Category: Classes

August Group-Ex Update

Posted on by Dida Weeks

EQUIPMENT CARE

As you may have noticed, additional dumbbells have been added to our Group Ex and Functional Fitness studios. Please help us preserve our equipment by placing weights carefully into the racks. Each slot has been labeled so you will know exactly where they should be placed. Thank you for your cooperation.

NEW EQUIPMENT

The Y will be purchasing additional equipment in order to enhance your Group Ex class experience. Some of our current equipment will be replaced.

NEW CLASS LAUNCH

Pam Jennings and Kellie Williams are joining forces to lead you in a new, dynamic morning class, ABSolute rockBOTTOM! Lift and shape your glutes! Strengthen and tone your abs! You are all invited to join us as we officially launch this class on Wednesday, August 3rd at 8:30 AM. You may even win a door prize! Be sure to join Laura Henry for her class on Fridays at 4:30 PM.

BOOYAH!

Leah Pelfrey’s Thursday Cardio Sculpt & Muscle Up class is growing with each passing week! Members are attracted to the concept of combining traditional heavy weight training with cardio intervals using 2 to 3 lbs weights to keep muscles engaged throughout your entire workout.

All Group Ex classes are included in your membership so don’t miss out on opportunities to work out in a group setting where there is strength in numbers and motivation is elevated!

June Group-Ex Updates

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks

ADDITIONS

  • HIIT: Mondays at 9:00 AM– One of our newest instructors, Piper Smith, has proven to give Group Ex participants a run for their money! Her Friday morning class has been very popular among our members so it was a no-brainer to provide you with another day to workout with Piper. Held in the Functional Studio, this HIIT class is mostly designed to raise your heart rate and work up a sweat! This is a great option for those who are unable to sign up for our 9:00 AM BODYPUMP in the Group Ex Studio. Piper will not disappoint! 
  • Cycle: Mondays at 5:30 pm beginning June 6 – Evening cyclers, you will be happy to know that, in addition to Laura Henry’s Wednesday 5:30 PM class, we are adding another session on Mondays at 5:30 PM with instructor Kellie Williams. You won’t be sorry you came! 

Be sure to check out our Group EX Schedule for cycling classes that will suit you best.

REMINDERS

Several evening classes were added to our schedule within the past few months in order to provide more opportunities for group exercise participants and members who typically stick to the same routine. Adding variety is likely to help keep you motivated.

Taking group exercise classes is a great way to cross train. Benefits include: lose weight more quickly, reach a higher level of fitness, improve flexibility and reduce risk for injury.

  • Functional Fitness: Tuesdays at 5:45 PM – This workout will provide you with opportunities to utilize equipment that is unique to our Queenax frame located in the Functional Studio. Expect to use TRX, punching bags, mini trampoline for rebound exercises, resistance bands, battle rope, and other tools that are, or can be, attached to the Queenax. Other equipment is used in order to enhance your experience, such as kettlebells, rowing machines, treadmills, Bosu balls, TRX Rip Trainer, and more. A trained instructor will teach you how equipment can be used in numerous ways and to perform all exercises correctly. A typical workout consists of various stations. Some are for building muscles and increasing strength while others hone in on cardio conditioning. Your instructor will encourage you to work at your maximum capacity, however, lower impact versions of each exercise will be given. Beginners have no fear. We’ve got your back! 
  • Yoga Blend: Tuesdays at 6:30 PM – Wow! What a popular class this has become! Many are taking advantage of this late evening session in order to experience the many benefits that yoga provides including how yoga sets you up to experience a restful night’s sleep. You are sure to enjoy your time with Kate!
  • Pilates: Thursdays at 6:30 PM – Pilates is famously known for its emphasis on core strength in order to improve posture through stretching and toning muscles that support the entire skeletal system. Try one class and you’ll be hooked! Bring your yoga mat and join us for this total body workout with Pam. 

CHANGES

May 5th, Leah’s Thursday 5:30 PM HIIT has changed to a new format. Cardio Sculpt & Muscle Up is the only class of its kind on our schedule! Leah is a fantastic instructor who knows how to add variety in order to keep you motivated and eager to attend week after week. Heavier barbells and dumbbells are used for traditional strength training and lighter hand weights are held during cardio intervals in order to keep muscles engaged throughout the class. Some members have described it as a real challenge! Adding light weights during the cardio portion raises it to the next level! Cardio Sculpt & Muscle Up is also great for beginners so don’t shy away. Leah knows how to offer alternative exercises in order for you to experience success and enjoyment.

Dumbbells & Drumsticks – Many participants are enjoying the cardio, drumstick portion of our class and have suggested that we increase the amount of time in order to perform more drumstick routines. In order to do so, Dumbbells & Drumsticks will become a one hour class. We will begin with upper body strength training at 4:15 and transition into the drumstick workout at 4:35. Sign up and join us whenever you arrive! Begins Thursday, June 6th, 4:15 PM

Please remember to go online and make your reservation for each class so that we have an accurate representation of participation. If needed, stop by the front desk and ask to have your name added to the roster.

May Group-Ex Updates

Posted on by Dida Weeks

SO LONG 

Regretfully, Bonnie Gaskell and Becca Greene will be leaving us at the end of April. 

Bonnie has been at the Y from the get-go. Not only has she been a fabulous instructor, she has introduced ideas and created programs in order to enhance each Group Ex participant and YMCA member experience. We have benefited greatly from her energy, passion, knowledge and experience and are all the better for it! Bonnie, we will miss you dearly! We wish you well and much happiness in your new location and in future endeavors. Don’t forget to visit when you’re in town! 

Cycle instructor, Becca Greene, came to us in January of 2021 and has flourished as an instructor! Becca has taken a summer job near Charleston. We are hopeful that her fall schedule at Clemson University will allow her to return at that time. Thank you, Becca, for your sweet, welcoming personality and your ability to lead very satisfying classes for our members! 

TRANSITIONS 

As we move forward, we want to assure you that very capable instructors have been selected to take over Bonnie’s and Becca’s classes. Those instructors’ names will appear shortly after their departure. 

Thursday’s 5:30 PM HIIT class will undergo a slight change in format. Muscle Up will focus on strength training and intervals of cardio for burning fat and calories. This class is for all levels of fitness. Seasoned participants will be given more challenging exercises while modifications will be introduced for beginner to intermediate participants. Leah invites you to join her as we introduce this new class to our members! Come prepared to sweat! 

Thursday’s 6:30 PM Pilates will be moving back into the Group Ex studio on May 5th. If you are not familiar with Pilates, we hope you will join us. Much of the focus is placed on building core strength and the development of long, lean muscles. Pilates is advantageous for stretching tight muscles, especially those troublesome hamstrings! 

ADDITION 

More HIIT with Piper! Piper’s Friday 9:00 AM class has been wildly successful! Starting Monday, May 2nd at 9:00 AM, we are adding another HIIT class with Piper.

POSTPONEMENT 

Monday, 6:30 PM, BODYPUMP and Thursday, 6:30 PM SH’BAM will be postponed during the summer months and will return in September.



April Group-Ex Updates

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks

Growth and Satisfaction

Beginning March 1st, we added another Forever Fit class to our schedule and are happy to announce that it is going very well with one of our newest instructors, Kellie Williams. Piper Smith is doing a bang-up job with Friday’s 9:00 AM HIIT! Evening classes participation has increased as members are enjoying group ex workouts that some haven’t tried before, such as, Functional Fitness, TRX, and Pilates.

Tuesdays’ 6:30 PM Yoga Blend with Kate has become a favorite among many and members are enjoying Alicia’s Thursday 6:30 PM SH’BAM as a fun way to end their day! Thursdays’ Zumba intermediate with Nefis is now on Fridays at noon and it is now called Dance Fitness.

Whether you want to go all out with a combination of cardio and weight training, improve core strength, lengthen muscles, or soothe your mind and body, we invite you to join us for one or all of these classes.

 

 

Enticing!

Take a look into any group exercise class and you’ll find people working hard, yet smiling all the while!

 

Contributing factors:

  1. Professionalism – Our certified, experienced instructors lead fresh, challenging, safe and effective workouts for all participants.
  2. Results recognition – Consistent participation, points towards individual growth and satisfaction.
  3. Variety – The Y offers many different types of classes each day in order for members to achieve overall wellness.
  4. Camaraderie – Participants develop relationships through creating friendships and workout companions.

 

Something For Everyone

Yoga, Pilates, and Barre strengthen and lengthen muscles. BODYPUMP, HIIT, Functional Fitness, Total Body Strength, Cycle & Lift, Cardio + Core, and Kickboxing Intervals offer strength and cardio conditioning. Cycling, BODYCOMBAT, Kickboxing and dance fitness classes provide opportunities for burning calories and having fun! Sessions for our senior population include Balance & Mobility, Chair Yoga, and Forever Fit. These are beneficial for meeting the needs of older adults.

 

Take a look at our website for a full list of classes and descriptions.

Group participants, thank you for your participation and positive feedback! We appreciate you so very much!

 

Best of health!

March Group-Ex Updates

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks
Thanks to renewed commitments and new member attendance, 2022 has started off with a bang! We are happy that the YMCA is hiring two new instructors. Kellie Willams has many years of experience as a cycle and group ex instructor and personal trainer. Piper Smith is young, energetic and excited to begin her journey here at the Y.  In addition to teaching group ex classes, Piper will be joining our personal training staff.  Piper will be taking over our Friday, 9:00 AM HIIT class. 
 
Many of you will be excited to learn that, beginning March 1st, we are adding a third Forever Fit class on Fridays at 11:00 AM with Kellie Williams. Piper Smith will be taking over our Friday, 9:00 AM HIIT class. For you SH’BAM lovers, we will be adding it back to our schedule on Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM and will be led by your beloved instructor, Alicia Palmere. (Thursday 6:30 PM Pilates will move to the cycle studio.)
 
We invite all members to check out our schedule and add some variety to your workout regime. Our goal is to provide classes that meet all of your needs. Group Ex participants, in addition to participating in your favorite classes, be sure to check out those that were initiated at the beginning of 2022. 
 
We appreciate all of you!  You are very kind and bring lots of energy and joy into our classes! Hope to see you soon!

January Group-Ex Updates

Posted on by Dida Weeks

WELCOME TO 2022! Now is a wonderful time to reflect on the year just past and make plans for the future. With each new year comes promises of new opportunities and possibilities to change our lives for the better!

We have been working diligently to bring to you our new Group Ex Schedule for 2022. There is much to look forward to as we gear up for the new year! We are delighted to announce that we have improved our class schedule through modifications for some class formats and by adding a number of new, exciting classes:

  • TRX Fusion
  • Drum Fit & Strength
  • Boxing Basics
  • Cycle+MZ
  • Cycle 60+MZ
  • Cycle for Seniors & Beginners
  • ABSolute rockBOTTOM

See our website for class descriptions.

Regretfully, two members of our team are leaving us: zumba instructor, Pooja Lippert and yoga instructor, Taylor Carlin. We have been blessed to have them as part of our Group Ex team. Both are warm, friendly, and very good at their skill! They will be sorely missed. Pooja and Taylor, we wish you happiness and success as you pursue future opportunities!

Wishing everyone a fresh start with renewed energy, good health, and happiness in the New Year!

November Group-Ex Updates

Posted on by Dida Weeks

Let's BEAT Cancer Fundraiser

What a fun and wonderful day! Thanks to all of you who participated in our fundraiser! We appreciate your participation in our fitness classes and for embracing our 80s theme by wearing your headbands and leg warmers! Our LiveStrong program benefited greatly from your generous donations. Not only did we meet our goal, we exceeded it!

We wish to thank all who had a hand in planning the event and instructors who volunteered their time to lead classes.

Group Ex Schedule

There will not be any changes to our Group Ex Class Schedule during the months of November and December. Please remember that we recently added the following classes and invite you to join us.

Tuesday, 5:45 PM Functional Fitness
Tuesday, 6:35 PM Yoga
Thursday, 6:30 PM Pilates

We invite you to join us for these newer classes.

See you soon!

October Group-Ex Updates

Posted on by Dida Weeks

Happy Fall! There’s just something about waking up on a beautiful, brisk morning! Feeling the coolness on your face and breathing in the fresh air seems to have a re-energizing effect on us.  We hope this feeling will translate into you springing out of bed in the morning or maintaining energy to come by after school or work to get in a great workout in our group fitness classes!

ADDITIONS:

Tuesday Evening Yoga

For all levels, this vinyasa flow pays careful attention to correct alignment in all of the postures demonstrated.  Whether you are new to the practice or a long time practitioner, it is the perfect combination of challenging moves and deep stretches designed to leave your whole body feeling relaxed and at ease.  The goal is to bring the body, mind and spirit into harmony. What a wonderful way to end your day! Tuesdays at 6:35 PM.

TAI CHI

It has been very exciting to see so many who are interested in Tai Chi!  Due to a 26 participant limit within our designated space, we have decided to add another session in order to accommodate all who wish to participate. Beginning Saturday, October 9th, Gary will be leading back-to-back sessions with the 1st at 11:00 AM and the 2nd at 12:00 PM. Please remember to make your reservations through our website.  Call or stop by the front desk for assistance, if needed.

CHANGE:

FRIDAY, 5:35 AM BODYPUMP

Friday’s 5:35 AM BODYPUMP will move to Thursdays beginning October 7th.  Be sure to follow up your Thursday strength training class with Alicia’s Friday 5:35 AM Cycling class!

Tuesday’s 6:00 PM Functional Fitness

Beginning October 5th, class will start at 5:45 PM instead of 6:00 PM.

WELCOME:

The YMCA is happy to welcome Taylor Carlin and Traci Harrington to our Group Exercise Instructor family!

Taylor is a college student at Clemson University.  She is working towards earning her degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Minor in Life Sciences.  Taylor says, “My background in psychology informs my teaching style to understand and accommodate each student’s unique needs”. We are certain you will feel welcome and at ease with Taylor as your instructor!

Traci Harrington has been a fitness professional for about 15 years.  Her certifications are: Group Fitness, Health Coach, Power Barre, and Les Mills BodyPump, TRX and Cycling.  Traci is both passionate and professional.

The Y will benefit greatly from having her on our team!

August Group-Ex Updates

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks

In order to provide our participants with a more well-rounded fitness program, we are making some adjustments to our schedule for optimum cross training benefits. Our new schedule will begin Monday, August 2nd.

SWITCHEROOS

For improved balance and efficiency, the following classes will switch places:

(Note that the last item has a time change.)

JULY AUGUST
Tuesday 6:30 pm Pilates Thursday 6:30 pm
Thursday 9:00 am Pilates Friday 9:00 am
Friday 9:00 am Kickboxing Thursday 9:00 am
Thursday 6:30 pm Functional Fitness Tuesday 6:00 pm

 

ADOLESCENT WORKOUT ADJUSTMENTS

  • Due to instructor availability, Fitness Games will return on September 7th and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM
  • Teen Strength & Conditioning sessions will remain the same, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM.

TIME CHANGES

  • Monday’s and Wednesday’s 9:00 am Cycling – Get in and get it done! Becca’s 9:00 AM Cycling will move up to begin at 8:30 AM.
  • Functional Fitness – As stated above, Tuesday’s 6:30 Functional Fitness will move to 6:00 PM.
  • SH’BAM – Calling all moms! Friday’s noon class is moving to 11:00 AM when child care is available.

ADDITIONS

  • Morning BODYPUMP – In addition to Wednesday’s 10:00 AM BODYPUMP, we are excited to provide you another opportunity to work your body to the max with Barbara on Monday mornings at 9:00 AM.
  • Step and Step Express – Want more chances to step up your cardio? Join us on Mondays at 8:20 AM for Step Express. This 30 minute class will include beginner to intermediate routines.
  • Tuesday’s 8:00 AM Step will be a bit more challenging as we work at an intermediate to advanced level for those who enjoy more intricacy and desire a longer cardio session. If you are new to Step, be sure to attend Step Express which will quickly prepare you to perform more advanced skills. Note that, within the first few weeks, we will work at an intermediate level and work towards a more advanced level, so don’t shy away. You won’t be left behind.
  • Forever Fit – We can already visualize you jumping up and down as you learn that we are adding a second class for you on Fridays at noon!
  • QUEENAX 45 – Two is better than one! Queenax 45 was introduced at the beginning of July on Fridays at noon, however, we will be adding a second class to our schedule. For the hardcore, fitness enthusiasts, this is a fast-paced HIIT session that combines self-powered cardio intervals with innovative functional movements. Join Edison on Mondays and Fridays in the Functional Training Studio. Come once and you’ll be hooked!

CANCELATION & REPLACEMENT

Regretfully, Tuesday’s 5:30 PM HIIT and 6:30 PM Cycling will be eliminated from our schedule.

On an encouraging note, we are moving Tuesday’s 6:30 PM Functional Fitness up to 6:00 PM in order to accommodate both our 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM participants.

Becca will be resuming her classes at Clemson University and will no longer be available at those times. We are grateful to Becca for leading HIIT and Cycling when a need arose!

TEARFUL GOODBYE

Katie Blackwood will be leaving us at the end of July in pursuit of her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Her goal is to work with geriatric, stroke patients and with those who experience swallowing deficits.

We thank Katie for her time at the Y as an excellent Barre instructor! Katie, we wish you success and will miss you greatly!

Please visit our website for more information and a more detailed description of our Group Ex fitness classes.

See you in class!

July 2021 Group Ex Updates

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks
  • QUEENAX 45: Make this the most productive part of your day! Queenax 45 workouts are fast-paced HIIT sessions that combine self-powered cardio intervals with innovative functional movements. Each day focuses on different areas of the body – upper, lower or total body, and every week we switch up the workout format. This workout is for intermediate to advanced fitness levels and is sure to leave you fatigued, but wanting to come back for more! FRIDAYS @ 12:00 pm led by Edison–at the end of July, it will change to Mondays and Wednesdays @ 12:00 PM.
  • A new Functional Training class, FUNCTIONAL FITNESS on THURSDAYS at 6:30 pm.
  • CYCLE + LIFT: MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS at 6:30 am with Bonnie. This new one-hour class is for intermediate and advanced exercisers! This class is a fusion of short cycling intervals and strength training on the floor. Varied intensity cardiovascular training and strength training combined using a variety of functional and foundational strength moves to give you a challenging workout hitting all muscle groups.
  • SH’BAM: THURSDAYS @ 5:30 AM