*YMCA Fitness Membership, a Guide to the Fitness and Nutrition Program

From young to old, there is a growing interest in remaining fit, healthy and strong. With baby boomers pushing into retirement years, maintaining health with age is at the forefront of most health, medical and nutrition programs. With a fitness membership at your local YMCA, health, nutrition and fitness can be achieved in one location.

As a mother of two teenage boys, I am on the go frequently. In searching for a family friendly fitness facility, I turned to my local YMCA. Offering fitness classes, childcare, training programs and nutritional advice, my local YMCA has become a place my children and I frequent for not only a regular work out but also to enjoy time together as a family.

The YMCA, with locations all over the United States, offers many convenient options in fitness memberships. Each facility may offer a unique group of programs and varying levels of equipment and classes such as programs designed specifically for the senior adults to youth programs in karate, soccer, swimming and many more. To ensure you become a member with the perfect location, it is recommended that you visit several locations to inquire about class schedules, hours and services offered. With fitness memberships ranging in choice from individual to family plans, from single location to multi-location, the YMCA offers versatility to even the budget conscious family. The YMCA also boats that financial aide is also available. Om addition to these benefits, the YMCA also offers the "AWAY" program for members who to travel to other cities or towns, for business or pleasure. The concept of the "AWAY" program is designed to offer each member the flexibility of utilizing facilities, and staying fit, when traveling.

A disadvantage to utilizing the YMCA facilities involves the varying degree of services offered among the locations nationally. When traveling, your "AWAY" membership may provide access to a local facility but the services may vary greatly from location to location. With the exception of cardio and weight equipment, there does not appear to be a consistency among facilities in terms of classes offered, hours of service and membership rates which may leave a traveling members confused as to what facility to visit and what the services hours may be.

However, with very few disadvantages to the YMCA membership, the program is highly recommended for families as well as single individuals, of all ages. With so many membership options available, the YMCA offers a community of nutrition, fitness and friendship.