As autumn settles in, the YMCA of Metro North is ready to help you make every visit count. With more than 200 group exercise classes this season, the Y offers countless opportunities to move your body, connect with your community, and find joy in everyday wellness.
Like many of us, YMCA President & CEO Kathleen Walsh understands the challenges of balancing busy schedules while prioritizing health.
“I woke up today wondering how I was going to gather enough energy to get through my busy day,” she shared. “But I carved out 30 minutes for a run — and it yielded more productivity and joy than I could have imagined!”
That’s the Y’s philosophy: wellness is built through daily habits. In fact, health experts say up to 80% of what keeps us healthy happens outside the doctor’s office. Movement, nutrition, stress management, and social connection are at the heart of long-term health — and the YMCA is here to support each step of the journey.
At the YMCA, fitness goes hand in hand with friendship, laughter, and community. Whether you’re trying out a new group exercise class (and accidentally going left when everyone else goes right), hitting the treadmill, or catching up with friends in the lobby, the Y is a place where everyone belongs.
This fall, Walsh invites you to explore all the Y has to offer:
- Join a group fitness class
- Train for an upcoming race
- Bring a friend to try something new
- Or simply enjoy a conversation in the welcoming lobby
The YMCA of Metro North Road Race Series continues this fall with three signature events:
- Spooky Sprint 5K – A festive, family-friendly run with costumes and community spirit.
- Livestrong 5K – A race dedicated to supporting cancer survivors.
- Livestrong Half Marathon – A chance to go the distance with purpose.
Every step makes a difference, and runners can even purchase a personalized lawn sign to show their support.
The YMCA’s mission extends well beyond fitness. At the annual gala, supporters gathered to celebrate the Y’s impact.
“Every moment of the 364 days after this event will be filled with educating kids, mentoring teens, welcoming families, and supporting seniors,” Walsh said. “The generosity shown at this event makes those everyday moments possible.”
This summer, the YMCA of Metro North also received a special citation from Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll for its successful Summer Nights program at the Demakes Family YMCA in Lynn — another testament to the Y’s commitment to community.
Being part of the YMCA is about more than access to fitness equipment. It’s about belonging to a community that lifts each other up. With convenient hours across its family branches and gymnastics center, the Y makes it easy to fit wellness into your life.
- Demakes Family YMCA (Lynn): Monday–Friday 5 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Melrose Family YMCA: Monday–Friday 5 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Saugus Family YMCA: Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Torigian Family YMCA (Peabody): Monday–Friday 5 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- YMCA Gymnastics Center: Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Whether you’re training for a race, joining a new class, or simply catching up with friends, the YMCA of Metro North is here to help you stay strong, connected, and well.
