Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Partnering with Endeavor Health for Weightlifting 101 Seminar

Start the new year with purpose, power, and the confidence to take your fitness training to the next level by attending a special Weightlifting 101 seminar at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA! This hands-on seminar, offered in partnership with Endeavor Health, is designed for lifters of all experience levels—whether you’re stepping up to the barbell for the first time or looking to refine your technique with expert guidance.

Date: Tuesday, January 13
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Led by Endeavor Health Physical Therapist Sean Leninger, this interactive session will help participants learn more about:

  • Proper form and safety fundamentals
  • Techniques for building strength and preventing injury
  • Structuring workouts for consistent progress

Don’t miss this chance to start the year strong! Space is limited, and spots will fill fast!

REGISTER TODAY

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Commit to Your Health: YMCA Winter Personal Training Sale

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

Register online by clicking below.

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 Offering NEW START Health and Wellness Classes this Winter

Are you ready to jumpstart your health and wellness mindset? The Morris Hospital YMCA’s NEW START class is for you! This class will guide you through evidence-based principles of optimal well-being, helping you build a sustainable foundation for a healthier and happier you.

Led by Morris Hospital YMCA group fitness instructor Maureen Keegan, NEW START features 2 health and wellness sessions lasting 60 minutes each. Sessions will combine interactive lectures, Q&A activities, and goal-setting exercises to dive into eight foundational pillars of health:

Nutrition: Learn the power of whole foods, plant-based eating, and how to fuel your body for maximum vitality and disease prevention.

Exercise: Discover the benefits of effective, enjoyable ways to move your body, enhance mood, boost metabolism, and improve cardiovascular health, regardless of your current fitness level.

Water: Understand the essential role of hydration, how much you truly need, and the best ways to incorporate water throughout your day.

Sunlight: Explore the benefits of sun exposure for Vitamin D, mood regulation, and circadian rhythm balance.

Temperance (Balance): Uncover the art of moderation in all things, from diet to work habits, and learn to find true balance in a busy world.

Air: Learn why deep breathing and spending time in nature’s clean air are vital for detoxification and mental clarity.

Rest: Master the science of restorative sleep and relaxation, discovering techniques to improve sleep quality and manage stress effectively.

Trust (Faith/Spirituality): Explore the profound connection between your spirituality (a trust in a larger purpose or power) and your physical health, cultivating hope and emotional resilience.

Participants can register for one of two sections:

January 9 and January 16
9-10 a.m.
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February 2 and February 9
5:30-6:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Cost: $15 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members
About the Instructor: Maureen Keegan has nearly 20 years of experience working in health and wellness and has been teaching group and specialty fitness classes at the Morris Hospital YMCA for the past year. Her enthusiasm is boundless and her favorite thing about working at the Y is helping members learn about a wide range of health topics.
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Happy Holidays to You: Give the Gift of the YMCA This Holiday Season

Stumped for ideas for your family and friends this holiday season? Looking to do something creative and a bit unexpected this year? Take a break from the malls and online shopping sites and give your loved ones the gift of health, wellness, and community.

Whether your holiday shopping list includes a college-age nephew just starting his fitness journey, the sister who just discovered pickleball, or the grandmother who already has everything, there is––quite literally––something for everyone at the Y.

Here are five reasons why a Y membership makes the perfect holiday present.

  1. The gift of self-care? Priceless. Sometimes the best gift you can give your loved one is an opportunity to prioritize and take care of themselves––body, mind, and spirit. Finding balance in life can be difficult, but the Y can help, from stress-relieving yoga classes to complimentary childcare services so parents and caregivers can take time for themselves without having to find a sitter.
  2. Connection and belonging. A Y membership does more than just provide access to a gym. Through group activities, events, and volunteer opportunities, it also provides a space for real human interaction and social connection, leading to new friendships and a sense of belonging. It’s a supportive environment where you can find people who share similar interests, are encouraged to achieve your goals, and can feel accepted and valued for who you are.
  3. There’s something for everyone. Sports leagues, water aerobics, personal training, cooking classes, nutrition counseling––the Y offers all that and so much more. The wide variety of programs, classes, and amenities at the Y not only help support one’s physical and mental health, but they also encourage personal growth and, yes, provide opportunities for fun and creativity!
  4. It’s a gift that gives back. When you give the gift of a Y membership, you’re not only enriching the life of the recipient, but you are also impacting the lives of others. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities, Y membership fees help provide scholarships to families in need, ensure kids receive nutritious snacks at after school programs, and create opportunities for everyone to connect and thrive. It’s an investment in people and communities, not corporations.
  5. Versatility is key.  Memberships come in a variety of options—it depends on your local Y. They can be used to access welcoming facilities, pools, for specific programs, lessons, training, or classes, making it a thoughtful and flexible way to let your loved ones know you support their health and well-being. The possibilities are endless!

To give the gift of the YMCA, please visit the membership desk of your local Y branch today to purchase a gift card. Bonus coupons can be used towards YMCA memberships or programs and are valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location.

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Morris Hospital YMCA Invites Community to Nutrition and Health Education Seminars

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.

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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.

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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.

REGISTER TODAY

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!

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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.

REGISTER TODAY

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Registration Underway for YMCA Winter Homeschool Swim Lessons

The Y is excited to offer youth swim lessons for homeschool families this winter! These programs are open to kids, ages 4-14, and will feature 30 minutes of lessons and 30 minutes of open swim. PLEASE NOTE: Participants will be swim tested at the first lesson.

Winter 1 Lessons: 4-week session running January 5-February 1
Cost: $47 for Facility Members, $94 for Community Members

Winter 2 Lessons: 5-week session running February 2-March 8
Cost: $58 for Facility Members, $116 for Community Members

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Galowich Family YMCA
Thursdays, 11 a.m.-Noon
REGISTER TODAY

Morris Hospital YMCA
Mondays, 11 a.m.-Noon
REGISTER TODAY

To learn more, please contact the aquatics director at your local Y branch:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Jack Glimco
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 228

Galowich Family YMCA
Catie Wallis
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 320

Morris Hospital YMCA
Coni Schram
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 520

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