YMCA Crusade Against Obesity

The YMCA, an institution that has been around for years, and that I can remember belonging to as a kid for my swim lessons and open swim meets, has always been a beacon of good will and fitness for both the affluent and the underpriveleged, and the company is now focusing on bigger and better things.  That bigger, better thing, is actually a focus on becoming the primary crusader against obesity by educating on physical fitness and diet, so that people can educate themselves on not becoming obese.

It says, and I echo this sentiment wholeheartedly, that it wants to address the nation’s ongoing lifestyle related glut of health issues.  What they mean is that Americans have become increasingly unhealthy and diseased, which is a direct result of the increasing obesity rates and the tendency toward gluttony and the “more is better” attitude here that Americans have toward foods and everything else. 

They aim to change that mentality, and are focused on educating not only their clientele, which is some of the most diverse ethnically, race and income wise, but also the world, or at least the US, on how not to have health issues and stay healthy and vibrant.  Good so far, huh?

The new program they have that is aimed at increasing health and vitality is called “Activate America”, where they are redesigning health regimens and physical activities to help keep people on track with their weight loss and maintenance goals, and to encourage further stick-to-it-tiveness in their programs.  The YMCA was actually begun in Britain as a young men’s fitness and spirituality center for Christians, but quickly spread to the US and further diversified its offerings and programs to encompass its growing clientele.