It’s January, and I’m sure by now you’ve been bombarded with promotions and advertisements from gyms and fitness centers urging you to sign up with some version of the tired tagline, “new year, new you.” Catchy campaigns couple these taglines with images of perfectly sculpted physiques and quick-result guarantees overlooking the importance of sustainable, holistic approaches to health.

At the Greater Providence YMCA, we do things differently. 

Sure, we believe that physical health is important to overall well-being, but we also recognize that true wellness encapsulates more than just fitness. It’s about mental clarity, emotional strength and meaningful connections with others. That’s why at the Greater Providence Y, we focus on building an environment where every aspect of your health – mind, body and spirit – is nurtured.

Your health journey is a marathon, not a sprint, with no quick fixes. You’ll need cheerleaders, encouragement and the consistency of a supportive network to guide you through the highs and lows.

The Greater Providence Y offers a variety of group exercise classes and wellness programs designed to help you reach your true potential and connect with others. Whether you're interested in barbell workouts, water aerobics, mindfulness exercises, yoga or group sports like pickleball, we have programs for all ages and fitness levels. When you join our vibrant community, you’ll receive the support and encouragement of passionate instructors and fellow members. You’ll build friendships and bonds that extend beyond the gym or studio and help you achieve your goals. 

We recognize that prioritizing your well-being can be challenging, especially for busy parents. At the Greater Providence Y, we believe a strong family unit is essential for overall health. That’s why we offer a range of programs for the whole family, including family swim time, Kids Fun Day, Trunk or Treat, Safety Around Water Day and more. Additionally, we provide youth programming like basketball and archery and clubs such as Dungeons & Dragons. These offerings help your family stay active, have fun and make new connections. To further support parents, we offer free child-watch services so you can focus on your workout or class while your children enjoy supervised activities led by our professional staff.

 We also believe that your individual well-being is deeply intertwined with the health of our community. As a cornerstone of local support, the Greater Providence Y offers critical programs such as before- and after-school care, summer camps and financial assistance for families facing hardship. Just as others create a supportive environment for you, your membership helps uplift others. By joining the Greater Providence Y, you become part of a network that empowers children, strengthens families and fosters resilience. And the benefits extend beyond community impact; research shows that acts of service also improve your health by reducing stress and promoting a longer, more fulfilling life. When our neighbors thrive, we all thrive!

 Ready to invest in your health and make a difference in your community? Join the Greater Providence YMCA this January and enjoy a $0 joiner fee. Visit ymcagreaterprovidence.org or stop by one of our six conveniently located branches in Barrington, Cranston, Providence, Wakefield, Warwick and Seekonk to learn more and experience the difference the Greater Providence YMCA can make. We look forward to meeting you!

Karen Santilli is CEO of the Greater Providence YMCA