Winston-Salem YMCA's Halloween fitness class helps many with differing abilities build confidence, friendships
Halloween is just around the corner!
To celebrate the sweet holiday, the Winston-Salem YMCA, located at 3474 Robinhood Road, held its annual Halloween-themed Let's Get Fit program Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
The program focuses on helping many, including those with differing abilities, exercise their mind and body, and build relationships with others within the community, organizers said.
"Being here was one of the best things today," Chris Wudel shared with WXII 12 News.
Organizers said the program began around seven years ago.
They said the class happens every Wednesday, and around 15 to 20 people attend each time.
This year, many people had the chance to wear their favorite Halloween costume. Organizers said they hope the Halloween theme can influence many to have fun, and open up to others. They added they want people to enhance their confidence and hope it can bring out the best of them in every aspect of life.
April Greenwood, a YMCA group exercise instructor, said, "We’ve watched participants grow and change their ability to be physical, which has been wonderful to witness, and because of their confidence in coming here, they will come and walk in the track and participate in other classes. I think that enriches their lives in all sorts of ways."
Greenwood described the class as "everyone cheers everyone on. It’s a super supportive group. And the Y, bringing them in, and allowing the inclusivity is impacting so many lives."
"This opens the door, so they feel they belong here, and they can come any time," said Elizabeth Geigler, a personal trainer at the YMCA.
WXII 12 News talked with Daniel Hothusen who is a member of the program.
"I got to dress up and stuff and got to see some of my friends dress up," he said. "Today was the most awesomeness day of my life."
Chris Kilfoyle, another member of the program, told WXII 12 News that he considers the class is as a safe environment.
"It takes the pressure and the stress and the tension off," Kilfoyle said.
The program is open to the public, and is free to join.
Organizers said the program runs off of donations. If you'd like to help the program, please click here.
If you'd like to contact organizers, please reach them at k.berlin@ymcanwnc.org or a.hurley@ymcanwnc.org.
For more details about the YMCA on Robinhood Road, please click here. You can also call the office at (336) 251-1090.
To learn more about