Branch Locations

YMCA Programs - Get Involved!

About the YMCA

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, “more than 60 percent of adults do not achieve the recommended amount of regular physical activity. In fact, 25 percent of all adults are not active at all."

The Center for the Advancement of Health reports that nearly half of all 12- to 21- year-olds are not vigorously active on a consistent basis. Fifty percent of non-active young people may develop health problems.

Regular physical activity...

• Reduces the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer
• Controls weight
• Reduces depression and anxiety
• Improves self- esteem                    

A MAJOR PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN...  Given the numerous health benefits of physical activity, the hazards of being inactive are clear. Physical inactivity is a serious, nationwide problem. Its scope poses a public health challenge for reducing the national burden of unnecessary illness and premature death.  (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)

High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer

• Among U.S. adults in 1996, $31 billion of treatment costs (in year 2000 dollars)—17% of direct medical costs—for cardiovascular disease was related to overweight and obesity.
• Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity play an important role in many chronic diseases and conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer, gallbladder disease, and arthritis.  (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)

Controlling Weight

• Obesity in the United States is truly epidemic. In the last 10 years, obesity rates have increased by more than 60% among adults. Approximately 59 million adults are obese.
• Since 1980, obesity rates have doubled among children and tripled among adolescents. Of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years, 15%—about 9 million young people—are considered overweight.  (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)

 Depression & Anxiety

• Exercise also can help alleviate symptoms of certain mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and help prevent a relapse after treatment.
• Even as little as 10 minutes of low-intensity walking helps. Your goal doesn't have to be losing 20 pounds, being able to run five miles nonstop or hitting the gym at 6 a.m. three days a week for a sweat-drenched workout.  Rather, the idea is to do something active in order to trigger the mechanisms that reduce negative moods and improve positive moods.  (Mayoclinic.com - Tools for Healthier Lives)

 Self-Esteem

• With anxiety and depression, self-esteem can take a hit. Getting exercise, even small amounts, can reshape how you think about your appearance and your own self-worth. Doing something for yourself means granting yourself more value.  (Mayoclinic.com - Tools for Healthier Lives)