The Dayton YMCA – More than a Gym & A Great Gift!

By: Jamie Kaun

As a military family that has lived in multiple states and cities, we have been members of several gyms, including branches of national chains and YMCAs. Hands down, the Ys have offered our family the most benefit for the most affordable price.

While all of the gyms have provided workout equipment, pools and fitness classes, only the YMCA goes beyond the basics of a great gym by providing free summer memberships for 7th and 8th graders, supporting food distribution and scholarship opportunities. Only the YMCA provides volunteer opportunities, kids’ programs, reduced rates on day and summer camps, access to more than 2,400 Ys across the country and so much more!

Traditional gyms provide an equipped facility for you to exercise and not much else, in my experience. In most cases, I was limited to the location I signed a contract to use and not all of them offered childcare with my membership.

When we moved to the Dayton area five years ago, one item on our “must have” list for a home was the proximity to a YMCA. Sure, the quality of schools was at the top of our list but the Y was right up there with it. That’s because our family has had such an amazing experience at Ys across the country and we were confident that would be the case with the Dayton YMCA family as well.

My family’s “home” Y is the Coffman location in Springboro. To say we love the facilities, fitness classes and staff is an understatement. As someone who really enjoys fitness classes, I can honestly say the instructors and variety of classes offered for all levels of fitness is the absolute best. While I do participate mostly at Coffman, I have taken classes at several Dayton Y locations (another benefit of your membership – you have access to all 12 locations) and they’ve been fantastic.

As a Mom of four kids, caring staff keeping my children safe while I work out is essential. I have been a member of gyms where I didn’t feel comfortable leaving my child in the child watch and that’s when I first became a member of a YMCA.

I cannot say enough good things about the Dayton YMCA’s childcare staff. In fact, the amazing staff was the key reason that I felt comfortable leaving my six-week early preemie in the Y’s childwatch beginning when he was 10 weeks old. I felt confident that my fourth child was in good hands and it allowed me to be a better Mom because I was taking care of my needs.

My pregnancy with that baby was the most challenging for me and the Y was an important factor for me to get stress relief and be as physically ready as I could be for delivery. I continued doing the fitness classes that I loved until I was 32 weeks pregnant. When the more strenuous classes became too challenging for me, I participated in water aerobics and AOA classes. Because the Y offers such a variety of classes for all fitness levels, I was able to successfully exercise throughout my pregnancy.

Speaking of children, all of four of my kids have participated in activities and classes offered through the YMCA including art, swimming, gymnastics and dance. As a Y member, you get a great discount on children’s programs and sports.

During this season of giving, a membership to the YMCA for your family or friends is a thoughtful gift that will benefit the recipient with longer-lasting happiness than a gift of “stuff”. You can also impact the community by making a tax-deductible donation to the Y which can be used to help fund memberships for individuals and families. The benefits of a membership to the Y are extensive, several of which I’ve mentioned above, and you can learn more about them here. 

The YMCA truly is for everyone – all ages and all abilities. It’s a welcoming environment where you can form friendships, exercise, participate in activities, get involved in the community, and so much more. If you’re not currently a member, please join us! You’ll quickly learn why the YMCA is so much more than a gym.