Get off the couch and over to the YMCA this winter

Kosciusko Community YMCA will start winter classes Jan. 9, and run through Feb. 19.

Classes for youth will include swim lessons, youth fitness and gymnastics classes for all ages. Registration for winter classes has started for everyone. Classes that promote healthy living include group exercise and indoor group cycling, classes for older adults and water aerobics in both the warm water and lap pools. Adult classes are included with a Y membership. For a complete listing of times and descriptions, kcymca.org.

The Y wants to encourage the community to get screened for pre-diabetes by getting an A1c screen. These will be offered for free by the Y from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday. This is a quick and easy test with results in less than five minutes. Walk-ins accepted. For more information, contact Stacy Thomas at 574-269-9622, Ext. 216. Parkview Health also will offer A1c tests for free from 6 to 9 a.m. Jan. 10.

To support those in the community going through cancer and their caregivers, the Y is hosting “Kathy’s Cancer Conversations,” a volunteer-led cancer support group meeting on the second Monday of each month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Parkview Center for Healthy Living inside the YMCA. On Jan. 9, the topic will be “What Does Hope Look Like, Really?” On Feb. 13, the discussion will be on therapeutic oils. For more information, contact Thomas at 574-269-9622, Ext. 216.

English as a Second Language will be offered at the Y in partnership with Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church for those 18 and up on Tuesdays starting 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 10. There are five different levels based on ability. The class is free with an initial fee for the book. Sign up at the YMCA’s Welcome Center.

There will be a 5-on-5 adult basketball league 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at the Parkview Warsaw YMCA, Jan. 12 to March 2. Teams should have seven to 10 players.  Sign up by Jan. 5.

Pickleball will be starting up again Jan. 13. There will be open play on Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m. Y members can play for free.  Those who aren’t members would pay a small fee.

A CPR class will be offered to the community from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. Jan. 18. If CPR certification is needed for a job or if someone wants to be more prepared to handle an emergency, they can sign up for this American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR class. The class will teach adult, child and infant CPR and AED use, but does not include first-aid. This three-hour class provides a two-year certification. Contact the Welcome Center to register by Jan. 15. There is a cost for participation and certification.

The Adult Beginner Spanish course starting Jan. 16 will be a basic course offering introductory Spanish for adults.  Participants will learn to listen, speak, read and write while enjoying the rewards of life-long learning and gaining the skills to connect to the Spanish speaking members of the community. The class meets on Mondays, Jan. 16 to March 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room 2. Sign up by Jan. 11. A second Spanish Session will be offered March 20 to May 15.

The YMCA’s 8 Weeks to Fitness will start Jan. 24. This program is designed to combine regular physical activity with the knowledge and understanding to maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of diseases and promote overall health. Personal trainers will help participants set goals and work with them through them and through weekly nutrition accountability for eight weeks in a small group setting. There will be initial blood work and follow-up blood work by Parkview Health included in the program. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. Participants choose how many classes to attend. For more information, contact Thomas at 574-269-9622, Ext. 216.

The Couch Potato Triathlon Fitness Incentive for Y Members is meant to keep participants engaged and active in their New Year Resolutions. This is a six-week program designed to help participants stay motivated through the winter months by completing a triathlon at the Y – 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling, and 26.2 miles of running. Youth ages 15 and under may complete half a triathlon – 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of cycling, and 13.1 miles of running. The Couch Potato Triathlon runs Jan. 24 to March 20.