YMCA of Elkhart County
For Youth Development
For Healthy Living
For Social Development

Welcome to the

YMCA of Elkhart County

The YMCA of Elkhart County strengthens the foundations of our community through well-being and fitness, camps, family time, swim, sports and play, and other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. We’re more than just a place to work out. At the Y, we help build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all with the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.

With a commitment to nurturing youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.


NEWS FROM THE Y

WATER AEROBICS FOR YOUR HEALTH

08 February 2012

If you suffer from arthritis or muscle pain and stiffness, you're not alone. It can be a devastating, crippling disease for which there is no cure. According to the Center for Disease Control, 50 million Americans are diagnosed with some form of Arthritis. That's 22% of adults! So what can we do to help reduce and relieve arthritis pain and stiffness? Here at the Y we offer multiple warm water aerobic programs for all health levels that are beneficial for your joints and muscles.

  Water exercise keeps joints moving, restores and preserves flexibility and strength, and protects joints from further damage. It also improves your coordination, endurance, and your ability to perform everyday tasks.

But why is warm water exercise preferred over other forms of exercise for those of us suffering from arthritis and other forms of muscle and joint pain? For one thing, exercising in warm water raises body temperature which in turn helps increase circulation.  It's a gentle, safe way to exercise while also relieving muscle/joint pains. The water also supports joints which helps improve movement and flexibility.

Arthritis.org gives us 5 reasons why those of us suffering from arthritic pain should consider water warm exercise and therapy:
  • The soothing warmth and buoyancy of warm water make it a safe, ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness.

  • Immersing in warm water raises your body temperature, causing your blood vessels to dilate and increasing circulation.

  • Water exercise is a gentle way to exercise joints and muscles.

  • Water supports joints to encourage free movement, and may also act as resistance to help build muscle strength.

  • Using a spa adds a component to the therapy – massage. Jet nozzles release warm water and air, massaging your body and helping you relax tight muscles.

Ask our Y Welcome Center for more information on water aerobics and how you can get involved. You can also take a look at our water aerobics schedule for class times and read our class descriptions to see what offerings will best meet your needs.

Take the next step to a healthier, more pain-free life. Join us!


The Y is committed to providing programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We make every effort to ensure that no one is turned away due to inability to pay.
Read more about our financial assistance.