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THE MAYSFAMILY YMCA at Stone Oak Has It AllBy Paige WolfW hether you’re involved in club sports, considered an athlete, or just looking for a place to get your daily exercise in, we all know about the YMCA. However, theYMCA is so much more than a gym – it is a community.The YMCA came to San Antonio 140 years ago and now has 12 state-of-the-art fitness centers across San Antonio, Boerne, Cibolo, Schertz, and New Braunfels. However, Stone Oak neighbors, the YMCA right in our backyard has recently transformed into one of the few elite YMCA Performance Training Centers.Our Performance Training Centers are more dedicated to individualized training.Osiris Estrada, Association Director of Wellness and Personal Training at the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, explained the development of the new program.“We recently transformed our Stone Oak branch into a Performance Training Center. Our Performance Training Centers are more dedicated to individualized training, strength development, power and endurance growth, coordination, and injury reduction for members of all ages and fitness backgrounds,” said Estrada.The Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak Performance Training Center differs from other YMCAs because it provides one-on-one and small group training for athletes and non-athletes alike. Since the Performance Training Centers work on individual and small-class structures, this ensures every member gets the time and attention theyneed from the Y’s expert trainers in order to reach their personal fitness goals.“The quality of our trainers is something we take great pride in,” said Estrada. “We bring in expert instructors that are knowledgeable and know how to connect with our members at the level of support they need.”Along with offering one-on-one coaching and small classes, the Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak transformed into a Performance Training Center to offer top-of-the-line performance training to members from all backgrounds.“Our whole concept was to take something [performance training] that is normallythousands of dollars, whether that be through club sports, group fitness center classes, or personal trainers, and offer it to our community at an affordable price,” explained Estrada.“While we do offer financial assistance to those who qualify, we wanted to be able to offer that same caliber of training at a low cost so everyone, of all ages and athletic ranges, has that opportunity.”While the YMCA is historically known for kids’ and teens’ programs, adults are not forgotten! The YMCA has a specialized program for adults 55+ called “Strong and Steady,” consisting of the same concepts of strength building, mobility, and endurance like the Performance Training Program. “Strong and Steady” is taught by expert fitness instructors, and all exercises and workouts are adjusted to each member based on their needs and goals.“While we still serve our youth, we will continue to increase the number of programs we offer for adults as well,” said Estrada.In addition to the development of the Performance Training Center, there are some new and exciting programs the Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak has to offer, including The GAP, Vertimax Training, and Pilates Reformer.The GAP, a program specially designed by the YMCA, offers recovery training sessions for individuals who have recently suffered an injury. The GAP acts as a bridge between the time a member is done with physical therapy and cleared by their physician to getting back to their normal, everyday life.Vertimax Training is ideal for young athletes who want to develop cutting-edge performance skills. Done by jumping with resistance bands up on to a platform box, this exercise will increase endurance and strength like no other.Strong and Steady program .Another great addition to any athletes’ regime, or really anyone who wants to increase their strength, mobility, and flexibility, is Pilates Reformer. The apparatus consists of a sliding bed with springs, ropes, and pulleys. “Pilates works a lot on mobility, core strength, flexibility, and posture,” said Estrada. “Since Pilates is done on a machine based on spring resistance, it’s very low impact and easy on your joints.”“Coming to the Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak is more than just getting a workout – it’s getting to know your neighbors and people with similar goals, working on your personal health goals with our educated instructors and trainers, and being able to try something new every time you come in,” said Estrada.So, whether you’re taking the first step in your fitness journey, you’re an athlete looking to develop innovative skills, or you’re on the hunt for new workouts to add into your routine, the Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak Performance Training Center is the place for you. Be prepared to better your physical health, develop new skills and strengths, and find a community of people.To learn more about the Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak Performance Training Center, call 210-497-7088 or visit their website at www.YMCAsatx.org/MaysStoneOak to schedule a tour of the facility at 21654 Blanco Road.April 2023www.stoneoakhighlights.com9Come Gym Newbies, Come Athletes, Come All!