Boothbay Region YMCA is offering new programs to help area residents have a healthier new year. 

Bill Greuner who led the “Easy Rider” cycling program is now offering an “Easy Walker” program for adults.  Greuner, a certified instructor, is encouraging area residents to walk with him on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. 

The walking program is free to YMCA members. For non-members, a $10 day pass is offered. It provides full access to the facility, including group exercise and water classes. The “Easy Rider” cycling program will also continue under the guidance of Healthy Living Director Abby Jones.

Certified Maine guide and personal trainer Nick Rippy is offering the “Back in Action” program. Focusing on stretching and flexibility to reduce back pain, the class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. Rippy believes this stretch program will help athletes of all ages. The program is free to all members of the YMCA and available to non-members who would like to drop in for a $10 daily fee.

On Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Rippy will offer a “Lean and Mean Circuit Training” class. Rippy is also offering his abilities as a personal trainer for those who would like additional assistance including setting up a training program that meets the participant’s needs. Personal training is available to YMCA members for $50 per session.

Jones is offering a Tabata Barre class on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:30 and 11:10 a.m. The 20-minute “Tabata,” or “interval training” segment is combined with 20 minutes at the barre and is, according to Jones, “the latest fitness trend.”

Both the circuit training and Tabata Barre class will be held for 10 weeks. YMCA members can attend both for $40.00. Cost for non-members is $80.00.

Jones believes the programs provide a way to keep moving. “Both of these programs are good for all levels of ability and age, whether you are new to exercise or getting back to exercise. It’s important to keep moving during the winter months for good health.”  The programs were created to encourage area residents to get out of the house and exercise.

For more information or to register for these or other programs, call 633-2855.