YWCA creates new fitness center logo

VW independent/submitted information

The staff of the Health and Wellness Department of the YWCA of Van Wert County announces its new Fitness Center logo. The logo better encompasses the YWCA’s Health and Wellness Department focus and rebrands the existing coed 24/7 Fitness Center in downtown Van Wert.

“As part of our mission, health and safety of women and children helps drive all that we do; but, with that, also comes a passion for offering a cost effective workout facility for all in the heart of Van Wert County,” stated J.J. McClain, YWCA health and wellness coordinator. “We have been working on finding a way to better exemplify what we have to offer and our strong desire to keep a fitness option in downtown Van Wert,” she added. As we strive daily to improve our facility, we felt the timing was perfect to create a brand to better communicate that.”

According to the most recent community needs assessment of Van Wert County, as part of various local and district health agencies that make up the Van Wert County Health Collaborative, Van Wert County had three health needs selected as priority. One of them led to the formation of an Obesity Team, founded upon the astounding results of this assessment and showing Van Wert County to have over a 70 percent obesity rate. Accessibility and cost were also identified as leading factors to these statistics.

“Taking these statistics into consideration and playing a key role on the Obesity Team of Van Wert County, we at the YWCA of Van Wert County want to do whatever possible to help lower this trend,” McClain added.  “This logo helps better identify who we are and what we hope to continue to be for the residents of Van Wert County.

“With this rate of obesity, organizations within the Health Collaborative need to work together to create and maintain low-cost programs and safe, judgement free, clean facilities for our area residents,” McClain added. “We know our facility still needs some work, but we also know the heart that lies behind our team and the passion for this, and the overall mission of the YWCA can and will make a difference.”

In addition to kicking off its new fitness center logo, the YWCA is also hosting “Men’s Days at the YWCA.” Men will be welcome to work out for free during open hours Monday, March 12, through Wednesday, March 14. During these days, open hours are 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., during which men will be able to enjoy snacks, work out in the ever-changing Fitness Center, perhaps try one of the offered fitness classes, and register for various “manly” gift baskets to be given away.

In addition, the fitness team is offering two free evening classes in the month of March. “Yoga with Elaine” will be held at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, offering the community the chance to get their minds, bodies and spirits right and, perhaps more for the fitness novice, their muscles burning with eight rounds of high intensity interval training that will give the benefits of a cardio class — yoga style.  Instructor Deb Merritt will also be offering an evening session of “Hit It” at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 29. “Hit It” is a full-body circuit workout for any level that will blast calories, build lean muscle, burn fat, and improve cardiovascular fitness.

“Men’s Days at the YWCA” are open to the public on a walk-in basis; however, pre-registration for the two special evening classes is preferred. For more information or to register, call 419.238.6639 or email jmcclain@ywcavanwertcounty.org.

The YWCA is a non-profit organization and a United Way and Van Wert County Foundation agency.