YMCA offers new activities for 2008

As temperatures drop outside, people tend to look inside for their exercise, and some Carthaginians head to the Fair Acres Family YMCA.

“We have a lot of ideas and we bounce them off each other, and run them by our boss,” said YMCA program director Cari Eck.

Many of these new ideas will commence in 2008. Eck, Erin Bremmerkamp, membership and fitness director, and Ruth Sawkins with the YMCA all said they were excited to see these programs in action.

One of these new features is Teen Scene, which focuses on providing a clean, safe and fun atmosphere for Carthage teens. This program was made possible through a grant awarded to the YMCA by the Alliance of Southwest Missouri. Jan. 12, 2008 will kick off this program with a Hawaiian Pool Party.

“Teen Scene events are free to all who participate and no one will be turned away,” said Eck. “The YMCA and the Alliance of Southwest Missouri are devoted to providing safe as well as drug and alcohol free programs for our teens. I am very excited about Teen Council and our coordinator this year. Each and every one of the council members is coming up with ideas and together they are making them a reality. As I hear them talking and laughing during their meetings, I am overfilled with enthusiasm for them. They are doing an amazing job.”

Another new feature to the YMCA is the fully equipped TechnoGym room. There are two Cardio Waves, which are workout machines designed to move multiple planes of the body. These new machines came in August, but the floor was recently refurbished.
“A lot of members say they get a great workout on the Waves,” Bremmerkamp said. “It’s a very effective piece of equipment for the glutes and core muscles.”

There are also six Excite Treadmills, and all of the new equipment have personal TV screens with 32 cable stations. They also have various pre-programmed workouts, personal fans and a touch-screen.

“It’s nice to see the community is willing to provide this kind of quality,” said Eric Rhea, a Carthage resident using one of the treadmills.

Bremmerkamp was most excited about a new program for members; the Y’s Way to Weight Management. This 12-week program will begin Jan. 7 and run through March 30. This includes four group wellness workshops, a wellness binder, a Bi-Weekly newsletter, a weekly individual weigh-in, online support and supportive atmosphere.
“We’ll even have prizes and workout clothes to get people motivated and stick with it,” Bremmerkamp said.

Bremmerkamp also provides personal training since she is certified through the Aerobic Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She said she’s happy she can work in a place she enjoys and personally supports.

“It’s a good feeling,” she said.

This year makes the second year for the Southwest Missouri Area Tri-athletes of Missouri (SWAT) in conjunction with the Fair Acres Family YMCA. This is a multi-sport club that focuses on the sport of triathlon, which combines swimming, cycling and running. This sport requires a good balance between training, family and career.
“We will have monthly meetings, weekly trainings in swimming, biking, and running, beginner clinics, social functions and club sponsored races throughout the year,” said Sawkins. “We will also have youth and adult focused events.”

SWAT is focused on expanding sports and fitness within the Southwest Missouri Area, and is for people ages 5-100. The club promotes a strong group-training format, provides for community needs and develops a social environment for the multi-sport enthusiast.

“SWAT is a club for everyone, not just elite athletes,” Sawkins said. “SWAT offers support and help to get you going in the sport. No matter what your ability is even if you have never done it before we will teach you, there is a place for you in SWAT. You can be a runner, biker, swimmer, tri-athlete or any other sport specialty. We want you!”
The club hosts monthly activities and several social functions throughout the year, including a significant celebration at the end of the year.

“We have SWAT team apparel that you train and race in. How cool is that!” Sawkins said.

The Fair Acres Family YMCA is located at 2600 Grand Avenue in Carthage.

The first tri-athlete meeting of 2008 will be at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008. For more information, contact Ruth Sawkins at (417) 358-1070 or ruthsawkins@hotmail.com.

Or for more information on Teen Scene, please call Cari Eck at the YMCA, or Robin Standridge at (417) 358-3270.