The large gym at the YMCA is full of weight machines, treadmills, and stationary bikes.

YMCA Boasts Numerous Programs for Current, Future, and Non-Members By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer Covington, VA (Apr. 8, 2025)— Last week, we made a pit stop into the local YMCA, which ultimately prompted this Alleghany Journal contributor to sign up for a family plan. During my visit, the YMCA was wrapping up their 2-week-long "Safety Around Water" program—a program designed to teach second graders important, life-saving skills which they'll carry the rest of their lives. Read more on that story here: https://alleghanyjournal.com/aj_article.php?ndx=25850 After a brief, self-guided tour, several staff members took time from their busy schedule for a quick interview. "We'd like to invite everyone to come down and check out the Y and everything we've got going on," CEO Bobbi Wagner stated, citing several different programs that include, but are certainly not limited to youth soccer, group pilates with Kristie Pasco,water aerobics with Darlene Thomas and Mary Ellen Haines, homeschool connect, group yoga activities on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. with Tamara Reid, parents' night out, and the aquatics programs —featuring the only indoor, Olympic-sized swimming pool for miles. It should be noted that each of these programs — and all of their programs, in fact— are open to everyone and therefore, are not member exclusive. For those with children, the Y has a wide array of activities which include, but are not limited to basketball, a foosball table, table tennis, youth sports programs intended for skill building, youth gymnastics, childcare, and the aforementioned "Parents' Night Out" project that happens once or twice a month. "If you're looking for a date night, you need to go grocery shopping in peace, if you want something fun for your kiddos to do, bring 'em for Parents' Night Out, Wagner said. "We usually do a craft, we get in the pool, we play games in the gym, usually they're kinda themed depending on which holiday is coming up. It's just a really good time!" As for adults, the YMCA has plenty to offer, regardless of age. The gym is fully stocked with several treadmills, stationary bikes, and weight machines. "Then we have the track upstairs over top of the basketball court," said Judy Persinger, Membership Services. "A lot of people go in to shoot basketball, a lot of people walk up there, and we actually have an outdoor track that, in pretty weather, a lot of people prefer to walk out there." Visitors may also enjoy the many classes the YMCA has to offer such as water aerobics, strength train together, tai chi, zumba, or chair exercise. "We started off calling it chair yoga," instructor Susan Hutchison said. "We modified moves from the mat-floor yoga to the chair, and then we started incorporating weights and activity balls, and the stretch bands and now we pretty much call it chair exercise. It is one of the best exercises and it helps with strength, flexibility, balance, posture, and it's easy on your joints. It's a great way to stretch on a chair without getting in the floor and we can adapt to your physical needs." This popular class meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 11 a.m.-noon and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Membership fees vary depending on single person or family plan and whether or not financial assistance is approved through their scholarship program.

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