Jumping into Health & Fitness

The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County (the Y) is greeting the new year with open houses on January 21 to highlight new and expanded programs designed to help local families build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged with their communities.

All are welcome to attend the open houses in Freehold, Old Bridge and Red Bank on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy family activities, sample classes, check out recent facility enhancements, and learn about new and growing programs to support family and community health and well-being.

“Connecting families to each other and to their communities is one of our most important priorities in the aftermath of the pandemic,” said Y President and CEO Laurie Goganzer. “The Y is here to provide a healthy and supportive environment where everyone can realize their full potential.”

One way for all families to spend time together and give back to their community is by signing up for the YMCA Togetherhood© volunteer initiative. Each month, Y volunteers support various community initiatives such as beach sweeps, food drives and staffing water stops at local road races.

“More than 650 Y volunteers are making a difference in our communities,” Goganzer said.

To support members on their health journey, the Y has expanded hours at each branch location, giving members more time to achieve their wellness goals. Free babysitting for family members also has returned under a new name at the Red Bank and Old Bridge branches. “KidsClub” is where young children have fun reading and playing while their parents work out.

For members wanting to work out at home, at work or at another location, the Y is pleased to introduce YMCA360, a 24/7 on-demand video platform available on mobile devices, TV and web. The online program offers over 1,000 exercise classes and programs that make healthy living possible anytime, anywhere for people of all ages and activity levels.

“On days when you can’t visit the Y, you can still work toward your fitness goals and feel connected to the Y community,” said Jessica MacDonald, the Y’s regional health and wellness director.

A host of other new programs and services are being rolled out in the new year including:

Streamlined Financial Assistance - The Y is open to all, regardless of ability to pay the full cost for membership fees and programs. The Y has simplified the confidential application process to make it easier for local residents to secure financial assistance for membership and programs.

Mental Health Training Events – The Y offers extensive mental health resources to the community, including new free behavioral health support and suicide prevention training.

Supportive Chronic Disease Programs – Pedaling for Parkinson’s is now available at all Y branches to help counteract the movement challenges experienced by people with Parkinson’s. The eight-week program is free for members and $200 for others. Also returning is LIVESTRONG, a supportive, small group exercise program designed for cancer survivors who want to regain their health after treatment.

The Y is offering a membership special for the new year. Anyone who joins during January will receive the month of February free. “When you join the Y, you’re helping to strengthen the greater community,” Goganzer said.

More information about membership and all Y programs, including summer camp, child care, swim lessons and job openings that strengthen community will be available at the open houses. All those who attend are invited to enter a drawing for a complimentary 3-month family membership.

The YMCA branches are located as follows:

• Freehold Family YMCA - 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold, 07728, 732.462.0464

• Old Bridge - 1 Mannino Park Drive, Old Bridge, 08857, 732.727.0704
• Red Bank - 166 Maple Avenue, Red Bank, 07701, 732.741.2504

For additional information, visit www.ymcanj.org.

About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is here for all – to empower youth and teens, improve health and strengthen community. Over the past five years, our Y has provided more than $5 million in financial assistance and subsidies to Y participants throughout greater Monmouth County. Our life-changing programs and services are anchored in eight communities: health and wellness facilities in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; an outdoor day camp in Wall; counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; a childcare center in Freehold Township; and integrated in over 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace 2022 by New Jersey Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.