Virginian-Pilot


DATE: Sunday, October 26, 1997              TAG: 9710240269

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 18   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY CAROLE O'KEEFFE, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   55 lines




NO MEMBERSHIP IS NECESSARY FOR THESE FREE YMCA CLASSES

Mount Trashmore YMCA wants to be a good neighbor. That's why it's offering two free programs people can take whether they belong to the Y or not.

``We want to be a resource for the community'' said Barbara Moore, a fitness and aerobics coordinator, ``and find out how we can serve the community best.''

Most programs are free only to members. Others are available for a fee to nonmembers. ``People assume they have to pay for membership or if they are not a member they are not able to use the facility,'' Moore said. ``But we do have these two classes.''

While the programs, Walk Fit and Fit Again, have been around for a couple of years, the staff is making a concerted effort to make sure as many people as possible know about them.

``We want to welcome people in to see what we're all about,'' said Nancy Gallanty, also a fitness and aerobics coordinator.

The Fit Walk program runs Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:15 to 9:15. It's tailored to those who show up for it. The most able walkers go as many as four miles on a route that begins and ends on South Boulevard at the YMCA.

A scenic three-mile walk goes over a Mount Trashmore hill and around a lake. There's also a 1.7 mile walk. They are outdoors except during bad weather, when they take place in one of the gyms. All it takes to participate are supportive shoes and comfortable clothing.

Fit Again is led by aerobics instructor Brandy Fry. It is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. The class, held in the aerobics room, is geared toward those coming back to fitness, heavier or older people and those new to aerobics.

``There are also some younger and fit people,'' Moore said. ``The idea is to have fun getting fit.'' This is one arena where winning against others is not a goal.

``This class is within everyone's limitations,'' Fry said. Currently there are a pregnant woman and a woman in her 70s. The pregnant woman can't do crunches so Fry shows her alternate exercises she can do to strengthen stomach, back and pelvic muscles. Men also take advantage of the class.

``We are trying to make things as contemporary and ongoing, new, fresh all the time. We have in mind to keep this place jumping,'' Gallanty said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by CAROLE O'KEEFFE

Brandy Fry leads the Fit Again class at the Mount Trashmore YMCA.

Graphic

WANT TO GO?

Two programs free and open to the public at the Mount Trashmore

YMCA, 4441 South Blvd., are:

Fit Again - Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.

Fit Walk - Tuesday and Thursday, 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.

Information: Call 456-9622.



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