Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Skills for Life: Caleb and Natalie Lopez’s Y Story

YMCA swim lessons help kids stay fit, healthy, and strong when they spend time in and around the water. Additionally, kids of all ages gain confidence and learn vital water safety skills that will last them a lifetime. For C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Naomi Lopez, seeing her children Caleb and Natalie learn to swim at the Y has been an invaluable life experience.

“Caleb and Natalie started lessons at the Y a couple years ago when they were preschoolers. They had no experience and were nervous to even do anything near water,” Naomi said. “They’ve gone from not knowing anything to swimming on their own. They’ve built so much confidence and love coming here.”

Caleb and Natalie have participated in both group swim lessons and private swim lessons, options that Naomi said provide different advantages for families. 

“With group lessons, I really like that there are so many options. It’s very flexible. I can get them in pretty much any day I want. With private lessons, they were able to improve their skills even quicker because of it being 1-on-1. In both cases, they have had a wonderful experience with all of their instructors. They’re organized in the way they do things, so it’s always timely and always fun,” she said. 

Naomi believes the structure of YMCA swim lessons has also had a positive impact on Caleb and Natalie as young learners.  

“They were very little during the time they started swim lessons and didn’t have any classroom experience. They learned little things that would help in a classroom setting like following the teacher and listening. It helped them to pay attention and follow instructions,” she said.

And, after continuing lessons this fall, Caleb and Natalie have now reached swim levels that allow them to use the full amenities of the YMCA’s Family Pool. 

“I usually bring them to play in the Family Pool in the winter, which is great for when it’s so cold and there is nothing to do outside. They can both go down the big slides now, which was something they couldn’t do before, so that was huge for them,” Naomi said.

But for the Lopez family, the Y journey is just beginning.

“I have four kids total and the two little ones will also be doing swim lessons soon,” Naomi said. “This is a great place for all, especially families looking for a budget friendly option and an opportunity to give their kids a lot of different extracurricular activities. Whenever my kids are interested in something I always look to the Y first before looking anywhere else. It’s perfect.”

To learn more about swim lessons at the Y, click here or speak with a member of our aquatics team during your next visit. To register online, click here.

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Healthy Lifestyles Start Here: Melissa Jorstad’s Y Story

At the Y, we know that taking the first step on your health and wellness journey is often the most difficult. That’s why, at the Y, we strive each day to create a welcoming environment and provide our members with the support they need to achieve their goals.

Since joining the Morris Hospital YMCA last year, member Melissa Jorstad has found that being part of the Y community has boosted her confidence in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“I hadn’t really worked out since 2019 and I think one of the barriers that held me back for a long time was thinking I’m out of shape and I’m not athletic enough to work out or do fitness classes. As it turns out, a lot of people have that kind of background and we’re all growing together. That sense of community has meant a lot to me,” Melissa said. 

Melissa credited a combination of group exercise classes and personal training sessions for keeping her focused on her health and wellness goals. 

“I do not do self-directed exercise very well. I need groups, I need people, I need structure. You can jump on a treadmill anywhere, but you can’t get the same instructor help you get in a yoga class, or with a personal trainer, like you do at the Y. And I work from home, so the group classes have been a really nice way to connect to other people,” she said. 

Melissa now visits the Y up to six times per week, something she also said wouldn’t be possible without the support of the onsite childcare offered to members while they work out.

“I have a three-year old and a one-year old and all the staff members in Kids Corner know my kids at this point. There are so many things for my kids to do and the playground is so much fun for them. They love being able to play outside when the weather is nice,” Melissa said.

Looking ahead, Melissa said she is excited to kickstart fall by participating in this weekend’s Corn Fest 5K.

“I’ve never been a runner, that was never me, but I did the Couch to 5K class so now I’m signed up. That would have never happened if I wasn’t coming to the Y,” she said.

We are so proud to have Melissa in our Y community and we wish her, and all Y members participating in the 5K, the best. We know everyone will do great!

If you are interested in working with a YMCA personal trainer, now is the perfect time to start! The Y’s September Personal Training Sale runs through the end of the month and you can learn more by clicking here. 

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Feel Healthier, Be Stronger: Kathleen Bernard’s Y Story

At the Y, we know that having a strong support system can make a big difference when you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Kathleen Bernard, personal training sessions have proven to be a crucial way to kickstart her health and wellness journey. 

“Having a personal trainer is amazing because you are not by yourself and you are being guided through the whole process,” Kathleen said. “I’ve been working with Suzanne (Ventrice) since July. She’s supportive and not judgemental. And I haven’t felt this good in a long time.”

Kathleen said the YMCA’s resources and friendly and welcoming atmosphere have helped to change her outlook on exercise.

“It’s opened up a whole new world. Even though I’ve exercised in the past, I’ve never had this kind of experience where I’m walking in and I’m not afraid and I don’t feel judged,” she said. “Suzanne has shown me stuff that I was afraid to try and would never do by myself. Like weightlifting, who knew I was so strong?”

In addition to improved physical fitness, Kathleen said exercising has had a positive impact on her mental health. 

“My self esteem has improved and I feel so much better. I was feeling bad about myself, but I’ve been able to do things that I wasn’t able to do before. I’m 49 years old and I’m working out like when I was young,” she said.

Kathleen is now looking forward to expanding her Y experience to group fitness classes and exploring all the amenities the Y has to offer. 

“It’s so easy.  You don’t have to jump through any hoops. There are so many activities at your fingertips. You walk in, check in, and you can go right into the gym or the pool. I’ve also got my husband signed up for a membership and ready to go,” she said. 

And when it comes to advice for potential Y members, Kathleen believes taking the first step is the most important one. 

“Just make the call or stop in. Everyone here is so kind,” she said.  

We thank Kathleen for being a part of our Y community and wish her the best as she continues on her health and wellness journey.

If you are interested in working with a YMCA personal trainer, now is the perfect time to start! The Y’s September Personal Training Sale is underway and you can learn more by clicking here. 

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Staying Active for Life: Sid Skidmore’s Y Story

At the Y, we are proud to support members as they reach their goals and mark important health and wellness milestones. And that is why we are so excited to shine the spotlight on Morris Hospital YMCA member Sid Skidmore, who celebrated his 100th birthday on August 29. 

Sid, a retired engineer, moved to Morris a few years ago to be closer to family and said he has been a member of various YMCAs over the years. When the new facility opened in Morris last December, he saw the perfect opportunity to get back into working out. 

“I realized I had lost a lot of my strength so I thought I better try and get some of it back,” he said. “They’ve done a great job with this brand new Y. It has everything you need.”

Sid visits the Y multiple times per week, arriving at 7 a.m. for each visit, and completes a regimented workout using the strength machines in the wellness center.  

“When you get old, you find you have to have a routine or you’ll forget something. I have routines for everything.” he said. “The Y is definitely the best place to go for exercising and for meeting other people, too. I’ve made a lot of friends here. It’s fun to chat for a few minutes each morning while you’re working out.”

According to Sid, the secrets to turning 100 are more than just an active lifestyle; good genes and a lifetime of healthy eating play a big role as well.

“When I was a kid, my mother would go shopping every other day so we always had fresh vegetables and fresh meat. And we never had anything like soda or fountain drinks, so I never got in the habit of drinking any of that stuff. I think that’s part of it,” he said.

Sid said working out at the Y helps him with his other interests of playing golf and making stained glass windows. He also shared that he passed a recent driver’s test, a sign that he doesn’t have any plans of slowing down, even after hitting the century mark. 

“I used to plan out five to ten years ahead. Now that I’ve hit 100, I think I can still plan for five years ahead,” he said.  

On behalf of the entire Y community, we would like to wish Sid a very happy 100th birthday and thank him for being a part of our YMCA family!

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Try Something New: Ann Wright’s Y Story

When the Morris Hospital YMCA opened last December, it opened the door to new possibilities for those in the Morris community, including individuals like Y member, donor, and volunteer Ann Wright. 

“My husband and I joined the Y at the old downtown location to support the cause, but never had the intent to go. Then we got really excited about the new Y, and when it opened we were on board from the get go,” Ann said. 

With new spaces like an eight lane lap pool to explore, Ann came to find her go-to activities at the Y were water fitness classes, a passion now shared by many in the community. 

“I do water fitness two or three times a week and every class seems to fill up. It’s incredible. There are classes in the morning and at night, and when I’m sitting in church on Sunday I can tell people are ready to hit that button and sign up for the Monday morning class,” she said.

Ann also noted being a Y member has helped her build stronger relationships with past acquaintances and forge new friendships along the way.  

“I remember telling one woman about the evening water fitness class and we had a date night with our husbands,” Ann said. “Now they do about four or five classes a week. It’s a great example of being willing to think outside the box and try something new.”

Ann was able to expand her own horizons by participating in YMCA Fit4U. During the 4-week introductory program, which is free for Facility Members, Ann learned more about the machines in the Wellness Center and Y amenities that could help her get started with new exercises.

“I did (Fit4U) because I have never used gym equipment before. It really helped me feel comfortable in the fitness center. The staff were amazing and encouraging,” she said.

Ann said that the positive energy from staff and members alike makes each visit to the Y a rewarding experience.

“You don’t leave without feeling like you’re a happier person. And that goes along with already having done something positive for your health. The physical aspect is probably what people think of and why they want to go initially, but the positivity you get here is vital.”

We are so proud to have Ann in our Y community! Please know that your Y family will always be here to support you along your health and wellness journey!

As a reminder, Fall 1 session programming begins on Monday. You can view group fitness, lap pool, and gymnasium schedules by clicking here or by using the YMCA On the Go App. If you are interested in learning more about the YMCA’s Fit4U program, please click here.

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Feel Healthier, Be Stronger: Beth Yakich’s Y Story

The Y is a welcoming place for individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, providing the resources and support needed to help everyone reach their goals. For Galowich Family YMCA Member Beth Yakich, joining the Y this summer was a way to support rejuvenation and recovery. 

“I’ve had surgery on my left hip and I’m currently working on rehabbing my right hip. I completed physical therapy, but I had become very sedentary and I knew I had to change something. I needed to do something more.”

On her first visit, Beth learned right away that friendly faces are always here to greet you at the Y. 

“I’m standing at the desk on the day I joined and almost immediately I recognized two women I go to church with. They said ‘You’ve got to come to water Zumba tonight’. So I took a class the first day I joined and I’ve been coming in three days a week since then.”

In addition to group fitness classes, Beth said the Y’s Fit4U program has played a key role in helping her develop a healthier lifestyle. During the free 4-week introductory program, which is free for Facility Members, Beth learned more about machines in the Wellness Center and Y amenities that could help her get started with new exercises.

“I had a few questions about (Fit4U) when I joined and they got me set up with Sabrina from the health and wellness team,” she said. “My only experience with equipment was in physical therapy and that was just three machines – an arm bike, a stationary bike, and a leg press. With the help of Sabrina, I became more confident using all the machines in the wellness center, focusing on rotating through the ones that would help me meet my goals. I wasn’t interested in lifting weights, but now I realize how each piece of equipment can strengthen the muscles around joints.”

Beth also credited exercising at the Y for a :23 second improvement on cardiovascular stress testing at a recent doctor’s visit.

“Overall, I’m feeling healthier. I know it’s going to take time to be where I want to be, but I’m impressed with how short of time it has taken for me to feel stronger,” she said. 

And after struggling to stay committed to a health and wellness routine, Beth said being at the Y keeps her motivated. 

“When I was at home, it was always a case of ‘Well, I’ll work out tomorrow.’ When I walk through these doors, I’m working today.”

We are so proud to have Beth in our Y community and we wish her the very best as she strives to reach her health and wellness goals.

If you are interested in learning more about the YMCA’s Fit4U program, please click here. You can also view our current group fitness schedules by clicking here or by using the YMCA On the Go App.  

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