The YMCA health and wellness programs are developmentally appropriate and help people at any stage of life build positive health habits. Participation in YMCA programs offer youth and adults opportunities for friendship and community, a sense of well-being, increased self-confidence and improved mental abilities.
Personal Training
(12 years & up, members-only program) By appointment only. A list of personal trainers is available upon request. In order for a personal trainer to design a safe and effective workout, he or she should have education and experience. Being certified through a nationally recognized certifying agency insures that the trainer is getting continuing education.
This means that the trainer is knowledgeable about the latest information and research on health and fitness issues and understands the principles of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and exercise. All YMCA Personal Trainers are certified by the YMCA or nationally recognized certifying agency, as well as CPR-certified.
Facility Member Fees:
1 Session: $45
5 Sessions: $210
10 Sessions: $385
30-Minute Circuit
(16 years & up, members-only program. Don’t have much time? Check out the YMCA 30-Minute Solution circuit workout. This program was designed with you and your busy schedule in mind. It is our hope that the YMCA 30-Minute Solution program will be a supportive, non-intimidating environment where everyone can build a healthier spirit, mind and body. The YMCA 30-Minute Solution circuit workout is designed to give you a full workout in 30 minutes. Participants will rotate between doing 60 seconds of a cardiovascular exercise and 60 seconds of a Strength Training Machine.
CPR/AED Training & First Aid
The YMCA offers several certification classes including CPR, AED and First Aid. Whether you need the certifications for your profession or personal reasons, we have a class for you. Classes are offered monthly and registration is taken at the Welcome Center. Sign up early, enrollment is limited.
Y Personal Fitness & FitLinxx®
FitLinxx® is a computerized system that attaches directly to existing fitness equipment, adding an extraordinary “intelligent” dimension to the workout experience for the first time.
FitLinxx® “learns” users’ programs, “coaches” them individually through their workout for better form, safety and confidence during every exercise, and “tracks” their progress over time.
Users simply tap in their PIN to display their targets. FitLinxx® then coaches them on speed, form, heart rate, etc., and tracks the workout session -- every rep, set and step. Behind the scenes, all the exercise machines are networked into a central database, providing exercisers and staff access to a wealth of information on individual progress and a unique set of motivational tools.
Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are offered in the Perry Family YMCA Multi-Purpose Room/Educational Kitchen. New classes are offered monthly. Examples of topics include Healthy Mexican Food, Thai Cooking, Wheat-Free & Dairy-Free Cooking, Vegetarian Meals, Healthy Kids Meals and more.
Reformer Pilates
The main focus of Pilates Reformer is the core postural muscles, the center of the body, the “Powerhouse.” The equipment used in class, the Allegro Reformer, uses springs, straps and a moving carriage to provide a variety of exercises and to create body awareness.
Pilates is ideal for cross-training purposes as it will help create a better understanding of posture and how it relates to all forms of exercise. When Pilates is practiced on a regular basis, it encompasses all aspects of fitness, such as strength, flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular, motor skills and relaxation.
Training Benefits of Pilates:
• Improve overall muscle strength, flexibility, stability, balance, coordination and concentration
• Increase internal and core strength: abdominal and back strength
• Improve joint mobility: helps with aches and pains
• Improve posture and alignment: stand up straight
• Increase body awareness: movement becomes controlled and responsive
• Lengthen bulky muscles
Group Classes, Semi-Private Classes and Private Sessions are available.
Group Exercise Classes
Facility Member Benefit! Group Exercise Classes are offered for ages 12 and older at the Bay Area YMCA centers meeting all levels of fitness. A list of class descriptions and current schedules can be found at both Welcome Center desks or online at www.ymcahouston.org. Proper athletic footwear is required.
Classes offered include:
• Fitball
• Mat Pilates
• Yoga
• Spinning
• Power Pump
• Dancertone
• Ab Blast
• Ball Pilates
• Boot Camp
• Beginner Classes
• Active Older Adults
• Intervals
• SilverSneakers®
• Step Circuit
• 30-Minute Solution
• Body Sculpting
• Basic Training
• Tae Bo
• And Lots More
Boot Camp
It your workout has lost its edge and you are ready for something with a whole lot of power behind it, maybe you should consider a boot camp workout. The workout consists of working your entire body through a series of cardio and weight training exercises, without stopping in between. The boot camp workout is designed to help you lose those last stubborn pounds and really get into shape.
Days/Times: Mon & Wed, 5:00am-6:00am
Fees: $60/month
Location: The Perry Family YMCA
Register: At the Welcome Center
Parent’s Nights Out
As a benefit to family membership you are able to register your children for Parent’s Night Out.
EA Smith Family YMCA
Dates: 1st Fri of each month
Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm
Dates: 3rd Sat of each month
Time: 4:00pm-8:00pm
Perry Family YMCA
Dates: 2nd and 4th Sat of each month
Time: 4:00pm-8:00pm
Sign up at the Welcome Center.
Older Youth Strength Training
Youth ages 12-15 years of age must attend an Older Youth Strength Training Class prior to working out or must be accompanied by a parent who is in direct supervision and vicinity of that child while in the Wellness Center. The workshop is free and space is limited, so please sign up today.
Adventure Guides
The YMCA Adventure Guides program is designed to assist the parent and child on a journey of discovery. While activities with the whole family are important, we see tremendous value in supporting and strengthening the ability of a parent and his or her child to communicate at an early age in ways that are caring, honest, respectful and responsible.
The Adventure Guide Program does not have to be for just one parent and child, but may include the entire family unit.
Adventure Guides activities include:
• Games
• Crafts
• Songs
• Stories
• Skits
• Outdoor pursuits, such as camping, hiking and swimming.
This program is for school-age children.
Kids Martial Arts
The YMCA Martial Arts Program is designed to uphold our pre-existing mission statement as well as championing the benefits of a life lead by the 5 core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, caring and faith.
Children ages 5 and up can learn the art, discipline and skills of martial arts. We combine a blend of different martial arts. As a general rule, martial arts helps to improve self-esteem and self-discipline at school as well as at home.
Facility Member: 30/month
Program Member: $60/month
Home School PE
At the Bay Area YMCAs, we recognize the importance of establishing exercise behavior at a young age. With this in mind, we are pleased to offer a physical education program that will engage Home School youth, ages 5 to 12, in a variety of activities that will promote physical and social well-being.
During each class, we will incorporate activities that emphasize teamwork and cooperation while adhering to the YMCA core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, caring and faith. All activities are designed to enhance cardiovascular performance, strength, endurance, balance, coordination & flexibility.
The Home School PE program will incorporate sport-specific drills, take-home activities and hands-on training. Your child will be sure to get a well-rounded experience, exercise and have fun!
Inquire at the Welcome Center for specific class information.
