YMCA: Get Ready to Roll With These Fitness Tips

The following column was written by Tom Massot, a member of the fitness team at the YMCA of Montclair.

Try New Things

As a member of the fitness team at the local YMCA, I tend to see people on the same piece of cardio-equipment day after day.

Instead of the same old workout routine which can get boring, how about mixing it up for a change?

Try a piece of cardio-equipment you wouldn’t use normally. Instead of using the treadmill today, try an Elliptical cross-trainer.

If you tend to use the stationary bike for a warm-up, try our brand new Helix lateral trainer.

Using a vast range of cardio-equipment is a successful approach to preventing chronic diseases, improving overall cardiovascular health and maintaining good physical fitness.

Foam Rolling: Just Do It!

Here is something you probably didn't know: one piece of equipment that is extremely beneficial is a foam roller.

Foam rollers are found in nearly every gym and are a simple tool that should be added in your fitness arsenal.

Here's why you should use it: Since our muscles are covered in connective tissue, this tissue can form dysfunctional adhesions over time, leading to scar tissue formation and muscle tightness.

Foam rolling will improve mobility and tension, creating a myofascial release that will relax your muscles. This will limit soreness and tightness by increasing blood flow and flexibility.

Foam rolling will help lead to better fitness gains and better physical performance. So get out there and start rolling!

YMCA Workout Schedule

Click here for the group exercise schedule at the YMCA of Montclair, located at 25 Park St. The YMCA is open Mondays through Friday between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

The pool schedules can be found by clicking here. 

The Geyer Family YMCA, located at 159 Glenridge Ave., is open Mondays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sundays between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.