Jamestown Area YMCA officials are asking “Y” walk?

“Y” not.

The YMCA will start a new Walk with Ease program on Aug. 7. The group will meet at 10:30 a.m. and meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a one-hour session for six weeks. Participants will learn about the relationship between arthritis, exercise and pain. Moreover, program attendees will also learn how to exercise in a comfortable and safe way. The free, open to the community, educationally based, exercise initiative is primary based on walking. “This program is evidence-based and free to our community,” said John Barber, the Jamestown Area YMCA’s vice president of operations. “Individuals will not only walk and get a workout, but also learn to exercise within the limits of their disabilities. Especially, those afflicted with arthritis.”

There will be no cost associated with taking the class/program for event attendees because of pilot funding the Jamestown Y received. “The Y received funding from the NY Sate YMCA Alliance,” Barber said. “The goal of making this program completely accessible to the community is our main priority. However, those wishing to help out a $20 donation is acceptable and appreciated.”

While there are physical benefits for program goers, there are other fringe add-ons individuals may inherit during the program’s cycles. “While exercise and education are this program’s targeted focal points, the extra’s are that walkers will get to workout in the outdoors, at a beautiful location — riverwalk — and have social interactions,” Barber said. “We have highly trained, competent, leaders/staff members to guide individuals throughout the entire program.”

For more information on the free program, contact Kacey Shelters, the Jamestown Area YMCA’s wellness director, at 716-664-2802 ext. 231 or visit the Y’s webpage at jamestownymca.org.