Lebanon, OH – Exercise and activity are essential to physical and mental health, especially during this pandemic. With options to get involved in sports, swim, fitness, and arts your family can be active and healthful at the Y this winter.

“We are working hard every day to adhere to the guidelines provided by the CDC and the state of Ohio to keep the Y as safe as possible for our staff and our members,” said Countryside YMCA CEO Chris Johnson.

·        Staff wear masks. Members wear masks unless they are exercising or in the pool.

·        Puradigm® Air purifiers have been installed in fitness studios and the cardio strength center to ensure quality air filtration.

·        Equipment in the cardio strength center and fitness class sizes have been adapted to meet physical distancing guidelines.

·        Hand sanitizer is available throughout the facility, and the Y is cleaning and disinfecting daily.

“We do these things because we care about the health and well-being of our members,” added Johnson. 

If you have decreased your activity during this pandemic, you aren't alone. But the Y has been open since May, providing opportunities for members to stay active, helping them to reduce stress and improve fitness.

Since reopening, the Y has been offering boxing fitness, Pilates, Yoga, Barre®, Zumba®, Cycle Spin and more. Class sizes have been modified to meet physical distancing requirements, and participants can reserve their space in a class by using the MyZone app. “We are cleaning equipment between all classes, installing air purifiers, and sanitizing daily to help keep members and Y staff as safe as possible,” said Executive Program Director Zach McCollum.

Those who want something different from a studio fitness class could consider water fit or swim lessons. According to the CDC there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools. “Our private swim lessons are really popular now,” said Swim Lesson Director Karla Toye, “and we are still offering progressive swim lessons with smaller class sizes.”

For fans of the American Ninja Warrior show, the Y now has a Ninja Zone program. “Our Ninja program is a fast-moving training program designed to develop strength, coordination, balance, power, agility and self-confidence,” said Gymnastics Director Becca Colemann. “It’s done on an obstacle course and it’s just plain fun for kids and adults!” she added.  

Sports are also available at the Y. Learn Tae Kwon Do (TKD), a Korean-style martial art, and build strength, balance, flexibility, and self-discipline. In these non-contact classes, instructors from the I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers focus on basic techniques, forms, kicking skills, board breaking skills, and self-defense in a socially distanced format. Besides TKD, registration is open for basketball and soccer.

Not sure where to start?  Plan to meet with one of the YMCA Member Coaches. New members can participate in complimentary Smart Start Member Coaching, a one-on-one coaching experience which helps new members come up with a personalized wellness plan that fits their goals, interests, and lifestyle.  This is followed by periodic check-ins and provides the guidance and support needed for new members to get the most of their membership. Member Coach Elizabeth Doubet said, “New members and their families are important to us. Countryside YMCA is a big place, and we love to work with members to make the Y a little smaller and more accessible.” 

“We work every day to improve the wellbeing of people in our community by providing resources and guidance to improve physical activity, health and wellness,” said Johnson. “Offering fitness classes, water activities, and sports during this pandemic is just one more way to empower people in their efforts toward healthy living,” he added.

More information about membership, programs and class registration can be found at countrysideymca.org.

Countryside YMCA has two locations. The Lebanon location at 1699 Deerfield Rd. Lebanon, OH 45036 is a 230,000 sq. ft. facility, built on 126 acres of land and is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. The Landen location at 2894 US 22/3 Maineville OH 45039 is a smaller facility designed to serve Deerfield Township residents with fitness opportunities, before and after school care, and a preschool. Learn more about YMCA membership here. 

About Countryside YMCA
Since 1978, Countryside YMCA has embodied the Christian principles that welcome everyone in an environment where people of all ages can achieve a balance of spirit, mind and body. Located on a beautiful 126-acre property, Countryside YMCA is one of the world’s largest YMCAs offering eight pools, five gymnasiums, two indoor tracks, a rock climbing wall, a 13,000 square ft. cardio/ weight room, the Arts Center, Stolle Center for active seniors, the Motion Zone for active youth, a wide range of exercise, sports, and creative expression classes, disc golf, summer day camp for kids, and scenic trails.

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Head to the Y for Family Fun and Fitness

If your family togetherness time needs a refresh, consider the Y as a new place for the whole family to hang out. The Y offers lots of family fun activities that don't involve screens.

Splash into the indoor Family Aquatic Center. With fun, interactive water features, a slide and even lap lanes this recreational swim spot is perfect for a few hours of fun.

Exer-gaming is all the rage with youth who want to combine activity and electronics. Let them spend a few hours in our Motion Zone and get moving!

Team up with your family and play basketball, golf, or climb! Set goals and reward yourselves for clocking some active togetherness time.

Train to become Ninja Warriors! That's right - sign up for classes using our new Ninja Training course and bring out the ninja warriors in your family! 

Photo Captions

Boxing Fitness: The new boxing fitness classes at Countryside YMCA are limited in the number of participants so that each person can work through the boxing stations while maintaining social distancing. All equipment is sanitized between classes, and participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves (although the Y can provide them, if needed.)

Ninja Warrior: Entering the Ninja Zone at Countryside YMCA is the funnest new way to exercise. This family is training together during a Ninja Family session, but classes are also available for youth, teens, and adults.

Family Aquatic Center: This indoor pool space is perfect for relaxing water play or lap swimming. With two pools, a family play pool with teaching lanes and a cool lap pool, kids and adults of all ages and abilities can enjoy water fitness and fun. The family play pool ranges from 0 to five feet and features a water slide, spouts, tumble buckets, an interactive water play station, and a Vortex! The water temperature is maintained at 86-88 degrees.