'Small Strides' is an 8 week program at the YMCA that begins Feb. 17 and will end Apr. 12 with a 5K race in Hughesville. The program motivates youth and their caregivers to build confidence and succeed together to build health, strength and overall fitness. The program is supported through a grant from Sam's Club.

MUNCY – The theme “A New Year, A New You” started 2014 at the Eastern Lycoming YMCA on January 6 with their new schedule of workout classes and programs for healthy living, community and youth development.

Sports Director, Attie Segraves is especially looking forward to getting the ‘Small Strides’ program up and running. This is an 8 week family oriented running and cross training activity for ages 7 and up with parent participation. “We are taking registrations now for the program to start on Feb. 17,” she said. It will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

To lead as an example, parents can run with their children and gain the confidence they need to perform in a 5K Family Race and Walk on Saturday, April 12. “It is rewarding to watch them succeed together,” said Segraves. The race will begin in the Hughesville High School parking lot, taking a right onto Broad Street, looping around to Elm Drive onto Lime Bluff and down Cemetery Road ending back at the high school. Registrations can also be taken online at www.parunners.com. “All proceeds raised will benefit our annual Strong Kids Campaign and help fund our scholarship programs.”

Buffy Basile, the Y’s Wellness Director said that this program can be for anyone, kids, adults, babysitters and grandmothers. “Running is a basic fundamental skill.” Last year over 30 kids participated in this grant-covered program led by Sam’s Club in Muncy Township. “We offer basic nutritional tips, motivational youth speakers, strength training, indoor cycling, aqua jogging, and team building skills,” said Basile. Core specific drills and proper body mechanics are also introduced, and participants follow a training schedule. “All will get finishers medals at the 5k race in April,” added Basile.

Another program coming soon that is popular among Y members is the ‘Winter-Fest Tri’. According to Segraves, the registration is limited to only 20 participants and it is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 16. It begins at 12:30 p.m. with a 40 minute virtual ride, moving to a 5k race outdoors, then jumping into the pool for a relay style lap swim.

Totally Tabata is a new class offered Friday afternoons at the East Lycoming YMCA in Muncy Township. Participants follow timed intervals specifically targeted to "tax the body."

For the youth and students, Segraves organized a basketball league consisting of 21 teams for 5th and 6th grades. They meet at the gym on Thursday, Friday and some Saturday afternoons. Parents and teachers coach the girls, select sponsors and the kids are given a numbered shirt to wear. “So far this year, we have 252 students participating in the league,” said Segraves indicating that the league started with registration the first week in December, and will end the first week in February with a tournament. “It’s a skill development league; it is designed to develop skills in sportsmanship,” she added. Including Hughesville and Muncy, teams are also organized from Central Mountain to North Penn and Millville. “A lot of schools don’t even have 5th and 6th grade leagues. This gives them an opportunity,” she said.

Every day there are classes for all fitness levels and ages. This month three new active courses have been added to the schedule. Wednesday mornings at 10:30 the Zumba Gold is popular for seniors, using rhythmic interval routines. Thursdays at 10 a.m. a cross training workout called T.T.T. is suitably paced for tubing, small weights and med balls.

Friday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:15 personal trainer and instructor, Sarah Cave works through 4 minute intensity exercises. “I give 20 seconds of exercise, 10 seconds of rest for 8 rounds,” she explained. There is a 15 minute warm up and cool down. The class is called “Totally Tabata” named after an ancient form of Asian exercise that is specifically targeted to tax the body. It provides excellent strength training and conditioning under Sarah’s watchful eye.

Classes can always be tried first on a trial basis for a nominal fee. Weights and materials are included as well as use of the whole facility for the day including the pool.

“January through March is our busiest time,” said Donna Snyder at the front desk. “Especially, this time the pool is active.” For more information and hours visit elymca.org or call (570)546-8822.