The dog days of summer are here which means exercising outside isn’t as pleasant and can prove dangerous when temps start to soar. Why not skip the sunscreen and trade it for some cool AC instead? All of our branches are cool as cucumbers! But that’s not the only reason to visit. Keep reading for our Top 5 reasons to stop by the Y this summer. 

Beat the Heat  

As we’ve mentioned, working out in extreme temperatures can be dangerous. Some signs to look out for if you have been outside for too long include: 

• Heat stroke /exhaustion 
• Dehydration  
• Heat Cramps 
• Lightheadedness  
• Sun Damage  

“Many people are not accustomed to working out in high temperatures,” says Chrissy Shiring, senior program director for the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW). “The body can fatigue much faster as it typically needs one to two weeks to really adjust to high-temperature workouts.”  

All areas of the Y are air conditioned so that you can focus more on your workout and less on the heat and its effects. Doesn’t that sound better? 

Get Rid of Stress  

The past four months have been stressful to say the least. We’ve been stuck inside away from family and friends binge watching Netflix as a way to zone out and forget about reality for a little while. However, as much as we love Netflix, exercising is one of the best ways to manage stress. 

“Exercising regularly is a proven mood booster,” says Jackie Canan, senior director of group exercise and virtual delivery. “I can always rely on exercise to make me happy. For me, exercise relieves tension, anxiety, anger and depression, which all relate to stress. Anytime I go into the Y to take or teach a group exercise class, I feel more myself.” 

Strengthen Your Immune System 

People who exercise regularly often say that they don’t get as many colds or other viruses throughout the year. 

While this isn’t a hard fact, a 2010 study of more than 1,000 adults showed that those who exercised for at least 20 minutes a day, five or more days per week, reported 43 percent fewer days with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms than those who were sedentary. And when they did get sick, their symptoms tended to be less severe. 

Try Something New 

If your attempts to knit for the first time or learn a second language during the past four months have been less than successful, we’ve got you. Now is a great time to try that group exercise class you’ve been thinking about.  

Our schedule includes BODYCOMBAT, BODYPUMP, Pilates, cycling classes, all-levels of yoga, low impact strength training classes for all ages and abilities.   

And no need to worry, our group exercise studios are mapped out to ensure participants remain at least six feet apart from one another. Class sizes are also smaller for this purpose. 

Studies show that trying something new not only improves our physical coordination but also our thinking and creativity skills.  

So, grab your sneakers and check out our group exercise schedule now.  

Need to find some motivation to get to the gym? Try blocking out time in your calendar each week to join us. Experts agree that you’re less likely to miss a workout if you’ve already scheduled it.  

We can’t wait to see you!