Happy New Year!  2011 brings new opportunities for you to get back to basics and simply live healthier.  

Ask us about our new instructional group exercise classes, fitness assessments, or personal training to help you reach your fitness goals.  Or looking for more ways to spend time together as a family? Check out Family Zumba every Friday night, Family Fitness Nights or family swim time.  The Y has healthy activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Now through January 18th, tell your friends to join you for a membership at the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA and pay no joining fee! Families save $100.  Stop by the Welcome Center to receive a one week guest pass for a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor today. Receive 50% off the joining fee if you enroll January 19-31.    

The New Year is a time for new beginnings and for many to set goals that make them stronger in spirit, mind, and body. 

 For the Y, a leading nonprofit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, one of the most important resolutions is to build or maintain family connectedness.

Following are five things the Y recommends families do to be healthier and stronger throughout the year:    

1.    Eat Together - Sitting down for a meal together is a great time for parents to talk with their children, helping the family become more connected with one another. Set aside time for the family to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at least once a week or every day if scheduling permits.

2.    Volunteer - Giving back and supporting neighbors benefits everyone involved. It helps develop new relationships and teaches children and teens the value of helping others. Find an opportunity in your community that the entire family may enjoy, such as cleaning your neighborhood park or distributing food at a local food bank.  Call the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA at 757-229-9622 to learn more.

3.    Learn Something New- Step out of your comfort zone, have fun and grow by exploring personal interests. Try something new together that you've always wanted to do, like pottery making or camping.     

4.    Start a New Tradition - Traditions are an excellent way to create activities that bring families together. Talk with each other to discover common interests and then create an activity everyone can participate in weekly, monthly or yearly.

5.    Be Active - It's important to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking places instead of driving improve your health and well-being. The Y offers many fun opportunities for families to be active together.