If you’re looking to create a healthier lifestyle in 2022, the Y might have what you’re looking for.

By Bethany BROWN

The local YMCA locations will hold their 2022 open house events on Saturday, Jan. 8. All three family YMCA locations – Crescenta-Cañada (CCY), Verdugo Hills (VHY) and Crescenta Valley (CVY) – will be showcasing their programs and more between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The event is free to attend and serves as an opportunity for residents of the community to tour the facilities, try out various programs offered, meet the team and enter to win giveaways.

Open house attendees will have the chance to sign up for a YMCA monthly membership at a special rate of $20.22.

Some of the programs offered on-site include youth basketball or pickleball, indoor soccer, swim lessons, gymnastics, small group training, Pilates reformer and fall prevention for seniors. People who are interested in trying a free 15-minute session of any of the listed programs must first reserve a spot online prior to their attendance at www.ymcafoothills.org/openhouse.

 “We’re inviting the public to come and explore to find something that works for them,” said Kat Corona-Pilgrim, YMCA of the Foothills Marketing & Communications manager. “We sincerely care deeply about our community, and we want to keep them healthy in body, mind and spirit. So the goal with this event is to introduce them to all the programs that we have available in order for them to be able to [keep healthy in body, mind and spirit].”

Corona-Pilgrim stressed the importance of health and wellness for all and the Y’s commitment to providing options for everybody of all different abilities. The Y’s newest motto – YOUR Y YOUR WAY! – represents the wide accessibility the Y provides and encourages the community to create healthy habits best suited to their individual needs.

She said she understands that some residents of the community may not feel safe attending in-person classes due to the ongoing pandemic and urged those who are uncomfortable to check out the many virtual classes being offered online. The virtual classes are updated every month to provide variety and flexibility for those working out from home.

 “It’s all about giving members a full, well rounded healthy-living lifestyle that’s in their best interest,” Corona-Pilgrim said. “We’re trying to be adaptable and flexible to this time by doing everything in a safe way – limited capacity, masks required – and we hope our facilities can be a place where the community feels safe, comfortable and accommodated.”