The Selma Times-Journal

Getting in shape is hard to do, but Selma offers a variety of ways to accomplish such a Herculean task.

Three such venues where the health-conscious break the shackles of weight-gain are the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County, Vaughn Fitness Center and the walking track at Bloch Park.

The Selma YMCA is the oldest in the state of Alabama, celebrates its 150th anniversary in November. It operates from a $5 million facility built in 2006, and services 1000-1500 people each day.

It features two heated pools, a 4500 square-foot fitness center, community room, team room, computer lab, and two full basketball courts.

A variety of group-oriented programs are available for all ages and fitness levels. These include senior aerobics classes, yoga, cycling, fitness classes, arthritic classes, and gymnastics classes.

Selma High School students, Brenton Sanders and Willie Young, prepare for basketball at the YMCA. Sanders is a member of the Selma basketball team. Young works toward a basketball team tryout next year.

Both athletes work out religiously. Sanders goes to the YMCA four times a week and runs two miles-a-day through his neighborhood daily. Young arrives at the YMCA at 9 a.m., and works out until 5 p.m.

Louis Green is an employee of the Selma City School System. He works out at the Y fourtimes a week.

For those considering a regimen, Green has a few tips.

Vaughn Wellness & Fitness is a traditional health club. it caters to 100-120 customers per day. It includes the bells and whistles expected from health clubs, with an added benefit for parents &045; a childcare program.

Lifeguard Ashley Ralston works for Vaughn for different reasons.

Bloch Park’s walking track is a free alternative for people trying to get in shape without an emphasis on building muscle. The half-mile track includes cardio and upper body workout-enhancing stations at each turn. Best of all, it is open 24-hours-a-day.

Concordia College soccer coach, Winston Williams visits the track early each morning.

Williams weighed 260 pounds in February, and decided the needed to make a change. He limited his diet and began a regimen that includes exercise at both Bloch Park and the YMCA.

Five months later, his changes have immensely improved his life.