YMCA has summer schedule packed with fun activities

Published 9:13 pm Saturday, June 18, 2016

The YMCA of Selma-Dallas County has plenty of activities over the summer to give both children and adults a chance to stay active and healthy. — Emily Enfinger

The YMCA of Selma-Dallas County has plenty of activities over the summer to give both children and adults a chance to stay active and healthy. — Emily Enfinger

It may be summer vacation, but the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County isn’t taking a break.

From summer camps to fitness activities, the YMCA is offering plenty of opportunities children and adults a chance to get in shape and have some fun.

YMCA chief executive officer Ann Murray said now is the best time for Dallas County citizens to start coming to the YMCA.

Email newsletter signup

“The most difficult thing to overcome when you go to a fitness or a health facility is intimidation,” Murray said.

With the programs that are offered during the summer, Murray said there’s no need for anyone to feel intimidated when they go to the gym. One fitness class, senior aerobics, is taught by Gail Blake Monday and Friday at 6:30 a.m. and offers those who aren’t super active in their everyday lives a chance to feel comfortable working out.

“She is the greatest motivator,” Murray said. “She has moved some of these ladies from chairs to riding the stationary cycles. It’s unbelievable.”

Darion Alexander is also leading fitness classes for high school athletes and others willing to get up early in the morning for an intense workout. Alexander trains with high school athletes at 5 a.m. and is teaching circuit training Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30 a.m.

“He is turning things around in there because he’s engaging with people, so he’ll help people get a personal program going,” Murray said.

In addition to fitness classes, there are also multiple camps taking place at the YMCA. There are 62 children in the YMCA summer camp that mixes morning academics with afternoon activities and field trips. In addition, there is a camp for middle schoolers that takes place three days a week in the mornings.

There are various activities offered, including kayaking, which will be taught to the campers in the YMCA’s lap pool next week.

Murray said the YMCA’s swimming lessons are very popular, and they range from mommy-and-me classes for toddlers and young children to adult swim lessons for ages 13 and up.

“We are adding new classes every day so that we can get everyone in,” Murray said.

While it can be quiet during the summer, the YMCA is constantly open for fitness classes and activities for all ages.

“There is so much happening and our membership is booming,” Murray said.

To learn more about any of the activities at the YMCA, call (334) 874-9622 or visit the YMCA at 1 YMCA Road.

About Justin Fedich

Staff writer for The Selma Times-Journal.

email author More by Justin