Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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YMCA September Personal Training Sale

We invite you to kickstart your fitness journey by taking advantage of our September Personal Training Sale. Throughout the month if you buy four sessions, you get one free!

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

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

The sale runs September 1-30. When registering online, use promo code:

4PLUS1PT60 (for 60 minute sesssion)
4PLUS1PT30 (for 30 minute sesssion)

Register Today!

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

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Member Spotlight: John Ciesniewski

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Wallin Drive in 2021! To commemorate this milestone, we are sharing the Y story of one of our fantastic members each month. Today we shine the spotlight on John Ciesniewski. John joined the Y in February of 2006 with his wife Amy and their three sons, Jacob, Joshua, and Jonathan, and we are so excited to have him share some of his favorite memories from the last 15 years!

Q: What do you remember about joining the Y?

John: At that time the only thing I knew about working out was how to run. I would get up early and run, but in the winter it would be cold and awful. I heard that the Y was breaking ground and I just couldn’t wait for it to open. When it opened that February, I figured I’d hang up my running hat and figure out what I should actually do to work out. I started to meet people and they convinced me to go to classes.

Q: What has the Y helped you achieve over the last 15 years?

I have made some great friends here and you don’t do that running alone. Because I have been in classes, these people have become part of my life now. I didn’t set out to do that, but it’s what happened. I’ve also learned so much about fitness. It’s not just the exercise piece, but also my diet. When I joined the Y, I wouldn’t say I was overweight, but I was 200 pounds and probably shouldn’t have been 200 pounds. Now I’m at 180 pounds.”

Q: How has the Y impacted your family?

Kids Corner was a godsend for my wife and I and this is also where my kids learned how to swim. I took them to the pool every day. I remember telling them that if they could swim the whole length of the pool we’d go get Dairy Queen. We only have good memories here. My boys are older now, but they know how much fitness matters and they really are fitness-minded now. They take it seriously and I’m pretty sure they’ll be a part of a Y moving forward.

Q: Why do you continue to enjoy your Y experience?

It’s the people. A lot of us say that when we grow up we want to be like Gus and Diane Rousonelos. Everybody at the front desk knows your name and Shelly Interial in particular is the bright spot in the morning. Kevin Hir has been a huge inspiration as the boot camp instructor. (Executive Director) Lisa Behounek has also been a great friend and we have been so happy to see this place grow and become such an attraction and anchor for the people who live in this community.

Q: What should someone who is interested in joining know about the Y? 

They are in for more than just trying to get into shape. They are going to grow physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s all four of those things. I have friends that are members of other fitness clubs and they don’t really talk about it. It’s just a place they go for an hour of their day. It’s not family like it is here. The Y becomes a fabric of your life.

We would like to thank John and his family for their incredible support over the last 15 years! At the Y, we look forward to making a positive impact on members of our community throughout 2021 and beyond!

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Measurable Progress, Unlimited Support: Jennifer Brown’s Y Story

At the Y, we are always excited to support our members along their quest to embrace a healthy lifestyle. For Morris Community YMCA member Jennifer Brown, personal training at the Y has played a significant role in her weight loss journey.

“My recent inspiration came from my daughter. She told me a year ago that she was getting married and I said to myself that I didn’t want to look the way I did then for the wedding,” Jennifer said. “I was hoping to lose 100 pounds by the time of the wedding, which is this month, and I hit that goal in July!”

Jennifer started training with Morris Community YMCA Health and Wellness Director Ro Petersen in January and has enjoyed the teamwork involved in the process.

“Ro has provided great support and advice. I think she was more thrilled about seeing me lose 100 pounds than I was. She’s been there and she’s able to share her experience and you feel a sense of camaraderie because of that,” Jennifer said.

A key aspect of Jennifer’s journey was breaking down her big picture goal into smaller segments. 

“It’s too easy to get discouraged when you’ve got a big goal so you have to take it month by month and even week by week at times. I would set smaller goals to make sure that there was some progression. As long as I consistently kept going, I knew I would be fine,” she said.

Jennifer said she is often at the Y before and after work and enjoys her experience having learned new exercises. 

“I really enjoy going down to the weightroom and actually knowing what I’m doing. I feel confident when I do it and I love that feeling,” she said.

The result has been a healthier and happier lifestyle.

“Recently, we went to Dollywood in Tennessee and I was able to get on the roller coasters with my kids. We did a lot of walking and even some hiking and in the past my knees would be killing me and I probably wouldn’t have been able to make it because of shortness of breath. Being able to participate in things like that felt great,” Jennifer said.

Moving forward, Jennifer said she would like to lose another 55 pounds and that she is confident she can take the steps to reach that goal because of the support of the Y. 

“I love the Y because there is a sense of community. I’ve seen all shapes and sizes come through the doors. There are different fitness levels, but everyone is treated the same.  Everybody knows everybody and everyone is supportive,” she said. 

On behalf of the YMCA, we’d like to congratulate Jennifer on this amazing accomplishment! We are so excited to be a part of your health and wellness journey.

Whether you’re just starting a fitness routine or looking to add a little variety to your exercise program, a YMCA personal trainer can help you to achieve your wellness goals. One-on-one or small group coaching enables our certified personal trainers to interact with members in creating a fitness program that meets their needs and offers direction, education, motivation and support every step of the way.

First-time personal training clients can purchase 3 sessions for $99. For more information about personal training at the YMCA, stop by your local branch today.

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Join the Y for Exciting Fab 50 Fall Events

The YMCA’s Fab 50 Club is a social club focused on fun and fellowship for facility and community members ages 50 and over. On a weekly basis, the Fab 50 club meets to mingle, play games and, every once in a while, go on an adventure. This fall we have a wonderful lineup of events and programs to enjoy!

Fab 50 Adventures (Open to all Greater Joliet Area YMCA Facility Members and Community Members)

That’s Amore: The Dean Martin Story
Come join us for a fabulous performance featuring some of Dean Martin’s greatest hits! Fee includes meal, gratuity and admission. Transportation not provided. Registration closes Monday, September 13.
Date: Thursday, September 23
Time: 11:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Location: White Fence Farm, Romeoville
Cost: $40
REGISTER TODAY

The Four C Notes
The Four C Notes are the Midwest’s ONLY tribute band dedicated to recreating the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons! Fee includes choice of meal, gratuity and admission. Transportation not provided. Registration closes Wednesday, September 22.
Date: Thursday, October 7
Time: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Location: Jacob Henry Mansion, Joliet
Cost: $53
REGISTER TODAY

Remembering Marshall Fields at Christmas Time
No Christmas season was complete without a visit to Marshall Field’s, the city’s Grande Dame of department stores. We will trace the store’s beloved holiday traditions, including the Walnut Room Christmas tree, the holiday window displays, the toy department, Cozy Cloud Cottage and the Christmas catalog! An Organ Concert will be held in the Old Central Church after the show. Fee includes choice of meal, gratuity and admission. Registration closes Wednesday, November 3.
Date: Thursday, November 18
Time: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Jacob Henry Mansion, Joliet
Cost: $48
REGISTER TODAY

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Fab 50 Bowlers
Join the Y for some bowling fun! We bowl every other Thursday at Plainfield Lanes. For $6, you will receive rental bowling shoes and bowl two games. Free to register. Please register at Membership Desk the Monday before so we have a head count. Payment will be taken on the Thursdays that you attend at the bowling alley.
Time: Thursdays from Noon-2 p.m.
Dates:
September 2, 16 and 30
October 14 and 28
November 11
December 2 and 16
Cost: $6 per session
REGISTER TODAY

Fab 50 Walkers
Come join us for an outdoor walk every Tuesday and Thursday. Program is weather permitting.
Location: Various, meet at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:15-9 a.m.
Cost: Free and open to all

Fab 50 Social Hour
Join this social group that meets weekly for fun and fellowship.
Location: C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m-12 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all

Morris Community YMCA

Fab 50 Social Hour
Join this social group that meets weekly for fun and fellowship.
Thursdays: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for Facility Members/$5 for Community Members

Fab 50 Walkers
Come join us for an outdoor walk every Tuesday and Thursday. Program is weather permitting.
Location: Various, meet at Morris Community YMCA
Time: Tuesdays 9-10 a.m.
Cost: Free for Facility Members/$5 for Community Members

Galowich Family YMCA

Join us as we enjoy fun activities to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Recreation time is geared toward all interests, fitness levels and abilities.
Time: Wednesdays from Noon-2 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the community

 

 

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Join the Y Team Today

In preparation for our busy fall season, we are looking to add talented, qualified, and positive part-time employees to our YMCA family.

NOW HIRING

  • Before and After School Kid Zone Counselors, Site Coordinators, and Site Supervisors (Ages 18 and up; Now hiring for school locations in Joliet, Morris, Plainfield, Minooka, Lockport, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook.)
  • Fitness Instructors
  • Lifeguards and Swim Instructors
  • Maintenance Technicians
  • Membership Desk Attendants
  • Personal Trainers
  • Sports Instructors and Referees

Employment opportunities vary by branch.

Employee benefits include:

• On-the-job training

• Free YMCA membership and generous program discounts

• Participation in the Y’s retirement plan (when eligibility requirements have been met)

To apply online, click below:

APPLY ONLINE

You can also learn more by attending one of our Employment Open Houses, dates and times can be found below:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Saturday, July 17
9-11 a.m.

Monday, July 19
6:30-8 p.m

Wednesday, July 28
10:00 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tuesday, August 3
6:30-8 p.m.

Thursday, August 5
10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Friday, August 6
10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Galowich Family YMCA

Thursday, July 29
5-7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 4
5-7 p.m.

Friday, August 6
Noon-2 p.m.

Morris Community YMCA

Tuesday, July 27
5-7 p.m.

Thursday, July 29
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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If you know someone who would be a great fit to join the Y team, encourage them to apply today!

During our Tell a Friend Summer Referral Special – Part 2.0, YMCA members will receive a $25 credit for each employee they refer to the YMCA.

System credits will be issued to members’ accounts after the referred employee completes 60 days of employment. System credits can be used towards YMCA programs and membership dues, and will expire on December 31, 2021.

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Register for the 2021 YMCA Mini Triathlon & Kids Triathlon

Each summer, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA hosts a Mini Triathlon and Kids Triathlon. Open to YMCA members and area residents, ages 6 and up, this exciting event promises to be a morning of fun for your entire family.

The 2021 Mini-Tri and Kids Triathlon events will be held on Sunday, September 12.

Please note: Participants, 11 and under, must be supervised by someone over the age of 18 that is not participating in the Mini Tri. Participants are required to bring their own bicycle and helmet. The bike and run portions are held on a closed course around Wallin Oaks and Ira Jones. Road bikes larger than 23” are not allowed on the course. Participants with bikes not allowed on the course may use the stationary bikes.

Cost

Early Bird (by August 25): $35 for Facility Members, $50 for Community Members

After August 25: $40 for Facility Members, $55 for Community Members

Pre-registration is required. All participants registered by Wednesday, August 25 will receive a complimentary t-shirt.

Mini Triathlon (Ages 12 and Up)

Start Time: 8 a.m.

  • 200-yard swim
  • 7-mile bike ride (on stationary bicycles)
  • Two-mile run

Register Online

Kids Triathlon (Ages 6-11)

Estimated Start Time: 9 a.m.

Ages 6-7

  • 25-yard swim
  • One-mile bike ride
  • Half-mile run

Register Online

Ages 8-11

  • 75-yard swim
  • Two-mile bike ride
  • One-mile run

Register Online

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