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Tom Metzler, Fitness Director in BH with client.

Regular exercise has been proven to not only aid in weight loss and maintenance, but it is a crucial component in a woman’s overall health and well being.  Physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It helps prevent osteoporosis and aids in warding off depression. (Starting to see a trend here?) As little as 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week reaps enormous benefits for the body, mind and spirit.

You probably knew all that—which is why “workout more” is always at the top of your New Year’s Resolutions list. (Remember those?) What you may not know, is that the Summit Area YMCA can turn your resolution into a reality. Going to the Y, which has branches in Springfield, Berkeley Heights and Summit, is like taking a trip to your favorite department store—one stop shopping for all your fitness needs. Whether you want a quick total body workout, are looking to increase flexibility and detox your mind, or you prefer to pump iron, there are a plethora of fitness options at the Y for women of all levels of activity or ability.

“We have members as old as 84 and those as young as 11,” says Tom Metzler, the Health and Fitness Director at the Berkeley Heights YMCA. “We have top-of-the-line equipment, great group classes and trainers on site at all times to help out. But best of all, our facility is inviting. It has a very low key, non-intimidating atmosphere. I think that’s important; that women feel comfortable when they come to workout.”

The Y is known for it’s family-like atmosphere, where people are often greeted by name when they walk in the door. “We have one group fitness class that some women have been attending for over 20 years—with the same instructor,” Metzler says. This social aspect is an important element in the fight to stay committed to an exercise program. Other popular group classes offered at the Y include spinning, body sculpting, boxing or kickboxing and yoga.

In Springfield and Summit, the Y also offers a STRIVE™ circuit, which provides an effective and efficient form of strength training. “STRIVE™ offers not only variety, but a whole different type of workout,” says Tracy Guame, Physical Director in Springfield. “It is great for people looking to maximize their workout in a minimal amount of time. Thirty minutes and you’ve worked all your muscle groups.” And with STRIVE’s adjustable-variable resistance, anyone from beginner to top athlete can achieve a great workout.

Okay. So the Y provides more options than an all-you-can-eat buffet. Unfortunately, all the options in the world are meaningless if you don’t get off the couch. The real hindrance to physical fitness is often motivation. “I think many women, especially those who haven’t worked out before or in a long time, feel beaten before they even begin,” says Gaume. “But they need to know that they can do it, and it’s never too late to start. Any activity is better than no activity at all. Set small goals.”

As a good first step, Gaume recommends tagging along to a yoga class with a friend. Perhaps ask one of the trainers on the fitness room floor to give you a couple of exercises to do using light free weights. Talk a walk on a treadmill, and with each subsequent visit, vary the speed, incline or add another minute. New members should be sure to take advantage of the three free 45-minute equipment demonstrations offered by the Y. “Once you get in the habit of working out, it becomes harder to stop,” says Gaume. “And aside from all the physical benefits, exercise can increase a woman’s self-confidence, self-esteem and reduce stress.”

If you’d like to set up an appointment to take a tour of one of the Summit Area YMCAs, please call: 908.273.3330 (Summit branch), 908.464.8373 (Berkeley Heights), or 974.467.0838 (Springfield).