Parkview Huntington YMCA members and guests who haven't visited in a while will be surprised when they return.
On Thursday, April 4, the ‘Y' installed 22 pieces of equipment to better serve its members.
Todd Latta, fitness director, says the Y saw the need to invest in the new equipment.
"We have seen a tremendous increase in memberships this year," Latta states. "We usually have an increase in January, but the increase is across the board this year."
Latta adds that one of the reasons for the increase is an initiative that the Y has been working on.
"We've increased our focus on financial assistance and helping lower income families," he says. "So far, through February, we have committed $8,000 in financial assistance."
The reason behind helping is simple, Latta adds.
"The YMCA is continuing its commitment to helping the community lead healthier lifestyles," he states. "That's one of the reasons why we needed more equipment."
The YMCA's inventory now includes 10 treadmills, two adaptive motion trainers, three upright bikes, three recumbent bikes, six elliptical machines and one stepmill.
The 22 new pieces of equipment were all leased, Latta adds.
"Swapped out some of our older machines, but kept as many as we could," he says. "So while there is some exchange, overall there is more equipment."
Latta says that it is customary for the Y to upgrade its inventory every three years.
"We try to make sure that our members have the best quality equipment and technology," he states.
Latta adds that in honor of celebrating 100 years, the
YMCA has a number of fitness related activities and programs ongoing at any given time.
"We have our 100-hour fitness challenge," he notes. "You have 20 weeks to complete the 100 hours and that runs through summer."
The Y has a goal of getting the community involved in volunteer work as well, Latta says.
"On April 20, we will be having a cleanup day for staff and community members," he says. "We will be cleaning up the campuses of the YMCA, Parkview Huntington Hospital and Crestview Middle School. We encourage to come out and get involved."
Also during the month of April, the Y will be hosting a bench press meet on April 27.
With the new equipment and programs offered, Latta says the mission is the same.
"We just want people to lead healthier lifestyles and anything we can do to help that process, we will," he states.