RYE YMCA Launches Freestyle Fitness Zone
Re-designed space at Y to focus on “real life” fitness
Rye, NY [August 19, 2010] On Sept. 12th, the Rye Y will officially launch the Freestyle Fitness Zone, a specially designed space offering “functional” exercise techniques that integrate core, balance, flexibility and strength training. Responding to increasing demand for these free style workouts, the Y will reconfigure the space formerly known as the “annex,” located adjacent to the Y’s racquetball court. The Freestyle Zone will include equipment and activities designed to get the whole body moving and to encourage group and family work-outs.
"The new environment will allow us to help members focus on functional strength training - activities which improve functioning in daily
activities and sports,” said Laura Tiedge, Rye Y Senior Director of Healthy Lifestyles. “Lifting weights can make you look buff but may not improve your ability to lift grocery bags.”
Most of the current equipment will be removed, leaving space for whole body movement and group activities. The new equipment will be simple; a 40 foot rope, a couple e-spinner bikes and a TRX suspension trainer which uses cables rather than free weights to increase strength. “In this case, less is more,” said Kaleena Ladeairous, Rye Y Health and Fitness Coordinator. “The idea is to get your whole body moving without relying on machines. After sitting all day at a desk, you don’t need to sit on a machine to work out.”
Micro classes are scheduled throughout the week to help members learn how to use the new space and equipment. The 15 minute group sessions will include bodyweight training, a TRX tutorial, kettle bell coaching, family fitness, ropes training and balance and core stability exercises. “The new configuration will encourage members to move away from solitary exercise and interact more with each other,” said Tiedge.
The Zone opens on September 7. A grand re-opening on September 12 will feature special activities and classes. Please visit www.ryeymca.org for a detailed schedule.
