YMCA Enrolling Free Spring Health & Wellness Programs in Allentown

River Crossing YMCA is accepting enrollments for two free spring Pathway health and wellness programs at the Allentown branch. These include the Veterans Pathway program for retired or active military Veterans and the Healthy Lifestyles Pathway program for adults at risk of developing lifestyle disease.

Enrollment for both free, donor-supported pathway programs closes on March 31 with the start of each weekly program beginning April 7. Enrolment is open to the community and participants do not need to be members of the Y.

The Veterans Wellness Pathway program runs for 12 weeks and includes in-person personal training each week along with a weekly virtual meeting to provide support and additional information on nutrition and mindfulness. Participants receive a family membership to the Y for the duration of the program. Upon completion of the program, graduates receive an additional six month adult membership. The first Veterans Pathway program in Allentown was held this fall, graduating 10 participants from throughout the Lehigh Valley.

“The program is a kickstart and energizer for veterans to get back into a fitness routine alongside others,” explained Anthony Guerrero, a recent graduate of the pathway program in Allentown. “The workouts challenge you but don’t overwhelm as everyone is encouraged to do what they can. Coaches are mindful to suggest alternatives to the workout as needed to each individual and the facilities are conducive to getting the most out of your workout. I wish I would have connected with the Y a long time ago.”

Healthy Lifestyles is a 12-week program designed for the prevention of lifestyle diseases, including obesity, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. This program empowers participants to improve their physical health and overall well-being by adopting behavioral change strategies, regular physical activity, and social support. Participants receive a family membership to the Y for the duration of their participation in the 12-week program.

“In our pursuit to be there for the Lehigh Valley community, we are excited to expand the offering of these free Pathway health and wellness programs,” said Crystal Messer, VP of operations for the Lehigh Valley region of River Crossing YMCA. “It is a vital aspect of the Y’s mission to improve the health and wellness of individuals and families throughout our service areas, and we look forward to continuing the expansion of these valuable programs at our Allentown branch and throughout the Valley.”

River Crossing YMCA Pathway Wellness programs are made possible by the generosity of YMCA donors, and the instructors are certified YMCA trainers with special training in providing for the specific needs of each program and the individual participants. For more information about all River Crossing YMCA Pathway programs, please visit https://ymcarivercrossing.org/pathways.

River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 142,000 members and participants at its 12 member branches, 13 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 37 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcarivercrossing.org.