Hit the water to get fit in the new year

As new calendars are broken out and the pages flipped to a new year, it’s often a time for a life reset and taking stock of needed changes.

The YMCA of Wayne County offers a variety of ways to stay fit and active for the whole family as you head into the new year. The Y is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive programs and services that enrich communities and all of the people who live in them.

“The YMCA of Wayne County is offering a three-month membership special which starts in January,” said Lindsay Baumgartner, Orrville branch director. “Prices range from $80 a month for a single adult membership to $170 a month for a two adult family membership. If you pay for all three months up front, it is cheaper than paying for those same three months individually.”

The Y has four campuses at which you can use your membership benefits in Wayne County. You also can use your membership at any Y in the United States, so if you travel south for the winter, your membership can travel with you.

The Wayne County Y has three pools with aquatic classes: the Ellen Shapiro Natatorium, located inside Wooster High School; the Orrville branch pool, located at 1801 Smucker Road in Orrville; and a pool for classes at the West View Wellness campus, located at 1038 Country Club Lane in Wooster.

Progressive swim classes for kids are offered at both the Orrville and Wooster high school campuses. Both the Orrville and Wooster branches have a variety of fitness classes from yoga to zumba and everything in between. Aquatic and fitness classes are free with your membership, and the Y also offers free child care while you work out. The hours for child care vary by branch, so make sure to double check the hours available before you go.

In addition to fitness classes and workout spaces, both the Wooster and Orrville campuses have a plethora of programs for kids. In Wooster this includes a gymnastics program with preschool and progressive gymnastics classes and a competitive gymnastics team for more advanced gymnasts.

The Wooster branch also has the following programs for kids and youth: Jr. Cavs Basketball, Y-Ball, Archery Tag, Little Dribblers, Youth Basketball, Pee Wee Sports Exploration, Youth Volleyball Class, T-ball and a Youth Football Spring Break Camp.

Program offerings for kids specific to the Orrville branch involve camps and classes for days off school including Video Game Camp, a Kids in the Kitchen camp day, a babysitting class, an Easter Extravaganza camp day and a parents night out.

The Orrville branch also offers adult art classes and pickleball clinics throughout the winter months.

You also can rent indoor pickleball court times by calling the Orrville branch front desk at 330-683-2153. There are a variety of senior-related activities at the Orrville branch for age 55 and up. One Wednesday a month, there is an Orrville Lunch and Learn that is free to Y members, and there are free weekly euchre, Yahtzee and bridge leagues that meet at the Orrville Y. You also can rent out spaces at both Wooster and Orrville for parties and meetings.

The activities the Y offers not only benefit one’s body, but also one’s mind and spirit. As the Y’s mission statement says, “The Y is dedicated to inspiring positive change.”

For more information on the Y’s programs and schedules, visit on Facebook at YMCA of Wayne County or on the web at ymcawayne.org.