HEALTHY LIVING

Our mission, centered on the balance of spirit, mind and body, provides programs and resources that encourage healthy living. We try to make it easy for you to work out by having knowledgeable staff who care, resources and equipment that motivates healthy living, and a welcoming, supportive community who encourage your well-being.

13,012

active members visiting the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA to engage in healthy activities.
"This all started when I fell into a week long coma and the doctors were telling my kids to prepare for my funeral. I learned that my heart only had 45-50% cardiac usage. Since joining the Y’s Healthy Hearts Cardiac Maintenance program, I can feel that my heart and body are both stronger already. The instructors taught me how to improve my cardiac health and how to exercise independently. I’m glad I signed up for the program and for my new lease on life."
- Arthur, Summit YMCA Healthy Hearts Program Participant
HEALTHY HEARTS CARDIAC MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Directed by nationally certified trainers, this free, 12 week program meets twice a week to focus on cardiovascular exercise, build muscle strength and work on flexibility in a small group setting. The program welcomes anyone wishing to improve or maintain cardiovascular health. 

25

participants engaged with the Healthy Hearts Cardiac Maintenance Program in 2018.

BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES AT THE Y

"I had gotten to the point where I was 335 pounds and my daughter couldn't wrap her arms around me to give me a proper hug. My life had gone downhill after my divorce and I needed something to change. I started swimming at the YMCA, which gave me a kind of calm energy that I had never felt before in my life. My children swam with me and has strengthened our relationship as a family. I also took up personal training and have lost over 110 pounds as a result of consistent exercise and motivation from the Y. Thank you YMCA for improving my lifestyle and giving me a better relationship with my family and friends. It's allowed me to be the person I've always wanted to be."
— Owen, Summit YMCA

567,453

active check-ins to our facilities to engage in healthy living activities like group fitness classes, swimming, sports, fitness center, weight room, personal training, small group training, wellness coaching and much more!

LIVESTRONG® at the
YMCA PROGRAM

37

cancer survivors participated in the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program at the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA in 2018.
This free, 12 week small group recovery program for adult cancer survivors runs throughout the year at the Summit Area YMCA. The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program was created to help individuals impacted by cancer to rebuild confidence, muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility, endurance and functional ability. The program also provides a welcoming and supportive community where they can connect meaningfully with other survivors and wellness resources.
"Binge eating was my coping mechanism starting from the time of my parents’ divorce. In my adulthood, I weighed over 300 lbs. Over time, I’ve learned to exercise to manage things that are difficult. What I love about the Y are the group classes like TRX and indoor cycling. Everyone is rooting for each other and the Y welcomes all — it doesn’t matter what size you are or what your physical ability is. My daughter is at the same age where I started binging, and the YMCA really supports me in building a healthy relationship with her, my other children and myself. I could not be more grateful for the place that the YMCA has in my heart, and in my family and in my life."
— Kara, Summit YMCA

19,331

group fitness classes taught to members and community members in 2018.

A HEALTHY GARDEN FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

The Summit Achieve Community Garden is supported by the Summit Area YMCA, Overlook Foundation, the Summit Garden Club and Junior League of Summit. In addition to supplying the community with opportunities to promote healthy eating, the garden also donates produce to local food pantries such as St. Teresa's, Christ Church and the Community Food Bank.

500

pounds of fresh produce was donated to local food pantries to encourage improved healthy eating in our communities.
“A community garden is a great place for kids to learn about growing things and shows where food comes from. It builds a healthy, connected community. It provides a connection with growing things with the soil, with the people that are there, harvesting things and then taking them to the local food pantries. It’s a connection to the community that didn’t exist before.”
— Marian, Summit Achieve Community Garden member
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SUMMIT AREA YMCA
BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY POOL | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA
In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association, but today, we are The Y. An association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.
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Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 19,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.
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www.thesay.org