Healthy Living — 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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Join the YMCA Blue Tides Masters Swim Team

July 29, 2026

Are you looking for a new workout routine and the camaraderie of a team environment? The YMCA Blue Tides Masters Swim Team is your perfect opportunity!

Designed for adult swimmers, ages 18 and up, who are looking to improve their swimming endurance and technique, the Masters Swim Team offers a fun team experience for participants of all swimming backgrounds and abilities. From novice swimmers to former college competitors, all are welcome and encouraged to join in on the fun!

PRACTICES

The YMCA Blue Tides Masters Swim Team practices year-round at:

C.W. AVERY FAMILY YMCA

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 5-6 a.m. and 6-7 a.m.

Sundays: 7-8:15 a.m.

VILLAGE OF SHOREWOOD YMCA

Mondays and Wednesdays: 6-7 a.m.

Fridays: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Participants must be YMCA Facility Members. In order to participate in competitive meets, swimmers must join U.S. Masters Swimming. Register online by clicking here. When registering be sure to enter ‘Joliet Blue Tides (JBT)’ as your group.

BENEFITS OF JOINING U.S. MASTERS SWIMMING

Join U.S. Masters Swimming today and take your swimming to the next level. Year-round benefits include:

-Technique and training advice in SWIMMER magazine, STREAMLINES newsletters, and at usms.org

-Access to a vast workout library that features seven workouts for every swimming level

-The ability to participate in USMS pool, open water, or virtual events

-Exclusive discounts from partners

-The ability to link your account with Swim.com and analyze your workout or race information

-A digital community to connect with coaches and members nationwide

-FUN social interaction with like-minded adults and much more

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about the Blue Tides Masters Swim Team, please contact:

C.W. AVERY FAMILY YMCA

Coach Marcie via email at [email protected]

VILLAGE OF SHOREWOOD YMCA

Coach Jenny via email at [email protected]

Or visit the team’s Facebook group by searching ‘YMCA Blue Tides Swim Team.’

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Registration Underway for YMCA Fall Men’s Basketball and Co-Ed Volleyball Leagues

July 28, 2026

If you’re looking for a little friendly competition, the Y has got you covered this fall with our adult sports leagues! Registration is now underway for men’s basketball and co-ed volleyball leagues. See details below.

Village of Shorewood YMCA

Men’s Basketball (Ages 18 and up)
Cost (Per person): $100 for Facility Members and Shorewood Resident Program Members, $150 for Community Members

Season will run from September 6-November 8. There will be an eight week regular season followed by two weeks of playoffs. Games will be played on Sundays with start times of 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, or 1 p.m. Players must register individually. Participants can indicate any preferred teammates on registration. Reversible jerseys included. League is limited to 10 teams.

Morris Hospital YMCA

Men’s Basketball (Ages 18 and up)
Cost (Per team): $650 for Facility Members, $750 for Community Members

Season will run from September 9-November 11. Games will be played on Mondays/Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. A team qualifies for Facility Member pricing if at least one member of the team has a YMCA Facility Membership. League is limited to 10 teams.

Co-Ed Volleyball (Ages 17 and up)
Cost (Per team): $450 for Facility Members, $550 for Community Members

Season will run from September 30-December 2. Games will be played from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Each team can register a roster with a maximum of 12 players. A team qualifies for Facility Member pricing if at least one member of the team has a YMCA Facility Membership. Minimum of two women required on the court at all times during game play. Matches will be best two-out-of-three games. League is limited to eight teams.

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Make a Splash: 2026 YMCA Summer Membership Sale

July 22, 2026

Whether you want to learn to swim, start a new workout routine, or spend quality time with friends and family, the Y has something for everyone. And now is the perfect time to join!

Starting July 24 and continuing through August 10, new and alumni members who join the Y will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120!

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:

Access to Three Branches
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations in Plainfield, Shorewood and Morris which includes:

Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center, all fully programmed with activities for the entire family, including family swim time, swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs and lap lane access.
Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
Free fitness orientations and daily group exercise classes (programs vary by location).

Quality Programming
YMCA Facility Members pay lower rates on programs including our before and after school Kid Zone Program, swim lessons, sports programs and personal training, among a slew of other options.

Unlimited Guest Passes
Facility Members may bring one guest per day to the Y.

Refer a Friend Opportunities
Members who refer a friend that joins the Y may also receive a free month of membership. (Some restrictions apply.)

Free Access to the My Y Rewards Program
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll 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.

Financial Assistance
At the Y, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. To learn more about our financial assistance program, please click here or stop by your local branch today.

So Much More
A complete list of member benefits can be found here.

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Set to Offer Adaptive Group Fitness Class

July 20, 2026

ALL ABILITIES YOGA
Date: Friday, August 7
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA invites participants of all levels and abilities to engage in movements that are focused on mind and body wellness as well as flexibility. We encourage participants to be prepared to stretch, move, and learn ways to improve their mind and body while meeting others in a welcoming environment.

Cost: Free and open to the community. Registration is required.

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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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