North Berkshire Y Upgrade Offers TV While You Run
 Photos by Kathy Keeser
The new athletic equipment at the YMCA comes with private TVs. This one's on The Food Channel. |
"As a member-driven organization, we needed to update the equipment. It is important to show people that we are moving forward and are providing the best quality value for Y members," said Northern Berkshire YMCA Board President Michael Ameen.
Ameen said the decision to purchase this equipment was a six-month board process and "we decided to expend the additional dollars not only to update the equipment, but to enhance the quality of the Y experience."
The Y refurbished two fitness rooms, located on separate floors of the building.
"The upstairs Ready to be Fit room is designed for the individual just starting out who might be intimidated by all the machines downstairs (in the fitness room). We added three new Precor cardio machines (a treadmill, recumbent bike, and treadmill) that provide a smoother workout but you aren't as sore afterwards," said YMCA Executive Director Joseph McGovern.
In the large downstairs room, all the new machines have individual television monitors with headphone jacks. According to McGovern, "The Food Channel is a big favorite when people are working out."
Nick Hopkins, of North Adams, a Y member for at least 10 years said, "It is nice to watch whatever you want while working out."
 Nick Hopkins runs on a new treadmill. |
"The new equipment gets you motivated," she said. While she isn't interested in the TV, preferring to listen to music, likes the new treadmills. "I wish they had these years ago in the gyms because you walk longer."
All the new machines at the Y operate on an easy-to-use computer system; once you learn one, you can learn them all. Fitness-room users have their choice of machines: treadmills, bikes (either regular uprights or recumbent, which are easier to get in and out of and have back support), or elliptical cross trainers (which work out both your legs and arms in circularlike motions). Each machine features a quick-start button and provides a choice of six different programs that McGovern said were designed to fit most peoples' level of workouts. All machines have heart-rate monitors.
"Fitness is a big component of what we do at the Y and is part of meeting our motto for a healthy mind, body and spirit," said McGovern. "In this day, when people are becoming more conscious of health, we wanted to purchase equipment that was easy to get started working out on and also the fitness buff can use to get a quality workout. We now have the best equipment and technology for our members to be fit."
 YMCA Director Joseph McGovern, with BFAIR supervisor Sue Darling, said the machines can offer workouts for beginners and fitness buffs. |
The Northern Berkshire YMCA provides a variety of services, including a licensed child-care programs, and after-school, daytime, evening and summer programs for all ages. A current guide for each season's programs is available at the Y, located at 22 Brickyard Court.
Scholarships for up to 80 percent of membership cost are available through a very discreet and quick process, McGovern said. "We encourage people to come. There is something for everyone to do here."
