YMCA of Coastal Georgia: Inclusive Wellness for Everybody and Every Stage of Life

Story by Gail Parsons

With 11 locations, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia approaches health, wellness, and fitness with a broad range of people in mind.

“I think what sets us apart the most (from other gyms) is that we have something for everyone,” said Mary Arocha, senior vice president for healthy living. “We have something for every single age. We have childcare for moms. And we have senior classes and teen activities. We have youth development. We have basketball, we have pickleball, we have racquetball, and we have indoor and outdoor pools. We have year-round swimming lessons and year-round water aerobics.”

To help people kickstart their wellness journey in 2025, the YMCA’s Give the Gift of Fitness campaign runs through the end of January. People can gift a loved one, a neighbor, a co-worker, or themselves a one-month trial run.

“There’s no joining fee and the first month is free,” Arocha said. “They get a certificate and then if they decide they want to continue with the membership they still don’t have to pay a joiner’s fee, and they just start their monthly membership. The cool thing about it is that there are no contracts.”

People pay on a month-to-month basis with fees varying by category and financial assistance is available for those who need it.

The promotion allows people to try out some of the programs and find what works best for them as they embark on their wellness journey. They can choose an independent exercise program or join group exercise, pickleball, cardio dance, spin classes, and much more. One membership is good for all locations and the website shows what classes are available where.

People who are new to exercising or simply work better with a little direction can have a trainer introduce them to the group exercise schedule and show them the machines.

Members also have access to the innovative EGYM smart-fitness system, which is available at most YMCA of Coastal Georgia locations. EGYM offers a personalized and intuitive workout experience. Features like goal setting, tailored workout plans, and a tech-enhanced approach to strength training and wellness, make achieving fitness goals easier and more engaging.

“You get an RFID bracelet that is just for you,” she said. “You scan it into any of the machines, it will automatically set up the resistance, and it will test your flexibility and your strength. It's kind of like having a personal trainer and a guide, and it makes getting into fitness a whole lot easier.”

After every sixth workout, the EGYM will guide the user through a strength test to gauge if changes are needed in resistance. The onboarding and bracelet are free but if it is lost there is a replacement fee.

While there is a focus on physical fitness, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, which is a non-profit, also helps the community where they can.

Working with the A Place to Dream program they provided 400 beds and bedding sets to people in need. They also gave away more than 10,000 pounds of food.

“We were the largest supplier for childcare,” she said. “Their membership gets them a membership to the Y but it also supports the community where they live.”