NORTH ADAMS -- The Northern Berkshire Y is offering the community a chance to sample its fitness programming, including a new kids-oriented Zumba class led by Becky Miner, during an open house on Tuesday.
"Our practice is to annually open our doors and expose the community to as much of the Y as we can in one evening," Executive Director Justin Ihne said Thursday. "A lot of community members know we're here, but they don't always know what we have to offer. This is the night where we show off our different programs that we have and the community can come in and try out the Y for free."
The open house, which will run from 5 to 8 p.m., will not only let community members check out the pool, work-out areas and gym, but will also offer a sampling of the individual fitness programs offered throughout the week.
"We're pushing many of our classes into the Tuesday slot, so people can try them out," he said. "One of the highlights of the night is going to be a sample class of our new Zumbatomic for kids with Becky Miner."
Ihne said the partnership between the Y and Miner, owner of Zumba in the Berkshires, is a natural fit.
"I met with Becky a few weeks back because we've been wanting to provide a program that focuses on youth fitness in a fun way," he said. "There's an obesity epidemic that's not only plaguing the nation, but our own community. The national statistics are staggering -- one in three children are diagnosed as
Ihne added, "It can be difficult to approach our children and talk to them about making nutritional changes. We can do that and offer them some programs as well. Getting kids moving is one way and this program is so much fun they will do it without realizing that they are getting a great cardio workout and getting healthier."
Zumbatomic classes, which are designed specifically for children, feature specially choreographed routines to the latest music, such as hip-hop, reggaton and cumbia. The classes are also designed to help increase focus and self-confidence, boost metabolism and improve coordination.
"Becky was very much for it," he said. "She agrees with the obesity issues that we see in our area in around the nation. She even has her own Y story -- about how we helped get her on the path to doing what she does today. She's great at what she does, so why not get someone like that, who does so much for the community already. Becky is just so amazing and we're lucky to have her on board."
Miner will offer a sample of the Zumbatronic classes in the Y gymnasium from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
The classes, which are for children age 6 and older, will begin in November and will be offered on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. Cost will be $5 per class or $40 for an 8-week session.
In addition to the Zumbatomic demonstration, the Y will also have demonstrations of its Aqua-Cardio Power class in the pool, a spinning class, yoga and a split-session of Zumba for adults and cardio kickboxing.
"The classes will all start at specific times, but our instructors know that every 15 minutes of the class new people will be coming in to join," Ihne said. "People can come try an yoga class and then try out Zumba. Then they can check out the pool, which is an amazing place to work out."
As a special promotion, anyone coming to the open house will receive a free week to the Y.
"Those who come will be able to try us out for a week and take any number of classes," he said. "We're also offering a fall promotion for new members. Those who sign-up before November 30 will get the entire month of December free. They can get a workout schedule going before the new year and not just wait for Jan. 1 to start on that resolution."
For more information, visit www.ymcanb.org or call 413-663-6529.
The essentials
The Northern Berkshire Y Open House
When: Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m.
What: Take a tour, use the pool, try out a fitness class. Free child watching for children six months to 8 years.
Fitness class schedule:
5 to 6 p.m.: 'Aqua-Cardio Power' in the pool with instructor Sally Gould
5:15 to 6:15 p.m.: Spinning in the spinning room with instructor Stacy Gentile
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Yoga in the koala room with instructor Mary Edgerton
6 to 6:30 p.m.: 'Zumbatomic' in the gym with instructor Becky Miner.
6 to 7 p.m.: Split demonstration of 'Zumba' and 'Cardio Kick' in the Brayton cafeteria with Karen Pedercini
To reach Jennifer Huberdeau, email
jhuberdeau@thetranscript.com.
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