As new year’s resolutions become old news, faculty from West Chester University and instructors from the YMCA encourage families to keep fitness at the forefront through a series of weekly health lessons and challenges that begin on Feb. 22.  

During the family-friendly Whole Health Challenge, eight lessons will be taught to registered participants. They cover the many aspects of fitness – nutrition, movement, stress management, and sleep quality. The curriculum was developed by faculty at WCU, who sought the support of the YMCA.

Fitness Goes Beyond the Gym 

“We saw a need in the community to teach families that there are many ways to be fit,” explains Dr. Whitney Katirai, Assistant Chairperson for the Department of Health at WCU.

“And we knew that the YMCA was the perfect partner in this mission because families already associate the Y with fitness.”  

“The YMCA is passionate about wellness – and all of the factors that make up a healthy lifestyle,” comments Heather Bloodworth, Executive Mindfulness Coach at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine and Adjunct Professor for Mind Body Health at WCU.

“It’s common to think of a treadmill, spin bike or stack of weights when you hear the word ‘fitness’ – but we want folks to know that fitness goes beyond the gym – and that it is fun to be fit.” 

Redefining Quality Time 

“We absolutely want families to have fun in our program,” says Katirai.

Families who complete six of the eight weekly classes will be awarded a $50 gift card to Giant.

The Whole Health Challenge kicks off at the Oscar Lasko YMCA on Feb. 22. Registration is open to members and non-members.  

Learn more and register for the Whole Health Challenge here.