Washington County YMCA offers senior fitness classes

By Emily Marner
Posted 1/18/22

For seniors who live in the Washington County area, the YMCA offers a variety of activities and equipment to maintain your health. From water aerobics to cardio training, the YMCA provides a …

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Washington County YMCA offers senior fitness classes

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For seniors who live in the Washington County area, the YMCA offers a variety of activities and equipment to maintain your health. From water aerobics to cardio training, the YMCA provides a comfortable environment to work out or take a leisurely walk.

There are three YMCA locations in Washington County, the Kalona YMCA, the Washington YMCA and the Wellman Parkside YMCA. Each facility is maximized to fit the needs of all YMCA members. A senior membership, for those 62 and older currently costs $30/ month (with a $30 join fee) or $360/ annually. A senior family, which includes those 62+ and dependents over 21 currently cost $46/ month (with a $50 join fee) or $552/ annually.

The membership includes full-access to all YMCA locations, 24-hour access, fitness classes, free open gym and a free towel service.

If you are a resident inside the Kalona city limits, a senior membership costs $85/ annually. The senior family membership costs either $13.50/ month (with a $50 join fee) or $162/ annually. If you are unsure whether you qualify for the Kalona citizen rates, those who pay the Kalona water bill are applicable.

Each location in the Washington County area provides Senior Fitness Classes. These classes prioritize cardiovascular training, flexibility, range of motion and general strength training. Classes average around 30-45 minutes, starting with stretching and ending with low-impact exercises to avoid excessive stress on the body. Angie Boyce teaches these senior fitness classes.

Seniors who are looking for a simple start to an exercise routine can do as simple as getting a brisk walk on the track.

“Sometimes we just get seniors who spend half-an-hour walking up on the track,” said Isabel Forbes of the Kalona YMCA. “That’s the nice thing about the Y — you can choose your pace and build off that. If you want to work on arm strength rather than endurance, you can go lift weights. You get all the freedom and flexibility to do what you want.”

The Washington and Wellman Parkside YMCA has Senior Fitness classes on Tuesday and Thursday, with Washington’s starting at 9:30 a.m. and Wellman Parkside at 9 a.m. The Kalona YMCA Senior Fitness classes are on Monday and Thursday, beginning at 10 a.m. The YMCA’s website washingtony.org keeps an updated schedule of classes and whether a class has been canceled for the day.

Another senior-focused activity the YMCA offers is the Wellman Walkamolies Senior Striders Club. The club gathers every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-10 a.m. at the Wellman Parkside YMCA. Members of the YMCA are welcome to, “Get your stride kick’in! Get the blood pump’in! For great fun, good exercise for your heart, body, and soul!”.