday, December 31. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Some restrictions apply.

You can find information about personal trainers at your local Y branch below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Galowich Family YMCA
Morris Community YMCA

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