Women Get Fit and Thrive at Conejo Valley YMCA

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - April 29, 2013 - PRLog -- Thousand Oaks, Calif.--With summer camps and swimming lessons starting up soon, it's easy to forget that over half of the YMCA's membership is made up of adults--and half of those members are women, says Tori Gordon, the Conejo Valley YMCA healthy living director. More than 1,800 women take part in healthy living classes at the Conejo Y, which serves Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and the Santa Rosa Valley.  

         "The Y is so much more than a gym. It's a place to meet friends and learn to lead a healthy lifestyle all in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, says Gordon.

         Rosemary Alva, 41, has been a member of the Conejo Y for 1 1/2 years after moving to the Conejo Valley from Pennsylvania. She was diagnosed with lymphedema and treatment includes lap swimming. She goes to the Y four times a week to swim. "I don't need any other physical therapy," says Alva. "I feel better, have more energy and I'm mentally clear."

         Alva is also a busy mom with six kids ranging in age from four to 15. "The Y's childcare for my younger kids is what makes my workouts possible," says Alva. "For moms, the one hour of exercise while their kids are in the Y childcare is a needed break. The Conejo Y does an amazing job of handpicking staff who love and respect children and their parents. The kids get well-rounded care while I'm exercising."  

         Alva says the Y offers more than a workout. "The Y caters to the whole person. There is a sense of community. There are just a lot of happy people at the Y of all ages with all levels of physical abilities," says Alva. "You get the sense that the staff truly appreciates you being there."

         Barbara Bornt has been a member at the Conejo Valley YMCA for 13 years. She takes part in a 1-hour water aerobics class at least three times a week. She also works out on bike and weight equipment. "I'm stronger and more alert because of exercising," says Bornt.  
         Bornt cites the Y's friendly atmosphere as one of its advantages over other gyms. "There are members from all different areas in life, all with different occupations. I've gone to other gyms," she says. "They have a very sterile environment. At the Y, there is never pressure on what to wear or how to look. Plus, it offers everything you'd want from a gym including zumba, yoga and swim classes."
         "Most women think of the Y as a place for their kids to learn to swim or go to summers camp. When they visit, we often hear 'we didn't know you had all this,'" says Gordon. "It's a welcome surprise. We have lots of adult group exercise classes, two indoor heated pools and fitness centers."

         YMCA guest passes are available to try the facility for free for seven days.

         For more information about the Conejo Valley YMCA (4031 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks), contact the Y at 805-523-7613 or go to http://www.sevymca.org/conejo/.