Making your way to wellness can be a daunting path for some. There's so much to know and remember! It's hard to know where to start. No need to be worried, though, because the Portage Township YMCA is here and ready to help you with our Welcome to Wellness Program!
The Welcome to Wellness Program is a free orientation program that takes Y members through the ins and outs of the offerings at the Portage YMCA. Trained Wellness Coaches are there to help with every step of the process. A Wellness Coach is someone who is available to all members at the Portage YMCA. They are a lifeline to figure out how to be well. Many people are unaware of how to incorporate health and fitness into their lives and the job of the Wellness Coaches is to teach them about services that Y provides, equipment usage, and to give info about nutrition and fitness. There are a set of four one-hour appointments that occur through the program to help members on their wellness journey.
- A body composition test -Done at the beginning of the program. This will determine if a member's weight is healthy for his or her height. Being overweight can strain the heart and lead to serious health issues.
- A cardio orientation - A coach takes members through cardio equipment pieces and shows them how to use radios and other equipment. They also give recommendations for cardio to each member based on their fitness level.
- Cybex orientation - coaches teach members how to use the all new strength training equipment
- Next Step - Done toward the later part of the program. This is where the Wellness Coaches do a checkup on members as they progress and help them get past plateaus and reach their goals.
Meet the Wellness Coaches!
Amber Zimmer - Amber started at the Y in October 2013. Amber has her Bachelor's Degree from IUPUI in Exercise Fitness and she's involved in many programs there like the LAUNCH Program, Y Lose It, she a certified personal trainer, and more!
"I worked for Y in high school, and I grew up with the Y. I love helping people get healthy." -Amber Zimmer
Lisa Sandberg - Lisa started in March 2014 as a Wellness coach after being a dental hygienists for 26 years. Having had a health journey of her own, she is all about helping the members on their wellness journies.
"I absolutely love it. It's about building relationships with people, helping them live healthier lives and assisting them during their weight loss journey. It's so cool to take people on that journey from not knowing to knowing then wanting to do more!" -Lisa Sandberg
Bianca Gonzalez - Bianca has been a Wellness Coach for three months. She graduated from Purdue with a fitness degree so she's a perfect fit. Bianca pulls double duty as a personal trainer as well as a Wellness Coach.
"I've always been active in this field. My favorite part is helping people learn about the equipment and answering their questions. I want to be a support system for our members." -Bianca Gonzalez
Nicole Santana -Nicole began as a Wellness Coach in September 2013. She loves to share her knowledge with the YMCA members and assist them as they make their way to wellness.
"This is something I've always been passionate about. I love working out and learning about fitness and healthy eating." -Nicole Santana
Annette Santana - Annette has been a Wellness Coach for about eight months and an employee for at the Portage YMCA for 2 ½ years. She helps people of all ages get back into a healthy lifestyle.
"I want to show people that we can't stop being fit. It's my job to make people feel good about themselves and feel good about their future. We're a caring place at the Portage YMCA. This is a blessing." -Annette Santana
Click here to find out more about the wellness programs at the Portage Township YMCA!