Wake Forest Translational Science Institute (TSI)

YWCA

Focus on Fitness at All Ages

Staying active at any age is a core mission of the YWCA. From children to senior citizens, all generations can lead an active lifestyle by using the resources of this organization. Group fitness, aquatics, and access to cardio machines are included in membership fees. And, the Silver Sneakers program allows senior citizens to have a membership funded by their insurance in order to promote healthy physical activity.

Keeping Young People Fit at the YWCA

Instead of a traditional childcare room, the YWCA has created an active drop-in area for kids ages 6 to 12. For the entirety of the time that the child is there, he or she is not allowed to sit down. Activities such as hula-hooping, using the Wii device, and stationary biking are all available for their use in order to keep them active and to discourage an overly sedentary lifestyle.

Kohl's Family Collaborative

The Kohl's Family Collaborative couples the YWCA and Brenner's Children's Hospital in an effort to prevent childhood obesity in the Winston-Salem community. Operating out of the YWCA, this collaborative uses an interactive, family-centered approach to address this issue. The cooking class program, for example, is taught weekly at the YWCA by Brenner FIT staff and focuses on constructing balanced meals.