PROGRAM REGISTRATION
PROGRAMS FOR HEALTH
Healthy Weight Loss
Start your healthy living journey at the Y!
Embark on a journey of healthy lifestyle changes with the YMCA's Healthy Weight Loss Program! This 8-week program offers a supportive group environment, guiding you on the path to balanced eating, increased movement, and sustainable lifestyle changes for your personal body. Say goodbye to gimmicks and restrictive methods – the Y’s program is designed to support your weight loss journey using a body positive mindset, which is not about the scale.
Throughout the program, you'll receive valuable tips and strategies to seamlessly integrate nutrition and physical activity into your daily life, while providing opportunities to learn about making sustainable lifestyle changes to support your overall wellness goals. We address common obstacles and pitfalls that make long-term, sustainable weight loss such a challenge.
A weekly group-based one-hour meeting provides a supportive network of others working on similar goals to help when the going gets tough and to celebrate successes along the way. Join the YMCA Weight Loss Program today and get started on creating lasting change!
How the YMCA’s program nurtures lasting change:
- Topics covered during the program include nutrition, physical activity, stress and sleep, positive psychology, goal setting, and sustainability.
- This is an 8-week long program that provides tools, knowledge, and group support to help you develop a nutrition and exercise plan that works uniquely for you.
- The program is non-prescriptive and not a diet.
- The program design has been demonstrated to be successful and sustainable.
- Together, we explore all the areas that influence our lifestyle health choices such as our daily habits and our environments. This helps us pinpoint areas where taking small steps can lead to significant changes.
Program participants can choose an in-person or virtual format.
Available to: McGaw Y Members
Age: 18+
Cost: FREE
Dates: January 20 - March 14, 2025
Choose one format:
In-Person at the Y: Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m., Thursdays at 10:00 a.m., or Fridays at 10:00 a.m.
Virtual via Zoom: Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Members registering must be able to commit to at least 6 of the 8 class dates.
Walk with Ease
Walk with Ease Program
The McGaw YMCA is proud to partner with the Arthritis Foundation for Walk with Ease, a free six-week community program that can help reduce pain and improve overall health, flexibility, strength and stamina just by walking.
Walk with Ease is conducted in a group setting by a certified leader. Participants take 30-minute walks at the YMCA indoor track and learn stretching, warm up and basic exercise techniques. The program will help participants establish a progressive 3x week walking routine while experiencing the camaraderie of a group setting and benefits of a research-based program!
Walk with Ease is free and open to the community. The program will be held at the McGaw YMCA’s indoor track on Wednesdays at noon. Space is limited. Registration is required.
Available to: McGaw Y Members / Community
Age: 18+
Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Cost: This program is free and open to the community. Space is limited. Registration is required.
SMALL GROUP FITNESS PROGRAMS
Balance and Fall Prevention
Fit 30
Couch to 5K
Couch to 5K Learn-to-Run Program - Adult
Fall is in the air! Lace up your sneakers and awaken the runner in you. Whether your goal is to run a 5k or to simply add cardio to your routine, you will find community, motivation and expert instruction in this beginner runner program. This 9-week program will lead up to the Evanston Flying Turkey 5k on November 23, which we encourage participants to establish as a goal, although members with any active aspirations are welcome in this non-intimidating progressive program. We will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6pm starting September 20 for a coached group run. Free to members and $54 for non-members. Group size is limited to ensure individual attention and small group camaraderie.
Registration available to: McGaw Y Members / Community
Age: 14 years+
Dates: Sep. 20, 2023 - Nov. 15, 2023
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM
Cost: McGaw Y Members: FREE!
Community Participants: $54
Women on Weights
Women on Weights
When it comes to strength training, the goal is to work smarter and harder. Doing so not only saves time but also improves the efficiency and effectiveness of your workout while minimizing injuries. If you have ever wondered “I am doing this right?” or “How can I get more from my work out?” then this class is for you. You will learn proper form and technique of foundational movements as well as how to fuel and extend your workout through efficient breathing. You have committed to the time, now use it judiciously to reach a new level of strength, fitness and well-being.
Registration available to: McGaw Y Members / Community
Age: 18 years+
Dates: January 20 - February 28, 2025
Days/Times: Tuesdays, 9:00-9:50 a.m. or Thursdays 6:30-7:20 p.m., and Fridays 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Cost:
McGaw Y Members: FREE
Community: $90