Weight Loss Programs

The YMCA has long strived for its three areas of focus, youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Although healthy living includes a balanced spirit, mind, and body, physical exercise plays a very important part. That is why the YMCA offers weight loss programs in order to give people an opportunity to live healthier and happier lives.

MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!)

The YMCA of Austin is the first YMCA in the United States to partner with MEND and fight the battle towards child obesity. MEND is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage children, adults, and families to live fitter, healthier lives. This program is focused on four areas, mind, exercise, nutrition, and behavior change. The first thing families and individuals must attain is changing unhealthy attitudes about food and activities (Mind), families must incorporate physical activities into their daily lives (Exercise), learn to choose foods that are healthy, nutritious, and at the same time tasty for children (Nutrition), and start changing their life styles and maintaining it (Do It). Thanks to St. David’s Foundation generous grant, the YMCA of Austin is able to offer this program at the seven different Y facilities around Austin.

Empower Me 4 Life

This fun program is targeted to kids 8-12 years of age and is an 8-week session that teaches kids the knowledge about eating healthier and exercising more. Classes include fun exercises, relay races, obstacle courses, and sports. Participants will not only learn healthier food choices and exercises, but making new friends and building a stronger self-esteem.

FITSTART®

To help set and meet your goals, the YMCA of Austin offers FITSTART®. Trained professionals will help you develop an exercise program that is right for you! Fit Start is one of the wonderful benefits of YMCA membership. Members receive 3 individual sessions and upon completion, receive one free personal training class. The initial 3 sessions of FITSTART® allows you to work with a wellness professional to determine your fitness goal, associate you with the equipment, develop a routine, and teach you how to properly use the exercise equipment. The YMCA of Austin strongly focuses on a healthy living community and that is why FITSTART® program is here for you.

Testimonials

"In September, 2010, I had a total knee replacement! About six weeks after my surgery, I started back to the gym with 'homework' from my physical therapist. Some days I really did not want to go, but I'd walk through the door and there was Pat (Surguy, Springs Y Membership Coordinator) with a big smile or one of the instructors saying, 'I can't believe how great you're doing!' and I would think, 'I CAN DO THIS.' We are such a family at the Springs YMCA. Everyone, from the staff to the instructors to my 'workout buddies,' has helped me rehab my way back. Today I do Zumba, BodyPump, RPM...just about anything I want to do. So I'd like to say 'Thanks' to everyone at MY Y."

-- Karen Bunker, Springs Family Y Member

"I started my journey by participating in the 2010 Lose Big to Win Big program, where I lost about 15 pounds, learned better nutrition habits, and gained some very good friends. Since then I‘ve had a personal trainer at the Y, who has helped me get in better shape. I also took the Triathlon Training class - not really for me, but to support my wife as she prepped for her first tri. Finally, I‘ve developed a routine of alternating cardio and weight training. Although the Springs is my 'home' Y, I go to the Southwest Y quite often and also the TownLake Y to avoid rush hour and to use the nearby running trails. The Y has been part of my family since I took swim lessons as a kid. I‘m back there now and really enjoying it. The results: I‘ve already met my New Year‘s resolution to run a 5K in under 30 minutes. I‘ve lost 45 pounds so far through diet and exercise. And I‘ve made some really great friends along the way"

-- David Brandon, Springs Family Y Member