YMCA program offers free services to motivate patrons. Postalyon/Dreamstime.com

By Jayk Sterkenburg

LIFESTYLE

YMCA’s ’12 Days of Fitness’ focused on motivation in Medicine Hat

Dec 16, 2024 | 4:46 PM

The YMCA of Southeastern Alberta is offering its 12 Days of Fitness promotion for the month of December, rendering programs free for patrons.

It’s a means of encouraging those who may need an extra nudge to take part in their programs, for two weeks after sign-up.

“It’s really important that everyone starts looking after not only their physical health, but their mental health as well,” said Katie Richard, YMCA’s manager of marketing and communications.

Until Dec. 31, those interested can sign up for two weeks of free access to the YMCA’s various programs, in addition to fitness centre access.

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Included in the promotion is access to the Y Connect Corner, Community Helpers Program, YMCA Parent, and Kinder and Youth Programming.

With the days having become shorter and motivation to stay active more difficult for some, the YMCA aims to inspire those who may feel drained.

Richard said that physical wellbeing can certainly improve one’s mental state.

“A big part of that is staying active, getting out, being social,” she said.

“These opportunities are great for people in the community to just give it a try, come out, take care of your physical and your mental well-being.”

Jolene Klug, assistant general manager of health, fitness and aquatics with the YMCA, wants to motivate like-minded people to pursue goals together.

“It’s proven that if you get a workout buddy or you join a workout class somewhere, there’s other people to hold you accountable,” she said.

“You’re more likely to continue on with your journey. So we do offer things like fitness classes where you work out with others,” she added.

“Socially, you want to make sure you have that gym buddy or that attendance buddy, and you’re more likely to keep going.”

Shantel Simmons, membership services manager with the YMCA, said that it takes three weeks to develop a routine.

She said the social aspect of their programs contributes to forming positive habits, with the reassuring presence of others.

“A lot of it’s just the social part of it, as well. We have a lot of great people,” she said.

“If you’re looking to be able to build your social circle, you can do that as well. We have our fitness classes, great groups of people,” she added.

“You’ll find that you’ll make friends really fast. You get exposure to like-minded people, which is great.”

Richard said that, approaching the New Year, it’s productive to begin intended resolutions beforehand to ensure commitment.

“It’s a great time to kind of start working on that, start a little early so that you’re hopefully a little more successful,” she said.

“Just taking care of your mental health as it starts to get cold and dark early is really important as well.”

The promotion will be in effect for two weeks after sign up, even if you decide to do so at the end of the month.