Youth Involvement at the YMCA Healthy Living Center

The YMCA Healthy Living Center promotes healthy lifestyles.  All of the programming at this Branch is designed to help people improve or maintain their health.  Although the majority of the programs are adult-focused, youth are also encouraged to embrace healthy lifestyles.  There are many children and young adults with valid interest in using the Y-HLC including those battling chronic disease, rehabilitating from injury, training for a sport, preparing for a triathlon, or general physical activity.  Through responsible involvement at the Y-HLC we can prepare them for a lifetime of healthy habits.

Technically our policy states that children ages 8 to 13 can utilize our facilities and equipment under the direct supervision of a parent.  Children age 14 and older have access to our facilities and equipment with an orientation. 

With that there are a few things to note:

• "Direct Supervision" means that a parent or guardian is beside the child or on a piece of equipment next to the one the child is using. 
• The free weight area is restricted to only members age 14 and older.
• Members of all ages are welcome to use the track and pools for exercise purposes and within the parameters of the schedules.
• The whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms cannot be used by children ages 5 and younger.  Children ages 6 to 12 can only use these facilities under the direct supervision of an adult.
• Children and adults of all ages must use the equipment or participate in a respectful, responsible manner. 
• If any of these items are not being followed then it should be brought to the attention of a YMCA staff person immediately. 
• It is important to note that children have shorter attention spans and may not engage in exercise for as long as adults.

Behaviors that are not acceptable include running in common areas, slamming or dropping of weights, not paying attention to others around them, using equipment incorrectly, or other actions where someone may be injured.  Any of these behaviors by a member of any age should be reported immediately, or a personal intervention should be made if there is immediate danger. 

We want the YMCA Healthy Living Center to be a healthy and safe place for everyone.  Please do your part by supervising children appropriately, reporting inappropriate behavior, and respectfully intervening when necessary.