The YMCA is committed to improving the health of the greater Charlotte community. We want you to begin to make healthy choices, whether that means coming into our facilities or not.

If you’re ready for change, we challenge you to take the first step: make one, small, healthy change in your life. Here are some possibilities:

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Drink More Water

Replenishing your body’s water supply is crucial for adequate blood supply, energy and proper body functions. View The Importance of Hydration for information on how much water you need each day and some easy tips on how to reach that goal.

Get Connected

The YMCA believes total health depends on the health of your spirit, mind and body. All are interconnected. Your search for health may not be a physical journey. You may be searching for a spiritual connection:

• Stop by one of our chapels to pray
• Search our events calendar for bible studies and other small groups
• Visit one of our many church partners in the greater Charlotte area for solutions to your spiritual health

Or a social connection:

• Get Linked!  YLINK:CLT - meet others through various activities including community service, races, trips and social gatherings.
• Volunteer!  Be a part of the community.  The YMCA offers volunteer opportunities in youth sports, literacy programs and special events to name only a few.

Chill Out!

Maybe it’s your mind that needs a little extra attention! If stress is an issue in your life, you may want to try a massage, offered at many of our YMCA locations, or attend a yoga class (when searching, select class type "Mind/Body, class subtype "Yoga").

The YMCA has a new small group program, Healthy Lifestyle Program, developed by Stanford University, which helps participants make behavioral changes, including stress management.

For more information contact our Healthy Lifestyle Program leader:
Janine Rust
janine.rust@ymcacharlotte.org
(704) 716-6825

You can also contact one of our Carolinas Medical Center Wellness Centers at many of our locations for upcoming seminars addressing stress management.

Get Movin’

Your next step could literally be a few steps. Take the stairs, walk when you don’t have to drive, or walk with a friend during lunch. Our partner, America on the Move shares the YMCA’s goal of introducing more movement and activity into your life.

Visit America on the Move, click “Get Involved, Join Today”. Take a minute to register and you’ll have access to online tools and resources plus a personalized program to track your steps – and it’s free!

Get Informed

Take the Stanford Health and Lifestyle Assessment.  The assessment is designed to give you an idea how your current lifestyle may be affecting your health and well being. The output reports generated when you complete the assessment outline your personal risk for diseases such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and provide you with health behavior targets you can set for yourself to reduce your risk and improve your health.

The YMCA and our CMC Wellness Center nurses offer an array of wellness screenings and assessments including cholesterol, blood pressure, body composition and more. Search our events calendar for a screening or assessment at a YMCA near you!

Quit Smoking

Never been able to successfully kick the habit?  Look up Freedom From Smoking on the American Lung Association’s website at www.lungusa.org or call (800) QUIT – NOW.

Or, participate in the Healthy Lifestyle Program to make this important step a reality.

Eat healthy

Choosing to eat healthy doesn’t mean a crash diet. And it doesn’t have to mean a total overhaul of your current habits. The YMCA encourages you to take small steps. Pick one unhealthy indulgence to replace with a healthy choice. And teach your children how to make healthy choices now. The Family Wellness Guide has more information on how to make healthy choices when you’re packing a lunch or eating out.

Find an exercise you enjoy

You are much more likely to stick to your exercise routine if you find something you like.  If you’ve been doing it a while, it may be time to shake things up!  In addition to our pools, gyms and fitness and wellness centers, the YMCA offers countless group exercise classes at all times of the day. Spice up your workout with Zumba, cycle, QuickFit, yoga or Pilates.

Search our Exercise Class Schedule to find a class at a location and time that’s convenient for you. All classes list an intensity level and the choreography level so you can choose what is best for you. Once you find a class, click the “Forward to a Friend” button and invite a friend to join you!