A YMCA membership offers men, women, and families the opportunity to become part of a dynamic group focused on promoting health in individuals and communities. Taken collectively, 2686 YMCAs offer more health programs than any other facility in the United States as of September 2009.
Many people who have a gym membership may be looking to get the most for their money, to vary their exercise routine, to meet members of other facilities, or for low-cost options to maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. Those with a YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) membership may be able to enjoy other YMCA facilities for free or for a discount by using the AWAY program.
In previous years, people with a YMCA membership allowed visits to one facility, but as needs have changed, many YMCAs offer memberships to a cluster of their facilities in a particular area. The AWAY program extends that network farther. Members who are traveling may use the pool, whirlpool, weight room, track, racquetball courts, gym, climbing wall, skateboarding area, interactive gaming room, childcare or other amenities at another Y. A member looking for a Zumba, Kickboxing, Yoga, Pilates, water exercise, Reggae, Hip Hop, Body Pump, Step, or other group fitness class not offered at their facility may enjoy one at another YMCA. Group exercise instructors at one YMCA may get new choreography ideas for their own classes after visiting other facilities using the AWAY program.
YMCA’s A.W.A.Y. Program Varies According to the Facility
In an effort to unite the more than 21 million members, many YMCAs now offer a voluntary program called Always Welcome at YMCAs (AWAY). People with a YMCA membership may visit participating YMCAs for free or at a discounted rate. Some facilities honor the AWAY program for any YMCA member, while other Ys may offer the AWAY program for those who live beyond a certain number of miles from the facility. Some YMCAs do not offer an AWAY program at this time.
The specifics of the AWAY programs vary and may include free or discounted offers such as:
- Unlimited visits without restrictions
- A limited number of visits per week, month, or year
- Access to certain areas of the facility
- Access to the facility during certain times
How to Find Out if a YMCA Offers the AWAY Program
Participation in the AWAY program is voluntary, so members who are interested in visiting another YMCA should check that facility’s policy first. Many YMCAs offer information regarding their AWAY policy on their web sites. The web site will include contact information, which is helpful if AWAY program information is not listed online. Search for a YMCA web site by:
- Visiting the national YMCA site and entering an address or zip code
- Using a search engine and entering information such as YMCA + location
- Checking with the home YMCA staff, who may be able to help identify contact information for a YMCA to which a person wishes to visit
People who have a YMCA membership may be able to enjoy the added benefit of the AWAY program as they use another YMCA facility for free or at a reduced rate. This program offers great benefits, such as adding variety to an exercise routine, offering exercise options while traveling, and providing additional opportunities for maintaining a healthy lifestyle for less money.
Many YMCAs also offer financial assistance to those who qualify. Visit the YMCA web site for additional information regarding the Y and what they offer, including the AWAY program.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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