Healthy Lifestyles — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

100 Years, 100 Minutes: YMCA Announces Centennial Health and Wellness Challenge

August 6, 2026

As the Greater Joliet Area YMCA continues our Centennial Celebration in 2026, we want to give members a chance to help mark this incredible milestone with a special health and wellness challenge.

Here’s how the challenge works:

-Participants will register online and then receive a tracking sheet to log their weekly workouts.

-Participants will need to complete 100 minutes of exercise per week for 5 weeks between August 31-October 4.

-Whether you try a group fitness class, complete a personal training session, swim laps in the pool, or take a jog on the treadmill, your workout counts!

-Participants will return their completed sheets by the end of the day on Sunday, October 4.

-One winner from each branch will be drawn to earn a special prize of 3 free months of membership.

The deadline to register is Friday, September 4.

Cost: $25 Open to Facility Members ONLY

Dive in and be part of our centennial celebration!

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Helping You Live Better: Upcoming Nutrition and Heath Education Seminars at the Morris Hospital YMCA

July 15, 2026

The Morris Hospital YMCA is excited to team up with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers for nutrition and health education seminars throughout the rest of the year! 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

Healthy Eating for Kids
Tuesday, August 18
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join us for an informative seminar designed to help parents and caregivers build healthy eating habits for children. Together, we’ll explore balanced nutrition and active lifestyles for kids, share simple and delicious recipes for busy families, and offer practical tips for packing lunches that keep kids energized throughout the school day. We’ll also provide helpful strategies for handling picky eaters with confidence and ease, making mealtimes more enjoyable for everyone.

Nutrition Tips for GLP-1 Success
Wednesday, September 16
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Are you using Ozempic, Wegovy, or another appetite-suppressant medication? While GLP-1 medications can help reduce appetite, they don’t teach you how to nourish your body properly. Join us to learn how to quiet “food noise” and build sustainable, healthy habits through smart nutrition and practical lifestyle strategies.

Living Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know About Celiac Disease
Tuesday, October 20
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Take control of your health by gaining a better understanding of Celiac disease and the important role nutrition plays
in managing it. Join us to learn practical tips for living a safe, gluten-free lifestyle, from reading labels and avoiding cross-contamination to making confident food choices. We’ll also share helpful strategies for navigating everyday social situations, including school, gatherings, and dining out, so you can feel prepared and empowered wherever you go.

Counting Carbs, Living Well: A Guide to Managing Diabetes
Wednesday, November 18
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Do you or a loved one have diabetes? Gain the knowledge and confidence you need to better manage blood sugar through smart nutrition and informed food choices. In this seminar, you’ll learn how to read and understand nutrition labels, measure healthy portion sizes, and make simple, delicious food swaps that support balanced blood sugar, sustained energy, and overall health.

HEALTH EDUCATION SEMINARS

Help for Migraines
Wednesday, August 19
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Presented by: Shelby Trotter, Clinic RN, and Stephanie Henline, APRN, Morris Hospital Neurology Specialists

This comprehensive seminar will explore the full spectrum of migraine care, beginning with an overview of brain pathophysiology and the common triggers that can lead to migraines. We’ll discuss the impact migraines can have on daily life and mental well-being, and review acute, preventive, and emerging migraine treatments. You’ll also learn about non-pharmaceutical approaches and lifestyle strategies that can help you better manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Building Strength and Mobility As We Age
Wednesday, September 23
10-11 a.m.

Presented by: Tracy Lopina, Physical Therapist, and Belinda Hill, Physical Therapy Assistant, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers

Age is just a number. It doesn’t define who you are, what you have achieved, or what you can still accomplish. Join staff from Morris Hospital’s Physical Therapy team for an informative session focused on helping older adults stay strong, active, and independent. You’ll learn practical tips to maintain your strength and mobility, improve your balance, prevent falls, and support overall wellness at every stage of life.

Women’s Health at 40 and Beyond
Tuesday, October 6
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Presented by: Heidi Miller, APRN, Morris Hospital Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists

Join us for an informative and empowering discussion designed to help women better understand their evolving health needs
in their 40s and beyond. This session will explore the physical and hormonal changes associated with menopause, review the benefits and considerations of hormone therapy, and highlight the importance of maintaining strong bone health. We’ll also cover key information on breast cancer and the importance of early detection, giving you the knowledge and confidence your need to take charge of your health at every age.

Arthritis Relief
Monday, November 16
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Presented by: Dr. Belal Said, Rheumatologist, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers

This engaging and easy-to-understand program, designed especially for seniors, will focus on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Join Dr. Said to learn practical strategies for reducing joint pain, improving mobility, and staying active so you can continue enjoying the activities you love with greater comfort and confidence.

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Set to Host Senior Health and Wellness Fair on August 26

July 8, 2026

Area residents are invited to attend a free Health and Wellness Fair, which is designed to promote healthy living and connect area seniors with a variety of resources in the Plainfield area.

DATE
Wednesday, August 26

TIME
10 a.m.-1 p.m.

LOCATION
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544

FESTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:

-Health Services
-Community Expo
-Raffles and Giveaways
-Complimentary Refreshments
-And More!

This event is hosted by the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, the Plainfield Township, and the Plainfield Park District.

To learn more about this event, please contact:

Wendi Keith
(815) 436-8308
[email protected]

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Everyone Belongs at the Y: Suzanne St. Germain’s Story

June 26, 2026

At the Y, we know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle looks different for everyone. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every member can pursue their own unique health and wellness journey. For member Suzanne St. Germain, who joined the Village of Shorewood YMCA last month, the Y has been a welcoming place for rehabilitation following an extensive series of medical procedures.

“I’m a double leg amputee following diabetes complications. I had double bypass heart surgery two years ago, was on dialysis for end stage kidney failure, and I went through weight loss surgery,” Suzanne said. “It was very hard coming into the doors of a gym again, with a lot of nervousness because of being an amputee and how people would understand it. But friends from church come here, and said my husband and I should come with. What I learned is you might be nervous coming through those doors, but there’s a whole list of opportunities that open up.”

Suzanne, who has lost more than 150 pounds since beginning her journey, describes participating in the Y’s Chair Body Works group fitness class as a true milestone moment.

“I cried after that class because it was very emotional for me. Thinking about where my highest weight was, I would not have been able to do something like that back then,” she said.

Suzanne has continued to expand on her Y experience by participating in group fitness classes like Pound, as well as taking time for cardio exercise in the wellness center. But beyond amenities and programs, Suzanne noted the most important factor in feeling supported at the Y is the atmosphere.

“We’ve gone to other gyms before and there’s just more community here. Our church builds upon community and to see another organization that builds community as well is a huge factor in being a member,” Suzanne said. “I’ve had conversations with the ladies who work at the front desk. Their kindness towards people is fantastic. They don’t see me as someone who comes in a wheelchair. They see me as a regular person.”

Suzanne is looking forward to the role the Y will continue to play in supporting her health and wellness journey.

“My next steps will be to work with somebody in personal training. I still have about 10 more pounds left to lose and then it’s about maintaining that healthy lifestyle. When I went on my last visit to the weight loss doctor, they mentioned that I have to try and build up muscle. Eventually I want to be able to walk without extra support or walking sticks,” she said. “I just want people to know that, yes you can have all these medical things, but you can also turn them around too. It can be done, you just have to have the willpower to be able to do it.”

We are so grateful to have Suzanne as a member of our Y community and we wish her all the best on her health and wellness journey.

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Celebrate International Yoga Day at the YMCA

June 10, 2026

June 21 is International Yoga Day and the Y is celebrating with an array of class options throughout next week! See below for details.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Sunset Yoga
Date: Tuesday, June 16
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to Facility Members only.

Join us for a relaxing yoga session on the pool deck patio (located on the south side of building.) Registration can be completed using the YMCA On the Go App.

Morris Hospital YMCA

Hatha & Healing
Date: Friday, June 19
Time: 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Cost: $15 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members

Combining Hatha Yoga with sound healing together can deeply affect your mind, body, and spirit. This session will start with approximately 35-40 minutes of gentle hatha followed by approximately 35-40 minutes of a sound bath in Savasana to induce deep relaxation. This combination leaves students feeling grounded, peaceful, and rejuvenated.

Pop-Up Yoga
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 8:15-9 a.m.
Cost: Free and open to Facility Members only.

Join us for a meditative yoga practice used to build strength, release tension, and mark the earth’s seasonal shifts. Registration can be completed using the YMCA On the Go App.

Village of Shorewood YMCA

Yoga
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 10-10:45 a.m.
Cost: Free and open to Facility Members only.

This class is focused on foundational yoga postures, breathwork, and simple flows. Designed to improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness, it offers a steady, mindful practice suitable for anyone looking to build strength and deepen their connection to movement and breath. Registration can be completed using the YMCA On the Go App.

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My Y Rewards Program June Bonus Points Opportunity

June 4, 2026

The Y is the perfect place to start your health and wellness journey. And now, in conjunction with our June Personal Training Sale, the Y is excited to announce a special bonus points opportunity for the My Y Rewards Program!

Here’s how it works:

YMCA members enrolled in the My Y Rewards program will receive 100 bonus points for each personal training package they purchase during the month of June.

PLEASE NOTE: Members will receive their bonus points on July 1. Valid on packages purchased at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Some restrictions apply.

As a reminder, the My Y Rewards program is free and available to Facility Members, ages 16 and up. If you aren’t already a rewards member, learn how to enroll by clicking below.

ENROLL TODAY

Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll also earn points each time you check in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.

If you have any questions or any feedback on the My Y Rewards Program, please be sure to stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit or email [email protected].

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