Canada is celebrating a milestone next year, but did you know the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region is also turning 150 in 2017? A cornerstone of health, fitness and social support in Ottawa since Confederation, the Y has consistently kept pace with changing times to offer programs and services suited to the needs and demands of the day.
“Today we find that families are looking for opportunities to achieve their fitness goals together,” explains Rob Adams, Associate Vice President, Health, Fitness, Aquatics and Children’s Services, with the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region. “We welcome more than 75,000 people across the Ottawa region annually, including thousands from the Kitchissippi area. Our focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life. We believe so strongly in this that we even offer a financial assistance program to ensure that everyone who wants to join the Y can do so affordably. ”
The programs offered at the Y are vital to the wellness of our community and have been carefully developed to respond to a broad range of needs. Whether you’re looking for fitness, sports, aquatics, chronic disease prevention or nutrition programs, you’ll find it all at your local Y. In addition, the Y has long served as second home for children and youth. “We take pride in being a safe space where kids can have fun, explore and meet new friends,” notes Rob. “Our programs have been created to foster healthy development, grow imaginations and encourage learning in an inclusive environment.”
It was an outpouring of community support that helped drive the creation of a revitalized Y location in Kitchissippi, at the Carlingwood Mall. At the Carlingwood Y, families are able to stay connected, play together and actively engage in healthy pursuits. It’s a wonderful environment for multi-generational families to enjoy a wide range of fitness and leisure activities. “We proudly serve a diverse group of members here, from toddlers through to seniors and we have customized programs and services to meet each of their needs,” explains Rob.
In its 20,000 square feet, the Carlingwood Y offers drop-in and specialty group fitness classes, children’s swim lessons and aquatics, cardio and strength training equipment, child minding services and inviting social areas. The facility includes spacious studios for group fitness and yoga, treadmills, elliptical machines, plus stationary and group cycling bikes. There’s also an impressive timber TRX Suspension Training frame as well as a hot tub and seventeen metre pool, ideal for Aquafit and kids’ lessons.
Recreational programs for every age group are available this winter. Children can enjoy Active and Creative Play programs or dance and swim lessons, while options for youth include Leadership programs, youth Swim Fit, and youth conditioning (weight training). For adults, yoga, Cyclefit, Pilates, Zumba, TRX classes and more are available. Seniors can choose from many of the same classes, or explore options that meet the needs of older adults like Aquafit, young at Heart Yoga, Tai-Chi, and Functional Fitness for Seniors. Family Tae-Kwon Do and Family Zumba offer opportunities to learn and exercise together.
“Aside from our extensive programming, what keeps people coming back to the Y is our team of enthusiastic, well-trained professionals who are ready to assist members with all their health and fitness needs,” says Rob. “We truly are a one stop resource for people who are ready to choose a healthier lifestyle and want support to achieve their goals. We want everyone who walks through our doors to enjoy themselves here and get the most they possibly can out of their membership.”
With an abundance of free parking and easy access by transit, the Carlingwood Y looks forward to welcoming you soon. Winter registration is now open and the full winter program guide, as well as the drop in fitness class and aquatic program schedules, are available online at ymcaywca.ca.