Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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YMCA September Personal Training Sale

Whether you’re just starting your health and wellness journey, or looking to add a little variety to your exercise program, a YMCA personal trainer can help you to achieve your wellness goals. And now you can take your first step with the help of our September Personal Training Sale! Throughout the month if you buy four 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 good September 1-30, 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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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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Morris Hospital YMCA Set to Host Fitness ‘Dance-a-Thon’ Luau

The Morris Hospital YMCA is hosting a dance party and you are invited! Led by our fantastic instructors, Crystal, Jes, and Dina, this high-energy 75-minute “Dance-a-Thon” will challenge participants to complete Pound Fitness, Hip Hop Fit, and SHiNE Dance Fitness classes back-to-back-to-back!

As a special treat, the gym will be decked out with tropical decorations and all participants arriving in luau-themed attire will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win fun prizes!

Date: Friday, October 10 
Time: 7-8:15 p.m.
Location: Morris Hospital YMCA Gymnasium 

Open to ages 13 and Up 

Cost: 
$5 for Facility Members
$10 for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

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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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Village of Shorewood YMCA Invites Community to Participate in Outdoor Fitness Classes

As we prepare to open the new Village of Shorewood YMCA in 2026, the Y is excited to invite the community to participate in a series of FREE group exercise classes this fall! These outdoor classes will be wonderful opportunities to stay active, interact with peers, and see what Y fitness classes are all about! All classes will be held at Cene’s Four Seasons Park in Shorewood. See below for more details.

Family Fitness Bootcamp
Date: Monday, August 25
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Improve your health and enjoy time with your family! This fun fitness workout consists of sports drills, light weights, agility, fun games, and interval training.

Yoga (Ages 18 and up)
Date: Thursday, September 4
Time: 9-10 a.m.

This class uses movement and breathing exercises to work out your body and mind. Class begins with a simple warm up followed by stretching and relaxation.

Zumba Party (Ages 18 and up)
Date: Friday, September 12 
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program! Get your groove on!

Bootcamp (Ages 18 and up)
Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 7-8 a.m.

Bootcamp offers a mix of strength and cardio drills in circuits and intervals to put your body to the test. Exercises can be adjusted to skill and experience level.

PLEASE NOTE: A YMCA membership is not required, but participants will need to fill out a participation waiver form prior to attending a class. You can complete the waiver form by clicking below.

PARTICIPATION WAIVER

Location:
Cene’s Four Seasons Park
25520 W. Seil Road
Shorewood, IL 60404

If you have any questions about these classes, please contact Health and Wellness Director Alissa Koenig at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 335.

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Morris Hospital YMCA Set to Launch Prenatal Exercise Class in September

The YMCA is excited to partner with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers for a special Prenatal Exercise Class! This class, designed for expecting moms, is taught by a Morris Hospital certified pre-and post-natal coach.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, regular exercise during pregnancy benefits both mom and baby in these key ways:

• Reduces back pain

• Eases constipation

• May decrease your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery

• Promotes healthy weight gain during pregnancy

• Improves your overall general fitness and strengthens your heart and blood vessels

• Helps create positive lifestyle habits to continue after baby is born

CLASS TIME (Starting September 3)
Wednesdays, 4-4:45 p.m.
Community Room B

LOCATION
Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450

COST
Free and open to the community

No registration is required. Check-in at the YMCA front desk up to 90 minutes prior to the start of class. Class size limited to 20 individuals.

To learn more, please contact Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers at 815-705-7358.

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