YMCA unveils community summer classes

Summer is here and the Monroe YMCA (14033 Fryelands Blvd.) is preparing to launch a series of free fitness classes that will be available to the entire community. -á-á

"Part of our mission statement is the health of a vibrant community,GÇ¥ said Monroe YMCA Health and Well-Being Director Tania Price. "And we know that people are more successful if they join a group exercise program.GÇ¥

Holy Beats

Guests are invited to beat the heat in more ways than one with Anabel Bentley's Holy Beats class. Held at Lake Tye Park (14964 Fryelands Blvd.) in Monroe, the Holy Beats series will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, and will take place every Tuesday throughout the summer. The "refitGÇ¥ type of class will feature Zumba-style movements while incorporating an element of spirituality. -á

"It's dance music, but less suggestive and more inspirational. And then at the end of it is a devotional or a prayer,GÇ¥ Price said. "We want to make it open to the community. You don't have to be a member to come.GÇ¥

Child care will not be available at Holy Beats.

Saturday running group

Starting on Saturday, July 11, Price will host a weekly running group that will meet every Saturday at 8 a.m. in downtown Monroe. The objective is to help community members a head start on their training for the YMCA's annual Sky Valley Classic fun run, which takes place in October. This year's Sky Valley Classic will feature a one-mile route, a 5K and a 10K.-á

Meant to showcase Monroe's parks, Price has strategized the 5K and 10K routes to take advantage of the city's vibrant scenery. The 5K run will visit both Sky River Park and Lewis Street Park, and the 10K will hit Al Borlin Park, as well. -á-á

Price is hopeful that people will take advantage of the running group as a way to get acclimated to the route. -á

Runners can sign up for the Sky Valley Classic at-áymca-snoco.org/SVCLASSIC.-á

Agility training

Also starting on Saturday, July 11, will be Price's summer agility class, which will take place at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday at the Monroe YMCA. Guests do not have to be YMCA members to attend the agility training, but child care will be available to members only.

The outdoor class will feature agility-based exercises like flipping tires.-á

Summer track

Meant to provide kids with an introduction to track events, the Summer Track classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Monroe High School (17001 Tester Road). Classes take place from 5:15 to 7 p.m., and are free for kids ages 6 to 12. The series will begin on Tuesday, July 7, and run through Thursday, Aug. 13. Tuesdays are typically dedicated to practice, with track meets taking place on Thursdays.-á

"We try and make sure everybody gets a ribbon,GÇ¥ Price said.-á

Last year, around 100 kids registered for Summer Track.-á

For more information on any of the free summer programming, contact Tania Price at:-áTPrice@ymca-snoco.org. For more information on the Monroe YMCA, visit ymca-snoco.org/locations/Monroe.ashx?p=1122.-á